Timeline
1849: Swamp Land Acts passed.
1934: Bill was passed in Congress called the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act of 1934
1954: Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act further accelerated wetland drainage that affected not only California, but most of the coastal United States
1986: Wetland Resources Act passed.
September 2006: Congress passes the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act
1849: Swamp Land Acts passed.
1934: Bill was passed in Congress called the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act of 1934
1954: Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act further accelerated wetland drainage that affected not only California, but most of the coastal United States
1986: Wetland Resources Act passed.
September 2006: Congress passes the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act
California is internationally known to be a hot spot for species diversity and habitat variability. We have a dynamic landscape that includes deserts, mountain ranges, wetlands and coastlines. Each of these unique landscapes has specific wildlife native to the region. Conservation of these habitats is essential to the survival of these native species.
Desert Wildlife and Conservation
Southern California contains a majority of the Mojave Desert and a smaller portion of the Sonoran Desert lies within the very south of our state, which is referred to as the Colorado Desert. Although deserts are characteristically dry and relatively barren environments, many animals thrive in these harsh ecosystems. A very diverse assortment of mammals have flourished in these deserts, “with the largest being ungulates such as the mule deer, pronghorn antelope and desert bighorn sheep. Predators in the desert include the mountain lion, coyote, bobcat, gray fox and the kit fox. The rodent family has representation from species like the porcupine, pocket gopher, deer mouse, pocket mouse, brush mouse, wood rat, kangaroo rat an assortment of squirrels. Bats, such as the California leaf-nosed bat, are found throughout both deserts.”[1] Birds are some of the most abundant animals that are easily visible to people. “The Sonoran desert is recognized as an exceptional birding area within the United States. Forty-one percent (261 of 622) of all terrestrial bird species found in the United States can be seen here during some part of the year.”[2] The Greater Roadrunner and ravens can be found year long in these deserts. “The western diamondback, the Mojave rattlesnake, the sidewinder and the speckled rattlesnake are among the species of venomous rattlers in California's deserts. Lizards such as the horned lizard, desert iguana, chuckwalla, Gila monster and zebra-tailed lizard dwell here. A dozen amphibians exist in the deserts of California, including the tiger salamander.”[3] One of the most well known and endangered animals here is the Desert Tortoise, which has lived in these deserts for thousands of years.
Unfortunately, urbanization, agriculture, and growing renewable energy developments in California's deserts, have caused a sharp decline in the available habitat areas for all the desert wildlife. Off-road vehicles, particularly those that ride off the designated paths, also pose a major threat to much of the wildlife, especially those that burrow or are slow moving. There are a surprisingly high number of endangered or threatened wildlife species, so it is important that we preserve their natural habitats and reduce the level of destructive human activities.
The Federal Land Policy and Management Act passed in 1976 established the foundation for the California Desert Protection Act and the California Desert Conservation Area. Interestingly, “the desert tortoise played a key role in the passage of the California Desert Protection Act in 1994. To protect the fragile desert habitat of the tortoise and other plants and animals, millions of acres were added to the national park and wilderness system. Supporters reportedly brought a desert tortoise to the White House for the bill signing. The tortoise has been the official State Reptile since 1972.”[4] These acts have established millions of acres of protected natural habitat, created multiple national parks and monuments, and a long term conservation plan for the region.
Even though great progress has been made regarding the protection of the desert and its wildlife, there is still much that can be done to conserve these animal’s habitats. The California Wilderness Coalition has “built on the success of the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 in preserving spectacular desert lands and boosting the local economy” through the passage of the CDPA of 2010. There are many community organizations and special interest groups that continue to pursue the improvement and further protection of these unique lands.
Wetland Habitats and Species Conservation
Wetlands are important ecological features that exist mostly around large bodies of water or the coast. They provide services such as water purification, buffering storms, refuge islands for migratory birds, flood control, and provide water supply. For conservation efforts, through these reasons, wetlands are one of the habitats on the priority list. Unfortunately, in the current era, California had lost around 90% of its natural coastal wetlands.[5]
Fortunately, from the 1970s, the wetland's ecological services were being recognized and public awareness was boosted. In 1986, the Emergency Wetland Resources Act limited wetland losses and to the present age, federal policies for wetland restoration increased. Unfortunately, the wetland loss in California, especially in the southern region, was calculated to be 90%. Now, in order to develop or drain wetlands, a permit must be assigned under the Clean Water Act's section 20 from the Army Corp of Engineers.[6]
Because of the massive destruction of California wetlands, many species stand in peril. For example, Salt Grass is a native wetland plant found in California. As the wetlands are drained, Salt Grass withers and dies. When Salt Grass dies, the Wandering Skipper Butterfly, who lay their eggs exclusively on Salt Grass, also cannot reproduce and the population declines. If the species are directly not listed in the Endangered Species Act, they are indirectly protected by wetland restoration efforts. In this way, species conservation is active in both federal and citizen levels.[7]
In Southern California, many organizations are in place for both wetland restoration and public education. One well-known group is the Friends of Bolsa Chica, as they restored the Bolsa Chica wetlands to a large degree of success. Another smaller group is Tidal Influence, who is in charge of the Colorado Lagoons and Zedler Marsh in Long Beach. Every first two Saturdays of the month, there are alternating events in both of these wetlands that citizens can come to help out in restoration work and to be educated and informed of the topic and the current plans and goals.[8]
Urban Wildlife and Conservation
Southern California’s urban environment is home to a variety of wildlife. This urban wildlife consists of opossums, raccoons, skunks, and a number of different species of birds, at times coyotes, and many more. These animals can be found in backyards, neighborhoods and local parks. These animals often live in or near urban environments with dense human populations, making contact with humans relatively common. Some urban wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and crows take advantage of human presence and their food supply by eating food found in gardens, garbage, pet food, etc, these species are considered “human associates and exploiters”.[9] Animals that sometimes take advantage of human resources and live in urban areas, but generally do not greatly benefit from human presence are called “human adaptors” and consist of coyotes, bobcats, skunks and more.[10]
Although these animals live near densely populated urban areas, there are still many threats to their urban wildlife. Urban ecosystems can be affected by habitat loss, light and noise pollution, chemical runoff and pollution, and more.[11] Urban wildlife can be more directly affected by human actions, making public awareness essential to their protection. Groups such as the Urban Wildlife Group work towards public awareness and appreciation of urban wildlife. As a working group of the wildlife society since 1999 the Urban Wildlife Group works with other organizations conducting research and working towards the conservation of urban wildlife.[12]
Coastline Wildlife and Conservation
California has over one thousand miles of precious ocean coastline. The coastline is full of wildlife and biodiversity. Facing much pressure from divers, sport fisherman, and commercial fisherman, the state realized action must be taken to help conserve and protect these precious resources. The Marine Life Protection Act was passed in 1999 and required the “establishment of a science-based, statewide system of marine protected areas”.[13] The goal of these marine protected areas is to “conserve key habitats and ocean wildlife off the California coast to support overall ocean health”.[14]
According to the California Department of Fish and Game website, the MLPA was passed to redesign the already implemented system of marine protected areas.[15] They are redesigned “to function as a network in order to: increase coherence and effectiveness in protecting the state’s marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems, and marine natural heritage, as well as to improve recreational, educational, and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems subject to minimal human disturbance”.[16]
These are a step in the right direction for protecting the beautiful coastline and its fishy inhabitants. These MLPA section off certain areas of the coastline in order to conserve and protect them from the public. Before the restructuring of these marine protected areas, they were not highly enforced or even known about. Now, under the MLPA, the guidelines and areas are stringent and heavily enforced by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Mountain Wildlife and Conservation
Many of those citizens living in urban Los Angeles tend to easily forget the proximity of the San Gabriel and Angeles Mountain Ranges. Known as the ‘recreation backyard’ for many Southern Californians, these mountain ranges are home to a great number of species--some of which are endangered due to the urbanization of Los Angeles and urban sprawl. This section will focus on the mammalian fauna living in the mountainous regions surrounding Los Angeles county and present ideas for the conservation of these organisms.
In the lower ranges of the mountains one can find the opossum, however these do not fare well outside of the range of human habitation.[17] In addition to the opossum, the California mole is found along with a variety of types of mountain shrew. Interestingly, these animals are mostly viewed as pests to humans. However, they have begun to consider their natural habitat regions in which human reside. They need the food sources humans can provide; such as garbage or food scraps. Although many believe them to be unnecessary, they do in fact play an important role in the ecology of an area. Bats are also very common and helpful within the ecosystem of the Angeles Mountain Range.[18]
For the most part, animals in the lower ranges are rabbits, squirrels, gophers, and mice.[19] These animals thrive in the climate, which can include snow in the winters. It is vital to preserve the presence of these species in the area because of the important role they play in the ecosystem.
Larger fauna in the range include endangered or rare mountain yellow-legged frog, Nelson’s big horn sheep, and California spotted owl.[20] Conservation of their habitat is key to the continued survival and enjoyment of these endangered species. The population of bighorn sheep is the largest in California, at least count about 740 individuals.[21] The California Department of Fish and Game monitors the sheep herds’ numbers to better estimate the effectiveness of conservation efforts in the mountain ranges.
There are many ways for citizens to get involved with the conservation of the native species that currently inhabit the mountain ranges near Los Angeles. Firstly, when visiting the area, one can make an effort to leave the native wildlife alone and let it live its life in its natural habitat. Furthermore, people can volunteer to restore natural areas within the mountains through the National Park Service. Finally, citizens can educate friends and family about the importance of native species in the mountains. People should be aware that, while moles, bats, and gophers may be looked upon poorly, they are very vital links in the ecosystems in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Conservation in National Parks
Wildlife conservation in Southern California’s national parks is important because the federal government owns a large percentage of the West (over fifty percent). In these public lands, the federal government can actively protect wildlife and wildlife habitat. The Sierra Club is one of the most active groups engaged in wildlife conservation throughout the country. In September 2006, the Sierra Club helped pass the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act, “which protects some 275,000 acres, including the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the Lower 48.”[22] Since then the Club has worked on passing more legislation in the West, including Southern California. In order to get local citizens on board, the Club focuses on “how wilderness could economically benefit towns near national forests.”[23] Commercial tourism could just save wildlife in Southern California’s national parks. Local citizens could get involved by supporting these acts to protect wildlife in national parks. As Smokey the Bear might say under the circumstances, “Only you can prevent extinction.”
[1] “Animals of California Deserts,” Trails: Your Guide to the Outdoors, http://www.trails.com/list_9368_animals-california-deserts.html (accessed May 5, 2014)
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] “History and Culture,” California State Library, http://www.library.ca.gov/history/symbols.html (accessed May 5, 2014)
[5] Thomas Dahl and Gregory Allord. "History of Wetlands in the Conterminous United States." United States Geologic Survey. (accessed April 30, 2014).
[6] San Francisco Estuary Institute. "Historical Wetlands of the Southern California Coast: An Atlas of US Coast Survey T-Sheets 1851-1889." . http://www.sfei.org/projects/SoCalTSheets (accessed May 2, 2014).
[7] Long Beach Natural Areas. "Long Beach Natural Areas," Colorado Lagoon. http://longbeachnaturalareas.blogspot.com/2007/06/colorado-lagoon.html (accessed May 2, 2014).
[8] Krista Tassel, "Helping out at the Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach, CA." Wells Fargo Environmental Forum. http://blogs.wellsfargo.com/environment/2013/08/lending-some-friendly-hands-at-the-colorado-lagoon/ (accessed May 1, 2014)
[9] “Urban Wildlife Basics,” The Urban Wildlife Working Group, http://urbanwildlifegroup.org/urban-wildlife-information/ (accessed May 4, 2014)
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] “About,” The Urban Wildlife Working Group, http://urbanwildlifegroup.org/urban-wildlife-information/ (accessed May 4, 2014)
[13] “Marine Protected Areas,” Ocean Conservancy, http://www.oceanconservancy.org/our-work/marine-protected-areas/ (accessed May 5, 2014)
[14] Ibid.
[15] “MLPA Summary,” Califoria Department of Fish and Wildlife, https://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/mpa/background.asp (accessed May 5, 2014)
[16] Ibid.
[17] “Mammals of the San Gabriel Mountains of California,” http://www.naturespeace.org/sangabrielmammals1954.b.htm (accessed May 1, 2014)
[18] Ibid.
[19] “San Gabriel Mountains & River,” California Wilderness Coalition, http://www.calwild.org/san_gabriel_mts (accessed May 2, 2014)
[20] “Sheep Mountain Wilderness Additions,” San Gabriel Mountains Forever, http://www.sangabrielmountains.org/our_campaign/sheep_mountain_wilderness_additions (accessed May 2, 2014)
[21] “Bighorn Sheep Restoration Effort” Home of the San Gabriel Mountains Bighorn Sheep, http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/bighorn/ (accessed May 8, 2014)
[22] Tom Valtin, "Out of the Wilderness," Sierra 92, no. 3 (May 2007): 82. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed May 5, 2014).
[23] Ibid.
Desert Wildlife and Conservation
Southern California contains a majority of the Mojave Desert and a smaller portion of the Sonoran Desert lies within the very south of our state, which is referred to as the Colorado Desert. Although deserts are characteristically dry and relatively barren environments, many animals thrive in these harsh ecosystems. A very diverse assortment of mammals have flourished in these deserts, “with the largest being ungulates such as the mule deer, pronghorn antelope and desert bighorn sheep. Predators in the desert include the mountain lion, coyote, bobcat, gray fox and the kit fox. The rodent family has representation from species like the porcupine, pocket gopher, deer mouse, pocket mouse, brush mouse, wood rat, kangaroo rat an assortment of squirrels. Bats, such as the California leaf-nosed bat, are found throughout both deserts.”[1] Birds are some of the most abundant animals that are easily visible to people. “The Sonoran desert is recognized as an exceptional birding area within the United States. Forty-one percent (261 of 622) of all terrestrial bird species found in the United States can be seen here during some part of the year.”[2] The Greater Roadrunner and ravens can be found year long in these deserts. “The western diamondback, the Mojave rattlesnake, the sidewinder and the speckled rattlesnake are among the species of venomous rattlers in California's deserts. Lizards such as the horned lizard, desert iguana, chuckwalla, Gila monster and zebra-tailed lizard dwell here. A dozen amphibians exist in the deserts of California, including the tiger salamander.”[3] One of the most well known and endangered animals here is the Desert Tortoise, which has lived in these deserts for thousands of years.
Unfortunately, urbanization, agriculture, and growing renewable energy developments in California's deserts, have caused a sharp decline in the available habitat areas for all the desert wildlife. Off-road vehicles, particularly those that ride off the designated paths, also pose a major threat to much of the wildlife, especially those that burrow or are slow moving. There are a surprisingly high number of endangered or threatened wildlife species, so it is important that we preserve their natural habitats and reduce the level of destructive human activities.
The Federal Land Policy and Management Act passed in 1976 established the foundation for the California Desert Protection Act and the California Desert Conservation Area. Interestingly, “the desert tortoise played a key role in the passage of the California Desert Protection Act in 1994. To protect the fragile desert habitat of the tortoise and other plants and animals, millions of acres were added to the national park and wilderness system. Supporters reportedly brought a desert tortoise to the White House for the bill signing. The tortoise has been the official State Reptile since 1972.”[4] These acts have established millions of acres of protected natural habitat, created multiple national parks and monuments, and a long term conservation plan for the region.
Even though great progress has been made regarding the protection of the desert and its wildlife, there is still much that can be done to conserve these animal’s habitats. The California Wilderness Coalition has “built on the success of the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 in preserving spectacular desert lands and boosting the local economy” through the passage of the CDPA of 2010. There are many community organizations and special interest groups that continue to pursue the improvement and further protection of these unique lands.
Wetland Habitats and Species Conservation
Wetlands are important ecological features that exist mostly around large bodies of water or the coast. They provide services such as water purification, buffering storms, refuge islands for migratory birds, flood control, and provide water supply. For conservation efforts, through these reasons, wetlands are one of the habitats on the priority list. Unfortunately, in the current era, California had lost around 90% of its natural coastal wetlands.[5]
Fortunately, from the 1970s, the wetland's ecological services were being recognized and public awareness was boosted. In 1986, the Emergency Wetland Resources Act limited wetland losses and to the present age, federal policies for wetland restoration increased. Unfortunately, the wetland loss in California, especially in the southern region, was calculated to be 90%. Now, in order to develop or drain wetlands, a permit must be assigned under the Clean Water Act's section 20 from the Army Corp of Engineers.[6]
Because of the massive destruction of California wetlands, many species stand in peril. For example, Salt Grass is a native wetland plant found in California. As the wetlands are drained, Salt Grass withers and dies. When Salt Grass dies, the Wandering Skipper Butterfly, who lay their eggs exclusively on Salt Grass, also cannot reproduce and the population declines. If the species are directly not listed in the Endangered Species Act, they are indirectly protected by wetland restoration efforts. In this way, species conservation is active in both federal and citizen levels.[7]
In Southern California, many organizations are in place for both wetland restoration and public education. One well-known group is the Friends of Bolsa Chica, as they restored the Bolsa Chica wetlands to a large degree of success. Another smaller group is Tidal Influence, who is in charge of the Colorado Lagoons and Zedler Marsh in Long Beach. Every first two Saturdays of the month, there are alternating events in both of these wetlands that citizens can come to help out in restoration work and to be educated and informed of the topic and the current plans and goals.[8]
Urban Wildlife and Conservation
Southern California’s urban environment is home to a variety of wildlife. This urban wildlife consists of opossums, raccoons, skunks, and a number of different species of birds, at times coyotes, and many more. These animals can be found in backyards, neighborhoods and local parks. These animals often live in or near urban environments with dense human populations, making contact with humans relatively common. Some urban wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and crows take advantage of human presence and their food supply by eating food found in gardens, garbage, pet food, etc, these species are considered “human associates and exploiters”.[9] Animals that sometimes take advantage of human resources and live in urban areas, but generally do not greatly benefit from human presence are called “human adaptors” and consist of coyotes, bobcats, skunks and more.[10]
Although these animals live near densely populated urban areas, there are still many threats to their urban wildlife. Urban ecosystems can be affected by habitat loss, light and noise pollution, chemical runoff and pollution, and more.[11] Urban wildlife can be more directly affected by human actions, making public awareness essential to their protection. Groups such as the Urban Wildlife Group work towards public awareness and appreciation of urban wildlife. As a working group of the wildlife society since 1999 the Urban Wildlife Group works with other organizations conducting research and working towards the conservation of urban wildlife.[12]
Coastline Wildlife and Conservation
California has over one thousand miles of precious ocean coastline. The coastline is full of wildlife and biodiversity. Facing much pressure from divers, sport fisherman, and commercial fisherman, the state realized action must be taken to help conserve and protect these precious resources. The Marine Life Protection Act was passed in 1999 and required the “establishment of a science-based, statewide system of marine protected areas”.[13] The goal of these marine protected areas is to “conserve key habitats and ocean wildlife off the California coast to support overall ocean health”.[14]
According to the California Department of Fish and Game website, the MLPA was passed to redesign the already implemented system of marine protected areas.[15] They are redesigned “to function as a network in order to: increase coherence and effectiveness in protecting the state’s marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems, and marine natural heritage, as well as to improve recreational, educational, and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems subject to minimal human disturbance”.[16]
These are a step in the right direction for protecting the beautiful coastline and its fishy inhabitants. These MLPA section off certain areas of the coastline in order to conserve and protect them from the public. Before the restructuring of these marine protected areas, they were not highly enforced or even known about. Now, under the MLPA, the guidelines and areas are stringent and heavily enforced by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Mountain Wildlife and Conservation
Many of those citizens living in urban Los Angeles tend to easily forget the proximity of the San Gabriel and Angeles Mountain Ranges. Known as the ‘recreation backyard’ for many Southern Californians, these mountain ranges are home to a great number of species--some of which are endangered due to the urbanization of Los Angeles and urban sprawl. This section will focus on the mammalian fauna living in the mountainous regions surrounding Los Angeles county and present ideas for the conservation of these organisms.
In the lower ranges of the mountains one can find the opossum, however these do not fare well outside of the range of human habitation.[17] In addition to the opossum, the California mole is found along with a variety of types of mountain shrew. Interestingly, these animals are mostly viewed as pests to humans. However, they have begun to consider their natural habitat regions in which human reside. They need the food sources humans can provide; such as garbage or food scraps. Although many believe them to be unnecessary, they do in fact play an important role in the ecology of an area. Bats are also very common and helpful within the ecosystem of the Angeles Mountain Range.[18]
For the most part, animals in the lower ranges are rabbits, squirrels, gophers, and mice.[19] These animals thrive in the climate, which can include snow in the winters. It is vital to preserve the presence of these species in the area because of the important role they play in the ecosystem.
Larger fauna in the range include endangered or rare mountain yellow-legged frog, Nelson’s big horn sheep, and California spotted owl.[20] Conservation of their habitat is key to the continued survival and enjoyment of these endangered species. The population of bighorn sheep is the largest in California, at least count about 740 individuals.[21] The California Department of Fish and Game monitors the sheep herds’ numbers to better estimate the effectiveness of conservation efforts in the mountain ranges.
There are many ways for citizens to get involved with the conservation of the native species that currently inhabit the mountain ranges near Los Angeles. Firstly, when visiting the area, one can make an effort to leave the native wildlife alone and let it live its life in its natural habitat. Furthermore, people can volunteer to restore natural areas within the mountains through the National Park Service. Finally, citizens can educate friends and family about the importance of native species in the mountains. People should be aware that, while moles, bats, and gophers may be looked upon poorly, they are very vital links in the ecosystems in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Conservation in National Parks
Wildlife conservation in Southern California’s national parks is important because the federal government owns a large percentage of the West (over fifty percent). In these public lands, the federal government can actively protect wildlife and wildlife habitat. The Sierra Club is one of the most active groups engaged in wildlife conservation throughout the country. In September 2006, the Sierra Club helped pass the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act, “which protects some 275,000 acres, including the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the Lower 48.”[22] Since then the Club has worked on passing more legislation in the West, including Southern California. In order to get local citizens on board, the Club focuses on “how wilderness could economically benefit towns near national forests.”[23] Commercial tourism could just save wildlife in Southern California’s national parks. Local citizens could get involved by supporting these acts to protect wildlife in national parks. As Smokey the Bear might say under the circumstances, “Only you can prevent extinction.”
[1] “Animals of California Deserts,” Trails: Your Guide to the Outdoors, http://www.trails.com/list_9368_animals-california-deserts.html (accessed May 5, 2014)
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] “History and Culture,” California State Library, http://www.library.ca.gov/history/symbols.html (accessed May 5, 2014)
[5] Thomas Dahl and Gregory Allord. "History of Wetlands in the Conterminous United States." United States Geologic Survey. (accessed April 30, 2014).
[6] San Francisco Estuary Institute. "Historical Wetlands of the Southern California Coast: An Atlas of US Coast Survey T-Sheets 1851-1889." . http://www.sfei.org/projects/SoCalTSheets (accessed May 2, 2014).
[7] Long Beach Natural Areas. "Long Beach Natural Areas," Colorado Lagoon. http://longbeachnaturalareas.blogspot.com/2007/06/colorado-lagoon.html (accessed May 2, 2014).
[8] Krista Tassel, "Helping out at the Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach, CA." Wells Fargo Environmental Forum. http://blogs.wellsfargo.com/environment/2013/08/lending-some-friendly-hands-at-the-colorado-lagoon/ (accessed May 1, 2014)
[9] “Urban Wildlife Basics,” The Urban Wildlife Working Group, http://urbanwildlifegroup.org/urban-wildlife-information/ (accessed May 4, 2014)
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] “About,” The Urban Wildlife Working Group, http://urbanwildlifegroup.org/urban-wildlife-information/ (accessed May 4, 2014)
[13] “Marine Protected Areas,” Ocean Conservancy, http://www.oceanconservancy.org/our-work/marine-protected-areas/ (accessed May 5, 2014)
[14] Ibid.
[15] “MLPA Summary,” Califoria Department of Fish and Wildlife, https://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/mpa/background.asp (accessed May 5, 2014)
[16] Ibid.
[17] “Mammals of the San Gabriel Mountains of California,” http://www.naturespeace.org/sangabrielmammals1954.b.htm (accessed May 1, 2014)
[18] Ibid.
[19] “San Gabriel Mountains & River,” California Wilderness Coalition, http://www.calwild.org/san_gabriel_mts (accessed May 2, 2014)
[20] “Sheep Mountain Wilderness Additions,” San Gabriel Mountains Forever, http://www.sangabrielmountains.org/our_campaign/sheep_mountain_wilderness_additions (accessed May 2, 2014)
[21] “Bighorn Sheep Restoration Effort” Home of the San Gabriel Mountains Bighorn Sheep, http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/bighorn/ (accessed May 8, 2014)
[22] Tom Valtin, "Out of the Wilderness," Sierra 92, no. 3 (May 2007): 82. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed May 5, 2014).
[23] Ibid.