Center for the State of the Parks: Park Assessments
Southern California’s Mediterranean Biome Parks
Published April 2008
The Mediterranean biome is one of the rarest and most biologically diverse ecotypes on the planet, and because it has been favored by humans for thousands of years, it is one of the most highly altered as well. Covering a mere 2 percent of Earths total land area in five distinct regions, this biome is characterized by evergreen or drought-resistant deciduous shrublands, located on western coasts between 30° to 40° latitudenorth and south.
In the United States, three national parks are part of the Park Services Mediterranean Coast Network and exist entirely within the Mediterranean biome: Channel Islands National Park, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and Cabrillo National Monument. Recognizing the unique natural and cultural resources resident in the Mediterranean biome, the Center for State of the Parks endeavored to determine the conditions of natural and cultural resources in these three national parks.
Center for State of the Parks® researchers used established, peer-reviewed methodologies to systemically rate conditions of both natural and cultural resources at Channel Islands National Park, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and Cabrillo National Monument. Southern California's Mediterranean Biome Parks: A Resource Assessment describes these sites and their significance, and summarizes resource conditions. Also noted are funding and staffing considerations, park planning efforts, resource education opportunities, and external support provided by volunteers and partner organizations.
What You Can Do To Help Southern California's Mediterranean Biome Parks
- Participate in park planning efforts: The public is invited to provide input on all park plans and studies. Channel Islands National Park is currently updating its general management plans. Copies of the parks’ planning documents and information on opportunities for public involvement can be found online (www.nps.gov/chis, www.nps.gov/cabr, and www.nps.gov/samo).
- Support or become a member of a group helping to protect the parks: NPCA, Santa Cruz Island Foundation, Cabrillo National Monument Foundation, Western National Parks Association, the Santa Monica Mountains Fund, The Friends of Satwiwa, Trust for Public Land, and other regional organizations.
- Volunteer in the parks. Many parks are looking for dedicated people who can lend a helping hand. To learn about volunteer opportunities, contact the parks: Channel Islands National Park, 805.658.5730; Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, 805.370.2301; Cabrillo National Monument, 619.557.5450; or visit www.volunteer.gov.
- Become an NPCA activist and learn about legislative initiatives and protection projects affecting parks. When you join our activist network, you will receive Park Lines, a monthly electronic newsletter with the latest park news and ways you can help. Join by visiting www.npca.org/takeaction.
