HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP 12-01; Vista La Costa Apartments; Site Development Plan (SDP) (6)RECEIVED
MAR 0 8 im
CITY OF CARLSBAD
PLANNING DIVISION
BIOLOGICAL TECHNICAL REPORT FOR
VISTA LA COSTA
Carlsbad, Califomia
Preparedfor:
Brian Merritt
Diversified Development
24335 Prielipp Road, Suite 112
Wildomar, CA 92595
Prepared by:
REC
Consultants, Inc.
2442 Second Avenue
San Diego, Califomia 92101
(619) 232-9200
iXJjJL>
March 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Project Description and Location 1
1.2 Physical Characteristics 1
1.3 Onsite and Surrounding Land Uses 1
2.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS 2
3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS 2
3.1 Habitats 2
3.2 Wildhfe 3
4.0 SENSITIVE RESOURCES 3
4.1 Sensitive Habitats 3
4.2 Sensitive Plants 3
4.3 Sensitive Wildlife 4
5.0 CITY OF CARLSBAD, STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATORY
REQUIREMENTS 4
5.1 City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan 4
5.2 Fire Management 4
5.3 Erosion Control 5
6.0 PROJECT IMPACTS 5
6.1 Direct Impacts 6
6.1.1 S ensitive Habitats 6
6.1.2 Sensitive Plants 7
6.1.3 Sensitive Wildhfe 7
6.2 Indirect Impacts 7
6.2.1 Sensitive Plants 7
6.2.2 Sensitive Wildlife 7
6.3 Cumulative Impacts 7
7.0 PROPOSED MITIGATION 7
7.1 Sensitive Habitats 7
7.2 Sensitive Species 8
7.3 General Mitigation 8
8.0 REFERENCES 8
FIGURES
Figure 1 - Regional Location
Figure 2 - Site Location
Figure 3 - Biological Resources Onsite
Figure 4 - Impact Map
APPENDICES
Appendix A - Plant Species Observed Onsite
Appendix B - Animal Species Observed Onsite
Appendix C - Sensitive Plant Species with the Potential to Occur Onsite
Appendix D - Sensitive Animal Species with the Potential to Occur Onsite
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LO INTRODUCTION
The following report summarizes the existing biological resources of the proposed 0.88
acre Vista La Costa project site, impacts to the site based on the proposed grading plan
and required mitigation measures. The proposed project site is located in the City of
Carlsbad, within San Diego County. Assessor's Parcel Numbers for this site are 216-
290-20, 216-290-21 and 216-290-47. The site is within the City of Carisbad's Multiple
Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) Subarea Plan boundary. It is located outside of
the Coastal Zone and is within the Standards Area or Local Facilities Management Zone
Number 6.
1.1 Project Description and Location
The project proposes to build a 19 apartment units and associated infrastructure including
driveways, guest parking, a pool complex, walkways and landscaped areas. Three
buildings are proposed onsite. Building 1, near the center of the project site, is a three
story apartment building containing nine units with parking below. Building 3, a two
story building with four units and parking below, is located near the frontage with
Gibraltar Sfreet. To the northwest of Building 3, Building 2 is a three story building
containing six units with parking below. A pool and spa are located in the northernmost
extent of the property.
The project is located on Gibraltar Sfreet in the City of Carlsbad, within San Diego
County (Figure 1). The proposed project is east of El Camino Real and south of La Costa
Resort golf course. The site is surrounded by multi-family residential development in the
form of apartments and condominium complexes. The La Costa Country Club golf
course botmds the projects site to the north and northwest.
The site is located on the Rancho Santa Fe USGS 7.5' Quad in Township 12 South,
Range 4 West (Figure 2).
1.2 Physical Characteristics
Topography onsite is mostly level and ranges from 42 feet above mean sea level (AMSL)
in the northeastern comer of the site to 72 feet AMSL in the far southwestem comer. The
project site has been disturbed in the past and graded. Three soil types are present onsite:
Altamont clay 15-30% slopes, eroded (AtE2), Corralitos loamy sand 0 to 5% slopes
(CsB), and Salinas clay loam 2 to 9% slopes (SbC) (Bowman 1973). The majority of the
project is underlain by Altamont clay 15-30% slopes eroded.
1.3 Onsite and Surrounding Land Uses
The project site is graded, vacant and undeveloped (disturbed). Surrounding land uses
consist of multi-family residential development. The property is located between
apartment buildings to the west and condominiums to the east. Apartment buildings are
March 2012 ^ Vista La Costa
REC Consultants, Inc. Biological Technical Report
located across Gibraltar Street to the south. The La Costa Country Club Golf Course
bounds the project site to the north, northeast and northwest.
2.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS
On February 16, 2012 REC Consultants, Inc. (REC) biologist, Ron Rizo, conducted a
biological survey to confirm the habitats and wildlife use onsite. Field notes were
maintained throughout the survey and all observed plant and animal species were
documented. Habitats, sensitive plants, and sensitive animal locations were mapped on a
100-scale aerial map.
Nomenclature for animal species in this report follows American Ornithological Union
(AOU 2008) for birds, Stebbins (2003) for reptiles and amphibians, SDNHM (1997) for
mammals, and Powell (1979) for insects. Scientific nomenclature for plants follows the
Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of Califomia (Hickman 1996) as updated by Simpson &
Rebman(2001).
A limiting factor in survey methodology is the time of day and year during which the
survey was conducted. Some species can only be seen only during certain times of the
day or year. Since the survey was conducted in spring and in the middle of the day, some
plants and animals may not have been observed.
3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS
The following discussion summarizes the existing biological resources on the proposed
project site. This section includes discussion of habitats, wildlife, and sensitive resources
onsite.
3.1 Habitats
The project site currently supports one habitat type: disturbed (Figure 3). A complete list
of plant species observed onsite is attached as Appendix A.
Disturbed. 0.88 acre
Disturbed habitat tj^ically includes areas that have experienced some form of man-made
disturbance in the past. Disturbed habitat is dominated by at least 50% cover of invasive
broad-leaved non-native plant species. Minor amounts of other species including non-
native annual grasses can also be present within this habitat. The disturbed habitat onsite
contains various non-native species including black mustard (Brassica nigra), iceplant
(Carpobrotus edulis), wild oats (Avena fatua) and Russian thistle (Salsola tragus).
Two large omamental street trees, an ash species (Fraxius spp.), overhang the property
along its southem-most extent adjacent to the existing sidewalk. Omamental species,
such as iceplant (Carpobrotus edulis) have encroached from the apartment buildings to
the southwest of the site. To the northwest of the project site, there is a large area
March 2012 2 Vista La Costa
REC Consultants, hic. Biological Technical Report
dominated by fermel (Foeniculum vulgare). In the northwest-most extent of the property,
a large, scrabby acacia (Acacia cyclops), a coastal sagebmsh (Artemisia californica) bush
and two large native shmbs, lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia) and laurel sumac
(Malosma laurina) have encroached onto the project site. There is no observable
understory in these areas and despite the presence of a few native shmbs, the habitat
would still be considered disturbed. Approximately 0.88 acre of disturbed habitat occurs
onsite.
3,2 WildUfe
Wildlife species were identified directly by sight or vocalization and indirectly by scat,
tracks, or burrows. Four bird species, nine insect species, and two mammal species were
documented onsite. A complete list of wildlife species observed onsite is attached as
Appendix B.
4.0 SENSITIVE RESOURCES
Sensitive or special interest plant and wildlife species and habitats are those, which are
considered rare, threatened, or endangered within the state or region by local, state, or
federal resource conservation agencies. Sensitive habitats, as identified by these same
groups, are those, which generally support plant or wildlife species considered sensitive
by these resource protection agencies. Sensitive species and habitats are so called
because of their limited distribution, restricted habitat requirements, particular
susceptibility to human disturbance, degradation due to development, invasion by non-
native species, or a combination of all of these factors. Sources used for the
detemiination of sensitive biological resources include: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS 2010); CaUfomia Department of Fish and Game (CDFG 2012); Califomia
Native Plant Society (CNPS 2011), and City of Carisbad HMP (City of Carlsbad 2004).
No sensitive habitats are present onsite. No sensitive animal species were observed or
heard onsite.
4.1 Sensitive Habitats
The City of Carlsbad HMP Subarea Plan protects sensitive habitats. Sensitive habitats
are considered rare in the region, support sensitive plants or animals, or receive
regulatory protection. As indicated above, no sensitive habitats are present onsite.
4.2 Sensitive Plants
Sensitive plants include those listed by the USFWS (2010), CDFG (2012), and CNPS
(2011). The CNPS listing is sanctioned by the Califomia Department of Fish and Game
and essentially serves as its list of "candidate" species for listing. The City of Carlsbad
HMP stipulates that the City regulate populations of certain sensitive plants and animals
within the boundaries of the HMP. This Plan allows the City to authorize the incidental
take of covered state and federally listed species, as designated within the plan.
March 2012 3 Vista La Costa
REC Consultants, Inc. Biological Technical Report
No sensitive plant species were observed onsite. Sensitive plant species with the potential
to occur onsite are discussed in Appendix C. No narrow endemic plant species have a
high potential to occur onsite.
4.3 Sensitive Wildlife
Sensitive animal species include those species Hsted by USFWS (2010), CDFG (2012),
and candidates for listing. The City Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan stipulates that
the City regulate populations of certain sensitive animals within the boundaries
circumscribed in the Plan. The Plan allows the City to authorize incidental take of
covered state and federally listed species, as designated within the Plan, in accordance
with the guidelines contained within the Plan.
No sensitive wildlife were observed onsite or in the adjacent areas. Sensitive animals
with the potential to occur onsite are listed in Appendix D. No narrow endemic wildlife
species have a high potential to occur onsite.
5.0 CITY OF CARLSBAD, STATE and FEDERAL REGULATORY
REQUIREMENTS
5.1 City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan
The City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan addresses issues pertaining to the
conservation of natural biotic communities including sensitive plant and wildlife species,
and to accommodate compatible land use. This Subarea Plan is the City's response to
USFWS and CDFG (Wildlife Agencies) requirements issued according to the state
Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the NCCP of 1992. The Subarea Plan is the
implementing agreement between the City of San Marcos and the Wildlife Agencies that
remains consistent with Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (MHCP) standards (City of
Carisbad 2004). 1
Additional species receive federal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and
Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Animals. In this case, project
grading should be planned outside ofthe nesting bird season from Febmary 1-September
15.
5.2 Fire Management
Fire management must accomplish two objectives in the City of Carlsbad. These goals
are the achievement of biological resources goals and hazard reduction for humans and
property. "Fire management for human safety is one of the City's highest priorities." This
shall be accomplished in a manner that both ensures human safety and the conservation
of biological resources.
March 2012 4 Vista U Costa
REC Consultants, Inc. Biological Technical Report
The apartment buildings are proposed to be fire-sprinklered. Landscaping for the Vista
La Costa project consists primarily of drought tolerant plants. A fire management plan
may be required by the local fire authorities before project implementation.
5.3 Erosion Control
"Erosion is promoted by the combination of erodable soils, steep slopes, soils with low
water-holding capacities, sparse to no vegetation, and hydrologic conditions. Erosion can
be aggravated by human disturbance and fire-control activities. Erosion hazards to
biological resources include pollution and sedimentation of important water sources and
the loss of vegetative cover from landslides. Management activities include:
• Identifying areas in need of erosion control, determining the cause of the erosion
and ranking the effect of the erosion on the biological resources within the
preserve.
• Developing an erosion control plan.
e Addressing slope stabilization and surface drainage."
This site is relatively flat. Erosion control, slope stabilization and surface drainage issues
are not anticipated.
Topical erosion control measures should be incorporated into project implementation.
Some recommended measures include use of silt fencing and sfraw wattles. This will
help ensure that runoff does not carry silt offsite and will help maintain the integrity of
the site. A bioswale is proposed to confrol onsite surface flows and erosion.
6.0 PROJECT IMPACTS
Impacts on biological resources can be categorized as direct, indirect, or cumulative.
Direct impacts are a result of project implementation, and generally include: the loss of
vegetation and sensitive habitats and populations; the infroduction of non-native species
which may out-compete and displace native vegetation; activity-related to mortalities of
wildlife; loss of foraging, nesting or burrowing habitat; destmction of breeding habitats;
and fragmentation of wildlife corridors. Indirect impacts occur as a result of the increase
in human encroachment in the natural environment and include: off-road vehicle use
which impacts sensitive plant or animal species; harassment and or collection of wildlife
species; intmsion and wildlife mortality by pets in open space areas following residential
development; and inadvertent increased wildlife mortalities along roads. Cumulative
impacts occur as a result of on-going direct and indirect impacts for unrelated or
fragmented projects overall. Cumulative impacts are assessed on a regional basis and
determined the overall effect of numerous activities on a sensitive resource over a larger
area.
Per CEQA, there are three levels of adverse impacts associated with biological resources:
significant, locally important, and not significant. Each of these levels of impacts is
defined below (Nelson 1981).
March 2012 5 Vista La Costa
REC Consultants, Inc. Biological Technical Report
Significant impacts would result if the project would affect regionally important or
unique species or habitat that are susceptible to sfresses or changes. These resources
include federal or state-listed species, or thek habitat; biotic communities, vegetation
associations, and habitats of plant and animal species that are highly restricted on a
regional basis; habitat that serves as a concenfrated breeding, feeding, resting, or
migrating ground and is limited in availability; biotic resources of scientific interest
because they are at the exfreme of either their physical or geographical limits or represent
an unusual variation in a population or community; and areas that serve as habitats to
regional plant wildlife and game populations and fisheries.
Significant impacts may also occur if the activities of the proposed project would affect
federal or state candidate species, regionally sensitive species, or species of special
concem. The determination of significance is dependent upon the extent of impact with
respect to the regional distribution of the resource.
Locally important impacts may occur on resources that support the functioning and
integrity of adjacent areas of high significance. These resources include habitats that are
key to the maintenance of localized plant and animal populations even if not significant
on a regional basis; areas that act to buffer and protect resources of high significance; and
corridors of zones that serve to link areas of high significance and facilitate thefr
ecological interactions.
Impacts that would not be considered significant include activities that may affect natural
resources but would not change or sfress the biological resources in the region. These
areas include commonly occurring habitats and areas where biological resources have
been previously removed or significantly altered. However, it should be noted, that
common habitats may take on increased importance where they function as buffer zones
to sensitive habitats or as wildlife corridors.
6.1 Direct Impacts
The constmction of 19 apartment units and associated infrastmcture including driveways,
parking, a pool complex and landscaped areas will impact 0.88 acre of disturbed habitat
onsite. Frontage improvements associated with the entry driveway and handicap access
to the site result in offsite impacts to 0.02 acre of disturbed habitat and 0.01 acre of
developed land. An additional offsite impact results to the north and northwest of the
project due to slope modification. Approximately 0.01 acre of disturbed habitat and 0.10
acre of developed land are impacted in this area. See Figure 4. This slope area will be
revegetated with low-growing, low-fuel native plant species.
The existing two sfreet frees (ash species) will be removed and replaced with other trees,
shmbs and groundcover as part of an overall landscape plan for the project. Please see
landscape plans for a complete species palette and planting plan.
March 2012 g Vista La Costa
REC Consultants, Inc. Biological Teclmical Report
6.1.1 Sensitive Habitats
No sensitive habitats occur onsite. The habitat type onsite is disturbed; therefore, no
mitigation is required.
6.1.2 Sensitive Plants
No sensitive plants were identified onsite. Therefore, no plant-specific mitigation is
required.
6.1.3 Sensitive Wildlife
No sensitive wildlife species were identified onsite. Therefore, no wildlife-specific
mitigation is required.
6.2 Indirect Impacts
Indirect impacts would result from the changes in land use adjacent to natural habitats
and primarily result form adverse edge effects. Short-term impacts would be related to
constmction activities.
6.2.1 Sensitive Plants
No sensitive plants were identified onsite. Therefore, no indfrect impacts to sensitive
plants are expected.
6.2.2 Sensitive Wildlife
No sensitive wildlife species were identified onsite. Therefore, no indirect impacts to
sensitive wildhfe are expected.
6.3 Cumulative Impacts
The proposed project will result in the loss of 0.88 acre of onsite disturbed habitat.
Offsite impacts to disturbed habitat and developed land total 0.14 acre along the frontage
and northem boundary of the project site. The property is surrounded by existing multi-
family residential developments and the La Costa Coimtry Club Golf Course. Due to the
infill nature of this project, cumulative impacts are not significant.
7.0 PROPOSED MITIGATION
No mitigation is required for impacts to disturbed habitat.
7.1 Sensitive Habitats
No sensitive habitats occur onsite; therefore no mitigation is proposed.
March 2012 7 Vista La Costa
REC Consultants, Inc. Biological Technical Report
7.2 Sensitive Species
Sensitive Plants
No sensitive plant species were observed onsite; therefore no mitigation is proposed.
Sensitive Wildlife
No sensitive wildlife species were observed onsite; therefore no mitigation is proposed.
7.3 General Mitigation
The following general mitigation measures shall be applied to the project to protect the
resources during constmction:
1. No trash, oil, parking, or other constmction related activities are to be allowed
outside the grading limits.
2. Along the northern-most boundary of the project, the limits of grading should be
temporarily fenced.
8.0 REFERENCES
AOU. 2008. American Ornithologists' Union. 49th Supplement to the to the American
Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American Birds, as published in The
Auk 125: 758-768.
Barbour, M. G. and J. Major, ed. 1988. Terrestrial Vegetation of Califomia. Califomia
Native Plant Society.
Bowman, R. H. 1973. Soil Survey, San Diego Area, California. United States
Department of Agriculture. 104 pp. + appendices.
CDFG. Califomia Department of Fish and Game. 2012. "State and Federally Listed
Endangered & Threatened Animals of Califomia. State of Califomia Natixral
Resources Agency, Biogeographic Data Branch, Califomia Natural Diversity
Database. Sacramento. February 2012.
CDFG. Califomia Department of Fish and Game. 2011. "State and Federally Listed
Endangered & Threatened and Rare Plants of Califomia. State of Califomia Natural
Resources Agency, Biogeographic Data Branch, Califomia Natural Diversity
Database. Sacramento. April 2011.
City of Carlsbad. 2004. Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of
Carlsbad. November 2004.
March 2012 g Vista La Costa
REC Consultants, Inc. Biological Technical Report
CNPS. CaHfomia Native Plant Society. 2011. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants
of Califomia (electronic version). Rare Plant Scientific Advisory Committee, David
P. Tibor, convening editor. Sacramento, CA. http://www.rareplants.cnps.org.
Hickman, J. C, ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual Higher Plants of Califomia. University of
Califomia Press, Berkeley.
Holland, R. F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of
Califomia. Non-game Heritage Program, State of Califomia Department of Fish and
Game, Sacramento.
Jennings, M. R. 1983. An Annotated Checklist of the Amphibians and Reptiles of
Southem CaHfomia. CaHfomia Department of Fish and Game 69(3):151-171.
Jones, J.K., ET AL. 1992. Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of
Mexico, 1991. Occasional Papers The Museum Texas Tech. University. Number
146. Febmary 7,1992.
Oberbauer, T. 1996. Terrestrial Communities in San Diego County Based on Holland's
Descriptions. San Diego Association of Govemments, San Diego, CA.
PoweU, J.A., CL. Hogue. 1979. Califomia Insects. University of Califomia Press,
Berkeley.
Reiser, C. H. 2001. Rare Plants of San Diego County, (online publication through
Sierra Club)
Schoenherr, A. G., 1992. A Natural History of CaHfomia. University of Califomia
Press: Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. 772 pp.
Simpson, M.G. and J. P. Rebman, 2001. Checklist of the Vascular Plants of San Diego
County. Third Edition. SDSU Herbarium Press: San Diego, CA.
Skinner, M.W., and B.M. Pavlick, eds. 2001. Inventory of Rare and Endangered
Vascular Plants of California. Califomia Native Plant Special Publication No. 1
(Sixth Edition). Sacramento, CA. Vi + 338 pp.
Stebbins, R. C. 2003. Field Guide to Westem Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton
Mifflin Co., Boston.
Unitt, P. 2004. San Diego Countv Bird Aflas. San Diego Society of Natural History, San
Diego Natural History Museum and Ibis Publishing Company.
USFWS. 2010. Threatened and Endangered Species System Listings by State and
Territory. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: online publication, December 2010.
March 2012 g Vista La Costa
REC Consultants, Inc. Biological Technical Report
FIGURES
I
RF/C Regional Location Map 0 3 6 il
Consultants, Inc. VISTA LA COSTA Source: SANGIS GIS Data, 2011. March 2012
r~"l Project Site
llmKII Vicinity Map 0 1,000 2,000
HI
12 Consultants, lnc.{ VISTA LA COSTA Source; CASIL Quadrangle Mosaic, 2011. Match 2012
REC Habitat Map 25 50
:Feet
Consultants, Int.l VISTALACOSTA Aenal Source: Google, 2010. March 2012
\
r,05^V
DEV
DEV
ORNAMENTAL
TREE TO BE
REMOVED
«(«l^
DEV
ORNAMENTAL
TREE TO BE-^ 'V'*''
REMOVED I**
\
Legend
Project Boundary
Limits of Grading
100-ft Survey Buffer
Habitats
Disturbed
DEV I Developed
REC Habitat Impacts Map ™ 1 Fppt REC Habitat Impacts Map 0 25 50 WSPi i4 Consultants, lnc.| VISTA LA COSTA Aenal Source: Google, 2010. March 2012
APPENDIX A
PLANTS OBSERVED ON THE VISTA LA COSTA SITE
•mi APPENDIX A
<M PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED ON VISTA LA COSTA PROPERTY
Name Common Name Family Habitat Observed
..^ Acacia cyclops* red eye acacia Fabaceae DIS
>MK Artemisia californica coastal sagebmsh Asteraceae DIS
Avena fatua* wild oat Poaceae DIS
Brassica nigra* black mustard Brassicaceae DIS
Bromus diandrus* ripgut grass Poaceae DIS
Bromus hordeaceus* soft chess Poaceae DIS
Bromus madritensis ssp. foxtail chess Poaceae DIS
Carpobrotus edulis* hottentot-fig Aizoaceae DIS
Centaurea melitensis* tocalote Asteraceae DIS
m Cortaderia selloana* pampas grass Poaceae DIS
Eriogonum fasciculatum var.
•m fasciculatum Califomia buckwheat Polygonaceae DIS
Erodium botrys* long-beak filaree, storksbill Geraniaceae DIS
Eucalyptus globulus* eucalyptus Myrtaceae DIS
Foeniculum vulgare* sweet feimel Apiaceae DIS
m Fraxius spp. ash Oleaceae DIS
Malosma laurina laural sumac Anacardiaceae DIS
Marah macrocarpus wild cumcumber Cucurbitaceae DIS
Nandina domes tica* heavenly bamboo Berberidaceae DIS
Nicotiana glauca* free tobacco Styracaceae DIS
m Rhus integrifolia lemonadeberry Anacardiaceae DIS
Rumex conglomeratus curly dock Polygonaceae DIS
m Schinus terebinthifolius* Brazilian pepper free Anacardiaceae DIS
um Silybum marianum blessed milk-thistle Asteraceae DIS
Sonchus oleraceus* common sow-thistle Asteraceae DIS
* Non-native species
DIS= Distiarbed Habitat
March 2012
REC Consultants, Inc. APPENDIX A
Vista La Costa
Biological Technical Report
APPENDIX B
ANIMALS OBSERVED ON THE VISTA LA COSTA SITE
APPENDIX B
Ml ANIMALS OBSERVED ON VISTA LA COSTA PROPERTY
.., Soecies Name Common Name Habitat Observed No. Observed
Invertebrates
Class Gasfropoda snail DIS several
.... Family Acrididae grasshopper DIS few
Family Agelenidae fimnel web weaver spider DIS several
Family Apidae bee DIS several
Family Coccinellidae ladybird beetle DIS several
Family Gryllidae cricket DIS few
Family Muscidae domestic fly DIS several
Order Araneae spider DIS several
Icaricia acmon acmon blue DIS 2
fm Birds
m Aphelocoma californica scmb jay DIS 1
Carpodacus mexicanus house finch DIS several
m Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow DIS several
m Family TrochiUdae hummingbfrd DIS 2
Mammals
Spemophilis sp. ground squirrel DIS 2
m Sylvilagus bachmani bmsh rabbit DIS 1
DIS=Disturbed Habitat
March 2012
REC Consultants, Inc. APPENDIX B
Vista La Costa
Biological Technical Report
APPENDIX C
SENSITIVE PLANTS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR
ON THE VISTA LA COSTA SITE
i I
APPENDIX C
SENSITIVE PLANTS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ON VISTA LA COSTA PROPERTY
(USGS RANCHO SANTA FE OUAD. 25-50 METERS)
Species Name Common Name Family CNPS CAAJS MS
CP
Growth form,
bloom time
Habitat Potential to Occur Onsite
Acanthomintha ilicifolia San Diego thornmint Lamiaceae Ib.l CE/FT Y Aimual herb, Apr-
Jun
Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley &
foothill grassland, vemal pool/clay; 10-
qis m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Adolphia californica spineshrub Rhamnaceae 2.1 Slirub (deciduous),
Dec-May
Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley &
foothill grassland/clay; 45-300 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Agave shawii ssp. shawii Shaw's Agave Agavaceae
[Liliaceae]
2.1 -Y Shrub
(leaf succulent).
Coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub; 10-75
m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Ambrosia pumila San Diego ambrosia Asteraceae Ib.l FE Y Perennial herb,
May-Sep
Chapanal, coastal scrub, valley &
foothill grassland, vemal pools/ often in
di<;tnrhe,H flrp.fl<!- 90-415 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Apfianisrna blitoides Aphanisma Chenopodiaceae lb.2 -Y Annual herb, Mar-
Jun
Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes,
coastal scrub/sandv; 1-305 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp.
crassifolia
Del Mar manzanita Ericaceae Ib.l FE Y Slirub (evergreen),
Dec-Apr
Chaparral (maritime, sandy); 0-365 m Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Astragalus tener var. titi coastal dune milkvetch Fabaceae Ib.l CE/FE Y Annual herb, Mar-
Mav
Coastal bluff scrub (sandy), coastal
dunes, coastal orairie Cmesici: 1-50 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Atriplex pacifica south coast saltbush Chenopodiaceae lb.2 -Annual herb, Mar-
Oct
Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes,
coastal scrub, olavas: 0-100 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Atriplex serenana var.
davidsonii
Davidson's saltbush Chenopodiaceae lb.2 -Annual herb, Apr-
Get
Coastal bluff scrub, coastal
scrub/alkaline; 10-200 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Baccharis vanessae Encinitas baccharis Asteraceae Ib.l CE/FT Y Shrub (deciduous),
Aug-Nov
Chaparral (maritime, sandstone); 60-
720m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Bergerocactus emoryi velvet cactus, golden-
club cactus
Cactaceae 2.2 Shrub (stem
succulent), May-
inn
Closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral,
coastal scrub/sandy; 3-395 m ;
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Brodiaea filifolia thread-leaf Brodiaea Themidaceae
[Liliaceae]
Ib.l CE/FT Y Perennial herb
(bulbiferous). Mar-
Jun
Chaparral (openings), cismontane
woodland, coastal scrub, playas, valley
& foothill grassland, vemal pools/ often
i^loT,- 4(1.1 tn
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Brodiaea orcuttii Orcutt's Brodiaea Themidaceae
[Liliaceae]
Ib.l Y Perennial herb
(bulbiferous). May-
Jul
Closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral,
cismontane woodland, meadows and
seeps, valley & foothill grassland, vemal
pools/ mesic, clay, sometimes
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Camissonia lewisii Lewis's evening-primrose Onagraceae 3 Aimual herb, Mar-
Jun
Coastal bluff scrub, cismontane
woodland, coastal dunes, coastal scrub,
valley & foothill grassland/ sandy or
clay; 0-300 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Ceanothus verrucosus wart-stem-lilac Rhamnaceae 2.2 Y Shrub (evergreen),
Dec-Apr
Chaparral; 1-380 m Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
March 2012
REC Consultants, Inc. APPENDDC C
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Biological Technical Report
t J
Species Name Common Name Family CNPS CA/US MS
CP
Growth form,
bloom time
Habitat Potential to Occur Onsite
Centromadia parryi ssp.
australis
southem tarplant Asteraceae Ib.l Annual herb, May-
Nov
Marshes and swamps (margins), valley
& foothill grassland (vemally mesic),
vemal pools; 0-425 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Centromadia pungens ssp.
laevis
smooth tarplant Asteraceae Ib.l Annual herb, Apr-
Sep
Chenopod scmb, meadows and seeps,
playas, riparian woodland, valley &
foothill praeslanil/ allf alinfi- 0-480 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Chaenactis glabriuscula var.
orcuttiana
Orcutt's pincushion Asteraceae Ib.l -Annual herb, Jan-
Aue
Coastal bluff scmb (sandy), coastal
dunes: 3-100 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Chorizanthe orcuttiana Orcutt's spineflower Polygonaceae Ib.l CE/FE Annual herb, Mar-
May
Chaparral (maritime), closed-cone
coniferous forest, coastal scmb/ sandy
onpninac- 3-19 S m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Chorizanthe polygonoides var.
longispina
knotweed spineflower Polygonaceae lb.2 Annual herb, Apr-
Jul
Chaparral, coastal scmb, meadows &
seeps, valley & foothill grassland/ often
rlav 30-14^0 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Comarostaphylis diversifolia
ssp. diversifolia
summer-holly Ericaceae lb.2 Slirub (evergreen),
Apr-Jun
Chaparral; 30-550 m Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Coreopsis maritima San Diego sea-dahlia Asteraceae 2.2 -Perennial herb,
Mar-Mav
Coastal bluff scrab, coastal scmb; 5-150
m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Corethrogyne filaginifolia var.
incana (now included in
Lessingia filaginifolia var.
San Diego sand aster Asteraceae Ib.l Perennial herb,
Jun-Sep
Chaparral, coastal bluff scmb, coastal
scmb; 3-115 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Corethrogyne filaginifolia var.
linifolia (now included in
Lessingia filaginifolia var.
filaginifolia)
Del Mar Mesa sand aster Asteraceae Ib.l Y Perennial herb,
May-Sep
Coastal bluff scmb, chaparral (maritime,
openings), coastal scmb/sandy; 15-150
m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturi)ed
conditions.
Dudleya blochmaniae Blochman's Dudleya Crassulaceae Ib.l Perennial herb,
Apr-Jun
Coastal bluff scmb, chaparral, coastal
scmb, valley and foothill
grassland/rocky, often clay or
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Dudleya brevifolia short-leaf Dudleya Crassulaceae Ib.l CE Y Perennial herb,
Aor
Chaparral (maritime, openings), coastal
scmb/Torrev sandstone; 30-250 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Dudleya variegata variegated Dudleya Crassulaceae lb.2 Y Perennial herb,
May-Jun
Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal
scmb, valley & foothill grassland, vemal
nnnU/ nlnv 3-550 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Dudleya viscida sticky Dudleya Crassulaceae lb.2 -Y Perennial herb,
Mav-3un
Coastal bluff scrab, chaparral, coastal
scmb/rockv: 10-550 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Ericameria palmeri var. palmeri Palmer's goldenbush Asteraceae 2.2 Y Shrub (evergreen),
Jul-Nov
Chaparral, coastal scmb/ mesic; 30-600
m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Eryngium aristulatum var.
hnoveri
Hoover's button-celery Apiaceae Ib.l -Annual/perennial
herb. Jul
Vemal pools; 3-45 m Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions. No vemal nools onsite.
Eryngium aristulatum var.
parishii
San Diego button-celery Apiaceae Ib.l CE/FE Y Annual/perennial
herb, Apr-Jun
Coastal scmb, vaJley & foothill
grassland, vemal pools/ mesic; 20-620 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions. No vemal pools onsite.
Erysimum ammophilum coast wallflower Brassicaceae lb.2 Perennial herb,
Feb-Jun
Chaparral, Coastal scmb (sandy
oDcninesl coastal dunes; 0-60 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
March 2012
REC Consultants, Inc. APPENDIX C
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Biological Technical Report
t i
Species Name Common Name Family CNPS CA/US MS
CP
Growth form,
bloom time
Habitat Potential to Occur Onsite
Euphorbia misera cliff spurge Euphorbiaceae 2.2 -Shmb, Dec-Aug Coastal bluff scmb, coastal scmb/ rocky;
10-500 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Ferocactus viridescens var.
viridescens
coast barrel cactus Cactaceae 2.1 Y Shmb (stem
succulent), May-
inn
Chaparral, coastal scmb, valley &
foothill grassland, vemal pools; 3-450 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Geothallus tuberosus Cambell's liverwort Sphaerocarpaceae Ib.l -Liverwort
feDhemerall
Coastal scmb (mesic), vemal pools/soil;
10-600 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions. No vemal oools onsite.
Hazardia orcuttii Orcutt's bristleweed Asteraceae Ib.l CT/FS Shmb, July-Sept Coastal sage scmb, chaparral with
chamise comnonent:
Low - habitat does not occur onsite. Closest known
observation is in Encinitas.
Isocoma menziesii var.
decumbens (synonym of /.
menziesii var. menziesii in
decumbent goldenbush Asteraceae lb.2 Shmb, Apr-Nov Chaparral, coastal scmb (sandy, often in
disturbed areas); 10-135 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Iva hayesiana San Diego marsh-elder Asteraceae 2.2 -Perennial herb,
Anr-Seo
Marshes & swamps, playas; 10-500 m Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulteri Coulter's salt-marsh daisy Asteraceae Ib.l -Annual herb, Feb-
Jun
Marshes & swamps (coastal salt), playas,
vemal nools: 1-1220 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Lepidium virginicum var.
robinsonii
Robinson's peppergrass Brassicaceae lb.2 -Annual herb, Jan-
Jul
Chaparral, coastal scmb; 1-500 m Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Monardella viminea San Diego goldenstar Lamiaceae Ib.l CE/FE Perenial herb; Jun-
Aug
Chaparral; coastal scmb; riparian forest;
riparian scmb; riparian woodland; 50-
795m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Mullla clevelandii San Diego goldenstar Themidaceae
[Liliaceae]
Ib.l Y Perennial herb
(bulbiferous). May
Chaparral, coastal scmb, valley &
foothill grassland, vemal pools/ clay; 50-
4fiS m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Myosurus minimus little mousetail Ranunculaceae 3.1 -Annual herb, Mar-
Jun
Valley & foothill grassland, vemal pools
talkalinel: 20-640 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Nama stenocarpum mud Nama Hydrophyllaceae 2.2 -Annual/perennial
herb. Jan-Jul
Marshes & swamps (lake margins,
riverbanlcs'): 5-500 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Navarretia fossalis spreading Navarretia Polemoniaceae Ib.l FT Y Aimual herb, Apr-
Jim
Chenopod scmb, marshes & swamps
(assorted shallow freshwater), playas,
vemal nnnk- 30-nnO m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Nemacaulis denudata var.
denudata
coast wooly-heads Polygonaceae lb.2 -Annual herb, Apr-
Sen
Coastal dunes; 0-100 m Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Opuntia californica var.
californica
snake cholla Cactaceae Ib.l -stem succulent;
Anr-Mav
Chaparral; coastal scmb; 30-150m Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Orcuttia californica Califomia Orcutt grass Poaceae Ib.l CE/FE Y Annual herb, Apr-
AUE
Vemal pools; 15-660 m Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Quercus dumosa Nuttall's scmb oak Fagaceae Ib.l Shmb (evergreen),
Feb-Apr
Closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral,
coastal scmb/ sandy, clay loam; 15-400
m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Senecio aphanactis Califomia groundsel Asteraceae 2.2 -Annual herb, Jan-
Apr
Chapanal, cismontane woodland, coastai
scmb/alkaline: 15-800 m
Low- habitat does not occur onsite due to disturbed
conditions.
Listing Designations
Federal Species Designations (2006)
FE - Federal Endangered species
FT - Federal Threatened species
FC - Federal Candidate for listing
March 2012
REC Consultants, Inc. APPENDIX C
Vista La Costa
Biological Technical Report
II II i I II II I ill! IIII i I i
Species Name Common Name Family CNPS CA/US MS Growth form, Habitat Potential to Occur Onsite
CP bloom time
Species in bold - Narrow Endemic
CNPS Lists
1 - Plants of highest priority
lA - Plants presumed extinct in Califomia
IB - Plants rare, threatened or endangered in Califomia and elsewhere
2 - Plants rare, threatened or endangered in California, but common elsewhere
3 - Plants about which we need more information. (A Review List)
4 - Plants of limited distribution (A Watch List)
.1 - Seriously endangered in Califomia
.2 - Fairly endangered in Califomia
.3 - Not very endangered in Califomia
March 2012
REC Consultants, hic. APPENDIX C
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Biological Technical Report
APPENDIX D
SENSITIVE ANIMALS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR
ON THE VISTA LA COSTA SITE
i 1 1 1 i 1 i 1 11 t: i 1 i 1 1 i 1 i 1 i 1 1 1 i 1 i 1 i i i i 1 1
APPENDIX D
SENSITIVE ANIMALS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ON VISTA LA COSTA PROPERTY
Species Name Common Name CA/US MSCP Habitat Potential to Occur Onsite
INVERTEBRATES
Branchinecta
sandiegoensis
San Diego fairy shrimp FE X Vemal pools; 0-3000ft. Low - no suitable habitat onsite. No vemal
pools onsite.
Streptocephalus woottoni Riverside fairy shrimp FE X Vemal pools; 0-500ft. Low - no suitable habitat onsite. No vemal
pools onsite.
Lycaena hermes Hermes copper Coastal sage scrub, mixed chaparral and chamise
chaparral; 0-3000ft. Host plant is Rhamnus crocea.
Low - no suitable habitat onsite.
FISH
No potential sensitive fish
onsite
AMPHIBIANS
No potential sensitive amphibians onsite
REPTILES
Aspidoscelis hyperythrus orange-throated whiptail esse X Coastal sage scrab, mixed chaparral, grassland,
riparian, and chamise chaparral habitats. Open
hillsides with brash and rock, well drained soils.
Low - no suitable habitat onsite.
Charina trivirgata
roseofusca
coastal rosy boa (Co) Coastal sage scrab, mixed chaparral, oak
woodlands and chamise chaparral. Often found in
association with rock outcrops.
Low - no suitable habitat onsite and property
is surrounded by development.
Crotalus ruber ruber northem red rattlesnake esse Coastal sage scrab, mixed chaparral, open grassy
areas and agricultural areas, chamise chaparral,
Dinon iunioer and desert scrab.
Low - no suitable habitat onsite and property
is surrounded by development.
BIRDS
Aimophila ruficeps
canescens
Southem California rufous-
crowned sparrow
esse Ad X Sparse, mixed chaparral and coastal scrab habitats
(especially coastal sage). Frequents relatively
steep, often rocky hillsides with grass and forb
patches.
Moderate- Species unlikely to occur onsite,
but may occur in offsite areas.
Campylorhynchus
brunneicapillus
sandiegensis (C. b. cousei)
San Diego cactus wren
(coastal cactus wren)
esse Ad X Coastal sage scrab. Low - no suitable habitat onsite and no cacti
near site.
Dendroica petechia yellow warbler esse 2nd Riparian. Low - no suitable habitat onsite.
Elanus leucurus white-tailed kite CF? Riparian woodland, oak groves, or sycamore
groves adjacent to grassland.
Low - no suitable habitat onsite.
Empidonax traillii extimus southwestem willow
flycatcher
CE/FE X Dense willows along streams and rivers. Nests
over standing or running waters.
Low - no suitable habitat onsite.
Icteria virens yellow-breasted chat esse 2nd Dense thickets and brashy areas in riparian
habitats.
Low - no suitable habitat onsite.
March 2012
REC Consultants, Inc. APPENDIX D
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Biological Technical Report
t I
Species Name Common Name CA/US MSCP Habitat Potential to Occur Onsite
Polioptila californica
californica
coastal California
gnatcatcher
esse Ad/FT X Coastal sagebrash scrab especially where
Califomia sage (Artemisia californica ) is the
dominant plant.
Low to Moderate- A single Califomia
sagebmsh bush occurs onsite. However,
habitat is disturbed, not coastal sagebrash. No
suitable habitat onsite.
Rallus longirostris levipes light-footed clapper rail CE/FE X Salt or alkali marsh. Low - no suitable habitat onsite.
Sterna antillarum browni Califomia least tem CE/FE X Salt or alkali marsh, coastal or desert dime, lakes
and bays.
Low - no suitable habitat onsite.
Vireo bellii pusillus least Bell's Vireo CE/FE X Rivers and larger creeks. Nests in willows, mule
fat, and riparian species.
Low - no suitable habitat onsite.
MAMMALS
Antrozous pallidus pallid bat esse Ad Coastal sage scrab, mixed chaparral, oak
woodlands, chamise chaparral, desert wash and
desert scrab. Prefers rocky outcrops, cliffs and
crevices with access to open habitats for foraging.
Low - no suitable habitat onsite.
Chaetodipus fallax fallax northwestem San Diego
pocket mouse
esse Ad Coastal sage scrab and mixed and chamise
chaparral. Noctumal. Seeks cover in rocky/gravelly
areas with a yucca overstory.
Low - no suitable habitat onsite.
Dipodomys stephensi Stephens' kangaroo rat CT/FE Coastal sage scrab and grasslands. Low to Moderate- no suitable habitat onsite,
species not observed onsite. May occur on
adjacent properties (country club).
Lepus californicus
bennettii
San Diego black-tailed
jackrabbit
esse Ad Coastal sage scrab, mixed chaparral, oak
woodlands, chamise chaparral, mixed conifer, and
closed cone forest and open areas. Common in
irrigated pastures and row crops.
Low to Moderate- no suitable habitat onsite,
species not observed onsite. May occur on
adjacent properties (country club).
Neotoma lepida
intermedia
San Diego wood rat esse Ad Coastal sage scrab, oak woodlands and chamise
chaparral and rocky outcrops. Noctumal.
Typically associated with cacti.
Low - no suitable habitat onsite.
Perognathus
longimembris pacificus
Pacific pocket mouse esse ist/FE Coastal sage scrab and grasslands. Low - no suitable habitat onsite.
Listing Designations
Federal Listing (USFWS 2006)
FE - Federal Endangered
FT - Federal Threatened
FC - Federal Candidate for Listing
Bold species - Narrow Endemic
March 2012
REC Consultants, Inc.
State Listing (CDFG 2006)
CE - California endangered
CT - Califomia Threatened
esse - California Species of Concern
1st - Highest priority
2nd - Second priority
3rd - Third priority
APPENDIX D
Other
MSCP - X indicates covered by MSCP
(Co) - of interest to County biologists
Vista La Costa
Biological Technical Report
1 i 11 1 i II 1 1 1 i 1 i t 1 1 1 1 1 II 1 i 1 a 1 1 1 i II I 1 1 i
Species Name Common Name CA/US MSCP Habitat Potential to Occur Onsite
Ad - Addition to list
CF? - DFG Fully Protected (only noted if species is not also CE, CT, or CSSC)
March 2012
REC Consultants, Inc. APPENDIX D
Vista La Costa
Biological Technical Report