Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP 2018-0007; VALLEY VIEW; BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES SURVEY UPDATE; 2019-10-01AN UPDATED BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES SURVEY REPORT FOR THE VALLEY VIEW PROJECT GPA 2018-0001, ZC 2018-0001, SDP 2018-0007, HDP 2018-0004, HMP 2018-0004, MS 2018-0007, (DEV2018-0099) APN 209-040-43 Carlsbad, California Prepared for Land Development, LLC P.O, Box 12409 El Cajon, CA 92022 (619) 482-0363 Prepared by Vincent N. Scheidt Certified Biological Consultant 3158 Occidental Street San Diego, CA 92122 (858) 457-3873 Second Revision October 2019 Revised December 2018 August 2018 Vincent N. Scheidt, MA Certified Biological Consultant City of Carlsbad DEC 2 6 1019 Planning Division SUMMARY OF FINDINGS The Valley View Project (GPA 2018-0001, ZC 201&.0001, SDP 2018-0007, HDP 2018-0004, HMP 2018-0004, MS 2018-0007, (DEV2018-0099) proposes the construction of an 11,404 square foot industrial office building with associated improvements, including landscaping, parking areas, etc. on an existing, 6.34-acre parcel of vacant land (APN 209-040-43) located north and east of Palmer Way between Impala Drive and Cougar Drive in the City of Carlsbad. Per the request of the City of Carlsbad, an updated biological resources field survey and updated California Gnatcatcher presence/absence survey of the property has been completed. The purpose of the study was to update habitats and sensitive species assessments, evaluate project-related direct and indirect impacts, and develop an approach to mitigating any impacts to a level that is "less than significant" as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A second purpose is to ensure project compliance with the requirements of the City's MHCP Subarea Plan (HMP). In order to examine site resources, the property was surveyed on 28 July, and 4 and 11 August, 2017. The entire site was walked, where accusable, all habitats were defined and delineated, and all species encountered were identified and inventoried in situ. The primary habitat-type found onsite is Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (5.38 acres). Also present onsite is a small amount of Disturbed Habitat (0.75 acre) and Southern Willow Scrub (0.21 acre). Three sensitive species were identified on the property; California Adolphia, California Gnatcatcher, and Orange-throated Whiptail. The project as designed will impact 0.68 acre of Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub and 0.75 acre of Disturbed Habitat. No impacts to Southern Willow Scrub are anticipated. All impacts to Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub must be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio, which may be accomplished onsite. Impacts to Disturbed Habitat must be mitigated for by paying an applicable mitigation fee to the City of Carlsbad. 1 INTRODUCTION Project Location The Valley View project site is located immediately north and east of Palmer Way between Impala Drive and Cougar Drive in the City of Carlsbad, California (Figures 1 & 2). Project and Site Description The Valley View Project, GPA 2018-0001, ZC 2018-0001, SDP 2018-0007, HDP 20180004, HMP 2018-0004, MS 2018-0007, (DEV2018-0099), proposes the construction of an 11,404 square foot industrial office building with associated improvements, including landscaping, parking areas, etc. on an existing, 6.34-acre parcel of vacant land (APN 209040-43). The project application (DEV2018-0099) includes: (1) a General Plan Amendment (GPA 2018-0001), (2) Zone Change (ZC 2018-0001), (3) Minor Subdivision (MS 20180007), (4) Site Development Plan (SDP 2018-0007), (5) Hillside Development Permit (HDP 2018-0004), and (6) Habitat Management Plan (HMP 2018-0004) Permit. Access to the property would be from the southwest off Palmer Way. Development as proposed, including Fire Suppression Zones, would impact approximately 23% of the subject property, with the balance (approximately 77%) being avoided by design and placed into an open space parcel. The proposed industrial office building will be a 31-foot, two-story structure with 46 parking spaces, an outdoor eating area and a common patio area. Development will be mostly restricted to the flat portion of the property, although proposed Fire Suppression Zones will extend down the steep slopes and into the native vegetation. The Valley View project site is irregular in shape, with extremely steep slopes to the north and east below a flat area fronting Palmer Way. Some of the slopes are nearly vertical, forming an escarpment that faces northeast. The flat area is the primary development portion of the site. Elevations on the property range between approximately 280 feet MSL at Palmer Way, and 120 feet MSL at the site's northern comer. The onsite soils are mapped as Terrace Escarpments (TeF). This soil-type is not known to support significant populations of narrow endemics or other very rare plants or animals. Native sage scrub vegetation covers most of the property. A drainage is present in the southern portion of the site and flowing north. This area supports dense willow-dominated vegetation which is fed by urban runoff originating from the hardscape on adjoining development. 2 Methods and Limitations literature that was reviewed prior to initiation of the site surveys included the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Conservation Service (SCS) mapping for the project area, a database query of potential on-site sensitive species based on a determination of the site's physical characteristics (e.g., location, elevation, soils/substrate, and topography), documentation of California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) records for the project vicinity; the City of Carlsbad's Subarea NCCP Plan, and previous biology reports prepared for the project area, including reports prepared by the author. Prior biology studies of the project site, including a protocol presence/absence California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila califomica), were completed by Planning Systems and the author in 2006-2007. Updated field surveys of the property were completed the mornings of 28 July, and 4 and 11 August, 2017 between the hours of approximately 07:30 and 11 :30. Investigators included the author (VS), and Brandon Myers (BM), Associate Biologist. Weather conditions during the period were conducive to field surveying, with overcast to clear skies, temps in the mid 600s to high 700s, and no appreciable wind. All plants, animals and habitats encountered during the survey were noted in the field. All accessible areas were inspected, either directly or with binoculars in the case of extremely steep slopes or areas with very dense brush. The limits of each habitat-type were mapped utilizing a recent aerial photograph of the property (Figures 3, 4). All plants and animals identified in association with the property are listed in Table 2. Plants were identified in situ, or based on characteristic floral parts collected and later examined in detail. Floral nomenclature used in this report follows Hickman (1993) and others. Plant communities, as designated by numerical code, follow Holland (1996, as amended). Wildlife observations were made opportunistically. All wildlife species detected, either directly or via characteristic signs, were noted. Animal nomenclature used in this report is taken from Stebbins (2003) for reptiles and amphibians, American Ornithologist's Union (1983, as updated) for birds, and Jones, et. al (1992) for mammals. Results (Quantification of Existing Conditions) The Valley View project site currently consists of entirely vacant land. The upper portions of the project site support weedy vegetation with the balance supporting native scrubs. 3 The property has been fenced along Palmer Way due to dumping of trash and rubble, which was common in the past. Remnants of this old dumping are still present on the flat portion of the site. The Valley View project site is located at the edge of a developed part of the City of Carlsbad. Land uses on surrounding parcels include commercial and light industrial development properties to the west and south, and older homes to the northeast below the eastern escarpment. All adjoining lands are under private ownership. No preserved lands or other public lands adjoin or are contiguous with the project site, although there are three Standards Areas parcels adjacent to the preserve to the north (Figure 9). Habitat TypesNegetatlon Communities The Valley View project site supports the following habitat-types/vegetation communities: Dieqan Coastal Sage Scrub (Holland Code 32500) Approximately 5.38 acres of high-value Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS) vegetation is found onsite. This habitat-type is dominated by California Sagebrush (Arlemisia ca/ffomica), Black Sage (Salvia mellifera), Laurel Sumac (Mafosma faurina), and numerous other CSS species. The onsite CSS extends down the east and north facing slope and also extends up the west facing slope a short distance just east of the onside drainage. The biological resource value of the CSS on this site is high. Southern Willow Scrub (Holland Code 63320) Approximately 0.21 acre of Southern Willow Scrub (SWS) vegetation is found onsite in alignment with the onsite drainage on the southern portion of the property. This habitat is dominated by a mature stand of Arroyo Willows (Sa/ix lasio/epis). Two mature Coast Live Oaks (Quercus agrifolia) are found below the willows adjacent to the drainage. The biological resource value of the SWS on this site is high. Disturbed Habitat (Holland Code 11300) Approximately 0.75 acre of Disturbed Habitat (DH) is found on the western edge of the subject property. This area consists of what appears to be a previously graded area supporting weedy vegetation such as Wild Anise (Foeniculum vu/gare), Wild Lettuce (Lactuca serriola), Black Mustard (Brassica nigra), and numerous other urban weeds. The area also supports remnants of old illegal dumping activity, although the installation of a temporary fence along Palmer Way has mostly blocked this activity. The biological resource value of the DH is low. 4 Flora Sixty-four species of vascular plants were detected on the property. The plant species observed typify the diversity normally found in CSS and on disturbed/developed habitat areas in this part of Carlsbad. A complete list of the plants detected, listed alphabetically, can be found in Table 2, attached. This list would be expected to represent at least BO percent of the naturalized plants occurring on this site. The balance would be seasonal annuals or other ephemeral species, or species on the very steep slopes. Fauna Thirty-eight species of vertebrate animals were observed using the project site. These are mostly common species, abundant in the site's general vicinity. Animals observed onsite are listed in Table 2, attached. This list is generally representative of the native fauna that resides onsite, although many additional species are anticipated. In particular, the invertebrate fauna of this site is anticipated to consist of dozens of additional species, all common to the area. Sensitive Plant Species One sensitive plant species (California Adolphia) was observed on the Valley View property during the field surveys (Figures 4, 6). Sensitive plants are those listed as "Rare", "Endangered", "Threatened~, "of Special Concern", or otherwise considered noteworthy by the City of Carlsbad, the CDFW, the USFWS, the CNPS, or other conservation agencies and organizations. California Adolphia (Adolphia califomica) Listing: CRPR List 28.1 State Rank: S2: Imperiled Global Rank: G3: Vulnerable Distribution: From San Diego County south into Baja California, Mexico, primarily along the coast. Habitat(s): This species occurs in coastal scrub and chaparral habitats, particularly within clayey soils. Status on Site: California Adolphia is represented onsite by six mature specimens, all occurring in the development area (Figures 4, 6). Because of the growth form of this shrub, it is difficult to estimate numbers, and it is likely that additional specimens occur on the very steep slope areas within the CSS. 5 • Sensitive Animal Species Two sensitive animal species (California Gnatcatcher and Orange-throated Whiptail) were observed on the project site during the field surveys {Figures 4, 6). Sensitive animals are those listed as "Rare", "Endangered", "Threatened", "of Special Concern" or otherwise considered noteworthy by the City of Carlsbad, the CDFW, the USFWS, the National Audubon Society, or other conservation agencies and organizations. California Gnatcatcher (Po/ioptila callfornica) Listing: Carlsbad MHCP Subarea Plan "Covered Species" State status: "Species of Special Concern" {CDFW, 2008) Federal status: Threatened Species (USFWS, 1993) Distribution: From Ventura County south to northern Baja California Habitat(s): Resident in coastal scrubs and chaparral scrub habitats Status on Site: One female California Gnatcatcher was observed foraging on and at the edge of the steep slope just east of the disturbed area within the central portion of the site. Orange-throated Whiptall ( Cnemldophorus hyperythrus beldlngi) Listing: Carlsbad MHCP Subarea Plan "Covered Species" State status: "Species of Special Concern" (CDFW, 2008) Federal status: Former Federal ESA Candidate, C2 (USFWS, 1996) Distribution: Restricted to extreme southwestern California, where it ranges from Orange and Riverside Counties south into northern Baja California. Habitat(s): Inhabits coastal sage scrub, chaparral and areas of open brush with loose soils. May also be found in open, dry riparian areas. Status on Site: One specimen was observed onsite in association with the southern- most limits of the disturbed habitat. Additional specimens occurring in the flatter areas of the site are anticipated. California Gnatcatcher Presence/Absence Survey Because the Valley View project site supports Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS), the property was surveyed for the presence or absence of California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica), a federally-listed Threatened Species, which is known to inhabit this habitat type. The project site had been previously surveyed for the presence of California Gnatcatcher in 2007, with negative survey results. All field surveys were completed by slowly walking random transects through accessible areas of habitat. Specimens were visually searched for at all times, and playback calls of this species were broadcast to assist with the detection of specimens. Surveys were completed the mornings of 28 July, and 4 and 11 August, 2017. Weather conditions were conducive to California Gnatcatcher field surveying on each of the selected dates. 6 Particular attention was paid to areas that had the highest probability of supporting this species, based on the experience of the surveyors. Binoculars were used to aid in observations, and all avifauna detected were noted (Table 2). California Gnatcatcher was detected foraging on the Valley View project site during the protocol field surveys. The property is thus considered "occupied" by this species. Gnatcatcher field survey data are generally considered valid for one year from the end of the final survey. The results of this study suggest that California Gnatcatcher is likely resident on the Valley View project site within the CSS. Wetlands/Jurisdictional Waters The Valley View project site supports one area of jurisdictional wetlands or "waters" in the form of an onsite drainage near the site's southern edge. The drainage likely qualifies as "waters of the state" (WOS) and "waters of the United States~ (WOUS) as defined by the CDFW, the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board (WOCB), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE), respectively (hereafter: Regulatory Agencies). No improvements in this area are proposed in association with the Valley View Project. However, any discharge into the drainage requiring improvements, including construction access, and any footings or supports placed within the drainage, would be likely be considered impacts to WOS/WOUS and would require Regulatory Agency clearances prior to construction. Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors The Valley View project site does not support any local or regional wildlife corridors. The nearest area containing a wildlife corridor is located to the northwest at Agua Hedionda Creek. This area is about 200 feet down slope from the northwest property edge. This area is part of MHCP Core Area #5, which borders the property along its northeastern edge. Applicable Regulations Development of the Valley View project site as proposed is subject to discretionary environmental review in compliance with the City's Subarea HMP, CEQA, the FESA, CESA, and other applicable environmental regulations. The purpose of this review is to ensure that the project will not result in significant, adverse, unmitigated impacts to the environment. In this case, it applies specifically to endangered species, protected habitats, wetlands, and other sensitive biological resources. 7 • • • • PROJECT EFFECTS Anticipated impacts to habitats were calculated by determining the acreage of each habitat type affected by the site development, including grading, construction, landscaping, any required fire suppression zone clearing, and other improvements. These are summarized below in Table 1. Measurable impacts would result from the development of the property. Direct impacts result from the removal of habitat, plants, and animals from the site through grading and brushing, clearing, or thinning for fire protection purposes, etc. These direct impacts are considered permanent because they result in a conversion of habitats to landscaped areas, structures, roads, etc. Indirect impacts also affect plants, animals, and habitats that occur on or near a project site. These are not the direct result of grading or development, but are the result of changes in land use as a by-product of adjacency. Examples of indirect impacts include the introduction of exotic species, human or pet intrusions into natural areas, lighting, traffic, and noise. Indirect impacts are often called "edge effects". Direct and indirect impacts to breeding birds associated with clearing and construction activities could occur if activities were to take place during the avian breeding season. Site brushing, grading, and/or the removal of native vegetation within 300 feet of any potential migratory songbird nesting location should not take place during the spring/summer songbird breeding season, defined as from February 15-August 31 of each year. This is required in order to ensure compliance with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and Sections 3503, 3503.5 and 3513 of the California Fish and Game Code (CFGC), which prevents the "take" of eggs, nests, feathers, or other parts of most native bird species, and the federal Endangered Species Act. The no work buffer should be 500 feet from the nest of any raptor or state/federally-listed bird species; the buffer for nests of other breeding birds will be determined on a case by case basis by a qualified biologist. Habitat Impacts The project as designed will impact two of the three habitat types found onsite. This includes 0.68 acre of CSS and 0.75 acre of DH. No impacts to SWS are anticipated at this time. A summary of habitat impacts and mitigation can be found on Table 1 below. Habitat impacts are considered significant but mitigable. 8 Table 1. Habitat Impacts Existing Impacted Mitigation Minimum Preserved Mitigation Habitat-type Acreage Acreage Ratio Required Acreage css 5.38 ac 0.68 ac 2:1 1.36 ac 4.70 ac DH 0.75 ac 0.75 ac n/a Mitigation none fee1 sws 0.21 ac none 3:1 none 0.21 ac Total 6.34 ac 1.43 ac -1.36 ac 4.91 ac Species Impacts Three sensitive species were detected on the project site. All resident sensitive species, as well as non-sensitive species, would be directly and indirectly impacted within the project footprint. This includes six specimens of California Adolphia, an undermined number of Orange-throated Whiptails, and one pair of California Gnatcatchers (if habitat removal activities occur during the breeding season). As mentioned, direct impacts result from the actual removal of plants and animals from the site as a product of the removal of their habitat. Indirect impacts would primarily consist of edge effects impacting natural areas onsite and adjoining offsite areas that are utilized by the resident plant and animal species. Species impacts are considered significant but mitigable. Impacts to Wildlife Corridors, Linkages and Nursery Sites The project will have no significant adverse impacts to wildlife corridors, linkages, or nursery sites. As described above, the property does not propose any impacts within any local or regional wildlife corridors/linkages. MHCP Core Area #5, which borders the property along its northeastern edge, will not be significantly impacted by the project as designed. The site also does not support any nursery sites. 1 This habitat requires a per acre in-lreu mitigation j"ee in an amoullf to be determined by the City Council 9 • • Habitat Management Plan Adjacency Standards Due to proximity to the HMP, the project must comply with the Adjacency Standards contained in Section F.3 of the City's Habitat Management Plan. In particular, fire management, erosion control, landscaping restrictions, fencing, signs, and lighting, and predator and exotic species control must not adversely affect the HMP. To that end, the following recommendations are provided to reduce potentially significant indirect impacts to the HMP: Fire Management Fire management must accomplish two potentially different objectives: (1) achievement of biological resources goals, and (2) hazard reduction for humans and their property. Biological resources goals recognize that fire is a natural process in ecosystems. Many vegetation communities depend on a regular cycle of burning for maintaining a balance of species, seed viability, and reproduction. The natural fire cycle is affected by human activities, both by increasing fire frequency in some locations and decreasing it in others through fire prevention measures. Fire management for human safety is one of the City's highest priorities. With proper planning, this can be accomplished in a manner that is compatible with conservation of biological resources. Fire management for human hazard reduction involves providing adequate setbacks for new development from conserved habitat areas, educating the public regarding effective fire prevention methods, reducing fuel loads in areas where fire may threaten human safety or existing development, suppressing fires once they have started, and providing access of fire suppression equipment and personnel. • With respect to the subject project, design incorporates the use of fire suppression zones that will impact approximately 23 percent of the total property. This includes three fire suppression zones of varying degree brush removal or thinning to accomplish adequate fire prevention while preserving high-value habitat (Figure 8). These fuel modification zones are included in the impact acreage in Table 1. Erosion Control Erosion results from a combination of erodible soils, steep slopes, soils with low water- holding capacity, sparse to no vegetation, and hydrologic condition of the soils. Erosion can be aggravated by human disturbance and fire-control activities. Erosion hazards to biological resources include pollution and sedimentation of important water sources and the loss of vegetative cover from landslides. 10 • The subject project has been designed to comply with current stormwater regulations that are intended to preclude any hardscape runoff issues, such as erosion or siltation. To that end, best management practices will be utilized onsite to avoid, reduce, contain, and clean up toxic chemicals and polluted storm water run-off and prevent them from contaminating groundwater and off•site wetlands and non•wetland waters. Stormwater will be diverted into sedimentation basins, landscaped areas/bio• swales, or other City•approved devices. Landscaping Restrictions Landscaping (i.e., the introduction of native or nonnative plant species around developed areas) is often in direct conflict with biological objectives. Of particular concern are (1) the introduction of nonnative, invasive plant species that can displace native species in natural communities; (2) horticultural regimes (irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and pruning) that can alter site conditions in natural areas, thereby promoting shifts in species composition from a native to a nonnative flora; and (3) genetic contamination from the introduction of native cultivars not collected onsite or in proximity to the site. • The subject project has been designed to prevent the use of prohibited species per Table 12 of the Carlsbad HMP. None shall be utilized anywhere onsite and no potentially invasive plant species shall be planted in or within 100 feet of the HMP. Fencing, Signs and Lighting Fencing plays an important role in the use of the landscape by humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Fencing can control human access, particularly off•highway vehicles. Fencing can direct wildlife to road under crossings and prevent road kills. However, fencing also can restrict normal wildlife movement, restrict access to food and water, and guide wildlife onto roads. Signs educate, provide direction, and promote the sensitive use and enjoyment of natural areas, but they can also inadvertently invite vandalism and other destructive behaviors. Signs that explain the rules of the preserve (campfires, firearms usage, camping, etc.) are most effective at public entrance points. Signs for educational nature trails and on roads near wildlife corridors (to reduce road kills) also should be posted at appropriate locations. Artificial lighting adversely impacts habitat value of the preserve, particularly for nocturnal species. Therefore, lighting should not be permitted in the preserve except where essential for roadways, facility use, and safety. Along preserve edges, major highway lighting should be limited to low pressure sodium sources directed away from preserve areas. • The subject project provides no access or public entrance points leading into the HMP from the proposed development. Cut•off shields shall be used on all lighting 11 • • • • • structures adjacent to the HMP preserve, and lighting shall meet the minimum lumen requirements for commercial parking areas. The lighting will also be controlled by a dusk-to-dawn sensor to ensure the parking area is not being lit during unnecessary hours. Therefore, significant lighting impacts are not anticipated. • To avoid disruption from vehicular headlights, parking stalls adjacent to the sensitive habitat will be screened by a 3' high solid concrete screen wall. Predator and Exotic Species Control Native species are at a disadvantage after exotic species or nonnative predators are introduced, so special management measures to control exotic species and nonnative predators are recommended. Nonnative plant and animal species have few natural predators or other ecological controls on their population sizes, and they sometimes thrive under conditions created by humans. These species may aggressively outcompete native species or otherwise harm sensitive species. When top predators are absent, intermediate predators multiply and increase predation on native bird species and their nests. Feral and domestic animals also prey on small native wildlife species. Agricultural areas, livestock holding areas, and golf courses provide resources for increased populations of parasitic cowbirds, which adversely affect native songbird populations. Litter and food waste from migrant worker camps and picnickers can contribute to an increase in Argentinean ant populations which outcompete native ants, the primary food resource of San Diego horned lizards. • The subject project as proposed is a commercial development. Therefore, no domestic or exotic animals will be introduced onto the site by project development. All invasive plants are regulated by the Landscape Restrictions as described above. MITIGATION MEASURES Mitigation Measures/Design Considerations for Habitat Impacts Mitigation for impacts to 0.68 acre of CSS requires mitigation at a 2:1 mitigation ratio. Mitigation may be provided through the onsite preservation of 4.70 acres of Coastal Sage Scrub habitat. Mitigation for impacts to 0.75 acre of DH will be provided by paying a per acre in-lieu mitigation fee. Note that a final, current mitigation fee will be determined by the 12 Carlsbad City Council. No impacts to SWS are anticipated at this time. Therefore, no mitigation is required. Onsite preservation shall consist of the following actions: (1) conservation easement will be established over the open space areas, (2) long-term management plan and Property Analysis Record (PAR) or acceptable alternative will be submitted to and approved by the city, (3) a non-wasting endowment to fund long-term management will be established at a qualified third party financial institution, and (4) a management agreement with a qualified preserve manager will be submitted to the city for approval. Mitigation Measures/Design Considerations for Special Status Species Impacts Impacts to Special Status Species are mitigated for through the preservation of onsite habitats that support these same species elsewhere in Carlsbad. Cumulative impacts, from a regional perspective, could be significant in the absence of cumulatively-adequate mitigation. However, the project provides cumulatively-adequate mitigation by participating in the City of Carlsbad's Mitigation Fee program which allocates funds to other preserve programs and a significant amount of onsite habitat preservation. Impacts to California Adolphia are mitigated through the dedication of onsite open space. California Adelphia is not federal or state listed and is not covered under the City's HMP. Therefore, impacts to the species are not considered significant and species-specific mitigation for California Adelphia is not required. Because the project site is known to support sensitive avifauna, including California Gnatcatchers, no habitat removal will be permitted during the period of February 15 - August 31. that if vegetation clearing or construction cannot be avoided during the breeding season, then pre-construction nest clearance surveys will be conducted no more than 3 days prior to the start of activities. If a nest is found, a 500' no-work buffer zone will be established around the nest until the young have fledged, as determined by a qualified biologist. For other species, the width of the buffer zone would be determined by a qualified biologist based on the species, and this width would be approved by the city. Impacts to migratory birds and the destruction of active migratory bird nests and/or eggs will be prevented by the implementation of the same seasonal restrictions on the removal of potential nesting areas (including bare ground and all areas of vegetation) in conjunction with site build-out. 13 • • • • SUMMARY OF PROJECT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION As presented in Table 1, site development will result in the following project-related losses: 1. 0.68 acre of CSS 2. 0.75 acre of DH 3. California Adelphia -6 mature specimens 4. California Gnatcatcher -likely one pair if impacts occur during breeding season 5. Orange-throated Whiptail -small but undermined number of resident specimens Mitigation for project impacts shall consist of the following: 1. Impacts to 0.68 acre of CSS will be mitigated by preserving and providing long- term management for 4.70 acres of CSS onsite in an open space easement parcel. 2. Impacts to 0.75 acre of DH will be mitigated for by a paying a per-acre in-lieu Mitigation Fee, the exact amount to be determined by the City of Carlsbad. 3. Impacts to California Adelphia, California Gnatcatcher, and Orange-throated Whiptail will be mitigated for by conserving the aforementioned 4.70 acres of CSS onsite in an open space lot with long-term management. The direct "take" of California Gnatcatchers will be avoided by implementing seasonal restrictions on clearing. If clearing activity must occur in the breeding season, the preconstruction nest clearance survey and no-work buffers would protect any active nests. 4. Impacts to the adjacent HMP preserve areas are not anticipated and shall be avoided through the HMP Adjacency Standards. 5. Seasonal restrictions on grading, clearing, modification, and noise-generating construction activities to avoid general avian breeding impacts in compliance with the MBTAand the CFGC include the following: No habitat removal will be permitted during the period of February 15 -August 31. that if vegetation clearing or construction cannot be avoided during the breeding season, then preconstruction nest clearance surveys will be conducted no more than 3 days prior to the start of activities. If a nest is found, a no-work buffer zone will be established around the nest until the young have fledged, as determined by a qualified biologist. The width of the buffer zone would be determined by a qualified biologist based on the species, and this width would be approved by the city 14 Bibliography Burt, W.H. and R.P. Grossenheider. A field guide to the mammals. Houghton-Mifflin Company, 1966. 289p. California Department of Fish and Game. 1990. Designated endangered or rare plants. Summary list from Section 1904, Fish and Game Code, State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento. California Department of Fish and Game. 1990. Endangered, rare or threatened animals of California. Summary list from Section 1904, Fish and Game Code, State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento. City of Carlsbad, 1999. Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad .D-73p, F-16 through 24. Holland, R.F. 1996. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California. State of California, Nongame-Heritage Program. 156p (amended). Jameson, E.W., and H.J. Peeters. 1988. California Mammals. California Natural History Guides: 52. Univ. Calif. Press, Berkeley, CA. Munz, P.A. 1974. A flora of Southern California. University of California Press. Berkeley. 1086p. Peterson, RT. 1966, A field guide to western birds. Houghton-Mifflin Company, 1966. 366p. Raven, P.H., Thompson, H.J., and BA Prigge. 1986. Flora of the Santa Monica Mountains, California. Southern California Botanists, Special Publication No. 2., Los Angeles. 181p. San Diego Herpetological Society. 1988. Survey and status of endangered and threatened species of reptiles natively occurring in San Diego County. San Diego County Fish and Wildlife Committee (Unpublished) 24p. Smith, J.P. and K. Berg. 1988. Inventory of rare and endangered vascular plants of California. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. 168p. Scheidt, V. 1980. Status of the amphibians of San Diego County. San Diego County Fish and Wildlife Committee (Unpublished). 36p. Stebbins, RC. 1985. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 336p 15 • • LIST OF PREPARERS AND PERSONS/ORGANIZATIONS CONTACTED Vincent Scheidt, MA Certified Biological Consultant Brandon D. Myers Associate Biologist 16 Figure 1. Regional Location -Valley View Project Project Location 1, ""' \ ~ r Carlsbad ,~·o1c .. ,'&;,~,., -~.,~ ... ~ ~ ~ o:-I .. (J ._,<>( l I -I ,. ~, j No Scale V -g l ,,. l, ~ ' ., Go gle "' 1 'C a 17 Figure 2. Project site with respect to HMP boundaries -Valley View Project OCEANSIDE PACIFIC OCEAN Legend -W,-Undercrm .. ng -MHCPC0toAleM -MHCP L,nkogo """'' 18 Melrose Drive Rancho Santa Fe Road Basemap Legend c::J ecyorCMsbad c::i-t!ounda,y ~F-y ~ WpRoacl ........... 11- ~ Lake Feel 0 / 6,250 Figure 3. Recent Aerial Photo -Valley View Project 19 Figure 4. Biological Resources on Recent Aerial Photo -Valley View Project □ 0 .:. = Property Boundary = Orange-throated Whiptail ,, "' .,-.... • ,~ £\ = Coastal Sage Scrub • = California Gnatcatcher ., ,_ \)' "' .... ., □ :,, = Disturbed Habitat 0 = California Adolphia ,. • = Southern Willow Scrub ; No Scale ' = Drainage ' ; 20 Figure 5. Site Plan -Valley View Project (~ _l2 ~~4!\~ ------~~}~~ ~ --~~ ,-. ~~~==-=:_ -~ / ,,,,....--~ ~ ~ ' ---= ~ ::::--. 1// -- • :,~~~~.-:-~~. -. -_ -_ ~ "t• ~, -~ . ·•~si:,, ;,,' ~ • I --r1 : .,' ~ J} -=..J \,\., -~~ \.: .,, • y ~---=-~ -,. ~U-,; /,, ~ ,, h -1\/2 '',!-p.~, -::::---.: -'"' ~ ,-:-10.~~ _ _ ., , \ L~;;:~1/-f · ~;;:?=-~ • ~7~ , j Y 'of~ , , -: ~ "'}?fw/-~ ~ t1 -;:.._ ~ • I ~ ~O~VERA~L~L~S~IT=--E!....=:P.U:::...:N:....!-____ ~---L-r,1""90'-,IOO' __ ~ SC-ALE, , • • roo•-o· N iiii 21 Figure 6. Biological Resources and Limits of Impact/Work on Site Plan -Valley View Project = Property Boundary = Coastal Sage Scrub = Disturbed Habitat = Southern WiUow Scrub , t = Drainage ... ,, 0 = Orange-throated Whiptail • = Calrfom,a Gnatcatcher :t; • = California Adolphia OVERALL SITE PLAN ° ,u cq ...:s;._,;..,;=,.;aa.....,;=~~=--,;;....;;;;;;;...= _____________ • ._ N ii Figure 7. Surrounding Preserve Lands -Valley View Project Figure 8. Fire Suppression Zones -Valley View Project Figure 9. Surrounding HMP Lands -Valley View Project HMP Current Conditions: -Existing Hardline Outside-Conserved -Proposed Hardline Standards Area HMP Lands in Vicinity of Valley View Project N 1::::::====E======>'°"'-A Table 2. Flora and Fauna Detected -Valley View Project Scientific Name Plants Acacia sp • Adolph/a californlca Amsinckia intermedia Anagal/is arvensis * Aptenia cordifofia " Artemisia ca/ifornica Atripfex semibaccata * Avena fatua " Baccharis pi/ularis Brass/ca nfgra * Brassica tournefortii • Bromus diandrus * Bromus rubens • Carduus pycnocephalus • Centaurea melitensis " Cynara cardunculus * Cynodon dactylon • Chenopodium sp. Conyza canadensis Deinandra fasciculata Echium candicans • Emex spinosa * Encelia californica Erodium sp. Eucalyptus camaldulensis • Eucalyptus polyanthemos • Eucalyptus sideroxylon • Eucrypta chrysanthemifo/ia Euphorbia maculata • Foeniculum vu/gare * Hazardia squarrosa Heteromeles arbutifo/ia Heterotheca grandiflora Hirschfeld/a incana • lsocoma menziesii Lactuca serriola * Lonicera subspicata Ma/acothamnus fasciculatus Malosma laurina Marah macrocarpus Medicago po/ymorpha " Meli/otus sp. * Nicotiana g/auca • Opuntia sp. • Pennisetum setaceum * Picris echioides * Portulaca oleracea Pseudognaphalium biolettii Pseudognaphalium califomicum Common Name Acacia California Adolphla Fiddleneck Scarlet Pimpernel Red Apple lceplant California Sagebrush Australian Saltbush Wild Oat Coyote Brush Black Mustard Saharan Mustard Ripgut Brome Foxtail Brome Italian Thistle Tocalote Wild Artichoke Bermuda Grass Goosefoot Common Horseweed Common Tarplant Pride of Madeira Spiny Emex California Encelia Stork's-bill Murray Red Gum Silver Dollar Gum Red lronbark Eucalyptus Common Eucrypta Spotted Spurge Wild Anise Hazardia Toyon Telegraph Weed Perennial Mustard Coastal Goldenbush Wild Lettuce Wild Honeysuckle Bushmallow Laurel Sumac Man Root Bur Clover Sweet Clover Tree Tobacco Prickly Pear African Fountain Grass Bristly Ox-tongue Common Purslane Bicolor Cudweed California Cudweed Table 2. Flora and Fauna Detected -Valley View Project Scientific Name Plants Quercus agrifolia Quercus xacutidens Rhus integrifo/ia Ribes speciosum Salix lasiolepis Sa/so/a pestffer • Salvia meflifera Sambucus mexicanus Schismus barbatus • So/anum xanti Stephanomeria sp. Stipa lepida Stipa tenuissima ~ Toxicodendron diversilobum Yucca schidigera Birds Aphelocoma coeru/escens Archilochus anna Buteo jamaicensis Ca/lipepfa californica Carduelis psaltria Carpodacus mexicanus Chamaea fasciata Corvus brachyrhynchos Corvus corax Geothlypis tolmiei Hirundo pyrrhonota lcterus bul/ockii Lonchura punctulata • Mefanerpes formicivorus Mefospiza melodia Mimus polyglottos Molothrus ater Myiarchus cinerascens Pipilo crissalis Pipifo macufatus Polioptila callfomica Psaltriparus minimus Sayomis nigricans Stumus vulgaris • Thryomanes bewickii Turdus migratorius Tyrannus verticafis Vermivora celata Wilsonia pusil/a Zenaida macroura Common Name Coast Live Oak Torrey's Scrub Oak Lemonadeberry Fuchsia-flowering Gooseberry Arroyo Willow Russian Thistle Black Sage Elderberry Schismus Chaparral Nightshade Stephanomeria Foothill Stipa Mexican Feather Grass Poison Oak Mojave Yucca Scrub Jay Anna's Hummingbird Red-tailed Hawk California Quail Lesser Goldfinch Housefinch Wrentit Common Crow Common Raven MacGiJlivray's Warbler Cliff Swallow Bullock's Oriole Scaly-breasted Munia Acorn Woodpecker Song Sparrow Mockingbird Brown-headed Cowbird Ash-throated Flycatcher California Towhee Spotted Towhee California Gnatcatcher Bushtit Black Phoebe Starling Bewick's Wren American Robin Western Kingbird Orange-crowned Warbler Wilson's Warbler Mourning Dove Table 2. Flora and Fauna Detected -Valley View Project Scientific Name Mammals Canis latrans Neotoma sp. Sylvilagus audubonii Thomomys bottae Reptiles Cnemldophorus hyperythrus beldingi Crotalus viridis Masticophis /ateralis Sceloporus occidentalis * = non-native species BOLD = Sensitive Species Common Name Coyote Woodrat Desert Cottontail Rabbit Valley Pocket Gopher Orange-throated Whiptall Western Rattlesnake Striped Racer Western Fence Lizard Mail to. California Natural Diversity Database Department of Fish and Gema Source Code ________ _ 18-07 1:ih Stroot. Suite 202 For Office Use Only Quad Code Sacramento. CA 95814 Elm Code 0cc N Fax: (916) 324-0475 email: CNODB@dfg.ca.gov • O. --------- lt.:D::•le:_:o::_f.:_F•::·•:/d:_:l<'::o''.'.k'..."./m'.:m'.'./'.:d::d~/yyy!!.;''.'.j'..:, :::0:c:'•=•'='/=20=1=7===.JI \.'.E:O::lnd:•:'~N:o'...:=======~M:•:p~l~nde=•~N:o~. ======) California Native Species Field Survey Form -Fann Scientific Name: Adolphia californica Common Name: California Adolphia Species Found? 0 D Reporter: Vince Scheidt v .. No If not why? Address: 3 158 Occidenlal Street Total No, Individuals ' Subsequent Visit? Dyes li1I no SanDi..:~oCA92122 Is this an existing NDDB occurrence? 1i11no Dunk. vincc.schcidt(<:fgmail.com Yes. 0cc II E-mail Address: Collection? If yes: Phone: 1858)457•3873 Number Museum I He<bal'M.lm Plant Information Animal Information ~% Phenology: ___ % ___ % II adults II JUVeml"'5 # la,-.,ae #ewmasses #unknown veg&tab\le flowenng fruiting □ D D □ □ □ breeding w,ntenng burrow s,te =""> nesbng other Location Description (please attach map AND/OR fill out your choice of coordinates, below) County: San Diego Landowner/ Mgr.: Private Ouad Name: Elevalion: T __ R __ Seo __ . __ ¼of ___ ¼, Meridian: HO MD SO Source of Coordinates (GPS, topo. map& type): gou~:k i:arth T __ R __ Soc--· __ ¼of ___ ¼, Meridian: H□ M□ SO GPS Make & Model DATUM, NAD270 NAOB30 WGS840 Horizontal Accuracy meters/feet Coordinate System: UTM Zone 100 UTM Zone 110 OR Geographic (Latitude & Longitude) 0 Coordinates: 3:F08'27.6"N l l 7°16'22.2"W Habitat Description (plant communities. dominants. assoeiates, substrateSlsoils, aspeclslslopa): F.dge ofa nat ari:a supporting mostly dislurbed ·..-egetation on APN 209.040-43. Adjal·cnt vegetation on stc:cp slope;; lo the north and cast support Dicgan Coastal Sage Scrub. dominated by California Sagebrush, Black Sage. and Laurel Sumac. Other rare taxa seen at THIS site on THIS date. (separate fonn preferred) Site Information Overall site/occurrence quality/viability (site + population): 0 Excellent □Good □Fair 0Poor Immediate AND surrounding land use: Visible disturbances· M,'15-t spcc1ml-ns growing next to graded pad area with dense weed~. Threats; Site proposed for commen.:ml development. Some plant'> would be lost 10 g.rndmg. and the res1 impa('ted hy fire clearing Comments· Determination: /c/Jech Orl<i or""'"'· and fill in b/an~s) Photographs: (chech one or m<JreJ $lode Print O~tal l<l Keyed (cite reference) kn>1.m Planl / animal □ □ □ Compared with specimen housed at· Habitat □ □ 0 D Compared with photo I drawing in: Diagnostic feature □ □ 0 □ By anottier person (name): □ Other: May we obtain duplicates at our expense? yesl!:I ""□ -1111/HC -.11117/M Mail to. For Office Use Only Quad Code Source Code ________ _ California Natural Diversity Database Department of Fish and Game 18071:f' Street, Suite 202 Sacramento, CA 95814 Fax: (916) 324--0475 email: CNDDB@dfg.ca.gov Elm Code 0cc. No. ________ _ j Date of Field Work (mm/dd/yyyy): 08/1112017 E0 Index No. ________ _ Map Index No. ______ _ C l"f a1 ornia N f a 1ve s pec1es F" Id S 1e urvey F orm SendFonn Scientific Name: Polioptila californica Common Name: California Gnatcatcher Species Found? li1 □ Reporter: Vince Scheidt "' No II not, why'> Address: 3158 Occidental Street Total No. Individuals ' Subsequent Visit? □yes li'.]no San Diego CA 92122 Is this an existing NDDB occurrence? E2!no 0 unk. \'incc.scheidt@gmail.com Yes. 0cc. # E-mail Address: Collection? If yes: Phone: (858) 457-3873 NL1rnber MuseLlrn I Herbariurn Plant Information Animal Information I Phenology: ---' ---' ---' # adults # jLiveniles # l;nv3e #egg masses # L1nknown vagetahve .,_,,,, fruittng □ □ □ □ □ □ breeding wjntenng bLlrTOW $1!B roollery =•"' o1her Location Description (please attach map AND/OR fill out your choice of coordinates, below) County: San Dieco Landowner/ Mgr.: Private Quad Name: Elevation: T __ R __ Soc __ , __ ¼of ___ ¼, Meridian: H□ MD SO Source of Coordinates (GP$, topo. map & type): S:OO,S;le earth T __ R __ Sec __ , __ ¼of ___ ¼, Meridian: HO MO SD GPS Make & Model DATUM: NAD27O NAD83O WGS84O Horizontal Accuracy meters/feet Coordinate System: UTM Zone 100 UTM Zone11O OR Geographic (Latitude & Longitude) 1!21 Coordinates: 33°08'24.9"N I I7°I6'20.R"W Habitat Description (plant communities. dominants, associates, subslrataslsoils, aspects/slope). Edge of a fiat area supporting mostly disturbed vegetation on APN 20':l-040-43. Adjacent vegclation on steep slopes to the north and east suppo11 Dicgan Coastal Sage Scrub, dominated by California Sagchrush. Black Sage. and Laurel Sumac. Other rare taxa seen at THIS site on THIS date: (separate form preferred) Site Information Overall site/occurrence quahty/viability (site+ population): D Excellent □Good □Fair It:! Poor Immediate AND surrounding land use: Visible disturbances: Mature female specimens foraging in wastal sage ~crub on ~lore~ beneath old graded pad area with dense weeds. Threats: Site proposed for commercial development. Comments: Mo~, of the ~crub would fl<.' con,cr,cd. although the area where th<! hird 1',US ,ibser,cd would b,: unpactt'd by grading and fire dcarmg Detftf'minatlon: (ch11ck one or mQrll. 1100 fill in blanks) Photographs: (chf/cll one or m<Jffl/ Slide Print D~ta! 0 Keyed {cite reference): kpson P1ant I animal □ □ D Compared with specimen housed at: Habitat □ □ 0 D Compared with photo I drawing in: Diagnostic feature □ □ 0 D By another person (name)· D Other: May we obtain duplicates at our expense? ,..~ noD Dl'GIBD1ll"!1'1 Ro• 11M1JOI • - Mail to: For Office Use Only Quad Code Source Code ________ _ California Natural Diversity Database Department of F1sll and Game 18071:t' Street. Suite 202 Sacramento, CA 95814 Fax: (916) 324--0475 email.CNDDB@dfg.ca.gov Elm Code 0cc. No. ________ _ \ Date of Field Work (mmldd/yyyy): 08,'1112017 EO Index. No, --------Map Index. No. ______ _ Reset California Native Species Field Survey Form Sendfonn Scientific Name: Cnemidophorus hype1ythr11s beldingi Common Name: Orange-throated Whiptail Species Found? 0 D Reporter: Vince Schcid1 '" No 11 not. why? Address: 3158 Occidcnlal Street Total No. Individuals I Subsequent Visit? Dyes 2]no San Diego CA 92 I 22 Is this an existing NDOB occurrence? l,!loo Dunk. vince.schcidt~i;gmai!.com Yes. 0cc # E-mail Address: Collection? If yes: Phone: (858) 457-387] Number Museum I Hertianum Plant Information An;mal Information I Phenology: ---• ___ % ---· #adults # Juveniles # larv;,,e # egg masses # unknown vege1a1,ve Aowenog fruiting □ □ D □ □ □ breed,ng wintenng burrow s,le rookef',' nesting other Location Description (please attach map AND/OR fill out your choice of coordinates, below) County: San Dicl!o Landowner/ Mgr.: Private Quad Name: Elevation: T __ R __ Sec __ , __ ¼of ___ ¼, Meridian: H□ MO SO Source of Coordinates (GPS, topo. map & type): googk earth T __ R __ Sec __ , __ ¼of ___ ¼, Meridian: HD MD SD GPS Make & Model DATUM: NAD270 NAD830 WGS840 Horizontal Accuracy meters/feet Coordinate System: UTM Zone 10 D UTM Zone110 OR Geographic (Latitude & longitude) 0 Coordinates: 13008,27_1,":,.; 1170 16•22.2 .. w Habitat Description (p/a,i/ communities. dominants, associates. subs/raleslsoils. aspects/slope}. Edge ofa flat area suppor1ing mostly disturbed \'cgctation on APN 209-040-43. Adjacent ,-cgetation on steep slopes to the nonh and cast support Dil·gan Coastal Sage Scrub, dominated b)' California Sagebrush, Bh1ck Sage. and Lauri:! Sumac Other rare tax.a seen at THIS site on THIS date: (separate fonn preferred) Site Information Overall site/occurrence quality/viability (site + population): □Excellent □Good □Fair li2I Poor Immediate AND surrounding land use: Visible disturbances: Specimen, ob~crYcrl nc'\t to gradcrl pad area "'ith dense "'c..:d, Threats: Site proplls,,:rl fi.,r 1.."<1mnwr1..·1a! ili.-vclopmcnt. Oll~llc populatJnn would hkcl) he lo~\ to grading. Comments: Determination: /checJ< one or moro, and m1 in bl,.nks/ Photographs: fchecJ< one or mo.eJ Slide Pnnt 0'1Jtal 111 Keyed (cite reference). Jcn,,con Plant/ animal □ □ D Compared w,th specimen housed at Habitat □ □ 111 □ Compared with photo I drawing in. Oiagnost,c feature □ □ 111 □ By another person (name): □ Other: May we obtain duplicates at our expense? yes0 ooO DFG111D61'1•1 -'1'171111