The pechanga band of indians is requesting funding from the USFWS tribal wildlife grant for the implementation of phase two of a wildlife management project for the biologically and culturally…

The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians received a $188,538 Project Grant award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Tribal Wildlife Grants program (CFDA 15.639), effective September 1, 2025, with a completion date of December 31, 2026. Phase Two of this wildlife management project focuses on conservation of two sensitive species—the southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) and burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)—within the Audie Murphy Preserve in California. Key deliverables include critical habitat mapping, population assessments for both target species, development of an invasive species management plan, implementation of invasive species control strategies to restore critical habitat, and creation of a public outreach and education program that engages the community while protecting sensitive ecosystems.

The project integrates wildlife conservation with cultural preservation objectives, addressing both biotic resources (the target species) and abiotic cultural resources within the project area. Expected outcomes include protection and active management of the two sensitive species, restoration of desert scrub and riparian habitats, and community education initiatives that support ecosystem stewardship while maintaining the cultural significance of the preserve for tribal members.

The pechanga band of indians is requesting funding from the USFWS tribal wildlife grant for the implementation of phase two of a wildlife management project for the biologically and culturally sensitive southwestern pond turtle (actinemys pallida actinemys marmorata) and burrowing OWL (athene cunicularia). The goal of the project is to restore and manage sensitive species and ecosystems in a way that honors and preserves the rich and vulnerable cultural resources of the audie murphy preserve (project area). The objectives of this grant application are: 1) conduct critical habitat mapping, 2) determine species population needs for a. Marmorata and a cunicularia, 3) develop an invasive species management plan, 4) begin implementation of invasive species management strategies to restore critical habitat for a. Marmorata and a. Cunicularia following completion of objectives 1-3, and, 5) create and implement a public outreach and education plan that allows for community participation in conservation while minimizing potential negative impacts to species and ecosystems. The anticipated benefits of the project include: 1) protection and preservation of biotic (pond turtle, burrowing OWL) and abiotic cultural resources, 2) active management and protection of two sensitive species, 3) restoration of sensitive and vanishing desert scrub and riparian habitats, and, 4) community education and outreach.