Contacts
Jane Hendron, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office: 760-431-9440 or 760-271-6487
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced today the release of a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for the San Nicolas Island Seabird Restoration Project, a component of the Montrose Settlements Restoration Program (MSRP).
Based on the comments received during the May-June 2008 comment period, and a Finding of No Significant Impact, the MSRP anticipates initiating the Seabird Restoration Project on San Nicolas Island in 2009.
The MSRP is a multi-agency effort to restore resources injured by past DDT and PCB releases. The program oversees bald eagle, seabird, and peregrine falcon restoration projects, as well as projects to restore fishing and fish habitats. Funding for the MSRP is provided through a settlement agreement with Montrose Chemical Corporation and other entities that discharged DDT and PCB contaminants into the marine environment.
Navy-owned San Nicolas Island is located off the coast of southern California and provides vital nesting habitat for numerous native seabirds and shorebirds, including western gulls, Brandt’s cormorants and the federally threatened western snowy plover. San Nicolas Island is also home to the island night lizard which is federally listed as threatened and the island fox which is listed by the State of California as a threatened species.
Non-native feral cats are impacting native species on San Nicolas Island by preying on adult seabirds and their young, and on island night lizards. The feral cats also prey on deer mice, a staple of the island fox’s diet.
Following release of the draft EA on May 19, 2008, the Service solicited public comments and conducted an open house regarding the project on June 4, 2008, in Ventura, CA. A field study was also conducted in 2008 and 2009 in collaboration with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), to assess the effectiveness of cage traps to capture feral cats, and feasibility of transporting trapped cats off the island.
The project will utilize live trapping as the primary removal method. Specially trained dogs may be used to track the scent of feral cats, but will have no direct contact with cats. Hunting with and without the specialized tracking dogs will be used strategically as a supplemental method of removing cats. In addition, a sophisticated trap monitoring system will minimize the time animals are held in traps.
Further information about MSRP, the San Nicolas Island Seabird Restoration Project, and copies of the Final EA are available on the Internet at www.montroserestoration.gov
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov/cno .
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