HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 00-02; Calavera Hills Stockpile; Tentative Map (CT) (5)-
----..
----
-
-
...
-
..
... -
.,.
,..,
....
Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-01
Robertson Ranch
BIOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS
REPORT FOR THE
ROBERTSON RANCH PROJECT
Carlsbad, California
Prepared for:
Calavera Hills II, LLC
2727 Hoover A venue
National City, California 91950
Attention: Don Mitchell
Phone: (619) 336-3673
Fax: (619) 336-3010
Prepared by:
Merkel & Associates, Inc.
5434 Ruffin Road
San Diego, CA 92123
Contact: B. G. Adam Koltz
Phone: (858) 560-5465
Fax: (858) 560-7779
AUGUST 21,2002
Keith W. Merkel, Principal Consultant
August 21. 2002
-Merkel &Associates Inc. #0/-046-0/ August 21. 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS .. SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................................. I
1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................. 2 .. 1.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Location and General Physiography ................................................................................................................... 2 • 1.3 Robertson Ranch Site Description ...................................................................................................................... 5
2.0 METHODS ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Botanical Investigations ...................................................................................................................................... 5 -2.2 Wildlife Investigations ........................................................................................................................................ 6
2.3 Focused Surveys ................................................................................................................................................. 6 -2.3.1 Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation .............................................................................................................. 6
2.3.2 California Gnatcatcher Focused Survey ....................................................................................................... 6 -2.3.3 Least Bell's Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Focused Surveys ................................................ 7
2.4 Scientific and Vernacular Nomenclature ............................................................................................................ 8
3.0 BIOLOGICAL SETTING ...................................................................................................................................... 8 -3.1 Regional Overview and Local Conservation Plans ............................................................................................. 8
4.0 RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................................... 9 -4.1 Botanical Resources ............................................................................................................................................ 9
4.1.1 Vegetation Communities and Habitats ......................................................................................................... 9 -4.1.1.1 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (Holland Code 32500) .............................................................................. 9
4.1.1.2 Chamise Chaparral (Holland Code 37200) ......................................................................................... 10
4.1.1.3 Riparian Forest (Holland Code 61000) ............................................................................................... 10
4.1.1.4 Southern Willow Scrub (Holland Code 63320) .................................................................................. 10 -4.1.1.5 Mule Fat Scrub (Holland Code 63310) ............................................................................................... 10
4.1.1.6 Cis montane Alkali Marsh (Holland Code 5231 0) ............................................................................... 10
4.1.1.7 Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh (Holland Code 52410) ............................................................ 10 -4.1.1.8 Emergent Wetland (Oberbauer Code 52440) ...................................................................................... 11
4.1.1.9 San Diego Mesa Vernal Pool (Holland Code 44320) ......................................................................... 11 -4.1.1.10 Eucalyptus Woodland (Oberbauer Code 11100) .............................................................................. 11
4.1.1.11 Orchards and Vineyards/Intensive Agriculture/Exotic Plantings (Oberbauer Codes 18100 and
18200) ............................................................................................................................................................. 11 -4.1.1.12 Row Crops (Oberbauer Code 18320) ................................................................................................ 11
4.1.1.13 Urban/Developed (Oberbauer Code 12000) ..................................................................................... 12
4.1.2 Flora ........................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Wildlife Resources ............................................................................................................................................ 12 .. 4.2.1 Fauna .......................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2.1.1 Butterflies ............................................................................................................................................ 12 .. 4.2.1.2 Amphibians ......................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2.1.3 Reptiles ............................................................................................................................................... 13 .. 4.2.1.4 Birds .................................................................................................................................................... 13 -4.2.1.5 Mammals ............................................................................................................................................ 13
4.2.2 Wildlife Movement Corridors .................................................................................................................... 14 -4.3California Gnatcatcher ....................................................................................................................................... 14
4.4Least Bell's Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher .................................................................................. 15
5.0 SPECIAL STATUS BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................. 15
5.1 Special status Habitats ...................................................................................................................................... 16
5.2 Special Status Flora .......................................................................................................................................... 16 -5.3 Special Status Faunal Species Present On-Site ................................................................................................. 16
5.4 Additional Sensitive Nesting Avian Species ..................................................................................................... 17
6.0 EXPECTED BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS .............................................................................................................. 18
6.1 VEGETATION IMPACTS ............................................................................................................................... 18 -6.1.1 Sensitive Vegetation Impacts ..................................................................................................................... 18
6.1.2 Sensitive Plant Impacts .............................................................................................................................. 19 -
Robertson Ranch ll
-
Merkel & Associates Inc.# 01-046-01 August 21. 2002
6.1.3 Sensitive Animal Impacts .......................................................................................................................... 19
6.1.4 Wildlife Corridors ...................................................................................................................................... 19 ... 6.1.5 Significant Secondary Impacts ................................................................................................................... 20
7.0 Recommendations to reduce biological impacts ................................................................................................... 20 -7.1 Sensitive Vegetation ......................................................................................................................................... 20
7.2 Sensitive Plants ................................................................................................................................................. 20
7.3 Sensitive Animals ............................................................................................................................................. 21 -7.4 Wildlife Corridors ............................................................................................................................................. 21
7.5 Secondary Impacts ............................................................................................................................................ 21
7.0 PREPARER'S QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS .......................................................................... 22
7.1 Present Surveys and Analyses ........................................................................................................................... 22 -LITERATURE CITED AND CONSULTED ............................................................................................................. 23
...
List of Figures
FIGURE 1. S!TELOCATORMAP ..................................................................................................................................... 3
FIGURE 2. VEGETATION AND SENSITIVE RESOURCES MAP ........................................................................................... 4 -....
List of Appendices
APPENDIX 1. FLORAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED ............................................................................................ .. -APPENDIX 2. FAUNAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED ............................................................................................ .
APPENDIX 3. SENSITIVE PLANTS ................................................................................................................................... ..
APPENDIX 4. WETLAND ANIMALS ................................................................................................................................ ..
• -
-
...
-
-
Robertson Ranch Jll
-
--
-
--..
--
-
.. ..
•
• ..
• .. ..
-..
• -
-
Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01
SUMMARY
BIOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS REPORT FOR THE
ROBERTSON RANCH PROJECT
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
Merkel & Associates, Inc .
August 12, 2002
August 2/, 2002
The 403.7 acre Robertson Ranch site includes extensive tracts of active agricultural with occasional
inclusions of Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (74.08 acres). Most of the sage scrub is situated at higher
elevations in the northwestern portion of the site, on both flanks of one on-site canyon at the southern
terminus of Glasgow Street in the Colony residential neighborhood, and on a steep slope to the
southeast of Tamarack A venue. Impacts to native vegetatation associated with proposed extension of
Cannon Road Reach 3 and College Boulevard Reach B are not addressed within this report as they
have been permitted in conjunction with Calavera Hills. Several drainages occur on-site; however,
only the easternmost (i.e., Lake Calavera Creek, a primary tributary of Agua Hedionda Creek) retains
any substantial riparian woodland. In the northwestern corner of the site is a vestigial area of marsh
that was once at the confluence of three drainages --as shown in 1928 aerial photographs. It now
features brackish components as freshwater urban run-off enters the property primarily from a creek
(now partially channelized) paralleling Tamarack A venue, off-site to the northwest (see Lukas 2002
for wetland delineation of entire site). Also present are limited tracts of Chamise Chaparral,
Eucalyptus Woodland, Exotic Plantings, an operating plant nursery specializing in palms, and
partially developed Urban Lands that include two existing ranch houses and associated outbuildings.
One low-quality vernal pool is present in the sage scrub, and two vernal swales occur as ruts in dirt
roadways (0.006 acre total). None of these three locations contains sensitive plants sometimes
associated with this severely declining habitat, but each does contain a common vernal pool indicator
species. Levels of historical disturbance are locally high within most of the site; and current,
extensive agricultural activities continue to play an important role in modifying portions of the native
vegetation. Acreage totals for the various habitat categories (excluding College Boulevard and
Cannon Road impacts) are shown in Table 5 .
Three sensitive plant species were observed on-site, but are of limited botanical significance:
Southwestern Spiny Rush (]uncus acutus), California Adolphia (Adolphia californica), and Western
Dichondra (Dichondra occidentalis) are all listed by the California Native Plant Society as regionally
sensitive, but otherwise have no federal or state status. The rush is locally restricted to wetlands in
the southeast and will be impacted by the construction of Cannon Road; the adolphia is well
distributed on-site but found primarily on slopes with better developed sage scrub habitat; while the
dichondra is isolated primarily beneath native shrubs on the moderately flat upland terrain in the
northeast. None of these three species is highly sensitive. The cumulative numbers of the adolphia
(i.e., at least several hundred) are enough to warrant some local significance, and a portion of the
population is retained within a proposed biological open space.
The federally threatened Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) was
observed in sage scrub habitat at three locations on-site where it likely breeds. Other significant
sensitive animals noted include a pair of Least Bell's Vireos (Vireo bellii pusillus) observed nesting
Robertson Ranch
---·---...
•
•
•
•
• -
-
..
..
.. --...
-..
-
Merkel & Associates Inc.# 01-046-01 August 21. 2002
just off-site in a willow thicket south of on-site greenhouses and near the Rancho Carlsbad Mobile
Home Park brick wall (i.e., within the proposed footprint of the College Boulevard Reach B/Cannon
Road extension, but not directly within the impacts associated with Robertson Ranch). Yellow-
breasted Chat (lcteria virens) and Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia), two less sensitive breeding
riparian bird species, were also observed in the willow canopy of Calavera Creek, and both species
may nest here during the spring. Orangethroat Whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus) lizards are
still present in native sage scrub across the property. This lizard species is still locally common in
the region, despite sensitivity listings that might indicate otherwise. White-tailed Kite (Elanus
leucurus) and Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) both hunt in the fallow fields, agricultural edges,
and sage scrub; however, the active disking of the agricultural fields limits the on-site rodent prey
populations for raptors. In general, the high levels of agricultural activity over many decades have
substantially degraded peripheral native wildlife habitat at the Robertson Ranch (e.g., farm worker
trails from field to field). The areas of seasonal crops are of very limited wildlife utility, and some of
these fields may have seasonal pesticide applications to limit insect damage.
The adjacent Calavera Hills IIIB & TD project and associated regional road improvement projects
have proposed to create 8.3 acres of wetland mitigation along the undeveloped northern reaches of
Calavera Creek. The proposed project retains open space that could be utilized to potentially create a
viable north-south wildlife corridor incorporating portions of existing tracts of adjacent sage scrub .
However, the creation of such a wildlife corridor linking Agua Hedionda Lagoon with the Calavera
Hills land bank preserves would require some habitat restoration in areas currently under crop
production or utilized as nursery lands, in order to create linkages of viable vegetation cover.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE
Merkel & Associates, Inc. (M&A) conducted a biological investigation of existing conditions for the
Robertson Ranch (Figure 1) at the request of Calavera Hills II, LLC of National City. Spring field
surveys were performed to update historical information associated with proposed construction of
new eastern links for Cannon Road and College Boulevard, and included focused California
Gnatcatcher surveys and Least Bell's Vireo/Willow Flycatcher surveys. Vegetation communities
were documented and mapped (Figure 2), lists of the flora and fauna were compiled (Appendices 1 ,2,
and 3), and the presence of special status species were recorded.
1.2 LOCATION AND GENERAL PHYSIOGRAPHY
The 403.7 acre site is located in un-sectioned Pueblo lands, with a focused UTM 472,000E by
3,669,000N, within the USGS San Luis Rey 7.5' Quadrangle (Figure 1). The biological study area is
shown in the County of San Diego, Thomas Guide page 1127. The site is bounded on the south by El
Camino Real; on the northwest by Tamarack A venue; on the north by still undeveloped portions of
the Calavera Hills and the existing Colony residential neighborhood; and on the east by the Rancho
Carlsbad Mobile Home Park, as well as Carlsbad Union School and State of California lands (Figure
1) .
Robertson Ranch 2
1" = 2,000'
Project Vicinity Map
Source: USGS 7.5' San Luis Rey, CA
Quadrangle
Figure
1
Merkel & Associates, Inc.
Sensitive Species
e Least Bell's Vireo e California Gnatcatcher
Vegetation Type
Wetlands*
-Riparian Forest
-Southern Willow Scrub
[=:J Mule Fat Scrub
LZJ Cismontane Alkali Marsh
-Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh
*Note: see Lukos report 2002 for wetland delineation
Vernal Pool
RR = Road Rut Pool
Upland Vegetation 0 Agriculture
Wlt!i1#rl Chamise Chaparral
~ Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
Eucalyptus Woodland
EJ Exotic
0 Nursery
-Urban
Property Boundary
580 0
Cannon Road I
N
t\ 580 1160 Feet
,'i
Robertson Ranch
Biological Resources Map
I M&A #01-046-01
Figure
2
--
-...
--
...
-
•
..
...
'--
-
--... --
--
Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-01 August 21. 2002
The Robertson Ranch site generally loses substantial elevation from north to south (from
approximately 280 feet to 30 feet above Mean Sea Level). A small southeast-trending canyon
consisting of good quality coastal scrub gives way to a disturbed broad floodplain and low-lying
uplands at the southern end of the site. A plant nursery specializing in palms is now located here
adjacent to El Camino Real. Nearby to the east are two long-estabished homes. Much of the
remainder of the site now consists of agricultural fields; however, additional sage scrub is clustered
along the northeastern boundary adjacent to the proposed Calavera Hills residential project.
Underlying geology is mapped as Tertiary Marine, Upper Jurassic Marine, Upper Cretaceous Marine
and Holocene alluvium (Rogers 1965). On-site soils are quite varied and mapped as Friant rocky
fine sandy loam underlying the sage scrub in the north, Salinas clay loam in the broad valley to the
south, Las Flores loamy fine sands underlying areas of agricultural field, Gaviota fine sandy loam on
the steep slope facing Tamarack A venue; as well as small inclusions of Visalia fine sandy loam,
Tujunga sand, and Altamont clay (Bowman 1973) .
1.3 ROBERTSON RANCH SITE DESCRIPTION
The Robertson site is being proposed for various uses that include residential and commercial
development.
2.0METHODS
General biological field surveys that include botanical and wildlife investigations were conducted at
the times and under the environmental conditions listed in Table 1.
T bl 1 S a e . ummaryo fG en era IS I t f urvey n orma Ion
Date Time Conditions Staff
Weather: Sunny
June 7, 2001 0900-1400 Wind (Beaufort)= <1 Craig H. Reiser
Temperature: 70-75° F
Weather: Partially overcast
June 13, 2001 0900-1400 Wind (Beaufort)= <l Craig H. Reiser
Temperature: 70-80° F
Weather: Overcast Navroop K. Jassal June 13, 2001 0815-1530 Wind (Beaufort)= <1
Temperature: 65-70° F Vanessa A. Lee
Weather: Sunny Jean-Paul LaCount June 18, 2001 0900-1530 Wind (Beaufort)= <1 Vanessa A. Lee Temperature: 70-80° F
2.1 BOTANICAL INVESTIGATIONS
Vegetation cover on the site was ground truthed to address site condition changes using a 1" = 200'
base map and recent aerial photographs. Vegetation cover and special status biological resources
were plotted on the site maps in the field and later transferred into a geographic information system
(GIS) ESRI Arc View 3.2 format. All vegetation communities, soil types, and slope exposures within
the Robertson Ranch were surveyed on-foot.
Robertson Ranch 5
--
•
---------
-
...
...
--
....
, ...
...
Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-0/ August 21. 2002
Vegetation commumtles were delineated according to the Holland classification system. Plant
identifications were either made in the field or were later determined in the laboratory by the
identification of voucher specimens. Plant species identified on the site are listed in Appendix 1.
A focused survey for Thread-leaf Brodiaea on May 10, 2002 by M&A biologist Brian Parker did not
locate this species on the Robertson Ranch.
2.2 WILDLIFE INVESTIGATIONS
The presence of wildlife species was determined primarily through direct observation aided by
binoculars. Identification of songs, call notes or alarm calls, and the observation of indirect sign (e.g.
burrows, tracks, scat, etc.) were used to confirm the presence of some wildlife species. Appendix 2
provides a list of wildlife species identified during the present study, and where appropriate, includes
observations of additional species observed or reported by others. Surveys for the federally
endangered Least Bell's Vireo and federally threatened Coastal California Gnatcatcher were
performed and reported to USFWS as required by our permits.
2.3 FOCUSED SURVEYS
2.3.1 Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation
For a recent wetland delineation of the site see separate 2002 report by Lukos and Associates.
2.3.2 California Gnatcatcher Focused Survey
Merkel & Associates, Inc. conducted a presence/absence survey for the Coastal California
Gnatcatcher (CAGN) (Polioptila californica californica) at the Robertson Ranch site. M&A biologist
Geoffrey L. Rogers, authorized under federal Endangered Species Act section 10(a)(1)(A) permit
#801346-2 and State of California Endangered Species Act Memorandum of Understanding,
conducted a three-visit focused presence/absence survey for the federally listed, threatened CAGN.
The survey was conducted according to the recommended guidelines noted in the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service CAGN Survey Protocol dated July 1997. The survey route was slowly walked and
all vegetation communities were mapped, including appropriate CAGN habitat. Professional
judgment was used, based on the prevailing site conditions, to determine appropriate survey rates and
the number of acres covered per site visit. Taped recordings of CAGN vocalizations, as well as
"pishing," were used to elicit vocal responses approximately every 100-200 feet. An approximate
five to ten minute time interval was allowed for a response, particularly from advantageous
viewpoints. Binoculars of 8x42 power were used to aid in the identification of the wildlife species.
The taped vocalizations were used only to initially locate individual gnatcatchers. CAGN presence
was determined based on the detection of CAGN songs, calls and/or direct observations. The
number, age, sex, and color band information of all CAGN observed within the biological study area
were documented. Following the detection of a gnatcatcher, the bird was monitored for five to ten
minutes in order to identify other gnatcatchers that might respond to the initial vocal aggression.
Mature males in breeding plumage (e.g., black-capped) were used to designate the presence of a
territory. Additionally, efforts were made to determine the paired or unpaired status of each observed
bird. The following table provides a field survey summary:
Robertson Ranch 6
-
-----
... -
Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-0/ August 21. 2002
T bl 2 S a e . ummaryo a 1 orma na ca c er fC n . G t t h F ocuse dS urvey lnf ormatiOn
Date Survey Time Conditions Permitted *Acres/ *Acres/
(start-end) Biologist Hour Day
Weather: 100% (cc)
May 24,2001 1 0715-1115 Wind (Beaufort): 0-1 Geoffrey L. Rogers 10 40
Temp.: 60-64° F
Weather: 50-0% (cc)
May 31,2001 2 0700-1130 Wind (Beaufort): 0-1 Geoffrey L. Rogers 10 40
Temp.: 59-62° F
Weather: 100-0% (cc)
June 20, 2001 3 0820-1200 Wind (Beaufort): 0-2 Geoffrey L. Rogers 10 40
Temp.: 62-72° F
*Acres of smtable Cahforma CAGN habitat
2.3.3 Least Bell's Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Focused Surveys
Merkel & Associates, Inc. also conducted a presence/absence survey for Least Bell's Vireo (BEVI)
and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (WIFL) at the Robertson Ranch site. M&A biologist Geoffrey
L. Rogers, authorized under federal Endangered Species Act section 10(a)(1)(A) permit #TE801346-
2 and State of California Endangered Species Act Memorandum of Understanding, conducted
focused surveys for the federally listed, endangered BEVI and WIFL according to the recommended
guidelines noted in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) BEVI Survey Guidelines dated
April 1999, and WIFL Survey Protocol dated July 2000. BEVI and WIFL survey dates and times
varied according to weather and scheduling conditions, and professional judgement was used to
comply with USFWS guidelines as closely as possible (Table 4). Survey routes were slowly walked
through appropriate BEVI and WIFL habitat. Taped recordings of WIFL vocalizations were used,
after an initial listening period, to elicit vocal responses approximately every 20-30 meters. An
approximate one to two minute time interval was allowed for a response, particularly from
advantageous viewpoints. Binoculars of 8x42 power were used to aid in the identification of the
wildlife species. A taped recording of WIFL vocalizations was used, to elicit vocal responses from
WIFL approximately every 20-30 meters; an approximate 1-2 minute time interval was allowed for a
response. Vegetation communities have been mapped according to current Holland Code
descriptions and a USFWS protocol data form for WIFL has been completed and mailed. The
following table provides a field survey summary:
Table 3. Summary of Least Bell's Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Focused Survey
Information
Date Survey Time Conditions Permitted *Km/Hour (start-end) Biologist(s)
BEVI 1 Weather: 100% (cc)
May 18,2001 WIFLl 0630-0830 Wind (Beaufort): 0-1 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5
Temp.: 62-64° F
Weather: 50% (cc)
May 29,2001 BEVI2 0900-1100 Wind (Beaufort): 0 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5
Temp.: 64-67° F
BEVI3 Weather: 100-0% (cc)
June 8, 2001 WIFL2 0900-1100 Wind (Beaufort): 0 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5
Temp.: 68-74° F
June 18, 2001 BEVI4 0900-1100 Weather: 0% (cc) Geoffrey L. Rogers .5
Robertson Ranch 7
--
--
----
.,.,.
....
--
...
...
Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-01 August 21. 2002
Wind (Beaufort): 0-1
Temp.: 70-78°F
Weather: 10 % ( cc)
June 22, 2001 WIFL3 0900-1100 Wind (Beaufort): 1 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5
Temp.: 70-78° F
BEVIS Weather: 0% (cc)
June 28, 2001 WIFL4 0900-1100 Wind (Beaufort): 0-1 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5
Temp.: 75-84° F
BEVI6 Weather: 100% (cc)
July 9, 2001 WIFL5 0900-1100 Wind (Beaufort): 0-1 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5
Temp.: 68-73° F
Weather: 100-0% (cc)
July 20, 2001 BEVI7 0900-1100 Wind: 0 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5
Temp.: 60-74° F
Weather: 100-90% ( cc)
July 31,2001 BEVIS 0900-1100 Wind (Beaufort): 0-1 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5
Temp.: 64-70° F
*Acres of smtable southwestern willow flycatcher habitat
2.4 SCIENTIFIC AND VERNACULAR NOMENCLATURE
The scientific and vernacular nomenclature for the species and vegetation types used in this report
are from the following standard references: vegetation, Holland (1986); flora, Skinner and Pavlik
(CNPS) 1994 and Hickman (1993); rare plants Reiser (2001); butterflies, Opler (1999.) and
Glassberg (2001); birds, American Ornithologists' Union (1998); reptiles, Collins (1990); and
mammals, Jones et. al. (1997). For animals, subspecies names are used when a specific subspecies is
listed as special status by the CDFG or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The
standardized common names of species and the names of vegetation series and types are capitalized
in this report.
3.0 BIOLOGICAL SETTING
The biological resources of the study site and surrounding area are described below. The section
includes: 1) a regional overview; and, 2) a focused discussion of the Robertson Ranch site. This is
followed by a detailed discussion of the botanical and wildlife resources present on site and special
status species found on site or known from the area. Additional information on sensitive plants and
animals in the region is located in Appendix 3 & 4.
3.1 REGIONAL OVERVIEW AND LOCAL CONSERVATION PLANS
The Carlsbad region historically supported a diversity of vegetation cover types including extensive
areas of vegetation classified as the California Sagebrush Series (Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub) and
various types of chaparral. Riparian vegetation was less extensive but nevertheless was well
represented in the region. Also present in the region were smaller microhabitat areas of native
grassland and distinctive regional vegetation types such as vernal pools.
During the latter half of the twentieth century progressive loss of natural habitat occurred in the
region primarily due to livestock grazing, agricultural expansion, and urbanization. Human use,
fragmentation, and invasive non-native plants have degraded many of the remaining areas of natural
habitat. Today urban development dominates the area to the west and southeast of the study area
(Figure 2). Larger tracts of native habitat occur in the more rugged lands to the north and northeast
Robertson Ranch 8
-...
-
_..,.
-
-
_..,
_ . ..,
....
-..
...
-411
-------------------~~-~--
Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21, 2002
of the ranch site. However, a golf course and agricultural lands are also scattered throughout these
areas.
4.0RESULTS
4.1 BOTANICAL RESOURCES
4.1.1 Vegetation Communities and Habitats
All vegetation series and other habitat areas are mapped for the Robertson Ranch site (Figure 2).
These mapped habitats are separately discussed below. An examination of a good quality 1928 aerial
photograph taken of the site (available at the County of San Diego's Department of Planning and
Land Use) indicates the property was very similarly vegetated to the present. Sage scrub habitat was
already restricted to approximately its present location, and even the small tracts of disturbed lands
within the sage scrub were in approximately the same locations.
4.1.1.1 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (Holland Code 32500)
The Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub is a low-growing native plant community dominated by drought-
deciduous aromatic shrubs. This vegetation is typical of low elevation cismontane areas of San
Diego County and is often present growing in shallow loamy soils on south-facing slopes. This
series was historically one of the dominant habitat types on the lower coastal slopes of San Diego
County, including the lands within the ranch vicinity, but its extent has been greatly reduced by
urban and agricultural development. The continued loss of this vegetation and the threatened status
of one of its most closely affiliated bird species, the California Gnatcatcher, is the driving force
behind the sage scrub conservation processes in San Diego County.
Characteristic shrub species of the Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub that are present in the ranch vicinity
and on the site, include California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), Flat-top Buckwheat
(Eriogonum fasciculatum var. foliolosum), White Sage (Salvia apiana), San Diego Monkeyflower
(Mimulus aurantiacus), and Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina). Examples of herbaceous plants
typical of this habitat and present on the Robertson Ranch include Fascicled Tarplant (Deinandra
fasciculata), Lance-leaf Dudleya (Dudleya lanceolata), Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malvaeflora),
Common Goldenstars (Bloomeria crocea), California Everlasting (Gnaphalium californicum),
Weed's Mariposa Lily (Calochortus peninsularis var. weedii), and Silver Puffs (Uropappus lindleyi).
A quantitative study of the vegetation structure and density on the site was not conducted, however,
from a qualitative standpoint the vegetation stands of this series that are present are structurally
typical of this community elsewhere in the region. Canopy height varies from approximately 2-5 feet
and density ranges from fairly open on southern exposures, to dense coverage in some areas of north-
facing slope. Shrub diversity on the site is relatively low for this series and the vegetation has been
degraded in many places by invasive non-native plant species, trash dumping, evidence of farm-
worker campsites, and off-road vehicle use. It is possible that this habitat has been historically
impacted by fire, heavy grazing, and/or brushing in the distant past since the floristic diversity is
abnormally low --yet there is no evidence that the area has been previously tilled for agricultural
uses .
Robertson Ranch 9
..
•
• -•
• -
• --
-
-
-
... ..
-
..
Merkel &Associates Inc. #01-046-01 August 21, 2002
This sage scrub habitat dominates the northern portion of the site, a canyon in the center of the
property, and a particularly mature phase of sage scrub on the hillside above Tamarack A venue .
4.1.1.2 Chamise Chaparral (Holland Code 37200)
Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) occurs as isolated stands within sage scrub near the northern
boundaries of the site. Understory development is unusually poor. A few species such as Soap Plant
(Chlorogalum parvifolium) and Bi-colored Everlasting (Gnaphalium bicolor) do occupy openings in
this relatively xeric microhabitat. The Chamise on-site is transitional to broader expanses of mixed
chaparral found elsewhere in coastal Carlsbad (e.g., near the Carlsbad Raceway).
4.1.1.3 Riparian Forest (Holland Code 61000)
The Riparian Forest is dominated by Western Sycamore (Platanus racemosa) and mature willows. It
is primarily situated on-site along Calavera Creek. Heavy adjacent farming activities have resulted in
an understory composed primarily of pioneering wetland weeds; however, in the extreme northeast,
beyond the agricultural area, a more pristine woodland survives.
4.1.1.4 Southern Willow Scrub (Holland Code 63320)
The Southern Willow Scrub is dominated by various species of willows such as Goodding's Willow
(Salix gooddingii), Arroyo Willow (S. lasiolepis), and Narrow-leaved Willow (S. exigua). Fremont
Cottonwood (Populus fremontii) may be present as scattered younger individuals. This vegetation is
typically found on seasonally flooded or saturated soils along streams and in canyon bottoms;
however, small patches are sometimes present on the slopes below point discharges for residential
run-off, and in other areas where human-created run-off occurs. This series is present along Calavera
Creek, and at scattered localities near the Tamarack A venue and El Camino Real intersection.
4.1.1.5 Mule Fat Scrub (Holland Code 63310)
Mule Fat Scrub is typically found in canyon bottoms, along washes, and near streams where there is
seasonal flooding or the substrate is saturated for relatively brief periods. This vegetation is also
found on the drier benches along stream systems and is often dominated by a single shrub species,
Mule Fat (Baccharis salicifolia). Various species of juvenile willows are sometimes present in small
numbers. On-site this microhabitat is indicative of limited water resources, or of habitat evolving
towards Southern Willow Scrub. This habitat occurs within the centrally located canyon drainage.
4.1.1.6 Cismontane Alkali Marsh (Holland Code 52310)
High evaporation and low input of fresh water render Cismontane Alkali Marshes somewhat salty,
usually with salts other than sodium chloride (Holland 1986). This habitat occurs within the southern
end of the property. Dominant plants include Spiny Rush (Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii), Yerba
Mansa (Anemopsis californica), and Alkali-mallow (Malvella laprosa) .
4.1.1.7 Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh (Holland Code 52410)
Various species of cat-tails (Typha spp.) and/or bulrush (Scirpus californicus and Scirpus robustus)
dominate the Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh. The stands present within the study area are
Robertson Ranch 10
-
... -
..
--
-
---
,...,
-
----
--
-
,.,. ..
Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002
dominated by Soft-flag Cattail (Typha latifolia and Typha dominguensis). These occur in association
with the Southern Willow Scrub located along Calavera Creek, or intermixed with brackish water
components (e.g., Salicornia virginica) near the intersection of El Camino Real and Tamarack
Avenue.
4.1.1.8 Emergent Wetland (Oberbauer Code 52440)
Emergent Wetland generally consists of herbaceous plants that are not necessarily marsh species
such as cattails and bulrushes. This habitat can include wetland-associated grasses and forbs that are
both native and non-native. Emergent Wetland often, but not always, signifies areas of disturbance.
Several small areas of Emergent Wetland are found on the Robertson Ranch property; limited
impacts are proposed. Plant species found include Western Ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), Tall
Flatsedge (Cyperus erogrostis), Curly Dock (Rumex crispus), Willow Herb (Epilobium ciliatum), and
Bristly Ox-tongue (Picris echioides).
4.1.1.9 San Diego Mesa Vernal Pool (Holland Code 44320)
A rudimentary vernal pool is found downslope from the northern boundary of the property within an
area of open sage scrub. Upslope is a mild swale that deposits rainfall run-off into a shallow basin.
The primary constituents of the pool are several species common to many pools in the region: Dwarf
Plantain (Plantago elongata) and Water Tillaea (Crassula aquatica). No evidence of sensitive vernal
pool plants was observed during the spring survey series. Also found were two road-rut pools near
the property boundary that retained Woolly Marbles (Psilocarphus brevissimus). Presence of these
obligate wetland species indicates that higher quality pools may once have been present nearby,
either on-site or off. All three areas mapped with vernal pool indicators are proposed within
biological open space.
4.1.1.10 Eucalyptus Woodland (Oberbauer Code 11100)
This vegetation type has no equivalent in Holland (1986), but is assigned a category in the Oberbauer
(1996) County revision. Many species of Eucalyptus have been introduced into California from
Australia and several of these species have become naturalized and often form large monotypic
groves. One of the largest and most common species is Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus). Blue Gum
and various other species of Eucalyptus are present at scattered localities throughout the Robertson
Ranch. Groves occur near both farmhouses, and near a farm shed in the northeastern corner of the
property.
4.1.1.11 Orchards and Vineyards/Intensive Agriculture/Exotic Plantings (Oberbauer
Codes 18100 and 18200)
A palm nursery is situated near El Camino Real and the off-site Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park.
Most of the vegetation here is either planted in containers, or is shallowly rooted for later
transplant/sale. Also present on-site is a now inactive orchard approximately a quarter mile to the
east.
4.1.1.12 Row Crops (Oberbauer Code 18320)
Agricultural lands include irrigated and non-irrigated field crops, actively grazed pasture lands, as
well as orchards, groves, and vineyards. These lands vary in their use by wildlife and may support a
Robertson Ranch 11
...
-
•
....
• .. -
-
....
·-
...
....
-..
..
-.. -...
Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002
variety of different species, however, they are generally dominated by exotic and opportunistic plant
species. Both faunal and floral diversity are generally low within agricultural lands. Also mapped
here during the wetland delineation are areas of "Prior Converted Croplands" that do not presently
support perennial herbaceous elements, but do contain hydric soils and weedy annuals associated
with wetlands such as Rabbitsfoot Grass (Polypogon monspeliensis). Within the Robertson Ranch
agricultural lands include a wide variety of field and row crops. Among the vegetables noted as row
crops were tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, green onions, and cabbage .
4.1.1.13 Urban/Developed (Oberbauer Code 12000)
Urban lands are characterized by structural development. Within these areas, biotic communities are
generally completely altered and supplanted by cultural landscaping associated with structures and
open space between hard surface development. The wildlife associated with such areas are typically
disturbance tolerant, human-associated species, or species that are opportunistic in nature. These
often include a number of exotic species. Plants include a number of cultivated ornamental species
and invasive weedy species, as well as some opportunistic or ornamental native plants.
Within the Robertson Ranch, urban lands include two ranch houses with adjacent horticultural
plantings, a flower stand near El Camino Real, and several packing areas with temporary structures.
4.1.2 Flora
The site supports a moderate diversity of native plant life (243 species; 103 non-native). Given a
long period of historic disturbance, and high degrees of urban encroachment, the proportion of exotic
species relative to native species is relatively high. All plant species identified on the site are listed
in Appendix 1. There are no regionally unique floristic assemblages present on the site.
4.2 WILDLIFE RESOURCES
4.2.1 Fauna
The Robertson Ranch supports a subset of the fauna typical of habitats dominated by sage scrub,
coastal riparian woodlands, and agricultural lands, in coastal Southern California. A number of
species are often found in these habitats, but not all were observed during the survey. This is
primarily due to the seasonality and time of day during which the various surveys were performed.
4.2.1.1 Butterflies
Butterflies species that were observed on the site include the Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funerals),
Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon), Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus), Sara Orangetip
(Anthocharis sara), Bernardino Blues (Euphilotes bernardino) exhibiting breeding behavior, Behr's
Metalmark (Apodemia vigulti), Lorquin's Admiral (Liminitis lorquini), and Common Buckeye
(Junonia coenia).
4.2.1.2 Amphibians
Four species of amphibians, the Garden Slender Salamander (Batrachosepts major), Pacific Chorus
Frog (Pseudacris regilla), Western Toad (Bufo boreas), and Western Spadefoot toad (Spea
Robertson Ranch 12
•
..
-.. -
..
•
----
....
..
-
-
..
,.
Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-0/ August 2/. 2002
hammondi) are potentially present on the study site. Only the Pacific Chorus Frog was directly
observed during the recent series of surveys.
4.2.1.3 Reptiles
The Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), the Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana),
and the Orangethroat Whiptail were all regularly observed on the site; primarily in areas of sage
scrub. Several Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) were also encountered. Other species, such as
the Common Kingsnake (Lampropettis getula) and Southern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria
multicarinata), that are often present in semi-rural areas are expected to occur on the ranch site.
Snake populations, however, are not expected to be high on the site or in the vicinity due to the
nearby presence of heavily traveled roads and the extensive human use in agricultural portions of the
site.
4.2.1.4 Birds
Most of the bird species observed on the ranch site are typical of California Sagebrush dominated
habitats in coastal San Diego County. Avian species seen on various surveys include: Northern
Harrier (Circus cyaneus), White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus), California Quail (Callipepla
californica), Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxilis),
Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae), Selasphorus hummingbird, Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus
vociferans), Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris), Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus), Bewick's Wren
(Thryomanes bewickii), Wrentit (Chamaeafasciata), California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis), California
Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum), Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena), Rufous-crowned Sparrow
(Aimophila ruficeps), and House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus).
Other avian species recorded near wetlands, on exposed perches, or soaring overhead include:
Nuttall's Woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii), Black Phoebe (Phoebe nigricans), Cassin's Kingbird
(Tyrannus vociferans), Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis), Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor),
Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonotya), House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), Black-headed
Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus), Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia), Common
Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), Yellow-breasted Chat (lcteria virens), Song Sparrow (Melospiza
melodia), Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca caerulea), and Lesser Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria).
4.2.1.5 Mammals
Relatively few mammalian species were observed on the Robertson Ranch. This in part due to the
fact that most native mammal species are primarily nocturnal and not easily observed during daytime
surveys. The California Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii)
are both common on the periphery of the agricultural areas. Sign of Coyote (Canis latrans) and Gray
Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) was well distributed about the site. These mammals are all
common species in sage scrub or chaparral dominated habitats in San Diego County. The site's
relative isolation from other large tracts of inland native habitats would be expected to limit or even
preclude the occurrence of larger wide-ranging species such as the Mountain Lion (Felis concolor).
Some tracks of Mule Deer ( Odocoileus hemionus) were observed in areas with limited human
activities .
Robertson Ranch 13
.... --
-
.. -.. ---
-
-
-
--
-
-
.... -
Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002
4.2.2 Wildlife Movement Corridors
Many species of wildlife move through the landscape during their daily and/or seasonal activities.
Many resident sedentary species move only short distances within their home ranges or territories.
Others, such as migratory birds, may move great distances during the year. Larger mammalian
predators often traverse extensive areas of the landscape over the course of their activities. Because
predation is a key process in maintaining biodiversity, it is important to maintain connectivity
between large core areas of preserved habitat (Soule' and Terborgh 1999) .
Corridors are often defined as linear habitats that differ from the extensive surrounding landscape in
which they are embedded. But Soule'and Terborgh (1999) point out that this definition is vague and
has multiple meanings. Extensive data on the natural history, movement patterns, and dispersal
behavior of specific species is needed to define a corridor, and this type of data is unavailable for
most of the species in San Diego County. The key concept in regional conservation efforts is
landscape connectivity. Core areas need to be connected, and the more fragmented and isolated a
patch of habitat becomes, the less value it has for regional conservation efforts. This concept of
connectivity is an important component of the Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (MHCP) process.
Currently the Robertson Ranch retains some connectivity between Agua Hedionda Lagoon and
Calavera Lake. El Camino Real, a heavily trafficked highway, separates the back lagoon riparian
habitat from Robertson Ranch. Moreover, habitat north of the roadway now consists of palm nursery
and agricultural lands. This connection northward is therefore tenuous at present, but does not
preclude future enhancement, insofar as urban hardscape is not in place other than the road.
4.3CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER
Three pairs of gnatcatchers were located within the site (see Figure 2). An estimate of suitable
CAGN habitat on-site is 40 acres. Habitat quality for the two easternmost pairs varies from sparse
DCSS with intervening Non-native Grassland to dense DCSS. The pair at the west end (#1) of the
site occupies high quality DCSS which is confined to a sharply delineated shallow canyon between
an active agricultural field to the west and a fallow field to the east. This site is dominated by Black
Sage (Salvia mellifera). Also present here are California Encelia (Encelia californica), California
Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), Broom Baccharis (Baccharis sarothroides), and a scattering of
Our Lord's Candle (Yucca whipplei). The field to the east has a border of dense Black Mustard
(Brassica nigra).
The central pair (#2) was seen in low quality, open DCSS that marks a transition from non-native
grassland. DCSS here is dominated by California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica) with an
extensive understory of Tarplant (Hemizonia fasciculatum). Also present is Flat-top Buckwheat
(Eriogonum fasciculatum), scattered Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia), California Adolphia
(Adolphia californica), and Bush Mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus). Scattered Black Mustard
merges into DCSS that in turn merges into a small tract of Chamise Chaparral to the north and east.
This pair probably utilizes both vegetation types. Agricultural fields lie to the south of this pair's
location.
The eastern pair (#3) was found in a similar transition zone of non-native grassland to open DCSS.
Plant cover here is mostly herbaceous with scattered sage scrub species such as California Sagebrush,
Bush Mallow, and Broom Baccharis. Agricultural fields lie to the east. The area between this site and
Robertson Ranch 14
--
..
--
---
-
-
-
-
-
-
Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-01 August 21. 2002
the agricultural field to the east is dominated by Black Mustard. West of this pair is an area of
Chamise Chaparral representing a common boundary between the two latter pairs.
A concurrent botanical survey by M&A found a male CAGN off site in an area of moderate quality
DCSS. The location is to the northwest of the ranch site along Tamarack A venue. While there is a
considerable amount of DCSS adjacent to Tamarack within the study area, it is of a more mesic
quality than CAGN prefer. It occupies a steep northwest-facing slope and retains a high number of
exotic plant species. Only a very small area at the northeastern end of this patch has what could be
considered DCSS. In our opinion, it is too small to provide adequate habitat for CAGN. Conversely,
this habitat off-site is more extensive, of gentler gradient and proper plant composition, thus more
likely to support CAGN.
4.4LEAST BELL'S VIREO AND SOUTHWESTERN WILLOW FLYCATCHER
As evidenced by its presence on-site in 2001, portions of the riparian habitat at Robertson Ranch are
currently suitable for Least Bell's Vireo (BEVI). Habitat quality for BEVI is adequate to very good at
the eastern end of the Robertson Ranch within Calavera Creek. These areas largely comprise dense
Southern Willow Scrub, the preferred habitat of BEVI in southern California. However, much of the
central part of this drainage on the east side comprises an area of Riparian Woodland dominated by
California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa). Adequate WIFL habitat within the study area should be
considered minimal at best. In San Diego County, breeding WIFL are known to prefer willow-
dominated riparian woodlands with a mixture of tree height and density, a central corridor of dense
vegetation, and small areas of open water below the canopy. At Robertson Ranch, minimally-
moving water from an undetermined source (likely irrigation) was found near the intersection of
Tamarack and El Camino Real--when the surveys commenced in May. Standing water in this area
eventually dried up over the survey period. Moving water was also found in the drainage on the
eastern side of the Robertson Ranch when the surveys commenced. By mid-June, this water was
largely isolated in well-shaded, low-lying areas along the drainage. In comparison to known WIFL
breeding sites there would seem to be an inadequate amount of seasonal water flow within the study
area to support the species.
A single Least Bell's Vireo was heard singing on June 8, 2001(Figure 2). The location was in dense
Southern Willow Scrub at the south end of the drainage along the eastern boundary of the site (i.e.,
within an area proposed for direct impacts from the Cannon Road extension; therefore, not directly
impacted by Robertson Ranch impacts). This individual was heard again on June 18; and was also
reported to the USFWS by additional biologists conducting work on the Cannon Road extension
project. The vireo was not heard or seen on subsequent visits by M&A through the area. There were
no WIFL observations within the study area site.
5.0 SPECIAL STATUS BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
For purposes of this report, special status biological resources are one of the following: species listed
under the state or federal Endangered Species Act, Resources defined in sections 1702(q) and (v) of
Title 20 of the California Code of Regulations, and species or habitats identified by legislative acts as
requiring protection.
Robertson Ranch 15
-
..
...
... -
-...
..
• ..
....
--
-
·•
Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002
5.1 SPECIAL STATUS HABITATS
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub is considered a special status habitat in San Diego County. Urban and
agricultural land use has claimed well over 70% of the historical coverage of this vegetation type in
San Diego County and losses of such habitat have surpassed thresholds of cumulative significance
wherein even the minor additional losses can result in continued fragmentation that threaten the long-
term survival of several dependent species --absent a concerted effort at strategic conservation of
key habitat areas and associated linkages. The Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub is the primary habitat of
the California Gnatcatcher and a host of other special status species. These species are becoming
substantially rarer because of habitat loss. As noted above, the loss of this vegetation is the driving
force behind the NCCP process in coastal San Diego County.
Sensitive vegetation communities are habitats that support sensitive plant or animal species, or they
are vegetation communities that are considered rare within the region. Wetlands and jurisdictional
watercourses are considered sensitive for their high wildlife value and their naturally limited
distribution. Wetland habitats and Non-wetland Waters have also historically suffered from a
tremendous reduction in total area because of urban development and agriculture. Resource agencies
enforce a no net loss policy of wetland habitat and Non-wetland Waters in California.
5.2 SPECIAL STATUS FLORA
This region of San Diego County has a particularly limited number of special status plants. This is
because these plants locally are usually found on metavolcanic substrates, on friable cracked clay
soils, or within wetlands such as vernal pools. These circumstances are poorly developed within the
Robertson Ranch. Many rare plants in coastal San Diego County are associated with a Baja
California flora that does not generally reach northward to Carlsbad. As a result, the California
Sagebrush Series in the region has a limited understory and shrub mix when compared with sage
scrub in areas to the south (e.g., Chula Vista). While no special status plants were observed on the
ranch, the site vicinity is capable of supporting a limited number of special status plants associated
with clay soils. A thorough list of special status plants in the region and their likelihood of
occurrence within the vicinity and on the Robertson Ranch site is provided in Appendix 3.
Three species of plants not retaining sensitive federal or state status, but listed by the CNPS were
observed on-site: California Adolphia, Western Dichondra, and Southwestern Spiny Rush. Presence
of these three is not considered botanically significant; they are further discussed in Appendix 3 .
None of the 15 "narrow endemic" plant species noted in the Carlsbad HMP were observed on-site.
Some very limited potential exists for Thread-leaf Brodiaea (Brodiaeafilifolia); however, it was not
observed during Year 2001 spring surveys in appropriate habitat. A focused Year 2002 spring
survey on the Robertson Ranch for Thread-leaf Brodiaea did not locate this species .
5.3 SPECIAL STATUS FAUNAL SPECIES PRESENT ON-SITE
Special status wildlife species include those carrying a listing status by USFWS (1999), CDFG
(2000), those considered to be covered species under the draft Carlsbad Subarea Plan, and those
recognized as declining within the region by non-governmental environmental organizations and
trained biologists. Table 5 lists the special status species known to exist on-site. A number of other
special status species are known from the Carlsbad region, but none were detected on the site during
the current survey series.
Robertson Ranch 16
•
-
-
---
..
•
..
.. ..
<-
Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002
T bl 4 S . I St t S a e . 'pecm a us 'pec1es Ob serve d th S't on e 1 e .
Species Name Federal Status California Status Carlsbad Subarea Plan
California Gnatcatcher Threatened -Covered
Least Bell's Vireo Endangered Endangered Covered
Yellow-breasted Chat --Covered
Cooper's Hawk --Covered
Southern California --Covered
Rufous-crowned Sparrow
Orangethroat Whiptail --Covered
5.4 ADDITIONAL SENSITIVE NESTING AVIAN SPECIES
Several species of raptors are expected to occasionally nest in the tall Eucalyptus in the study area
vicinity. The White-tailed Kite is a raptorial species that potentially nests within the vicinity or on-
site. Large concentrations of kites have historically been observed roosting in trees in eastern
reaches of Agua Hedionda Lagoon (C. Reiser pers. obs.). No on-site nests of this raptor were
observed during recent surveys. In addition to this species, the Yellow Warbler and the Yellow-
breasted Chat are considered likely to nest during some years within the riparian habitat on-site.
Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia hypugaea) is another species that may nest on-site but was not
observed.
For additional discussion of vertebrates and invertebrates with some listing history, see Appendix 4 .
Robertson Ranch 17
-
...
--------
-
•
• ---•
..
..
Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21, 2002
6.0 EXPECTED BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS
6.1 VEGETATION IMPACTS
The vegetation impacts from the proposed project are as follows:
T bl 5 V t f I t a e . e2e a IOn mpac s:
Vegetation Type Total Acres Impacted Acres Acres Impacted
East Village/
Versus West
Agricultural Lands 288.304 94.94/135.26 230.20
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub 74.080 12.11110.50 22.61 (30.5%)
Plant Nursery Lands 15.953 0.95/8.76 9.71
Eucalyptus Woodland 4.583 1.85/2.73 4.58
Exotic Plantings/Orchards 2.670 0.89/0.74 1.63
Urban Lands 2.400 0.83/1.50 2.33
Chamise Chaparral 1.914 0.36/0.00 0.36 (18.8%)
Vernal Pool & Vernal Ruts 0.006 0.00/0.00 0.00
Southern Cottonwood-5.56 See Glenn Lukos Associates Report 2002 for
Willow Riparian Forest* wetland delineation and impacts to vegetated
Southern Coastal and Valley 2.02 riparian habitat under CDFG jurisdiction (total 0.91
Freshwater Marsh* acre in West Village only) and wetland impacts
Southern Willow Scrub* 4.53 under ACoE jurisdiction (0.36 acre in West Village
Emergent Wetland* 0.47 only).**
Non-wetland Waters of U.S.* 1.04
Cismontane Alkali Marsh* 0.13
Mule Fat Scrub* 0.04
Totals 403.7 acres 111.931160.4 272.33 acres
(including ACoE)
* Numbers determined by ACoE focused wetland delineation (Glenn Lukos Associates 2002)
** Excludes direct impacts (i.e., 2.1 acre of direct and 0.3 acre of temporary impact) from ACoE
permitted construction associated with Cannon Road and College Boulevard
6.1.1 Sensitive Vegetation Impacts
Sensitive Vegetation Impacts occur for Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (22.61 acres), Charnise Chaparral
(0.36 acre), and various phases of wetlands. The sage scrub impacts 30.5% of this vegetation type
present on-site. Impacts under the draft HMP for Carlsbad limit impacts to less than 33%.
Most of the significant wetland impacts being proposed occur in the extreme western portion of the
study area along a seasonal drainage where juvenile willows and freshwater marsh predominate.
Wetland impacts are subject to a federal and state jurisdictional oversight and approvals process (e.g.,
ACoE 404 & CDFG 1603 protocols), in addition to those formulated by the City of Carlsbad. All
gross acreage loss of wetlands habitat will require at least 1:1 replacement mitigation. Wetlands
mitigation for on-site impacts is to occur on the Robertson Ranch in the floodplain near Calavera
Creek, in conjunction with several other regional projects that were previously approved, including
the Calavara Hills residential development and the extension of College Boulevard. Concentrating
Robertson Ranch 18
-
... -
-
-
""" ,.
-.. --
Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002
the mitigation efforts for these various projects is expected to result in less habitat fragmentation and
the creation/enhancement of habitat with higher quality wetlands values.
No impacts are proposed for the one identified vernal pool or two localized farm road ruts created by
vehicles that were identified on-site --and support opportunistic vernal pool plant species. This
assessment includes no direct impacts to the immediate up-slope watershed of these incipient vernal
pools or basins.
6.1.2 Sensitive Plant Impacts
No significant direct plant impacts are expected from the proposed project. Substantial sage scrub
habitat retaining scattered populations of California Adolphia is proposed for biological open space .
The ranch properties do not support any known population of a highly sensitive plant species.
6.1.3 Sensitive Animal Impacts
Three active California Gnatcatcher territories were identified on-site. The proposed project retains
substantial tracts of sage scrub near where two of the pairs were observed. No focused use area
studies have been conducted to see if the proposed development overlaps any portions of the
territories of these two resident pairs. Nevertheless, given the proposed sage scrub impacts, it
appears most or all of these use areas will be retained in biological open space. The third gnatcatcher
pair was observed in the canyon-lands between Planning Areas 3 and 4. However, one location
where this pair was observed foraging is shown as within an area of fill slope proposed to support
residential housing along the crest of the canyon. Additional areas where foraging was observed for
this third pair lie within the proposed biological open space, and a substantial tract of sage scrub is
retained within this canyon for biological open space. The Carlsbad HMP requires that 75% of the
gnatcatchers on-site (i.e., birds with viable territories) be retained within proposed biological open
space. Protection of 2 of 3 territories would not strictly fulfill such criteria. The project design
provides for the full retention of two territories, and retains an extensive stand of suitable gnatcatcher
habitat between Planning Areas 3 and 4 where a third pair was observed.
Impacts to a territory utilized in spring 2001 by a pair of breeding Least Bell's Vireos is within
habitat proposed for impact by the College Boulevard extension - a previously approved mitigated
project. As such, it is not a direct impact associated with the proposed project, and should be dealt
with under USFWS permitting for the road.
6.1.4 Wildlife Corridors
A substantial north-south wildlife corridor is envisioned within the Carlsbad HMP that would link
Agua Hedionda Lagoon with the Calavera Hills. The Robertson Ranch lands are a critical linkage
for the establishment of such a corridor. Existing native vegetation present on-site does not naturally
provide such a linkage. The development design proposes an approximately 600 foot wide corridor
between Planning Area 4 and Planning Area llA; maintaining approximately that width for most of
the remaining linkage northward. Planning Areas 8 & 9 include a park and school with playgrounds;
in essence providing some additional non-hardscape lands as a buffer on the eastern side of the
primary corridor. The existing highway of El Camino Real along the project's southern boundary
has substantial traffic and is a significant future impediment to the establishment of a viable corridor
that will connect southward with Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The culvert for Agua Hedionda Creek
beneath El Camino Real would act as a primary route of passage for terrestrial animals.
Robertson Ranch 19
...
•
•
• --
·-
-
.....
-
....
•
-.. --
....
-
Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-01 August 21. 2002
The mid-portion of the corridor currently supports disturbed agricultural lands without providing
much vegetative cover. Nevertheless, no more promising route is available to link up with sage
scrub habitat to the north. The predominantly north-south corridor eventually turns eastward as it
approaches the northern boundaries of the Robertson Ranch; crossing a fair quality tract of Diegan
Coastal Sage Scrub. This linkage provides a sizeable corridor connection not shown in the Carlsbad
HMP. The proposed corridor route would then dogleg at a property corner and again head northward
towards the Calavera Hills and sizeable tracts of previously dedicated biological open space. An
impediment to the corridor occurs at this "dogleg" location --where the proposed College Boulevard
extension is slated to exit the Robertson Ranch. A 12' arched by 6'underpass is approved for a
wildlife crossing at this location; no natural drainage facilitates this crossing. In summary, the
wildlife corridor's success is in large part dependent upon the ultimate revegetation of portions of the
route that currently support agricultural lands on the Robertson Ranch; as well as the enhancement of
wildlife road crossings at El Camino Real and the unconstructed College Boulevard extension.
6.1.5 Significant Secondary Impacts
The Robertson Ranch has been subject to very intensive agricultural practices for decades. As a
result, extant areas of native vegetation have generally been subject to substantial secondary impacts
to the understory. As one example, the large tract of sage scrub along the northern boundary shows
widespread evidence of understory disturbance due to various agricultural pursuits. Over the last
century these apparently included use as staging areas for initial planting and harvesting activities,
repetitive heavy foot traffic along numerous unofficial trails, temporary grazing of livestock, storage
of truck crop vegetative detritus, and isolated but repetitive wildfires. Given this history, the
proposed project may offer a respite from some of these more impactive practices. Ultimately,
further secondary impacts will be directly correlated with the level of protection provided from
numerous urban access points .
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS TO REDUCE BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS
7.1 SENSITIVE VEGETATION
Sage scrub impacts are at approximately 30.5 % of total sage scrub habitat present; within the 33%
allowance to meet the intent of the Carlsbad HMP .
Cumulative wetland impacts will require an individual U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit
(i.e., proposed take exceeds the maximum allowed under a Nationwide Permit) and a California
Department of Fish and Game 1603 Streambed Alteration Agreement. Additional wetlands
permitting with the State Regional Water Quality Control Board will also be necessary to ensure best
management practices are utilized in maintaining suitable water quality standards.
7.2 SENSITIVE PLANTS
Sensitive plant populations on-site are adequately protected under the existing development design.
No additional recommendations are made to protect specific populations of sensitive plants on-site.
A significant portion of the adolphia population is currently being proposed to be protected within
biological open space; as well as the entire Western Dichondra population previously observed on-
site .
Robertson Ranch 20
..
...
-
...
-
...
-
..
...
Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-0/ August 21. 2002
7.3 SENSITIVE ANIMALS
HMP requirements specify the preservation of 75% of the gnatcatcher population. Each of the three
presumed gnatcatcher use areas on-site is primarily within the proposed biological open space;
however, limited portions of the potential use area for the pair observed in the canyon-lands between
Planning Areas 3 and 4 may be impacted by proposed fill slopes. Perceived secondary impacts from
nearby residential development here could also be a factor (e.g., cat predation from the 27 proposed
lots that share a boundary with the open space lands here). The open space appears to retain enough
native vegetation to support a gnatcatcher territory. Informal discussions with the USFWS and the
City will be necessary to determine if HMP requirements are met on this issue .
7.4 WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
The site's proposed primary wildlife corridor is proposed to be fully integrated into the design plans
for the College Boulevard extension, vis a vis the City of Carlsbad, federal, and state inter-agency
participation in the approvals processes for both projects.
Wildlife crossing issues hinging on College Boulevard underpass design criteria should be clearly
resolved prior to construction of that separately permitted project. Criteria should deter significant
road-killed animals through use of sound engineering means. General recommendations for wildlife
underpasses vary. However, some recommendations in use regionally, include a requirement that
roads crossing a substantial corridor should be fenced by at least a 10-foot tall barrier --channeling
potential, terrestrial animal travel routes toward the appropriate wildlife underpass. These fences
should be buried at least one foot underground so animals cannot readily dig underneath. The length
to width ratio of wildlife underpasses is generally recommended to be 2:1 or less. One possible
feature to ameliorate a less than 2:1 ratio is to provide sky-lit openings .. Such openings within the
underpass allow for sunlight and subsequent vegetative cover to grow; and they decrease the dark,
crowded conditions that may indicate potential danger to animals. Natural vegetative cover should
be established and maintained at the entrance of wildlife underpasses. The culvert crossing of the
road beneath College Boulevard should be designed to meet these criteria, and has recently been
upgraded to a 12 foot wide arched by six foot tall culvert. It should be noted that only the first of
these criteria (i.e., the fencing) is a direct responsibility of the Robertson Ranch project.
7.5 SECONDARY IMPACTS
Several recommendations are made to deter or ameliorate potential secondary biological impacts:
1) Residents of Planning Areas 3 and 4 whose lots back onto the canyon-lands, that support native
sage scrub, should be apprised of the sensitivity of the adjacent lands via appropriate signage, and
informed of penalties for dumping materials over their fences into biological open space.
2) Fencing should be installed (at least 6' in height) to deter open access to the biological open
space near the northern boundary of the property and running parallel to a proposed road that
does not support housing on its northern boundary. Access points to the biological open space
should be carefully controlled to eliminate random habitat degradation.
3) Two noxious plant species: Giant Cane (Arundo donax) and Pampas Grass ( Cortaderia jubata),
should be eliminated from all areas of the property to be retained in open space. If identified,
additional significant noxious plant species currently growing within the primary wildlife
Robertson Ranch 21
..
..
... -
...
...
..
...
...
Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002
corridor (including the northern panhandle), should be flagged by a trained biologist and
carefully removed (if such a removable can practically be achieved) so that seeds are not
dispersed.
4) Potential horticultural planting areas on "project exterior" cut and fill slopes that abut biological
open space should utilize native plant species rather than exotics whenever feasible. As an
example, extensive fill slopes planned between Planning Areas 3 and 4 should be planted
primarily in native sage scrub, to compliment the adjacent native sage scrub proposed to remain
in this canyon drainage.
7.0 PREPARER'S QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
7.1 PRESENT SURVEYS AND ANALYSES
Focused surveys for the California Gnatcatcher, Least Bell's Vireo, and Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher were performed under USFWS lO(a) permit numbers PRT-797999 and TE-801346-2.
The following Merkel & Associates staff participated in the field work or document preparation.
Craig H. Reiser, served as the principal report author. He has over 20 years experience in the region
conducting biological impact analyses. Focused surveys for Least Bell's Vireo and Southwestern
Willow Flycatcher were conducted by Geoffrey L. Rogers with over 10 years experience conducting
similar avian surveys. Vegetation mapping and computer aided analysis has been completed by study
area field biologists and Jessernine L. Fung, associate biologist/GIS specialist; Brian Parker, assistant
biologist; and Jean-Paul LaCount, biological technician: GIS analyst.
Robertson Ranch 22
-
·-...
....
....
1111111
... ..
...
Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21, 2002
LITERATURE CITED AND CONSULTED
American Ornithologists Union. 1998, Seventh Edition. Check-list of North American Birds.
American Ornithologists Union, Washington, D.C.
Army Corps of Engineers. 1987. Wetland Delineation Manual: Appendix C, Section 1; Region 0-
California. Technical Report Y-87-1. U.S. Army Engineers Waterways Experiment Station,
Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A Flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater River Press,
National City, CA. 241 pp.
Bowman, Roy. 1973. Soil Survey of the San Diego Area, California, Part I. U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service, in cooperation with the University
of California Agricultural Experiment Station, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of
Indian Affairs, the Department of the Navy, United States Marine Corps, the Department of
Housing and Urban Development, and the County of San Diego Planning Department.
December, 1973.
California Department of Fish and Game. 2000. List of Special Animals. July 2000.
California Department of Fish and Game. 2000. List of State and Federally Listed Endangered and
Threatened Animals of California. July 2000.
California Department of Fish and Game, Natural Heritage Division. 2000. Rarefind, California
Natural Diversity Data Base .
California Division of Mines and Geology. 1966. Geologic Map of California: Santa Ana Sheet.
California Division of Mines and Geology, Sacramento.
City of Carlsbad. 1999. Draft Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities .
Collins, Joseph. 1990. Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American
Amphibians and Reptiles (3rd ed.). The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles.
Herpetological Circular No. 19.
Everett, W. T. 1979. Threatened, Declining and Sensitive Bird Species in San Diego County.
Audubon Society-Sketches. July 1979. 2-3.
Glassberg, Jeffrey. 2001. Butterflies Through Binoculars: Western Edition.
Glenn Lukos Associates. 2002. ACoE Wetland Delineation of the Robertson Ranch.
Hickman, James, ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of
California Press, Berkeley. 1182 pp .
Holland, Robert. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of
California. Non-game Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game.
Jennings, Mark. and Marc P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in
California. Final Report submitted to the California Department of Fish and Game, Inland
Fisheries Division. Contract Number 8023 .
Robertson Ranch 23
.. ..
• ...
.. -
..
..
...
..
...
...
-
•
Merkel &Associates Inc. #01-046-01 August 21, 2002
Jones, Clyde, Robert Hoffmann, Dale Rice, Robert Baker, Mark Engstrom, Robert Bradley, David
Schmidly, and Cheri Jones. Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of
Mexico. Occas. Papers Mus., Texas Tech Univ., 173: 1-24.
Munsell Color. 1974. Munsell Soil Color Charts. Macbeth, a Division of Kollmorgen Corporation,
Baltimore, Maryland.
Opler, Paul. 1999. A Field Guide to Western Butterflies, 2nd Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company .
Boston
Reiser, Craig. 2001 Edition. The Rare Plants of San Diego County. Aquafir Press. 175 pp .
San Diego Non-Game Wildlife Subcommittee. 1976. Proposed List of Species and Habitats
Requiring Special Protection and Study in San Diego County. Memorandum to San Diego
County Environmental Quality Division .
Sawyer, John. and Todd Keeler-Wolf. 1995. A Manual of California Vegetation. California Native
Plant Society. Sacramento.
Sibley, David Allen. 2001. The Sibley Guide to Birds. American Audubon Society and Alfred
Knopf Press.
Skinner, M. and B. Pavik. 1994. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. California
Native Plant Society Publication No. 1, 51h Edition. Sacramento .
Soule', Michael, and John Terborgh eds. 1999. Continental Conservation: Scientific Foundations of
Regional Reserve Networks. Island Press. Washington D. C. and Covelo, California.
Stebbins, Robert. 1985. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin
Company. Boston
Tate, James, Jr. 1986. The Blue List for 1986. American Birds 40(2):227-236 .
Unitt, P. 1984. The Birds of San Diego County. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist. Memoir No. 13 .
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1997. Survey Protocol for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher.
Revised July 28, 1997 .
Robertson Ranch 24
--
-
-..
..
--
-
....
-
-
,..,
.... ..
-
Robertson Ranch
APPENDIX 1. FLORAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED
ROBERTSON RANCH
A = Agricultural Lands
D = Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
V =Vernal Pool/Basin
X = Ruderal/Disturbed!U rban Lands
* denotes non-native plant taxa
Merkel & Associates, Inc.# {01-046-01}
Habitat Types:
C = Chamise Chaparral
M = Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh
R =Riparian Woodland (Willow/Mule Fat)
A-1
... ..
""" Robertson Ranch .. Scientific Name Common Name Habitat --CRYPTOGAMS .. .. Equisetaceae-Horsetail Family
Equisetum laevigatum A. Br. Smooth Scouring Rush w ..
• Pteridaceae -Brake Family
Pentagramma triangularis (Kaulf.)Yats. ssp. tricmgularis California Goldenba.ck Fern D
'1111
• Selaginellaceae-Spike-Moss Family
Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. Ashy Spike-moss D ..
GYMNOSPERMS ..
-Pinaceae-Pine Family
*Pinus sp. Pine X .. *Pseudotsuga macrocarpa (Vasey)Mayr Bigcone Douglas-fir X -.. DICOTYLEDONS
Aizoaceae-Carpet-weed Family -*Carpobrotus edulis (Molina)N.E. Brit. Hottentot -Fig X
*Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. Crystalline Iceplant X
*Mesembryanthemum nodijlorum L. Slender-leaved Iceplant X
, ...
Amaranthaceae -Amaranth Family -* Amaranthus alb us L. Tumbleweed X -*Am.aranthus blitoides S. Wats. Prostrate Amaranth X
• Anacardiaceae-Sumac Family .. lvfalosma laurina (Torr. & Gray)Abrams Laurel Sumac D
Rhus integrifolia (Nutt.)Benth. & Hook. Lemonade berry D ... Toxicodendron diversilobum (Torrey & Gray)Greene Western Poison Oak w -Apiaceae -Carrot Family .. Apiastrum angustifolium Nutt. Mock Parsley D
*Apium graveolens L. Celery w -*Conium maculatum L. Common Poison Hemlock X .. * Daucus carota L. Queen Anne's Lace X
Daucus pusillus Michx. Rattlesnake Weed D -*Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Fennel X ..
Asclepiadaceae -Milkweed Family .. Asclepias fascicularis Dcne. Narrow-leaf Milkweed w -.. -Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01 A-2 ..
....
-
---
-
...
..
.. ..
... .. .. ..
""' ..
-
Robertson Ranch
Scientific Name
Asteraceae-Sunt1ower Family
Ambrosia psilostachya DC.
*Anthemis cotula L.
Artemisia californica Less.
Artemisia douglasiana Bess.
Artemisia dracunculus L.
Aster subulatus Michx. var. ligulatus Shinn.
Baccharis emoryi Gray
Baccharis pilularis DC.
Baccharis salicifolia (R. & P.)Pers.
*Carduus pycnocephalus L.
*Centaurea melitensis L.
Chaenactis glabriuscula DC. var. glabriuscula
*Chrysanthemum coronarium L.
*Cirsium vulgare (Savi)Ten.
*Conyza bonariensis (L.)Cronq.
*Conyza canadensis (L.)Cronq.
*Cotula australis (Spreng.)Hook. f.
*Coutla coronopifolia L.
*Cynara cardunculus L.
*Eclipta prostrata (L.)L.
Encelia californica Nutt.
Common Name
Western Ragweed
Mayweed
California Sagebrush
Mugwort
Tarragon
Slim Aster
Emory's Baccharis
Coyote Brush
Mule Fat
Italian Thistle
Tocalote
Yellow Pincushion
Garland
Bull Thistle
Flax-leaf Fleabane
Horse weed
Australian Brass-buttons
Brass-buttons
Cardoon
False-daisy
California Encelia
Eriophyllum confertiflorum (DC.)Gray
Filago californica Nutt.
Gnaphalium bicolor Bioletti
Gnaphalium cal!fornicum DC.
Gnaphalium luteo-albwn L.
var. confertiflorum Golden-yarrow
California Filago
Bicolor Cudweed
California Everlasting
Cud weed
Gnaphalium palustre Nutt.
Hazardia squarrosa ssp. grindelioides (DC.)Clarke
Helianthus annuus L.
Lowland Cudweed
Saw-toothed Goldenbush
Western Sunflower
Hemizonia (Deinandra) fasciculata (DC.)Torrey & Gray Fascicled Tarplant
Heterotheca grandiflora Nutt. Telegraph Weed
*Hypochoeris glabra L. Smooth Cat's-ear
Jsocoma menziesii (Hook. & Arn.)Nesom var. menziesii Goldenbush
!socoma menziesii (Hook. & Arn.)Nesom var. vernonioides (Nutt.)Nesom
Coastal Goldenbush
*Lactuca serriola L. Wild Lettuce
Lasthenia californica Lindley Common Goldfields
Lessingiafilaginifolia (Hook. & Arn.)M.A. Lane var.filagin!folia
Osmadenia tenella Nutt.
*Picris echioides L.
Pluchea odorata Cav .
Psilocarphus brevissimus Nutt.
*Silybum marianum (L.)Gaertn.
*Sonchus asper (L.)Hill
Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01
Cudweed Aster
Osmadenia
Bristly Ox-tongue
Salt Marsh Fleabane
Woolly Marbles
Milk-thistle
Prickly Sow Thistle
Habitat
w
w
D
w
w
M
w
w
w
X
X
D
X
X
X
X w
w
X
X
D
D
D
D
D
X w
D
A
D
X
D
D
D
X
D
D
D w
M
v
X
X
A-3
-
....
...
--
...
..
..
...
Robertson Ranch
Scientific Name
* Sonchus ole race us L.
Stephanomeria diegensis Gottlieb
Stylocline gnaphalioides Nutt.
Uropappus lindleyi (DC.)Nutt.
*Xanthium strumarium L.
*Zinnia sp.
Boraginaceae-Borage Family
Common Name
Common Sow Thistle
San Diego Wreath-Plant
Everlasting Nest Straw
Silver Puffs
Cocklebur
Aztec Zinnia
Habitat
X
X
D
D
w
X
Amsinckia menziesii (Lehm.)Nelson & J.F. Macbr. var. intermedia (F.& M.) Ganders
Rancher's Fireweed D
Cryptantha intermedia (Gray)Greene Nievitas, Cryptantha D
Heliotropium curvassavicum L. Salt Heliotrope M
Plagiobothrys collinus (Philbr.)J.M. Johnston var. gracilis (Jtn.)Higgins
Brassicaceae -Mustard Family
*Brassica sp.
*Brassica oleracea
*Brassica nigra (L.)Koch
*Hirschfeldia incana (L.)Lagr.-Fossat
Lepidium nitidum Nutt. var. nitidum
*Raphanus sativus L.
*Rorippa nasturtium-officinale (L.)Hayek
*Sisymbrium irio L.
Cactaceae-Cactus Family
*Opuntiaficus-indica (L.)Miller
Opuntia littoralis (Engelm.)Ckll.
Opuntia phaeacantha Engel.
Opuntia prolifera Engelm.
Capparaceae -Caper Family
lsomeris arborea Nutt.
Caryophyllaceae -Pink Family
Cardionema ramosissimum (Weinm.)Nels. & Macbr.
*Cerastium glomeratum Thuill.
*Silene gallica L.
*Spergularia bocconii (Scheele)Merino
Spergularia marina (L.)Griseb.
* Stellaria media (L.) Villars
Chenopodiaceae -Goosefoot Family
*Atriplex rosea L.
*Atriplex semibaccata R. Br.
Atriplex triangularis Willd.
Merkel & Associates, Inc. #OJ -046-01
Small California Popcornflower D
Mustard Greens
Cabbage
Black Mustard
Short-pod Mustard
Shining Peppergrass
Radish
Water Cress
London Rocket
Indian-fig
Coast Prickly-pear
Interior Prickly-pear
Cholla
Bladderpod
Tread Lightly
Mouse-ear Chickweed
Common Catchfly
Buccone's Sand-spurry
Salt Marsh Sand-spurry
Common Chickweed
Redscale, Red Saltbush
Australian Saltbush
Spearscale
A
A
X
X
D
X
w
X
D
D
D
D
D
D
X
X
X
M
X
X
X
M
A-4
Robertson Ranch
Scientific Name Common Name Habitat
-*Bassia hyssopifolia (Pall.)Kuntze Five-hook Bassia M -*Beta vulgaris L. Sea Beet A
*Chenopodium album L. Lamb's Quarters X -Chenopodium berlandieri Moq. Pitseed Goosefoot X ... Chenopodium cal(fornicum (Wats.)Wats. California Goosefoot D
*Chenopodium murale L. Nettle-leaf Goosefoot X .. Salicornia virginica L. Pickleweed M ... *Salsola tragus L. Russian Thistle X
... Convolvulaceae -Morning-Glory Family -Calystegia macrostegia (Greene)Brumm. Finger-leaf Morning-glory D
*Convolvulus arvensis L. Bindweed X -Cressa truxillensis Kunth. Alkali Weed M ;-Dichondra occidentalis House Western Dichondra D -Crassulaceae -Stonecrop Family
Crassula aquatica (L.)Schoenl. Stonecrop v
Crassula connata (Ruiz & Pav.)Berger Dwarf Stonecrop D -Dudleya lanceolata (Nutt.)Britt. & Rose Coastal Dudleya D
Dudleya pulverulenta (Nutt.)Britt. & Rose Chalk -lettuce D
Cucurbitaceae -Gourd Family
*Cucumis melo Melon A
*Cucurbita pepo Zucchini A
Marah macrocarpus (Greene)Greene var. macrocarpus Wild-Cucumber D
Cuscutaceae-Dodder Family
Cuscuta californica Hook & Arn. var. califomica Witch's Hair D
Ericaceae-Heath Family
Xylococcus bicolor Nutt. Mission Manzanita c -
""" ·Euphorbiaceae-Spurge Family
*Chamaesyce mantlata (L.)Small Spotted Spurge X .. Chamaesyce polycarpa (Benth.)Millsp. Small-seed Sandmat D
,. Eremocarpus setigerus (Hook.)Benth. Dove weed X
*Ricinus communis L. Castor-bean R .. -Fabaceae-Pea Family
*Acacia sp . Wattle X • Lotus .ycoparius ssp. brevialatus (Ottley)Munz Deerweed D
*Medicago polymorpha L. California Burclover X -*Melilotus albus Desr. White Sweetclover w .. *Melilotus indicus (L.)All. Sourclover X
*Phaseolus vulgaris String Bean A .... *Vicia villosa Roth Winter Vetch, Hairy Vetch X ..
,.,;,
Merkel & Associates, Inc.# 01-046-01 A-5 ..
-
----
--
-
....
..
• ..
•
-
·•
Robertson Ranch
Scientific Name
Fagaceae-Oak Family
Quercus berberidifolia Liebm.
Frankeniaceae-Frankenia Family
Frankenia salina (Molina)Jtn.
Gentianaceae-Gentian Family
Centaurium venustum (Gray)Robinson
Geraniaceae-Geranium Family
*Erodium brachycarpum (Godr.)Thell.
*Erodium cicutarium (L.)L'Her.
*Erodium moschatum (L.)L'Her.
Grossulariaceae -Currant Family
Ribes speciosum Pursh
Hydrophyllaceae-Waterleaf Family
Common Name
Scrub Oak
AI kal i Heath
Canchalagua
Short-beak Filaree
Red-stem Filaree
White-stem Filaree
Fuchsia-flowered Gooseberry
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia (Benth.)Greene var. chrysanthemifolia
Eucrypta
Lamiaceae -Mint Family
*Marrubium vulgare L.
*Mentha spicata L. var. spicata
Salvia apiana Jeps.
Salvia colwnbariae Benth.
Salvia mell(fera Greene
Lythraceae-Loosestrife Family
*Lythrum hyssopifolia L.
Malvaceae-Mallow Family
Malacothamnusfasciculatus (Nutt.)Greene
*Malva parviflora L.
Malvella leprosa (Ort.)Krapov.
Sidalcea malvaejlora (DC.)Benth. ssp. sparsifolia Hitch.
Musaceae-Banana Family
*Musa acuminata
Myrtaceae-Myrtle Family
*Eucalyptus sp.
Nyctaginaceae -Four-O'Clock Family
Mirabilis californica Gray
Merkel & Associates, Inc. #Of -046-01
Horehound
Spearmint
White Sage
Chi a
Black Sage
Grass Poly
Chaparral Mallow
Cheeseweed, Little Mallow
Alkali-mallow
Checkerbloom
Banana
Eucalyptus
California Wishbone Plant
Habitat
c
M
D
X
X
X
D
D
X
X
D
0
D
v
D
X
M
D
A
X
D
A-6
-
....
..
-..
-
-
-
•
..
Robertson Ranch
Scientific Name Common Name Habitat
Oleaceae-Olive Family
*Olea europea L. Mission Olive X
Onagraceae -Evening-Primrose Family
Epilobium ciliatum Raf. ssp. ciliatum Willow Herb
Oenothera elata Kunth ssp. hirsutissima (Wats.)Dietrich Great Marsh Evening Primrose
w
w
Oxalidaceae-Wood-Sorrel Family
Oxalis albicans Kunth ssp. californica (Abrams)Eiten
Plantaginaceae -Plantain Family
Plantago elongata Pursh.
Plantago erecta Morris
Platanaceae-Sycamore Family
Platanus racemosa Nutt.
Polemoniaceae-Phlox Family
California Wood-sorrel
Plantain
Dot-seed Plantain
Western Sycamore
Navarretia hamata Greene ssp. leptantha (Greene)Mason Narrow-throated Skunkweed
Polygonaceae-Buckwheat Family
Chorizanthefim.briata Nutt. var.jimbriata Fringed Spineflower
Eriogonumfasciculatum Benth. var.foliolosum (Nutt.)S. Stokes
*Polygonum arenastrum Bor.
Pterostegia dryntarioides F. & M.
*Rumex crispus L.
Rumex salicifolius Wienm.
Portulacaceae -Purslane Family
Claytonia perfoliata Donn ssp. perfoliata
*Portulaca oleracea L.
Plumbaginaceae-Leadwort Family
Limonium perezii (Stapf.)Hubb.
Primulaceae-Primrose Family
*Anagallis arvensis L.
Ranunculaceae-Crowfoot Family
Clematis pauciflora Nutt.
Rhamnaceae-Buckthorn Family
Adolphia californica Wats.
Rhamnus crocea Torrey & Gray
Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01
Interior Flat-top Buckwheat
Common Knotweed
Granny's Hairnet
Curly Dock
Willow Dock
Common Miner's-lettuce
Common Purslane
Perez Rosemary
Scarlet Pimpernel
Ropevine
California Adolphia
Spiny Redberry
D
v
w
D
D
D
X
D
w
w
D
X
M
X
D
D
D
A-7
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
...
•
-
-
•
Robertson Ranch
Scientific Name
Rosaceae -Rose Family
Adenostomafasciculatum Hook & Arn.
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Ait.)M. Roem.
Rubiaceae-Madder Family . _
Common Name
Chamise
To yon
Galiwn angustifolium Nutt. ex Torrey & Gray ssp. cmgust(folium
Narrow-leaf Bedstraw
Galium nuttallii Gray ssp. nuttallii Nuttall's Bedstraw
Salicaceae-Willow Family
Populus fremontii Wats. ssp. ji-emontii
Salix exigua Nutt.
Salix gooddingii Ball
Salix laevigata Bebb
Salix lasiolepis Benth.
Saururaceae -Lizard-tail Family
Anem.opsis californica Hook.
Scrophulariaceae -Figwort Family
Fremont Cottonwood
Narrow-leaved Willow
Goodding's Black Willow
Red Willow
Arroyo Willow
Yerba Mansa
Mimulus aurantiacus Curtis San Diego Monkeyflower
Scrophularia californica Cham. & Schldl. ssp.jloribunda (Greene)Shaw
California Figwort
*Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. Water Speedwell
Solanaceae-Nightshade Family
*Capsicum annuum
Datura wrightii Regel
*Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.
*Nicotiana glauca Grah.
*Solanum nigrum L.
Tamaricaceae -Tamarisk Family
*Tamarix parvijlora DC.
Urticaceae -Nettle Family
Urtica dioica L. ssp. holosericea (Nutt.)Thorne
* U rtica urens L.
Verbena~eae-Verbena Family
Verbena lasiostachys Link var. lasiostachys
Viscaceae-Mistletoe Family
Phoradendron villoswn (Nutt.)Nutt.
Merkel &Associates, Inc. #01-046-01
Bell Pepper
Western Jimsonweed
Tomato
Tree Tobacco
Black Nightshade
European Tamarisk
Hoary Nettle
Dwarf Nettle
Western Vervain
Oak Mistletoe
Habitat
c
c
D
D
w
w
w
w
w
M
D
D
X
A
X
A
X
X
w
w
X
D
w
A-8
Robertson Ranch
0-Scientific Name Common Name Habitat
-Zygophyllaceae-Caltrop Family
"''" *Tribulus terrestris L. Puncture Vine X
...
MONOCOTYLEDONS -Cyperaccae-Sedge Family .... Carex triquetra W. Boott Triangular-fruit Sedge D
Cyperus eragrostis Lam. Tall Flatsedge w -*Cyperus involucratus Rottb. Umbrella Flatsedge M -*Cyperus odoratus L. Fragrant Flatsedge M
Eleocharis 1nontevidensis Kunth Dombey's Spike-sedge w -Scirpus californicus (C.A. Mey.)Steudel. California Bulrush w
"" Scirpus robustus Pursh Prairie Bulrush w
... Iridaceae -Iris Family
,.. Sisyrinchium bellum Wats. B I ue-eyed-grass D .. Juncaceae-Rush Family
]uncus acutus L. ssp. leopoldii (Parl.)Snag. Spiny Rush w .. ]uncus b4'onius L. var. bufonius Toad Rush M • ]uncus mexicanus Willd . Mexican Rush M .. Liliaceae -Lily Family ,. *Agave americana L. American Agave X
*Allium cepa Spring Onion A .. *Allium schoenopraswn Chives A ... Bloomeria crocea (Torr.)Cov. Common Goldenstar D
Calochortus splendens Benth. Splendid Mariposa D • Calochortus weedii Wood var. weedii Weed's Mariposa D
• Chlorogalum parv!florum Wats. Small-flower Soap-plant D
Dichelostemma capitatum Wood ssp. capitatum Blue Hyacinth D .. Yucca schidigera Ortgies Mojave Yucca D
• Poaceae -Grass Family .. *Arundo donax L. Giant Reed w
... *A vena barbata Link Slender Wild Oat X
Bothriochloa barbinodis (Lag.)Herter Cane Bluestem D ... *Bromus diandrus Roth Ripgut Grass X
*Bromus hordeaceus L. Soft Chess X • *BromLtS madritensis L. ssp. rubens (L.)Husnot Red Brome X -*Cortaderia jubata (Lem.)Stapf Pampas Grass X
*Cynodon dactylon (L.)Pers. Bermuda Grass X ... Distich/is spicata (L.)Greene Saltgrass w
..... *Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum (Link)Arcang. Han~ Barley X
*Lamarckia aurea (L.)Moench Golden-top X ..
...
Merkel & Associates, Inc. #01-046-01 A-9 ..
-
-
---
--...
•
•
•
...
Robertson Ranch
Scientific Name
Leptochloa uninervia (Presi.)Hitch. & Chase
Leymus condensatus (Presl)A. Love
*Lolium perenne L.
Melica imperfecta Trin.
Nassella lepida (A.S. Hitchcock)Barkworth
Nassella pulchra (A.S. Hitchcock)Barkworth
Paspalum distichum L.
*Pennisetum setaceum Forsk.
*Phalaris minor Retz.
*Piptatherum miliaceum (L.)Cosson
*Poa annuaL.
*Poa pratensis L. ssp. pratensis
*Polypogon monspeliensis (L.)Desf.
*Schismus barbatus (L.)Thell.
*Setaria viridis (L.)Beauv.
*Vulpia myuros (L.)Gmelin
*Zea mays L.
Typhaceae-Cat-Tail Family
Typha domingensis Pers .
Typha latifolia L.
Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01
Common Name
Dense-flower Sprangle-top
Giant Wild Rye
Perennial Ryegrass
Coast Range Melic
Foothill Needlegrass
Purple Needlegrass
Dallas Grass
Fountain Grass
Littleseed Canary Grass
Smilo Grass
Annual Bluegrass
Kentucky Bluegrass
Annual Beard Grass
Mediterranean Schismus
Green Bristlegrass
Foxtail Fescue
Cultivated Corn
Southern Cattail
Broad-leaved Cattail
Habitat
w
D
X
D
D
D
w
X
X
w
X
X
w
D
X
X
A
M
M
A-10
-
--
'""
..
'""' -
-
-.. .. ..
...
-
Robertson Ranch
APPENDIX 2. FAUNAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED
Habitat.Types:
A = Agricultural Lands C = Chamise Chaparral
D = Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub M = Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh
V = Vernal Pool/Basin R =Riparian Woodland (Willow/Mule Fat)
X= Ruderal/Disturbed/Urban Lands
Abundance Codes:
A= Abundant: Almost always encountered in moderate to large numbers in suitable habitat and
the indicated season.
C = Common: Usually encountered in proper habitat at the given season.
U = Uncommon: Infrequently detected in suitable habitat. May occur in small numbers or only
locally in the given season.
R = Rare: Applies to species that are found in very low numbers.
Status Codes:
M = Migrant: Uses the site for brief periods of time, primarily during the spring and fall months .
R= Year-round resident: Probable breeder on-site or in the vicinity.
S= Spring/summer resident: Probable breeder on-site or in the vicinity.
T = Transient: Uses site regularly but unlikely to breed on-site.
W = Winter visitor: Does not breed locally .
Merkel & Associates, Inc. #OJ -046-01 A-1
Robertson Ranch
-Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Abundance Status
...
BUTTERFLIES '--Papilionidae (Swallowtail Butterflies)
Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon D c R
'""' Western Tiger Swallowtail Papilio rutulus R c R
Anise Swallowtail Papilio zelicaQn A c R -
Pieridae (White, Orange-tip, and Sulfur Butterflies) -Checkered White Pontia protodice A A R
,,. Cabbage White Pieris rapae A A R
Sara Orangetip Anthocharis sara sara R u R ... Orange Sulphur Colias eurytheme A c R -Lycaenidae (Hairstreak, Copper, and Blue Butterflies) -Western Pigmy-Blue Brephidium exile X c R
Perplexing Hairstreak Callophrys perplexa D u R
Marine Blue Leptotes marina D u R -Ceraunus Blue Hemiargus ceraunus D u R
Bernardino Dotted-Blue Euphilotes bernardino D u R
Southern Blue Glaucopsyche lygdamus australis D u R -Acmon Blue Icaricia acmon D u R
Riodinidae (Metalmarks)
"""' Behr's Metalmark Apodemia virgulti D A R
Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies) -Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa R u R
American Lady Vanessa virginiensis D u T ... Painted Lady Vanessa cardui D A T
• West Coast Lady Vanessa anabella D c T
Common Buckeye Junonia coenia D u R
'<!Ill Lorquin's Admiral Basilarchia lorquini R u R ... Common Ringlet Coenonympha tuilla D c R
• Hesperiidae (Skipper Butterflies)
Funereal Duskywing Erynnis jimeralis D u R ... Common Checkered-Skipper Pyrgus communis D u R
""" Fiery Skipper Hylephila phyleus X ·u R
... .. AMPHIBIANS -... Hylidae (Treefrogs and Relatives)
Pacific Chorus Frog Pseudacris regilla R c R ...
-Merkel & Associates, Inc.# 01-046-01 A-2 ...
-
Robertson Ranch
,.., Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Abundance Status
--REPTILES -Phrynosomatidae
-.... Western Fence Lizard Sceloporus occidentalis D A R
Side-blotched Lizard Uta stansburiana D A R -... Teiidae (Whiptails and Relatives)
Orangethroat Whiptail Cnemidophorus hyperythrus D c R ...
,.. Viperidae (Vipers)
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis helleri D c R ..
"" BIRDS .. .. Accipitridae (Hawks, Old World Vultures, and Harriers)
White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus A,D,X c R ... Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus D,A,D,X u T
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii D,C,R c R .. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis A,D,X, c R
• C,R -Falconidae (Caracaras and Falcons)
• American Kestrel Falco sparverius A,D,X c R
Ill Phasianidae (Quails, Pheasants, and Relatives)
• California Quail Callipepla califomica D,C c R .. Charadriidae (Plovers and Relatives) .. Killdeer Charadrius vociferous A,V,X,M c R
• -columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) .. Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura A,D,X,R c R -Cuculidae (Typical Cuckoos)
Greater Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus A,D,X,C R R .. .. Apodidae (Swifts)
White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis A,D,V,X, u T • C,M,R .. Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) • Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri R c s
Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna D,X,C,R c R -Costa's Hummingbird Calypte costae D,C c s ..
...
Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01 A-3 ..
-Robertson Ranch -Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Abundance Status
-Selasphorus species D,X,C,R u M --Picidae (Woodpeckers and Wrynecks)
Nuttall's Woodpecker Picoides nuttallii R c R -Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans A,V,X,R c R
Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens D,X,C,R c s -Cassin's Kingbird Tyrannus vociferans A,D,X,R c s
Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis A,D,X,R c s
-Laniidae (Shrikes) -Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus A,D,X,C, R R
R .. Vireonidae (Typical Vireos)
Least Bell's Vireo .,. Vireo bellii pusillus R R s .. Corvidae (Jays, Magpies, and Crows)
Western Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma californica D,C,R c R ... American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos A,D,X,C, c R .. R
Common Raven Corvus corax A,D,X,C, c R ·-R -Alaudidae (Larks)
California Horned Lark Erenwphila alpestris actia A,X u R
... Hirundinidae (Swallows)
Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor A,D,V,X, u s ... C,M,R
• Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis A,D,V,X, c s
C,M,R .. Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota A,D,V,X, c s
• Aegithalidae (Bushtit)
C,M,R
... Bush tit Psaltriparus minimus D,X,C,R c R -Troglodytidae (Wrens) .. Bewick's Wren Thryomanes bewickii D,C c R .. House.Wren Troglodytes aedon R c R
....
Sylviidae (Old World Warblers and Gnatcatchers) -Coastal California Gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica D R R
""" -...
Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01 A-4
•
...
Robertson Ranch -Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Abundance Status
"-Timaliidae (Wrentit)
Wrentit Chamaeafasciata D,C c R
, ..
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
'"" Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos X c R
California Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum -D,C c R
,..,. Sturnidae (Starlings)
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris A,X,R A R --Parulidae (Warblers)
Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata D,C,R c R -Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia R u s
'"' Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas M,R c R
Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens R u s --Emberizidae (Sparrows, Blackbirds and Relatives)
Spotted Towhee Pipilo maotlates D,C,R c R -California Towhee Pipilo crissalis D,C c R
So. Ca. Rufous-crowned Sparrow Aimophila ruficeps canescens D c R .. Bell's Sage Sparrow Amphispiza belli belli D,C R R .. Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia M,R c R
.... Cardinalidae (Grosbeaks, Buntings, and Relatives) ,,.. Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus R c s
Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea R c s
"' Lazuli Bunting Passerina amoena D,C,R c s
• lcteridae (Blackbirds, Meadowlarks, Orioles, and Relatives) • Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta A,V,X c R ,. Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater A,R c R .. ·Fringillidae (Finches)
• House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus A,D,X,C, A R
R
• Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria D,X,R c R
American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis X,R c R • ..
MAMMALS • .. Leporidae (Rabbits and Hares)
Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii D A R ..
""" -
"" Merkel & Associates, Inc. #OJ -046-01 A-S -
..
-
-
-
.. --
-
-
Robertson Ranch
Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Abundance Status
Sciuridae (Squirrels, Chipmunks, and Marmots)
California Ground Squirrel Spermophilus beecheyi
Geomyidae (Pocket Gophers)
Botta's Pocket Gopher Thomomys bottae (burrows)
Heteromyidae (Pocket Mice and Kangaroo Rats)
Pacific Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys agilis (tail drags)
Canidae (Foxes, Wolves, and Relatives)
Coyote Canis latrans (scat)
Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus (scat)
Procyonidae (Raccoons and Relatives)
Raccoon Procyon lotor (tracks)
Cervidae (Deer, Elk, and Relatives)
Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus (scat)
Merkel &Associates, Inc. #01-046-01
D,X
D
D
D,X
D
R
D
A
A
u
c
u
c
u
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
A-6
j. • j • • ' J • J I t . ' • J I l j l
Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002
APPENDIX 3. LOCAL SPECIAL STATUS PLANT SPECIES PRESENCE AND STATUS.
The following abbreviations are used in this table: FE == Federally Endangered, FT = Federally Threatened, FSC = Federal Species of Special Concern, SE =
California ESA Endangered, NE = MSCP Narrow Endemic Species.
*Habitat codes are synonymous to those used in the California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (Skinner
and Pavlik 1994). CCFrs = closed-cone conifer forest, Chprl = chaparral, CoScr = coastal scrub, CmWid = cismontane woodland, MshSw = marshes and
swamps, Medws = meadows and seeps, RpWid =riparian woodland, VFGrs = valley and foothill grassland, VnPls = vernal pools. For habitat characterization
see Skinner and Pavlik 1994.
Sci~~t\fi() N~w~ .·.· .. · Co11m1<ln Name f!abjtat* Federal CaUfo).'nia CNPS Carlsbad Present ~rob~liHJty 9fQc£#h'~l}c~/
·. Status Statl)s s4b~r~~ J{easonf{)r i\.bsenre · ·
. · .. ··. ·.· Plari ..
... . .. . . > ..
Acanthomintha Chprl, CoScr, VFGrs, Low, substantial levels of existing
San Diego Thorn-mint FT SE lB Covered --disturbance throughout areas of ilicifiJlia VnPls/clay cracked clay soils
Present, well distributed throughout
Adolphia cali(omica California Adolphia Chprl, CoScr None None 2 Not covered YES sage scrub; population numbers in the
hundreds
I
Am/Jrosia pumila San Diego Ambrosia CoScr,RpWld FE None lB Covered --Low; habitat poorly developed on-site
A rcto.~taplzylos Low to None, northeast of known ~:Ianchtlosa ssp. Del Mar Manzinita Chprl FE None lB Covered --range; chaparral sparse on-site crassifiJ/ia
Arcto.~taphylos Rainbow Manzinita Chprl None None lB Not covered Not expected, well outside of --rainbuwensis historical range
Encinitas Baccharis Chprl (sandstone) FT SE IB Covered Low to None, well outside historical Bacclzaris vanes.we --range
Thread-leaf Brodiaea Medws, VFGrs, FT CE IB Covered Low, not observed during current B rodiaea fil ifiJ/ia VnPls/clay -· spring survey series
CCFrs, Chprl, CmWld, Low, not observed during current Brodiaea orcutti Orcutt's Brodiaea Medws, VFGrs, None None IB Covered --spring survey series VnPls/clay
Listed C(fu/antlzus but Low to None, well southwest of heterophy/lus var. Buck's Jewelflower Chprl, CoScr None None waiting Not covered -· known range pseudosimulans code.
Cewwthus venucoms Wart-stemmed Ceanothus Chprl FSC None 2 Covered .. Low to None, suitable habitat almost
absent on-site
Centromadia pun gens FSC IB Not covered Low to None, no suitable habitat Smooth Tarplant VFGrs None ·-present on-site ssp.'!aevis
Merkel &Associates, Inc. #0/-046-01 A-3-I
••• l • I • I j l • l I ' . & I • j ' l l I i '
Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002
Chamaebatia australis Southern Mountain Misery Chprl None None 4 Not covered Not expected, no suitable habitat --present on-site
Churizanthe Orcutt's Spine flower CoScr FE CE IB Covered Not expected, north of known range orcuttiana --
Comarostaphylis Low, very little suitable habitat divers!f(Jlia ssp. Summer-Holly Chprl FSC None IB Covered --
diversif(Jlia present on-site
Convolvulus simuilms Small-flowered Morning Chprl (openings) None None 4 Not covered Low, most suitable habitat in cracked
Glory --clay soils is heavily degraded
Corethrogyne
.filag inif(J!ia var. Del Mar Sand Aster CoScr, Chprl, VFGrs None None IB Covered --Low, northeast of known range
linifulia
Deinandra paniculata Paniculate Tarplant VFGrs, CoScr (openings) None None 4 Not covered Low to None, well southwest of --historical range
Dichondra Present on-site in limited numbers in
occidenralis Western Dichondra Chprl, CoScr None None 4 Not covered YES sage scrub understory; population
might show resurgence if site burned
Dudleya viscid a Sticky Dudleya Chprl, CoScr (steep north FSC None 4 Covered Not expected, no suitable habitat
facing slopes) --present on-site
Dudleya bluchmaniae Blochman's Dudley a CoScr FSC CE lB Covered --I Not expected, generally found closer
ssp. blochmwziae to beaches
Eryngium aristulatwn San Diego Button Celery VnPis FE SE lB Not covered Low to None, no well developed
ssp. parishii
--vernal pools present on-site
Euphorbia misera Cliff Spurge CoScr None None 2 Covered Low: conspicuous species not --observed
Ferocactus viridescens San Diego Barrel Cactus Chprl, CoScr FSC None 2 Covered ·--Low. species searched for. not found
Fritillaria biflora var. Chocolate Lily Chprl, CoScr, VFGrs/clay None None Unlisted Not covered --Low_ species searched for, not found biflora
Githopsis difjitsa ssp. Mission Canyon Blue-Cup Chprl (openings) FSC None 3 Not covered --Low. species searched for, not-found
.filicaulis
Harpagonella palmeri Palmer's Grappling Hook Chprl, CoScr, VFGrs/clay None None 4 Not covered Moderate. potentially present in low --numhc'r> in mesic sage scrub swales
Merkel & Associates, Inc.# 01-046-01 A-3-2
l I j I ' I • I t • • I I ' j ' j I J l
Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002
Hazardia orcuttii Orcutt's Hazardia Chprl FSC Candidate IB Covered --Not expected; well north of sole U.S.
population
Holocarpha virgata Gi·aceful Tarplant VFGrs FSC None 4 Not covered Moderate, Species searched for, not --found
Horkeliqtrwu:ata Ramona Horkelia Chprl, CmWld/ None None lB None --Not expected, lack of suitable habitat
clay on project site.
!socoma menzeisii var. High, some individuals of lsocoma
decumbens Decumbent Goldenbush CoScrs None None lb Not covered --complex likely present on clay
substrates; not botanically significant
Iva hayesiana San Diego Marsh-elder RpWld FSC None 2 Covered Low, near northern edge of known
(creeks/streambeds) --range
.lwzcu,, acutus ssp. Southwestern Spiny Rush MshSw (coastal salt) None None 4 Not covered YES Present in several drainages; not
leopoldii botanically significant
Machaeranthera Rush-like Brislleweed Chprl, CoScr None None 4 Not covered Not expected; well west of known --juncea range
Microseris douglasii Small-flowered Microseris YFGrs (clay) None None 4 Not Covered Low, clay balds where potentially --_present are generally very disturbed
Muilla cleve/andii San Diego Goldenstar Chprl, CoScr (openings) FSC None IB Covered Low to none, this near extreme --northern end of known range
Myosurus miuimus Little Mousetail YnPls FSC None 3 Not covered Low, not observed in low quality --ssp. opus vernal pools and vernal swales on-site
NavarretiafiJssa/is Spreading Navarretia YnPls FT None lB Not covered Low, not observed in low quality --I vernal pools and vernal swales on-site
Generally restricted to higher quality
Orcullia wlifinnica California Orcutt Grass YnPis FE CE IB Covered --vernal pools; vernal pools on-site are
not of this caliber
Poly gala comuta ssp. Fish's Milkwort Chprl, CmWld, RpWld None None 4 Not covered --Not expected, lack of suitable habitat
.fishiae on project site
Low, near interface of Q. dumosa and
Quercus dumosa Nuttall's Scrub Oak Chprl FSC None IB Not covered --Q. be rbe ridifiJ/ia populations;
chapmTal poorly developed on-site
Quercus engelmanni Engelmann Oak Chprl, CmWld, RpWld, None None 4 Covered --Conspicuous species not found VFGrs
Tetracoccus dioiczzs Parry's Tetracoccus Chprl, CoScr None None lB Covered --Not expected; habitat not present
Low, the site is generally outside of
Viguiera luciniata San Diego County Viguiera CoScr None None 4 Not covered natural range of species, but now --spreading in region via introduced
hydroseed mixes
Merkel & Associates, Inc.# 01-046-01 A-3-3
' . ' i ' . • • l i i I. '
Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002
APPENDIX 4. LOCAL SPECIAL STATUS ANIMAL SPECIES PRESENCE AND STATUS.
The following abbreviations are used throughout the table: FE = Federally Endangered, FT = Federally Threatened, CSC = CDFG Species of Special Concern;
SA = CDFG Special Animal, SE = California ESA Endangered, . ST = California ESA Threatened. The abbreviation, FSC, indicates "Federal Species of
Concern". This is a "term of art" for former Category 2 species whose conservation status is of concern to the USFWS but for which no official status has been
designated. It is provided here for informational purposes only.
. . ·. c~riSpap ...... .. /'; F£6~~~illtY !if • ... ·· . · .. ·.· ... ·· .. ...
0Pmlijoh Sci~ntifk Ihb\tat F~d~ral Cjllif~rni~ S4p~i:e~ ······ .•... 9n~~Hli .. 9~~.pr~~H~ti/R~·a~91l•fqf··· .· .·.···. ... N!tme .•. . N~me. Status Status I .• £la11. · · · ... Statvs A..b$ence. > .· ......... · . • .. i•. . ...
Quina Euphydryas Open grassland and openings within FE SA Not Covered Not Outside of current known range.
Checkers pot editha quina shrub habitats that support Dwarf expected
Buttert1y Plantain (Plantago erecta)
Harbison's Dun Euphyes vestris Oak woodlands, riparian woodlands, FSC --Covered Absent Low to none, site lacks suitable
Skipper harbisoni and riparian scrub. habitat
Hermes Copper Lycaena hermes Openings in chaparral, associated FSC SA Covered Not Low, site IS generally northwest of
with the larval host plant Spiny expected current known range
Red berry (Rhamnus crocea), adults
feed on nectar from Flat-top
Buckwheat
Salt Marsh Panoquina Forages in coastal salt marsh None None Covered Potentially May occupy brackish marsh habitat
Skipper errans Present near corner of El Camino Real and
Tamarack; population if present
would not be significant; high
quality habitat surrounds Agua
Hedionda Lagoon
Riverside Fairy Streptocephaltts Lives 10 deeper, longer sustaining FE None Covered Absent Habitat absent from site
Shrimp woottoni vernal pools
San Diego Fairy Branchinecta Lives in vernal pools FE None Covered Low May occupy vernal pool mapped on-
Shrimp sandiegoensis potential site; isolation of this lone pool may
for preclude this species; seasonal
presence survey would be necessary to
confirm presence/absence
Arroyo Toad Bufo Shallow pools, open sand, and FE esc, Covered Not Lack of suitable habitat
califomicus gravel flood terraces of intermittent Protected expected
to perennial streams; may also
occupy adjacent upland
communities within 1.2 km
Merkel &Associates, Inc. #01-046-01 A-3-4
l l • II i ' j
l I i I i • I l I I I • I I ll I l I l
Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002
Western Scaphiopus Prefers sandy or gravelly soil in FSC esc, Not Covered Moderate Potentially present on-site in limited
Spadefoot Toad hammondii grasslands, sage scrub, open Protected potential numbers in sage scrub near vernal
chaparral, and pine-oak woodlands; for pool habitat
grasslands with shallow temporary presence
pools are optimal on-site
California Red-Rana aurora Quiet permanent stream pools, FT esc, Not Covered Absent Requires permanent or nearly
legged Frog marshes, and ponds Protected permanent water with emergent
vegetation, which is absent on-site
Southwestern Clemmys Quiet permanent stream pools, and FSC esc Covered Absent None, site lacks suitable habitat
Pond Turtle marmorata ponds
.. pal/ida
San Diego Phrynosoma Chaparral, sage scrub, oak FSC esc, Covered Good Site is relatively disturbed but still
Horned Lizard corona tum woodlands, and grasslands; Protected potential supports fair quality habitat for this
blainvillii sometimes occurs along seldom for limited species in sage scrub
used dirt roads where native ant presence
species are prevalent
Coronado Skink Eumeces Variety of habitats including FSC esc None Good Site is relatively disturbed and
skiltoniarws grasslands, sage scrub, and various potential supports fair quality habitat for this
in terparietalis woodlands including oak, pine, for species in mesic areas
juniper, and riparian presence
Orangethroat Cnemidophorus Sage scrub (and chaparral), prefers FSC esc, Covered Present Appears well distributed in sage
Whiptail h)per)'thrus sandy areas with patches of brush Protected scrub habitat; species still well
and rocks; may be associated with distributed in region and site
buckwheat and Black Sage population I not biologically
significant
Coastal Western Cnemidophorus Coastal Sage Scrub, chaparral, and FSC SA None Potentially Low, site supports low quality
Whiptail tigris grasslands present habitat for this species
multiscutatus
Coastal Rosy Boa Lichanura Rocky outcrop areas within FSC SA None Not Rocky terrain preferred by this
trivirgata chaparral and sage scrub expected species poorly represented on-site
roseofusca
Two-striped Thamnophis Associated with semi-permanent None esc, None Potentially Low; the lack of a persistent water
Garter Snake hammondi and permanent bodies of water in a Protected present source limits on-site foraging habitat
variety of habitats; requires a to primary drainage
relatively dense riparian border
Northern Red Crotalus ruber Occupies rocky outcrops and areas FSC esc None Potentially High; the site supports good
Diamond ruber of heavy brush or rugged terrain in present potential habitat for this species in
Rattlesnake chaparral, sage scrub, or desert scrub sage scrub along northern boundary;
on both coastal and desert slopes, population would not be significant
usually below 4000 feet
White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus Grasslands, agricultural fields, and None SA, Fully None Present Present; expected to regularly hunt
open habitats with areas of dense Protected on-site; loss of habitat will result in
deciduous trees for nesting cumulative regional impact for this
species
Merkel & Associotes, Inc. #OJ -04fJ-!J I A-3-5
I j. ' ' I J I t l j ' j l ' ' l • • • I j I
Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002
Golden Eagle Aquila Nests in cliffs (or trees), found in None esc, Fully Covered Low Limited potential, coastal site is in
chrysaetos generally mountainous or hilly Protected potential area now rarely hunted by this
terrain species
American Falco Forages near coast FE CE Covered Expected to This raptor likely forages near and
Peregrine Falcon peregrinus forage on on the site on occasion; the site does
anatwn occasion not constitute good quality habitat
for this species
Sharp-shinned Accipiter Mixed woodlands near open areas, None esc None Expected Good potential for sporadic
Hawk striatus prefers but not restricted to riparian seasonally occurrence in winter, no potential
habitats for nesting
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter Oak, riparian deciduous or other None esc Covered Potentially Good potential for sporadic
cooperii woodland habitats usually near present occurrence hunting, limited potential
water hunting site for nesting in riparian trees
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Forages over marsh and open terrain None esc Covered Present Regularly hunts open terrain on-site;
loss of habitat will result in
cumulative regional impact for this
species
Osprey Pandion Forages over lagoons, bays, and None esc Covered Potentially Forages at Agua Hedionda Lagoon
haliaetus lakes; primarily hunting for fish present and may occasionally over-fly the
hunting site; property does not constitute
near site significant habitat
Loggerhead Lanius Found within grassland or open FSC esc None Expected to High, site is 1disturbed and supports
Shrike ludovicianus habitats with bare ground and sparse use site on fair to good quality open foraging
shrub and/or tree cover for nesting occasion habitat for this species; population
and perching would not be biologically significant
Elegant Tern Sterna elegans Forages in bays, lagoons, ocean None esc Covered Not Habitat absent from site
Expected
California Least Sterna Forages in bays, lagoons, ocean None esc Covered Not Habitat absent from site
Tern antillarwn Expected
browni
California Brown Pelecanus Forages over open salt water FE CE Covered Not Habitat not present on-site
Pelican occidental is Expected
califomicus
Long-billed Numenius Forages within coastal salt marsh None esc Covered Not Primarily found 111 region 111 salt
Curlew americanus Expected marsh habitat to west of site
Tricolored Agelaius Typically found near ponds in None esc Covered Limited May forage occasionally on-site
Blackbird tricolor region Potential along primary creek near cat-tails;
not expected to nest on-site
Light-footed Red/us Occupies salt marsh habitat; FE CE Covered Low Present in low numbers in Agua
Clapper Rail longirostris typically in stands of pickle weed Potential Hedionda Lagoon; not expected in
levipes and Spartinafoliosa small tract of brackish marsh on-site
Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 0/-046-01 A-3-6
I i· ' j • J . ' l J ' J l I I J l • • l j ' j . ' l I I J I j I • i l j
Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002
Western Snowy Charadrius Forages along open beaches and Fr esc Covered Not Habitat absent from site
Plover alexandrinus expanses of lagoon devoid of Expected
nivosus substantial vegetation
White-faced Ibis Plegadis clzihi Forages near wetlands and in None esc Covered Limited May rarely forage near wetlands on-
brackish marsh/salt marsh Potential site; site retains fair to poor quality
foraging habitat for this species
Least Bell's Vireo bellii Moist woodlands, typically early FE SA.SE Covered Present One singing male was observed in
Vireo pusillus successional riparian habitat the major site drainage near the
eastern boundary during focused
200 I surveys
California Eremophila Grasslands, disturbed areas and None esc None Potentially Good open terrain habitat exists on-
Horned Lark alpestris actia open habitats with sparse, low present site and this species is expected to
vegetation seasonally utilize the site during
spring and fall migration; presence
not si!!nificant
Burrowing Owl Speotyto Hunts open terrain generally with None esc Covered Potentially Suitable habitat is present on-site;
cwricularia burrow at a slight elevational rise present heavy human use of property may
hypugaea preclude presence
California Polioptila Various successional stages of sage FT esc Covered Present Present on-site; three resident pairs
Gnatcatcher califomica scrub were observed
califomica
Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana Open woodlands, farmlands. and None None Covered Potentially Moderate, may occur on-site in
orchards present in limited numbers during down-slope
appropriate seasonal migrations; presence not
season significant
Yellow Warbler Dendroica Riparian woodlands, especially of None esc None Present Present in riparian woodland and
petechia willows may nest in some years on-site in
primary Calavera Creek drainage
Yellow-breasted Icteria virens Riparian woodland/scrub with dense None esc Covered Present Present in riparian woodland and
Chat undergrowth may nest in some years on-site in
primary Calavera Creek drainage
Cactus Wren Cwnp)·lorhynch-Areas of sage scrub with robust None esc Covered Not Substantial stands of cacti were not
us stands of prickly pear and cholla Expected found on-site.
brunneicapillus
cousei
Southern Aimophila Rocky hillsides supporting sparse. FSC esc Covered Present Present in sage scrub habitat;
California mficeps low scrub or chaparraL sometimes population on-site likely limited and
Rufous-crowned canescens mixed with grasses not biologically significant; this
Sparrow species is still well distributed in
San Diego County
Bell's Sage Amphispiza belli Chaparral and dense sa!!e scrub FSC esc Covered Not Low, site is relatively disturbed and
Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01 A-3-7
i •· l • I I l I • j ' . I J I I . ' l • t ' j I I j I I l I • j
Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002
Sparrow belli expected supports low quality habitat for this
species
Large-billed Passerculus Forages at edge of bays, lagoons, None CE Covered Not Habitat absent from site
Savannah sandwichensis ocean; typically near pickleweed Expected
Sparrow rosti·atus
Belding's Passerculus Forages at edge of bays, lagoons; None CE Covered Not Habitat absent from site
Savannah sandwichensis typically near pickleweed Expected
Sparrow beldingi
Southwestern Empidonax Summer resident only; breeds in FE esc Covered Absent Not observed during focused
Willow traillii extinws willow riparian woodland surveys in 2001
Flycatcher
Mountain Lion Felis concolor Found in areas of extensive dense Calif. Covered Probably The site probably now lies outside
native vegetation Regulated extirpated the range of any lions due to
peripheral urban development
Southern Mule Odocoileus Found in areas of extensive dense None Calif. Covered Present Still present in low numbers in area;
Deer hemionus native vegetation Regulated likely to become extirpated due to
fuliginata · _geripheral urban development
San Diego Black-Lepus Relatively open chaparral and sage FSC esc None Potentially Good, site supports some suitable
tailed Jackrabbit cal(fomicus scrub and grasslands present quality habitat for this species
bennettii
Dulzura Perognathus Found in areas of fine sandy ground. FSC esc None Not Low, site is relatively disturbed and
California Pocket long imembris (Coastal Sage Scrub) expected supports low quality habitat for this
Mouse pac(ficus species '·
Northwestern San Chaetodipus Found in Coastal sage scrub FSC esc None Potentially Moderate, ~Ire supports fair quality
Diego Pocket fallaxfallax present habitat for this species
Mouse
Stephen's Dipodomys Areas of sparse vegetation primarily FE SA,ST None Not Low, site is disturbed and lies
Kangaroo Rat stephensi grasslands, but may occur in sage expected southwest of known range of this
scrub or disturbed areas species
San Diego Desert Neotoma lepida Chaparral, particularly abundant in FSC esc None Likely Tail drags likely representing this
Wood rat intermedia areas of rock outcrops Present species were observed in sage scrub
Merkel & Assncioles. Inc.# 0/-046-01 A-3-8
..
---
•
... -----
-
..
...
..
...
-
Robertson Ranch
PLANT AND ANIMAL SENSITIVITY GUIDELINES
Listings by USFWS and CDFG carry regulatory authority, while other listings herein are generally
advisory in nature and serve to monitor and inform.
FEDERALLY LISTED AND CANDIDATE SPECffiS
FE
FT
FPE
FPT
FC
FSC
Federally listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Taxa that are
in danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a significant portion of their range.
Federally listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Taxa which
are likely to become Endangered in the foreseeable future in the absence of special
protection.
Federally proposed for listing as Endangered.
Federally proposed for listing as Threatened.
Federal candidate species (former Category 1 candidates). Taxa for which the USFWS
has sufficient biological information to support a proposal to list as endangered or
threatened.
Federal Special Concern Species (former Category 2 candidates included here). Existing
information on these species suggests listing may be warranted, but substantial biological
information to support a proposed rule is lacking.
CALIFORNIA LISTED AND CANDIDATE SPECIES
SE
ST
SCE
State-listed as Endangered, a native species or subspecies in serious danger of becoming
extinct throughout all or a significant portion of its range (CDFG Code §2062).
State-listed as Threatened, a native species or subspecies that, although not presently
threatened with extinction, is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable
future in the absence of special protection and management efforts (CDFG Code §2067).
State candidate for listing as Endangered
SCT State candidate for listing as Threatened
FP California Protected and Fully Protected Species m'e taxa that fall under special
protection within the Fish & Game Codes §3511 (birds), §4700 (mammals), §5050
(reptiles and amphibians), and §5515(fish). These species may not be taken or possessed
without a permit ti·om CDFG .
CSC CDFG California Special Concern Species, a designation given to vertebrate species
for which sufficient information exists which warrants concern over that species status and may
warrant future listing as threatened or endangered. Protective status falls under State Government
Code 66474.
SA California Special Animals: These are species that fall into one or more of the following
categories:
Merkel &Associates, Inc. #01-046-01
..
..
-..
... ..
..
---
-
--
-
..
Robertson Ranch
• Otlicially listed or proposed for listing under the State and/or Federal Endangered Species
Acts
• State or Federal candidate for possible listing
• Taxa which meet the criteria for listing, even if not currently included on any list, as described
in Section 15380 of the CEQA Guigelines
• Taxa considered by the Department to be a Species of Special Concern
• Taxa that are biologically rare, very restricted in distribution, declining throughout their
range, or have a critical, vulnerable stage in their life cycle that warrants monitoring .
• Populations in California that may be on the periphery of a taxon's range, but are threatened
with extirpation within California
• Taxa closely associated with a habitat that is declining in California at an alarming rate (e.g.,
wetlands, riparian, old growth forests, desert aquatic systems, native grasslands, vernal pools,
etc.)
• Taxa designated as a special status, sensitive, or declining species by other state or federal
agencies, or non-governmental organization
LOCAL SENSITIVITY LISTINGS (SAN DIEGO COUNTY)
SDHS San Diego Herpetological Society ( 1980)
Endangered Species which are in immediate danger of extirpation in all or major parts of
their range in San Diego County.
Threatened Species or subspecies which have dramatically declined and could potentially
reach the level of endangered in San Diego County.
SDNGWS San Diego Non-Game Wildlife Subcommittee ( !986)
Ev
Sensitive Species Species warranting special concern and protection and may be recommended for
further study.
Everett ( 1979) Considered sensitive in San Diego County.
Threatened A species or subspecies which has undergone dramatic, non-cyclic, long-term population
declines, to the point where the situation has reached the critical level throughout their range. Many of
these species have been recognized and protected by state or federal legislation.
Declining A species whose local breeding populations have been steadily reduced, or in some cases
extirpated.
Sensitive A species for which declines have not been documented, but are regarded as senstttve
because of: I) extremely localized or limited distribution, 2) sensitivity to disturbance, 3) actual or
impending destruction of essential habitat, or 4) lack of sufficient data on current or past status which
significantly increased the potential for serious reduction of a local population.
B Brown (1991) Considered sensitive in San Diego County.
LS Locally Sensitive Considered sensitive by local biologists. No official status .
NDDB RANKING
G Global Ranking: Worlwide status of a full species.
Merkel &Associates, Inc. #01-046-01
-
•
•
•
•
•
--
•
•
.. -..
Robertson Ranch
T
G I Extremely endangered: Less than 6 viable occurrences (EO's), or less than I ,000
individuals, or less than 2,000 acres of occupied habitat
G2
habitat
Endangered: 6-20 EO's, or I ,000-3,000 individuals or 2,000-10,000 acres of occupied
G3 Restricted range, rare: 21-100 EO's, or 3,000-10,000 individuals, or I 0,000-50,000 acres
of occupied habitat
G4 Apparently secure: some factors exist to cause some concern; i.e. continuing threats, or
narrow habitat -
G5 Demonstrably secure: commonly found throughout its historic range
Global Subspecies Level
Subspecies receive aT-rank attached to the G-rank. With the subspecies, the G-rank retlects the condition
of the entire species, whereas the T-rank reflects the global situation of just the subspecies.
For example: Chorizanthe robusts var. hartwegii. This plant is ranked G2T I. The G-rank refers to the
whole species range (i.e. Chorizanthe robusts). The T-rank refers only to the global condition of variety
hartwegii.
S State Ranking: Statewide status of a full species or a subspecies. The state rank is assigned much
the same way as the global rank, except state ranks in California may also contain a threat designation
attached to the S-rank .
Notes:
Sl Less than 6 EO's, or less than l ,000 indi victuals, or less than 2,000 acres of occupied
habitat
S I . I = very threatened
S2.2 = threatened
S3.3 =no current threats known
S2 6-20 EO's, or I ,000-3,000 individuals, or 2,000-10,000 acres of occupied habitat
S2. I = very threatened
S2.2 = threatened
S2.3 = no current threats known
S3 21-100 EO's, or 3,000-10,000 individuals, or 10,000-50,000 acres of occupied
habitat
S3. l = very threatened
S3.2 =threatened
S3.3 =no current threats known
S4 Apparently secure within California, no threat rank
S5 Demonstrably secure to ineradicable in California, no threat rank
Uncertainty about the rank of an element is expressed in two major ways, by expressing the rank as a range
of values (for example S2S3 means the rank is somewhere between S2 and S3), or by adding a"?" to the
rank. (for example S2? represents more certainty than S2S3, but is less than S2).
Other symbols:
Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01
• ..
•
...
• .. ...
•
...
•
..
Robertson Ranch
GH All sites are historical; the element has not been seen for at least 20 years but suitable
habitat still exists (SH =All California sites are historical)
GX All sites are extirpated; this element is extinct in the wild (SX = All California sites are
extirpated)
GXC Extinct in the wild; exists in cultivation
GtQ The element is very rare, but there is a taxonomic question associated with it
CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY (CNPS) R-E-D CODE
R (Rarity)
I
2
3
Rare, but found in sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough that the potential for
extinction of extirpation is low at this time.
Occurrence confined to several populations or to one extended population.
Occurrence limited to one or a few highly restricted populations, or present in such small
numbers that it is seldom reported.
E (Endangerment)
I Not endangered.
2 Endangered in a portion of its range .
3 Endangered throughout its range .
D (Distribution)
I More or less widespread outside of California.
Rare outside California. 2
3 Endemic to California.
4
A"?" under Rarity/Endangerment/Distribution is given when information to allocate a code is incomplete.
CNPS LISTS
List lB:
List 2:
List 3:
List 4:
Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California or elsewhere
Plants rare or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere
Plants about which more information is needed
Plants of limited distribution
Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01