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"Rare Songbird Returns to BonTerra Mitigation Site in Palos Verdes After 14-Year Absence"
August 24, 2005
The coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), a federally endangered species, was recently detected by BonTerra Consulting biologists within the Oceanfront Estates property (client: Capital Pacific Homes, Inc.) in Rancho Palos Verdes. The gnatcatchers nested in restored coastal sage scrub habitat (CSS) that was designed and is being monitored by BonTerra. The species was last observed onsite in 1991 prior to grading for residential development, and at that time occupied only one breeding territory; a total of four gnatcatcher territories were identified in 2005. CSS restoration at the Oceanfront site will eventually total 30.0 acres, with 8.0 acres scheduled for installation in 2005.
BonTerra's nearby 2.5-acre Peninsula Pointe CSS mitigation site (client: Vintage Communities) recently received resource agency sign-off, three years after installation. The Peninsula Pointe mitigation site is also fully utilized by gnatcatchers, including foraging adults with juveniles. The natural resource agencies and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes have expressed great interest in the successful re-colonization of these sites by the gnatcatcher, and the establishment of high quality native habitat in these locations.
The peninsular population of the gnatcatcher is geographically distinct from other southern California populations, and is considered to be especially sensitive. Each additional nesting territory is therefore significant to the species' long-term health and survival in this area. BonTerra Consulting and our clients are proud to be making a contribution to the proliferation of this species in the Palos Verdes area through these restoration efforts. The success of these projects demonstrates the importance of good coordination between landowners, consultants, resource agencies and municipalities, to protect and restore the environment through effective mitigation planning and implementation."
Pre-Habitat Establishment Conditions, 1999
Current Coastal Sage Scrub Conditions 2005
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