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Home My WebLink AboutGPA 15-02; OCEAN VIEW POINT; GNATCHER SURVEY REPORT; 2015-07-24DUDE!< July 24, 2015 U.S. Fish and ~'ildlifo Service Attn: Stacey Love_ Carlsbad Recovery Permits Coordinator Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office 6010 Hidden Valley Road Carlsbad, California 92011 9012 Subject: Focused California Gnatcatcher Survey Report for the Hynek Property, City of Carbfhad, San Diego County, California Dear Ms. Love: This report documents the results of protocol-level presence/absence surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila ca!f/Ornica cal[/Ornica; CAGN). Focused surveys were conducted throughout all areas of suitable habitat (i.e., coastal sage scrnb and sub-associations) for the Hynek Property (Figure 1 ). The site encompasses 21.9 acres. Suitable habitat for CAGN was approximately 15 acres. The project site is located in Carlsbad, San Diego County, California (Figure 2). Dudek biologist Emily Wier (TE-53922B-0) conducted CAGN surveys in June 2015. The CAGN is a federally listed threatened species and a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Species of Special Conccm. It is closely associated with coastal sage scrub habitat and typically occurs belO\v 950 feet elevation and on slopes less than 40% (Atwood I 990), but CAGN have been observed at elevations greater than 2,000 feet. The species is threatened primarily by loss, degradation, and fragmentation of coastal sage scrnb habitat, and is also impacted by brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus a/er) nest parasitism (Braden et al. 1997). LOCATION AND EXISTING CONDITIONS The Hynek Property is located within the City of Carlsbad. in northwestern and coastal San Diego County (Figure\). The site is located on the San Luis Rey 7.5-minute U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle map (Figure 2) and is within the Kelly Ranch neighborhood in Carlsbad. The approximate centroid of the site is I 17°17'52.59"W 33°8'15.404"N, Township 12 South Range 4 West Section 16 (Figure 2). Elevation on site ranges from approximately 165 to 328 feet above mean sea level. The site consists of several ridges with gently sloping canyons, located adjacent to existing housing development to the north and commercial developments to the east along Faraday Road. There are Recovery Permit Coordinator Subject: Focused California Gnatcatcher Survey Report for the Hynek Property, City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California several dirt trails throughout the site, as the property connects w ith the Kelly Ranch open space area to the south managed by the Center for Natural Lands Management. To the west of the site is the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Coastal sage scrub vegetati on communities occur primarily along the western and central portions of the site. The site is within the City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan, which serves as Carlsbad's subarea plan under the North County Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (City of Carlsbad 2004). VEGETATION COMMUNITIES Vegetation communities within the site area (and alliances/sub-associations) that provide potential habitat for CAGN include Diegan coastal sage scrub-coastal fo rm, and disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub-coastal form, total ing approximately 15.5 acres. Vegetation community classifications used in this report follow Oberbauer et al. (2008) which is revised from Holland ( 1986) specifically for San Diego County. The acreages of suitable habitat surveyed are prov ided in Table I and descriptions of these communities follow. Table I Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types S urveyed During 2015 Focused California Gnatcatcher Surveys Vegetation Community /Land Cover Type Code Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub-Coastal form (CSS) 32510 Disturbed Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub-Coastal form (dCSS) 32510 Total Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub-Coastal form (32510) Acres 14.7 0.5 15.2 According to Oberbauer et al. (2008), Diegan coastal sage scrub-coastal form is a low soft- woody subshrub community that is approximately I meter (3 feet) in height and most active in winter and early spring. Many of the taxa within this community are facultatively drought deciduous. Diegan coastal sage scrub-coastal form occurs below 1,000 feet and is dominated by coastal sagebrush (Artemisia californica). Other associated dominants may include Eastern Mojave buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum var. fasciculatum), yellow bush snap dragon (Keckiella anlirrhinoides), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), and black sage (Salvia mellifera). This vegetation community is a sensitive habitat under the Carlsbad HMP (City of Carlsbad 2004). DUDEK 2 9012 July 2015 Recovery Permit Coordinator Subject: Focused California Gnatcatcher Survey Report for the Hynek Property, City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California On site, Diegan coastal sage scrub-<:oastal form dominates much of the site and is found along the central and western portions of the site. Within the Diegan coastal sage scrub-<:oastal form, dominant species include California sagebrush, lemonadeberry, Eastern Mojave buckwheat, and black sage. METHODS The City is enrolled in the Natural Community Conservation Planning through its North Country Multiple Habitat Conservation Program; thus. in accordance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (USFWS 1997) survey protocol, three surveys were conducted for the site. The presence/absence focused survey for CAGN was conducted for the project between June 2 and 24, 2015, under the authorization of permit holder Emily Wier (TE-53922B-0). The survey was conducted according to the schedule provided in Table 2. The specific areas surveyed are provided on Figure 3. Table 2 Survey Dates and Conditions Date Time Personnel Survey Conditions (skies, wind, temp) 6/2/2015 0800-1120 EAW 80%-50% cc; wind 3-5 mph; 66°-?2°F 6/10/2015 0720-1000 EAW 100% cc; wind 3-5 mph; 60°-66°F 6/24/2015 0750-1000 EAW 100%-0% cc; wind 3-5 mph; 66°-?2°F Personnel: EAW = Emily A. Wier (TE-539228-0) Survey Conditions: cc = cloud cover: °F = degrees Fahrenheit; mph = miles per hour The survey was conducted following the currently accepted protocol of the USFWS, Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila cal(fornica californica) Presence/Absence Survey Protocol (USFWS 1997). The survey included three visits at a minimum of 7-day intervals. In accordance with the protocol, no more than I 00 acres of suitable habitat was surveyed by a single biologist during each site visit. Survey routes are shown in Figure 3 and allowed for complete audible and visual coverage of all suitable CAGN habitat on site. A topographic map at 200-scale of the site ( I inch = 200 feet) overlain with vegetation polygons and the site area was carried during the survey. Additionally, digital mobile maps were utilized during the surveys to assist in navigating each survey area and mapping any gnatcatchers present. Weather conditions, time of day, and season were appropriate for the detection of gnatcatchers and are provided in Table 2. Appropriate binoculars (e.g., 8.5 x 42 magnification) were used to aid in detecting and identifying bird species. A tape of recorded gnatcatcher vocalizations was played approximately every 200 feet to induce responses from potentially DUDEK 3 9012 July 2015 Recovery Permit Coordinator Subject: Focused Calj/i>rnia Gnatcatcher Survey Report fOr the Hynek Property, City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California present gnatcatchcrs. Tape-playback was terminated immediately upon detection of any gnatcatchers to minimize the potential for harassment. RESULTS A total of four CAGN were observed on site during the protocol-level surveys, including two pairs of CAGN. No nesting behavior or juveniles were observed on site. CAGN locations and survey routes are presented in Figure 3. A full list of wildlife species observed during the survey is provided in Appendix A. No CAGN nests were detected. No brown-headed cowbirds were detected during the survey. Please feel free to contact biologist Emily Weir at 760.415.1417 or Brock Ortega at 760.479.4254 with questions or if you require additional infonnation. I certify that the infonnation in this survey report and attached exhibits fully and accurately represent my work. Sincerely, Emily Aft. Figure I. Regional .Hap Figure 2. Vicinity Map Figure 3, CAG.\' Survey Route Map and Results Appendix A, Compendium of Wildlife Species Observed or Detected REFERENCES Atwood, J. L. 1990. 5itatus Review of the California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila ca\ifomica). Manomet, Massachusetts: Manomet Bird Observatory. Braden, G.T, R.L. McKernan, and S.M. Powell. 1997. "Effects of Nest Parasitism by the Bro'r/11- Headed Cowbird on Nesting Success of the California gnatcatchcr." Condor 99: 858---865. OUDEI< 4 9012 July 2015 Recovery Permir Coordinator Subject: Focused Cal!fOrnia Gnatcatcher Survey Report for the Hynek Property, City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California City of Carlsbad, 2004, J labitat Management Plan/or Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad, as amended. Carlsbad, California: City of Carlsbad, Final approval in November 2004, including implementing agreement and terms and conditions. http://www.carlsbadca.gov/civicax/fi \cbank/blobd load.aspx?Blob!D=27 I 93. Holland, R.F. I 986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of Cal{fi1rnia. Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game. October 1986. Oberbauer, T.. M. Kelly, and J. Buegge. 2008. Drafi Vegetation Communities ofSan Diego County. March 2008. Accessed September 12, 2012. http://\.VWw.sdcanyonlands.org/ canyon-groups/canyon-group-resourccs/canyon-enhancement-guide/189-canyon- enhancement-planning-guide-materials. USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 1997. Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila cal(/Ornica californica) Presence/Absence Survey Protocol. Carlsbad, California: USFWS, Carlsbad Field Office. Revised July 28, 1997. http://www.fws.gov/pacific/ ecoserv ices/endangered/recovery/ documents/CC a I Onatcatc her. 1997. protoco I. pdf. DUDEI< 5 9012 July 2015 8 ro ~ncho Santa Margarita Miss.on ~to De MeJO \eaza Project Site Camp Pllndleton North Pacific 0 c e a n 10 .,__,=--="' Miles 0 5 SOURCE ESRll015 DUDEK 1~usaod rty Pa s, Rancho Mlage 4',, lnd_i:) Indian 1111..;;.;, Wells La Quinta ----...,..--. _ _ Riverside County ---------------------~-""·-~-..--«----______ ... m "-.,,..__· ~Sant j) ~oSan piego San Diego County San~I tlJJ ½11 n San Diego CouWy Estates Pine _,__..;V.:a.lley Borrego Springs = ~-~ ~"-dl--~ ----------------____ J ---~-----.. -"- --------~ .. ---..... -.... --~---· MEXICO FIGURE 1 Regional Map Focused California Gnatcatcher Survey Report for the Hynek Property ' ' Wt!'. -· ' . . }· --::-·,,_~"7~......:a,;~~:-,4-;,y,~;::.:::..---;1,_ t·r~~"".li.:~--~.9,;,;1.if:;..:is~-~~:;;;;,1,11.~:.1,:te•~ • ~l • I •,,.. ,' .-,., SOURCL IJSGS 7 5-Mmu:u S<'l<!S San Lu,; Req Ouadranglr DUDEK Focused California Gnatcatcher Survey Report ror the Hynek Property FIGURE 2 Vicinity Map CAGHUMNu ► Sll"fe)'RN• 0~11.,onC~ict. CSSC. O,a~CClllt.lJ!il ~,ge Scl\.O: CO&,ufkWffl DEV. LMNn'Dewlop&d DH. Oi!IIIAM!d Hlbbl SMlC, 5-ol.lhom t.ti..'lod Ch.~ IICSSC,dlhltMld °"'9"' CoHl,;!15."99 S,cnJ,,COAWIICl'm FIGURE 1 2015 CAGN Survey Route Map and Results APPENDIX A Compendium of Wildlife Species Observed or Detected APPENDIX A Compendium of Wildlife Species Observed or Detected BIRD EMBERIZINES EMBERIZIDAE-EMBERJZ/DS Chondestes grammacus-Lark sparrow Me/ozone crissalis-California towhee Pipilo maculatus-Spotted towhee FINCHES FR/NG/LLIDAE-FRJNGJLL/NE AND CARDUELINE FINCHES AND ALLIES Carpodacus mexicanus-House finch 5/Jinus psaltria-Lesser goldfinch FLYCATCHERS TYRANNIDAE-TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Myiarchus cinerascens-Ash-throated flycatcher Sayornis saya-Say's phoebe Tyrannus vociferans-Cassin's kingbird HAWKS ACCJPITR/DAE-HA WKS, KITES, EAGLES, AND ALLIES Circus cyaneus-Northern harrier HUMMINGBIRDS TROCH/L/DAE-HUMMINGBIRDS Calypte anna----Anna's hummingbird Selasphorus sasin-Allen's hummingbird JAYS, MAGPIES AND CROWS CORVIDAE-CROWS AND JAYS Aphelocoma cal(f<_Jrnica-Wcstern scrub-jay Corvus hrachyrhynchos-American crow Corvus corax-Common raven DUDEI< A-1 9012 July 2015 APPENDIX A (Continued) MOCKINGBIRDS AND THRASHERS MIMIDAE-MOCKJNGBIRDS AND THRASHERS Mimus polygiottos-Northcrn mockingbird NEW WORLD QUAIL ODONTOPHORIDAE-NEW WORLD QUAIL Ca/Jipepla californica--C,alifomia quail NEW WORLD VULTURES CA THARTIDAE-CARDINALS AND ALLIES Cathartes aura-Turkey vulture OLD WORLD WARBLERS AND GNATCA TCHERS SYL VJJDAE---SYL VIID WARBLERS Polioptila californica--Califomia gnatcatcher PIGEONS AND DOVES COLUMBIDAE-PIGEONS AND DOVES Zenaida macroura-Mourning dove ROADRUNNERS AND CUCKOOS CUCULIDAE-CUCKOOS, ROADRUNNERS, AND ANIS Geococcyx calijOrnianus-Greater roadrunner SWALLOWS HIRVNDINIDAE-SWALLOWS Petrochelidon pyrrhonota-Cliff swallow SWIFTS APODIDAE---SWIFTS Aeronautes saxatalis-White-throated swift DUDEI< A-2 9012 July 2015 APPENDIX A (Continued) WRENS TROGLOJJYTIIJAE-WRENS Thryomanes bewickii-Bcwick's wren WRENTITS TIMALIIIJAE-BABBLERS Chamaea fasciata-Wrentit INVERTEBRATE BUTTERFLIES PAPILIONIJJAE-SWALLOWTAILS Papilio zelicaon-Anise swallowtail PIERI/JAE-WHITES ANIJ SULFURS Pieris rapae-Cabbage white REPTILE LIZARDS PHR YNOSOMA TI/JAE-ICUANIJJ LI ZAR/JS Sceloporus occidenlalis-Western fence lizard SNAKES VIPERI/JAE-VIPERS Crotalus alrox-Westcrn diamondMbacked rattlesnake DUDEI{ A-3 9012 July 2015 APPENDIX A (Continued) INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK DUDEI< A-4 9012 July 2015