Oak woodland
Oak- woodlands are
typically found on valley floors, foothills, fault-lines, and mesas.
Oak dominated landscapes have understories of grasslands or coastal-sage-scrub
with forbs, leaf litter, and woody debris. Oak-woodlands provide habitat
for over 300 species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
Urban and agricultural
developments have eliminated oaks from much of their former geographic
ranges. Cattle grazing, introduced plant species, tree removal, increased
urban runoff, and soil compaction around oak tree roots have contributed
to degradation of oak-woodland systems.