HomeMy WebLinkAboutGPA 09-01; ROBERTSON RANCH PA 22; PRELIMINARY BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT; 2009-08-10I
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No sensitive plant species were observed on-site. The possibility that sensitive plant species occur
on-site is considered remote as the site has a long history of intense agricultural disturbance. In
addition two spring plant surveys, conducted in 2003 and 2006 for the Robertson Ranch EIR, failed to
identify any sensitive plant species in the study area.
The open water found in the creek bottom of off-site Calavera Creek do not support any of the
wetland species typically associated with a freshwater stream. Winter rains scour the channel bottom
periodically keeping it free of vegetation, while the creek banks and the adjacent flat bench are
planted with and maintained with ornamentals, an exotic vegetation association. Therefore the
northern edge of the channel bottom (the edge of Open Water) represents the wetland feature most
proximate to Planning Area 22.
2.0 INTRODUCTION
Planning Area 22 (PA 22) is a planning area in the Robertson Ranch Master Plan, which was
approved by the City of Carlsbad, in 2006. The environmental impact report (EIR) for the Master
Plan, which included project level biological investigations was certified in April 2006. The primary
purpose of this report is to document any changes in conditions between 2006 and present and to
confirm the plant species and associations present in the study area. Inasmuch as the present
proposal involves the increase in size of PA 22 to include the extreme western portion of the adjacent
Option Parcel for a total of 6.58 acres. For purposes of this Assessment, this entire 6.58 acres is
identified as PA 22.
2.1 Project Location
Planning Area 22 is located east of El Camino Real, south of Cannon Road, and north of Calavera
Creek in Robertson Ranch (Figures 1 and 2).
2.2 Project Description
The Planning Area 22 area to be impacted will occupy an approximately 5.0 acre area of the 6.58
acres. The area presently exists in a partially developed state, having a mass graded pad developed
per the City approved grading plan for the East Village Master Tentative Map, a street screening
frontage wall, landscaping and sidewalk improvements. Other portions of the parcel exist as
previously farmed and developed over the years prior to the City of Carlsbad project approval. A
sewer trunk line and maintenance access easements exist along the southern perimeter of the
property.
3.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS
This report is generally formatted per the City of Carlsbad Guidelines for Biological Studies, (GBS),
September 30, 2008. This baseline survey of vegetation includes all portions of the planning area plus
a 50 foot wide boundary area around the perimeter of the planning area. This SO-foot boundary area
assures that edge affects and impacts to adjacent biological resources will be accurately characterized.
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22 -8/10/09 2
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Field work to classify habitat and inventory plants was conducted on March 12 and 13, 2009 by
Planning Systems biologists who recorded their findings on high resolution aerial imagery of the site.
Vegetation Assessment Methodology
Classification of plant associations follows the City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan
designations. Classification of plant species associations follows Checklist of the Vascular Plants of
San Diego County, 4th Edition. All plant species observed were recorded. Sensitive plant habitats
such as clay beds, indicator species, sandstone, mesic and xeric slope aspects were also identified.
Plant names are per the most recent botanical literature: (Rebman and Simpson, 2006), plant
identification was determined in the field and lab using: (Hickman, 1993) and (Munz, 1974); plant
communities are classified according to the modified Holland classification system (Holland, 1996);
status of sensitive plants were evaluated according to the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan; soil
surveys, (Bowman, 1973). The vegetation survey was conducted by Mr. Greg Evans, restoration
ecologist.
Wildlife Assessment Methodology
The Robertson Ranch Final Environmental Impact Report published in April, 2006 provides a
complete wildlife assessment for PA 22 and therefore wildlife data from this document is used and
referenced in this report.
3.1 Background Literature Data Search
The most recent biological investigations of PA 22 were performed in 2004 as a part of the Final
Environmental Impact Report for the Robertson Ranch Master Plan published by BRG in April, 2006.
The biological resources report was prepared by Merkel & Associates in October 2004, and a
jurisdictional wetland delineation for Robertson Ranch was prepared by Glen Lukos Associates in
August, 2004. Data and conclusions from these previous biological reports are referenced in this
report as applicable to existing biological circumstances. No evidence was seen of any significant
change in circumstances, except for the import of soil over much of the site for a pad. This soil has
eliminated the vegetation that had previously been found in that area. In addition, a search was
made of the records in the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) to determine the location
of sensitive species previously located within the vicinity of the study area.
3.2 Field Survey Methods
To assess site vegetation, the entire study area assessed was traversed on foot. Vegetation
associations were mapped, and plant species observed were noted. A recent 100-scale aerial photo
overlaid with an engineered site plan with topographic information was used as a base for plant
association mapping.
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22 -8/10/09 3
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3.3 Soils
According to the Soil Conservation Service's 1973 Soil Survey, four soil types occur in the study area.
3.3.1 Salinas Clay Loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes (SbC)
This soil type is located in the western portion of the study area project where Disturbed
Lands (graded pad), Ornamentals (Cannon Road R.O.W.), Revegetated coastal sage scrub
(manufactured slope), and Non-native grasslands occur. The salinas series consists of
clay loams formed in sediments, and washed into their present flood plain location.
3.3.2 Tujunga Sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (TuB)
This soil type is located in the central portion of the study area, where Disturbed Lands
(graded pad), Ornamentals (Cannon Road R.O.W.), Revegetated coastal sage scrub
(manufactured slope), and Non-native grasslands occur. The Tujunga series consist of
very deep, excessively drained sands occurring in this case on a flood plain.
3.3.3 Altamont clay, 15 to 30 percent slopes (AtE)
This soil type is located in the north eastern portion of the study area where Disturbed
Lands (graded pad), Ornamentals (Cannon Road R.O.W.), Revegetated coastal sage scrub
(manufactured slope), Non-native grasslands, and Eucalyptus woodland occurs. This
soil consists of well-drained clays over soft calcareous shale. Included in the soils
mapping are small areas of Diablo soils, linne Soils, and Las Flores soils. Clay lenses are
known to support rare plants locally.
3.3.4 Riverwash (Rm)
This soil type occurs in the southern portion of the study area. Riverwash occurs in
intermittent stream channels. Ornamental vegetation now occupies the channel banks.
This material is typically sandy, gravelly, or cobbly. It is excessively drained and rapidly
permeable. Scattered sycamores and coast live oaks grow may along the banks.
However it should be noted that previous development in the study area to support creation of the
graded pad, the manufactured slope, and the Cannon Road R.O.W., has required the import of fill
soil, mixing and compacting which make the specific the specific soil composition uncertain. As an
example, the PA 22 non-native grasslands have been maintained for many years by the previous
owners, who routinely disced or mowed the vegetation.
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22 -8/10/09 6
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4.0 RESULTS
Site vegetation is classified as an association based on dominant species present, existing soils, and if
the vegetation is disturbed, the degree and type of disturbance.
4.1 Vegetation Associations
Six plant associations occur on Planning Area 22 including: Revegetated coastal sage scrub,
Developed Land, Disturbed Land, Exotic Land, Non-native Grassland, Eucalyptus Woodland, and
Open Water. Table 1 identifies the acreage of each association, while Figure 3 shows the distribution
of the vegetation associations in the study area.
Table 1. Vegetation Associations Within PA 22
Vegetation Association Acres
Non-sensitive Upland Associations*
Revegetated Coastal Sage Scrub 0.34
Developed Land 0.43
Disturbed Land 3.78
Exotic Land 0.28
Non-native Grassland 1.52
Eucalyptus Woodland 0.23
TOTAL 6.58
* No sensitive vegetation associations occur within the boundaries of PA 22
4.1.1 Wetland/Riparian Habitats
Open Water (13200)
Open Water exists within the Calavera Creek channel located offsite of PA 22. The Open Water
designation is applicable when greater than 0.3 acre of perennially standing water occurs. The
Calavera Creek flows yearlong in its present channelized form. Minor inclusions of wetland plant
species occur in the channel bottom, on seasonally created sediment deposits that are scoured from
the channel annually during the rainy season. Open water provides habitat opportunities for fish,
amphibians, reptiles and birds. However, it must be noted that Calavera Creek is located in the study
area Boundary Area, but not within the PA 22 property or development envelope and it will not be
impacted by the proposed project.
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22 -8110/09 7
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4.1.2 Non-Sensitive Upland Associations
Revegetated coastal sage scrub (32510)
Coastal sage scrub plants exist as a young revegetation community on a manufactured fill slope on
the south side of the project wall separating the Cannon Road R.O.W. from PA 22. This revegetation
was installed with species modified from associations typically found in natural habitat in the coastal
southern California area. Coast sagebrush (Artemesia californica) is dominant, occurring with Flat-top
buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) Coast goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii var. vernonioides), Coyote
brush (Baccharis pilularis) and others. Also included are White sage (Salvia apiana), and Toyon,
(Heteromeles arbutifolia). Eucalyptus trees are scattered along the slope length. This is a young, not yet
established community existing in a disturbed state due to the installation of Eucalyptus as a
community component.
Developed Land (12000)
Developed Land as used herein refers to impermeable surfaces such as paving and buildings. In the
study area this designation applies to Cannon Road and to the asphalt service road coursing along
the southern edge of the project.
Disturbed Land (11300)
Disturbed Land described conditions wherein substantial amounts of bare ground occur in areas
where past or present physical disturbance has occurred. Typically at least 50% of the soil surface
supports no vegetation. At PA 22, disturbed lands occur on the recently graded pad that has been
built from soil imported to the site. Disturbed land also occurs between the asphalt service road and
the southern property line.
Exotic Land (11000)
Exotic land is characterized by introduced ornamental vegetation and invasive non-natives. In the
study area ornamental plantings occur in two locations, landscaping along the Cannon Road R.O.W.
and ornamental landscaping along both sides of the Calavera Creek channel south of the PA 22
project wall. The entire creek corridor adjacent to Planning Area 22, except for the creek bottom, is
planted and maintained with ornamentals by the Rancho Carlsbad H.O.A. Typical species include
Turf (Festuca hybrid), Palms (Arecaceae family)., Pines (Pinus sp.), Acacia (Acacia sp.), Freeway Daisy
(Osteospermum fruticosum), and many others. The plant list attached to this report is not completely
inclusive of all ornamentals occurring in the study area, but contains only those exotic species known
to naturalize in San Diego County as noted in the Checklist of the Vascular Plants of San Diego
County, 4th Edition .
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22 -8/10/09 9
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Non-native Grassland (42200)
Non-native grassland is characterized by the occurrence of annual grasses and £orbs
such as brome grasses, wild oats, mustards, wild radish, and others. This vegetation type is not
considered a sensitive habitat, however in some locations it may be a significant resource for raptor
foraging. Non-native grassland occurs in upland areas where natural habitat has been severely
disturbed in the past. In the study area, NNG occupies most project locations that are open canopied,
and not disturbed by recent development activities. Typical species observed include brome grasses
(Bromus sp.), mustards (Hirsfeldia sp. and Brassica sp.), wild radish (Raphanus sp.), and yellow star-
thistle (Centaurea sp.).
Most of Planning Area 22 was characterized in the Final EIR as agriculture (row crops) and non-
native vegetation, which referred to a small citrus orchard existing on the site at that time. In the
intervening years since the 2004 biological report was issued, the agriculture and orchard activities
have been abandoned, and have been naturally replaced largely by non-native grassland species
and/or disturbed lands.
Included in the non-native grassland association of PA 22 are four Western sycamore (Platanus
racemosa) whose understory is also largely composed of non-native grassland species. These four
trees have occupied their present location for many decades, perhaps the remnants of a riparian
habitat that may have existed prior to the development of the Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park,
the channelizing of Calavera Creek, and the regular agricultural activities that changed the plant
dominance along this area around lower Calavera Creek. These four trees and the disjointed natives
in the understory that attend them occur in the context of the non-native grasslands and do not exist
as a separate plant association.
Eucalyptus Woodland (11100)
Eucalyptus woodland occurs when over 25% of the overstory is comprised of Eucalyptus spp. On the
project site, Eucalyptus trees provide canopy cover over at least 75% of the area designated as
Eucalyptus Woodland habitat. The understory is mostly bare of vegetation except for occasional non-
native grassland species. The association occurs in the eastern portion of the study area generally on
sloping terrain above the floodplain.
4.1.3 Sensitive Upland Associations
No sensitive upland associations occur in the study area.
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22 -8/10/09
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4.2 Sensitive Plant Species
The California Natural Diversity Database was referenced to determine if sensitive plants are present
on-site. No sensitive species are mapped for the study area.
Three species identified as sensitive in the EIR were observed on Robertson Ranch, including
Spineshrub (Adolphia californica), Southwestern spiny rush (]uncus acutus spp. Leopoldii), and Western
Dichondra (Dichondra occidentalis). Focused surveys for these species were conducted as part of this
assessment. These species were not identified in the PA 22 study area. Given the timing of this
survey, all three species would have been readily apparent if present.
Spring focused surveys conducted by Merkel in 2002 and 2003 did not find Thread-leaved brodiaea
(Brodiaea filifolia) anywhere on Robertson Ranch. The Merkel report also searched for other species
having the potential to occur on Robertson Ranch, including San Diego thornmint, San Diego
ambrosia, Orcutt's brodiaea, Small-flowered morning glory, Palmer's grappling hook, and Small-
flowered microseris. The results were negative.
Field work conducted on March 12, and 13, 2009 identified no plant species listed as sensitive in the
Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan, or considered state or federally threatened or endangered.
However, soil types occurring in the project area are known to support some sensitive plant species.
Due to the time of year the survey was conducted, the two Brodiaea species can not be conclusively
declared absent, as they are not typically in flower until May. It should be noted once again, that the
project area has been extensively and continuously maintained to a disturbed state for many years
and the likelihood that the project supports sensitive species is very remote.
Table 2 provides a comprehensive list of all sensitive plant species reported in San Diego County and
assesses the probability of these species being found in the PA 22 study area.
4.3 Wildlife Resources
The Robertson Ranch Final EIR and the biological report by Merkel & Associates in October 2004
concluded that no sensitive wildlife inhabited the subject property. In addition, the CNDDB was
referenced to determine if any other sensitive wildlife had been reported as present on-site. No
sensitive species are or have been mapped for the study area. Additional details concerning wildlife
resources can be found in the Robertson Ranch Final EIR, 2006.
4.4 Jurisdictional Wetlands
The offsite Calavera Creek is a jurisdictional waters of the U.S. that occurs on the southern border of
the study area, within Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park, and outside of the PA 22 property line.
This drainage is included within the study area in order to provide a concise reference point for the
100-foot wetland buffer required of PA 22 development. The creek flows yearlong in its present
channelized form. A very few minor inclusions of wetland plant species occur in the channel bottom,
on temporary created deposits that are annually scoured. The banks of the creek are occupied by
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22 -8/10/09 11
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exotic species planted and maintained as an ornamental landscape by the Rancho Carlsbad HOA.
4.5 Wildlife Movement Corridors
No identified wildlife corridors are shown in the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP) in the
area of PA 22. The nearest identified habitat corridor is located 750 feet to the northwest of PA 22, the
central Robertson Ranch habitat corridor identified as PA 23C.
South of the subject site, within the Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park, Calavera Creek constitutes a
stream drainage within an urban environment. This creek is not identified as a habitat corridor in the
HMP but represents a marginally viable east to west movement corridor for mammals and reptiles.
The open water portion of the creek provides a movement corridor for aquatic resources. The
proposed project will not directly or indirectly impact the creek, which lies outside the development
envelope for the project.
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22 -8/10/09 12
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TABLE 2. Sensitive and Protected Plant Species Potentially Present in the Project Area
Latin Name Common Name Fed State HMP Habitat Occurrence Potential for Occurrence
Status Status Status
PLANTS
Acanthomintha San Diego thorn-mint FT SE Narrow Chprl, CoScr, Absent Low, no vernal pools observed, specific
ilicifolia Endemic VFGrs, VnPls soil type does not occur on-site
Ambrosia pumila San Diego ambrosia none none Narrow CoScr, Rp Wld Absent Low, no population known in Carlsbad,
Endemic readily-observable habitat on-site
Arctostaphylos g. ssp. Del Mar manzanita FE none Narrow Chprl Absent Low, habitat does not occur on-site
crassifolia Endemic
Baccharis vanessae Encinitas baccharis FT SE Narrow Chprl Absent Low, No populations known in Carlsbad
Endemic
Brodiaea filifolia Thread-leaf brodiaea FT SE Narrow Medws, VFGre, Unknown Moderate, no vernal pools observed, but
Endemic VnPls clay soil inclusions may occur on-site.
Due to out of season survey no
presence/absence conclusion possible.
Brodiaea orcutti Otcutt' s Brodiaea none none Narrow CCfrs, Chprl, Unknown Moderate, no vernal pools observed, but
Endemic Cm Wld, Medws, clay soil inclusions may occurs on-site.
BVFGrs, VnPls Due to out of season survey no
presence/absence conclusion possible.
Ceanothus verrucosus Coast white lilac FSC none Listed Chprl Absent Low, habitat does not occur on-site
Chorizanthe orcuttiana Orcut's spineflower FE CE Narrow CoScr Absent Low, habitat does not occur on-site,
Endemic outside of known range
Comarostaphylis d. Summer Holly FSC none Listed Chprl Absent Low, habitat does not occur on-site
ssp. diversifolia
Corethrogyne Del Mar Mesa sand aster none none Narrow Chprl, CoScr Absent Low, site intensively searched, naturally
filaginifolia var. Endemic occurring sage scrub habitat not present
linifolia
Dudleya blochmaniae Blochman's dudleya FSC SE Narrow CoScr Absent Low, no concretions observed on site
ssp.blochmaniae Endemic
Abbreviations: FE = Fedrally Endangered; FT= Federally Threatened; FSC = Federal Species of Special Concern; SE= California ESA Endangered; NE = HMP
Narrow Endemic Listed= Conservation encouraged by HMP, but not recommended for the heightened protection afforded Narrow Endemic species.
Habitat Codes: Per California Native Plant Society's Rare and Indangered Vascular Plants of California (Skinner and Pavlik 1994).
CCFrs = closed-cone conifer forest; Chprl = chaparral; CoScr = coastal scrub; Sm W1k = cismontane woodland; MshSw = marshes and swamps; Medws
= meadows and seeps; RpWld = riparian woodland; VFGrs = valley and foothill grassland; VnPls = Vernal pools
Robertson Ranch PA 22 Preliminary Biological Assessment, 8-10-09
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TABLE 2. Sensitive and Protected Plant Species Potentially Present in the Project Area
Latin Name Common Name Fed State HMP Habitat Occurrence Potential for Occurrence
Status Status Status
Dudleya viscida SticlaJ dudle:iJa FSC none Listed Chprl, CoScr Absent Low to moderate, distinctive plant with
specific preferred conditions not found
on-site
Eryngium aristulatum San Diego button celenJ FE SE Narrow VnPls Absent Low, no vernal pools observed on-site
ssp. parishii Endemic
Euphorbia misera Cliff spurge none none Listed CoScr Absent Low, preferred conditions not present
Ferocactus viridescens San Diego barrel cactus FSC none Listed CoScr Absent Low -distinctive plant not observed on-
site
Hazardia orcuttii Orcutt' s harzardia FSC none Narrow Chaprl Absent Low, outside of known range, habitat
Endemic not present
Iva hayesiana San Diego marsh-elder FSC none Listed RpWlk Absent Low, distinctive plant sought, not
observed on-site
Muilla clevelandii San Diego Goldenstar FSC none Narrow Unknown Low, near edge of range, habitat not
Endemic Chprl, CoScr present . Due to out of season survey no
presence/absence conclusion possible.
Myosurus minimus Little Mousetail FSC none Narrow VnPls Absent Low, no vernal pools observed on-site,
ssp. apus Endemic
Navarretia fossalis Prostrate navarretia FT none Narrow VnPls Absent Low, no vernal pools observed on-site
Endemic
Orcuttia californica California orcutt grass FE SE Narrow VnPls Absent Low, no vernal pools observed on-site
Endemic preferred conditions not present
Pinus torreyana Torrey pine FSC none Listed Chprl Absent Low, distinctive plant would have been
easily observed if present
Quercus dumosa Nuttal's scrub oak FSC none Listed Chprl Absent Low, distinctive plant would have been
easily observed if present
Quercus engelmanni Engelmann oak none none Lisated Chprl, CmWlk, Absent Low, distinctive plant would have been
RpWlk, VFGrs easily observed if present
Abbreviations: FE = Fedrally Endangered; FT= Federally Threatened; FSC = Federal Species of Special Concern; SE= California ESA Endangered; NE= HMP
Narrow Endemic; Listed= Conservation encouraged by HMP, but not recommended for the heightened protection afforded Narrow Endemic species.
Habitat Codes: Per California Native Plant Society's Rare and Indangered Vascular Plants of California (Skinner and Pavlik 1994).
CCFrs = closed-cone conifer forest; Chprl = chaparral; CoScr = coastal scrub; Sm Wlk = cismontane woodland; MshSw = marshes and swamps; Medws
= meadows and seeps; RpWld = riparian woodland; VFGrs = valley and foothill grassland; VnPls = Vernal pools
Robertson Ranch PA 22 Preliminary Biological Assessment, 8-10-09
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5.0 EVALUATION OF PROJECT IMPACTS
This section identifies and evaluates the significance of all biological impacts potentially attributable
to development in PA 22. This section considers both direct and indirect impacts and determines if
each impact is considered a temporary or permanent impact.
5.1 Quantification of Impacts
Impacts were evaluated by overlaying the development envelope on the map of the vegetative
resources of the study area. The results of that analysis are presented Table 3.
Table 3-Project Related Direct Impacts
Vegetation association Symbol Existing Perm. Temp. TOTAL
acres Impacts Impacts Impacts
(acre) (acre) (acre)
PA 22 On-site Associations
Revegetated coastal sage scrub css 0.34 0.06 0 0.06
Developed Lands DEV 0.43 0.04 0 0.04
Disturbed Lands DIS 3.78 3.50 0 3.50
Eucalyptus Woodland EW 0.24 0.23 0 0.23
Exotic Lands EXO 0.28 0.00 0 0.00
Non-native Grassland NNG 1.51 0.71 0 0.71
TOTAL 6.58 4.54 0 4.54
5.2 Impacts to Sensitive Habitats
The only sensitive habitat in the PA 22 study area is the open water habitat off-site of PA 22,
represented by the Calavera Creek Channel within the Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park. This
habitat is outside of the development envelope and separated from the development by a 100 foot-
wide buffer zone. No temporary or permanent impacts are expected to this habitat type.
The revegetated coastal sage scrub community on-site is not considered an established habitat. Non-
native grasslands and eucalyptus woodland are not considered sensitive plant associations under the
Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan.
It is concluded that the project will not result in any impacts to sensitive habitats.
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22 -8/10/09 15
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5.3 Impacts to Sensitive Species
No sensitive plant species were identified in the PA 22 Study and thus no impacts to sensitive plant
species are expected. Potential impacts to wildlife species identified in the Robertson Ranch EIR do
not indicate the presence of sensitive wildlife occupying any of the habitats in the PA 22 study area.
It is concluded that the project will not result in any impacts to sensitive plant species. No sensitive
wildlife species were identified as being present in the study area based on a review of the Robertson
Ranch Master Plan EIR and the California Natural Diversity Database.
5.4 Permanent and Temporary Impacts
Permanent impacts are those impacts that permanently alter existing habitats or permanently affect
wildlife due to implementation of the project. The proposed project will permanently impact only
non-sensitive associations, as indicated in Table 3, including revegetated coastal sage scrub,
developed land, disturbed land, exotic land, non-native grassland, and eucalyptus woodland.
Temporary impacts alter existing habitats or wildlife uses during the construction period, but do not
permanently displace the existing habitat or wildlife use. For an impact to be temporary, it may be
necessary to assist re-establishment of in-kind habitat after project construction is complete. For this
project, all impacts associated with the project are considered permanent. All areas disturbed by the
project will be stabilized per the Carlsbad Engineering Department standards.
5.5 Direct and Indirect Impacts
Direct impacts are those impacts that physically alter or remove a habitat, and/or alter or displace
wildlife uses. Table three shows that the proposed project will directly impact 4.6 acre of habitat.
None of these impacted habitats are sensitive.
Indirect impacts occur when a project introduces circumstances that affect the behavior or growth of
existing wildlife or plants. No substantive indirect impacts to wildlife or plants are anticipated for
this project.
5.6 Significant and non-significant impacts
Significant impacts are those impacts that are determined to be so considerable or important that it is
concluded that they should be avoided, or alternatively they should be alleviated or lessened through
incorporation of mitigation measures to reduce the impacts to a level of insignificance. Non-
significant impacts are those impacts not anticipated to significantly affect the habitat or wildlife uses.
For this project significant impacts are considered to be all direct impacts to disturbed lands, non-
native grasslands, and Eucalyptus woodland.
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22 -8/10/09 16
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5.7 Local and regional significance of the loss of species or habitat
No state or federal listed species will be lost as a result of implementation of the project. The plant
associations that will be impacted by the project are not uncommon to the extent that losses in the
quantities proposed by the project will be significant losses in terms of local or regional populations.
Therefore, project associated impacts will not have a local or regional significance in terms of species
or habitat.
It is concluded that the project will not result in any significant impacts to sensitive plant and wildlife
species.
5.8 Impacts to wildlife movement corridors
No impacts to HMP-identified wildlife movement corridors will result from implementation of the
project.
6.0 MITIGATION MEASURES
This project has been determined to impact environmental resources protected under the Carlsbad
HMP and thus mitigation or payment of an HMP fees will be required.
6.1 Mitigation Requirements for Coastal Zone or Standards Areas
The study area is not in the coastal zone. Standards Areas are defined as properties within the HMP
system for which hardline boundaries have not been finalized. The PA 22 study area is not a
Standards Area.
6.2 Adjacency Standards
The subject project will be constructed adjacent to an open space lot which will function as part of a
wildlife preserve system. This open space lot does not contain any sensitive vegetation habitats.
Approximately six isolated sycamore trees exist within the lot. In order to prevent negative effects
the development on the open space lot, this report analyzes the adjacency standards identified in the
HMP.
Fire Management: The proposed project structures are situated at the farthest point from the
proposed 1.15 acre hardline open space lot. Thus, an adequate setback is provided between the
development structures and the open space such that no fuel modification or firebreak is required
within the open space lot.
Erosion Control: The fill slope created for the PA 22 development pad will be fully irrigated and
landscaped with plant materials that will slow surface flow and dampen precipitation impact to
ensure long-term erosion control protection. No bare soil surfaces will result from the project.
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22-8/10/09 17
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Surface drainage will be collected at the top of the slope so that no site drainage occurs down the
slope.
Landscape Restrictions: No invasive plant species are proposed on the subject site. Fertilizers,
insecticides, herbicides and other domestic maintenance programs will be monitored so as to avoid
any significant impact upon the open space.
Fencing, Signs and Lighting: A six-foot high block wall exists within the buffer area between the
proposed development and the open water. A 6-foot high perimeter block wall will be constructed at
the top of manufactured slope to keep office occupants and visitors from walking down into the open
space lot. No signs are proposed which will affect the open space lot. Lighting for the project will be
directed away from the open space lot.
6.3 Edge Effects to Calavera Creek
The proposed project maintains a minimum 100-foot buffer between the boundary of graded area and
the closest edge of wetlands (open water) in Calavera Creek. Calavera Creek is an urban drainage,
located on the adjacent property, which flows yearlong in its present channelized form. A very few
minor inclusions of wetland plant species occur in the channel bottom, on temporary created deposits
that are annually scoured. The banks of the creek are occupied by exotic species planted and
maintained as an ornamental landscape by the Rancho Carlsbad HOA. Existing development within
Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park is directly adjacent to the south side of the channel, and
therefore does not maintain a 100-foot minimum buffer.
While the proposed project maintains a minimum 100-foot buffer, it also provides the additional
protections which minimize potential impacts to the open water, as follows:
• A six-foot high block wall exists within the buffer area between the proposed development
and the open water.
• A 6-foot high perimeter block wall will be constructed at the top of manufactured slope to
keep office occupants and visitors from walking down into the buffer area.
• A 2:1 fully landscape slope will buffer the proposed office development from the wetland
buffer.
• The proposed office structure will be constructed horizontally farther than 200-feet from the
open water.
• The proposed office structure building pad will be 20-feet vertically higher than the open
water.
Thus, it is concluded that the proposed project will provide a significant and functional buffer
between the proposed development and the channelized Calavera Creek open water. No further
protections are necessary.
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22 -8/10/09 18
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6.4 Mitigation Requirements for Jurisdictional Resources
Calavera Creek, which is outside the development envelope and separated from the development by
a 100-foot wide buffer, is the only U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional resource in the PA 22
study area. No direct or indirect impacts to the creek are anticipated.
6.5 Species-specific Mitigation Requirements
No narrow endemic plant species are located in the PA 22 study area, thus no impacts are possible
and therefore no mitigation is required.
No endangered, threatened or protected wildlife species are reported in or adjacent to the PA 22
study area based on a review of the Robertson Ranch EIR and the California Natural Diversity
Database, thus wildlife mitigation measures are not required.
6.5 Habitat Mitigation
The City of Carlsbad HMP requires mitigation fee impacts for four of the habitats found on the
subject site. HMP impact fees have already been paid for grading of the site authorized through the
grading permit issued for the East Village Master Tentative Map (CT 02-16). However, CT 02-06 only
graded within the existing boundaries of PA 22. Therefore HMP fees associated with the expanded
grading area into the western end of the Option Parcel are obligated to pay fees. Impacts/fees
associated with the grading proposed within the Option Parcel section of the project are as follows:
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22 -8/10/09 19
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Table 4 -HMP Fee Mitigation -Option Parcel Section Only
Vegetation Association Impacts (acre) Impacts
Mitigation
Fee
Revegetated coastal sage scrub 0.06 Mitigation Fee
Developed Lands 0.04 None
Disturbed Lands* 0.10 Mitigation Fee
Eucalyptus Woodland 0.23 Mitigation Fee
Exotic Lands 0.0 None
Non-native Grassland 0.71 Mitigation Fee
* Mitigation fee for 3.40 ac. of land for PA 22 grading associated with CT 02-16 has already been paid,
so identified acreage is balance amount remaining to be paid.
6.6 Measures to Reduce Significant Impacts to Below the Level of Significance
No significant impacts as defined by CEQA have been identified by this assessment. HMP mitigation
fees shall be assessed for impacts to on the revegatated CSS, disturbed lands, non-native grasslands,
and eucalyptus woodlands. As previously described in this report the RCSS results from the use of a
CSS palette for erosion control on the manufactured slope created when Cannon Road was
constructed and thus does not constitute natural habitat. Satisfaction of this mitigation fee
requirement will be through payment of an HMP mitigation fee as shown on Table 4.
6.7 General Mitigation Measures to A void or Reduce Potential Impacts
To avoid or reduce potential project related impacts the follow measures will be implemented:
6.9
1. Work area will be defined using orange construction fence to prevent inadvertent
impacts to conserved resources.
2. During construction, silt fencing will be installed around all graded areas to prevent
erosion and runoff.
3. To avoid impacts to open water channel resources, measures will be implemented to
assure that construction materials or debris are kept from travelling offsite and entering
the water or disturbing the water surface.
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program
Biological mitigation for this project is in the form of an HMP mitigation fee payment.
Preliminary Biological Assessment, Robertson Ranch PA 22 -8/10/09 20
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8.0 REFERENCES
Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A Flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater Press, National City,
California.
Bowan, R. H. 1973. Soil Survey, San Diego Area, California, Part 1. United States Department of
Agriculture. 104 pp. appendices.
City of Carlsbad, Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad, Final
Approval November, 2004.
Hickman, J.C. 1993. The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of California, University of California Press,
Berkeley, California. 1400 pp.+ 1 p. errata
Holland, Robert F. 1986. "Preliminary Vegetative Plant Communities of California." Department of
Fish and game, Natural Heritage Section.
Munz, P. 1974. A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley, California.
1086 pp.
Reed, Porter B. Jr., National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: California (Region 0), U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, may 1988.
Rebman, J.P. and Simpson, M. G., 2006. Checklist of the Vascular Plants of San Diego County, 4th
Edition, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego, California.
Reiser Craig H. 1994. Rare Plants of San Diego County, Aqua fir Press. Imperial Beach, CA.
Roberts, Jr., Fred M. 1995. "Illustrated Guide to the Oaks of the Southern Californian Floristic
Province, the Oaks of Coastal Southern California and Northwestern Baja Mexico, Mexico". F.M.
Roberts Publications, Encinitas, California.
Robertson Ranch Master Plan, 2006, "Final Environmental Impact Report" BRG Consultants, San
Diego, California.
San Diego County Department of Planning and Land Use, Guidelines for the Implementation of the
California Environmental Quality Act, Aug. 1991.
Skinner, M. W. and Pavlik, B. M. 1994. California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and
Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Special Publication No. 1 (Fifth Edition), California Native
Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 338 pp.
Sunset Publishing Corporation, Sunset Western Garden Book, 2001.
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