Tag Archive for: San Miguel Habitat Management Area

Over 250 different species of flora and fauna, and more than 25 special status species are found in the San Miguel Habitat Management Area, a a 240-acre biological reserve owned and maintained by the Otay Water District. Photo: Otay Water District

Otay Water District Habitat Management Preserves Biodiversity, Water Quality

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The Otay Water District’s efforts to preserve local habitat contribute to the region’s biodiversity and support healthy ecosystems, which are crucial for maintaining water quality for its customers and throughout San Diego County.

The San Miguel Habitat Management Area (HMA) is a 240-acre biological reserve owned and maintained by the Otay Water District. It is located within the City of Chula Vista and lies at the base of Mount Miguel and the San Miguel Mountains, surrounded by water reservoirs and the former Salt Creek Golf Course.

Otay Environmental Compliance Specialist Juliana Luengas works to help preserve local habitat which contributes to the region’s biodiversity and supports healthy ecosystems, which are crucial for maintaining water quality. Photo: Otay Water District

Otay Environmental Compliance Specialist Juliana Luengas works to help preserve local habitat which contributes to the region’s biodiversity and supports healthy ecosystems, which are crucial for maintaining water quality. Photo: Otay Water District

The HMA was established in 1994 under a joint agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, fulfilling requirements established by the Endangered Species Act.

The HMA is comprised of wetlands, coastal sage scrub, and native grasslands. Over 250 different species of flora and fauna, and more than 25 special status species were found within the HMA in a 2022 survey. Some of these species include the coastal California gnatcatcher, the least Bell’s vireo, the Quino checkerspot butterfly, the burrowing owl, the coastal cactus wren, the Otay tarplant, and the variegated dudleya.

Mountain bluebirds are one of the bird species found in the San Miguel Habitat Management Area. Photo: Otay Water District

Mountain bluebirds are one of the bird species found in the San Miguel Habitat Management Area. Photo: Otay Water District

“The San Miguel Habitat Management Area reflects Otay’s commitment to protecting native species and preserving natural resources while delivering safe, reliable water to our community,” says Otay Environmental Compliance Specialist Juliana Luengas.

Habitat Preservation Helps Maintain Water Quality

Water agencies preserve habitat to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply for current and future needs, while also supporting healthy ecosystems and communities. Habitat preservation is crucial for maintaining water quality, regulating water flow, and providing valuable ecosystem services. Healthy habitats also support biodiversity, protect endangered species, and enhance recreational opportunities.

Flower of the Otay tarplant, a species within the San Miguel Habitat Management area. Photo: Otay Water District

In 2023, the Otay Water District was awarded a grant through the SANDAG TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program for Threat Reduction in the HMA. This program has allocated $4 million annually to help maintain the biological integrity of San Diego County.

Ongoing activities within the San Miguel HMA include updating wildlife surveys and site maintenance.

Public Help Needed To Prevent Trespassing Damage to Habitat

Posted signs remind the public about the need for habitat preservation by avoiding trespassing in the San Miguel HMA. Photo: Otay Water District

Posted signs remind the public about the need for habitat preservation by avoiding trespassing in the San Miguel HMA. Photo: Otay Water District

Recently, the Otay Water District has been using these funds to combat the increased threat of illegal trespassing. The HMA has experienced increased illegal entrance and the creation of trails, which have caused severe damage to native habitats and sensitive species it was created to protect.

The District aims to reduce the number of recreational trespassers, including mountain bikers, hikers, dirt bikers, and ATV riders along the perimeter fencing, and reduce disturbance to habitats throughout the HMA.

Members of the community are reminded that the San Miguel HMA is private property, and recreational use or any trespassing, such as hiking or biking, is not permitted. The public is asked to refrain from feeding wildlife or littering.

Violations will result in arrests, fines, vehicle confiscation, and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. Residents are asked to report any trespassing by calling the City of Chula Vista Police at (619) 691-5151.

More information about the San Miguel HMA can be found at otaywater.gov/HMA.

Burrowing owls get a helping hand with new habitat from the Otay Water District. Photo: Otay Water District burrowing owl homes

Otay Water District Gives Burrowing Owl Homes a Makeover

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Burrowing owl homes maintained by the Otay Water District received a modern makeover this year. As part of its ongoing environmental mitigation efforts, the District managed construction of new nesting burrows to encourage breeding.

Ten acres of the 240-acre, District-owned San Miguel Habitat Management Area reserve, or HMA, and mitigation bank in eastern Chula Vista is a dedicated native grasslands area where the new artificial burrows are located. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife has designated burrowing owls as a “Species of Special Concern.” They are also protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

A burrowing owl in an old style burrow prior to remodeling. Photo: Otay Water Districr

A burrowing owl in an old style burrow prior to remodeling. Photo: Otay Water District

In 2019 with CDFW’s guidance, the District began planning for the retrofit of existing artificial burrows and installation of several new burrows with the most current burrow design, intending to allow for maximized breeding success. The project also enhances the value of the native grassland habitat by removing invasive plants that surround most of the artificial burrows.

“The District’s project to enhance the existing burrowing owl habitat is so important because the HMA is a protected area where the owls can safely live and breed,” said Lisa Coburn-Boyd, Otay Water District environmental compliance specialist. “Increasingly, in San Diego County, the burrowing owl population is declining because of habitat loss and fragmentation.”

Small raptors active during the day

Burrowing owls are small owls with bright yellow eyes. Unlike other owls, burrowing owls are active during the day.

Burrowing owls are also quite social. This small raptor lives among others of its own species in loose groups of up to several hundred individuals. They measure seven to 11 inches long and weigh five to nine ounces. Their diet consists of insects, small rodents, amphibian and reptile species, and carrion.

Burrowing owls will take over old mammal burrows as their homes. But in areas where small mammals aren’t present, they will also nest in shallow, underground, human-made structures.

Burrowing owl homes remodeled using new design

This year, the Otay Water District used the updated burrow design recommended by the CDFW and developed by the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Photo: Otay Water District

This year, the Otay Water District used the updated burrow design recommended by the CDFW and developed by the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Photo: Otay Water District

Originally, the District constructed 15 artificial burrows in 2003 as mitigation for impacts to burrowing owl burrows due to reservoir construction and the creation of the former Salt Creek Golf Course. The original burrows used an older design of the artificial burrows and their native grasslands habitat. Although the HMA had regular burrowing owl visitors during that time, breeding success was limited with no owl breeding pairs.

This year, the Otay Water District used the updated burrow design recommended by the CDFW and developed by the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. The District retrofitted and enhanced five existing burrows and installed six new burrows. During construction of the burrows in January and February, two burrowing owls seemed interested in the construction. No breeding pairs have used the burrows this season. The District hopes they will be back to move into the newly completed burrows.

See burrowing owls on the San Diego Safari Park’s live webcam.