We propose to conduct a study of the point lobos population of gowen cypress to assess the threats to persistence in order to inform management

Specifically, we will sample the population to characterize its abundance, stage distribution, recruitment, and threats. Sampling will be conducted in permanently monumented and georeferenced plots, which can be monitored in the future to assess population changes. Task 1: assess the point lobos ranch gowen cypress population: in this task, we will conduct an initial assessment of the population to design the monitoring study. The task includes work to prepare for and conduct the qualitative assessment which will generally evaluate the stand distribution, assess the stand structure, and evaluate conditions that can be quantified during monitoring. Task 2: sample the population and characterize threats: we will use sample plots to assess stand density, stage structure, and recruitment, and to evaluate threats including vegetation management, exotic plants, and senescence risk. Plots will be located randomly within the stand, so that the plot data will represent the populations. Within each plot, data will be collected on the age size structure using stage classes (e.g. seedlings, juveniles, and adults of various classes based on diameter at breast height). Threats will be categorized for each plot. Plots will be permanently monumented and georeferenced, allowing future monitoring.