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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 97-15; Lohf Property; Tentative Map (CT) (12)I I I I • BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORT AND IMPACT ANALYSIS FOR THE POINSETTIA LANE ALIGNMENT • WITHIN ZONE 21 CITY OF CARLSBAD SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Prepared for: I WESTERN PACIFIC HOUSING 2385 Camino Vida Roble, Suite 107 - Carlsbad, CA 92009 Contact: Scot Sandstrom _ (760) 929-1600 I Prepared by: I I Contact: Anita M. Hayworth, Ph.D. • (760) 942-5147 I I 10 August 1998 I I DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 605 Third Street Encinitas, California 92024 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page SUMMARY OF PROJECT FINDINGS iv 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 2.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS 1 2.1 Literature Review 1 2.2 Field Reconnaissance 1 2.2.1 Resource Mapping 1 2.2.2 Flora 2 2.2.3 Fauna 2 2.2.4 Sensitive Biological Resources 2 3.0 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 3 3.1 Site Description 3 4.0 RESULTS 3 4.1 Botany - Plant Communities and Floral Diversity 3 4.1.1 Southern Mixed Chaparral 6 4.1.2 Southern Maritime Chaparral 6 4.1.3 Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest 8 4.1.4 Eucalyptus Woodland 8 4.1.5 Disturbed/Developed Habitat 9 4.1.6 Floral Diversity 9 4.2 Zoology - Wildlife Diversity 9 4.2.1 Birds 9 4.2.2 Reptiles and Amphibians 9 4.2.3 Mammals 10 4.3 Sensitive Biological Resources 10 4.3.1 Sensitive Plant Species 10 4.3.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species 12 4.3.3 Sensitive Habitats 13 4.3.4 Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages 13 4.4 Regional Resource Planning Context 14 5.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS 15 5.1 Explanation of Determination of Significance 15 5.2 Impacts to Plant Communities 15 5.3 Impacts to Sensitive Plant Species 18 5.4 Impacts to Sensitive Animal Species 18 5.5 Summary of Significant Direct and Indirect Impacts 19 11 I I • TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) • Section Page I 6.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES 19 6.1 Subregional Planning Context 19 6.2 Mitigation Measures 20 • 7.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 20 • 8.0 LITERATURE CITED 20 • LIST OF FIGURES • Figure 1 Regional Map 4 Figure 2 Vicinity Map 5 _ Figure 3 Biological Resources Map with Proposed Grading 7 I LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Acreages by Habitat Type .............................. 6 Table 2 Impact and Open Space Acreage for the Dove Lane Property ........ 17 LIST OF APPENDICES I A. Vascular Plant Species Observed on the Project Site I B. Wildlife Species Observed or Detected on the Project Site C. Species Sensitivity Categories I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS The Poinsettia Lane alignment located within Zone 21 is an approximately 21-acre area that traverses the area from Aviara Phase 2 to El Camino Real, City of Carlsbad in the western portion of San Diego County, California. The area is located west of El Camino Real, south of Camino Vida Roble, east of the Aviara development and north of Aviara Parkway. The area is surrounded by agriculture, open space/native habitat and some areas of residential development. Topographically, most of the site consists of moderate to steep slopes with a major drainage, some agricultural/greenhouse use and contains a portion of one residences. The elevations onsite vary from about 190 to 270 feet above mean sea level. Most of the western portion of the survey area is represented by slopes leading to a drainage containing oak riparian habitat. The slopes containing native habitat both east and west of the Lohf property are primarily composed of chaparral vegetation. Based on species composition and general physiognomy, five plant communities or habitat types were identified onsite: southern mixed chaparral (<0.1 acre), southern maritime chaparral (7.9 acres), coastal sage scrub (0.1 acre), southern coast live oak riparian forest (1.2 acres), and disturbed/developed habitat (12.0 acres). One species of plant listed as endangered by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and proposed for listing as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was detected onsite: Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia). One additional plant species considered sensitive by various resource agencies also were observed: Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa). No animal species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by the USFWS or CDFG were observed onsite. No species formerly recognized as a Category 2 candidates for listing by the USFWS or recognized as sensitive by resource agencies were observed. The majority of the site supports disturbed/developed habitat which would not be considered sensitive by the resource agencies. However, native communities onsite, including southern maritime chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and coast live oak riparian forest, are considered sensitive and impacts to these vegetation communities are regulated by the resource agencies. IV I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Poinsettia Lane alignment located within Zone 21 is an approximately 21-acre area that traverses the area from Aviara Phase 2 to El Camino Real, City of Carlsbad in the western portion of San Diego County, California. The alignment traverses approximately 1800 feet of land from Aviara Phase 2 to the Lohf property. The alignment continues through the Lohf property, for which a current biological technical report has been prepared (DUDEK, date), and then continues for approximately 300 feet east of the eastern property boundary of the Lohf property. The survey area is located west of El Camino Real, south of Camino Vida Roble, east of the Aviara development and north of Aviara Parkway. The area is surrounded by agriculture, open space/native habitat and some areas of residential development. Biological surveys of the property were conducted in March, 1998, to assess the existing conditions of the biological resources. The surveys augmented the existing data base accumulated through previous survey work (e.g., SANDAG 1994). The purposes of this report are to describe the biological character of the site in terms of vegetation, flora, wildlife, and wildlife habitats; and analyze the biological significance of the site in view of federal, state, and local laws and policies. 2.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS Data regarding biological resources present on the project site were obtained through a review of pertinent literature and through field reconnaissance; both are described in detail below. 2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW Sensitive biological resources present or potentially present onsite were identified through a literature search using the following sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1989,1990, 1991, 1993), California Department of Fish and Game (1980, 1986, 1987), California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants (Skinner and Pavlik 1994), Murphy (1990), and the vegetation and sensitive species mapping performed for the North County Wildlife Forum's Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (SANDAG 1994). General information regarding wildlife species present in the region was obtained from Unitt (1984) for birds, Bond (1977) for mammals, and Stebbins (1985) for reptiles and amphibians. 2.2 FIELD RECONNAISSANCE Biological surveys of the property were conducted by Dudek and Associates, Ing., biologist Anita M. Hayworth, Ph.D., Sherri Miller, and Howie Wier during March and June, 1998. All surveys were conducted by foot; the entire property was surveyed and inventoried for biotic components. I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 2.2.1 Resource Mapping Plant communities were mapped in the field directly onto a clear acetate on a 200-scale (1"=200') aerial photograph of the area from Aerial Fotobank, flown 18 January 1997. Vegetation boundaries and locations of sensitive species were transferred onto a 200-scale topographic map of the site from Hunsaker and Associates. These boundaries and locations were digitized by DUDEK CIS technician Martie demons using the ArcCadd system at DUDEK. Plant community classifications used in this report follow Holland (1986), with modifications to accommodate the lack of conformity of the observed communities to those of Holland. Locations of rare or sensitive plant and wildlife species also were mapped, and the numbers present were estimated. 2.2.2 Flora All plant species encountered during the field surveys were identified and recorded. Those species that could not be identified immediately were brought into the laboratory for further investigation. Latin and common names of plants follow the Jepson Manual (Hickman 1993). Where not listed in Hickman (1993), common names are taken from Beauchamp (1986) or Abrams (1923). A list of plant species observed on the property is presented in Appendix A. 2.2.3 Fauna Wildlife species detected during field surveys by sight, calls, tracks, scat, or other sign were recorded. Binoculars (10 x 50 power) were used to aid in the identification of observed animals. Records from previous biological studies and accounts from local residents also were consulted. In addition to species actually observed, expected wildlife use of the site was determined by known habitat preferences of local species and knowledge of their relative distributions in the area. A list of wildlife species observed or detected onsite is presented in Appendix B. Latin and common names of animals follow Stebbins (1985) for reptiles and amphibians, American Ornithologists' Union (1983, 1989) for birds, Jones et al. (1992) for mammals. 2.2.4 Sensitive Biological Resources Sensitive biological resources are those defined as follows: (1) species that have been given special recognition by federal, state, or local conservation agencies and organizations due to limited, declining, or threatened population sizes; (2) species and habitat types recognized by local and regional resource agencies as sensitive; (3) habitat areas or plant communities that are unique, are of relatively limited distribution, or are of particular value to wildlife; and 4) wildlife corridors and habitat linkages. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 During the field surveys a special effort was made to examine more thoroughly those areas suspected to support sensitive resources. Considerably more time was spent in the chaparral vegetation and in drainages onsite. A formal wetland delineation was conducted of the major drainage that the roadway will traverse. 3.0 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 3.1 SITE DESCRIPTION The Poinsettia Lane alignment is a 21.2-acre area situated within Zone 21 of the City of Carlsbad in western San Diego County, California (Figure 1). It is bordered to the south by the Aviara residential development and open space, and to the north, west, and east by undeveloped areas, most of which contains native vegetation. The area lies approximately 3 miles east of Interstate Highway 5 and about 1.3 miles north of La Costa Avenue, and 0.2 mile west of El Camino Real. It is in the northeastern corner of the USGS 7.5 minute Encinitas quadrangle, Sections 23 and 26, T.12S., R.4W. (Figure 2). Topographically, most of the site consists of moderate to steep slopes with a major drainage, some agricultural/greenhouse use and a portion of one residence. The elevations onsite vary from about 190 to 270 feet above mean sea level. Most of the western portion of the survey area is represented by slopes leading to a drainage containing oak riparian habitat. The slopes containing native habitat both east and west of the Lohf property are primarily composed of chaparral vegetation.The drainage forms an unnamed tributary of Batiquitos Lagoon, and traverse the central portion of the survey area in a roughly southwest direction. The drainage supports somewhat well developed oak riparian forest that extends offsite to the southwest but terminates at the Aviara Development. According to Bowman (1973), the following soils are present onsite: Huerhuero loam (HrD2), Corralitos loamy sand (CsC), and Loamy alluvial land-Huerhuero complex (LvF3). Soils of the Huerhuero series consist of moderately well drained loams that have a clay subsoil. These soils developed in sandy marine sediments. Huerhuero loam (HrD2) occurs on 9 to 15 percent slopes. Because of moderate sheet erosion, the soil has an effective rooting depth of 20 to 40 inches. Loamy alluvial land consists of somewhat poorly drained, very deep, very dark brown to black silt loams and sandy loams. Areas of this land were formerly wet meadows that were subsequently drained by head cutting of gullies. The gullies eventually formed drainage ditches and thus lowered the water table. The loamy alluvial land-Huerhuero complex occurs on 9 to 50 percent slopes and occurs on old coastal ridges. The landscape is one of strongly sloping to steep, severely eroded soils and alluvial fill along drainageways. Corralitos loamy sand (CsC) consists of somewhat excessively drained, very deep loamy sands that formed in alluvium derived from marine sandstone. The soil is moderately sloping at 5 to 9 percent slope. Orange County Riverside County Fallbrook Camp Pendleton "° Oceansidex O O Vista Valley Center Carlsbad San Marcos Escondido Encinitas O O •y -z.Del Mar \ Rancho Santa Fe Mira Mesa Rancho Bernardo Poway Santee La Jolla San Diego Coronado Lemon Grove k National y/<J^ City Chula Vista Ramonal Imperial Beach Otay Mesa Alpine 1" = 8 Miles Tijuana Mexico | Poinsettia Lane Alignment Within Zone 21 - Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Vicinity Map BASE MAP SOURCE: USGS 7.5 Minute Series, Encinitas Quadrangle Poinsettia Lane Alignment Within Zone 21 - Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Vicinity Map I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 4.0 RESULTS OF SURVEY 4.1 BOTANY - PLANT COMMUNITIES AND FLORAL DIVERSITY Based on species composition and general physiognomy, five plant communities or habitat types were identified onsite: southern mixed chaparral (< 0.1 acre), southern maritime chaparral (7.9 acres), coastal sage scrub (0.1 acre), southern coast live oak riparian forest (1.2 acres), and disturbed/developed habitat (12.0 acres). These habitat types are described below, their acreages are presented in Table 1, and their spatial distribution is presented in Figure 3. TABLE 1 ACREAGES BY HABITAT TYPE Southern Mixed Chaparral < 0.1 acre Southern Maritime Chaparral 7.9 acres Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest 1.2 acres Coastal Sage Scrub 0.1 acres Disturbed/developed Habitat 12.0 acres TOTAL 21.2 acres 4.1.1 Southern Mixed Chaparral Southern mixed chaparral is a drought- and fire-adapted community of woody shrubs, 1.5-3.0 meters tall, frequently forming dense, impenetrable stands. It develops primarily on mesic north-facing slopes and in canyons, and is characterized by crown- or stump-sprouting species that regenerate following burns or other ecological catastrophes. This association is typically a mixture of chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatuni), mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolof), ceanothus (Ceanothus sp.), Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa), laurel sumac (Malosma laurind), and black sage. i> A small amount of southern mixed chaparral occurs onsite along the eastern, northern, and western edges of the property. Much of the area mapped as southern mixed chaparral onsite is dominated by chamise. There are also scattered individuals of mission manzanita, laurel sumac, chamise, black sage (Salvia mellifera), and California sagebrush (Artemisia californica). A total of less than 0.1 acre of southern mixed chaparral is present onsite. Due to the very small Vegetation Types: | SMC | Southern Maritime Chaparral JSMXI Southern Mixed Chaparral Sensitive Plant Species: Ag Arctostaphylos glandulosa Qd Quercus dumosa NOTE: Numbers indicate individual plant counts at that location. ORF DH Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest Disturbed Habitat ACOE/CDFG Jurisdictions! Wetland Dsi Soil Sampling Data Station 400'-wide Mapping Corridor BASE TOPO/GRADING SOURCE: Hunsoker it Associates. 1998 Poinsettia Lane Alignment Within Zone 21- Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Wetland Map With Proposed Road Grading I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 amount present within the study area, the amount has not been included in the total acreage for the study area. 4.1.2 Southern Maritime Chaparral Southern maritime chaparral is similar to southern mixed chaparral but is restricted to coastal localities within the fog belt and typically develops on sandstone soils. This community is characterized by several shrubs of limited distribution, including Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa var. crassifolia), wart-stemmed ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucosus), coast spicebush (Cneoridium dumosuni), and Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosd). Other shrubs encountered frequently in this community are chamise, lemonadeberry, laurel sumac, toy on, and summer-holly. There is some question regarding the definition of this community, and considerable disagreement exists among those who map plant communities. For purposes of this study, any mixed chaparral community that had Del Mar manzanita as one of the shrub components was included in this category. Patches of chaparral in which Nuttall's scrub oak occurs, contained no other species characteristic of this community and did not occupy sandstone soils; hence, these were considered southern mixed chaparral. Likewise, although scrub oak is considered characteristic of southern maritime chaparral, the presence of scrub oak alone was not considered diagnostic for this community. Within the property, the full complement of southern maritime chaparral species is found in this community. Southern maritime chaparral, 7.9 acres, has a limited distribution on the property; it is restricted to the southwestern portion of the study area. Southern maritime chaparral is recognized as a sensitive plant community owing to its limited distribution and depleted nature. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently reviewed a proposal to list as endangered six plant species characteristic of this community; among these, Del Mar manzanita and Del Mar Mesa sand-aster were proposed as endangered. 4.1.3 Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest Southern coast live oak riparian forest is an open to locally dense evergreen sclerophyllous riparian woodland dominated by coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). According to Holland (1986) it is richer in herbs and poorer in understory shrubs than other riparian communities. It typically occurs in bottomlands and outer floodplains along larger streams, on fine grained, rich alluvium. Onsite this community is represented by a band of coast live oak, a total of 1.2 acres, with scattered individuals of arroyo willow, and an understory that includes poison-oak (Toxicodendron diversilobuni), California rose (Rosa californica), mugwort (Artemisia douglasiand), and several annuals. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 Riparian habitats such as southern coast live oak riparian forest and southern willow scrub represent high quality wildlife habitat, providing structural diversity and water during much of the year. They are important sites of primary productivity and play a vital role in nutrient recycling and maintenance of water quality. Many species of animals that are resident hi adjacent scrub habitat forage in riparian areas during the drier tunes of the year. 4.1.5. Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat Coastal sage scrub is a native plant community composed of a variety of soft, low, aromatic shrubs, characteristically dominated by drought-deciduous species such as California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), flat-top buckwheat (Eriogonumfasciculatwri), and sages (Salvia spp.), with scattered evergreen shrubs, including lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolid), laurel sumac (Malosma laurind), and toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia). It typically develops on south-facing slopes and other xeric situations. A very small amount of coastal sage scrub habitat occurs within the study area, 0.1 acre, at the eastern end of the proposed alignment, near El Camino Real. 4.1.5 Disturbed/Developed Habitat Disturbed habitat refers to areas that lack vegetation entirely. These areas generally are the result of severe or repeated mechanical perturbation. Developed land refers to areas that include homes, yards, ornamental landscaping, corrals, and other highly modified lands that support structures, land use, or vegetation associated with dwellings. Within the property, disturbed/developed habitat includes dirt roads, trails, plowed land, residential dwellings and outbuildings, and ornamental landscape. A total of 12.0 acres of disturbed/developed habitat is present onsite. 4.1.6 Floral Diversity A total of 67 species of vascular plants - 44 native species (66 percent) and 23 non-native (34 percent) - was recorded from the site (Appendix A). 4.2 ZOOLOGY - WILDLIFE DIVERSITY 4.2.1 Birds Twenty-two (22) species of birds were observed during the recent survey work (se,e Appendix B). The avifauna is comprised of a moderately diverse assemblage of species associated with coastal sage scrub and chaparral. The most commonly observed species include California quail (Callipepla californica), mourning dove (Zenaida macrourd), Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna), common raven (Corvus corax), wrentit (Chamaea fasciatd), California thrasher 9 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 (Toxostoma redivivum), rufous-sided towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), and California towhee (Pipilo crissalis). 4.2.2 Reptiles and Amphibians Two species of reptiles were observed onsite, including side-blotched lizard (Ufa stansburiand) and Great Basin fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis). Other reptiles common in the area and likely to occur onsite include southern alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus webbii), coastal western whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus), San Diego horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronata blainvillei), orange-throated whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus), gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus), northern red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber ruber), and common kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus). No amphibians were observed onsite. 4.2.3 Mammals Four species of mammals were recorded from the site, including cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus sp.), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), woodrat (Neotoma sp.), coyote (Canis latrans). Other mammal species likely to be present include striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginica), and raccoon (Procyon lotof). 4.3 SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES The following resources are discussed in this section: (1) plant and animal species present in the project vicinity that are given special recognition by federal, state, or local conservation agencies and organizations owing to declining, limited, or threatened populations, that are the results, in most cases, of habitat reduction; and (2) habitat areas that are unique, are of relatively limited distribution, or are of particular value to wildlife. Sources used for determination of sensitive biological resources are as follows: wildlife ~ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS 1989, 1991), California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG 1980, 1986), Remsen (1978), Everett (1979), McGurty (1980), and Murphy (1990); plants - USFWS (1990, 1993), CDFG (1987), and Skinner and Pavlik (1994); and habitats - Holland (1986). 4.3.1 Sensitive Plant Species One species of plant listed as endangered by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and proposed for listing as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was detected onsite: Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolid). One additional plant species considered sensitive by various resource agencies also was observed: Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosd). These species are discussed below and their locations are illustrated in the biological resources map (Figure 3). The listing authorities and explanation of listing categories are presented in Appendix C. Although the USFWS recently eliminated its 10 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 Category 2 candidate (C2) status, these are retained below because C2 species currently are under further review. Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia - Del Mar manzanita USFWS: Endangered CDFG: None CNPS: List IB, 3-3-2 Del Mar manzanita represents the coastal form of San Diego County's common burl-forming manzanita, and it is one of several sensitive plants that are indicators of the unique and depleted southern maritime chaparral habitat. In his recent treatment of Arctostaphylos in the Jepson Manual (Hickman 1993), Wells considers ssp. crassifolia as a valid taxon representing those populations in coastal San Diego County and adjacent northern Baja California. Within the proposed alignment, Del Mar manzanita typically occurs in small localized patches within southern maritime chaparral. It is concentrated in the area near the oak riparian forest habitat. Approximately 20 individuals are present in the proposed alignment. Quercus dumosa - Nuttall's scrub oak USFWS: former Category 2 candidate CDFG: None CNPS: List IB, 2-3-2 It was proposed (Hickman 1993) that the common, widespread species formerly known as scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) actually represents two closely related species — Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) and "interior" scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia). Although interior scrub oak is widely distributed throughout southern California in chaparral habitats, Nuttall's scrub oak is restricted to the narrow coastal strip, and hence, has been severely affected by development. This species was one of eight native plants included in a "southern maritime chaparral listing package" circulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1993. Nuttall's scrub oak occurs as scattered individuals within the southern maritime chaparral habitats onsite. Approximately 12 individuals were observed and it is likely that more individuals are present within the dense vegetation. 4.3.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species No animal species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by the USFWS or CDFG were observed onsite. No species formerly recognized as the former Category 2 candidates for listing by the USFWS or recognized as sensitive by resource agencies were observed. The listing authorities and explanation of listing categories are presented in Appendix C. 11 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 4.3.3 Sensitive Habitats Sensitive habitats are those that are considered rare within the region, support sensitive plant and/or wildlife species, or function as corridors for wildlife movement. Habitat types found onsite that are considered sensitive include southern maritime chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and southern coast live oak riparian forest. 4.3.4 Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages Wildlife corridors are linear features that connect large patches of natural open space and provide avenues for the immigration and emigration of animals. Wildlife corridors contribute to population viability in several ways: (1) they assure the continual exchange of genes between populations which helps maintain genetic diversity; (2) they provide access to adjacent habitat areas representing additional territory for foraging and mating; (3) they allow for a greater carrying capacity; and (4) they provide routes for colonization of habitat lands following local populations extinctions or habitat recovery from ecological catastrophes (e.g., fires). Habitat .linkages are patches of native habitat that function to join two larger patches of habitat. They serve as connections between habitat patches and help reduce the adverse affects of habitat fragmentation. Although individual animals may not move through a habitat linkage, the linkage does represent a potential route for gene flow and long-term dispersal. Habitat linkages may serve as both habitat and avenues of gene flow for small animals such as reptiles and amphibians. Habitat linkages may be represented by continuous patches of habitat or by nearby habitat "islands" that function as "stepping stones" for dispersal. A habitat linkage/wildlife corridor extends through the site predominantly within the oak riparian forest and the surrounding patches of southern maritime chaparral, within the Zone 21 area. A potential linkage also is present as a narrow band of native habitat along the eastern portion of the alignment adjacent to El Camino Real. 4.4 DELINEATION OF WETLANDS AND "WATERS OF THE U.S." The purposes of this delineation are to determine the boundaries of ACOE and CDFG jurisdiction within the project site and to determine what permits or approvals would be required prior to disturbance of all or a parts of the jurisdictional areas within the proposed .project site. For the purposes of this wetland determination and impact assessment, the survey area for the project was the entire 21.2-acre survey area. 12 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 4.4.1 Methods A wetland determination was conducted as a separate task by Sherri Miller, a certified wetland delineator. During the survey, notes were taken on the plant communities present, and boundaries of wetland communities and waters of the U.S. were mapped on a 200-scale (1" = 200') aerial photograph and (1" = 200') topographic map of the site. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (1987) was used to determine whether jurisdictional wetlands occurred within the study area. The manual requires that positive indicators of hydric soils, wetland hydrology, and hydrophytic vegetation all be present to classify an area as a jurisdictional wetland. Other "waters of the United States," as defined by the ordinary high water mark of streams or drainages, also were identified and mapped in the field. Typically, where a predominance of hydrophytic vegetation is present, additional data on soils and hydrology are collected, and a wetland data form is completed. However, owing to the presence of distinct topographic changes between upland habitats and the incised wetland channels/floodplains (indicating U.S. waters) and the observation of well-defined indicators of the ordinary high water mark along channel banks in all areas dominated by hydrophytic vegetation, no soil pits were excavated and one data form was completed. To determine whether specific plant communities meet the hydrophytic vegetation criterion, the dominant species are listed along with their wetland indicator status from the National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: Region 0 (Reed 1988). If 50% or more of the dominant plant species at a specific site are categorized as obligate wetland, facultative wetland, or facultative, as described in the list, the site is determine to meet the hydrophytic vegetation criterion. When determining whether hydric soils are present, a pit usually is dug to a depth of 16 inches. The texture, moisture content, and color of the soil are noted for each pit. The soil survey for San Diego County (Bowman 1973) was reviewed to determine mapped soil types. The National List of Hydric Soils also was reviewed to determine if mapped soil series occurred on the list. The definition applied by the CDFG to determine the presence of wetlands is less objective than that of the ACOE. Per CDFG, wetlands are defined as "a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life." "This includes water courses having a surface or subsurface flow that supports riparian vegetation." Any area that met these criteria also was identified and mapped. 13 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 4.4.2 Results GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WETLAND HABITAT Areas under the jurisdiction of the ACOE and/or the CDFG are illustrated in Figure 3. Jurisdictional areas onsite include the oak riparian forest in the central portion of the survey area. The wetland habitats (oak riparian forest) are described above in Section 4.1. WETLAND DETERMINATION ACOE Jurisdiction A total of 1.2 acres of ACOE Jurisdictional wetlands are present onsite composed of oak riparian forest. CDFG Jurisdiction CDFG jurisdiction was calculated based upon the area of riparian vegetation or channel located within the survey area. Thus a total of 1.2 acres of CDFG Jurisdictional habitat are present onsite. WETLAND FUNCTIONS AND VALUES Wetland habitat within the study area is expected to have a moderate value as wildlife habitat owing to the presence of patches of riparian habitat. The drainage has seasonally flowing waters and may have numerous abiotic functions, such as removal of toxic material form the water, nutrient recycling, etc. Birds species observed most commonly include house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna), common raven (Corvus corax), and California towhee (Pipilo crissalis). No species of mammals were detected within the vicinity of the drainage. Mammals likely to be present include those species adapted to disturbed or urbanized landscapes, including Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginica), cottontail (Sylvilagus sp.), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), and introduced rats (Rattus sp.). 4.5 REGIONAL RESOURCE PLANNING CONTEXT In San Diego County, three major, coordinated conservation planning efforts currently are in progress with the long-term goal of identifying a system of preserves that will protect native habitat lands and their associated biota. The three efforts are (1) the City of San Diego's 14 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP), administered by the Metropolitan Wastewater Department, focused on biological resource planning for the southwestern one-fourth of the County; (2) the San Diego Association of Government's (SANDAG) Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP), funded by a consortium of jurisdictions in northern San Diego County known as the North County Wildlife Forum, focusing on the northwestern one-fourth of the County; and (3) the County of San Diego Open Space Plan, which focuses on the portion of the County east of the MSCP and MHCP study areas. The ultimate goal of these plans is the establishment of biological reserve areas in conformance with the State of California's Natural Community Conservation Program (NCCP). These programs are moving forward under the regulatory influence of the 4(d) Rule pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, which allows for the interim loss of 5 % of existing coastal sage scrub until the preserves (NCCPs) are formalized. The most important biological feature of the Poinsettia Lane alignment is the oak riparian forest habitat within the patch of southern maritime chaparral habitat. This drainage may provide wildlife movement through the area and the maritime chaparral habitat contains the federally listed endangered plant species Del Mar manzanita. To maintain connection for wildlife species from one side of Poinsettia Lane to the other within the riparian habitat, a wildlife crossing is needed. The ultimate design of the roadway should incorporate a wildlife crossing to provide connection within the exiting riparian corridor. 5.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS This section addresses potential impacts to biological resources that would result from implementation of the proposed project, and provides analyses of significance for each potential impact. Impacts were quantified by overlaying the limits of project grading on the biological resources map of the site (Figure 4). For purposes of this assessment, all biological resources within the limits of grading for development are considered 100 percent lost. Impacts to biological resources can be direct - resulting from the permanent removal of habitat, or indirect - resulting from changes in land use adjacent to natural habitat (e.g., increased light, noise, and urban runoff, interruption of wildlife movement, etc.). Both of these types of impacts and their levels of significance are discussed in this section. 5.1 EXPLANATION OF DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE For this section, the following criteria are used to determine the significance of an impact: Substantial effect on a rare or endangered species plant or animal or habitat of that species is considered a significant impact. 15 I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 | - Substantial interference with the movement of any resident or migratory fish or wildlife species is considered a significant impact. I - Substantial reduction of habitat for fish, wildlife, or plants is considered a significant impact. I I • 5.2 IMPACTS TO PLANT COMMUNITIES Direct Impacts Implementation of the proposed project would result in the direct loss of 9.5 acres (see Table 2), including impacts to the following habitat types: 0.0 acre of coastal sage scrub — less than significant ™ -3.7 acres of southern maritime chaparral - significant • 0.6 acre of southern coast live oak riparian forest, jurisdictional wetland ~ significant • — 5.2 acres of disturbed/developed habitat — less than significant. I • TABLE 2 § IMPACT AND OPEN SPACE ACREAGE FOR THE POINSETTIA LANE ALIGNMENT WITHIN ZONE 21 I Direct Impact I Coastal Sage Scrub 0.0 acres Southern Maritime Chaparral 3.7 acres Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest 0.6 acres • Disturbed/developed Habitat 5.2 acres TOTAL 9.5 acres I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 I I I I Indirect Impacts Indirect impacts from the proposed development include the following: — Reduction in carrying capacity of adjacent native habitats as a result of noise and lighting associated with development. — Inadvertent potential increase of feral rat, cat, and other small predator populations in native habitats adjacent to proposed development areas. These impacts probably are most severe within the first 50 feet of development. Because the I first 50 feet already is considered 100 percent impacted from the brush management zones, and indirect impacts from these sources are minimal beyond 50 feet, these impacts are consider less than significant. Nonetheless certain measures should be implemented to inhibit additional • indirect impacts. These are discussed below under mitigation. 5.3 IMPACTS TO SENSITIVE PLANTS I Direct Impacts Implementation of the proposed project would result in the direct loss of the following sensitive plant species:I I I — Approximately 16 individuals Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa var. crassifolius) - significant - Approximately 6 individuals of Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) - less than significant | Although Nuttall's scrub oak will be directly affected by the proposed project, the impact is considered less than significant due to the overall low status and small amount of each of these I plant species affected. Additionally, it is expected that additional amounts of each of this plant species is present within the area. • Indirect Impacts Indirect impacts may result in the intrusion of non-native plant species within the first 50 feet • of the proposed development. However, due to the density of the habitat and high percent cover I I I I i I i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 by native plant species, this intrusion will probably be negligible. These indirect impacts are considered less than significant. 5.4 IMPACTS TO SENSITIVE ANIMALS Direct Impacts No impacts would occur to sensitive animal species. Indirect Impacts Indirect impacts may result in the reduction of the carrying capacity of the southern maritime chaparral plant community, however, the patch of habitat onsite is connected to additional habitat offsite. These indirect impacts are considered less than significant. 5.5 JURISDICTIONAL WETLAND/WATERS IMPACTS A limited amount of impacts to wetlands would result from the implementation of the project (Figure 3). Although most of the wetland areas are avoided due to the design of the project the project .would encroach into limited jurisdictional area and patches of riparian habitat in the central portion of the property. 5.5.1 ACOE Impacts Approximately 0.6 acre of ACOE jurisdictional area would be permanently lost by project implementation. The area is represented by 0.6 acre of oak riparian forest. 5.5.2 CDFG Impacts Approximately 0.6 acre of CDFG jurisdictional wetlands would be permanently lost by project implementation. The area is represented by the oak riparian forest. 5.5.3 Regulatory Requirements The discharge of dredge or fill material (temporary or permanently) into areas delineated as "waters of the United States" requires authorization from the ACOE pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. "Waters of the U.S." as defined in CFR 328.2 includes all waters or tributaries to waters, including wetlands, streams, dry washes, seasonal drainages, and other aquatic habitats. Activities that involve regulated discharge of dredge or fill material include grading, placing of riprap for erosion control, pouring concrete, laying sod, and stockpiling 18 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 excavated material. Activities that generally do not involve regulated discharge, if performed in a manner to avoid discharge, include driving pilings and some methods of vegetation clearing. Total ACOE jurisdiction to be impacted is 0.6 acre. The ACOE has 36 nationwide or general permits (NWPs) that pre-authorize specific minor discharges. Generally, use of these NWPs does not require review by the ACOE or other federal agencies. If endangered species or significant cultural resources occur on the property and are not adequately mitigated, the activity is not considered pre-authorized and ACOE has the discretionary authority to require an individual permit. Because the impact is greater than 1/3 acre and the area contains endangered species, it is likely an individual permit will be required. The individual permit process involves public comment on the proposed activity and can last 180 days or longer. Because impacts to ACOE jurisdiction would be associated with impacts to a federally-listed species, and the project impacts more than 1/3 acre of wetland, coordination with ACOE is necessary and an individual permit may be required. The applicant must obtain a Section 401 water quality certification (or waiver) from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the ACOE should be notified in writing for concurrence that the proposed fill is authorized. CDFG jurisdiction to be impacted within the study area is 0.6 acre. The CDFG defines a stream as "a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life. This includes water courses having a surface or subsurface flow that supports riparian vegetation." A CDFG 1603 agreement will be required prior to any alteration of the wetland within CDFG jurisdiction. An application for a 1603 agreement can occur only after an environmental impact report or negative declaration has been certified or under a categorical exemption. The CDFG generally requires that any impacts to streambeds or adjacent riparian habitats be fully mitigated at a ratio of a minimum of 1:1, and more usually 3:1, by area. A streambed alteration application must be submitted to CDFG. It normally takes 30 days for the CDFG to process a 1603 application. 5.6 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS The following impacts associated with implementation of the proposed development plan are considered significant: a) Loss of 3.7 acres of southern maritime chaparral. b) Loss of 0.6 acre of oak riparian forest/jurisdictional wetland, b) Loss of 13 individuals of Del Mar manzanita. 19 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 6.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES The mitigation measures presented below are based on the analysis outlined above. The impacts that require mitigation are the loss of southern maritime chaparral, loss of oak riparian forest/jurisdictional wetland, and Del Mar manzanita. 6.1 SUBREGIONAL PLANNING CONTEXT In a regional context, the sensitive biological resources present within the Poinsettia Lane alignment are regionally important due to the limited distribution of southern maritime chaparral habitat and the connectivity of the southern maritime chaparral habitat onsite with additional habitat off site as well as the wildlife corridor present within the drainage. 6.2 MITIGATION MEASURES The project will require mitigation for direct impacts to southern maritime chaparral and the sensitive plant species that occur within this habitat. Due to the presence of sensitive plant species within the southern maritime chaparral habitat and the limited distribution of this habitat type, it is likely that mitigation will be required at a 2:1 ratio. The project will also require mitigation for the impact to the jurisdictional wetland/oak riparian forest. Typically, impacts to the wetland habitats require mitigation at a 3:1 ratio by creation of new habitat. 7.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This report was prepared by DUDEK biologist Anita M. Hay worth, Ph.D. Graphics were provided by Martie A. demons; Tonette S. Foster provided word processing assistance. 8.0 LITERATURE CITED Abrams, L. 1923. Illustrated flora of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. American Ornithologists' Union. 1983. The Check-list of North American Birds, 6th edition. Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas. American Ornithologists' Union. 1989. Thirty-seventh Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-List of North American Birds. The Auk 106:332-538. Atwood, J. L. 1990. Status review of the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californicd). Unpublished technical report, Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, Massachusetts. 79 pp. 20 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater Press, National City, California. 241 pp. Bond, S. I. 1977. An annotated list of the mammals of San Diego County, California. Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist. 18: 229-248. Bowman, R. H. 1973. Soil Survey, San Diego Area, California, Part 1. United States Department of the Agriculture. 104 pp. + appendices. Bury, B. 1971. Status report on California's threatened amphibians and reptiles. California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Administrative Report #72-2. California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1980. At the Crossroads: A Report on the Status of California's Endangered and Rare Fish and Wildlife. State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento. California. California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1986. Endangered, Rare, and Threatened Animals of California. State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento, California. California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1987. Designated Endangered or Rare Plants. Summary list from Section 1904 Fish and Game Code (Native Plant Protection Act). State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento, California. Everett, W. T. 1979. Sensitive, threatened and declining bird species of San Diego County. San Diego Audubon Society Sketches 29:2-3. Grinnell, J. and A. Miller. 1944. The distribution of the birds of California. Pacific Coast Avifauna 27: 1-608. Hickman, J. C. 1993. The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley. 1400 pp. Holland, R. F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California. Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game. 156 pp. Jones, J. K., Jr., D. C. Carter, H. H. Genoways, R. S. Hoffman, and D. W. Rice. 1992. Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Texas Tech University, no. 143. 21 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 McGurty, B. M. 1980. Survey and status of endangered and threatened species of reptiles natively occurring in San Diego, California. San Diego Herpetological Society. Munz, P. 1974. A flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley, California. 1086 pp. Remsen, J. V. 1978. Bird species of special concern in California: An annotated list of declining or vulnerable bird species. Administrative Report No. 78-1. Nongame Wildlife Investigations, Wildlife Management Branch, California Department of Fish and Game. SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments). 1994. Vegetation and sensitive species maps prepared for the North County Wildlife Forum. Skinner, M. W. and B. M. Pavlik. 1994. California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Special Publication No. 1 (5th Edition), California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 338 pp. Smith, J. P., Jr., and K. Berg. 1988. California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Special Publication No. 1 (4th Edition), California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 168 pp. Stebbins, R. C. 1985. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. Stewart, G. R. 1971. Rare, endangered, and depleted amphibians and reptiles in California. Herpetology 5:29-35. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1989. Federal Register, Part 4, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal Notice of Review. 50 CFR Part 17. Department of the Interior. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1990. Federal Register, Part 4, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Plant Taxa for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species, Notice of Review. 50 CFR Part 17. Department of the Interior. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1991. Federal Register, Part 8, .Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal Candidate Review for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species, Proposed Rule. 50 CFR Part 17. Department of the Interior. 22 I I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21 | United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1993. Federal Register, Part 8, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Plant Taxa for Listing as Endangered or • Threatened Species. 50 CFR Part 17. Vol. 58. No. 188. Department of the Interior. Unitt, P. A. 1984. Birds of San Diego County. Memoir 13, San Diego Society of Natural • History. 287 pp. Wiggins, I. L. 1980. A flora of Baja California. Stanford University Press. 1025 pp. • Willet, G. 1933. Revised list of birds of southwestern California. Pacific Coast Avifauna 21:1-204. I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDICES I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX A VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED ON THE PROJECT SITE SELAGINELLALES ANGIOSPERMAE (DICOTYLEDONES) AIZOACEAE - CARPET-WEED FAMILY * Carpodbrotus edulis - Hottentot-fig ANACARDIACEAE - SUMAC FAMILY Malosma laurina - laurel sumac Rhus integrifolia - lemonadeberry Toxicodendron diversilobum - poison-oak APIACEAE - CARROT FAMILY * Foeniculum vulgare - sweet fennel ASCLEPIADACEAE - MILKWEED FAMILY Asclepias fascicularis - narrow-leaf milkweed ASTERACEAE - SUNFLOWER FAMILY Ambrosia psilostachya - western ragweed Artemisia californica - coastal sagebrush Artemisia douglasiana - mugwort Baccharis pilularis - coyotebush * Carduus pycnocephalus - Italian thistle * Centaurea melitensis - tocalote Cirsium occidentale - California thistle Eriophyllum confertiflorum - golden-yarrow Gnaphalium canescens - everlasting Hazardia squarrosus - saw-toothed goldenbush Hemizonia fasciculata - fascicled tarweed Heterotheca grandiflora - telegraph weed Isocoma menziesii - coastal goldenbush * Lactuca serriola - prickly lettuce BORAGINACEAE - BORAGE FAMILY Cryptantha intermedia - common popcorn flower BRASSICACEAE - MUSTARD FAMILY * Brassica nigra - black mustard I I APPENDIX A (continued) I * Raphanus sativus - wild radish I CACTACEAE - CACTUS FAMILY Opuntia littoralis - coast prickly-pear I CAPPARACEAE - CAPER FAMILY Isomeris arborea - bladder-pod • CAPRIFOLIACEAE - HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY Sambucus mexicanus - Mexican elderberry • CHENOPODIACEAE - GOOSEFOOT FAMILY * Salsola tragus - Russian-thistle • CISTACEAE - ROCK-ROSE FAMILY _ Helianthemum scoparium - rush-rose CONVOLVULACEAE - MORNING-GLORY FAMILY . Calystegia macrostegia - morning-glory CUCURBITACEAE - GOURD FAMILY « Marah macrocarpa - manroot ERICACEAE - HEATH FAMILY I Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia - Del Mar Manzanita Xylococcus bicolor - mission manzanita EUPHORBIACEAE - EUPHORB FAMILY Ricinus communis - castor-bean FABACEAE - PEA FAMILY * Acacia melanoxylon - blackwood acacia I I * Acacia bailey ana - acacia • Lotus scoparius - deerweed FAGACEAE - OAK FAMILY I Quercus dumosa - Nuttall's scrub oak Quercus agrifolia - coast live oak • LAMIACEAE - MINT FAMILY • * Marrubium vulgare - horehound Salvia mellifera - black sage I I I APPENDIX A (continued) MALVACEAE - MALLOW FAMILY • Malacothamnus fasciculatus - bush mallow MYRTACEAE - MYRTLE FAMILY • * Eucalyptus sp. - eucalyptus POLYGONACEAE - BUCKWHEAT FAMILY I Eriogonum fasciculatum - flat-top buckwheat * I I * Rumex crispus - curly dock PRIMULACEAE - PRIMROSE FAMILY * Anagallis arvensis - scarlet pimpernel • ROSACEAE - ROSE FAMILY ™ Adenostoma fasciculata - chamise Heteromeles arbutifolia - toyon • SALICACEAE - WILLOW FAMILY Salix lasiolepis - arroyo willow • SAURURACEAE - LIZARD-TAIL FAMILY _ Anemopsis californica - yerba mansa SCROPHULARIACEAE - FIGWORT FAMILY . Mimulus aurantiacus - bush monkeyflower SOLANACEAE - NIGHTSHADE FAMILY I * Nicotiana glauca - tree tobacco * Solanum douglasii - Douglas' nightshade I ANGIOSPERMAE (MONOCOTYLEDONES) LILIACEAE - LILY FAMILY Bloomeria crocea - common golden-stars • Chlorogalwn parviflorum - small-flowered soap-plant I I I Yucca schidigera - Mojave yucca POACEAE - GRASS FAMILY * Avena barbata - slender wild oat * Bromus diandrus - ripgut grass * Bromus hordeaceus - soft chess I I APPENDIX A (continued) I * Bromus madritensis var. rubens - red brome I * Cortaderia dioica - pampas grass * Cynodon dactylon - Bermuda grass Leymus condensatus - giant ryegrass • Melica imperfecta - coast range melic • * signifies introduced (non-native) species I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX B I WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED OR DETECTED ON THE PROJECT SITE TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATESI I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS IGUANIDAE - IGUANID LIZARDS Scleroporus occidentalis - Great Basin fence lizard Ufa stansburiana - side-blotched lizard BIRDS ACCIPITRIDAE - HAWKS Buteo jamaicensis - red-tailed hawk PHASIANIDAE - PHEASANTS & QUAILS Callipepla californica - California quail COLUMBIDAE - PIGEONS & DOVES Zenaida macroura - mourning dove TROCHILIDAE - HUMMINGBIRDS Calypte anna - Anna's hummingbird PICIDAE - WOODPECKERS Colaptes auratus - northern flicker Picoides nuttallii - Nuttall's woodpecker TYRANNIDAE - TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Sayornis nigricans - black phoebe Tyrannus verticalis - western kingbird CORVIDAE - JAYS & CROWS Aphelocoma coerulescens - scrub jay Corvus corax - common raven Corvus brachyrhynchos - American crow AEGITHALIDAE - BUSHTITS Psaltriparus minimus - bushtit I I APPENDIX B (continued) I I I MIMIDAE - THRASHERS I Toxostoma redivivum - California thrasher Mimus polyglottos - northern mockingbird I EMBERIZIDAE - WOOD WARBLERS, TANAGERS, BUNTINGS & BLACKBIRDS Pipilo erythrophthalmus - rufous-sided towhee Pipilo crissalis - California towhee I Melospiza melodia - song sparrow FRINGILLIDAE - FINCHESIcarpodacus mexicanus - house finch /^"Vi»v/tiy»/i o n t*n1l-vin 1 a.c*no>t* rr/-*1/^-finr»l-» I I I I I I I I TROGLODYTIDAE - WRENS Thryomanes bewickii - Bewick's wren MUSCICAPIDAE - KINGLETS, GNATCATCHERS, THRUSHES & BABBLERS Chamaea fasciata - wrentit Carduelis psaltria - lesser goldfinch MAMMALS I LEPORIDAE - HARES & RABBITS Sylvilagus sp. - cottontail rabbit | SCIURIDAE - SQUIRRELS Spermophilus beecheyi - California ground squirrel CRICETIDAE - NEW WORLD RATS & MICE Neotoma sp. - woodrat CANIDAE - WOLVES & FOXES Canis latrans - coyote I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX C SPECIES SENSITIVITY CATEGORIES Federal (1993) Endangered. Taxa threatened throughout all or a significant portion of their range. Threatened. Taxa likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Category 1. Taxa for which the USFWS currently has on file substantial information on biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support the appropriateness of proposing to list them as endangered or threatened species. Category 2. Taxa for which information now in possession of the USFWS indicates that proposing to list them as endangered or threatened is appropriate but for which substantial data on biological vulnerability and threat(s) are not known or on file to support the immediate preparation of rules. Category 3. Taxa that were once considered for listing as endangered or threatened, but are currently not receiving such consideration. These taxa are included in one of the following three subcategories. Subcategory 3A: Taxa presumed to be extinct. Subcategory 3B: Taxa whose names do not meet the Endangered Species Act's legal definition of species. Subcategory 3C: Taxa now considered to be more widespread that originally thought. Note: The taxa in Categories 1 and 2 are candidates for possible addition to the list of endangered and threatened species. The USFWS encourages their consideration in environmental planning. State of California (1990) Endangered. Taxa which are in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of their range due to one or more causes including loss of habitat, change in habitat, over exploitation, predation, competition, or disease (Section 2062 of the Fish and Game Code). Threatened. Taxa which, although not presently threatened with extinction, are likely to become endangered species in the foreseeable future (Section 2067 of the Fish and Game Code). I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX C (continued) Rare. Taxa which, although not presently threatened with extinction, are present in such small numbers throughout their range that they may become endangered if the present environment worsens (Section 1901 of the Fish and Game Code). Candidate. Taxa which the Fish and Game Commission has formally noticed as being under review by the Department in addition to the list of threatened and endangered species. California Native Plant Society (1994) Lists 1A: Presumed Extinct in California IB: Rare or Endangered in California and Elsewhere 2: Rare or Endangered in California, More Common Elsewhere 3: Need More Information 4: Plants of Limited Distribution Note: Plants on CNPS list IB meet California Department of Fish and Game Criteria for Rare or Endangered listing. R-E-D code R (Rarity) 1- Rare, but found in sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough that the potential for extinction or extirpation is low at this time. 2- Occurrence confined to several populations or to one extended population. 3- Occurrence limited to one or a few highly restricted populations, or present in such small numbers that it is seldom reported. E (Endangerment) 1- Not endangered 2- Endangered in a portion of its range 3- Endangered throughout its range D (Distribution) 1- More or less widespread outside of California 2- Rare outside California 3- Endemic to California