Programs

Flagship Puma-Deer-Sheep-Human Study
Focusing on conservation of large wild mammals and their habitat, this multi-year study looks at the complex interactions between mountain lions, bighorn sheep, deer, and people in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Anza Borrego Desert State Park. The study is a cooperative effort that includes the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the California Department of Fish and Game, the Zoological Society of San Diego, and other partners. Our mountain lion page can be found here.

Ecological Monitoring of Coyote Canyon, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The project will assist California State Parks in managing and protecting the unique natural resources of the Coyote Creek watershed. After first preparing a report that summarizes all existing ecological information and data collected from 1993-2001, the WHC will continue to provide detailed recommendations for an ongoing ecological assessment program.

Ecosystem Health of the San Felipe Watershed
Land containing portions of the San Felipe Creek watershed was recently acquired by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Through collection of baseline data about the vegetation and wildlife in this area, researchers will work to develop long-term management guidelines. One WHC graduate student has begun a study looking at how removal of exotic, invasive plants can change which reptiles, amphibians and small rodents use an area.

Prescribed Fire Management Plan for Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Fire is an important natural component of many ecosystems in California. To address excessive fuel build-up caused by drought and fire suppression, a prescribed fire management plan for Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has been compiled.

Feral Horses in Coyote Canyon
This research project focuses on the collection and analysis of data regarding feral horses and their impact on the environment. Data will be used to document their relationship to bighorn sheep; assess their impact on riparian areas and archeological sites; and formulate management recommendations.