Draft Bear-Human Interaction Monitoring Plan
10/9/2014
Bear-Human Interaction
Monitoring Plan
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Hydro License Implementation • May 2015
Upper American River Project
FERC Project No. 2101
Bear-Human Interaction Monitoring Plan
May 2015
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Upper American River Project i
FERC Project No. 2101
Table of Contents
1.0 Background and Introduction ............................................................................................ 1
2.0 Monitoring Plan Objectives ............................................................................................... 3
4.0 Methods ........................................................................................................................... 7
5.0 Reporting.......................................................................................................................... 8
6.0 Plan Revisions ................................................................................................................. 9
7.0 Literature Cited ............................................................................................................... 10
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Tables, Figures, and Attachments
Table 1. USFS Recreation Facilities Requiring Bear-Proof Trash and Food Storage…………...4
Figure 1. Bear-Human Interaction Study Area ............................................................................ 6
Attachment 1. Condition 31 – Bear Management ................................................................... 11
Attachment 2. Condition 45 – Specific Recreation Measures.................................................. 12
Attachment 3. Bear Encounter Form ...................................................................................... 13
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1.0 Background and Introduction
This bear management monitoring plan was prepared according to the terms and
conditions found in the Order Issuing New License for SMUD’s Upper American River
Project (UARP) issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) (FERC
2014). The FERC License-related conditions which are applicable to this monitoring
plan are included at the end of this plan.
The UARP lies within El Dorado and Sacramento counties, primarily within lands of the
Eldorado National Forest (USFS). The UARP consists of three major storage
reservoirs—Loon Lake, Union Valley, and Ice House (with a combined capacity of
379,622 acre-feet), eight smaller regulating or diversion reservoirs, and eight
powerhouses. The UARP began operations in 1961 and has a generating capacity of
approximately 688 megawatts. The UARP also includes recreation facilities containing
over 700 campsites, five boat ramps, and hiking and bicycling trails at the reservoirs.
California's black bear (Ursus americanus) population has increased over the past 25
years. In 1982, the statewide bear population was estimated to be between 10,000 and
15,000. Presently, the statewide black bear population is conservatively estimated to be
between 25,000 and 30,000. Biologists recognize three regional “subpopulations” of
black bears in California: California-North Coast/Cascade, Sierra Nevada, and Central
Western/Southwestern (CDFW 2015). The Project Area lies within the range of the
Sierra Nevada subpopulation. Forty percent of the statewide black bear population
resides in the Sierra Nevada Mountains ( CDFW 2015). Black bears are widespread
and found throughout the Sierra Nevada region, from foothill habitats to alpine zones.
They generally occur in fairly dense, mature stands of many forest types, valley foothill
riparian, and wet meadow. Black bears are omnivorous, feeding largely on grasses and
forbs, fruits, nuts, insects, and carrion. They require large trees and suitable den sites in
tree and snag hollows, stumps, logs, caves, or holes in the ground. These habitat
elements must be in mature, dense vegetation, and on sheltered slopes for suitable
denning. Most young are born in winter dens from late January to early February.
Conflicts between humans and black bears in high-density recreation areas are a
source of concern for recreation and natural resource managers (Claar et al. 1999).
Black bears are attracted to and consume human food waste and hazardous
human/bear encounters are increasing in many campgrounds and mountain residential
areas, including within the UARP area. Measures to reduce such encounters
implemented in high-use areas like Yosemite National Park include installation of larger,
bear-proof food storage boxes, increased USFS enforcement of food storage rules,
increased frequency of garbage pick-up, and better environmental education for the
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public (Thompson and McCurdy 1995). The USFS uses similar measures at recreation
sites they manage within the UARP area.
Several recreational studies conducted during the UARP relicensing process suggested
a recent increase in bear encounters at UARP-related recreation facilities in the Project
Recreation Area (DTA-LBG 2004c, DTA-LBG 2005f). Further, visitors expressed
concern over the number of encounters and property damage associated with bears in
the vicinity of the campgrounds. Following these episodes, several management
measures were enacted by the USFS, including:
installation of bear-proof food lockers and trash containers at problem
campgrounds,
educational postings at facilities and information stations.
The monitoring described by this plan will be used to determine if the measures above
have been successful in decreasing the number of bear incidents in the UARP.
Additionally, the monitoring will help inform resource managers where there are still
problems that may need to be addressed with additional bear management measures.
SMUD has an additional requirement under the new FERC license to prepare a plan to
install bear-proof food storage and trash receptacles at all facilities described in
Condition 45 - Specific Recreation Measures (Attachment 2), of the USFS’s Section
4(e) conditions, found in Appendix B of the UARP FERC License. The condition
provides SMUD with 2 years to prepare the plan to install bear lockers and requires
SMUD to prepare a schedule for installing the bear-proof food lockers and trash
containers within 5 years of approval of that plan. Information from the monitoring effort
described in the Bear-Human Interaction Monitoring Plan may provide SMUD with data
to schedule and prioritize installation of bear-proof food lockers and trash containers.
Table 1 lists the Project-related recreation facilities that will require this equipment and
an inventory of equipment at those facilities from 2012. SMUD will work with the USFS
to complete the information gaps in Table 1, including surveying these sites in the first
year of monitoring to collect the necessary information.
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2.0 Monitoring Plan Objectives
The primary objectives and rationale for the bear management monitoring program, as
described in Condition No. 31 – Monitoring Program of the USFS’ 4(e) conditions, are:
Monitor effectiveness of measures related to bear management using a method
acceptable to FS, FWS, and CDFG.
This monitoring will help determine if bear management measures used to keep bear
populations away from recreation sites within the UARP are effective. As described in
Settlement Agreement Article 1-6.10;
If, over a 5-year period, monitoring indicates that the number of bear/human interaction
incidents does not decline or decrease in severity, the licensee shall work with FS,
FWS, and CDFG to identify and implement additional measures necessary to reduce
such problems.
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3.0 Study Area and Sampling Locations
Monitoring will take place at the developed, UARP-related recreation facilities within the
Project area (Figure 1 and Table 1). This includes both day-use and overnight facilities.
*Table 1. USFS Recreation Facilities Requiring Bear Proof Trash and
Food Storage
Facility
Existing
Lockers
Existing
Signage
Lockers
Required
by SA
Comment
Campgrounds
Northshore RV CG
N
?
Y
No lockers existing,
15 units
Loon Lake (New
Campground)
NA
?
?
Loon Lake Family CG
Y
?
SA requires
reset
lockers if
needed
62 lockers, 53 units
including 1 double
unit.
Loon Lake Boat
Launch RV Camping
N
?
Y
No lockers, 12
overnight units
Loon Equestrian CG
Y
?
8 lockers, 9 units
Loon Group CG
Y
?
6 lockers, 6 units
Loon Equestrian
Group CG
Y
?
4 lockers, 5 units
Red Fir CG
N
?
Y
No lockers existing, 6
car maximum 25
people.
Pleasant Boat In CG
N
?
Y
No lockers existing,
10 units
Airport Flat CG
Y
?
14 lockers, 16 units
Gerle Creek CG
Y
?
52 lockers, 50 units
including 2 double
Sunset Family CG
N
?
Y
36 lockers, 131 units,
including 8 doubles
Sunset Group, new
campground
NA
?
Y
Fashoda CG
Y
?
Y
30 lockers, 30 units
West Point CG
N
?
Y
West Point Group,
new CG
NA
?
Y
Yellowjacket CG
N
?
Y
No lockers, 40 units
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Wench Family CG
N
?
Y
No lockers, 100 units
Wench Group CG
N
?
Y
No lockers, 100
PAOT, about 6
people per locker.
Wolf Creek Family
CG
Y
?
Y
46 lockers, 42 units
including 4 double
units
Wolf Creek Group CG
Y
?
Y
6 lockers, 100 PAOT.
Azalea Cove CG
N
?
No lockers
Required.
No lockers,
Big Silver Group CG
N
?
Y
No lockers, 100
PAOT with 10 units
Camino Cove CG
N
?
Y
No lockers,
Jones Fork CG
Y
?
?
10 lockers, 10 units
Lone Rock CG
Y
?
?
5 lockers,
Ice House Family CG
N
?
Y
No lockers, 83 units
including 6 doubles
Northwind CG
N
?
Y
No lockers, 9 units
including 1 double
Strawberry Point CG
N
?
Y
No lockers, 10 units
Day-Use Areas
Angel Creek
N
?
Y
Gerle Creek
N
?
Y
Ice House
N
?
Y
Fashoda
N
?
Y
Upper Silver Creek
N
?
Y
Highland Point
N
?
Y
Trailheads
Jones Fork
N/A
?
?
Big Silver
N/A
?
?
Wench Creek
N/A
?
?
Loon Lake
N/A
?
?
*As new facilities are developed, SMUD will incorporate them into the monitoring plan.
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4.0 Methods
Given that the objective of this study is to monitor the effectiveness of measures
implemented subsequent to the relicensing studies and any forthcoming measures, data
will be collected using a post-incident methodology. Recreationists and others will be
encouraged to report all bear/human interactions. To standardize the data, a Bear
Encounter Form (Form) and data collection process has been prepared using an
approach similar to one developed for Denali National Park and Preserve. Much of the
following methodology was adapted from their Bear-Human Conflict Management Plan
(NPS 2003). Attachment 1 contains the Form to be used for the CBRA monitoring.
By using educational postings at the various facilities and through verbal information
provided by camp hosts, all visitors will be encouraged to report any bear incidents.
Educational postings will include the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s
(CDFW) “Keep Me Wild” campaign. Brochures and posters will be provided to SMUD
by CDFW. SMUD will make Forms available at sites or information will be provided to
direct visitors to a location where Forms can be found. SMUD will investigate the use of
an online form tied to a QR code that could be read with a smart phone.
Educational signage will be posted at each campground listed in Table 1 and other
facilities approved by USFS in consultation with SMUD, United States Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS), and CDFW (Agencies). At selected locations approved by USFS in
consultation with SMUD and the Agencies, Forms may be provided in a box attached to
the information sign at the site. The boxes will include a separate locked compartment
for visitors to deposit completed Forms for later collection by SMUD. SMUD will collect
Forms from these sites periodically. At other sites, the visitors will be directed to the
location of a Form. Prior to the first year of monitoring SMUD will survey the facilities in
Table 1 and determine needs for signage and boxes for Forms.
Recreationists will be encouraged to complete Forms for the following bear encounters:
Property damage, injury, food or garbage incidents, including a bear
unsuccessfully trying to get into a garbage can, vehicle, tent or other property.
Observations of bears seen within 0.4 km (1/4 mile) of developed areas
(campgrounds, day-use areas, trailheads, visitor centers, boat ramps, reservoir
shorelines and building complexes).
Other bear-human interactions (i.e. on hiking trails, angling, etc.).
The Form will specify that a separate form should be completed for each separate
interaction. For example, if a bear damages tents in two campground sites in one night,
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two separate Forms should be completed. Collecting complete information in
conjunction with the Form should provide the critical initial information required for
determining what management responses might be necessary. This information will
also help prioritize facilities for the installation of bear resistant food and trash
receptacles as required by Settlement Agreement Article 1-19.
SMUD staff will coordinate annually with USFS staff in implementing the monitoring
program. All completed Forms shall be collected following the end of the recreation
season by SMUD staff or contractors for summarization and in preparation for
generating the annual report. All data will be stored in a GIS spatial database designed
for this purpose. If SMUD has questions related to the information on the Forms and
logs, SMUD will make an effort to contact the visitor or camp host for clarification.
5.0 Reporting
Study output will include an annual written report covering the monitoring effort. The
report will include at a minimum, the frequency, timing, and general locations of bear
incidents during the calendar year and the activities occurring with respect to the people
involved in the incidents. Further discussion will include whether any injuries or
property damage were suffered and any subsequent management actions taken by the
USFS or other agencies. Since a considerable amount of time has passed since the
Settlement Agreement was completed and the USFS has implemented some bear
management measures, the first year’s annual report will include a summary of actions
taken by the USFS and whether they have observed any effect on bear-human
interactions since the measures have been implemented.
SMUD will submit a draft annual monitoring report to the Agencies at the conclusion of
each calendar year, covering the results of monitoring throughout that year. SMUD will
submit the draft report to the Agencies on or before March 1 of the subsequent year.
SMUD will then convene the Annual Review of Ecological Conditions Meeting by April 1
of each year to discuss the draft report, after which SMUD will allow the Agencies at
least 30 days to review and comment on the draft report. SMUD will also invite all
members of the Consultation Group to attend the annual meeting, per the Settlement
Agreement (SMUD et al. 2007).
The final annual report will be filed with FERC by June 30 of the year following
monitoring. SMUD will include in the final report any comments and recommendations
made by the agencies on the draft report.
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Following the installation of all license-required bear-proof receptacles, if monitoring of
bear/human interaction incidents indicates an increase in incidents or severity, SMUD
will consult with the Agencies to identify and implement additional measures to reduce
interactions. Any additional measures shall be approved by USFS. Conversely, if
monitoring of bear/human interaction incidents indicates a decline or decrease in
severity, SMUD may request that monitoring efforts be reduced or eliminated. Any
reduction in monitoring frequency shall be approved by the Agencies.
6.0 Plan Revisions
If SMUD, USFS, CDFW, or SWRCB collaboratively determine that revisions should be
made to the plan, SMUD will make any revisions to the Plan in coordination and
consultation with the listed resource agencies. Any revisions to the plan must be
approved by USFS, CDFW, and SWRCB. Any revisions shall be filed with FERC for
approval prior to implementing.
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7.0 Literature Cited
CDFW (California Department of Fish and Wildlife). 2015. Black Bear Population
Information. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/bear/population.html.
Claar, J.J., N. Anderson, D. Boyd, M. Cherry, B. Conard, R. Hompesch, S. Miller, G.
Olson, H. Ihsle Pac, J. Waller, T. Wittinger, and H. Youmans. 1999. Carnivores.
Pages 7.1-7.63 in Joslin, G., and H. Youmans, coordinators. Effects of recreation
on Rocky Mountain wildlife: A review for Montana. Committee on Effects of
Recreation on Wildlife, Montana, Chapter of The Wildlife Society. 307 pp.
Devine Tarbell & Associates, Inc. (DTA), The Louis Berger Group, Inc. (LBG) 2004c.
Recreation Supply Technical Report. Devine Tarbell & Associates, Inc.,
Sacramento, CA.
Devine Tarbell & Associates, Inc. (DTA), The Louis Berger Group, Inc. (LBG) 2005f.
Visitor Use and Impact Technical Report. Devine Tarbell & Associates, Inc.,
Sacramento, CA.
FERC 2014. Order Issuing New License for the continued operation of the Upper
American River Project, No. 2101. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
Washington, D.C.
National Park Service (NPS). 2003. Denali National Park and Preserve, Bear-Human
Conflict Management Plan. The Wildlife Team, Denali National Park and
Preserve Center for Resources, Science, and Learning. June 2003.130pp.
SMUD et al. 2007. Relicensing Settlement Agreement for the Upper American River
Project and Chili Bar Hydroelectric Project. Sacramento Municipal Utility District,
Sacramento, CA.
Thompson, S., and K. McCurdy. 1995. Black bear management in Yosemite National
Park: more a people management problem. Pages 105-115 in Proceedings of
the 5th Western Black Bear Workshop. February 22-25, 1995, Provo, UT.
J.Auger and H. Black, eds.
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Attachments
Attachment 1. Condition 31 – Bear Management
Terrestrial Wildlife Monitoring
Bear Management
Within 6 months of license issuance, the licensee shall develop a bear management
monitoring plan in consultation with FS, CDFG, FWS. The licensee shall provide FS,
CDFG, FWS a 90-day review and approval period for the monitoring plan prior to
implementation. The licensee shall implement the plan upon approval.
Method: Monitor effectiveness of measures related to bear management using a method
acceptable to FS, FWS, and CDFG.
Frequency: Annually.
Rationale: The alternative includes several measures related to managing bear
populations to keep them away from recreation sites. This monitoring will determine
whether additional or different measures need to be implemented.
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Attachment 2. Condition 45 – Specific Recreation Measures (discusses the plan
for bear-proof equipment)
….
With regard to the bear-proof food storage and trash receptacle facilities described in
this section, within 2 years of license issuance, the licensee shall develop a plan to
install bear-proof food storage lockers and bear-proof trash receptacles at all recreation
facilities identified as lacking such equipment. The plan shall include a schedule for
installing the bear-proof equipment within 5 years of plan approval by the FS and
CDFG. The licensee shall implement the plan according to the schedule.
….
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Attachment 3.
Bear Encounter Form
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19. WHERE DID YOU LEARN TO BEHAVE IN BEAR HABITAT?
A. Park interpretive program E. Posted warnings
B. Backcountry video F. Previous knowledge
C. Park ranger G. Books
D. Park newspaper H. No information received
20. DESCRIPTION OF BEAR-HUMAN INTERACTION:
(Please describe what happened)
21. REPORT COLLECTED BY:___________________________________
22. DATE:___________
Please drop off at Crystal Basin Information Station (12 miles north of Highway 50
on Ice House Road) or mail to:
SMUD License Implementation
P.O. Box 1500
Pollock Pines, CA 95726
BEAR ENCOUNTER FORM
BEAR MANAGEMENT MONITORING
1. PERSON(S) INVOLVED: Name: _____________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
City: _________________________________State:_____________
Zip Code: __________________ Phone: ______________________
Country: _______________________________________________
2. GROUP TYPE: 3. VISITOR ACTIVITY:
A. Visitor A. Camping – Developed campground
B. Concession Employee B. Camping – Dispersed site
C. USFS Employee C. Day Use Area
D. Contractor D. Hiking on maintained trail
E. Other ____________________ E. Other _______________________
4. GROUP SIZE: __________________________
(number of people that encountered the bear)
5. TIME OF ENCOUNTER: Month: _____ Day: _____ Year: ______ Time: _______ am/pm
6. LOCATION OF ENCOUNTER: (Describe exact location (sec 20), map if possible.)
a. Pleasant Campground n. Yellowjacket Campground/Boat Launch
b. Loon Lake Campground/Boat Ramp o. Wolf Creek Campground
c. Loon Lake Chalet p. Wolf Creek Group Campground
d. Northshore RV Campground q. West Point Campground/Boat Launch
e. Red Fir Group Campground r. Wench Creek Campground
f. Gerle Creek Campground Complex s. Wench Creek Group Campground
g. Angel Creek Day Use Area t. Azalea Campground
h. Airport Flat Camp ground u. Lone Rock Campground
i. Sunset Campground/Boat Launch v. Junction Reservoir Boat Launch
j. Fashoda Campground w. Ice House Campground/Boat Launch/Day Use
k. Jones Fork Campground x. Strawberry Point Campground
l. Big Silver Group Campground y. Northshore Campground
m. Union Valley Bike Trail z. Other_______________________________
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7. DESCRIPTION OF BEAR(S): 8. Second Bear 9. Third Bear
A. Color: 1. Blond 1. Blond 1. Blond
2. Light brown 2. Light brown 2. Light brown
3. Cinnamon 3. Cinnamon 3. Cinnamon
4. Dark brown 4. Dark brown 4. Dark brown
5. Black 5. Black 5. Black
B. Size: 1. Small 1. Small 1. Small
2. Medium 2. Medium 2. Medium
3. Large 3. Large 3. Large
4. Unknown 4. Unknown 4. Unknown
C. Age: 1. Spring cub 1. Spring cub 1. Spring cub
2. Yearling 2. Yearling 2. Yearling
3. Sub-adult 3. Sub-adult 3. Sub-adult
4.Adult 4. Adult 4. Adult
5. Unknown 5. Unknown 5. Unknown
D. Sex: 1. Male 1. Male 1. Male
2. Female 2. Female 2. Female
3. Unknown 3. Unknown 3. Unknown
10. WHAT WAS THE BEAR DOING WHEN YOU FIRST SAW IT
A. Feeding on human food H. Walking towards people
B. Feeding on garbage I. Running towards people
C. Feeding on vegetation J. Running away from people
D. Digging K. Traveling
E. Standing L. Playing
F. Resting M. Investigating property
G. Hunting N. Other____________________________
11. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU SAW THE BEAR?
A. Sleeping E. Sitting
B. Eating/cooking F. Photographing
C. Hiking G. Setting up/Breaking camp
D. Running H. Other_____________________________
12. HOW DID THE BEAR REACT TO YOU?
A. Not aware of people H. Watched people
B. Stood on hind legs I. Walked towards people
C. Growled/woofed/made noise J. Circled around people
D. Walked away K. Bluff charged
E. Ran away L. Made contact with person
F. Ran towards people M. Investigated equipment/property
G. Remained in area ignoring people N. Other__________________________________
13. WHAT DID YOU DO THEN?
A. Walked away/ backed away F. Made noise (talked, yelled, banged pots)
B. Ran away G. Threw something at bear
C. Remained still/quiet H. Photographed bear
D. Continued hiking same direction I. Abandoned property (pack, tent, gear)
E. Used pepper spray K. Other _________________________________
14. HOW DID THE BEAR REACT?
A. Walked away G. Watched people
B. Ran away H. Circled around people
C. Walked towards people I. Bluff charged
D. Ran closer J. Made contact with person
E. Remained in area ignoring people K. Investigated property
F. Stood on hind legs L. Other _________________________________
15. HOW CLOSE DID YOU COME TO THE BEAR (ft)? ___________________________
16. WAS HUMAN FOOD PRESENT?
A. Food not in bear resistant container D. Food hung in tree
B. Food in bear resistant container E. No food present
C. Food odor only F. Unknown
17. WAS HUMAN FOOD EATEN BY THE BEAR?
A. No B. Yes (what?)_________________________________________________________
C. Unknown
18. WAS PROPERTY DAMAGED? A. No B. Yes (list property and estimate costs)