Baseline native habitat restoration assessment at Pelican Point Crystal Cove State Park, California

This research examines whether active habitat restoration using the Bradley Method at Crystal Cove State Park (CCSP) encourages Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS) reestablishment which promotes California gnatcatcher reoccupation. This research provides baseline survey data of 257 plots in 5 CCSP restoration sites in 2003, and a follow-up 2004 survey in site B-10. The site B-10 plot area increased by 400m2 primarily due to native recruitment, and the population density of recruits increased by 30%. The research results suggest overall progress in achieving the goal of CSS habitat restoration at CCSP. However, some locations within CCSP survey sites are not meeting this goal. California gnatcatcher reports were reviewed and CCSP restoration techniques were compared to existing theory and other southern California case studies. Whether restoration areas will continue to exhibit progress without active intervention cannot be determined. These research results could aid in future planning for CSS habitat restoration.