1: Conservation of biological diversity

Protecting the diversity of California's ecosystems is likely to also protect the diversity of native fauna and flora. This depends on how much area is protected and if diversity is appropriately defined. For example, there are many kinds of vernal pool, which vary because of underlying geology and surrounding landscape. Different vernal pool types will have different assemblages of species. Therefore, just protecting "vernal pool" diversity without attention to types of vernal pools could result in loss of diversity.

This indicator measures the extent and condition of riparian plant communities along rivers and streams on rangelands. The status or condition may be evaluated on a quantitative basis using a numeric value. Possible numeric values could include a metric similar to the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI), a hydrogeomorphic (HGM) index, or a qualitative evaluation with a descriptor such as “fair condition”.

Track the genetic diversity of dominant tree species across their ranges by tree seed zones. Population decline from loss of habitat and distribution may lead to loss of genetic variability which can ultimately lead to extinction. Other ways to protect genetic diversity may include relocating individuals to protected areas, predator or pest control measures and seed banks. Genetic diversity can favor persistence and increase adaptive potential.

To document the areal extent of forest and rangeland CWHR types to show the overall status of statewide ecosystem biodiversity, and to track any trends in the vegetation types – gains and losses. The CWHR system uses life history and geographic range information to link nearly 700 California vertebrate species to their native habitats based on general vegetation types. The information is spatial and can be summarized by acres.

To track vegetation on forest and rangelands by successional stage. Age classes are indicators of vegetation structure and of ecosystem dynamics, such as recent disturbances, seed recruitment, plant growth rates, etc. Forest age class can be tracked through Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data, as well as GIS information on recent large stand-replacing wildfires. Age classes of non-forest vegetation types, such as chaparral, may be harder to track.

This indicator quantifies the amount of land area defined as rangeland at any given time. The amount of rangeland at any instant and the associated changes over time are important metrics because they provide information on one of the important global land types as well as inform the spatial and temporal framework from which all other indicators will be considered. Change in land cover converts land of one type of cover to another. The area of rangeland at any point in time and the changes over time have major consequences for the availability of ecosystem services from rangelands. Given that 84 percent of mammals and 74 percent of the bird species within the United States (inhabitants or common migrants) use rangeland habitats, changes in rangeland area (to urban or other agricultural cover) have implications to the sustainability of these species and populations.

Shows areas that, under current regulations, are open to new development. Many areas of the state held in private ownership are under some sort of restrictions on development, due to for example the Williamson Act, Timber Production Zoning, or conservation easements. Areas of forest and rangelands not under such constraints are more vulnerable to development. In particular, areas of forest and rangelands recently or currently being withdrawn from Williamson Act or other protections can indicate places where new developments are more likely to occur.

This indicator provides information on the area and extent of forest ecosystem types, including successional stage, age class and the nature of tenure or ownership. The sustainability and stability of forest ecosystems may depend on their size and diversity. If these are not maintained, forests may become vulnerable to habitat degradation and loss. Tenures or ownership types may have a variety of management regimes associated with them - each with a different impact on biological diversity.

This indicator will provide tabular and map information on the status of plant and animal species that are recognized by federal and state resource management agencies as at risk because of rarity or because other factors demonstrably make them very vulnerable to extinction. This indicator will provide the public with information by which to measure the state’s progress at both preventing and reversing an increase in the number of forest species at risk through time.

Fragmentation is the process whereby a landscape is broken into pieces by development activities (e.g., road construction or expansion). Fragmentation can negatively impact biodiversity, hydrology, weed invasions, wildlife movement, and other ecological processes and features.