The Pechanga Environmental Department is excited to announce a quarterly photo contest! The winning

photo will be featured in our quarterly environmental newsletter.

Due dates for Submission :

1st quarter due March 1st

2nd quarter due June 1st

3rd quarter due Sept 1st

4th quarter due Dec 1st

Quarterly Photo Contest

Contest Rules:

-Photo entries must be of the Pechanga Indian Reservation and all of which it contains.

-Only one photo, per person, may be submitted each season.

-A brief description of the photo, including location, must accompany the entry.

-The winning photo will be chosen by an impartial panel of judges.

-All entries may be printed or displayed by the Pechanga Environmental Department for non-monetary purposes.

'anó'. “Coyote” Canis latrans are among the most

adaptable mammals in North America. They are

omnivorous, eating plants, animals, and carrion.

Winning Photo by Karen Drain

For submittal and more

information contact the

Environmental

Department at 951-770-

6154, or stop by the

office.

Environmental Department

12705 Pechanga Road PO Box 1477

Temecula, CA 92593-1477

Thank you for recycling this newsletter when finished!

What are Invasive Plants? Invasive, exotic or introduced plants are species which are

not native to a particular area or region. The term biological

pollution refers to a disturbance in an ecosystem by deliberate

or accidental introduction of a foreign species into an envi-

ronment. Invasive plants compete or displace native species,

diminish cultural resources, contribute to fire and flood con-

trol issues, threaten wildlife, consume valuable water re-

sources and contribute to degradation of water quality.

Invasive Plants on Pechanga Reservation!

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Bed Bugs 2

Do I have Mold in My

Home 3

Water Conservation Tips

4

Tribal Air Shed

Designation 5

Wildlife of Pechanga

Reservation 6

Spring Flowers of

Pechanga 7

Quarterly Photo

Contest 8

The Manzanita Minute Environmental Department Newsletter

2 0 1 5A P R I L – J U N E

What can I do? Don’t use plants in your yard which are potential invaders.

The best option when landscaping is to select native plants

which are adapted to the local climate and ecosystem. Learn

about invasive plants and watch for plants which are not fa-

miliar or become more predominant in an area.

Contact the Environmental Department should you have any

concern or questions about identifying a plant.

Salt Cedar

Tamarix ramosissima

It is a non-native plant

which is extremely

invasive, fast-growing,

and destructive to the

soil, native plants, and water

sources. Mature stands can take in

up to 200 gallons of water per day.

Flowering

Plants to avoid for

landscaping:

Pampas Grass Fountain grass

English Ivy Periwinkle Brooms Acacia

Eucalyptus Crystalline Ice plant

Pampas Grass

Cortaderia selloana

It is a non-native

plant which is ex-

tremely invasive.

Each plume produc-

es up to 100,000

seeds that are dis-

persed by the wind and develop without fertiliza-

tion on bare grounds. This species outcometes

native grasses and shrubs while providing no habi-

tat for native animals. When fully mature pampas

grass is an extreme fire hazard.

Flowering

Tree-of-heaven

Ailanthus altissima

A non-native tree is a fast-growing tree and

an abundant seeder, that can take over

sites, replacing native plants and forming

dense thickets. Ailanthus also produces

chemicals that prevent the establishment of

other plant species nearby. Its root system

may be extensive and has been known to

cause damage to sewers and foundations.

Tree Tobacco

Nicotiana glauca

It is a non-native plant

which displaces native

plants. Tree tobacco is a

self-pollinator, which allows

it to be a high-volume seed

producer. Hummingbirds

visit this tree’s flowers in-

stead of the native shrubs.

Tree tobacco contains a

toxic alkaloid called anabasine which is poison-

ous to livestock and other foraging animals.

Flowering

Sources: California Invasive

Plant Council, USDA Plants database. CalFlora, CalPhotos

Bed Bugs !

P A G E 2April - June 2015

Why be concerned about bedbugs? In recent years there has been an increase in the occurrence of bedbugs and bedbug

infestations in the U.S. While bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases, they are a

nuisance and difficult to eradicate once an infestation has occurred. Bedbugs are trans-

ported quite easily and are good “hitchhikers” on things such as luggage, bags, furniture,

boxes, and clothing.

Identifying a bedbug and evidence of their presence… Adult bed bugs are nocturnal, flattened, oval shaped, rusty red colored, wingless insects

and are about 1/5 of an inch long (about the size of an apple seed).

Signs of infestation on bed sheets or mattresses include dark spots

(about this size: •), rusty or reddish stains, tiny white eggs and egg-

shells (about 1mm) similar to rice, or the presence of live bedbugs.

Prevention is Key... Bedbugs can be quite resilient. Their spread has been caused in large part by travel and pesticide resistance, so the first step in

mitigating a bedbug problem is prevention. The following are a few suggestions to help avoid transporting bedbugs and potential

infestations:

When traveling, avoid placing luggage or

clothing on the floor, on beds or uphol-

stered furniture. Check the headboards

and mattresses for signs of bedbugs. Pack

and sort dirty clothes into plastic bags.

When returning home, check luggage

carefully and unpack directly into wash-

ing machines. See online resources for

additional travel tips.

In the home, reduce clutter—bedbugs like

hiding places! Protect mattresses from

potential infestations by purchasing mat-

tress covers specially designed for bed-

bug prevention. Check any secondhand

furniture for signs of infestation prior to

bringing in your home.

Source: USEPA http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/bedbugs

Common Bed Bug Myths!

Areas to inspect in your home and hotels

Life cycle of the bed bug, starting from the top left, moving counterclock-

wise: eggs (1mm), 1st stage nymph (1.5 mm), 2nd stage nymph (2 mm), 3rd stage nymph (2.5 mm), 4th stage nymph (3 mm), 5th stage nymph (1.5 mm), unfed adult (5.5 mm), and fed adult. Photo Credit: Stephen Doggett, Depart-

ment of Medical Entomology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Source: USEPA http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/bedbugs

If you find them?

Myth: You can’t see a bed bug.

Myth: Bed bugs live in dirty places.

Myth: Bed bugs transmit diseases.

Myth: Bed bugs won’t come out if the room is

brightly lit.

Myth: Pesticide applications alone will easily

eliminate bed bug infestations.

Depending on the level of infestation, bedbugs can be difficult

to control.

If you choose to try and manage on your own; use pesticides

properly. ALWAYS follow the instructions on the label.

Infested items which are not appropriate for pesticide use

may be treated with heat/steam (see online resources for details).

Items do not necessarily have to be thrown away! Clothing

laundered in hot water at 120°minimum or items placed in a

dryer on medium to high heat for 10-20 minutes can be effec-

tive.

Consulting a Pest Control Professional may be the best op-

tion for heavy infestations.

April - June 2015 P A G E 7

Spring Flowers on Pechanga Reservation

Have you seen this flowers?

If not take a little time out of your busy schedule and enjoy!

Wild Hyacinth “Indian Potato / Blue Dicks”

(Dichelostmma capitatum)

Southern Checkerbloom

Tidy Tips (Layoa platglossa)

Woolly Indian paintbrush

(Castilleja foliolosa)

Owl’s clover, purple owl’s clover

(Castilleja exserta)

Desert Bluebells (Phacelia campanularia)

Suncups (Camissonia bistorta)

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

“Procyon lotor” Scientific Name

Characteristics: The raccoon has gray to brown fur. It has a black mask

around its eyes with white fur around the mask. It has a stripe that runs

from its forehead to its nose and white fur around its nose. It has a bushy,

ringed tail and black paws with five toes. The raccoon's paws look a little

like human hands. The raccoon's toes are flexible and it is very good at

grabbing, pulling things apart and holding things. The raccoon is a very good

climber and can go down a tree backwards or face first!

Range: The raccoon can be found in most of the United States. It is also

found in southern Canada and from Mexico to northern South America.

Diet: The raccoon is omnivorous and opportunistic. Common foods include

fruits, nuts berries, insects, rodents, frogs, eggs, and crayfish. In some rural

areas, corn is a large part of the raccoon's diet. In suburban and urban areas

it often forages through trash cans for food. If water is near, the raccoon will sometimes put its paws in the water . It looks like it

is washing its food, but it is not. The raccoon is “fishing” and looking for snails, crawfish, frogs, and other tasty things to eat.

Behavior: The raccoon is mostly nocturnal. It is also solitary, except for mothers and their young. In the winter the raccoon may

sleep in its den for a few weeks but it does not hibernate. The raccoon usually walks, but it can run at speeds of up to 15 miles an

hour. It is also a good swimmer and often hunts for food in the water. The raccoon makes a variety of vocalizations including hiss-

es, whistles, screams, growls and snarls.

The Pechanga Environmental Team has Wildlife Cameras located throughout the Reservation to capture pictures of the wildlife.

If you would like to see wildlife photos, stop by the Environmental Department Office or schedule a time to view them. Call the

Team at 951-770-6154.

Photo of a Raccoon located on Pechanga Reservation

Finish

Can you make your way

to find the Raccoon

P A G E 6April - June 2015

Photo of a Raccoon Located on Pechanga Reservation

Wildlife of Pechanga Reservation

pá'yamal “Raccoon”

Kids Corner

Have You

Seen ME?

P A G E 3April - June 2015

Do I have MOLD in My Home?

Why is there Mold in my Home?

Mold spores may enter your house from the out-

side through open doorways, windows, heating,

ventilation, and air conditioning systems with out-

door air intakes. Spores in the air outside also at-

tach themselves to people and animals, making

clothing, shoes, bags, and pets convenient vehicles

for carrying mold indoors.

When mold spores drop on places where there is

excessive moisture, such as where leakage may

have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or

where there has been flooding, they will grow.

Many building materials provide suitable nutrients

that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose mate-

rials, including paper and paper products, card-

board, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are

particularly conducive for the growth of some

molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, wallpa-

per, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and

upholstery, commonly support mold growth.

Mold cannot grow without water or moisture.

What is Mold ?

Molds are organisms that may be found indoors and outdoors. They are part of the natural environment and play an im-

portant role in the environment by breaking down and digesting organic material, such as dead leaves. Also called fungi or

mildew, molds are neither plants nor animals; they are part of the kingdom Fungi.

Potential Health Effects of Mold in Homes:

Mold exposure does not always present a problem indoors, unless mold

spores land on wet or damp spots and begin growing. Molds have the

potential to cause health problems. Some people that are sensitive to

molds may experience symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation,

wheezing, or skin irritation when exposed to molds. Allergic reactions to

molds are common, and could be immediate or delayed. Some people

may have more severe reactions to molds. Severe reactions may include

fever and shortness of breath. Immunocompromised persons and per-

sons with chronic lung diseases like COPD are at increased risk for op-

portunistic infections and may develop fungal infections in their lungs.

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evi-

dence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract

symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma

symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis

in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM

also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure

and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

How do you keep mold out of buildings and homes?

As part of routine building maintenance, buildings should be inspected for evidence of water damage and visible mold. The con-

ditions causing mold (such as water leaks, condensation, infiltration, or flooding) should be corrected to prevent mold from

growing.

Specific Recommendations:

Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%--all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you

keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air

and the air temperature, so you will need to check the hu-

midity levels more than once a day.

Use air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.

Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust

fans in kitchen and bathrooms.

Use mold inhibitors which can be added to paints.

Clean bathroom with mold-killing products.

Do not carpet bathrooms.

Remove and replace flooded carpets

Magnified Mold

Spores

Molds gradually destroy the

things they grow on. You

can prevent damage to

your home and furnishings,

save money, and avoid po-

tential health problems by

controlling moisture and

eliminating mold growth

Source: www.epa.gov/mold

Water Conservation Tips

P A G E 4 April - June 2015

Indoor Water Conservation

Tips

Bathroom

Check for toilet leaks by adding

food coloring to the tank. If

you have a leak, the color will

appear in the bowl within 30

minutes. Leaky toilets usually

can be fixed inexpensively by

replacing the flapper.

Replace your showerhead with

an ultra-low-flow version.

Don't let the water run while

brushing your teeth, washing

your face, or shaving.

Kitchen

Operate dishwashers only

when they are full. Use the

"light wash" feature. Most dish-

washers can clean soiled dishes

very well, so you don’t have to

rinse before washing.

When hand washing dishes,

save water by filling two con-

tainers - one with soapy water

and the other with rinse water

containing a small amount of

chlorine bleach.

Don’t use running water to

thaw meat or other frozen

foods. Defrost food overnight

in the refrigerator, or use the

defrost setting on your micro-

wave.

Don’t waste water waiting for

it to get hot or cold. Capture it

for other uses such as plant

watering.

Kitchen sink disposals require

lots of water. Start a compost

pile as an alternate way to dis-

pose of food waste.

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

If you have a well at home, check your pump periodically. If the pump turns on and off while

water is not being used, you have a leak.

Car Washing

Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose, so that water flows only as needed. When finished,

turn it off at the faucet to avoid leaks.

Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park

on the grass so that you will be watering it at the same time.

Lawn Care

Don't overwater your lawn. Lawns only need to be watered

every five to seven days in the summer, and every 10 to 14

days in the winter. A heavy rain eliminates the need for water-

ing for up to two weeks.

Water in several short sessions rather than one long one in

order for your lawn to better absorb moisture.

Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and

not on paved areas.

Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be

sure they operate properly. Set a timer to remind yourself to

turn manual sprinklers off. A garden hose can pour out 600

gallons in only a few hours.

Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches, or to its

highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow

deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture.

Try planting drought-tolerant and regionally adapted plants in

areas that are hard to water or that receive little use.

Pool

If you have a swimming pool, consider installing a new water-

saving pool filter. A single backflushing with a traditional filter

uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.

Cover pools and spas when not in use to reduce evaporation

of water.

Long Term Outdoor

Conservation Tips

Plant native and/or

drought-tolerant grass-

es, ground covers,

shrubs, and trees. They

don’t need water as

frequently and usually

will survive a dry peri-

od without watering.

Install water efficient

irrigation devices, such

as micro and drip irri-

gation and soaker hos-

es.

Use mulch to retain

moisture in the soil.

Mulch also helps con-

trol weeds that com-

pete with landscape

plants for water.

Figure 4.5 is a public report from

the Santa Margarita River Water-

shed “Annual Watermaster Report”

Water Year 2011-2012. This docu-

ment can be found with the follow-

ing link:

http://www.wmwd.com/

DocumentCenter/View/2135

April - June 2015 P A G E 5

Pechanga has just received a ruling from the EPA on the designation for attainment for

the 1997 8-hour Ozone standard on the Pechanga Reservation. The Pechanga Reserva-

tion is now its own air quality planning area for all federal ozone standards. The im-

portance of monitoring for Ozone and being in ‘attainment’ is for the health and safety of

the Pechanga Tribe. Ozone pollution can cause inflammation and irritation of respiratory

airways, coughing, shortness of breath, reduced lung function, asthma symptoms and

increased hospitalizations for respiratory causes. Children and the elderly are most im-

pacted by ozone pollution. Pechanga joins the few tribes who have received this designa-

tion. This has been an effort between Pechanga Environmental staff and EPA with the

support of the Pechanga Tribal Council.

This new rule adopted by EPA

outlines the revised boundaries

between nonattainment areas

in Southern California to re-

designate the Pechanga Reser-

vation as a separate air quality

planning area for the 1997 8-

hour ozone standard. The

agency has approved Pechanga Tribe’s re-designation request and

maintenance plan for the Pechanga Reservation air quality planning area

based on technical data and other information that demonstrate attain-

ment of the 1997 8-hour ozone standard. The data collected has shown

that the air quality meets this EPA standard for Ozone and the Environ-

mental Department will continue to monitor and manage the data to en-

sure a sustainable program.

Tribal Airshed Designation

“For the reasons set forth in the

proposed rule and in response to

comments above, the EPA is tak-

ing final action to establish the

Pechanga Reservation as a sepa-

rate air quality planning area for

the 1997 8-hour ozone standard,

to approve the Tribe's submittal

of the Pechanga Ozone Mainte-

nance Plan, and to approve the

Tribe's request to redesignate the

newly-designated Pechanga Res-

ervation air quality planning area

from nonattainment to attain-

ment for the 1997 8-hour ozone

standard.” – Federal Register

April 3, 2015. The Federal Reg-

ister link to the website.

https://

www.federalregister.gov/

articles/2015/04/03/2015-

07534/approval-of-tribal-

implementation-plan-and-

designation-of-air-quality-

planning-area-pechanga-band-of

Pechanga Air Station’s inlets and sensors located on the

roof of the Pechanga Government Center

Pechanga Air Station’s analyzers located inside Pechanga Government Cen-