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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 98-05; De Jong Property; Tentative Map (CT) (9)I I I I I BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORT AND IMPACT ANALYSIS - FOR THE DEJONG PROPERTY • CITY OF CARLSBAD SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA I I Prepared for: ARIE DEJONG I 622 East Mission Road San Marcos, CA 92069 I Contact: Arie DeJong (760) 744-3222 I • Prepared by: • DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. • 605 Third Street Encinitas, California 92024 • Contact: Anita M. Hay worth, Ph.D. (760) 942-5147 I 11 February 1998 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page 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 Coastal Sage Scrub 6 4.1.2 Southern Maritime Chaparral 8 4.1.3 Scrub Oak Chaparral 8 4.1.4 Valley Needlegrass Grassland 9 4.1.5 Coast Live Oak Woodland 9 4.1.6 Non-native Grassland 9 4.1.7 Agricultural Land 10 4.1.8 Disturbed Land 10 4.1.9 Floral Diversity 10 4.2 Zoology - Wildlife Diversity 10 4.2.1 Birds 10 4.2.2 Reptiles and Amphibians 10 4.2.3 Mammals 11 4.3 Sensitive Biological Resources 11 4.3.1 Sensitive Plant Species 11 4.3.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species 14 4.3.3 Sensitive Habitats 15 4.3.4 Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages 15 4.4 Regional Resource Planning Context 16 5.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS 17 5.1 Explanation of Determination of Significance 17 5.2 Impacts to Plant Communities 17 5.3 Impacts to Sensitive Plant Species 20 ii I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Section 5.4 Impacts to Sensitive Animal Species 21 5.5 Summary of Significant Direct and Indirect Impacts 21 6.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES 21 6.1 Subregional Planning Context 21 6.2 Mitigation Measures 22 7.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 22 8.0 LITERATURE CITED 22 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Regional Map 4 Figure 2 Vicinity Map 5 Figure 3 Biological Resources Map 7 Figure 4 Biological Resources Map With Proposed Grading 18 LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Acreages by Habitat Type 6 Table 2 Impact and Open Space Acreage for the DeJong Property 19 LIST OF APPENDICES A. Vascular Plant Species Observed on the Project Site B. Wildlife Species Observed or Detected on the Project Site C. Species Sensitivity Categories in I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property 1.0 INTRODUCTION The DeJong property is an approximately 33.4-acre parcel situated within Zone 20 of the City of Carlsbad in the western portion of San Diego County, California. The property is located west of El Camino Real, south of Palomar Airport Road, east of Paseo del Norte and north of Aviara Parkway. The property is surrounded by agriculture and open space/native habitat. Biological surveys of the property were conducted in September and October 1997, 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, Inc., biologists Darren Smith, Howie Wier, and Anita Hayworth, Ph.D., during September and October 1997. All surveys were conducted by foot; the entire property was surveyed and inventoried for biotic components. 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 I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property topographic map of the site from Hunsaker and Associates. These boundaries and locations were digitized by DUDEK GIS 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 (7 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 hi 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. 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. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 Biology Report for the DeJong Property 3.0 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 3.1 SITE DESCRIPTION The DeJong Lane property is a 33.4-acre property situated within Zone 20 of the City of Carlsbad in western San Diego County, California (Figure 1). It is bordered to the south and west by agriculture, and to the north and east by undeveloped areas, most of which contain native vegetation. The property lies approximately 2 miles east of Interstate Highway 5, 0.25 mile south of Palomar Airport Road, and 1.0 mile west of El Camino Real. It is in the northeastern corner of the USGS 7.5 minute Encinitas quadrangle, Section 22, T.12S., R.4W. (Figure 2). Topographically, the southwestern portion of the site is relatively flat and has been in agricultural/greenhouse use. Most of the remaining portion of the site is represented by steep slopes leading to two drainages containing oak woodland habitat. The slopes are primarily composed of chaparral vegetation and the area to the north and east of the property is also chaparral. The two drainages converge to form an unnamed tributary to Encinas Creek. The drainage supports somewhat well developed oak woodland that terminates at the northern property boundary. The elevations onsite vary from about 200 to 360 feet above mean sea level. According to Bowman (1973), the following soils are present onsite: Chesterson fine sandy loam (CfC), and Loamy alluvial land-Huerhuero complex (LvF3). Soils of the Chesterson series consist of moderately well drained fine sandy loams that have a sandy clay subsoil. These soils developed in material weathered in place from soft ferruginous sandstone. Chesterson fine sandy loam occurs on 5 to 9 percent slopes. Runoff is slow to medium and the erosion hazard is slight to moderate. 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. 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: coastal sage scrub (2.9 acres), disturbed coastal sage scrub (1.2 acres), southern maritime chaparral (10.4 acres), disturbed southern maritime chaparral (0.1 acre), scrub oak chaparral (0.3 acre), valley needlegrass grassland (0.1 acre), coast live oak woodland Orange County Fallbrook Camp Pendleton -o Oceanside Vista o 1" - 8 Miles San Marcos Project Site Encinitas O O Rancho Santa Fe Del Mar\ Mira Mesa La Jolla San Diego Coronado ' Imperial Sexh Valley Center Escondido Rancho Bernardo e Ramona | La Mesa . Lemon- Grove National J "(^ City Chula Vista Otay Mesa Tijuana Alpine Mexico DeJong Property - Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Regional Map I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I 1 I BASE MAP SOURCE: USGS 7. Min..ts Saries. Encinitas Quadrangle 1" -2000' FIGURE 2 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property (2.3 acres), annual non-native grassland (2.9 acres), agriculture (13.1 acres), disturbed habitat (0.1 acre). These habitat types are described below, their acreages are presented in Table 1, and their spatial distribution is presented hi Figure 3. TABLE 1 ACREAGES BY HABITAT TYPE Coastal Sage Scrub 2.9 acres disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub 1.2 acres Southern Maritime Chaparral 10.4 acres disturbed Southern Maritime Chaparral 0.1 acre Scrub Oak Chaparral 0.3 acre Valley Needlegrass Grassland 0.1 acre Coast Live Oak Woodland 2.3 acres Annual Non-native Grassland 2.9 acres Agriculture 13.1 acres Disturbed Habitat 0.1 acre TOTAL 33.4 acres 4.1.1 Coastal Sage Scrub 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 (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and sages (Salvia spp.), with scattered evergreen shrubs, including lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), and toy on (Heteromeles arbutifolia}. It typically develops on south-facing slopes and other xeric situations. Coastal sage scrub occurs primarily hi the western portion of the site with patches occurring in the central area. It is dominated by either California sagebrush or black sage (Salvia melliferd) with flat-top buckwheat, lemonadeberry, coyotebrush (Baccharispilularis), and laurel sumac as lesser components. It supports a diverse understory of native herbs and forbs, including golden- yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), fascicled tarweed (Hemizonia fasciculatum), deerweed (Lotus scoparius), blue dicks (Dichelostemma capitata), canchalagua (Centaurium venustum), and several grasses. A total of 2.9 acres of coastal sage scrub is present onsite. A disturbed form of this vegetation community is present within the central portion of the site which totals 1.2 acres. Vegetation Types: CSS | Coastal Sage Scrub SMC | Southern Maritime ChaparraliSOC j Scrub Oak Chaparral LOW | Coast Live Oak Woodland VGL j Valley Needlegrass Grassland AGL | Annual Non-native Grassland AGR | Agriculture DH~1 Disturbed Habitat Sensitive Plant Species: Ag Arctostaphylos glandulosavat. crassifolia Cv Ceanothus verrucosus NOTE: Numbers indicate individual plant counts at that location. Sensitive Animal Species: CAGN California gnatcatcher NOTE: A lower case vd' in front of a vegetation type indicates that it is disturbed. BASE TOPO SOURCE: Hunsaker & Associates, 1997 200 Scale in Feet DeJong Property - Biological Resources Map & Impact Analysis Biological Resources Map I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property Coastal sage scrub is recognized as a sensitive community by local, state, and federal resource agencies. It supports a rich diversity of sensitive plants and animals, and it is estimated that it has been reduced by 75-80% of its historical coverage throughout southern California. It is the focus of the current State of California Natural Communities Conservation Program (NCCP). 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 dumosum), 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 and occupied sandstone soils was included in this category. Within the property, the full complement of southern maritime chaparral species is found in this community. Southern maritime chaparral, 10.4 acres, is a major component of the native habitats on the property; it is located within the steep slope areas of the eastern portion of the property and within smaller blocks in the western and northern portions. A disturbed form of this habitat is located on slopes within the southern portion and totals 0.1 acre. 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; including Del Mar manzanita which has now been listed as endangered. 4.1.3 Scrub Oak Chaparral According to Holland (1986), scrub oak chaparral is "a dense, evergreen chaparral to 20 feet tall, dominated by [scrub oak] Quercus dumosa with considerable [mountain-mahogany] Cercocarpus betuloides." Holland considers this community to be restricted to the western Sierran foothills and the mountains of southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. However, our coastal community dominated by Nuttall's scrub oak fits better into "scrub oak chaparral" than it does into any other Holland community type. Hence, we are using this category for patches of chaparral dominated by Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosd). Onsite scrub oak chaparral is restricted to a patch within the central portion of the site. A total of 0.3 acre of scrub oak chaparral is present onsite. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property 4.1.4 Valley Needlegrass Grassland Valley needlegrass grassland is a native community dominated by large tussocks of perennial native needlegrass (Nasella spp.). The habitat is open and typically supports a variety of introduced grasses and forbs. Other species typically associated with native grasslands in southern California include blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium belluni), wild onion (Allium sp.), blue dicks (Dichelostemma capitatum), Cleveland's shooting-star (Dodecatheon clevelandii), dot-seed plantain (Plantago erecta), and purple owl's-clover (Castilleja exsertd). One small patch of native grassland occurs on the property. The patch is dominated by native purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchrd) and non-native bromes (Bromus spp.), with scattered individuals of wild onion, blue-eyed grass, purple owl's-clover, and snakeroot (Sanicula sp.). A total of 0.1 acre of valley needlegrass grassland is present onsite. 4.1.5 Coast Live Oak Woodland According to Holland (1986), coast live oak woodland is a broad-leaved, sclerophyllous woodland dominated by a single evergreen species - coast live oak (Quercus agrifolid). Canopy height ranges from 10-25 m. The shrub layer is poorly developed, and the herb component is dominated by a variety of introduced taxa. Onsite, coast live oak woodland occurs in the bottom of the canyon within the east/central portion of the property. Coast live oaks form homogeneous stands, with a disturbed understory that includes ripgut grass (Bromus diandrus), soft chess (Bromus hordeaceus), red brome (Bromus madritensis var. rubens), slender wild oat (Avena barbata), black mustard (Brassica nigra), and coyotebrush. A total of 2.3 acres of coast live oak woodland is present onsite. 4.1.6 Non-native (Annual) Grassland Where the native habitat has been disturbed frequently or intensively by grazing, fire, agriculture, or other activities, the native community usually is incapable of recovering. These areas are characterized by weedy, introduced annuals, including slender wild oat (Avena barbata), bromes (Bromus spp.), mustards (Brassica and Sisymbrium spp.), and Russian thistle (Salsola tragus). Non-native grassland occurs over portions of the northern and southern parts of the property. These areas support non-natives and a few disturbance-tolerant native species. Although the existing habitat value is low, these open areas contribute to the overall habitat heterogeneity of the site and may provide foraging habitat for local raptors. A total of 2.9 acres of annual non- native grassland is present onsite. I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property I I I I I I I Disturbed habitat refers to areas that lack vegetation entirely. These areas generally are the result of severe or repeated mechanical perturbation. Within the property, disturbed habitat includes a patch of bare ground in the western portion of the property. A total of 0.1 acre of • disturbed habitat is present onsite. 4.1.9 Floral Diversity 4.1.7 Agricultural Land Most of the mesa top of the property has been, and continues to be, used for agriculture. This activity obviously inhibits the succession of native plant communities. While some animal species such as California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) and cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus sp.) may use these areas, in general, agricultural lands represent low quality habitat for native species. A total of 13.1 acres of agriculture land is present onsite. 4.1.8 Disturbed Habitat A total of 63 species of vascular plants - 46 native species (73 percent) and 17 non-native (27 percent) - was recorded from the site (Appendix A). 4.2 ZOOLOGY - WILDLIFE DIVERSITY 4.2.1 Birds Nineteen (19) species of birds were observed during the recent survey work (see 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 fasciata), California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum), spotted 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 blainvillef), orange-throated whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythms), gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus), northern red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber ruber), and common kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus). No amphibians were observed onsite. 10 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property 4.2.3 Mammals Three species of mammals were recorded from the site, including cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus sp.), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), coyote (Canis latrans). Other mammal species likely to be present include striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginica), and raccoon (Procyon lotor). 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, inmost 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). Four additional plant species considered sensitive by various resource agencies also were observed: summer-holly (Comarostaphylis diverstfolid), Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosd), and wart- stemmed ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucosus). 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 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 11 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property Manual (Hickman 1993), Wells considers ssp. crassifolia as a valid taxon representing those populations in coastal San Diego County and adjacent northern Baja California. On the DeJong property, Del Mar manzanita occurs in one small patch of approximately five individuals within southern maritime chaparral. It is concentrated in the southeastern portion of the property. Due to the density of the vegetation, it is likely that more individuals are present within the southern maritime chaparral. Comarostaphylis diver sifolia ssp. diversifolia - summer-holly USFWS: former Category 2 candidate CDFG: None CNPS: List IB, 2-2-2 Summer-holly is a large shrub generally occurring on north-facing canyons and slopes and in sandy washes in chaparral and foothill habitats below 700 m (2,300 ft) in scattered locations from the Pacific coast in San Diego County south into Baja California. Reported localities in the County include San Marcos Mountains, Mount Whitney, Rancho Santa Fe, Gonzales Canyon, Encinitas, Mount Soledad, Penasquitos Canyon, Del Mar Heights, Iron Mountain, canyons of Mission Valley, Jamul Valley, and Otay Mountain (Beauchamp 1986). Several individuals of summer-holly was observed scattered within the southern maritime chaparral habitat. Owing to the steep topography and dense vegetation, access to the general area is poor. Consequently, a few other individuals of this species may be present in the general area and were undetected. This species was not mapped but approximately 10 individuals are present within the vegetation community. Q.uercus 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 and is a major component of the 0.3 acre patch of scrub oak chaparral. An 12 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property estimate of the number of individuals was not made; it is likely that more individuals are present within the dense vegetation. Ceanothus verrucosus - wart-stemmed ceanothus USFWS: former Category 2 candidate CDFG: None CNPS: List 2, 1-2-1 Wart-stemmed ceanothus is an erect, stiff-branched, rounded, evergreen shrub, 1.0-3.0 m tall, that occurs on dry hills and mesas in southern maritime and mixed chaparral habitats below 300 m in coastal western San Diego County and adjacent Baja California, Mexico. It is an early spring-blooming species, flowering from January to April (Munz 1974). Beauchamp (1986) reports this species from Agua Hedionda, Encinitas, Leucadia, Torrey Pines State Reserve, Kearny Mesa, Lake Hodges, and Point Loma. It also is common in canyons of San Diego proper including Home Avenue and Fairmount. In Baja California wart-stemmed ceanothus ranges from the Pacific coast to the foothills of the Sierra Juarez and Sierra San Pedro Martir (Wiggins 1980). On the DeJong property, wart-stemmed ceanothus is represented by one small population, approximately 5 individuals, in the eastern portion of the property. Due to the density of the vegetation, it is likely that more individuals are present within the southern maritime chaparral. Brodiaea filifolia - thread-leaved brodiaea USFWS: Former Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Endangered Thread-leaved brodiaea is a rare, herbaceous, spring-blooming (May-June) perennial, with few grasslike leaves and violet flowers. It grows in heavy clay soils that form typically in open areas in coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities below about 600 m, primarily in grassland and vernal pool habitats. In San Diego, thread-leaved brodiaea is known from Alta Loma Creek, Vista, Thibodo Ranch, Carlsbad, San Marcos Hills, and Agua Hedionda (Beauchamp 1986). Thread-leaved brodiaea has been recorded on the MHCP mapping of the site (SANDAG, 1996). The location could not be confirmed due to the tune of year of the survey. Additional visits may be required at the appropriate tune of year to document the presence or absence. The current grading design indicates no impact to the recorded location of the species. 13 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property Lotus nuttallianus - Nuttall's lotus USFWS: Former Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: None CNPS: List IB, 3-3-2 Nuttall's lotus is a prostrate, sprawling, annual herb, that blooms from March to June. It is restricted to San Diego County and adjacent Baja California, Mexico, where it occurs in coastal dunes and coastal scrub habitats near the immediate coast. According to Skinner and Pavlik (1994), this species is declining precipitously, and is known from fewer than ten occurrences in California. It is threatened by development, non-native plants, and land management activities. In San Diego County, most populations occur on military lands, including Silver Strand, Imperial Beach, and Camp Pendleton. Nuttall's lotus has been recorded on the MHCP mapping of the site (SANDAG, 1996). The location could not be confirmed due to the time of year of the survey. Additional visits may be required at the appropriate time of year to document the presence or absence. The current grading design indicates no impact to the recorded location of the species. 4.3.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species One animal species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by the USFWS or CDFG was observed onsite: California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californicd). This species is discussed below and locations mapped on Figure 3. No other 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. BIRDS Polioptila californica - California gnatcatcher USFWS: Threatened CDFG: Species of Special Concern The California gnatcatcher is a small gray non-migratory bird with black tail markings. During the breeding season the male has a distinct black cap. Gnatcatchers eat insects and build a small, cup-shaped nest of plant material, animal hair, and spider webs. A pair of gnatcatchers typically forage over 5 to 20 acres during the breeding season and more widely at the end of spring. The present known range of the California gnatcatcher extends from the Palos Verdes Peninsula of Los Angeles County south through Orange, western Riverside, and San Diego counties, into northern Baja California, Mexico. The gnatcatcher is a near obligate resident of coastal sage scrub and inland sage scrub communities. Individuals of this species generally are 14 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property found at elevations below 900 feet in San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties, and below 1600 feet in Riverside County (Atwood 1990). Based on recent resource mapping for subregional management plans (e.g., MSCP, MHCP, Orange County NCCPs), it is estimated that there are 3,000-3,500 pairs in California. Focused surveys were not conducted for the California gnatcatcher. However, a single individual was observed onsite within the small patch of coastal sage scrub within the central portion of the property (Figure 3). The gnatcatcher has been recorded from adjacent property to the west and north (SANDAG, 1994), thus it is not surprising to observe gnatcatchers within the project site even though little suitable habitat is present. During the late summer to fall seasons, gnatcatchers tend to be more nomadic in their habits and the young of the year disperse through whatever habitat is available. Thus the species may be observed in any number of habitats that are atypical for them. Additionally, during the later part of the season when the coastal sage is drier, the gnatcatcher may forage in areas that are moister and that may contain more insect prey. Thus the observation of the California gnatcatcher on the property within a small patch of coastal sage scrub adjacent to a large patch of southern maritime chaparral habitat, a habitat with which they are not typically associated, is not surprising and does not necessarily indicate that they are occupying it for breeding purposes. It is also possible that the quality of coastal sage scrub onsite is high enough for them to use year-round. This cannot be determined without conducting a focused survey during the breeding season according to the USFWS protocol. 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 coastal sage scrub, southern maritime chaparral, scrub oak chaparral, valley needlegrass grassland, and coast live oak woodland. 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 15 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property 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 linkages/wildlife corridor extends from the northwest along the slope, through the site, and continues east with a brief gap of habitat within the City park site until it continues east through extant habitat. The habitat onsite forms a "cul-de-sac" type patch of habitat along the slopes along the area south of Palomar Airport Road. 4.4 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 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. In this context, the DeJong property lies within the City of Carlsbad Focus Planning Area of the MHCP and is within Preserve Planning Area 4 of the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP). The property is located within a Biological Core and Linkage Area that has been designated to receive 50 to 60 percent conservation. The Biological Core and Linkage Area represents the envelope within which a future biological preserve area will be more accurately defined. Core Areas were defined as "concentrations of sensitive biological resources whose loss could not be mitigated elsewhere." The most important biological features of the DeJong property are the patches of southern maritime chaparral, coastal sage scrub and live oak woodland habitats located within the canyon in the central/eastern portion of the site. 16 I ™ Biology Report for the DeJong Property • 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. J 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, I 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. • - Substantial interference with the movement of any resident or migratory fish or wildlife species is considered a significant impact. • - Substantial reduction of habitat for fish, wildlife, or plants is considered a significant impact. • 5.2 IMPACTS TO PLANT COMMUNITIES • Direct Impacts Implementation of the proposed project would result in the direct loss of 13.0 acres (see Table I 2), including impacts to the following habitat types: _ —0.0 acre of coastal sage scrub ~ less than significant 0.7 acres of southern maritime chaparral — significant • — 0.8 acre of annual non-native grassland — less than significant M — 11.5 acres of agriculture land — less than significant I I Vegetation Types: | CSS Coastal Sage Scrub | SMC Southern Maritime Chaparral | SOC Scrub Oak Chaparral | LOW Coast Live Oak Woodland | VGL Valley Needlegrass Grassland | AGL Annual Non-native Grassland | AGR Agriculture | DH | Disturbed Habitat NOTE: A lower case vd'In front of a vegetation type Indicates that it is disturbed. BASE TOPO SOURCE: Hunsaker & Associates, 1997 Sensitive Plant Species: Ag Arctostaphylos glandulosavai. crassifolia CM Ceanothus verrucosus NOTE: Numbers indicate individual plant counts at that location. Sensitive Animal Species: CAGN California gnatcatcher ,- Proposed Limits of Grading 200 Scale in Feet DeJong Property • Biological Resources Map & Impact Analysis Biological Resources Map With Proposed Limits of Grading I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property TABLE 2 IMPACT AND OPEN SPACE ACREAGE FOR THE DEJONG PROPERTY Direct Impact Open Space Coastal Sage Scrub disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub Southern Maritime Chaparral disturbed Southern Maritime Chaparral Scrub Oak Chaparral Valley Needlegrass Grassland Coast Live Oak Woodland Annual Non-native Grassland Agriculture Disturbed Habitat TOTAL 0.0 acre 0.0 acre 0.7 acre 0.0 acre 0.0 acre 0.0 acre 0.0 acre 0.8 acre 11.5 acres 0.0 acre 13.0 acres 2.9 acres 1.2 acres 9.8 acres 0.1 acre 0.3 acre 0.1 acre 2.3 acres 2.1 acres 1.6 acres 0.1 acre 20.4 acres In general, the proposed plan results in the preservation of 20.4 acres (61 percent), 16.7 acres of which are native habitats, in natural open space, including 100 percent of coast live oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, disturbed coastal sage scrub, disturbed southern maritime chaparral, scrub oak chaparral, valley needlegrass grassland, and 93 percent (9.8 acres) of southern maritime chaparral. The location and configuration of the open space land is conducive to the long-term viability - it is a single, large, concentrated block of habitat linked with off site natural habitat. 19 I Biology Report for the DeJong Property Indirect Impacts • Indirect impacts from the proposed development include the following: I — Reduction in carrying capacity of adjacent native habitats as a result of noise and lighting associated with development. I - 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 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 I than significant. Nonetheless certain measures should be implemented to inhibit additional indirect impacts. These are discussed below under mitigation. I 5.3 IMPACTS TO SENSITIVE PLANTS • Direct Impacts Implementation of the proposed project would result in the direct loss of the following sensitive I plant species: — No loss of summer holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolid) - less than significant M™ — No loss of Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa var. crassifolius) - less than significant — No loss of Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosd) - less than significant • — No loss of wart-stemmed ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucosus) ~ less than significant. _ — No impact to the locations of thread-leaved brodiaea or Nuttall's lotus as recorded | by the MHCP. I I I I 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 20 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property 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. The California gnatcatcher observed onsite within the canyon was located within the proposed large block of open space. If the bird is resident within the property, there is adequate habitat to support it. There will be no impact to its preferred habitat, coastal sage scrub. Because of the time of year that the survey took place (late summer), it is likely that the birds were dispersing or roaming within the vicinity. Coastal sage scrub habitat is located nearby both to the north and west and gnatcatcher locations have been recorded nearby (SANDAG, 1994). No impacts are expected to occur to the California gnatcatcher. Indirect Impacts Indirect impacts may result in the reduction of the carrying capacity of the native habitats, however, the patch of habitat onsite is connected to additional habitat off site. These indirect impacts are considered less than significant. 5.5 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS The following impacts associated with implementation of the proposed development plan are considered significant: a) Loss of 0.^ acre of southern maritime chaparral. 6.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES The mitigation measures presented below are based on the analysis outlined above. The only impact that requires mitigation is the loss of southern maritime chaparral. 6.1 SUBREGIONAL PLANNING CONTEXT In a regional context, the sensitive biological resources present of the DeJong property are regionally important due to the limited distribution of southern maritime chaparral, coast live oak woodland, valley needlegrass grassland, and coastal sage scrub habitats and the connectivity of the habitat onsite with additional habitat offsite. Although the project results in the loss of 0)8 acre of southern maritime chaparral, the project contributes to the preservation of resources <T 21 I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the DeJong Property and the ultimate development of the subregional preserve system by contributing to open space, a total of 20.4 acres of predominantly native habitats including southern maritime chaparral, coast live oak woodland, valley needlegrass grassland, and coastal sage scrub habitats, and a number of individuals of Del Mar manzanita, wart-stemmed ceanothus, summer holly, Nuttall's scrub oak, as well as a potentially resident California gnatcatcher. Such contributions reduce the financial burden associated with land acquisition which represents the greatest barrier to successful implementation of subregional biological resource preserve systems. The DeJong property is located within Preserve Planning Area 4 of the Carlsbad HMP which has been designated for 50 to 60 percent preservation by the MHCP and is subject to the project- level conservation requirements outlined within the Carlsbad HMP. On a overall project-level basis, the property is proposed to receive 61 percent preservation, with the native habitats onsite proposed to receive approximately 97 percent preservation, which far exceeds the goals set by the MHCP. The proposed project meets the project-level conservation requirements outlined by the Carlsbad HMP: the project does not preclude the functioning of preserve linkages due to the preserve design; over 50 percent of the southern maritime chaparral is preserved; there is no net loss of the coast live oak riparian forest habitat, coastal sage scrub, valley needlegrass grassland; the project has been designed to avoid and minimize impacts to sensitive habitats and species. Thus, the proposed project is consistent with the Carlsbad HMP. 6.2 MITIGATION MEASURES The project design mitigates direct impacts to southern maritime chaparral and the sensitive plant species that occur within this habitat. Included in the project design is the granting of an open space easement over 93 percent (9.8 acres) of the southern maritime chaparral on the DeJong property. This is greater than the 2:1 mitigation ratio that is typically required by the resource agencies for the impact of southern maritime chaparral. The open space easement also includes the preservation of 100 percent of the Del Mar manzanita, wart-stemmed ceanothus, summer holly, Nuttall's scrub oak, and California gnatcatcher occurring onsite. 7.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This report was prepared by DUDEK biologist Anita M. Hayworth, 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. 22 I ™ Biology Report for the DeJong Property • 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 106:532-538. Atwood, J. L. 1990. Status review of the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila California*). _ Unpublished technical report, Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, Massachusetts. 79 I PP- I Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater Press, National City, California. 241 pp. i i i 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. I I I Bury, B. 1971. Status report on California's threatened amphibians and reptiles. California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Administrative Report #72-2. I 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. P 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 I Avifauna 27: 1-608. Hickman, J. C. 1993. The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley. 1400 pp. 23 I Biology Report for the DeJong Property I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 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. 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. 24 I Biology Report for the DeJong Property 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 I 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 I and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal Candidate Review for Listing as Endangered I I I I I I I I I I or Threatened Species, Proposed Rule. 50 CFR Part 17. Department of the Interior. 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. I I 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. I Willet, G. 1933. Revised list of birds of southwestern California. Pacific Coast Avifauna 21:1-204. 25 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 FTLICALES PITYROGRAMMA - BRAKE FAMILY Pentagramma triangularis - goldenback fern 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 Lomatium utriculatum - common lomatium ASTERACEAE - SUNFLOWER FAMILY Ambrosia psilostachya - western ragweed Artemisia californica - coastal sagebrush Baccharis pilularis - coyotebush Baccharis salicifolia - mule fat * Carduus pycnocephalus - Italian thistle * Centaurea melitensis - tocalote Encelia californica - California bush sunflower Gutierrezia sarothrae - broom snake-weed Hazardia squarrosus - saw-toothed goldenbush Hemizonia fasciculata - fascicled tarweed Heterotheca grandiflora - telegraph weed Isocoma menziesii - coastal goldenbush * Lactuca serriola - prickly lettuce Stephanomeria virgata - twiggy wreathplant Xanthium spinosum - spiny cocklebur Xanthium strumarium - cocklebur BORAGINACEAE - BORAGE FAMILY Heliotropium curassavicum - wild heliotrope I • APPENDIX A (continued) I BRASSICACEAE - MUSTARD FAMILY • * Brassica nigra - black mustard * Raphanus sativus - wild radish | CACTACEAE - CACTUS FAMILY Opuntia littoralis - coast prickly-pear | CAPRIFOLIACEAE - HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY Sambucus mexicanus - Mexican elderberry I CHENOPODIACEAE - GOOSEFOOT FAMILY * Chenopodium ambrosioides - Mexican tea | CISTACEAE - ROCK-ROSE FAMILY Helianthemwn scoparium - rush-rose I CONVOLVULACEAE - MORNING-GLORY FAMILY Calystegia macrostegia - morning-glory I CUCURBITACEAE - GOURD FAMILY Marah macrocarpa - manroot • ERICACEAE - HEATH FAMILY Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia - Del Mar Manzanita I Comarostaphylis diversifolia - summer-holly ™ Xylococcus bicolor - mission manzanita I EUPHORBIACEAE - EUPHORB FAMILY * Euphorbia lathyris - Caper spurge _ * Ricinus communis - castor-bean • FABACEAE - PEA FAMILY ^ Lotus scoparius - deerweed FAGACEAE - OAK FAMILY I Quercus dumosa - Nuttall's scrub oak Quercus agrifolia - coast live oak I I I GROSSULARIACEAE - CURRANT FAMILY Ribes speciosum - fuschia-flowered gooseberry HYDROPHYLLACEAE - WATERLEAF FAMILY Eriodictyon crassifoliutn - thick-leaved yerba santa I " APPENDIX A (continued) I LAMIACEAE - MINT FAMILY • Salvia mellifera - black sage MALVACEAE - MALLOW FAMILY I Malacothamnus fasciculatus - bush mallow • POLYGONACEAE - BUCKWHEAT FAMILY | Eriogonum fasciculatum - flat-top buckwheat * Rumex crispus - curly dock I RHAMNACEAE - BUCKTHORN FAMILY Rhamnus crocea - redberry I ROSACEAE - ROSE FAMILY Adenostoma fasciculata - chamise • Heteromeles arbutifolia - toyon RUBIACEAE - MADDER FAMILY • Galium nuttallii - Nuttall's bedstraw SALICACEAE - WILLOW FAMILY I Salix lasiolepis - arroyo willow SAURURACEAE - LIZARD-TAIL FAMILY I Anemopsis californica - yerba mansa SCROPHULARIACEAE - FIGWORT FAMILY • Cordylanthus rigidus - dark-tipped bird's beak Mimulus aurantiacus - bush monkeyflower | SOLANACEAE - NIGHTSHADE FAMILY * Nicotiana glauca - tree tobacco ANGIOSPERMAE (MONOCOTYLEDONES) I LILIACEAE - LILY FAMILY Chlorogalum parviflorum ~ small-flowered soap-plant • Yucca schidigera - Mojave yucca POACEAE - GRASS FAMILY I * Arundo donax - giant reed * Avena barbata - slender wild oat I I " APPENDIX A (continued) I * Bromus madritensis var. rubens - red brome • * Cortaderia selloana - pampas grass Nassella lepida - foothill stipa * Polypogon monspeliensis - rabbit's foot grass J * 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 VERTEBRATES REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS I IGUANIDAE - IGUANID LIZARDS Scleroporus occidentalis - Great Basin fence lizard • Uta stansburiana - side-blotched lizard • BIRDS I PHASIANIDAE - PHEASANTS & QUAILS Callipepla californica - California quail I COLUMBIDAE - PIGEONS & DOVES Zenaida macroura - mourning dove • TROCHILIDAE - HUMMINGBIRDS • Calypte anna - Anna's hummingbird • PICIDAE - WOODPECKERS ™ Picoides nuttallii - Nuttall's woodpecker I TYRANNIDAE - TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Sayornis nigricans - black phoebe — Tyrannus verticalis - western kingbird • CORVIDAE - JAYS & CROWS I Aphelocoma coerulescens - scrub jay Corvus corax - common raven Corvus brachyrhynchos - American crow § AEGITHALIDAE - BUSHTITS Psaltriparus minimus - bushtit I TROGLODYTIDAE - WRENS Thryomanes bewickii - Bewick's wren I I I • APPENDIX B (continued) I MUSCICAPIDAE - KINGLETS, GNATCATCHERS, THRUSHES & BABBLERS I Polioptila californica - California gnatcatcher Chamaea fasciata - wrentit I MIMIDAE - THRASHERS Toxostoma redivivum - California thrasher _ Mimus polyglottos - northern mockingbird EMBERIZIDAE - WOOD WARBLERS, TANAGERS, BUNTINGS & BLACKBIRDS I Pipilo erythrophthalmus - rufous-sided towhee Pipilo crissalis - California towhee I FRINGILLIDAE - FINCHES Carpodacus mexicanus - house finch Carduelis psaltria - lesser goldfinch I MAMMALS I LEPORIDAE - HARES & RABBITS Sylvilagus sp. - cottontail rabbit • SCIURIDAE - SQUIRRELS Spermophilus beecheyi - California ground squirrel • CANIDAE - WOLVES & FOXES Canis latrans - coyote I I I I I I I • APPENDIX C • SPECffiS SENSITIVITY CATEGORIES I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 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. Former 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). APPENDIX C (continued) I • APPENDIX C I 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. I 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. | Former 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 I 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. I Subcategory 3B: Taxa whose names do not meet the Endangered Species Act's legal definition of species. I Subcategory 3C: Taxa now considered to be more widespread that originally ™ thought. I 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) I 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 I 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 I I APPENDIX C 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