HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 00-20; Fox Miller Property; Tentative Map (CT) (8)I
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SALK PROifERXY
2008 ANNUAL ASSESSNffiNT
January 22, 2009
Prepared for:
H.G. FENTON COMPANY
7577 Mission Valley Road, Suite 200
San Diego, California 92108
Prepared by :
HELIX ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING, INC.
7578 El Cajon Boulevard, Suite 200
La Mesa, California 91941
Salk Property
2008 Annual Assessment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Location
1.2 Installation
1.2.1 Thread-leaved Brodiaea
1.2.2 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
1.2.3 Native Grassland 2
1.2.4 Southern Willow Scrub 2
2.0 METHODS 2
2.1 Maintenance 2
2.2 Maintenance Monitoring 2
2.3 2008 Annual Monitoring 3
3.0 SUCCESS CRITERIA 4
3.1 Thread-leaved Brodiaea 4
3.2 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub 5
3.3 Native Grassland 5
3.4 Southern Willow Scrub 6
4.0 RESULTS 6
4.1 Maintenance 6
4.2 Maintenance Monitoring 7
4.3 2008 Annual Monitoring 7
4.3.1 Thread-leaved Brodiaea 7
4.3.2 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub 7
4.3.3 Native Grassland 8
4.3.4 Southern Willow Scrub 9
5.0 DISCUSSION 9
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 11
7.0 REFERENCES 12
LIST OF APPENDICES
Letter Title
A Representative Photographs
B Plant Species Observed
LIST OF FIGURES
Number Title
Follows
Page
1 Regional Location Map 2
2 Project Location Map 2
3 Restoration Areas 2
4 Thread-leaved Brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) Locations within Translocation Plot 8
LIST OF TABLES
Number Title Page
1 2008 Site Visits 3
2 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Success Criteria Milestones 5
3 Native Grassland Success Criteria Milestones 5
4 Southern Willow Scrub Success Criteria Milestones 6
5 Year 2 Results for the Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Area 7
6 Year 2 Results for the Native Grassland Restoration Area 8
7 Year 2 Results for the Southern Willow Scrub Restoration Area 9
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LO INTRODUCTION
This report summarizes the results of the 2008 monitoring of the Salk Property Thread-leaved
Brodiaea/Native Grassland/Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub/Southern Willow Scrub restoration project
located in Carlsbad, California (Figures I and 2). Habitat restoration is occurring within a 7.44-acre
portion of an on-site preserve area. Approved impacts included approximately 2.66 acres of Diegan
coastal sage scrub (DCSS), 0.36 acre of native grassland (NG), 0.11 acre of thread-leaved brodiaea
(Brodiaea filifolia) habitat, and 0.22 acre of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and California
Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) jurisdictional waters (including 0.03 acre of wetland habitat
and 0.19 acre of non-wetland Waters of the U.S.) Impacts to DCSS were mitigated at a 2:1 ratio,
which included on-site preservation of 2.9 acres, conversion of 1.80 acres of non-NG to DCSS, and
revegetation of 0.62 acre of manufactured slopes. Impacts to NG were mitigated at a 3:1 ratio, which
included 0.07 acre of preservation and 1.01 acres restoration of non-NG to NG. One-hundred
percent of the thread-leaved brodiaea was conserved by translocating the areas that would be
impacted to the on-site preserve in the area where NG was being restored. Impacts to Corps/CDFG
jurisdictional areas were mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for wetlands and a 1:1 ratio for non-wetlands and
include the creation of 0.30 acre of southern willow scrub (SWS).
Restoration activities during the initial year of the restoration project (including installation) were
completed by RECON. HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX) took over responsibiUty of
monitoring and HELIX Environmental Construction Group (HECG) took over maintenance
responsibilities for the project in May 2008.
1.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The restoration project is located north of Palomar Airport Road, east of El Camino Real, and between
Faraday Avenue and College Boulevard in the City of Carlsbad, California (Figures 1 and 2).
1.2 INSTALLATION
Thread-leaved brodiaea/^CSS/NG/SWS installation was completed by RECON in spring 2007. The
restoration areas (Figure 3) were dethatched prior to planting, seeding, or relocation. After rains had
begun, follow up weed control was done using herbicides. Although all restoration is occurring in the
same physical location, installation for each restoration component is described below.
1.2.1 Thread-leaved Brodiaea
Brodiaea specimens located in the project footprint were salvaged in 2006 using the cut-block
method. This method was approved by the wildlife agencies and entails excavation of intact soil
blocks that contained the salvaged corms. An area large enough to accommodate the salvaged blocks
of soil was excavated using a backhoe and frontloading bucket.
1.2.2 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
Container stock was planted in a manor that is representative of this vegetation community in its
natural state, using species typical of DCSS. These species included California sagebrush (Artemisia
californica), California encelia (Encilia californica), black sage (Salvia mellifera), and purple needlegrass
(Nassella pulchra). Installation of DCSS was completed April 24, 2007.
HELIX
2008 Annual Assessment for the Salk Property / MWR-Ol I January 22, 2009 1
1.2.3 Native Grassland
Planting of the NG was completed March 23, 2007. Grassland species included purple needlegrass,
foothill needlegrass (Nassella lepida), blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), and wish bone plant
(Mirabiiis californica).
1.2.4 Southern Willow Scrub
Planting of the SWS was completed February 28, 2007. Wetland species typical of this vegetation
community were planted and include arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), black willow (S. goodinggii), and
mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia).
2.0 METHODS
After installation, the restoration effort consists of (1) site maintenance; (2) regular monitoring to
direct maintenance activities; and (3) annual monitoring to assess the progress of the restoration effort
toward achieving final mitigation goals. Site maintenance is performed by a maintenance contractor
and typically conducted more frequently in the first few years of restoration when non-native plant
control is a major issue. Maintenance monitoring relies on visual observations of the site, plant health,
etc. It is conducted frequently during the first few years of the restoration effort and less frequently
toward the end of the maintenance and monitoring period as the site becomes more established.
Annual monitoring consists of visual observations during the first 2 years of restoration, and
quantitative measurements during the remainder of the 5-year maintenance and monitoring period.
One annual report is produced for each of the 5 years of monitoring.
Nomenclature used in this report follows these conventions: vegetation community classifications
follow Holland (1986); plants named in this report were identified according to The Jepson Manual,
Higher Plants of California (Hickman 1993); and sensitive species status follows the CDFG (2008)
and the U.S. Fish and Wildhfe Service (USFWS; 2007).
2.1 MAINTENANCE
RECON performed maintenance activities from January through April 2008. HECG performed
routine (monthly) maintenance since May 2008. Work conducted by HECG thus far has focused on
weed management.
2.2 MAINTENANCE MONITORING
Maintenance monitoring visits have been conducted by HELIX biologists starting in May 2008
(Table 1). During each visit, a biologist evaluates the site condition and advises maintenance
personnel of any items in need of attention.
HELIX
2008 Annual Assessment for the Salk Property I MWR-Ol I January 22, 2009
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Figure 1
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Project Location Map
2008 ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE SALK PROPERTY
Figure 2
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Southern Willow Scrub Restoration Area
Cfffffff^ Thread-leaved Brodiaea Translocation Site
C^35 Native Grassland Restoration Area
C^3^ Native Grassland Reference Location
Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Area
C^3) Coastal Sage Scrub Reference Location
Photo Location
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Restoration Areas
2008 ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE SALK PROPERTY
Figure 3
Table 1
2008 SITE VISITS
DATE PERSONNEL PURPOSE OF VISIT
May 15, 2008 Jason Kurnow
Supervise hand-clearing of mustard
and make sure that thread-leaved
brodiaea was not impacted
May 19, 2008 Jason Kurnow
Shelby Howard
Meeting with USFWS, CDFG, City
of Carlsbad, and client
June 6, 2008 Jason Kurnow
Annual assessment, which included
mapping thread-leaved brodiaea
within translocation plot
June 12, 2008 Jason Kurnow Map thread-leaved brodiaea within
translocation plot using GPS system
June 17,2008 Jason Kurnow Map thread-leaved brodiaea within
translocation plot using GPS system
August 6, 2008 Jason Kurnow Maintenance monitoring
September 26, 2008 Jason Kurnow
Amy Matson
Maintenance monitoring, including
placement of transects in DCSS, NG,
and SWS restoration areas
October 9, 2008 Jason Kurnow
Amy Matson
Maintenance monitoring, including
placement of 5 sample plots in areas
containing thread-leaved brodiaea to
be used as references for translocated
thread-leaved brodiaea
November 18, 2008 Jason Kurnow
Larry Sward Maintenance monitoring
December 4, 2008 Jason Kurnow Maintenance monitoring
2.3 2008 ANNUAL MONITORING
Annual monitoring of the restoration site and control areas was conducted by HELIX biologist Jason
Kurnow on June 6, 2008 and by Mr. Kurnow and HELIX biologist Amy Mattson on September 26,
2008. Plants named in this report were identified according to The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of
California (Hickman, ed. 1993). Vegetative monitoring techniques are based on the project's Final
Habitat Restoration and Mitigation Plan (Mitigation Plan; RECON 2005). In addition, the Checklist
of the Vascular Plants of San Diego County (Rebman and Simpson 2006) was referenced for common
names not covered by Hickman.
Data collected during the annual monitoring events are used to determine if the project has met
success criteria for the given year. For Year 1, monitoring consists of visual assessments along with
photographic documentation of the site. Six photo locations were established for the restoration site
during the first annual monitoring visit (Figure 3; Appendix A). An additional 15 photo points will
be added during the Year 3 annual assessment (1 per endpoint of established transect). A plant
species list was compiled (Appendix B), and visual estimates of ground cover were made.
HELIX
2008 Annual Assessment for the Salk Property I MWR-Ol I January 22, 2009
According to the project's Mitigation Plan, Years 2 through 5 will implement more extensive
quantitative annual monitoring procedures. However, all information collected during Year 2 was
only qualitative, except for the thread-leaved brodiaea translocation plot, which was quantitative.
Permanent transects will be established during Year 3 monitoring, and vegetation strata data will be
recorded in Years 3 through 5. Vegetation layers are categorized into herb (less than 60 centimeters
[cm]), shrub (between 60 and 200 cm), and tree (greater than 200 cm) strata. When vegetation is
more mature, these transects will better reflect the restoration effort progress. Five reference plots
were established during Year 2 to compare trends of thread-leaved brodiaea in control areas versus the
translocated population. All plots are similar in size to the translocated population. The number of
individuals within each plot will be counted and compared to the translocated population.
3.0 SUCCESS CRITERIA
Success criteria for the thread-leaved brodiaea/DCSS/NG/SWS restoration areas outlined in this report
are specified in the Restoration Plan (RECON 2005). Success criteria are intended to help determine
the successful completion of the 5-year mitigation and monitoring program. Attainment of the
success criteria indicates that the restoration is progressing toward the desired habitat fiinction and
services. Under the project's Mitigation Plan, native cover and species diversity (the number of
species in an area) success criteria for DCSS, NG, and SWS are based on reference areas located within
the open space easement. Non-native species cover and target weed species cover are based on
absolute cover criteria and are not relevant to a reference area.
Species diversity and native species cover are expected to increase annually as the habitat within each
restoration area grows and matures. Non-native plant species are typically a problem within habitat
restoration, particularly at the beginning of a restoration project. With continued maintenance and as
native habitat develops, non-native species become less problematic.
If project success criteria are not being met, corrective measures will be taken. This could include
additional planting/seeding, increased maintenance efforts, change in approach to the treatment of
non-native species, installation of irrigation, and any changes to irrigation schedules if irrigation is
installed.
3.1 THREAD-LEAVED BRODIAEA
At the end of the 5-year monitoring period, the translocation area should exceed the number of
thread-leaved brodiaea impacted (relocated) by the construction project. There are no specific cover or
species richness criteria for thread-leaved brodiaea; however, the Mitigation Plan states that the
following criterion must be met in order for the brodiaea restoration project to be successful:
• The relocated population must exhibit similar patterns to that of the reference populations,
which are of similar size.
To measure this, 5 populations of similar size and density are to be selected from the open space. The
total number of flowering plants within each of these will be counted each year and compared to the
translocated population.
HELIX
2008 Annual Assessment for the Salk Property I MWR-Ol I January 22, 2009
3.2 DIEGAN COASTAL SAGE SCRUB
The restoration area should support 2.42 acres of viable DCSS habitat at the end of the 5-year
monitoring period. Specific success criteria for species diversity, native species cover, non-native
species cover, and target non-native species cover were established in the Mitigation Plan and are
presented below (Table 2).
Table 2
DIEGAN COASTAL SAGE SCRUB SUCCESS CRITERIA MILESTONES
CRITERIA YEAR CRITERIA
1 2 3 4 5
Minimum species diversity* --50% 70% 80% 80%
Minimum percent native species cover * — 25% 40% 60% 75%
Maximum percent non-native species cover 5% 5% 5% 5% 5%
Maximum percent target weed species cover| 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
^Relative to a reference site
"(Target weed species are those listed on the California Invasive Plant Council list of "Exotic Pest Plants of
Greatest Ecological Concern," with the exception of brome grasses.
For Year 2, the DCSS restoration area is expected to have species diversity equal to 50 percent of the
reference area and native cover equal to at least 25 percent of the reference area (Table 2). Species
diversity is the number of species in a given area. The Mitigation Plan also requires non-native species
to comprise less than 5 percent absolute cover in the restoration area and that there be no target weed
species (Table 2).
3.3 NATIVE GRASSLAND
The restoration area should support 1.01 acres of viable NG habitat at the end of the 5-year
monitoring period. Specific success criteria for species diversity, native species cover, non-native
species cover, and target non-native species cover were established in the Mitigation Plan and are
presented below (Table 3).
Table 3
NATIVE GRASSLAND SUCCESS CRITERIA MILESTONES
CRITERIA YEAR CRITERIA
1 2 3 4 5
Minimum species diversity* 40% 50% 70% 80% 80%
Minimum percent native species cover* 15% 25% 40% 50% 60%
M'aximum percent non-native species cover 5% 5% 5% 5% 5%
Maximum percent target weed species coverj 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
* Relative to a reference site
tTarget weed species are those listed on the California Invasive Plant Council list of "Exotic Pest Plants of
Greatest Ecological Concern," with the exception of brome grasses.
HELIX
2008 Annual Assessment for the Salk Property I NWR-Ol / Januaiy 22. 2009
For Year 2, the NG restoration area is expected to have species diversity equal to 50 percent of the
reference area and native cover equal to at least 25 percent of the reference area. Species diversity is
the number of species in a given area. The Mitigation Plan also requires non-native species to
comprise less than 5 percent absolute cover in the restoration area and that there be no target weed
species (Table 3).
3.4 SOUTHERN WILLOW SCRUB
The restoration area should support 0.30 acre of viable SWS habitat at the end of the 5-year
monitoring period. Specific success criteria for species diversity, native species cover, non-native
species cover, and target non-native species cover were established in the Mitigation Plan and are
presented below (Table 4).
Table 4
SOUTHERN WILLOW SCRUB SUCCESS CRITERIA MILESTONES
CRITERIA
Minimum species diversity"
Minimum percent native species cover*
Maximurn_pcrcent non-native species cover
Maximum percent target weed species covert
*Relative to a reference site
•fTarget weed species are those listed on the California Invasive Plant Council
Greatest Ecological Concern," with the exception of brome grasses.
YEAR
1 2 3 4 5
— 50% 70% 80% 80%
— 40% 75% 80% 90%
5% 5% 5% 5% 5%
0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
list of "Exotic Pest Plants of
For Year 2, the NG restoration area is expected to have species diversity equal to 50 percent of the
reference area and native cover to equal at least 40 percent of the reference area. Species diversity is
the number of species in a given area. The Mitigation Plan also requires non-native species to
comprise less than 5 percent absolute cover in the restoration area and that there be no target weed
species (Table 4).
4.0 RESULTS
The 2008 annual assessment results are described in detail below for thread-leaved brodiaea, DCSS,
NG, and SWS habitats. Representative photographs were taken of the site (Appendix A). A list of
plant species observed on site during monitoring visits is included in Appendix B.
4.1 MAINTENANCE
RECON performed maintenance activities from January through April 2008. HECG has performed
routine (monthly) maintenance since May 2008.
HELIX
2008 Annual Assessment for the Salk Property I MWR-Ol I Januaiy 22, 2009
4.2 MAINTENANCE MONITORING
During the 2008 maintenance monitoting visits, it was noted that native cover within DCSS was
stagnant, with little growth and no germination observed. Native cover within the NG was
unchanged through this period and remains extremely low. SWS plantings showed some increase in
cover and some germination was observed. Non-native plants (particularly non-native grass, mustard,
and fennel) continue to be problematic. Cover of rhese species, especially in the NG, was high.
HECG significantly reduced the above-ground weed biomass during 2008; however, HECG took over
maintenance responsibilities after the weeds had set seed for the year.
4.3 2008 ANNUAL MONITORING
This section details the results of the 2008 annual monitoring for thread-leaved brodiaea/
DCSS/NG/SWS.
4.3.1 Thread-leaved Brodiaea
Approximately 21 thread-leaved brodiaea individuals were visually estimated within the translocation
area (Figure 4). All observarions were locared around the outer edge of the translocation plot. Non-
native species (primarily grasses) were extremely dense within the reference plots, which were
estimated at 100 percent cover. Thread-leaved brodiaea data within these plots was not taken, as it
was difficult to find, and the risk of impacting this species while trying to locate individuals was great.
This data wiU be taken in 2009.
4.3.2 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
In Year 2, the DCSS restoration area had high native species diversity (15 species), moderare native
species cover (41 percent), and high non-native species cover (50 percent; Table 5). Target weed
species (black mustard [Brassica nigra] and fennel [Foeniculum vuigare)) were observed within the
testoration area.
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Table 5
YEAR 2 RESULTS FOR THE DIEGAN COASTAL SAGE SCRUB RESTORATION AREA
CRITERION Reference Site Year 2 Standard Restoration Area
Species diversity 8 4* 15
Native species cover 90% 23%* 41%
Non-native species cover 20% 5%** 50%
Target weed species covert 20% 0%** 10%
tTarget weed species are those listed on the California Invasive Plant Council list of "Exotic Pest Plants of
Greatest Ecological Concern," with the exception of brome grasses.
*Minimum amounts needed to meet Year 2 success criteria
^*Maximum percentage allowable to meet Year 2 success criteria
HELIX
2008 Annual Assessment for the Salk Property / MWR-Ol / January 22, 2009
Most of the native plantings were alive, but showed little signs of recent growth. Dominant native
species included California encelia and purple needlegrass. Native cover was highest on the eastern
(manufactured) slope with estimated native cover at 98 percent. At this location, approximately
95 percent of the cover is comprised of purple needlegrass. Native cover was estimated at 15 percent
on the southern slope and 25 percent on the northern slope. Germination of native species was not
observed, nor were there observations of young plants.
A majority of the non-native cover observed was from grasses and other annuals that had perished
earlier in rhe year. Non-narive cover was lowest on the eastern slope at less than 5 percent cover, and
highest on the southern slope at 75 percent cover. The northern slope was estimated to have
60 percent non-native cover. Target weed species (fennel and black mustard) were present within the
restoration area.
Data was collected from a DCSS reference area within the open space area in 2008 (Figure 3). The
DCSS reference area had 90 percent native species cover, 20 percent non-native cover, and 8 native
species (species diversity). Native species within the reference area was dominated by California
encelia and black sage. California adolphia (Adolphia californica) is found throughout this area as well.
The most notable non-native species include black mustard and fennel.
The DCSS restotation atea met the success ctiteria for species diversity and native species cover, but
did not meet non-native species cover or target weed cover (Table 5).
4.3.3 Native Grassland
In Year 2, the NG restoration area had moderate native species diversity (6 species), low native species
covet (2 percent), and high non-native species cover (100 percent; Table 6). Targer weed species
(black mustard and fennel) were observed within the restoration area.
Table 6
YEAR 2 RESULTS FOR THE NATIVE GRASSLAND RESTORATION AREA
Criterion Reference Site Year 2 Standard Restoration Area
Species diversity 1 * 6
Native species cover 20% 23%* 2%
Non-native species cover 100% 5%** 100%
Target weed covert 20% 0%** 20%
tTarget weed species are those listed by the California Invasive Plant Council list of "Exotic Pest Plants of
Greatest Ecological Concern," with the exception of brome grasses
*Minimum amounts needed to meet Year 2 success criteria
**Maximum percentage allowable to meet Year 2 success criteria.
This area is dominated by non-native species such as non-native grasses (Avena sp., Bromus sp., etc.)
and black mustard. Only a couple of native grasses were observed, which were scattered throughout
the site.
HELIX
200S Annual Assessment for the Salk Property / MWR-Ol I January 22, 2009
50 25 50
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JobNo: MWR-Ol Date: 12/02/08
Thread-leaved Brodiaea Translocation Site
Brodiaea filifolia Location and Number Observed
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Thread-leaved Brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) Locations
within Translocation Plot
2008 ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE SALK PROPERTY
Figure 4
Data was collected from an NG reference area within the open space area in 2008 (Figure 3). The
NG reference area had 20 percent native species cover, 100 percent non-native species covet, and
1 native species (species diversity). The only native species within the reference area was purple
needlegrass. Dominanr non-native species include various non-native grasses and fennel.
The NG restoration area met the success criteria for species diversity but did not meet native species
cover, non-native species cover, or target weed cover (Table 6).
4.3.4 Southern Willow Scrub
Native species cover was estimated at 45 percent, and 19 native species were observed (Table 7). Most
native cover comes from shrub and ttee species. Dominant species include black willow,
mule fat, and atroyo willow. Signs of the clearwing moth (a native species whose larvae boars into
willow trees as well other riparian ttee species) were observed on some of the arroyo willows. Non-native
covet was estimated at less than 5 percent, and 1 target weed (salt cedar [Tamarix sp.}) was observed.
Data was not collected from a reference area in 2008 because access to a suitable reference site of the
project could not be obtained. Data from a suitable reference site will be collected in 2009. Table 7
presents the results from the 2008 data collection.
Table 7
YEAR 2 RESULTS FOR THE SOUTHERN WILLOW SCRUB RESTORATION AREA
Criterion Reference Site Year 2 Standard Restoration Area
Species diversity N/A N/A 19
Native species cover N/A N/A 45%
Non-narive species cover N/A N/A 5%
Target weed covert N/A N/A 0%
5.0 DISCUSSION
At the end of 2008 (Year 2), SWS is progressing towards the final success criteria, but the DCSS and
NG restoration areas need to make significant progress to achieve final success ctiteria.
Year 2 criterion for DCSS native cover has been met, but most of the cover comes from native grasses
located on the eastern slope (Figure 3). On rhis slope, 95 percent of the cover is comprised of native
grasses. In order for this atea to be considered DCSS, densities of typical sage scrub species will need
to increase. Non native cover is currently high, but can be managed through monthly weeding
events. The primary issue deals with obtaining native species densities required for project sign-off
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DCSS species have persisted thus far, but there has been little growth or germination of native
species. In addition, only approximately 65 petcent of the DCSS container stock was installed by
RECON in 2007 (2,472 plants [see Tables 7 and 8 of the Year 1 report} of the 3,781 required by the
Mitigation Plan).
HELIX
2008 Annual Assessment for the Salk Property I MWR-Ol I January 22, 2009 9
In order for the DCSS portion of the restoration area to do well, cerrain approaches should be used to
promote both plant growth and germination. The most important approach is to install an irrigation
system. Given that San Diego County has had several below average rainfall years, coupled with the
timing of the rain events, it is very difficult to promote seed germination. Successful seeding in low
tainfall years requires very good timing; however, if 2009 is another drought year, additional seeding
would likely have either no effect or minimal effect unless irrigation is installed. Once an irrigation
system is set up, the remaining 1,309 planrs should be installed and the site should be re-seeded.
Restoration in the NG is more complicated because maintenance activities are limited by either the
timing and/or presence of thread-leaved brodiaea. The 2 major issues affecting the NG restoration are
(1) the abundance of non-native vegetation and (2) the lack of native grasses and other native
vegetation. When HELIX began monitoring the project in May 2008, nearly the entire NG
restoration area contained mustard, fennel, and non-native grasses that had already set seed. As a
result, there is a tremendous non-native seed bank. Installation of the NG area in 2007 included
3,930 container stocks (RECON 2008), nearly all of which are now dead. There is likely very little
native seed in the seed bank. HELIX and HECG ate anticipating a large number of weeds to
germinate in 2009, and activities will initially focus on weed control prior to new planting and/or
seeding.
The Mitigation Plan prepared by RECON sets restrictions on the use of post-emergent herbicide
during the season when thread-leaved brodiaea is actively growing, including limiting herbicide
within a 10-foot buffer of brodiaea. However, nearly the entire NG restoration area contains brodiaea
and a 10-foot buffer around each plant would exclude herbicide use in nearly the entire NG
restoration area between February and July, the time period when brodiaea is active. However, a
majority of the non-native species, including non-native grasses and musrard, germinate and grow in
this time period. To allow for weed control (and not impact thread-leaved brodiaea), HELIX
recommends the following approach be implemented: A sponge bar applicaror should be used on a
rig where height can be adjusted and this rig would be mounted to either a small tractor and/or light
weight trailer. Non-native species would be treated with a post-emetgent herbicide consisting of
30 percent glyphosate and 70 percent water. Two passes in opposite directions would occur to ensure
adequate contact is made. Beginning in January 2009, a restoration specialist will conduct site visits
prior ro any weeding activities within the native grassland restoration area. If thread-leaved brodiaea
is nor observed, the height of the sponge bar applicator would be set at the appropriate height to
ensure contact with weed species. If thread-leaved brodiaea is observed, the maximum height of
brodiaea will be noted and the applicator would be set at a height well above brodiaea. All work
would be supervised by the testoration specialist. This strategy is expected to significantly reduce non-
native species within the NG and allow greater success for native grasses to germinate. Once non-
native plant densities are reduced to a more manageable level in 2009, the NG resroration area will
need to be seeded.
Seeding would be necessary as the site was only planted with grass plugs in 2007 and almost all have
died. There is no native seed stock in the soil and if conditions remained the same, there would be no
new growth. Annual seeding of the site with NG species should occur in the winter prior to a storm
event. This would increase the likelihood of germination, as the site is not irrigated. Hand watering
areas where thread-leaved brodiaea does not occur would be beneficial if incorporated with this
strategy.
HELIX
2008 Annual Assessment for the Salk Property I MWR-Ol / January 22, 2009 10
While certain weed species need to be eliminated from the restoration area (e.g., black mustard and
fennel), HELIX recommends a higher tolerance for non-native grass cover. Non-native grasses need
to be managed on the site but the 5 percent cover criterion listed in the Mitigation Plan is not a
realistic goal for the restoration area because of the high amount of non-native grasses in the
resroration area and in rhe open space. NG in San Diego County typically has a significant proportion
of non-native grasses; rhe NG in the open space has a high abundance of weeds (estimated at
100 percent) and only 20 percent native cover. The NG impacted by the project had a similar
proportion of native and non-native species cover.
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
HELIX
Implement weeding strategy in NG restoration area that reduces non-native species and does
not impact thread-leaved brodiaea. Use post-emergent herbicide during time of year that
thread-leaved brodiaea is not active. Continue this approach during rime of year that thread-
leaved brodiaea is active under supervision of a restoration specialist. When thread-leaved
brodiaea is up, only non-native species taller than thread-leaved brodiaea would be treated
with a post-emergent herbicide, which would be applied with a sponge bar applicator.
Implement plan to maximize germination and cover for NG area. Seed native gtassland with
native grass seed mix annually during the appropriate time of year (determined by restoration
specialist, typically January). Include establishment of watering to aid in native grass survival;
watering should be done under supervision of the restoration specialist.
Plant and re-seed DCSS restoration areas. Plant remainder of the site with the 1,309 1-gallon
container stocks not planted during site installation and re-seed site.
Install irrigation in the DCSS areas.
2008 Annual Assessment for the Salk Property / MWR-Ol / January 22, 2009
7.0 REFERENCES
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2008. Special Vascular Plants,
Bryophytes, and Lichens List. Quarterly publication. URL: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/
biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/SPPlants.pdf October.
California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC). 2006. Invasive Plant Inventory. URL: http://www.cal-
ipc.ofg/. February.
Hickman, J.C., ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. Berkeley: University of
California Press. 1400 pp.
Holland RF. 1986. Preliminary Descriprions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of Califotnia.
Nongame-Heritage Program, State of Califotnia, Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento.
156 pp.
Rebman, Jon P. and Michael G. Simpson. 2006. Checklist of the. Vascular Plants of San Diego
County. 4'*" Edition. San Diego Natutal History Museum, San Diego, California. 100 pp.
RECON. 2008. Annual Report for the Habitat Restoration and Mitigation for Diegan Coastal Sage
Scrub, Valley Needlegrass, with Thread-leaved Brodiaea and Southetn Willow Scrub Wetland
for the Salk OA Property, Catlsbad, Califotnia. 36pp. June 13.
2005. Final Habitat Restoration and Mitigation Plan for Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub, Valley
Needlegrass, with Thread-leaved Brodiaea, and Sourhern Willow Scrub Wetland for the Fox
Property, Catlsbad, California. 39pp. November 23.
Sawyer, J.O. and T. Keeler-Wolf 1995. A Manual of California Vegerarion. CNPS. 472 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2007. Species Information: Threatened and Endangered
Animals and Planrs. URL: http://www.fvvs.gov/endangered/wildlife.html.
HELIX
2008 Annual Assessment for the Salk Property I MWR-Ol I January 22, 2009 12
APPENDIX A
REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOGRAPHS
Photo Point 1- southern willow scrub restoration area, looking east.
Photo Point 2 - northern diegan coastal sage scrub restoration slope, looking north/northeast.
Representative Photographs
2008 ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE SALK PROPERTY
J/PROJECTS /Biology/M/MWR-01 Salk Property/'Repons/20()K/Site Pholos
Photo Point 3 - eastern diegan coastal sage scrub restoration slope, looking south
Photo Point 4 - southern diegan coastal sage scrub restoration slope, looking south
ll[LIX
Representative Photographs
2008 ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE SALK PROPERTY
J/PROJECTS/Biology/M/MWR-OI Salk Proper1y/Repons/2008/Sile Pholos
Photo Point 5 - native grassland restoration area, looking northwest
Photo Point 6 - eastern portion of native grassland restoration area, looking northeast to northwest.
II[LIX
Representative Photographs
2008 ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE SALK PROPERTY
J/PROJECTS/Biology/M/MWR-Ol Salk Property/Kepons/2008/Site Pholos
APPENDIX B
PLANT SPECIES OBSER^/ED
Appendix B
PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED - SALK PROPERTY
NATIVE GRASSLAND
Scientific Name Common Name
Avena barbata* slender wild oat
Baccharis pilularis coyote bush
Brassica nigra* black mustard
Brodiaea filifolia thread-leaved brodia(
Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens* red brome
Calystegia sp. morning glory
Eremocarpus setigerus dove weed
Foeniculum vuigare* fennel
Nassella pulchra purple needlegrass
Sisyrinchium bellum blue eyed grass
Sonchus oleraceus* sow thistle
Vulpia myuros* fescue
DIEGAN COASTAL SAGE SCRUB
Scientific Name Common Name
Artemisia californica California sagebrush
Avena barbata* slender wild oat
Baccharis pilularis coyote bush
Brassica nigra* black mustard
Conyza sp. horseweed
Encelia californica California encelia
Eremocarpus setigerus dove weed
Foeniculum vuigare* fennel
Grindelia camporum gumplant
Isocoma menziesii goldenbush
Isomeris arborea bladderpod
Malosma laurina laurel sumac
Nassella pulchra purple needlegrass
Opuntia littoralis coasr prickly pear
Rhus ovata sugar bush
Salvia apiana white sage
Salvia mellifera black sage
Sisyrinchium bellum blue eyed grass
Sonchus oleraceus* sow thistle
Vulpia myuros* fescue
B-1
Appendix B (cont.)
PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED - SALK PROPERTY
SOUTHERN WILLOW SCRUB
Scientific Name Common Name
Artemisia californica California sagebrush
Artemisia douglasiana California mugwort
Baccharis pilularis coyote bush
Baccharis salicifolia mule fat
Conyza sp. horseweed
Distichlis spicata salr grass
Iva hayesiana San Diego marsh elder
Juncus acutus spiny rush
Marrubium vuigare* horehound
Muhlenbergla rigens deergrass
Picris echioides* bristly oxtounge
Pluchea odorata marsh fleabane
Polypogon monspeliensis* rabbitsfoot grass
Platanus racemosa Western sycamore
Rosa californica wild rose
Salix exigua sandbar willow
Salix gooddingii black willow
Salvix lasiolepis arroyo willow
Sambucus mexicana blue elderberry
Tamarix sp.* salt cedar
Typha sp. cattail
Vitis girdiana desert wild grape
Xanthium strumarium cocklebur
*Non-native species
B-2