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Wildlife Preservation Committee Agenda 04-18-1994i e14, e0m4 iit INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957 NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274 (310) 377-1521 FAX: (310) 377-7288 ROLLING HILLS WILDLIFE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE AGENDA April 18, 1994 6:00 P.M. 1. MINUTES City Administration Building No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road Rolling Hills, CA 90274 A. Meeting of March 21, 1994 Gales 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MINUTES AND ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA 3. OLD BUSINESS 2.1 Guzzler Report Gales/Whitcraft 2.2 Wildlife Release, Sightings, and Activities Team 2.3 Status of Video Manuscript Whitcaft/Shultz 2.4 Native Plant. Demonstration Project at Hesse Ring Gales 2.5 Resident Response to Crow Situation Team 4 NEW BUSINESS 4.1 Wash Out Concerns Regarding Demonstation Project 4.2 Committee Review of Updated Strategic Plan Booklet 5. ADJOURNMENT Wildlife Preservation Committee Agenda April 18, 1994 Gales Team Printed on Recycled Paper. _-TTN'- sTER OF - T . II a IF _-ESER _ < COMMITTEE _''-f `•<._i�� =•''-� -il`<=� ""t 3_S _-, zfs �,� {z=_' -'S= _ ,:=�;-€?`��! 1L{�wP ,_S .S"4i f± < ST_'_ Mar 21, 1994 Rt=f-order_ Donald jGa e_ 5 'rs_en t ; Arvel Witte e p es di nq g Don Gales F ay ?_f B si gnano Ralph Black, ra a e Roger- a Dan W -€ fir• Fta Steve Aryan for Y"� •fir _` ` _ c _ Sommer, z _ 3 i _ _ i`• c"�.'s ski t � City Manager. Absent ; eve Shultz _l tz (ill). Meeting called to order 6;10 p=m= nip BUSINESS_ 1.1 Minutes e s r November meeting approved ove€d as ammended 2.1 Don a a had no action to report on the use of Guzzlers= -a 2 S ar_ a s o ve -e- }ur- ; e e es o; s , _ And pheasant WPC - - plans �•_{ __�-_ ��'=-- Asa MPG agragreed to at, March 26 8;30 am at Fire Station end 9.30 am at __9 C=rest Rd. E=; Another release on April 2, 10 am, near Wagon Lame and 11 am: probably near es e'sGap care a Af `T j ON Pam will invite guests and nut an item in h ris y Newsletter for residents. From two pheasant hens. I s fe70 eggs L,. __ �.a'.'t _ _ i __ 4 are ha �__ �- Pan has two coveys (10 or 12 each) of quail on- <_sr near his property= Arvel has a pair f !+ pheasants nesting h 3 _ corral. Several members report seeing an unusual number of roadkills on Pnrtuq `es.i= Bend Road and on Crenshaw, both places es. where the WPC _ ��._ � €3 7?� __ i<� ,- �''--- s---•--- r� _i€_ wanted warning signs (Critter Crossings) but were denied by the Traffic CrImmissinn. T `tea Committee refs that action mArtion may be takenagainst the t o=n e Toyota occasionally 7 bythe _ will take r t - �i ��- 1 { reported i='-E RH i-`�'�-j$ hut :Ji i.L �-.� no L t • at i €=�54-'C-'r position this time. 2.3 Dan and Steve plan to have the promised i:2i 1 ? Video ready in April= ACTION; They request use of any 8;m€"rt Virien nix: of RH scenr_ �((gat, €_i tyt sr�e eS etr= anyone has) 2.4 Strategic Planning; Arvel provided a draft Plan (attached) = ACT ION by all WPC members; =�:pared upon their s{ "�-rsi:i€ ee r" epo -s F er the tta-= _heel "T qs to F_3� ec •rte-- :F Rt 3 L, � __E.a= �-- '- ; !'�#? n=- rFe ) _ =�'�' sue- � : sic =LE��_ s€ Fes) for Facet 5 to Aryan APRIL 4= From _his•r3_an the requests < by �- �.� r :ter i__ i- . _ Committee can plan and uud`net for tipe coming years= ACTION; Don Will s.sri to .- ss=_?3{ 3ry sc-f == early RH SurvP.y ri-nrie years c;-Fc: i t €< 3as suggested we invite the resi _ e Y -t Y=F help in s? :T e nf our projects- like the Demonstration oFn Garden, etc_ 2.5 € hee - _at{e_ o•f _ e Native Plant Demonstration Garden €z3 vet by Dona It is mostly plated n€ and t; s_,. tee popper have sprouted well. The sprinkler system is working, but we may n eet i o split 3 = L •F - .F. T 1N a D -n . 1•za � ,�'SiY- iii } <€ a �;€_-{t� ♦t,:_tt� t L =� -�� pressure. €-�j�e 1's .i:, s-. .,3 Will get the necessary supplies and Sea Peggy Minor _`nut ordering the professionally -made signs for the street= ACTION; ! s r_ -__A- work day will s be Sat April 8; _7 am at All members ---A _ _ ._3. _ Sat., � _ '�a _ the Garden for installing the sign and weeding. 2.6 Regarding crow problems, more _seci f is dollar i ures are needed. Yankevi + h said helose s about 50'a of his crop to crows. ACTION; Palmy Ralph and Roger€? will continue to seek monetary da€t-ate reports from growers in the city and report tso S erte= ACTION; Steve will rel ay info tR r.a n i •;- _ and Game die: F3' a than ue... _ the r€3:€ - _ �. � S a� _ results to this Committee: NEW BLSINES none Meeting adjourned - pm. Next ; et ng Ant-. iR, 1994 City 0/ Rollin JUL INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957 NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274 (310) 377-1521 FAX: (310) 377-7288 TO: ROLLING HILLS WILDLIFE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE FROM: DR. ARVEL WI'ITE, CHAIR SUBJECT: STRATEGIC PLANNING INPUTS & BUDGET CALENDAR DATE: MARCH 29, 1994 Please send the following three inputs to Stephen Aryan by Monday, April 4, 1994: 1. An updated narrative plan(by tasks) with the changes we discussed in our last meeting on March 21, 1994(see attachment #1 of changes recommended). 2. Time -phased prioritized tasks showing schedule, estimated volunteer labor hours required, and estimated dollar cost of materials and/or purchased labor for two fiscal years, beginning with FY 95 on July 1, 1994, and ending FY 96 on July 1, 1996(see attachment # 2). Please fill out one sheet for each year(i.e. FY 1995 and Fy 1996). A brief narrative of where your project or Function is going over the last three years of our planning period, e.g. FY 97, 98, and 99. Committee members are welcome to work with Administrative Intern Aryan and I on Thursday, April 8, 1994, at 8:30 A.M. We will be meeting at City Hall where we will be integrating the parts of the plan into a total plan for committee review, at the next meeting scheduled for April 18, 1994. Enclosures: Attachment #1: Attachment #2: Recommended changes to draft plan inputs 3/21/94 Task, Schedule, Budget Form(to be filled out/see #2 above) Printed on Recycled Paper. Things to do on Strat Plan Master Calendar(Sommers): Include more info. . . - Committeepersons responsible for attending monthly site reviews - Key milestones for Projects and Functions, e.g., - Saturday work days on projects - news flyer press deadlines - Key events/milestones - Rather than narrative form, put clendar into time -phased schedule format(Aryan to get IBM/ Mac program going) - Council deadline for plan/budget inputs for FY Guzzler Project(Gales): -identify location of guzzlers -identify person responsible for maintenance and reporting. - Identify $60 budget for next guzzler Gov't Interfaces Function(Witte): - project zero budget -talk to Shultz about liaison with Rsh and Game Strategic Planning Function(Sommer): - Prepare/submit SP to Council each year - Establish a mini events schedule for the SP process - Schedule a quarterly review/update of the SP -Budget? Buy Aryan a computer scheduling application? Habitat Protection(preservation?)and Remediation(restoration?)(Black): - Need to be a tad more specific -Serve ex officio on site plan review field trips - Work on getting an anti scraping ordinance -Plan to restore native plants in areas denuded - Budget for plants? Video Project(Whitcraft): -Need new updated plan/schedule. Does your subcommittee need help? - Budget? Education Function(Shultz): -well thought out - make up a schedule, prioritizing activities. -how can the cmte get involved -budget? Restocking/Rehab Project(Shultz): -nicely written plan -How can the cmte help? -need schedule, prioritizing activities - Budget? Community Interfaces Function(Crane): -missing from my package, but I know Pam wrote it up! Native Plant Demonstration Project(Gales & Witte): - plan submitted to Council - needs current format for SP - Phase 1 budget approved -Phae 2 plan and budget needs to be submitted for nature trail Strategic Plan for Rolling . Hills Wildlife Preservation Committee Five Year Plan & Budget (FY 95-99) 1 May 1994 Committeepersans: Flavio Bisi gnana Ralph Black Don Gales, V. Chin Pam Crane Steve Shultz Roger Sommer Dan Whitcraft Arvel Witte, Chm. PLAN OUTLINE Cover Page 1. Brief History and Charter of Rolling Hills Wildlife Preservation Committee 2. Mission Statement 3. Committee Organization Chart 4. Planning Summaries 5. Budget Summary 6. Master Calendar Appendix - Functions Strategic Plans(4) -Projects Strategic Plans(6) - Herbicide Use in Rolling Hills -Highlights of City Survey T Brief history and Charter of the Cw i ittee: • Established by the Rolling Hills City Council in Feb '88 • Comprised of interested volunteer residents selected by Council Charged by the City Council to have the following purpose i) To evaluatg compare and contrast past Rolling Hills wildlife species and populations. -Primary issue is to assess loss of wildlife species and populations -And if loss is evident, to assess role of loss of natural habitat, increase of predators, development and human factor ii) To develop a workplan to address the aforementioned issues, and iii) To provide the City Council with recommendations on those measures which can be implemented to preserve, restore and protect wildlife species and habitats throughout the City. Our approach to address our charter was based upon the following reasoning Because we do not have any scientific way of knowing what the real populations of wildlife species were in the past, we obviously cannot tell in a quantified way just how much we have lost over the years. However, recollections of those living in Rolling Hills for 20 years and longer, are that there were numerous quail and pheasants. They disappeared about 15 years ago. Several residents remember dearly the roadrunner. A number of hypotheses for these vanishing species have developed, such as, destruction of natural habitat, interrupting the predator chain, e.g., by ridding the coyotes, the foxes and other ground predators have grown and destroyed eggs and young birds, and the growing pet and feral cat population has had a harmful effect. Trends measured by the Audobon Society have indicated the following: Who can provide this? With respect to destruction of habitat, we argued that if this is a major causal factor in diminishing wildlife, and we believe that it is, we should try to get some reliable measure or database on how much habitat is being lost as a function of time. We surveyed a professional from UCLA, U. S Fish and Game and a small environment company, all familiar with characterizing loss of habitat and its effects. Two years ago, we presented a proposal to Council for about $13,000 to have the company lead a survey and baselining effort with respect to quantifying air habitat. Some of this effort involved comparing aerial photographs dating back over 25 years to those of the present effort. The funds did not survive budget cuts. On another occasion, we suggested to Council that our committee could write a proposal to the State of California.for funding such an effort. However, we were advised by attorney to the Council that using State funds could end up challenging our Cities private status if taken to extreme. Temporarily, we've had to table this idea of paying for outside professional help. • • We have sponsored two public meetings in the past: one for the entire South Bay which focused on what we and other groups in the oammunity were doing, and one for just Rolling Hills residents at City Hall, in which live birds and stuffed animals of all kind were featured An animal rehabilitation project was also described. Both public meetings were well attended and considered very successful. We also conducted a survey of the residents which addressed a broad set of issues relating to recollections of wildlife --both current and present --and there ideas on many related matters including habitat. One member of the committee has had a very long term interest and activity in restocking the bird population in RH as well as in providing education programs in local schools on broad range of wildlife subjects. Another member has written a book about the flora and fauna of the peninsula and has put a lot of brain and musclq not only in this committee, but also in preservation projects across the peninsula Over the past 2 years our committee has organized itself by Functions and Projects responsibilities. See the Chart in Section 3. Our committee is a weekday & Saturday morning working committee as can be seen by the Projects underway. Further, the Functions undertaken stress the value of education in the community and planning. Much more will be said about these activities in what follows. II -CITY OF ROLLING HILLS WILDLIFE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Mission Statement To further the rural character of the City of Rolling Hills and protect'its natural environment by promoting the awareness and protection of wildlife and its natural habitat and by careful consideration of environmental issues related to wildlife and natural habitat concerns. Activities in Support of the Mission Statement 1. Promote the awareness of wildlife through sighting reporting and periodic census requests of the residents. 2. Address such environmental issues involving land, air and water, related to wildlife and natural habitat concerns, or that may be assigned by the City Council for study and recommendation. 3. Assure the protection of natural habitat for the wildlife through cooperative efforts with the Planning Commission, by an active relationship with the Community Association and by periodic reminders of habitat protection to residents. 4. Assist native wildlife through restocking releases, habitat enhancements, demonstration projects and the like. 5. Cooperate with other Rolling Hills entities, Peninsula cities, and outside conservation and nature organizations to promote wildlife and its natural habitat in the area. 6. Publicize newsworthy events related to wildlife and its protection in order to gain media coverage and publicity about Committee activities and goals. 7. Develop educational opportunities for the community through field trips and by developing close relationships with educa- tional institutions, the South Coast Botanic Garden and local wildlife conservation organizations. ### -03- CJ ocu,V of 1i/11/eel Off G pit'/r//-Ct 4)/ inGVto/ory- Projects: III . RHWPC COMMITTEE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART Rolling Hills City Council Wildlife Preservation ******** Stephen Aryan Committee (Administrative Intern) 1 (Restocking And Rehabilitation I I P1 The Guzzlers P2 ( Native Plant Demonstration I I Plant Project I INature P5 ITrail P6 Functions I Native .I Habitat Video Protection & for I Remediation Residents I 'I P3 �[ 'I P4 I Communities Interfaces Fl II II Education I I I P1: Shultz P2: Gales & Whitcraft P3: Black & Bisignano P4: Whitcraft & Shultz Strategic Planning & Budgets F2 I F3 F4 I I P5: Gales Fl: Crane P6: Gales & Witte F2: Shultz & Crane F3: Sommer F4: Witte Government) I Interfaces I 4. PROJECT SUMMARIES Title: RESTOCKING/REHABILITATION (PROJECT P1) Responsibility: Steve Shultz & Daniel Whitcraft Plan Statement (1) Continue hatching quail & pheasants for release into the local environment. (2) Continue rehabilitation of sick or injured birds. (3) Return native/semi-native plants to hillside horse corral. (4) Construction of Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. (5) Create a facility for living museum. Schedule & Budget FY 95 . 96 97 98 99 (1) Quail & Pheasants Schedule x x x Budget (private funding) ($100-$200 per year) (2) Rehabilitation Schedule Budget (3) Horse Corral Schedule Budget x 0 x x x x 0 0 0 0 (4) Rehab Center Schedule x x x Budget (private funding) (300,000 total) (5) Living Museum Schedule x x x Budget (private funding) (1,000,000) BUDGET TOTALS $500.00 to $1,000.00 per year(private funding) City funding is 0 • Title: GUZZLER(PROJECT P2) Responsibility: Don Gales & Daniel Whitcraft Plan Statement (1) Maintain and monitor existing guzzlers. (2) Choose a site and install guzzler #3 in FY 95, #4 in FY 97, and #5 in FY 99. Schedule & Budget FY 95 96 97 98 99 (1) Maintain & Monitor Guzzlers Schedule x x x x x Budget 0 0 0 0 0 (2) Instal new guzzlers Schedule Budget #3 #4 #5 $100 0 $110 0 $120 BUDGET TOTALS: $100 0 $110 0 $120 • Title: Responsibility: Plan Statement HABITAT PROTECTION & REMEDIATION (PROJECT P3) Ralph Black & Flavio Bisignano (1) Continue to serve "ex officio" on Planning Commission Site Plan Review monthly field trips, to express the RHWPC's concerns. (2) Develop a Habitat Protection & Remediation Plan, which addresses scraping and denuding of the habitat, as well as restoration. (3) Implement restoration plan. Schedule & Budget FY (1) Site Plan Review Schedule Budget (2) Devise Plan Schedule Budget (3) Restoration Schedule Budget 95 96 97 98 99 X x x x x 0 0 0 0 0 x 0 x x x x x $100 $100 $200 $200 $200 BUDGET TOTALS: $100 $100 $200 $200 $200 • • Project: WILDLIFE VIDEO FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS (PROJECT P4) Responsibility: Daniel Whitcraft & Steve Shultz Plan Statement (1) Videotape footage of local flora & fauna. (2) Present script to Gordana Swanson, so she can do introduction. (3) Edit footage into 20 minute presentation. (4) Produce duplicate videotape. (5) Produce a new video every two years. Schedule & Plan FY 95 96 97 98 99 (1) Videotape Schedule Budget (2) Introduction Schedule Budget (3) Edit footage Schedule Budget x 0 x 0 x (4) Duplicate Video Schedule x x x Budget $100 $100 $100 BUDGET TOTALS: $100 $100 $100 • . • Title: NATIVE PLANT DEMONSTRATION' PROJECT (PROJECT P5) Responsibility: Don Gales & Arvel Witte Plan Statement (1) (2) Maintain demonstration area: weeding and watering. Replanting flowers, etc.. Plan Schedule & Budget FY 95 96 97 98 99 (1) Weeding Schedule(4hrs per month/$10hr) x x x x x Budget $480 $480 $500 $500 $520 (2) Replanting Schedule x x x Budget 0 $60 $40 $20 0 BUDGET TOTALS $480 $540 $540 $520 $520 • • Title: NATIVE PLANT NATURE TRAIL (PROJECT P6) Responsibility: Roger Sommer & Don Gales Plan Statement (1) Make a plan for project implementation and maintenance. (2) Nature trail construction. (3) Conducting nature walks for Rolling Hills residents. (4) Nature trail maintenance. Plan Schedule & Budget FY 95 96 97 98 99 (1) Plan Schedule x Budget 0 (2) Construction Schedule Costs x $310 (3) Nature Walks Schedule x x x x x Budget 0 0 0 0 0 (4) Nature Trail Maintenance* Schedule x x x x x Budget $40 $50 $55 $60 $65 BUDGET TOTALS: $350 $50 $55 $60 $65 *Includes the cost associated with printing brochures Title: EDUCATION (FUNCTION Fl) Responsibility: Steve Shultz & Pamela Crane Plan Statement (1) Public Presentations (2) Provide brochures and reports to residents. (3) Implement a program which would reward children for their participation in conservation activities. (4) Hold nature walks. (5) Hold an open house at the Rehabilitation Center. Schedule and Budget FY 95 96 97 98 99 (1) Presentations Schedule x x x x x Budget $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 (2) Brochures Schedule x x x x x Budget $100 $100 $100 $100 $100 (3) Program Schedule Budget x x x x x $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 (4) Nature Walks Schedule(1 per yr) x x x x Budget 0 0 0 0 (5) Open House Schedule x x x x Budget 0 0 0 0 BUDGET TOTAL $800 $800 $800 $800 $800 s • Title: COMMUNITIES INTERFACES (FUNCTION F2) Responsibilities: Pamela Crane & Steve Shultz Plan Statement Working with other peninsula conservation groups on future projects. Provide wildlife information, or present concerns/problems via the City Newsletter. Provide a minimum of 1 nature walk a year for Rolling Hills residents. Schedule & Budget FY (1) Working with other groups Schedule Budget Newsletter(as needed) Schedule Budget Nature Walk Schedule Budget BUDGET TOTAL 95 96 97 98 99 x x x x x 0 0 0 0 0 x x x x x 0 0 0 0 0 x x x x x 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Title: Responsibility: Arvel Witte Plan Statement GOVERNMENT INTERFACES(FUNCTION F3) (1) Maintain contact with California Fish & Game on crow situation and other issues. (Shultz) (2) Maintain interface with neighboring cities and Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy regarding wildlife concerns and activities. (Gales) Schedule & Budget (1) Contact w/ CA. Fish & Game Schedule Budget (2) Cities interfaces Schedule Budget BUDGET TOTALS: FY 95 96 97 98 99 X x x X 0 0 0 X X X X X 0 0 0 0 0 0 • • Title: STRATEGIC PLANNING & BUDGETS (FUNCTION F4) Responsibility: Roger Sommer Plan Statement (1) Maintain a current strategic plan and budget for the Rolling Hills Wildlife Preservation Committee. Present to City Manager by 1 May each year. Schedule & Budget FY 95 96 97 98 99 (1) Strat. Plan & Budget Schedule (1 May deadline) x x x Budget 0 0 0 x x 0 BUDGET TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 • • 5. BUDGET SUMMARY FY 95 96 97 98 99 P1 Restocking/Rehabilitation Quail/Pheasant Release $200* $200* $200* $200* $200* Rehabilitation 0 0 0 0 0 Horse Corral 0 0 0 0 0 Rehab Center $300,000* Living Museum $1,000,000* P2 Guzzler Maintain & Monitor 0 0 0 0 0 Instal new guzzlers $100 .0 $100 0 $100 P3 Habitat Protection/Remed. Site Plan Review 0 0 0 0 0 Develop Plan 0 Restoration $100 $100 $200 $200 $200 P4 Wildlife Video Videotape 0 0 0 0 0 Introduction 0 Edit Footage 0 Duplicate Video $100 0 $100 0 $100 P5 Native Plant Demo. Project Weeding $480 $480 $480 $480 $480 Replanting 0 $60 $40 $20 0 P6 Native Plant Nature Trail Plan 0 Construction $310 Nature Walks 0 0 0 0 0 Nature Trail Mainten. $40 $50 $55 $60 $65 F1 Education Presentation $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 Brochures $100 $100 $100 $100 $100 Program $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 Nature Walks 0 0 0 0 0 Open House 0 0 0 0 0 F2 Communities Interfaces Working w other groups 0 0 0 0 0 Newsletter 0 0 0 0 0 Nature Walk 0 0 0 0 0 FY 95 96 97 98 99 F3 Government Interfaces Contact w/ CF&G 0 0 0 0 0 Cities Interfaces 0 0 0 0 0 F4 Strategic Planning/Budgets Strategic Plan & Budget Schedule 0 0 0 0 0 Fiscal Year: 95 96 97 98 99 Budget Totals: $302,130 $1,690 $1,001,975 $1,860 $1,945 CITY OF ROLLING HILLS WILDLIFE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE 1994 Master Calendar Month Events January WPC meeting, January 17 February WPC meeting, February 21 March WPC meeting, March 21 April WPC meeting, April 18 May WPC meeting, May 16 June WPC meeting, June 20 (Summer solstice party) July WPC meeting, July 18 August WPC meeting, August 17 September WPC meeting, September 19 October .WPC meeting, October 17 November WPC meeting, November 21 December (Winter solstice party - no meeting as such) ### APPENDIX Strategic Planning - 1993 Project/Function Title: Restocking / Rehab I. Where are we now A. Raising Quail & Pheasant for wild release. 1. Release of over 400 Ringneck pheasant since 1986 a. Reports of 2 females successfully hatching out chicks in 1992 b. Reports and confirmation of 6 females successfully hatching out chicks in 1993 c. 40 immature birds currently being raised. 2. Release of over 150 California Valley Quail since 1990. a. Reports and confirmation of 3 pairs successfully hatching out chicks in 1993. b. 150 immature birds currently being raised. B. Wildlife Rehabilitation 1. Creation of temporary wildlife rehab facility. (1991) 2. Successful rehabilitation and return to the wild of over 3 dozen Kestrels (falcons), 9 Red -tail Hawks, 4 Great Horned Owls, 3 Barn Owls, 2 Red - Shouldered Hawks, 5 Sea -gulls, several dozen sparrows, 3 Night Herons, 5 Scrub Jays, and assorted crows, ravens, pelicans, vultures to name a few. C. Habitat 1. Experiment concerning return of horse corral to native/semi-native habitat. a. Six acre horse corral had been bi-annually plowed to control fire hazard. The pasture primarily grew Malva and other non-native "weeds". b First year (1) Prior to the first rain approximately 100 lbs. of six specie of "Peninsula" native wild flowers were hand spread in the field. It was then covered by 20 tons of oat hay to protect the tiny seed. (2) The pasture produced 10% California Poppies, 5% Arroyo Lupine, and 5% a mix of the remaining flowers. the remaining was primarily oats with approximately a 15% mix of the non-native "weeds" originally present. (3) The pasture was dragged with a chain drag and not plowed. This knocked down the stems leaving a stubble of approximately 4-8 inches high. (4) Almost no soil erosion took place as was common with plowing in previous years. c. Second Year (1993) (1) No further seed was sewn. (2) The pasture produced 25% California Poppies, 5% Arroyo Lupine, 1% California Buckwheat, 5% mix of other natives and the rest were oats. The proportion of non- native "weeds" was reduced to less than 5%. (3) The pasture was once again drug by chain. (Note: even after dragging, the California Poppies continue to grow and bloom. This would never happen if the pasture was plowed.) d. Habitat Utilization (1) Notable increase in House Finch, Mourning Dove, and other songbirds. (2) Red -Fox and Grey Fox were seen in the early mornings hunting for mice. (3) Raptors such as Kestrels, Red -Tail Hawks, Coopers Hawk, and Great Horned Owl were seen hunting in the pasture on a regular basis. (4) Dragging not plowing has been successfully used in much of the farming districts in California. This protects the soil by not disrupting the roots of the native plants or even crops. II. Where are we going/(the what of the plan) A. Restocking the city with native wildlife and insuring their survival. 1. Return all native wildlife to the populations that balance with the current quantity of environment conducive to their self propagation. 2. Educate the public on the behaviors and needs of our native wildlife. B. Habitat 1. Return the destroyed habitat to that which our wildlife can utilize. III. How are we going to get there (the how of the plan) A.Restocking the city with native wildlife 1.Birds a. Pheasant (1) Eggs will be hatched out in local schools. (a) Eggs will be purchased from reputable dealers, or (b) Eggs will be taken from adult pheasants held over from previous seasons.(Spring - $100 = 100 eggs - 60% hatch rate) (2) Baby pheasants will be raised by residents until and appropriate time/age for release. No longer than 1 year. (Summer -Winter - $10.00/bird - 95% survival rate) b. California Valley Quail (1) Due to the difficulty involved, eggs will be hatched out by experienced residents. (a) Eggs will be purchased from reputable breeders. (Spring - $100 = 100 eggs - 50% hatch rate) (2) Baby quail will be raised by residents until an appropriate time/age for release. No longer than 1 year.(Summer- Winter - $5.00/bird - 50% survival rate) c. Jack Rabbits and Cotton -tails (1) Efforts will be made through Fish and Game Department to relocate rabbits from areas where they are considered nuisance animals. 2. Additional non -predatory animals will be added as needs,regulations and opportunity dictate. B. Wildlife. Rehabilitation 1. A wildlife rehabilitation facility will be built within the city. a. The facility will be designed with the help of: (1) An architect with many years experience in designing Zoo exhibits (2) A Palos Verdes wildlife rehaber with over twenty years experience. (3) A falconer with several years experience in Raptor Rehabilitation at the Rocky Mountain Raptor Center. (4) The Curator of Birds for the San Diego Wild Animal Park. (5) The Senior Trainer and Manager for Ray Borwick Bird Show (Also a Master Falconer). (6) Local Veterinarian with extensive experience in wildlife rehab. b. Land use will be provided on a lease basis by a resident at no cost to the city. (1) Access to this facility will be from outside the city through a security gate maintained by the facility. (2) A second security gate to be maintained by the landowner will prevent access into the city proper. c. Facilities will be built with private funding at no cost to the city. (1) Building costs will be covered through fund raising and corporate donations. d. Facilities will be staffed by volunteers and trained staff funded by private funding and donations. C. Living Museum 1. Create a facility to house and exhibit indigenous wildlife. a. Exhibits must be designed to demonstrate each animals natural behavior in its native environment as well as in the Rolling Hills environment. 2. Open the facility to the public and educational institutions to better educate the public. 3. Create an Outreach program that takes live examples of indigenous wildlife into the classroom. IV. Assumptions relating to the near/far-term nature of the project. A.Restocking 1. The city wishes to continue efforts to return wildlife populations to a reasonable level. B.Rehab The city wishes to permit the construction of a facility within its boundaries. 2. The adjacent cities wish to sanction the construction of a facility within the limits of Rolling Hills. 3. Funds can be raised to build the facility.(Est. start Date 1994 - 3 years - $300,000) 4. California Department of Fish and Game and the United States Department of Fish and Wildlife issue permits for a facility.(Permission received) 5. The landowner wishes to permit the building of a facility.(Permission received) 6 Volunteers wish to contribute their time for the care of animals and birds.(Volunteers available) C.Living Museum 1. The city wishes to permit the construction of a facility within its boundaries. 2. The adjacent cities wish to sanction the construction of a facility within the limits of Rolling Hills. 3. Funds can be raised to build the facility.(Est. start date 1997 - 3 years - $1,000,000) 4. California Department of Fish and Game and the United States Department of Fish and Wildlife issue permits for a facility. 5. The landowner wishes to permit the building of a facility. 6. Volunteers wish to contribute their time for the care of animals and birds. V. Tasks to be completed in the near term. A. Restocking 1. Contact Fish and Game relative to other animals and birds suitable for release. (Summer 1994) B. Wildlife Rehabilitation 1. Determine if the City wishes to permit the creation of a wildlife rehabilitation center within the city limits.(Spring 1994) C. Habitat 1. Locate areas that can be returned to a supportive habitat for wildlife and define a Memo of Understanding with the County Fire Marshal with regard to dragging instead of plowing. VI. Current Status - Notes A. Due to the shortage of available housing for predatory mammals, an 1800 square foot facility was built, fall 1993, at the Rehab Center site in anticipation of City and community support. The cost of the facility was in excess of $10,000 and was made possible by private and corporate donations. It is currently housing 7 injured/orphaned raccoons to be released in the next 90 days at a site 150 miles north of Los Angeles. It has been inspected and approved by the California State Department of Fish and Game. Strategic Planning Worksheet The Guzzler Don Gales 1. The Present: We are evaluating the effectiveness of it by periodic cleaning and observing evidence of its use by wildlife. The guzzler provides water for wildlife, especially in the dry seasons when most needed. 2. How the plan works is to keep a fresh water supply in the basin and observe its use as a trial sample. Assumptions relating to the future of this project are: a. That wild animals are present b. That they are thirsty c. That there is no alternative water source d. If a, b, c are true, then another guzzler or two should be built where needed and where water and maintainance will be available regularly. 4. Critical actions to be taken: a. Continue looking for evidence of usage in dry season. b. Keep•the guzzler basin clean and functioning in season c. If it is being used, seek another dry location with wildlife present where it would be used and maintained. d. Locate funds for construction ($.13,0—'77" q e. If it is not needed, abandon project. Cia Actions to be taken by Don Gales, project leader: Continue monitoring the trial guzzler through summer, fall Locate another'dry site where water could be tapped into at no cost and on property that will provide a maintainer. WILDLIFE COMMI'1'1EE 1995 BUDGET BY DON GALES Guzzler Install an additional guzzler -Possibly off upper Portuguese Bend Road, where road kills are common. Cost $100.00. II. Native Plant Nature Trail Site: From Poppy Trail Rd. Northward(below demonstration garden), then down the trail to the George F. Canyon Stream crossing, and 100 yards or so up Willow Spring Trail. Cost: 4 redwood posts(9x12) $120.00. White paint, primer + 2nd coat: 2 qts. $15.00 Printing of Brochure: Xerox costs? $35.00 3 sign (at ends of trail and at Demo) $150.00 Labor - of love 0.00 Wood Preservation(tar or liquid) $50.00 TOTAL $370.00 III. Demonstration Garden Weed removal (4 hours a month, Avg. 48 hr x$10.00 hr = $480.00 STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHEET(RHWPC) Project/Function Title: Habitat Protection & Remediation (P3) Responsibility: Ralph Black & Flavio Bisignano I. a) Where are we now? Defined our plants and animals that we feel need preserving as best we can. b) Where are we going?(the 'what' of the plan) To implement these plants as much as possible in any new developments. II. How are we going to get there? (the how of the plan) Try to be on committees and have educational input via the newsletters. III. What are a few of the assumptions relating to the near/far-term nature of the project/function? 3.1 This would be a slow process. 3.2 We must be adaptable. 3.3 We will make more plants evident, and in newer developments. IV. What are 3-4 critical actions which must be taken? When? By whom? 4.1 Review all building plans. 4.2 Landscape Committee 4.3 Educate all committees and the citizens as to the types of plants and animals present. 8/16/93 Strategic Planning Worksheet _. -- Rolling Hills Wildlife Preservation Committee Project/ Function Title: Video for New Homeowners 1.a) Wh we no v I have 2 hours of video shot. Steve has some footage too. 1 .b) Where are we g I need to shoot some footage of the Gates, the trails with Pam's Caballeros friends, more of Steve Schultz and his operation, and possiblyGatie Swanson, Recent Past Mayor 2.)H w w m 1 hope to shoot this material over the next 2 weekends um ' 'on rel : - • - n :: r- far- - rm 9 3.) What :re a f-w�•f je n e f The Video is ready for editing. I need to get together with aroundSteve Schultz and his editor friend to move some tapesegments audio dub, add some titles. 4.) Wha . re th 3-4 ritical . ctions which m t • - . ken When? B editing and audio Dan Whitcraft will coordinate the shooting, dubbing with Steve Schultz. The Video should be completed by October 1. STRATEGIC PLAN STATEMENT (P6) TITLE: NATURE TRAIL PLAN BY DON GALES I. WHERE ARE WE NOW? A. We now have a convenient and accessible trail adjacent to the Native Plant Demonstration project Garden, that has an excellent array of diverse plant species in a short distance (.5 mile). It is ready for developing. WHERE ARE WE GOING? B. The plan is to not modify nature, but simply place signs identifying the various species, so that viewers will appreciate their local environment and help to preserve it. II. HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET THERE? A. To Carry out the plan, the Wildlife Committee will need signs that announce the presence of the trail, and individual signs placed at one of each plant species. This would involve the construction and placing of signs, publicity, and having a simple brochure describing the nature trail, made available at City Hall. III. WHAT ARE A FEW ASSUMPTIONS RELATING TO THE NEAR/FAR-TERM NATURE OF THE PROJECT/FUNCTION? 3.1 Residents are interested in learning about their canyons and plants therein. 3.2 Other than posting and maintaining signs, there will be no on -going costs or maintenances except making brochures available at City Hall. IV. WHAT ARE 3-4 CRITICAL ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN? 4.1 Don Gales will identify the trail location. 4.2 Don Gales will identify plants to be designated by signs. 4.3 Obtain 4x4 redwood posts and use router to etch plant names(Gales). 4.4 Plant the posts adjacent to the appropriate species(Committee). 4.5 Prepare a one or two page brochure briefly describing each labeled plant, and perhaps other trail features (such as geology, history, etc..), for the information and appreciation of Rolling Hills residents. (Gales) RHWPC Strategic Planning Worksheet Project/Function Tiltie: Community Interface/Education 1) WHERE ARE WE NOW? We support and encourage surrounding communities with their wildlife conservation activities -a recent example would be that some of our members participated in the dedication of RHE's George F Canyon, another member of the committee is actively involved in the rehabilitation of wild life on the peninsula( as well as other parts of L.A. County). Where are we going? Working together with other peninsula conservation groups in future projects communicating with these groups via newsletters and or phone calls on problems or potential problems in our immediate area, so that we can join forces in solving the problem if appropriate. Keeping our residents aware and informed of our activities through the city newsletter. 2) HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET THERE? • Continue with our current activities of nature walks and wildlife releases were the community is invited to attend. Encourage residents. • Encourage residents to take an active role by reporting sightings of wildlife (most importantly reporting nesting areas and burroughs ) • Educating residents on the reading materials available on our shelf at City Hall, on pesticide use, the dangers of scrapping as well as other subjects. 3) WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE ASSUMPTIONS RELATING TO THE NEAR/ FAR TERM NATURE OF THE PROJECTS/FUNCTIONS? The more exposure of ourselves and education pursuits that we can give to our community in the long run will result in more active involvement and interest in our wildlife preservation efforts. 4) WHAT CRITICAL ACTIONS MUST BE TAKEN? • Keep ourselves present as much as possible via newsletter and another source. • Continue nature walks on a quarterly basis and possibly other field trips. • Keep in contact with other neighboring wildlife protection /conservation organizations. Strategic Planning - 1994 Project/Function Title: Education The single most important key to conservation, is the education of the public. I. Where are we now A. Have held two public presentations on indigenous wildlife and conservation. B. Have made over a dozen presentations for local schools and community groups. C. Have held several wild releases, open to the public to draw attention to conservation. D. Have numerous flyers and information sheets available to the public. E. Place conservation notes/advisories in the city newslet- ter monthly. F. The Wildlife Preservation Committee has received several presentations from different experts in the conservation arena and have attended several presentations and seminars. G. Have held several "Nature Walks". II. Where are we going/(the what of the plan) A. Public presentations on conservation topics at least twice a year. B. Community involvement in rehab activities. C. Additional brochures on specific topics of conservation. D. A full length video on the indigenous wildlife and conservation. E. Educate the Wildlife Preservation Committee on a broad range of conservation topics. F. Continue to educate the public. III. How are we going to get there (the how of the plan) A. Presentations will be scheduled on the master calendar for every six months. ($200/year honorarium ) B. Create a program in cooperation with local community groups to encourage and reward children who participate in conservation activities. (Estimated Budget $500/year) C. Residents will be invited to participate in rehab activities and other learning experiences at a Rehab Center/Living Museum.(See Strategic Plan Release/Rehab) D. Conservation within the city will be segmented into "bite" size topics to be covered in three -fold bro- chures.($100 /year) E. Video is currently in production and will be complete by April 1994.($0 to,create - $5.00 /tape to duplicate) F. Members of the Committee will attend lectures, seminars and contact conservationists in differing fields of expertise.(At own expense) G. Community Nature Walks held on a regular basis.(Bi- Monthly) IV. What are 3-4 Critical Actions which must be taken? When? By Whom? A. Actions 1. Determine topics and dates for presentations. (Committee) 2. Contact local community groups, zoos and other conservation facilities with an education depart- ment to compile/create a program. (Shultz/Crane) 3. Have periodical open house at the temporary rehab center.(Shultz/Whitcraft) 4. Segmentation of conservation (Committee) 5. Video proof copy to be completed by April 1994 (Whitcraft/Shultz) 6. Set up a Nature Walk schedule. (Committee) • 5 Strategic Planning Wnrksheet(RHWPC) Project/Function Title. Government Interfaces 1. a) Where are we now? Our Mission Statement cites our cooperation, item 5, with entities in the City of RHs and on the Penninsula as well. Further, through MS items 2, 3 and 7, the state and federal gov't may support or regulate certain of our and our residents' activities. Various members of our committee are quite knowledgeable of laws related to flora and fauna. Indeed, permits are needed and have been granted to one WPC member to rehabilitate injured animals and to retain certain wild birds and animals in general. WPC has also provided news briefs in the RHs monthly flyer explaining the law with respect to transporting wildlife out of the city. We have also submitted a 1 -page brief to Counci ng habitat. l/Association found isupport appropriate t apply for govt grants in WPC has the near -term. b) Where are we going?(the 'what' of the plan) WPC will continue to serve our community guided by our Mission Statement and cooperating fully with our local governingbodies—Counciland Association --while reporting to the Council.:: to foster concerns about restoration' conduct iocalCtttt, to es' fuiut ons, su��hlas our preservation, to support related education and Peninsula meeting several years ago at the South Coast Carden. We will probably not submit proposals for funded activities from the state or federal govts. We will, instead, need to budget certain surveys and research project We city tbudget. We will assign a committeeprrson to be our contact with Fish and Game establish a collection of pertinent govt laws, or briefs, to be available;e for the residents, city officials and guards. 2. How are we going to get there?(the how of the plan) 2.1 Review/revise the plan with the WPC. 2.2 Through' ante discussion, assign a key contact to Dept Fish & Game. 2.3 Assemble all the law/ordinance pertinent to residents on wildlife. which have been discussed at out WPC meetings. Retain holding for residents in WPC Bookshelf in foyer. 3. What are a few of the assumptions relating to the near -/far -term nature of the project/function? 3.1 Assume that the Council wishes that WPC continues to serve this community 3.2 Assume no budget impact. {,,ems.! 1�,►.t,t �� t v , 4. What are 3.4 critical actions Kich must be taken? When? By whom? da-1 mill i tli m1e iev eW ispiaR b�'19july.�= yy411 ilteplan-and-suiyniI-for-approval-1bAugrst. 4,1 ,k 5 w t`u'b" - `, ltn.$u,A L, by 1 4--feljq'A#14'1:0 AY:1,1 IAA61147 et.2- Al* exwvv"41x)-4.4>e<k44-,, 6. 4/f e, cOle/2 Pi" :i''' ' 7.--ti1/4- -----1-1),0.-k. i CanAALA'& ) 150- P‘t/ S$,,,r cy „al- ---. . t.c2if ---- . i �lef V ..k ivmy 1.160‘1. 7 Sept E 0 Vs :` 9 2/21/94 Strategic Planning Worksheet Rolling Hills Wildlife Preservation Committee Project/Function Title: Strategic Planning & Budgets 1.a) Where are we now? The Mission Statement has been prepared and approved by the City Council. There is no budget as such for the Committee. -Requests are made on an ad hoc basis to the City Counci 1 for funds for specific projects, such as the guzzler. 1.b) Where are we going? The Mission Statement is to be reviewed on a periodic basis to determine if the Committee is fulfilling its role and that its actions are in keeping with the desires of the City Council. In light of the fiscal pressures put on the City of Rolling Hills by the State Legislature, it is unlikely that a formal budget for the Committee would be approved or welcome in the current fiscal year. 2. How are we going to get there? The Committee must undergo periodic self -review to determine if it is meeting its mandate and living up to its Mission Statement. A second level of such review can be performed by the City Council. 3. What are a few of the assumptions relation to the near -/far -term nature of the project/function? Assumptions are that the City of Rolling Hills will continue to value the wildlife within its boundaries and continue to support the Committee in its efforts to preserve this wildlife as outlined in the Committee Mission Statement. A further assumption is that City funds are at a premium, and the Committee must function without seeking funding from the City. 4. What are the 3-4 critical actions which must be taken? When? By whom? The role of Strategic Planning and Budgets is not a line function. It can best serve the Committee by on -going reference to the Mission Statement and serving in a "watch dog" capacity to assure that Committee actions are in keeping with this basic document. In the event that funds are necessary the role would be to prepare the necessary documentation for submittal to the City Council in cooperation with the. City Manager's office. It is assumed that no formal budget will be prepared for the Committee during the current or upcoming fiscal year. ### HERBICIDE USE IN ROLLING HILLS by Flavio Bisignano, Ph.D. April 14, 1994 CONTENTS I. What is a Weed? II. Methods to Control Weeds III. At Issue: Weed Killers, their Pros and Cons IV. Plant Ecology and the Ecological Role of Weeds V. Expanding the Concept of Ecology VI. Closing Thoughts VII. References I. What is a Weed? "Any plant growing where it is not wanted", defines a weed. For example, when dandelions are cultivated as fresh greens to be eaten - they are not perceived as weeds. When dandelions invade the lawn, they become a nuisance. The term "weed" is a non -technical word for many herbaceous (non -woody) plants growing wild . These are unwanted, self - propagating plants as opposed to cultivated plants whose seeds are deliberately sown. Why are some plants unwanted? 1. Any plant robbing the soil of nutrients and moisture stunts the growth of cultivated plants. 2. Root stems of some weeds multiply underground, choking out the root systems of wanted plants. 3. The resiliency of some weed seeds allow the seeds to be buried in soil remaining dormant for years and then germinate. 4. Weeds serve as hosts to fungi that spread to cultivated plants. Other weeds serve as a source for viruses. Some insects that directly attack cultivated plants, breed on weeds. 5. Weeds that grow ir1 hayfields are of low food value. Some weeds eaten by cows leave an unpleasant flavor in milk. Buttercups are weeds that thrive in pastures where cows graze. However, they contain an irritating juice that cattle dislike. 6. Weeds with pointed seed pods may get caught in the coats of animals causing discomfort. Plants, wanted or unwanted, could not exist without soil. Without plants, no food chain could evolve. All green plants absorb mineral nutrients from the soil for metabolic activity. Particular species of plants adapt to particular kinds of soil. For example, the optimal environment for cactus plants is soil with low moisture content. The soil could not form without water and the atmosphere. Plants interact with elements in the soil to provide the nutrients needed for growth. Nitrogen, an essential nutrient cannot be used by the plant directly from the atmosphere. Nitrogen forms 16 percent of all living tissue. Atmospheric nitrogen is made available to plants by the process of nitrification. Geologically, the earth's crust is a shell of solid rock about 20 to 30 miles thick. Soil is the link between the rock shell and vegetation on the earth's surface. Soil is a mix of disintegrated rock and decayed organic matter that is populated with microscopic life. Capillaries throughout the particle mix are pore space occupying air and water. Soil formation is a weathering process. Atmospheric conditions and living organisms are in constant interaction with inorganic rock. Temperature is a powerful agent in fragmenting rock. Rocks are composed of various minerals (naturally occurring chemical elements of inorganic compounds). While all minerals expand in heat some expand more than others. The uneven expansion of diverse minerals crack rocks, causing crevices into which water seeps. In cold weather, the water freezes causing ice in the crevices to exert enough pressure to split rocks. Over the centuries, the cycle of freezing, thawing, and refreezing are the physical processes chemical weathering involves micro-organisms to convert elements from air and water into nutrients that plants can use. The metabolic activity of the soil is upon bacteria, fungi, and algae (algae is the traditional term for unrelated groups of photo synthetic organisms). An example: legumes would starve for lack of nitrogen without soil nitrogen -fixing bacteria to form root nodules on the plants. In the process,, atmospheric nitrogen is converted into nitrogenous compounds. In simpler terms, the roots supply carbohydrates for the bacteria. In a complex process, these bacteria combine free nitrogen from the air with oxygen to form nitrates. Eventually, nitrogen as a vital element of living tissue, is present in the form of amino acids that make-up chains of protein (clover and alfalfa are examples of legumes). II. Methods to Control Weeds Cultivation: The mechanical removal of weeds by a garden tool such as.a hoe. Crop Rotation: In farming, weeds can be kept i n check by planting a different crop in the same field every few years. For example, weeds invading a cornfield would be of a different plant species than the weeds found in a hayfield. Take over by new weeds attracted to a newly planted crop could starve out most weed seeds remaining in the soil attracted to the previous year's crop. Plant -eating insects: A biological control. An historic example, at the turn of this century the Klamath weed (goat weed) migrated from its native habitat in Europe. Having no ecology in this country - which means there were no natural predators to stop the goat weed spread to the Klamath river area in california Not until 1944, after devastating some two and a half million acres of land, were tow species of beetles imported from France. These beetles feed and reproduce on • • goatweed, gradually decreasing this toxic plant. In 1959, a ten year survey document the effectiveness of this biological control. Fertilizer with added insecticides/herbicides: O rbinations exist for special lawn problems. the convenience is in the application of the already mixed product. However, the proper time to fertilize the grass may not be the best time to kill weeds.. An example, Ortho's "Weed and Feed" is but one product available in garden centers. Weed -Killing Sprays: (active ingredients) vary in their action: Arsenic and Chlordane have been used to kill crabgrass; chlordane is a chlorinated hydrocarbon in which toxic deposits build-up in animal tissue in cumulative fashion. Arsenic in the weed killer sodium arsenate, is.a carcinogen. (Carcinogenic can play either a direct or an indirect role in causing cancer). The "dinitro" herbicides are a metabolic stimulant that "burn" weeds. Aminotriazole (amitrol) is a mutagenic agent capable of altering genes. This is known as the cranberry -weed killer. Mutations assault chromosomes, thus allowing cells to multiply in a wild and unregulated manner. Other herbicides include 2,4 -D/2,4,5 -T and related compounds; IPC and CIPC, chemically related to carbarmates; all these are mutagens. In the application of weed killing products, use them according to the manufacturer's direction. Ideally, these chemicals are toxic only to weeds; but in reality, they threaten the food chain. An example, the herbicide 2,4-D temporarily disrupts nitrification. Selectively killing weeds with as little harm to wildlife as possible is to decide which approved commercial herbicide is the right product, and then to apply it in the right way, at the right time. The Product label informs you of: What is the active ingredient The toxicity rating recommended amount to use Storing and disposing of any used product/container The active ingredient is the chemical toxin in the herbicidal product that kills targeted weeds. A toxin is any substance with the potential to harm living organisms. A targeted weed is a plant in which the roots/leaves will absorb a particular herbicide in a way that will disrupt normal plant growth. Ease and rate of absorption varies with both the weed species and chemical composition of the active ingredient. After weeds are killed, we need to know how quickly the active Example: Herbicides 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T their toxicity is controversial. Third generation: Research continues to genetically engineer less toxic pesticides. Example: EPA approved gene -altered dead bacteria which gives off endotoxin, poisonous only to targeted insects. The use of man-made chemical weed killers (synthesized in the laboratory) increase the quantity of food and aesthetical improve the landscape. Nature, itself, is chemical. Example: In photosynthesis, sunlight converts water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates. In this sense, synthesis means combining simple molecules to form a new substance. However, nature is intricately balanced and the misuse of man-made chemicals is disrupting this balance. One reason for the misuse of herbicides is the lack of understanding of the relationship between weeds and soil. Indiscriminant spraying pollutes more than targeted weeds. Chemical residues reduce the number of earthworms and other organisms that decompose soil. some weed species develop resistance to the herbicides designed to control them. Examples are ragweed and crabgrass. Herbicides have been defended as harmless to wild life because they were thought to be less toxic than insecticides. The cumulative chemical residues of herbicides have endangered wildlife habitat. to destruct homes and food of wildlife can be more devastating than direct killing. Chemical residue tends to concentrate in animal tissue as they pass up the food chain. One way to avoid misusing weed killers is to observe plants in their native habitat. Learn to identify diverse species of plants. Only then can yo selectively apply weed -killers target unwanted plants. IV. Plant Ecology and the Ecological Role of Weeds Plant ecology studies the dynamics of plant, animal, soil, and atmosphere that establishes food webs, they oxygen cycle, and the carbon cycle. Field botany observes and identifies species of plants in their native habitat. When land is barren and atmospheric conditions permit, self -propagating plants (weeds) succeed each other in a given order(lichens, mosses, herbs, shrubs, and trees) Descriptively, soil surfaces the earth to support vegetation. The ecological role of weeds can be found wherever a piece of land is stripped of vegetation and left idle. First, a dense ground cover is formed to hold the soil in place by annual plants. Completing ! • ingredient will biodegrade. This is the capacity of microbes in the soil to decompose a toxin into less hazardous substances. The longer toxic residues persist in the soil before biodegrading, the greater the threat to wildlife. Toxicity of the product varies with both its chemical composition, and level of concentration of. the active ingredient. Toxicity ratings are indicated by signal words: Danger or Poison means highly toxic Warning means moderately toxic Caution means slightly toxic Use only the recommended amount. Apply the product according to directions. Time the application at a vulnerable stage in weed growth. If possible spot -treat. Herbicides vary in selectivity, which is defined in terms of killing only the targeted weeds in the presence of non -targeted plants. As with any other labeled product containing hazardous substances, adhere to directions for storing and/or disposing of any leftover herbicidal product/container. Careless disposal of hazardous substances may eventually seep into the groundwater and damage the water supply. For proper disposal of unused herbicidal products, contact the local sanitation department. They can tell you where to find an approved collections program or a recycling center for toxic substances. For further information about the use and environmental impact of herbicides, call (800) 858 -PEST. This is a 24 hour hotline, funded by the EPA and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. III. At Issue: Weed Killers, their Pros and Cons Pesticides divide into insecticides for insect control and herbicides for weed control. Historically, pesticides group into three generations. First Generation: Pre - World War II Inorganic agents such as arsenates of lead, nicotine, and kerosene. In addition, formaldehyde gas was used to treat diseased seed and sulfur, to destroy spores in soil. Example: Arsenic, as an active ingredient, was an effective weed killer. the problem - arsenic dust washed form plants by rain trickled into streams and poisoned fish. Second generation: Post World War II Synthesized chemical agents. Two groups: chlorinated hydrocarbons (DDT) and organic phosphates (malathion) their life cycle within a year, these weeds enrich the soil as they rot. The next weeds are biennials which have a two-year lease on life before being crowded out by perennials. Given more than a two-year life span, some biennials live many years. If the climate permits forest trees will grow. the longevity of forest trees will persist until ravage by fire/flood or cut into lumber by man. when vegetation is destructed and the ground i s bare, the ecological cycle begins anew. Nature emulated in landscaping begins with a better understanding of the self -propagating plant species and how they inter -relate with one another. V. Expanding the Concept of Ecology Ecologyis the study of the relationship between living things and the non -living elements within the environment. Our physical environment is the biosphere; which is made-up of land, water, and air. Planet earth's air supply is finite. Given only solar energy, life on earth is made possible by continually recycling and refreshing the air int eh production of elemental oxygen to sustain a balanced biosphere for the e pyramid of living organisms. Photosynthesis is the chemical process involving sunlight -capturing green plants to generate the air we breathe and the carbohydrates we eat. Oxygen production begins with plankton (free-floating, green microscopic plants) in the ocean. This is the earth's air - freshening system. An ecosystem is any environment where the web -of -life is self - renewing. Very large ecosystems are called biomes such as the rain forest and the Antarctica. Antarctica's barren "land" of ice is the native habitat for penguins. In sharp contrast, brightly colored birds are among the diversity of many species at home in the abundantly vegetated tropical rain forests, global ecosystems are interdependent with one another. This is harmony in nature. Breakdown of intricately balanced ecosystems are leaving gaps in the pyramid of living organisms when oxygen production form the oceans cannot keep pace with oxygen consumption by man, the entire biological structure is threatened. VI. Closing thoughts: 1. Identify the weeds that you want to keep in check 2. What are the options to control them? 3. If you decide on a herbicide follow manufacturer's directions to avoid misuse. The key point: know the pros and cons of the active ingredient 4. Stay updated on herbicidal products that may be available try to avoid products in which the active ingredient may leave a chemical residue in the soil that could get into the food chain. 5. As Rolling Hills residents observe plants and animals whose native habitat is in our area. Learn how plants interrelate with one another to grow into a vegetate that provides food and shelter for wild life. REFERENCES All About Fertilizers, Soils, and Water. Ortho Books, Chevron Chemical Company. 1979. Brun, Gilbert D. "Plant Ecology and Field Botany",Understanding Botany A Laboratory Guide. Burgess Publishing Company, 1984. Carson, Rachel. The Silent Spring, Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1962. Christensen, Clyde M. "The Weeds", The Book of Popular Science, Vol. 7, Grolier Inc., 1966. Encyclopedia Science Supplement, Grolier Inc. 1970. Cottam, Clarence, "Pesticide Pollution." 1974. Foster, Ruth S. Ecosystems." 1976. Wolf, Anthony, Biologically." n Plants and the Urban "Controlling Insects Gales, Donald Moore. Handbook of Wildflowers, Weeds, Wildlife, and Weather of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Rolling Hills, 1988. Harte, John, et al. Toxics A to Z: Hazards. Berkeley: University Levine, Louis, City College of New Encyclopedia, 1992 Yearbook. A Guide to Everyday Pollution of California Press, 1991. York, "Biotechnology" Grolier Schwartz, Linda. The Big Book of Questions and Answers: Save the Earth. Publications International, LTD. 1992. "Using Pesticides Safely" Sunset: Garden Pests and Diseases Menlo Park: Sunset Publishing Corporation 1993. 65-69