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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGPA 05-06; AURA CIRCLE; DIEGAN COASTAL SAGE SCRUB RESTORATION PLAN 2016; 2016-09-15- .. Aura Circle Project Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan Prepared.for: Pacific Legacy Homes 16870 W. Bernardo Drive. Suite 400 San Diego, CA 92127 Prepared by: HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. 7578 El Cajon Boulevard La Mesa, CA 91942 September 15, 2016 Table of Contents Section I. PURPOSE AND GOALS OF THE RESTORATION PLAN ............................................ 1 II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................. 1 A. Project Location .......................................................................................................... 1 B. Project Description ...................................................................................................... 1 C. Project Impacts ............................................................................................................ 2 D. Mitigation Requirements ............................................................................................ 2 111. MITIGATION DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................... 3 A. Mitigation Location .................................................................................................... 3 B. Existing Conditions ..................................................................................................... 3 C. Target Functions and Services .................................................................................... 3 IV. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ............................................................................................. 3 A Rationale for Expecting Mitigation Success ............................................................... 3 B. Responsible Parties ..................................................................................................... 4 1. Project Proponent. ............................................................................................. 4 2. Restoration Specialist ........................................................................................ 4 3. Landscape Architect .......................................................................................... 4 4. Installation/Maintenance Contractor(s) ............................................................ 4 C. Implementation Schedule ............................................................................................ 5 D. Site Access .................................................................................................................. 5 E. Plant/Seed Orders ........................................................................................................ 5 F. Fencing Project Limits ................................................................................................ 6 G. Document Pre-Project Site Conditions ....................................................................... 6 H. Grading ....................................................................................................................... 6 I. Site Preparation ........................................................................................................... 6 J. Non-Native Plant Removal ......................................................................................... 7 K. Erosion Control ........................................................................................................... ? L. Irrigation ..................................................................................................................... 7 M. Planting Plan ............................................................................................................... 7 N. As-Built Conditions .................................................................................................... 9 V. MAINTENANCE PLAN .................................................................................................. 10 A. Maintenance Activities ............................................................................................. 10 I . General Maintenance ...................................................................................... I 0 2. Remedial Installation ...................................................................................... 10 3. Non-native Plant Control ................................................................................ 10 4. Irrigation ......................................................................................................... 11 5. Trash Removal ................................................................................................ 11 6. Other Pests ...................................................................................................... 11 7. Fertilizer Application ...................................................................................... 11 -8. Pruning ............................................................................................................ 11 - 1 Table of Contents (cont.) Section Page V. MAINTENANCE PLAN (cont.) B. Maintenance Schedule .............................................................................................. 12 C. Responsible Party ...................................................................................................... 12 VI. MONITORING PLAN ..................................................................................................... 12 A Pre-Restoration Site Assessment .............................................................................. 13 B. Installation Monitoring ............................................................................................. 13 C. Maintenance Monitoring ........................................................................................... 13 D. Annual Technical Monitoring ................................................................................... 14 1. Transect Sampling (Vegetation Cover and Species Richness) ....................... 14 2. Wildlife Observations ..................................................................................... 14 3. Photo Documentation ...................................................................................... 15 4. Annual Reports ............................................................................................... 15 VII. SUCCESS CRITERIA ...................................................................................................... 15 A. Survivorship .............................................................................................................. 16 B. Native Cover ............................................................................................................. 16 C. Non-Native Cover ..................................................................................................... 16 D. Target Invasive Species ............................................................................................ 16 E. Irrigation ................................................................................................................... 16 VIII. COMPLETION OF MITIGATION .................................................................................. 17 IX. X. A. Notification of Completion ....................................................................................... 17 B. Confirmation ............................................................................................................. t 7 CONTINGENCY MEASURES ....................................................................................... I 7 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. !8 11 - - --- - -- --.. - • - - THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK -- - - - • - --- IV .. -- - ----- --- - - ----- --- - - I. PURPOSE AND GOALS OF THE RESTORATION PLAN This report presents a conceptual restoration plan for impacts to sensitive upland habitat associated with the proposed Aura Circle project (project). This plan is anticipated to fulfill the mitigation requirements of the City of Carlsbad's Habitat Management Plan (HMP; City of Carlsbad 2004). Included in this document are an implementation plan, maintenance plan, and monitoring program for the proposed habitat restoration effort. Nomenclature used in this report follows Holland (1986) and Oberbauer (2008) for vegetation communities, Baldwin et al. (2012) for plants, and American Ornithologist's Union (2016) for birds. The goal of the overall project is to fully compensate project impacts to Diegan coastal sage scrub (DCSS). This restoration plan proposes to create 5.19 acres of DCSS, which would occur entirely on site. It is expected that implementation of this restoration plan will be the creation of DCSS equal or superior in function and value to the current habitat. A. II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION PROJECT LOCATION The 15.06-acre project site is located south of Tamarack Avenue and west of El Camino Real within the City of Carlsbad (City), San Diego County, California (Figure 1). The project site is further located within the Agua Hedionda land grant of the U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute San Luis Rey quadrangle map (Figure 2). The property lies between residential communities along Kelly Drive to the east and Avila Avenue to the west and is within the City's HMP. The property is within the Coastal Zone and includes Proposed Hardline Conservation Area within Local Facilities Management Zone (LFMZ) 1. An aerial photograph of the site is provided as Figure 3. B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project is a 9-lot residential subdivision. The lots are located along the west side of Aura Circle, a cul-de-sac that will extend onto the subject property. The project will be constructed on a slope, with a cut slope above the backs of the lots, and a fill slope below the cul-de-sac. The fill slopes include an extra 10 feet of assumed impact to allow for keying in of new slopes. A site plan of the proposed project is included as Figure 4. Newly graded slopes outside the preserve will be landscaped with a typical landscape palette. The backs of each lot and the east side of Aura Circle will have a 6-foot tubular steel fence that will help keep people out of the landscaped slopes. The landscaped slopes will have a 6-foot chain link environmental fence that separates the HOA maintained slopes from the adjacent preserve. The outside edge of the open space will have a 6-foot chain link fence along the property line. Brush management zones that interface with the preserve (north of Lot 9 and adjacent to an off-site home north of the property) will have a native, fire resistant plant palette that is compatible with the preserve but also does not introduce fire prone vegetation. Hfi!! _____________ _ Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan tor the Aura Circle Project I PLH-01 ! September 15, 2016 All brush management zones for the new project will be kept out of the preserve. The north side of Lot 9 includes a 6-foot masonry wall that keeps the required brush management zone at 30 feet as measured from the edge of the lot. The outside edge of the brush management zone is bounded by the 6-foot enviromnental fence that delineates the limits of HOA maintained brush management. C. PROJECT IMPACTS The proposed project would impact 5.6 acres of upland vegetation commumhes including 2.1 acres of DCSS, 1.0 acres of non-native vegetation, 2.4 acres of disturbed habitat (Table 1; Figure 5). The project would also impact 0.1 acres of developed land. All proposed impacts to vegetation communities are considered to be permanent. No temporary impacts are proposed. Table 1 IMP ACTS TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES/PROPOSED MITIGATION Impacts Required Proposed Vegetation Community* Miti2ation Mitigation (acres) Ratio Acres (acres) Habitat Group Ct Diegan coastal sage scrub 2.1 2:1 4.2 5.15 (including disturbed) Habitat Grouo F Disturbed habitat 2.4 :t 0.0 0.0 OTHER Non-native vegetation 1.0 ± 0.0 0.0 Developed 0.1 ± 0.0 0.0 TOTAL 5.6 --4.2 5.15 *Habitat Groups refer to the Carlsbad HMP habitat classification system t Maximum avoidance and on-site conservation of Group C habitat is encouraged ;Habitat in this group which is not conserved or mitigated (in this case, excluding everything outside the proposed project footprint) on site shall pay a per acre in lieu mitigation fee in an amount to be detem1ined by the City Council. ± Not a sensitive vegetation community; no mitigation required. D. MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS Project impacts to 2.1 acres DCSS require mitigation at a minimum 2: 1 ratio, pursuant to the Carlsbad HMP, for a total requirement of 4.2 acres (Table 1). On-site preservation is not eligible for mitigation credit given that the project site is located within the coastal zone, thus mitigation shall be accomplished through on-site creation of 5.19 acres of DCSS where non-native vegetation, disturbed habitat, and developed land occurs (Table l ; Figure 6). The project will created an excess of 0.99 acres ofDCSS resulting in a mitigation ratio of2.5:l. Impacts to disturbed habitat and non-native vegetation would require preservation of equivalent or superior habitat onsite or payment of a Habitat Development Fee to the City in order to demonstrate consistency with the Carlsbad HMP and project compliance with City policy. HELIX Emlfronmenta/PlaM/no ------------------------------- Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-01 I September 15, 2016 2 III. MITIGATION DESCRIPTION A. MITIGATION LOCATION To meet mitigation requirements for project impacts, 5.19 acres of DCSS habitat will be created on-site within land that supports non-native vegetation, disturbed habitat, and developed land (Figure 6). All mitigation will occur within the Proposed Hardline Conservation Area. B. EXISTING CONDITIONS The site consists of hvo small ridgelines with gently sloping hillsides, surrounded by patches of predominantly disturbed areas. Surrounding the parcel are densely clustered residential areas with no open space contiguous to any boundary line. Elevation ranges from approximately 38 to 239 feet above mean sea level (ams!). The soil type on site consists primarily of Las Flores Loamy Fine Sand ( 15 to 30 percent slopes; Bowman 1973). No natural drainage features or water bodies occur within the site. Six vegetation communities/land cover types occur within the project site: Diegan coastal sage scrub (including disturbed), native grassland, non-native grassland, non-native vegetation, disturbed habitat, and developed land. Two special status plant species have been found within the project site: small-flower bindweed (Convolvulus simulans) and ashy spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens). Two special status animal species were observed within the project site: coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) and Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii). C. TARGET FUNCTIONS AND SERVICES The goal of the proposed mitigation effort is to establish healthy DCSS habitat that can perform the same or greater functions and values (e.g., habitat for wildlife) as the impacted DCSS. Fewer wildlife species tend to use areas dominated by disturbed habitat and non-native vegetation. Native habitat restoration will increase the value of these areas to native flora and fauna. At the end of five years of maintenance and monitoring, the habitat is expected to contain enough native vegetation to provide improved habitat functions and values and to continue on the trajectory toward developing functions and values of adjacent native DCSS habitat without further active management. However, once the success criteria have been met, this area will be managed in perpetuity, along with the rest of the on-site Proposed Hardline Conservation Preserve area. IV. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN A. RATIONALE FOR EXPECTING MITIGATION SUCCESS The proposed restoration effort is anticipated to be successful based on the following: (I) the presence of native soils, (2) the use of plantings and seed of native species known to occur onsite, and (3) the use of temporary irrigation to aid plant establishment. In addition, the presence of adjacent undeveloped lands containing native habitat will aid the dispersal of microorganisms and seed from healthy habitat into the created DCSS habitat. Hfil~-------------- Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-01 I September 15, 2016 3 B. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES I. Project Proponent The City of Carlsbad is the Lead Agency for this project. Contact information is provided below: Contact: Mike Grim, Senior Planner City of Carlsbad Planning Department 1635 Faraday Ave. Carlsbad. CA 92008-7314 (760) 602-4623 Mike.Grim@carlsbadca.gov Pacific Legacy Homes, or their successor, will be responsible for financing the installation and 5-year monitoring of the habitat restoration proposed in this plan. Contact information is provided below: Mr. Michael Graham Pacific Legacy Homes 16870 W. Bernardo Drive, Suite 400 San Diego, CA 92127 2. Restoration Specialist Overall supervision of the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of this restoration project will be the responsibility of a restoration specialist experienced with upland habitat restoration. The restoration specialist will oversee the efforts of the installation and maintenance contractor(s) for the duration of the restoration effort. Specific tasks of the restoration specialist include educating all participants with regard to mitigation goals and requirements, as well as directly overseeing fencing, planting, seeding, weeding, and other maintenance activities. The restoration specialist will explain to the contractor(s) on how to avoid impacts to existing sensitive habitat and sensitive species. When necessary, the restoration specialist will provide the project proponent and contractor with a written monitoring memo, including a list of items in need of attention. The restoration specialist also will conduct annual assessments of the restoration effort and prepare and submit an annual report to the City of Carlsbad each year during the 5-year maintenance and monitoring period. 3, Landscape Architect A licensed landscape architect will prepare any necessary construction documents, including irrigation and planting plans. This person will inspect the irrigation system prior to seeding and planting to help assure complete coverage of the restoration area while minimizing runoff into the adjacent habitat. 4. Installation/Maintenance Contractor(s) The installation and maintenance contractor(s) will have experience in upland habitat restoration and be under the direction of the restoration specialist, who will assist the contractor(s) with the HELIX --------------------------------Diegan Coastal Sage Scmb Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-011 September 15, 2016 4 - - - - - - - - installation and maintenance of the target vegetation type. Different contractors may be used for the installation and maintenance phases of the upland restoration effort, or they may be the same entity. The project proponent may change contractors at its discretion. The installation and maintenance contractor(s) will service the entire restoration area as required, meet the restoration specialist at the site when requested, and perform all checklist items in a timely manner as directed by the project proponent. They will be knowledgeable regarding the maintenance of native habitat and the difference between native and non-native plants. Installation would include application of hydroseed, planting container plants and seeds, installing temporary irrigation, and ensuring erosion control devices have been properly installed by others. Maintenance would include but not be limited to non-native plant species control, trash removal, irrigation, and potentially re-seeding and/or re-planting. All maintenance activities would be seasonally appropriate and approved by the restoration specialist. C. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE No grading of the restoration site is proposed; therefore, necessary site preparation and planting can begin as soon as the restoration area is delineated and protective construction fencing is installed. Following completion of these activities, the site will be weeded, irrigation will be installed, and restoration area will be planted and seeded. Monitoring of the mitigation effort will begin with the delineation of the restoration area, continue throughout the 120-day installation period, and continue for five years following the successful completion of the installation. Maintenance of the restoration areas will begin following the successful completion of the installation, and continue for five years. In the event that the project applicant is wholly or partly prevented from performing obligations under the final plans (causing temporal losses due to delays) because of unforeseeable circumstances or causes beyond the reasonable control, and without the fault of negligence of the project applicant, including but not limited to natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, etc.), labor disputes, sudden actions of the elements, or actions by federal or State agencies, or other governments, the project applicant will be excused by such unforeseeable cause(s). D. SITE ACCESS All vehicles, heavy equipment, irrigation supplies, container plantings, and any other materials or personnel required to execute the planned upland restoration will be confined to the developed/disturbed land located within the project's impact area. E. PLANT/SEED ORDERS The plants selected for installation in the upland restoration area have been docwnented to occur on site or are common in the region and the project vicinity. All plants and seed installed at the site will be propagated from on site or nearby sources. The collected seed will be labeled and stored in a cool, dry location until it is used at the mitigation site. The restoration specialist must approve all seed and container stock orders prior to finalizing. HflJ! ______________ _ Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aure Circle Project I PLH-011 September 15, 2016 5 F. FENCING PROJECT LIMITS Prior to initiation of restoration activities associated with the proposed mitigation project, an on-site meeting will be held with the project proponent, installation contractor, and monitoring biologist to identify the restoration area and adjacent native habitat to be avoided. To minimize temporary effects to native habitats adjacent to the restoration area on site, orange construction fencing will be installed around the restoration area prior to site preparation and installation. This fencing will remain in place during initial mitigation installation and all fencing will be inspected by a monitoring biologist/restoration specialist prior to the start of installation activities. Construction fencing will be removed following complete restoration installation. The restoration specialist will determine when fencing can be removed. G. DOCUMENT PRE-PROJECT SITE CONDITIONS To document the progress of the mitigation effort, the restoration specialist will identify at least four photo documentation locations for future comparison with post-installation and annual assessment photos. H. GRADING No grading of the restoration site is proposed. Grading of the developed portion of the project will be done in accordance within the grading plan specifications. Modifications to the specifications would require approval from the project engineer. An on-site meeting will be held with the grading contractor and the restoration specialist to identify sensitive areas and discuss avoidance prior to initiation of work. The restoration specialist, or other monitoring biologist approved by the City, should be on site during clearing and grubbing of habitat that occurs within 200 feet of the grading limits. The clearing and grubbing of sensitive habitats should occur outside of the bird breeding season (February 15 to September 15), unless a qualified biologist demonstrates to the satisfaction of the City and the resource agencies that all nesting is complete. I. SITE PREPARATION The restoration specialist will mark all areas to be prepared and/or avoided with stakes, flags, and/or gypsum. An on-site meeting will be held with the landscape contractor and the restoration specialist to identify sensitive areas and devise a strategy for avoidance prior to initiation of restoration activities. One (I) specific staging area will be established in the proposed development area adjacent to the restoration site. All vehicles and construction equipment will be restricted to the staging area when not required for restoration activities. A small piece of equipment such as a bobcat will be used to prepare the site. Existing native vegetation within the Proposed Hardline Conservation Area would be avoided during implementation of restoration activities. Site preparation would be limited to outside the avian breeding season (February 15 to August 31). Nesting birds and the federally-listed coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica cal{fornica) have the potential to occupy habitat within or adjacent to the restoration area. Should site preparation and installation of the restoration areas extend into the avian breeding season, a qualified biologist shall survey suitable habitat and for nesting birds within HfJJ!...,.. ____________ _ Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-01 I September 15, 2016 6 - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - 100 feet of any restoration act1v1ty and take appropriate measures as necessary to avoid or mitigate effects on nesting birds. J. NON-NATIVE PLANT REMOVAL Non•native plants and concrete present within the restoration area will be removed prior to installing temporary irrigation. K. EROSION CONTROL A combination of erosion control measures will be used in the restoration area wherever deemed necessary by the restoration specialist. Erosion control materials will be removed from the site once sufficient native plant cover is established. In addition, a hydro-slurry containing tackifier and wood fiber/mulch will be applied with the seed mixture to provide erosion control across the site. Fiber roles shall be made of biodegradable/photodegradable casings to minimize potential impacts to wildlife. L. IRRIGATION Temporary, above-ground irrigation will be installed throughout the DCSS restoration area. The irrigation system will incorporate the use of moisture sensors connected to an irrigation controller; this will allow for the application of water on an as-needed basis. The project landscape architect, together with the installation contractor, will inspect the irrigation to ensure full coverage of target areas prior to plant/seed installation. The irrigation schedule will attempt to develop deep root grov-..th with evenly spaced, infrequent, deep applications of water. Irrigation will be minimized following natural rainfall events. Once plant material is established the system will be deactivated. To demonstrate that vegetation is self-sustaining, the irrigation system must be turned off for at least two years prior to the end of the restoration effort. All above-ground portions of the irrigation system should be removed at the end of the 5-year maintenance and monitoring period, following sign off by the City. M. PLANTING PLAN After completion of site preparation, including the removal of concrete and non-native plants, and installation of irrigation, native plants will be installed within the DCSS restoration area. The species selected for planting and seeding (Table 2) have been observed within DCSS habitat on site or in DCSS habitat in coastal Carlsbad. Plants and seed for the restoration effort should be obtained from coastal San Diego or Orange Counties, whenever possible. Species substitutions, quantity changes, or use of commercial seed may be allowed, if necessary, at the discretion of the restoration specialist. The source and proof of locally-sourced native plant material and seed should be provided and addressed in the as-built report for the site. The restoration specialist must inspect all plant material prior to installation. Fast-growing annual species that are quick to germinate will be included in the seed mix to provide initial cover and help protect the site from erosion. Slower-growing perennials will become established in Years 2 and 3 after planting, and will provide further protection against erosion. Hff.!!,~--------------- Oiegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-01 ! September 15, 2016 Table 2 DIEGAN COASTAL SAGE SCRUB PLANTING AND SEED PALETTE (5.19 acres) CONTAINER PLANTINGS Grouping Spacin g on Number Scientific Name Common Name Center Total Size (ft) Per Acre Artemisia californica California sagebrush 10 5 200 1,030 Cylindrovuntia californica Coastal cholla 10 5 60 309 Encelia californica California encel ia 10 5 200 1,030 Eriof{onumfasciculatum California buckwheat 10 5 200 1 030 Heteromeles arbulifolia toyon 5 12 60 309 Malosma laurina laurel sumac 5 12 60 309 Opuntia littoralis prickly pear cactus 5 5 40 206 Rhus intewifolia lemonadeberry 5 12 60 309 Salvia melli(era black sage 10 5 200 1,030 Sambucus niwa black elderberry 5 12 60 309 TOTAL 1,140 5,871 SEED MIXTURE Scientific Name Common Name Percent Purity/ Pounds/ Total Germination Acre Pounds Acmispon f!.laber common goldfields 95/80 I 5.2 Artemisia cali(ornica California sagebrush 90/25 3 15.5 Baccharis vilularis coyote brush 2/40 1 5.2 Deinandra fasciculata fascicled tarplant 20/80 2 10.3 Encelia ca/i(ornica California encelia 40/60 3 15.5 Eriof!.onum fascicu/atum California buckwheat 50/20 3 15.5 Erioohy/lum confer/ i/lorum golden-yarrow 30/70 2 10.3 Eschscho/zia californica California poppy 98/80 2 10.3 lsocoma menziesii golden bu sh 40/30 1 5.2 lasthenia wacilis common goldfields 70/50 2 10.3 Luvinus succu/entus arroyo lupine 98/85 2 10.3 Mimulus aurantiacus bush monkey flower 2/60 2 10.3 Plan/af!.O erecta dot-seed plantain 90/80 2 10.3 Salvia melli(era black sage 70/50 3 15.5 Sisyrinchium helium blue-eyed grass 95/75 2 10.3 Stiva pu/chra foothill needlegrass 90/80 6 30.9 TOTAL 37 190.9 A 30-foot wide special planting zone consisting of low density/low fue l plant species (Table 3) will be installed along the northern property line. The purpose of this 30-foot wide special planting zone is to reduce the risk of fire spreading to the adjacent, off-site structures down-slope to the north. HELIX EmnnffNrlla/Amng ------------------------------- Oiegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-01 I September 15, 2016 8 Table 3 DIEGAN COAST AL SAGE SCRUB/LOW-FUEL PLANTING AREA PLANTING AND SEED PALETTE (0.22 acre) CONTAINER PLANTINGS Grouping Spacing Number Scientific Name Common Name on Center Tot.al Size (ft) Per Acre Heteromeles arbutifolia toyon 5 12 30 7 Malosma laurina laurel sumac 5 12 30 7 Ommtia /iuoralis prickly pear cactus 5 7 40 10 Rhus inlef!rifolia lemonadeberry 5 12 30 7 Yucca whioolei Our Lord's candle 5 7 40 10 TOTAL 170 41 SEED MIXTURE Scientific Name Common Name Percent Purity/ Pounds/ Total Germination Acre Pounds Crvotantha muricata popcorn flower 15/50 I 0.5 Deinandra fasciculata fascicled tarplant 20/80 2 I Dichelostemma caoitatum blue dicks 90/80 2 I Eriophyllum conferti/lorum golden yarrow 30/70 2 I Eschscholzia ca/ifornica California pooov 98/80 2 I lasthenia f.!/abrata gold fields 70/50 2 I Luoinus bicolor annual lupine 98/85 I 0.5 Melica imoerfecta coast range melic 80/60 2 I Muh/enberf!ia microsperma littleseed muhly 80/60 1 0.5 Sisyrinchium bel/um blue-eyed grass 95/75 2 1 Stioa oulchra purple needle-grass 90/80 5 2 Solanum xanti purple nightshade 90/30 2 I TOTAL 24 11.5 All container stock would be of the size specified in Tables 2 and 3 and should be installed in holes that are at least 1.5 times larger than the container planting container. Holes will be dug with mechanical augers where possible and by hand elsewhere. Planting arrangements should be instaJled in a way that mimics natural plant distribution; therefore, DCSS container plantings will be install ed in groupings of 7 to IO plants, comprised of 3 to 5 larger species ( e.g., laurel sumac [Ma/osma laurina] and lemonadeberry [Rhus integrifolia]) with a mixture of smaller shrubs (i.e., California sagebrush [Artemisia californica], California buckwheat [Eriogonum fasciculatum], and black sage [Salvia mellifera]). Since native soils are present, no mycorrhizal inoculum or other soil amendments are recommended. After plant instaJiation, seed should be hand-spread to ensure direct contact with soil, followed by a hydromulch application to tackify seed and stabilize soil. Alternatively, hydroseed can be applied containing both the seed mix and tackifier materials. N. AS-BUILT CONDITIONS The restoration specialist shall submit a brief letter report to the City, including an as-built graphic, within six weeks of completion of restoration installation. This letter will descri be site HELIX EnwnnonM~l'lnlhg ------------------------------- Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-01 I September 15, 2016 9 preparation, installation methods, and the as-built status of the overall restoration effort. Part of this submittal will be an as-built graphic that depicts deviations in the locations of plantings and other key features from the construction documents. Pre-and post-installation photographs taken from identified photo stations shall be included as part of the as-built report. V. MAINTENANCE PLAN A. MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES A 5-year maintenance program is proposed to ensure the successful establishment and persistence of DCSS habitat within the restoration area. The maintenance program will involve removal of non-native species and trash, irrigation maintenance, and any remedial measures deemed necessary for the success of the restoration program (e.g., re-seeding and re-planting). Maintenance activities will be directed by the restoration specialist and implemented by the installation/maintenance contractor( s ). General Maintenance The maintenance guidelines are tailored for native plant establishment. Maintenance personnel will be informed of the goals of the restoration effort and the maintenance requirements. A professional with experience and knowledge in native habitat restoration maintenance will supervise all maintenance. It is the maintenance contractor's responsibility to keep all seeded and planted areas free of debris, and to monitor irrigation function and scheduling, plant material condition and health, and removal of non-native species. The maintenance contractor will also be responsible for replacing any dead or terminally diseased plants, at the direction of the restoration specialist. Damage to plants, irrigation systems, and other facilities occurring as a result of unusual weather or vandalism will be repaired as directed by the restoration specialist. The cost of such repairs will be paid for as extra work. The contractor will be responsible for damage caused by the contractor's inadequate maintenance or operation of irrigation facilities, as determined by the restoration specialist. 2. Remedial Installation Reseeding and/or planting will occur at any bare areas exhibiting low germination and establishment of native vegetation, at the direction of the restoration specialist. 3. Non-native Plant Control Particular emphasis will be placed on pro-active removal of non-native plants. Eradication will be conducted as necessary to minimize competition that could prevent native species establishment. As non-native plants become evident, they should be removed by hand or controlled with the proper herbicides (if approved by the restoration specialist). The restoration specialist will oversee weed control by the maintenance contractor; however, maintenance personnel must be knowledgeable in distinguishing non-native species from desirable native vegetation. HfJJ1,,_ ____________ _ Oiegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-011 September 15, 2016 - - Non-native species considered to be highly invasive by the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC List A and B species) shall be totally eradicated within restoration boundaries. Examples of invasive plants include but are not limited to fennel (Foeniculum vulgare ), hottentot-fig (Carpobrotus edulis), artichoke thistle (C'ynara cardunculus), and blue gum (Eucalyptus glabulus). 4. Irrigation The goal is to obtain germination and growth with the least amount of irrigation. Frequent irrigation encourages invasion by non-native plants and leaches nutrients from the soil, therefore, water will be applied infrequently and only as needed to prevent plant mortality. Native plantings that are infrequently irrigated may grow slower initially but will ultimately be better able to withstand natural variations in rainfall and, therefore, be more successful long-term. The irrigation schedule will attempt to develop deep root growth with evenly spaced, infrequent, deep applications of water. To obtain deep penetration of water, the irrigation system may be activated several times in one 24-hour period. Irrigation will be minimized to the extent possible following natural rainfall events. The irrigation system will be maintained until the restoration specialist determines that supplemental water is no longer required. At that time, irrigation will be permanently disconnected (e.g., the mainline will be cut), but not removed. Above-ground portions of irrigation will be removed when directed by the restoration specialist, or following restoration sign off by the City. 5. Trash Removal Planted areas will be kept free of trash and debris and would be checked according to the maintenance schedule (Table 4) by maintenance personnel. 6. Other Pests Insects, vertebrate pests, and diseases will be monitored. Generally speaking, pests will be tolerated unless they pose a significant threat to project success. If deemed necessary, a licensed pest control adviser will make specific pest control recommendations. All applicable federal and state laws and regulations will be closely followed. The restoration s~cialist will be consulted on any pest control matters. 7. Fertilizer Application Fertilizer will not be applied except m extraordinary circumstances and only at the written direction of the restoration specialist. 8. Pruning No post-installation pruning is necessary unless otherwise directed by the restoration specialist. Hf!,11,,,_ ____________ _ Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-011 September 15, 2016 ii B. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Maintenance will be performed as necessary to ensure the successful establishment of native plants and prevent re-seeding by non-native plants and will likely change with varying site conditions and seasons; the schedule outlined herein (Table 4) serves only as a guideline. At a minimum, the installation contractor will conduct monthly maintenance during the 120-day establishment period until the restoration specialist recommends sign off of the 120-day establishment period in writing. The maintenance contractor will be responsible for all maintenance activities during the remainder of the 5-year maintenance period. For the first 3 years of the 5-year maintenance and monitoring period, maintenance is expected to be required monthly between November and May (to cover the peak growing period for upland species) and every 2 months during the remainder of the year. Maintenance visits may be reduced and become quarterly in Years 4 and 5 if approved by the restoration specialist. The installation/maintenance contractor(s) will complete maintenance requests from the restoration specialist within 14 days of any written request or monitoring report. Table 4 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE* Phase Schedule lnstallation 120-day establishment period Monthly Maintenance Remainder of Year I through Year 3 November to May Monthly June to October Twice: July and September Years 4 through 5 Quarterly •This schedule is only a guideline: maintenance will be perfonned as necessary and as directed by tJ1e restoration specialist. C. RESPONSIBLE PARTY Pacific Legacy Homes will be responsible for ensuring implementation of the maintenance program. The responsible party may change with the sale of the property. Ultimately, the property may be transferred in fee title (subject to City approval) to a public or private entity specializing in long-term management of open space. If such a transfer were to occur prior to sign off by the City, this entity would become responsible for the maintenance program. VI. MONITORING PLAN Monitoring will be carried out by th.e restoration specialist, beginning with site preparation and habitat installation, and continuing through sign off, approximately five years after the start of the restoration effort. Monitoring will include (1) documenting pre-restoration site conditions; (2) installation monitoring; (3) maintenance monitoring; and (4) annual technical monitoring. During each visit, the restoration specialist will inspect the site to ensure that the restoration effort is progressing as planned and identify any problems that may affect the effort. HELIX Etmtoomentall'lmnQ ------------------------------- Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-01 I September 15, 2016 12 - - -- - - A. PRE-RESTORATION SITE ASSESSMENT The restoration specialist will visit the site prior to the start of installation to document existing site conditions by taking photographs, listing all plants and animals observed, and noting any special conditions within the proposed restoration area. They will identify at least four photo documentation locations from which to document pre-project site conditions. These photo locations v,..111 be recorded using a Global Positioning Satellite (OPS) with sub-meter accuracy and mapped on an aerial photo of the site. These same photo locations will be used to document site conditions following restoration installation and each of the five years of the maintenance period. B. INSTALLATION MONITORING The restoration specialist will be on site daily, or as needed, during installation to ensure that activities are being conducted per this plan. The restoration specialist will monitor all phases of the installation process, including site preparation and installation of plants and seed. The restoration specialist must inspect and authorize each phase of work before the next phase may begin. Post-installation photos will be taken in the restoration area from the designated photo documentation stations. This information will be used later to track the changes in vegetation as a result of site restoration. C. MAINTENANCE MONITORING Maintenance monitoring will consist of general site inspections focusing on visual observations of native plant establishment and growth and other site conditions (e.g., presence of non-native plants). Following installation, the restoration specialist will monitor maintenance activities conducted by the installation contractor during the 120-day establishment period and by the maintenance contractor for the remainder of the 5-year maintenance and monitoring period in accordance with the schedule outlined in Table 5. In Years 1 through 3, visits will be conducted monthly from November through April (to cover the peak establishment period for upland vegetation) and twice in the remainder of the year, for a total of 8 visits per year. During Years 4 and 5, monitoring will be conducted quarterly. This monitoring schedule is the minimum; more frequent inspections may be necessary if there are problems with contractor performance or habitat development. Monitoring memos noting any issues with plant establishment, irrigation, sediment control, etc., will be provided as necessary to the installation/maintenance contractor(s) and the project proponent. The contractor will correct problems identified by the restoration specialist. HflJ! ______________ _ Oiegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-011 September 15, 2016 13 Table 5 MAINTENANCE MONITORING SCHEDULE Phase Schedule Installation Monitorine Site preparation and installation Daily 120-day establishment period Monthly (4 visits) Maintenance Monitorine Year 1 through Year 3 8 visits November to April Monthly May to October June and August Years 4 and 5 Quarterly D. ANNUAL TECHNICAL MONITORING In addition to maintenance monitoring visits, the restoration specialist will conduct annual technical monitoring in April/May of each year during the 5-year maintenance and monitoring period. The visits are scheduled for spring to coincide with the peak of the growing season for most native upland herbs and shrubs. The exact timing of the visits will depend on site and weather conditions. Annual monitoring will consist of a qualitative (visual) assessment in Years 1 and 2, and both a qualitative and quantitative (transect data collection) assessment in Years 3, 4, and 5. Qualitative monitoring will include assessments of plant health, estimates of native and nonnative plant cover, observations of plant recruitment, lists of wildlife and plant species observed on site, and photographic documentation each year. Quantitative monitoring will be conducted by collecting data from transects established within the restoration area. Success criteria milestones are provided in Section VII, below. 1. Transect Sampling (Vegetation Cover and Species Richness) Transects will be used to collect quantitative data for the upland annual monitoring. The number of transects, and transect length will be determined once installation has completed. Transects will be positioned to provide a representative sampling of all restoration slopes covered in this plan. Once established, transect locations should be mapped using a GPS unit and permanently marked in the field with rebar to faci litate their use in subsequent years. Vegetative data will be collected along each transect using the point intercept line transect sampling methods described in the California Native Plant Society's Field Sampling Protocol (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995). Species cover data will be collected by recording all of the species intercepted at each 0.5-meter interval along the length of each transect. Vegetation will be recorded separately for herb (0 to 0.6 meter), shrub (0.6 to 2 meters), and tree (greater than 2 meters) layers. Species richness data will be collected by noting all species occurring within a 5-meter belt transect centered on each line transect. 2. Wildlife Observations Observations of wildlife within the restoration area will be documented and included in each annual report. No focused wildljfe surveys will be conducted. HELIX EtwitOnl!fflfltaJl'lan()lng ------------------------------- Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-01 I September 15, 2016 14 -- - - - - ---- 3. Photo Documentation The photo documentation stations established at the prior to the start of the restoration effort will be re-photographed each year during the annual assessment to demonstrate the development of the mitigation site and will be included in the annual reports. 4. Annual Reports Reports will be prepared annually and submitted to the City no later than December 1 during the 5-year monitoring period. These reports will be based on qualitative and/or quantitative data as appropriate and will focus on possible adjustments (if any) needed to ensure ultimate project success. For Years 3 through 5, the annual reports will include results of transect monitoring data to determine success as compared to set criteria from the restoration effort. Each report will evaluate the success of the restoration effort to date, along with recommendations for future work that may be deemed necessary. VII. SUCCESS CRITERIA To complete the 120-day establishment period, irrigation must be functional, container plantings must have 100 percent survivorship, and all target invasive species (Cal-IPC List A and B species) must be removed from the restoration area. It is recommended that the initial planting contain between 10 to 15 percent more container stock than specified in the plan in order to ensure success. Any replacement plantings added to attain the survivorship criterion must be installed for at least 30 days prior to sign off of the 120-day establishment period. The site must be relatively weed-free and evidence of successful seed germination ofhydroseed material must be visible. Success criteria provide specific standards to evaluate the progress of the restoration effort. Attainment of these standards indicates that the restoration area is progressing toward, and has the habitat function and services specified by, this plan. Restoration success will be determined by comparing measures of planting survivorship, vegetative cover, and native plant recruitment within the restoration area to specified targets. based on visual observations. The following parameters will determine success of the restoration effort: (1) absolute native cover of at least 70 percent within the DCSS restoration area; (2) absolute non-native cover (excluding target species) of no more than 10 percent within the DCSS restoration area; and (3) no cover by target invasive plants (Cal-IPC List A and B species) within the DCSS restoration area (Table 6). In addition to these parameters, recruitment (the successful, natural reproduction and/or establishment of plants in a given area) of native species must be observed. These criteria are based on observations of intact native habitat located on site. Interim success criteria, demonstrating that the restoration effort is on track to meet the final criteria, are also provided for Years 1 through 5 (Table 6). Success criteria specified for Years 1 and 2 will be estimated visually and used as a guide to determine if the restoration site is on track to meet final success criteria. Hfjg _____________ _ Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-011 September 15, 2016 15 Table 6 SUCCESS CRITERIA MILESTONES (percent) Criteria Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year4 Year S Planting survivorship 80 80 -- ---- Minimum native vegetation cover 20 30 40 55 65 Maximum non-native vegetation cover 10 10 10 JO 10 Maximum target invasive species cover! 0 0 0 0 0 !No target invasive species (Cal-I PC List A and B) shall be allowed to persist within the restoratton area A. SURVIVORSIDP Container plant survival should be 80 percent of the initial plantings for the first 2 years. At the first and second anniversary of plant installation, all dead plants should be replaced unless their functi on has been replaced by natural recruitment. B. NATIVE COVER Cover by native vegetation should increase over time and ultimately approach that of the nearby undisturbed DCSS habitat. Therefore, by the end of the restoration effort, at least 65 percent native cover should be established in the DCSS restoration area. Following the end of the restoration effort, this amount of cover will be expected to continue to increase as vegetation matures. Native cover will be visually estimated separately for herb, shrub, and tree strata, but the success criterion only applies to total native cover. C. NON-NATIVE COVER Non-native cover is typically a problem with habitat restoration, particularly at the outset of a restoration effort. However, as the restoration takes hold and with djligent maintenance efforts, non-native cover should decrease to an acceptable level. Given the intense maintenance schedule for the site, non-native cover within the DCSS restoration area should not exceed 10 percent in any year (1-5). D. TARGET INV ASlVE SPECIES Target invasive non-native species (Cal-IPC List A and B) should be completely eradicated from the DCSS restorati on area each year. No target invasive species (e.g., 0 percent cover) shall be allowed to persist within these areas. E. IRRIGATION To provide evidence that vegetation is self-sufficient, direct irrigation of the DCSS restoration areas must be shut off at least 2 years prior to the end of the maintenance/monitoring period. HELIX EIIWOl-1111/'laq ------------------------------- Oiegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-01 I September 15, 2016 16 - --- ----- - A. VIII. COMPLETION OF MITIGATION NOTIFICATION OF COMPLETION The City will be notified of completion of the restoration effort through submittal of a final (Year 5) monitoring report. B. CONFIRMATION If the restoration meets all success standards at the end of the 5-year monitoring period or sooner, then the restoration will be considered a success; if not, the maintenance and monitoring program will be extended until the standards are met. Specific remedial measures (approved by the City) will be used during any extension. Monitoring extensions will be done only for areas that fail to meet final success criteria. This process will continue until all Year 5 standards are attained or until the City determines that other mitigation measures are appropriate. Should the restoration effort meet all goals prior to the end of the 5-year monitoring period, the City, at its discretion, may terminate the monitoring effort. If requested, a site visit may be conducted with the City to verify site conditions. IX. CONTINGENCY MEASURES If the restoration effort is not meeting success standards, the restoration specialist shall notify the project proponent and propose corrective measures. Should the restoration area fail due to a natural disaster such as an earthquake or flood, the contractor(s) will not be held responsible for replanting of any restoration area. Hfl:,JJ,,,_ ____________ _ Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-011 September 15, 2016 17 X. REFERENCES American Ornithologists' Union (AOU). 2016. AOU Checklist of North and Middle American Birds (online checklist). URL: http://checklist.aou.org/taxa/ Baldwin. B. G., Goldman, D. H., Keil D. J., Patterson R., Rosatti, T. J. and Wilken, D. H. (eds.). 2012. The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California. Second edition. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. 1568 pp. Bowman, R. 1973. Soil Survey of the San Diego Area. USDA in cooperation with the USDI, UC Agricultural Experiment Station, Bureau oflndian Affairs, Department of the Navy, and the U.S. Marine Corps. California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC). 2006. California Invasive Plant Inventory. February. URL: http:/ /wwv,1.cal-ipc.org/iplinventory/index. php. City of Carlsbad (City). 2004. Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad. November. Oberbauer, Thomas. 2008. Terrestrial Vegetation Communities in San Diego County Based on Holland's Descriptions. Revised from 1996 and 2005. July. Sawyer, J.O. and T. Keeler•Wolf. 1995. A Manual of California Vegetation. California Native Plant Society. 472 pp. Hfi11--------------~ Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Plan for the Aura Circle Project I PLH-011 September 15, 2016 18 . .....