HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 03-09A; Ocean Bluff; Tentative Map (CT) (26)Natural Resource Consultants
April 20, 1998
Mr. Brian Millich
Catellus Residential
5 Park Plaza; Suite 400
Irvine, California 92614
Subject: Biological Resources Evaluation for the Poinsettia Lane Extension- Reach II Located
in the City of Carlsbad, County of San Diego, California
Dear Mr. Millich:
Natural Resource Consultants (NRC) was retained by Catellus Residential to conduct a biological
resources evaluation of the Poinsettia Lane Extension- Reach II located in the City of Carlsbad,
County of San Diego, California. This evaluation includes 1) a description of the habitats on the site,
2) surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californicd) within the
grading limits of the site, 3) an analysis of anticipated project impacts, and 4) recommended
mitigation measures for the adverse project effects.
Site Location
The Poinsettia Lane Reach II site occurs in the City of Carlsbad approximately 1620 feet east of the
current terminus of Poinsettia Lane and Alga Road and extends easterly to the intersection with Black
Rail Road. The site has been disturbed by various agricultural uses in the western portion of the site
and supports disturbed coastal sage scrub and southern mixed chaparral in the northern and eastern
reaches of the alignment. Various roadway and residential development projects are in progress to
north of the alignment and south of Palomar Airport Road.
Survey Methods
Mr. Michael Couffer, Mr. David Levine, and Mr. Nigel Hancock, biologists from NRC,
conducted several biological resource surveys of the Poinsettia Lane Reach II site. These surveys
were completed in conjunction with biological evaluations of the Ocean Bluff and Roesch sites
located in the vicinity of the proposed extension of Poinsettia Lane. The dates, times, weather
conditions and biologists for each survey are provided in Table I. Both Mr. Couffer and M.
Levine are permitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to conduct surveys
for the coastal California gnatcatcher. This permits allow limited replay of taped gnatcatcher calls.
Gnatcatcher surveys were conducted in accordance with the protocol recommended by the USFWS
for determining the presence or absence of coastal California gnatcatchers. Coastal sage scrub
vegetation located within the project boundaries was identified and survey routes that provided
direct visual and auditory examination of this habitat were selected. Areas supporting coastal sage
scrub vegetation were surveyed on five occasions, under rain-free conditions, with wind velocities
under 15 mph, and temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Surveys included replay of taped
gnatcatcher vocalizations. The small areas of coastal sage scrub on the site allowed for full
inspection of all potential gnatcatcher habitat.
Endangered Species Studies • Environmental Compliance • Biological Resource Assessments • Conservation Planning
30 Crystal Cove, Laguna Beach, California, 92651 • Telephone: 714.497.0931 • Facsimile: 714.497.2971
Mr. Brian Millich
April 20, 1998
Page 2 of 6
TABLE!
SURVEY INFORMATION FOR THE POINSETTIA LANE SITE
Dale
December 21 , 1997
December 27, 1997
February 18, J 998
February 24, 1998
March 11, 1998
March 17, 1998
Time
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
8:45 a.m. to 30:15
H.rn.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
7 a.m. To 7:30 a.m.
Weather
Clear, with light
wind and mikl
temperatures.
Clear, light wind,
mild temperatures.
Partly cloudy, light
wind & warm
temperature.
Overcast, light to
moderate wind &
chilly temperature.
Clear, no wind,
temperature in the
seventies.
Clear, no wind, mild
temperatures.
Bioh>gist(s)
Mike Couffer
Mike Couffer
Mike Couffer,
David Levine
Mike Couffer
Mike Couffer
Mike Couffer, Nigel
Hancock
Comments
Focused gnatcatchw
survey, preliminary
vegetation map.
Focused gnatcatcher
survey.
Focused guatcatcher
survey, vegetation
mapping.
Focused gnatcatcher
survey.
Focused gnatcatcher
survey.
Focused gnutualcher
survey, vegetaUon
mapping
Vegetation Communities
A total of 14 different vegetation communities have been mapped on the Poinsettia Lane property
They are described in the following paragraphs.
Chaparral
Chaparral is one of the two dominant native vegetation types in this general part of California. (The
other is Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub.) Chaparral communities are dominated by evergreen shrubs that
have small, thick, leathery leaves to resist water losses. Stands of chaparral generally constitute more
or less dense, continuous cover of shrubs all of similar height, although this height varies from about
3 feet to over 12 feet, depending on the chaparral type, the soil quality, and the aspect. Only one type
of chaparral is present on the Poinsettia Lane property.
Mr. Brian Million
April 20, 1998
Page 3 of 6
Southern Maritime Chaparral
Southern maritime chaparral is a mixed-dominance chaparral. Its important species include those
characteristic of southern mixed chaparral found further inland, together with several species that are
restricted to the immediate coastal area. It occurs on weathered sandstone soils, and lies within the
coastal fog belt, Dominant species in the southern maritime chaparral on the Poinsettia Lane property
are chamise (Adenostomafasciculatwri), white coast ceanothus or wart-stemmed lilac (Ceanoihus
verrucosus), mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor) and black sage (Salvia melliferd). Laurel
sumac (Malosma laurind), lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa),
Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera), and Ramona lilac (Ceanothus tomentosus var. olivaceus) also
occur, with Parish's nightshade (Solanum parishii) and pancake prickly-pear (Opuntia oricold).
Southern maritime chaparral often has a relatively open cover of shrubs. In the understory,
characteristic species are peak rush-rose (Helianthemum scoparium), pygmy-weed (Crassula
connatd), San Diego bedstraw (Galium nuttalHi), scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis), and coast
range melic grass (Melica imperfectd). In sheltered places,, shiny lomatium (Lomatium lucidum) and
silverbaek fern (Pentagramma triangularis ssp. viscosd) are also present.
On the Poinsettia Lane property, southern maritime chaparral predominates the flatter central portion
of the site and is surrounded by ruderal and previously disturbed areas.
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
Coastal sage scrub is the second of the two dominant native vegetation types in this part of California.
It occurs in the same general areas as chaparral, but tends to occupy drier, more xeric situations, such
as south-facing slopes in contrast to chaparral-covered north-facing slopes. Sage scrub communities
are dominated by lower-growing shrubs and subshrubs that lose their leaves to minimize water losses
during summer drought. They may replace them with lesser amounts of smaller leaves.
Many of the shrubs and subshrubs in coastal sage scrub are 3-6 feet tall, and have relatively open
canopies. There is therefore often a significant herbaceous understory, including native grasses and
colorful native annual wildflowers.
Two different types of Diegan coastal sage scrub have been mapped, based on the dominant shrubby
species in each case. .
Coastal Sage Scrub—California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica) dominated
California sagebrush-dominated coastal sage scrub is the typical form of sage scrub. California
sagebrush is the most abundant species, but there is usually a fair diversity, with black sage, flat-top
buckwheat (Eriogonumfasciculatum), scattered laurel sumac, lemonadeberry and coast prickly-pear
Mr. Brian Millich
April 20, 1998
Page 4 of 6
(Opuntia littoralis), and locally abundant thickleaf yerba santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium). Important
smaller shrubs are deerweed (Lotus scoparius), California bush sunflower (Encelia californicd), and
coast goldenbush (Isocoma menziesif).
This community is usually relatively open, and includes many herbaceous species, especially
rattlesnake weed (Daucus pusillus), California suncup (Camissonia bistorta), bicolored cudweed
(Gnaphalium bicolor), California plantain (Plantago erectd), slender pectocarya (Pectocarya linearis
ssp.ferocula), popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys sp.), common forget-me-not (Cryptantha intermedia),
shining peppergrass (Lepidium nitiduni), long-beaked filaree (Erodium botrys), windmill pink (Silene
gallica), and blue toadflax (Linaria canadensis). Ashy spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens) occurs
in small openings.
On the Poinsettia Lane Reach II site, California sagebrush-dominated coastal sage scrub occurs in
one patch located on the flat ground at the northwest end of the site.
Coastal Sage Scrub—Disturbed
Coastal sage scrub has been defined as disturbed when only some 50-75% of ground cover comprises
coastal sage scrub shrubs and subshrubs. Often the subshrubs include a high percentage of deerweed
(Lotus scoparius). The intervening areas are more or less weedy annual grassland, with such species
as long-beaked filaree, white-stemmed filaree (Erodium moschatum), red-stemmed filaree (Erodium
cicutarium), miniature lupine (Lupinus bicolor), common fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii), black
mustard (Brassica nigrd), wild radish (Raphanus sativus), and London rocket (Sisymbrium irid).
Grasses include wild oats (Avena spp.), foxtail chess (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), and
goldentop (Lamarckia aured).
Disturbed coastal sage scrub is located in the western part of the Poinsettia Lane Reach II site.
Ruderal
Ruderal habitat is indicative of disturbed areas. It is dominated by coarse weedy introduced broad-
leaved species, especially wild radish, black mustard, cheeseweed (Malva parviflord), and Russian
thistle (Salsola tragus). Other common species are common sow-thistle, London rocket, common
fiddleneck, white-stemmed filaree, and red-stemmed filaree, with weedy cudweed (Gnaphalium luteo-
album), scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis}, and white nightshade (Solanum americanum).
On the Poinsettia Lane property, ruderal vegetation has been mapped in various locations, mainly
adjacent to agricultural land, developed areas, and roadsides.
Mr. Brian Millich
April 20, 1998
Page 5 of 6
Developed
Developed habitat includes buildings, pavement and roads, nurseries and storage yards. In this
case, the developed areas include primarily greenhouses, mainly disused, and dirt roads.
Coastal California Gnatcatcher Survey Results
On December 21 and 27, 1997 a female gnatcatcher was observed foraging within a
sagebrush/grassland ecotone habitat southwest of the Reach II alignment. This area included
scattered California sagebrush, California buckwheat, coyote bush, annual brome grasses, deerweed,
short-podded mustard (Brassica geniculatd) and bare ground. This bird was not observed within
the Poinsettia Lane alignment on subsequent surveys.
In January, February and March of 1998 no gnatcatchers were located on the Poinsettia Lane Reach
II site; however, in early-March a previously unrecorded gnatcatcher pair was located approximately
1000 feet to the west of the proposed Reach II alignment. This pair was observed foraging together
within southern mixed chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats. On March 17, 1998 the male of this
pair was observed with nest material. It is possible that the female gnatcatcher observed in December
of 1997 moved to the west, paired with a male, and is currently nesting approximately 1000 feet
outside the proposed grading limits for the Poinsettia Lane Reach II project. Since December of 1997
no gnatcatchers have been observed within or adjacent to the Poinsettia alignment.
Impacts of the Proposed Project
The Poinsettia Lane Reach II project would result in 2.94 acres of grading. Grading would include
impacts to 1.592 developed acres on the Gallagher Trust & Cameron Parcel. This area currently
supports green houses and no impact to native vegetation communities would occur as a result of
development. The remainder of grading would occur on the Baker and Aitchinson Parcels (Exhibit
1). Grading in these areas would remove a total of 1.35 acres including 0.213 acres of disturbed
coastal sage scrub and 0.137 acres of California sagebrush-dominated coastal sage scrub. In
addition, 0.45 acres of southern maritime chaparral would be removed by this project. The
remainder of grading would occur within ruderal and developed areas.
The impacts to 0.35 acres of coastal sage scrub and 0.45 acres of southern maritime chaparral are
significant project effects.
No imapcts to the coastal, California gnatcatcher or any other species listed as threatened or
endangered by the USFWS would occur as a result of project grading.
Mr. Brian Millich
April 20, 1998
Page 6 of 6
Recommended Mitigation Measures
To offset the loss of coastal sage scrub and southern maritime chaparral habitats, the following
measures should be implemented.
1) Mitigation of impacts to coastal sage scrub vegetation should be mitigated through
acquisition of a 4-d Habitat Loss Permit from the City of Carlsbad with concurrence from
the USFWS. Mitigation is likely to include 1) off site purchase of coastal sage scrub, 2)
revegetation of coastal sage scrub, or 3) payment of a per acre fee according to regional
plans for the City of Carlsbad. The terms of mitigation should be decided at the time the
4-d application is submitted to the City of Carlsbad.
The applicant's proposal to purchase 0.35 acres of coastal sage scrub credits at a 2:1 ratio
in an off site mitigation bank deemed acceptable to the City, or a combination of off site
purchase with habitat enhancement to the Poinsettia Lane alignment may be sufficient
mitigation for the proposed impacts.
2) Mitigation of impacts to southern maritime chaparral vegetation should be mitigated
through 1) off site purchase and preservation of maritime chaparral, 2) enhancement or
revegetation of southern maritime chaparral on or off site, or 3) payment of a per acre fee
according to regional plans for the City of Carlsbad.
The applicant's proposal to preserve and enhance 0.45 acres of southern maritime
chaparral at a 1:1 ratio within the Aitchison parcel adjacent to the Poinsettia Lane
alignment may be acceptable mitigation for the proposed impacts to southern maritime
chaparral. The enhancement proposal should include the removal of debris and nonnative
intrusive plant species to allow the site to naturally re-establish the chaparral habitat.
If you have questions or comments pertaining to the information provided in this letter please
contact me directly at 714.497.0931.
Sincerely,
JATURAL RESOURCE CONSULTANTS
Dave Levme
cc: Mr. Mark McGuire'
Mr. Jack Henthorn
EXHIBIT 1
POINSETTIA LANE - REACH II
BIOLOGICAL HABITAT - STUDY AREA MAP
POINSETTIA LANE
REACH I
APPROVED BY 40
OCEAN BLUFF
:'•• APPROVED BY NEG. DECAITCHISON
GALLAGHER TRUST
& CAMERON
HLDALGO
EXHIBIT BY JACK HENTHORN & ASSOCIATES
BASED UPON FIELD MAPPING PROVIDED BY NATURAL
RESOURCE CONSULTANTS - DAVID LEVINE
3D
O>O
APRIL 1 o, 1998 N OT TO SCALE
EXHIBIT 2
POINSETTIA LANE - REACH II
BIOLOGICAL HABITAT IMPACT MAP
AITCHISON
RUD
CSS-D /068 ac1 ac
EXHIBIT BY JACK HENTHORN & ASSOCIATES
BASED UPON FIELD MAPPING PROVIDED BY NATURAL
RESOURCE CONSULTANTS - DAVID LEVINE
0 25 50 100 150 200
APRIL 10, 1998
TABLE 2
BIOLOGICAL HABITATS
POINSETTIA LANE - REACH II
ACTIVITY AREA
Vegetation Communities
Chaparral
SMaC
Coastal Sage Scrub
CSS-A
CSS-D
Subtotal
Other Vegetation
RUD
DEV
Subtotal
Southern maritime chaparral
Coastal sage scrub—California sagebrush (Artemisia californicd)
Coastal sage scrub—disturbed
Ruderal
Developed
Acres
.45
.137
.213"
.299
1.84
TOTAL ACRES OF IMPACT IN ACTIVITY AREA 2.94
NOTE: TABLE BY JACK HENTHORN & ASSOCIATES
BASED UPON FIELD MAPPING PROVIDED BY NATURAL
RESOURCE CONSULTANTS - DAVID LEVINE
JACK HENTHORN & ASSOCIATES
April 10, 1998
JEH/mka