Cover (Opening)
Executive Summary
Open Letter to
the Public
Table of Contents
Part I Introduction
Part II The Land's Story
Part III Natural Resources
  Habitats
Ecological Guilds
Part IV Stewardship
  General Resource Management
Ecosystem and Restoration
Watershed and Water Resources
Resource Inventory and Monitoring
Public Access
Education
Research
Administration
Facilities and Maintenance
Conclusion
Literature Cited
Authorship and
Acknowledgements
Appendices

 
 
7. Research (“Res”)

Research Goal: Promote field research and mapping to advance general knowledge and to explore or refine management techniques.

At 377 acres, the Foothills allow adequate space for pure, applied, and comparative research. Because it is so large, research may be compatible with overall preservation and enhancement goals.

Research could mirror or parallel that done at sites providing similar opportunities, such as Sedgwick Ranch.

Research at SMF is of particular interest to contemporary Chumash people in the process of reconnecting with the lifestyle of their ancestors.

Research Opportunities: These inquiries expand upon questions raised in this document and they would assist in future research efforts:

• Compare the recovery of vertebrate functions in riparian areas during grazing and following the exclusion of cattle.

• Examine vertebrate interaction among grassland types, grassland structure, or connections between stands of native grassland patches.

• Document and compare the effectiveness of restoration techniques.

• Develop program to examine the historical practices of Native American cultures on SMF.

Policy Res-7.1: Provide a research coordinator (to work in conjunction with an education coordinator) to oversee and promote research activities.

Policy Res-7.2: Coordinate with other groups to co-sponsor applications for research funds.

Policy Res-7.3: Encourage field-based studies that focus on foothills ecosystems and SMF in particular.

Policy Res-7.4: Encourage research that can provide useful information for the management of foothills ecosystems, the SMF watershed, the SMF, and its resources.

Policy Res-7.5: Provide state-of-the-art database, photo archives, and mapping systems to support research and management.


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