Draft List of Covered Species
The County is coordinating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Game to protect sensitive species in the North County Plan Area. The County is pursuing coverage for 63 species of sensitive plants, mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. Many factors were considered in developing the species list, including: species distribution, life history, sensitivity and vulnerability to human activities, current population viability, dependence on conservation, current listing status, and likelihood to be listed as rare, threatened, or endangered in the future under the state or federal endangered species acts. The County of San Diego will receive an incidental take permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Game for the species on the covered species list.
A list of initially considered species was developed, along with brief descriptions for each species.
Several maps, including for some covered species, are available on the North County Plan maps page.
Independent Science Advisors
The Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act requires that NCCP plans include independent scientific input and analysis to assist the California Department of Fish and Game and plan participants in creating a scientifically-based plan. The North County Plan development process was reviewed by 11 independent science advisors, including:
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Dr. Mike O'Connell (chair) is the executive director of the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve Trust.
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Dr. Paul Beier, Northern Arizona University, is a noted researcher on the movements of large predators throughout southern California. He has particular expertise in the area between the Palomar/Agua Tibia Mountains and Santa Ana Mountains.
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David Faulkner is a local entomologist with his own consulting firm, Forensic Entomology Services. He is also a research associate in the Entomology Department of the San Diego Natural History Museum.
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Dr. Robert Fisher is affiliated with the San Diego State University reserve system and U.S. Geological Survey. He is well known in the region for performing groundbreaking research on the utilization of habitats by reptiles and amphibians in San Diego.
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Dr. Brian Foster is a local ornithologist. Dr. Foster’s specialty is the study of rare and endangered birds in the San Diego region.
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Dr. Thomas Griggs is a biologist with expertise in vernal pools and botany.
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Dr. Patrick Kelly is a mammalogist with the Endangered Species Recovery Program.
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Dr. Reed Noss is nationally recognized as one of the foremost experts on the conservation of biodiversity and has authored several books on the subject.
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Jeff Opdycke, Conservation Program Manager for the San Diego Zoo, works in the area of conservation of local resources. He has a experience in reviewing habitats from a regional perspective.
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Trish Smith is a specialist in habitat management and works for The Nature Conservancy managing its preserve in Orange County .
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Dr. Peter Stine, from the U.S. Forest Service, is an expert in landscape modeling.
Two workshops were held with these advisors to guide the conservation planning for the North County Plan and assure that it was guided by scientifically sound principles and methods. Documents from these workshops are available on the North County Plan documents page.
Last updated: September 2010
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