Southern Sycamore-Alder Riparian Woodland

Background

Description and distribution  This community consists of a tall, open, broad-leaved, winter-deciduous streamside woodland dominated by sycamore (Platanus racemosa), and, often, white alder (Alnus rhombifolia). Stands seldom form closed canopy forests. In the Plan area there are some 669 acres of this community, located in various canyons in the San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains: Snow Creek, Millard Canyon, Lion Canyon, Mission Creek, Tahquitz Canyon, Andreas Canyon, Murray Canyon, near Blaisdell Canyon, Tacheva Canyon, and the west fork of Palm Canyon. This community occurs along rocky streambeds subject to occasional high intensity flooding. Alnus increases in abundance on more perennial streams, while Platanus favors more intermittent hydrographs. In the Plan area, 77% currently occurs on public land or private conservation land, a portion of which is part of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation and is not subject to this Plan. The Agua Caliente are, however, preparing a separate MSHCP and every effort will be made to coordinate the two plans. Associated covered species. The species associated with this community are least Bell's vireo, Peninsular bighorn sheep, yellow warbler, yellow-breasted chat, southwestern willow flycatcher, summer tanager, and triple ribbed milkvetch (in the Mission Creek area).