We, Ventura residents, commend the City's efforts to support monarch butterfly habitats at Camino Real Park. However, recent tree removals and inadequate General Plan protections threaten monarchs, nesting birds, and sensitive ecosystems.
Concerns:
1. Habitat Loss: Tree removals near monarch overwintering sites (e.g., Harmony Community, Vista Del Mar, Ocean Park, Harbor Boulevard) contributed to a 50% Western Monarch population decline (Xerces Society, 2023–2024).
2. Inadequate General Plan Protections: The draft General Plan fails to acknowledge vital ecosystems like the Ventura and Santa Clara River Estuaries and lacks specific policies for monarch roosts, nesting birds, or sensitive habitats. The Biological Resources Background Report omits key species tracked by the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), rendering protections vague and ineffective.
3. Lack of Habitat Connectivity: The General Plan does not address habitat connectivity, critical for compliance with the "Room to Roam" Act (effective 2028), risking permanent loss of ecological linkages as development expands.
4. Deficient Tree and Open Space Policies: The City's 2020 Master Tree Plan lacks enforceable protections for nesting birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or monarch roosts. The Open Space and Parks Element (POS-7) fails to define or prioritize sensitive biological resources.
Call to Action:
We urge the City of Ventura to adopt comprehensive, science-based protections for monarch butterflies and sensitive biological resources by incorporating the following into the General Plan:
1. Explicit Habitat Protections: Identify and protect the Ventura River Estuary, Santa Clara River Estuary, monarch roost sites, pollinator habitats, and nesting bird areas, with clear, enforceable policies.
2. Define Key Terms: Include definitions for "sensitive biological resources" and related terms in the General Plan Glossary to ensure clarity and accountability.
3. Strengthen Urban Forestry: Amend the Master Tree Plan and Urban Forestry Program to include protections for nesting birds, monarch roosts, and other sensitive species, aligning with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Western monarch conservation strategies.
4. Room to Roam Compliance: Introduce an implementation program to proactively address habitat connectivity, ensuring compliance with the "Room to Roam" Act and preserving ecological linkages.
5. Site-Specific Management Plans: Develop monarch roost management plans that balance public safety and habitat preservation, requiring impact assessments and mitigation for tree removals in sensitive areas.
6. Balanced Fire Safety Approach: Adopt a science-based approach to fire risk management that preserves mature trees and wildlife corridors, ensuring conservation and safety coexist.
**Why This Matters:**
Ventura's natural heritage, including its monarch overwintering sites, enriches our community and supports biodiversity. Stronger protections will safeguard these assets for future generations, enhance public green spaces, and position Ventura as a leader in environmental stewardship.
**Sign This Petition** to urge Ventura's leadership to prioritize monarch recovery, protect sensitive habitats, and adopt robust ecological policies in the General Plan. Together, we can preserve our city's natural legacy for residents, visitors, and wildlife.
Next Public Hearings
May 13-15 City Council Meetings on Draft General Plan
click here to comment
https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/27/Government
[References: Western Monarch Count Map (https://westernmonarchcount.org/map-of-overwintering-sites/), Xerces Society 2023–2024 Count, California Natural Diversity Database, "Room to Roam" Act, Simi Valley General Plan (Natural Resources), Thousand Oaks General Plan (Conservation, Parks and Open Space), Ventura County General Plan (Conservation and Open Space).]
