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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCUP 01-22; AVIARA COMMUNITY PARK; BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORT; 2002-04-18I I I I BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES I REPORT FOR I AVIARA COMMUNITY PARK CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA Li I I Prepared For: Mr. John Cahill CITY OF CARLSBAD I 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008-1989 I Prepared By I P&D ENVIRONMENTAL A Division ofF&D Consultants, Inc. 401 West A Street, Suite 2500 I San Diego, CA 92101 619-232-4466 OAr April 2002 I I Li CUP 01-22 1 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION................................. ........................................................................... 1 Purpose .............................................................................................................................. 1 Location and Physical Setting ........................................................................................... 1 Project Description ............................................................................................................ I METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS..................................................................10 RESULTS......................................................................................................................... 11 PlantCommunities ............................................................................................................ 11 WildlifeCommunities.......................................................................................................16 SensitiveResources ..........................................................................................................17 Potential Project Impacts..................................................................................................18 MitigationMeasures.........................................................................................................19 LITERATURECITED.....................................................................................................20 LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix Page A Plant Species Observed on the Aviara Community Park Site ........................ A-i B Animal Species Observed on the Aviara Community Park Site ..................... B-i C Potentially Occurring Sensitive Plants and Animals, Aviara Community Park................................................................................................................. C4 DSensitivity Codes ............................................................................................ D-1 Aviara Community Park P&D Environmental iii Biological Resources Report PA ZIQPaTkBloRptAvlara-CP-B'o-toc doc April 2002 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page 1 Regional Map..................................................................................................2 2 Vicinity Map...................................................................................................3 3 Aerial Photo....................................................................................................5 4 Site Plan .......................................................................................................... 6 5 Buttress Construction Area.............................................................................7 6 Habitat Map ....................................................................................................9 LIST OF TABLES Table Page 1 Habitat Types Mapped Within Aviara Community Park Site ........................ 11 2 Project Impacts........................................................................19 Aviara Community Park P&D Environmental iv Biological Resources Report PA Z19 Park BioRpt As tara-CP-Bio-Ioc doc April 2002 I INTRODUCTION I PURPOSE I P&D Environmental (P&D) conducted a biological reconnaissance of the Aviara Community Park site at the request of the City of Carlsbad. The study site encompasses approximately I 24.3 acres of primarily agricultural lands and a small area of native vegetation. The purpose of the field study was to determine existing conditions, assess biological resources, and identify potential significant biological impacts that would result from the development of I the Aviara Community Park project, as well as identify appropriate mitigation measures. Vegetation communities were mapped, lists of flora and fauna were compiled, and the I presence of special status species was recorded. I LOCATION AND PHYSICAL SETTING The site is bound by Poinsettia Lane and Ambrosia Lane on the south, and to the east by I residential development. The northwest and western boundaries, along with the extreme northeastern corner of the site, are contiguous with native chaparral habitats. Surrounding I land uses consist of single-family residential development and open space. Topographically, the site can be described as a relatively flat, coastal mesa, situated above and adjacent to steeper, incised terrain associated with the Agua Hedionda watershed to the northwest. I Existing elevations at the site range from approximately 326 feet above mean sea level (MSL) in the mesa area, to 208 feet MSL in the canyon bottoms at the northern end of the i site. Soils onsite, as mapped by the U.S. Soil Survey (1973), include: redding gravelly loam, 2 to I 9% slopes (RdC); loamy alluvial land-huerhuero complex, 9 to 50% slopes, eroded (LvF3); chesterton fine sandy loam, 5 to 9% slopes (CfC); chesterton fine sandy loam, 2 to 5% slopes I (Cm); corralitos loamy sand, 0 to 5% slopes (CsB); and chesterton fine sandy loam, 9 to 50% slopes, eroded (CfD2). PROJECT DESCRIPTION The City of Carlsbad proposes to develop approximately 24.3 acres into a Community Park. The site is located in the northern corner of Zone 19 in the City of Carlsbad off of Poinsettia Lane (Figures 1 and 2). The Aviara Community Park is consistent with the Aviara Master LI H COP&D Environmental P'A/Z19Pait'BioRptA iara-CP-Bio-Rptdoc Aviara Community Park Biological Resources Report April 2002 I I I ---------. ........ --........ ........ ··1 _____ _ Marine Corps Base camp Joseph H. Pendelton San Diego Q NoScale River side County _________ _ San Diego Coun ty "valley Center ,/?lake Cr'w~!ford 1&~% ~ir -P &D Environmental Services } apitan servoir "warner Springs Morena Reservoir Regional Map Figure 1 A ◄ a., No Scale Vicinity Map -P&D Environmental Services Figure 2 ET Plan and the City's General Plan and would serve as a recreational community space I accessible to the public and neighboring residents. The site is currently used for agriculture with some areas remaining undisturbed (Figure 3). I The proposed project site will be used as a community park for the residents of Carlsbad. Approximately 9.5 acres of the site are to be developed as recreation space. The park will I include soccer fields, a softball diamond, a basketball court, a community building, group picnic areas, restrooms, a maintenance facility, and parking areas (Figure 4). The community building is anticipated to be one and two stories high, while the other buildings are I anticipated to be one story. Typical slab-on-grade floors with conventional foundations are anticipated. Public access to the park site will be primarily from Ambrosia Lane. The I maintenance facility will be accessed from Poinsettia Lane (Figure 4). The proposed improvements will entail grading of the site to generate level pads for the I buildings and level playing fields. The grading will result in fill being constructed above the existing natural slopes along the northern site boundary, a fill slope ascending from the I eastern site boundary, and a cut slope along the western site boundary. The existing graded slopes along Poinsettia Lane and Ambrosia Lane will remain nearly unchanged, as will much I of the existing graded slope between the site and the residential development to the southeast. The proposed fill slopes will be up to 70 feet high, and the proposed cut slopes will be up to I 20 feet high. The resulting fill-over-natural slopes will be up to roughly 120 feet in height. Additionally, based on the results from the geotechnical investigation completed for the I project site, a fault and clay seam was identified within the existing slope in the north edge of the property. This would require a redesign of the slope in this area, preparation of a I remedial grading plan for this area, and the installation of a buttress (Figure 5). Land Use Designations According to Figure 22 of the Habitat Management Plan (HIMP), the site consists of Development Area and Proposed Hardline Preserve Area. Development Areas are properties I (or portions thereof) that have been planned for development and are therefore not integral to the proposed preserve system. Proposed Hardline Preserves consist of a number of proposed I public and private projects that have submitted hardline designs for inclusion in the HMP and I - Aviara Community Park P&D Environmental 4 Biological Resources Report I PAZI9 Park BioRpt A%iara-CP-Bo-RpLdoc April 2002 I I A P&D Environmental P k ZI 9 Park BoRpt A iara-CTP-Bio-Rpl dot Aviara Community Park 4 Biological Resources Report April 2002 Plan and Growth Management Plan and would serve as a recreational community space accessible to the public and neighboring residents. The site is currently used for agriculture with some areas remaining undisturbed (Figure 3). The proposed project site will be used as a community park for the residents of Carlsbad. Approximately 9.5 acres of the site are to be developed as recreation space. The park will include soccer fields, a softball diamond, a basketball court, a community building, group picnic areas, restrooms, a maintenance facility, and parking areas (Figure 4). The community building is anticipated to be one and two stories high, while the other buildings are anticipated to be one story. Typical slab-on-grade floors with conventional foundations are anticipated. Public access to the park site will be primarily from Ambrosia Lane. The maintenance facility will be accessed from Poinsettia Lane (Figure 4). The proposed improvements will entail grading of the site to generate level pads for the I buildings and level playing fields. The grading will result in fill being constructed above the existing natural slopes along the northern site boundary, a fill slope ascending from the I eastern site boundary, and a cut slope along the western site boundary. The existing graded slopes along Poinsettia Lane and Ambrosia Lane will remain nearly unchanged, as will much of the existing graded slope between the site and the residential development to the southeast. I The proposed fill slopes will be up to 70 feet high, and the proposed cut slopes will be up to 20 feet high. The resulting fill-over-natural slopes will be up to roughly 120 feet in height. I I Land Use Designations According to Figure 22 of the Habitat Management Plan (HMP), the site consists of Development Area and Proposed Hardline Preserve Area. Development Areas are properties (or portions thereof) that have been planned for development and are therefore not integral to the proposed preserve system. Proposed Hardline Preserves consist of a number of proposed public and private projects that have submitted hardline designs for inclusion in the HUT and Additionally, based on the results from the geotechnical investigation completed for the project site, a fault and clay seam was identified within the existing slope in the north edge of the property. This would require a redesign of the slope in this area, preparation of a remedial grading plan for this area, and the installation of a buttress (Figure 5). Li 1 I I I [] I I Li I I Li 11 the preserve system. Once the HMP is approved, these proposals will be afforded the same I conservation status as existing hardline (fully protected) areas, and the City's General Plan will be amended to designate them as open space. I The proposed hardline areas onsite generally coincide with existing easements that have been placed on regions of native chaparral habitat toward the northern property boundary, I although an area of nonnative grass and coastal sage scrub - disturbed habitat has also been included (Figure 6). Similarly, the disturbed/agricultural habitats generally comprise the development area. There is a small, contiguous region of native habitat (southern maritime I chaparral), which is not covered by the existing easements, and has been designated as development area. However, no impacts to this area are proposed as part of the park development (Figure 6). Based on the existing distribution of vegetation and sensitive species, Focus Planning Areas 1 (FPAs) were defined. The FPAs were then broken down into HMP cores, linkages, and Special Resource Areas, which are depicted in the City's HMP. These conservation planning I areas serve as the basis for biological management and the establishment of the proposed preserve system. The project site is located in the northwestern portion of Core 6. The following discussion of Core 6 is provided in the lIMP: "The Core 6 FPA (approximately 1,138 acres) contains a critical stand of southern I maritime chaparral and a major stand of grassland. It also has several vernal pools. The coastal sage scrub in this area supports approximately 12 gnatcatcher pairs. I Additional habitats include chaparral, open water, disturbed wetland, oak woodland, eucalyptus woodland, and riparian forest. A critical population of Del Mar manzanita and a major population of summer holly are associated with the southern I maritime chaparral in this Core." I The City has been divided into 25 Local Facilities Management Zones (LFMZs). These zones have been identified to aid in the City's planning efforts and are also used in addressing conservation issues throughout the preserve system. Specific Zone Level I Recommendations are outlined in the lIMP to supplement general preserve management guidelines and to highlight management needs within a given zone. The Aviara Community I Park site is located in the northernmost portion of Zone 19. For habitats within this zone, the 1-IMP states: n H El r L V P&D Environmental P A 219 Park BioRpt Av iara-CP-Rio-Rpt dcc Aviara Community Park 8 Biological Resources Report April 2002 OJ £ A ◄ ► No Scale Aerial Photo -P &D Environmental Services Figure 3 l ! J I i I .___ ________ ___:__ ____________________ __JI • 1inch = 200 feet Site Plan l}P&D Environmental Services Figure 4 \ , 1--'. -=:-----t,;-_~-- , ,/',, , -- -;-:.._ ·--->,,_ GRAPHIC SCALE: 1•.50• - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Residential Habitat Types coastal Sage Scrub - Disturbed Southern Maritime Chaparral 3outhern Maritime Chaparral! scrub Oak Chaparral )ak Woodland 4on-Native Grassland griculture andscape uderal )isturbed r; Park Boundary Habitat Map 0 ~ 0 P&D Environmental Services Figure 6 I "Manage to maintain narrow endemic plant populations and wildlife movement I habitat. Restore or enhance coastal sage scrub and southern maritime chaparral. Restrict fuel reduction for fire management to areas immediately adjacent to existing housing, and minimize removal of conserved habitats to the extent feasible, I given safety concerns. Monitor California least tern, western snowy plover, and Belding's savannah sparrow populations, and implement predator control programs, I where necessary." AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS I METHODS P&D biologist Salvatore Zinmritti conducted a general biological resource survey on I August 22, 2001, between the hours of 8:45 and 11:30 am. The intent of this survey was to map existing habitat types on the property and to generally evaluate the site's potential to I support sensitive biological resources. All habitats onsite were visited on foot, and a list of dominant in list the plant species present each was recorded. This was used to determine the habitat's formal classification by utilizing a regional modification of Holland's (1986) I classification system. Throughout the entire survey, an attempt was made to identify all plants encountered to genus, and/or species (Appendix A). In the event that a plant species could not be accurately identified in the field, the plant (or a portion thereof) was removed I and brought back for further analysis. It must be noted that this procedure was only utilized on common families/genera that were not likely to be sensitive species. Any wildlife species I detected or otherwise encountered were also noted (Appendix B). These observations were aided by the use of 7X binoculars, which were carried throughout the field reconnaissance. Only the most conspicuous and/or abundant plant and animal species that occur onsite were likely identified throughout the course of the reconnaissance survey; many other species that I occur or potentially occur onsite could not have been observed at the time the property was visited. Annual plant species often have specific blooming and/or aboveground growth I periods and can only be identified during those times of the year. Similarly, many wildlife species are highly reclusive, nocturnal, inconspicuous, or seasonally dormant/transient. Many of these species can only be found using intensive focused survey methods that I optimize the time(s) of survey and the microhabitals examined. Therefore, Appendices A and B are not intended to comprehensively list the plants and animals that are actually I present or utilize the site in someway (e.g., foraging or dispersal movements). Appendix C provides a list of potentially occurring sensitive species on the project site, along with the likelihood of their occupation. LI I P&D Environmental PA Zl9PaitBioRpt Aviara-CP-Bio-Rpidoc Aviara community Park 10 Biological Resources Report April 2002 Nomenclature for this report follow: Hickman (1993), Munz (1974), or Beauchamp (1986) for plants; Holland (1986) for plant communities and habitat types; American Ornithological Union (AOU 1982) for birds; Jennings (1983) and Stebbins (1985) for reptiles and amphibians; Jones (1992) for mammals; and Opler (1999) for insects. RESULTS PLANT COMMUNITIES Table I presents the vegetation communities mapped within the project site. A description of each of the communities (in order of sensitivity) mapped onsite is given below. Table 1 Habitat Types Mapped Within Aviara Community Park Site Habitat Type Acres Agriculture 13.68 Disturbed 3.58 Landscaped 2.19 Southern Maritime Chaparral 2.78 Southern Maritime Chaparral/Scrub Oak 0.27 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub - Disturbed 0.59 Nonnative Grassland 0.44 Oak Woodland 0.16 Ruderal 0.64 TOTAL 24.33 Coast Live Oak Woodland Coast live oak woodland is dominated by a single tree species, coast live oak (Quercus agrfolia), which may reach 10 to 25 meters in height when mature. Depending on aspect and soil moisture, this vegetation may form a variably dense canopy layer with an understory composed of woody shrubs, such as toyon (Heteromeles arbutfolia) and introduced grasses, such as ripgut grass (Bromus diandrus). A very small patch of coast live oak woodland occurs onsite (Figure 6). This habitat is essentially composed of a few large oak trees surrounded by disturbed coastal sage scrub, I 1 ' P&D Environmental P A Z I 9 Patk BioRpt Aiara-CP-B,o-Rtdoc Aviara Community Park 11 Biological Resources Report April 2002 I I El I F" I I I I Li I I I I I I I ruderal habitats, and agricultural land. Coast live oaks occur infrequently elsewhere on the project site (particularly in scrub-oak dominated maritime chaparral); however, in these areas, they do not form a discrete community. Nuttall's Scrub-Oak Chaparral/Southern Maritime Chaparral This habitat occurs along the northwest-facing slope of a small canyon at the northern portion of the property. Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) and coast live oak form a dense canopy here, along with summer holly (Comarostaphylis divers folia ssp. divers folia), lemonadeberry (Rhus inregrfo1ia), and laurel sumac (Malosma laurina) toward the bottom of the slope. The understory consists of a variety of shade-tolerant, moisture-loving species, such as monkey flower (Mimulus sp.), wood fern (Dryopteris arguta), and poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). It must be noted that this habitat is of considerably higher value than typical scrub-oak chaparral. Nuttall's scrub oak is a Carlsbad HMP species, a Federal Species of Concern, and a California Native Plant Society (CNPS) List lB species (plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere). Therefore, the dominant species of this scrub-oak community is sensitive, in contrast to common scrub-oak chaparral, which is dominated by a I much more ubiquitous species, inland scrub oak (Quercus berbidfolia). In addition, Nuttall's scrub oak is a predominantly coastal species and is therefore a maritime indicator. Unfortunately, a discrete category for scrub-oak chaparral (dominated by Nuttall's scrub oak) I has not been published. Because Nuttall's scrub oak is a sensitive and coastal chaparral species, it is strongly recommended that this habitat be considered high quality (Group B or I higher), as opposed to the relatively nonsensitive inland scrub-oak chaparral vegetation. Southern Maritime Chaparral I Southern maritime chaparral is a sensitive coastal vegetation community typically dominated by such representative species as chamise (Adenostoma fasciculazum), mission manzanita I (Xvlocoecus bicolor), wart-stemmed ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucosus), spice bush (Cneoridium dumosum), Nuttall's scrub oak, Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphvlos glandulosa ssp. crassfolia), Mojave yucca (Yucca shidigera) and toyon. This habitat mapped onsite is variably dominated by chamise (particularly on the flatter 1 aspects), Mojave yucca, and mission manzanita. Common to this habitat, to a lesser extent, is Nuttall's scrub oak, wart-stemmed ceanothus, toyon, lemonadeberry, and black sage Aviara Communhtv Park P&D Environmental 12 Biological Resources Report I P A Z ParkBioRpt Aviar-CP-Bio-Rptdoc April 2002 I I I I Li I I I 1 I (Salvia mellfera). Where this habitat was mapped along the northwestern boundary, Del I Mar manzanita was also found. Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub - Disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub vegetation is typically composed of facultative thought-deciduous I subshrubs that are adapted to xeric, exposed sites with shallow soils. This habitat is characterized by a relatively open canopy with a well-developed understory/herb layer. The Diegan phase is one of four floristic sage scrub associations recognized in California, and I occurs from Orange County to northwestern coastal Baja, California (O'Leary 1990). The subshrubs that comprise this vegetation community have shallow, fibrous root systems that I have adapted to maximize the brief availability of surface water, particularly in fine-grained, clay soils, where runoff is rapid and percolation is minimal. The plant species that comprise this community are variable, depending upon soil type, slope, and aspect; however, typical I members of a Diegan coastal sage scrub community include such species as California sagebrush (Artemisia ca4fornica), flat-top buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), California I encelia (Encelia calfornica), laurel sumac, black sage, and lemona1eberry. The Diegan coastal sage scrub onsite has been classified as disturbed. Direct and indirect I effects from the agricultural operation onsite and nearby development have resulted in a disturbed, fallow strip of land, which forms the eastern property boundary. This sage scrub I community is in the initial stages of recovery, and has a fairly open community dominated by opportunistic sage scrub species and an assortment of normative weeds and grasses. I Representative species of this community include hazardia (Haardia squarrosus var. grindelioides), San Diego wreath plant (Stephanomeria diegensis), tumbleweed (Salsola tragus), fascicled tarweed (Hem izonia fasciculata), telegraph weed (Heterotheca 1 grandflora), foxtail chess (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), deerweed (Lotus scoparius), goosefoot (Chenopodium sp.) beard grass (Polypogon monspeliensis), California sagebrush, I black sage, coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis var. consanguinea), ripgut grass, curly dock (Rumex crispus), and horseweed (Conyza canadensis). Palmer's goldenbush (Ericameria palnieri ssp. palmeri) was observed in the northernmost portion of this disturbed community; I only one individual was found here, but others are likely present elsewhere in this habitat. I Although this disturbed sage scrub habitat is of fairly low quality, it does appear to be recovering, and may continue to increase in quality over time (barring no additional disturbance). However, most of this habitat is continuously subjected to edge effects as a I result of its high surface area to total acreage ratio (as with most relatively linear habitat Aviara Community Park VP&D Environmental 13 Biological Resources Report I P A Z9 Park B!oRpL Aviara-CP-Bo-Rptdoc April 2002 I islands), and is therefore unlikely to function as a self-sufficient habitat unit or significant u wildlife corridor. Nonnative Grassland - Normative grassland is composed primarily of annual grasses and various forbs. This I vegetation is most common on slopes and previously disturbed habitats that possess fine- textured and/or clay soils. The dominant species within this community may vary, but one or more of following genera are usually present: oats (Avena), red brome grass (Brornus), I ryegrass (Laliurn), barley (Hordeurn), and mustard (Brassica). The largely normative species that comprise this community have been introduced intentionally (for cattle fodder) or I inadvertently during the last century, and often outcompete the native, perennial needlegrasses (Nasella sp.) that have traditionally dominated the grasslands of Southern California. These annual species grow much more quickly than the native bunchgrasses and 1 are prodigious seed bearers, leading to a rapid and often monotypic flourish following winter/spring rains. The widespread establishment of normative grasslands is also I attributable to habitat disturbance, which facilitates the intrusion of the fast-growing annuals into native grasslands or other habitats where grasslands never occurred. I Onsite, normative grassland occurs adjacent to agricultural habitat at the northern boundary (Figure 6). This community is dominated by ripgut grass, wild oats (Avena fatua), barley, I and bermuda grass (Cvnodon dactvlon). Sage scrub species found at low densities throughout this habitat include black sage, coyote brush, and saw-toothed goldenbush I (Ha:ardia squarrosus var. grindelioides). Also observed within this community were pampas grass (Cortaderia jubata), black mustard (Brassica nigra), bristly ox-tongue (Picris echioides), San Diego wreath plant, and a few sapling-sized coast live oaks. I Agriculture I This habitat is used to produce a variety of row crops, and is the dominant habitat on the project site (13.68 acres). Because of the regularity with which this habitat is maintained I (disked), and its active use, it no longer supports a significant assemblage of native plants. Most of the species that occur here (and were not planted) consist of weedy species such as tumbleweed, goosefoot, horseweed, and a variety of normative annual grasses. Li L I C-0 P&D Environmental PA Zi9 PaBioRpt lara-CP-B!c'-Rpt doc Aviara Community Park 14 Biological Resources Report April 2002 I Disturbed Disturbed habitat generally occurs where the substrate or vegetation has been physically altered or otherwise disrupted. This type of habitat disturbance can arise from vehicular, horse, or foot traffic (soil compaction); construction activities (grubbing/grading); or any other land use that fosters disruption of the soil and/or disturbance of existing vegetation. Depending on the magnitude of the disturbance, native plant species will be displaced (either removed or killed), leaving a relatively bare, exposed substrate vegetated predominantly with a sparse to moderate cover of nonnative weeds and annual grasses. Because of the lack of cover and strong nonnative component, much of the ecological value of such areas is lost; however, some species (particularly urban wildlife) may capitalize on the flourish of weedy species and exposed food items. Disturbed habitat onsite supports a wide variety of small shrubs, forbs, and annual grasses I that are adapted to exposed substrates. The most commonly observed among these were: horseweed, tumbleweed, ripgut grass, wild oats, beard grass, deerweed, fascicled tarweed, I San Diego wreath plant, pin-clover (Erodium botrys), fennel (Foeniculurn vulgare), saw- toothed goldenbush, wild radish (Raphanus sativa), telegraph weed, foxtail chess, black I mustard, sow thistle (Sonchus asper), bristly ox-tongue, tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), curly dock, and goosefoot. I Landscaped I Landscaped habitats occur at the southern boundary of the site along urban development and roads. This type of habitat is composed of cultivated groundcover species, and is therefore I not considered a native habitat type. Ruderal Ruderal habitats are densely vegetated with exotic, generally invasive plant species. This type of habitat often occurs in areas that have been subjected to some disturbance or I disruption that allows weedy species to dominate and displace native vegetation. The diversity of ruderal communities is relatively low; they often consist of monotypic stands of I vegetation. Ruderal habitat onsite is associated with a heavily disturbed drainage, which lies within a 1 small topographic cleft at the north end of the property. This ephemeral drainage appears to Aviara Community Park P&D Environmental 15 Biological Resources Report I P A Z 1 ParkBioRpt A1ara-CP-Bo-RpLdoc April 2002 I I LI E I El I collect and drain agricultural runoff, as well as natural precipitation, and leads to a concrete- lined brow ditch, which parallels the northern property boundary in an east/west direction. Within this drainage, and the slopes of this depression, a dense assemblage of nonnative I species thrives in the relatively mesaic habitat. A nearly impenetrable wall of fennel, bristly ox-tongue, and mustard dominates this vegetation toward the bottom of the channel, and I several large pampas grass stands dominate the areas up-slope. i Developed Developed habitat is any habitat that has been modified to such an extent that it no longer can I support a significant plant community of any type. Onsite, these habitats consist of roads, housing developments, and other relatively permanent structures. I COMMUNiTIES I WILDLIFE Most of the wildlife species observed during the reconnaissance survey consisted of I common, urban species. This is likely a result of the disturbed nature of the site and its proximity to residential development. In addition, the difficulty of observing wildlife in the native habitats (dense chaparral) may have also skewed this census toward bolder, more I visible urban species. Birds were the most diverse vertebrate group onsite. The most common species encountered during the survey were Anna's hummingbird (Cahpte anna), I house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), American crow (Corvus braclzyrvnchos), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), lesser goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria), bushtits (Psaltriparus I observed rnininzus), and scrub-jay (Apheloconia coerulescens). Mammalian inhabitants readily onsite consisted of Audubon's cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus auduboni), and California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beechvi), both of which were observed directly in I chaparral habitat adjacent to agriculture/disturbed areas. Although most reptile species present onsite would not have been observed at the time of survey, western fence lizards (Sceloperus occidentalis) were particularly abundant in the native habitats and edges of I disturbed/agricultural areas. Common butterfly species, such as West Coast lady (Vanessa annabella), checkered white (Pontia protodice), and western pygmy blue (Brephidiurn exile) I were abundant throughout the agricultural and disturbed habitats, and were likely attracted to the mix of weedy species here. A complete list of wildlife species observed on the site is provided in Appendix B. Aviara Communit Park I P OP&D Environmental 16 Biological Resources Report A ZI9 Park BoRptAviaia-CP-Bo-RpLdoc April 2002 Li SENSITIVE RESOURCES I Sensitive Wildlife I No sensitive wildlife species were observed on the park site during the field reconnaissance survey. For reasons discussed previously, however, this does not mean that sensitive wildlife I species are not present onsite or do not utilize the habitats in some way. Appendix C provides a list of liMP sensitive species that could occur onsite, along with the likelihood of their presence. I Sensitive Plants I Sensitive plants observed on the park site include Del Mar manzanita, Nuttall's scrub oak, summer holly, wart-stemmed ceanothus, and Palmer's goldenbush. Del Mar manzanita is a I federally endangered species. All of the above (with the exception of Palmer's goldenbush) are liMP Covered Species. All of the sensitive plants observed onsite are relatively conspicuous perennial species. Many other, less conspicuous sensitive plant species could occur onsite; a list of these is I provided in Appendix C. I Narrow Endemic Species As defined in the HMP, narrow endemic species are "Native species with restricted I geographic distributions, soil affinities and/or habitats, and for the purposes of the liMP, species that in addition have important populations within the Plan area, such that substantial I loss of these populations or their habitat within the liMP area might jeopardize the continued existence or recovery of that species." I According to the lIMP, narrow endemic species are afforded 100% conservation within preserve areas and shall be avoided within biological core and linkage areas (Table 9 of the I HMP). A single narrow endemic species was observed onsite, Del Mar manzanita. However, several other narrow endemics which could occur are listed in Appendix C. I Sensitive Habitats Sensitive habitats include coast live oak woodland, southern maritime chaparral, Nuttall's scrub-oak chaparral, and coastal sage scrub - disturbed. - Aviara Community Park P&D Environmental 17 Biological Resources Report PA Z 9 ParBeoRpt A an-CP-BioRptdoc April 2002 L I Two ephemeral drainages occur within the project site. Both of these have a hydrological connection with a concrete-lined brow-ditch that runs east to west along the northern property boundary. As a result, each of these drainages may be considered waters of the U.S. I along their entire lengths. However, since neither possesses wetland indicator species, they are unlikely to be regulated as a jurisdictional wetland. I PROJECT IMPACTS I Impacts to Plant Communities I Table 2 summarizes project impacts to each habitat type. The most sensitive and valuable resources on the property are the coast live oak woodland., southern maritime chaparral, I Nuttall's scrub-oak chaparral, coastal sage scrub - disturbed., and jurisdictional drainage habitats. These communities are all located along the northern portion of the site and, collectively, provide an east/west habitat linkage to additional native habitats offsite (Figure I 6). The region of southern maritime chaparral onsite not covered by existing easements (Figure 6), and designated as Development Area by the HMP, is critical to the connectivity I of habitats in the northern portion of the site and is of high quality. The normative grassland area that is located in the Proposed Hardline Preserve is important due to its position in the east/west habitat linkage. Although this grassland is currently dominated by exotic species, it I already has a native vegetation component and could be restored to a coastal sage scrub community with minimal effort The City of Carlsbad LIMP requires some form of mitigation for all of the habitats mapped within the project site (with the exception of landscaped and developed). Mitigation for impacts to coast live oak woodland can only be achieved by in-kind habitat creation (no net loss); scrub-oak-dominated maritime chaparral and southern maritime chaparral would requirein-kind replacement (i.e., offsite acquisition) at a ratio of 3:1. Coastal sage scrub - disturbed habitat (gnatcatcher-unoccupied in this case) would need to be replaced at a ratio of 1:1. Normative grassland would require compensation at a ratio of 0.5:1, and disturbed/agricultural habitats could be mitigated through a fee charge. The remedial grading associated with installation of a buttress in the northern portion of the site will result in the I disturbance of approximately 0.03-acre of disturbed coastal sage scrub. This habitat is considered of low quality, appears not to support any federally or state listed species, and contains a variety of nonnative species. L I V P&D Environmental ?A ZI9Pa ioRpAara-CP-O-Rpt doc Aviara Community Park 18 Biological Resources Report April 2002 Table 2 Project Impacts Area* Habitat Type Cover Agriculture 13.68 Disturbed 3.58 Landscaped 2.19 Southern Maritime Chaparral 2.78 Southern Maritime Chaparral/Scrub Oak 0.27 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub -Disturbed 0.59 Nonnative Grassland 0.44 Oak Woodland 0.16 Ruderal 0.64 TOTAL 24.33 * In acres Impacts to Jurisdictional Waters Area* Impacted 13 .68 3.58 2.19 0 0 0.03 0.03 0 0.1 19.51 Mitigation Required Ratio Mitigation 0 In Lieu Fee 0 In Lieu Fee 0 0 3:1 0 3:1 0 1:1 0.03 ) 0.5:1 0.015 No net loss 0 0 In Lieu Fee Based on the biological survey conducted by P&D Environmental, there will be an encroachment of approximately 0.01 acre of potential jurisdictional waters. This impact appears to be covered under Nationwide Permit No. 39, and will require Section 401 certification by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (if confirmed to be jurisdictional). MITIGATION MEASURES Based upon the biological resources mapping, the City implemented a design that would avoid potentially significant impacts to the sensitive resources. One Del Mar manzanita was located in proximity to the grading. To ensure that the grading plans would avoid impacts to this individual, the individual was staked and surveyed. The preliminary design plan was evaluated, and there are no direct impacts to any sensitive biological resources (including the Del Mar manzanita). However, the following mitigation measures would be required to avoid potential indirect impacts: • Provide a physical barrier between the construction activities and the sensitive resources (including the Del Mar manzanita), to eliminate inadvertent impacts to offsite sensitive resources. {; P&D Environmental Pl AIZ 19/Park/BioRpVAviara-CP-Bio-Rpt.doc 19 Aviara Community Park Biological Resources Report April 2002 I I I . Direct all runoff away from natural resources areas. I . Provide a permanent physical barrier with signage (i.e., "No Trespassing") around all habitats, human intrusion into biologically development that approaches native to reduce areas. I sensitive Design all lighting such that it is oriented toward the active use areas and the sensitive resources are shielded. I I I I I I I I I I I Aviara Community Park COM 1 P&D Environmental 20 Biological Resources Report ' dm April 2002 A I Park ThoRpt . CP-Bo-Rp( LITERATURE CITED American Ornithological Union (AOU) 1982 Thirty-Fourth Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Checklist of North American Birds. Auk 99(3). I Baume, B.R. R 1967 Introduced and naturalized tamarisks in the United States and Canada [Tamaricaceaej. Baileya 15:19-25. Beauchamp, R.M. I 1986 A Flora of San Diego County. California. Sweetwater River Press, National City, California. I Brotherson, J.D. and D. Field 1987 Tamarix: impacts of a successful weed. Rangelands 9(3):110-112. I Hickman, J.C. I 1993 The Jepson Manual Higher Plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley. I Holland, R.F. 1986 Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of I California. Non-game Heritage Program, State of California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento. I Johnson, S. 1987 Can tamarisk be controlled? Fremonita 15:19-20. I Jones, J.K., et 1992 Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico, 1991. I Occasional Papers, The Museum, Texas Tech. University. Number 146. February 7, 1992. I McGurty, B.M. I 1980 Preliminary Review of the Status of the San Diego Horned Lizard. P/irvnosorna coronatum blainvillei. and the Orange-Throated Whiptail, I Cnernidophorus hipervthrus be!dingi. Report for the California Department Aviara Community Park P&D Environmental 21 Biological Resources Report 1 P A Z9 ParkBioRpt A%iara-CP-Bo-RpLdoc April 2002 I I of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Rancho Cordova, California, Contract. i under Munz, P.A. 1 1974 A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley. 1 O'Leary, J. 1990 - Californian coastal sage scrub: General characteristics and considerations for conservation. In Endangered Plant Communities of Southern California. I A. Schoenhen (ed.). Proceedings of the 15th Annual Symposium. Southern California Botanists. Special Publication No. 3. Pages 24-41. I Opler, 1999 Western Butterflies. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, New York. I Rowland, S.D. 1992 Activity. Behavior. Ecology, and Home Range of the Orange-Throated I WhiptaiL Cnemidophorus hiperrthrus beldingi Cqp. MA Thesis, California University, Fullerton, California. I State Stebbins, R.C. I 1985 Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. I Li I I I I Aviara Community Park P&D Environmental 22 Biological Resources Report 1 PA ZI9ParkThoRpLA'wa-CP-Brn-RpLdoC April 2002 1 1 P&D Environmental P A Z19 Park BloRptA%Iaa-CP-BIo-Rp1-dOC Aviara Community Park A-I Biological Resources Report April 2002 APPENDIX A PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED ON THE AVLARA COMMUNITY PARK SITE Family Name Species Name (* = Nonnative) Common Name ADOXACEAE Mexican elderberry Sambucus mexicana AGAVACEAE Our Lord's candle Yucca wlzipplei AIZOCEAE Baby sunrose* 4ptenia cordfo1ia ANACARDIACEAE Laurel sumac M'alosma laurina ANACARDIACEAE Poison oak Toxicodendron diversilobum ANACARDIACEAE Sugar bush Rhus ovata ANACARIDACEAE Peruvian pepper tree* Schinus molle APIACEAE Fennel* Foeniculum vulgare APIACEAE Wild carrot Daucus pusillus ARECACEAE California fan palm Washingzoniafilfera ASTERACEAE California sage brash 4rternisia cal!fornica ASTERACEAE Horseweed Conza canadensis ASTERACEAE Cocklebur* Xanthium spinosum ASTERACEAE Coyote brush Baccharis pilularis ASTERACEAE Goldenbush Isocoma menziesii var. vernonioides ASTERACEAE Mule fat Baccharis salicfolia ASTERACEAE Saw-tooth goldenbush Hazardia squarrosus ASTERACEAE Yellow star thistle* Centaurea soistitialis BORAGINACEAE Fiddleneck 4msinckia intermedia BRASSICACEAE Black mustard* Brassica nigra BRAS SICACEAE Wild radish* Raphanus sativus CACTACEAE Indian fig Opuntia-ficus-indica CARYOP}IYLLACEAE Common chickweed* Stellaria media CHENOPODIACEAE Tumbleweed* Salsola tragus CONVOLVULACEAE Morning glory Calvstegia macrostegia CUCURBITACEAE Wild cucumber Marah macrocarpus FABACEAE Deerweed Lotus scoparius FABACEAE Locoweed lstragalus sp. FABACEAE Lupine Lupinus sp. I [ii I I I I [I] I U I I I I I 1 I I I I I Li I I I C-2 P&D Environmental P A Z 19 Park BoRpt A ara-CP-Bio-Rpt dec Aviara Community Park A-2 Biological Resources Report April 2002 Family Name Species Name (* = Nonnative) Common Name FABACEAE Miniature lupine Lupinus bicolor FABACEAE Stinging lupine Lupinus hirsutissimus FAGACEAE Coast live oak Quercus agrfolia GENTIACEAE Red-stem filaree* Erodium cicutarium GROSSULARIACEAE White-flowering currant Ribes indecorum LAMIACEAE Black sage Salvia mellifera LAMIACEAE Horehound* Marrubiurn vulgare MALVACEAE Bush mallow sfalacothamnusfasciculatus MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus* Eucalyptus sp. POACEAE Bemiuda grass* Cynodon daclylon POACEAE Brome grass* Bromus sp. POACEAE Needlegrass Nassella sp. POACEAE Wild rye* Elymus sp. POLYGONACEAE Flat-topped buckwheat Eriogonumfasciculatum PORTUILACEAE Miner's lettuce Claytoniaperfoliata RHAMNACEAE Spiny redbeny Rhamnus crocea ROSACEAE Toyon, Christmas-berry Heteromeles arbutfo1ia SCROPHULARJACEAE Monkey flower Mimulus cardinalis TAMARICACEAE Tamarisk* Tamarirparviflora I I I LI I U Li I I I I LI I I 4 P&D Environmental P A Z 9 Park B,oRn A%tan-CPBioRpt.doc Aviara Community Park B-i Biological Resources Report April 2002 APPENDIX B ANIMAL SPECIES OBSERVED ON THE AVIARA COMMUNITY PARK SITE FAMILY Common Name Scientific Name [Notes Invertebrates PAPILIONTDAE Western tiger swallowtail Papilio rutulus -- PEIRIDAE Cabbage white lrtogeia rapae -- - NYMPHALIDAE Mourning cloak Nyniphalis antiopa APIDAE Honey bee lpus me1lfera - -- Reptiles IGUANII)AE Western fence lizard Sceloporus occidentalis common -- Birds HIRIJNDIN[DAE White-throated swift 4eronautes saxaralis --- -- TROCHILIDAE Black-chinned hummingbird Archilochus alexandri - - ACCIPITRIDAE Red-tailed hawk Buteojamaicensis Old nest in area TROCHILIDAE Anna's hummingbird Calypte anna common FRINGILL]DAE House finch Carpodacus mexicanus common FRINGILLIDAE Lesser goldfinch Carduelispsaltria common CATHARTIDAE Turkey vulture Cathartes aura - MUSCICAPIDAE Wrentit Chamaeafasciara - CHARADRUDAE Killdeer Charadrius vocferus - - COLUIMBIDAE Common ground-dove Columbina passerina CORVIDAE American crow Corvus brachyrhyncos CORVIDAE Scrub jay 4phelocoma coerulescens -- - CORVIDAE Common raven Corvus corvax FALCONIDAE American kestrel Falco sparverius - - EMBERIZIDAE Common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas - - H1RUNDINIDAE Cliff swallow Hirundo pvrrhonata I Mostly offsite - EMBERIZIDAE Song sparrow Melospiza melodia common I I I I I I I I I I I I LI I I I [1 F', I I I I I I I I I A P&D Environmental PA Z19PatBioRptAiata-CP-Bo-Rptdoc Aviara Community Park B-2 Biological Resources Report April 2002 FAMILY Common Name Scientific Name Notes EMBERIZIDAE Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater - - EMBERIZIDAE Rufous-sided towhee Pipilo maculatus - EMBERIZIDAIE California towhee Pipilofliscus common - AEGITHALIDAE Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus common -- TYRANNIDAE Black phoebe Sayornis nigricans -- - HIRUNDINIDAE Northern rough-winged swallow Stelgidopteiyx serripennis Mostly offsite -- TROGLODYTIDAE Bewick's wren Thrronzanes bewickii common MIMIDAE California thrasher Toxostoma redivivum TROGLODYTIDAE House wren Troglodytes aedon common - COLTJMBIDAE Mourning dove IZenaida macroura - - Mammals LEPORIDAE Cottontail rabbit Svlvilagus auduboni common SCIIIRI1DAE California ground squirrel Sperm opizilus beechevi common I LI El I LI U I I I I I P&D Environmental P A Z19PaitB;okptA'.iara-CP-Bio-RptdOC Aviara Communit Park C-i Biological Resources Report April 2002 APPENDIX C POTENTIALLY OCCURRING SENSITIVE PLANTS AND ANIMALS AVIAR4 COMMUNITY PARK Scientific Name Common Name Potential for Occurrence 4imophila ruficeps Rufous-crowned --/CSC Low; suitable habitat not canescens sparrow present onsite. 4inbrosiapunila San Diego SOCI—/IB Low; species has not been ambrosia reported to occur in area. 4nzphispL-a be/li belli Bell's sage sparrow --/CSC Low; very little suitable habitat occurs onsite. 4nniella pulchra Silvery legless --/CSC Low; suitable habitat not -iulchra lizard present onsite. Iphanisma blitoides Aphanisma SOC/—/IB Low; suitable habitat not present onsite. 4rctostapin'los Del Mar manzanita FE/--/1B Low; species would likely ,landulosa crassfolia have been observed if present. Baccharis vanessae Encinitas baccharis FT/SE/lB Low; species would likely have been observed if present. Bufo inicroscaphus Arroyo toad FE!-- Low; suitable habitat not present onsite. Campvlorhvnchus San Diego cactus —/CSC Low; suitable habitat not brunneicapillus couesi wren present onsite. ceanothus verrucosus Wart stemmed SOC/--/2 Low; species would likely ceanothus have been observed if present. Chaetodipus Duizura California --/CSC Low; habitat onsite is californicusfemoralis pocket mouse isolated and highly disturbed. Charina trivirgata Coastal rosy boa --/--/BLM Low; suitable habitat not roseofusca present onsite. Chori:anthe Orcutt's FE/SE/lB Low; suitable habitat not orcuttiana chorizanthe present orisite. ChorL-anthe Prostrate —/--/4 Low; suitable habitat not procumbens spineflower . present onsite. I I I I I [1 D Li I j I I I I LI I I I I I CIZ P&D Environmental P A Z i 9 ParkBioRpiA iar-CP-ioRptdoc Ariara Community Park C-2 Biological Resources Report April 2002 Scientific Name Common Name Potential for Occurrence (Fed/St:te/CNPS) Clemins niarmorata Southwestern pond --/CSC Low; would likely have been al1ida turtle observed if present; habitat onsite of marginal quality. Cnernidophorus tigris Coastal western SOC/-- Moderate; suitable habitat muiriscutatus whiptail occurs onsite; other Cnemidophorus sp. observed nearby. Cornarostaphylis Summer holly SOC/—fiB Low; species would likely divers folia have been observed if divers folia present. Corezhrogvne San Dieguito sand SOC/—/1B Low; suitable habitat not ilaginfolia lInfolia aster present onsite. Crotalus ruber ruber Northern red --/CSC Low; suitable habitat not diamond present onsite. rattlesnake 9udleva blochrnanae Short leaved SOC/SE/lB Low; suitable habitat not brevfolia dudleya present onsite. Dudleya viscIda Sticky dudleya SOC/—/1B Low; suitable habitat not present onsite. Enzpidonax trailii Southwestern FE!— Low; suitable habitat not extinius willow flycatcher present onsite. Eurneces ski itonianus Coronado skink --/CSC Low-moderate; a limited interparietalis amount of suitable habitat occurs onsite. Site has been highly disturbed. Ictera virens Yellow-breasted --/CSC Low; habitat onsite is chat marginal. Tuncus acutus Southwestern spiny --1-14 Low; species would likely leopoldii rush have been observed if present. Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead shrike —/CSC Moderate; suitable habitat occurs onsite. Dipodornvs stephensi Stephen's kangaroo FE/ST Low; no signs of k-rat rat evident (burrows, tail drags, etc.); soils onsite unsuitable for burrowing (compacted). I I I I [1 I I I I D H I [1 H I I I I IN P&D Environmental P A ZI 9 ParkThoRptAviara-CP-BiO-Rpidoc Aviara Community Park C-3 Biological Resources Report April 2002 Scientific Name Common Name (Fed/State/CNPS) Potential for Occurrence Lepus calfornicus San Diego black- —/CSC Low; site lacks suitable bennettii tailed jackrabbit cover and foraging habitat. 4ccipiter cooperi Cooper's hawk --/CSC OBSERVED; however, species was not nesting. Erernophelia alpestris California horned --/CSC Moderate (foraging only); lark species may utilize the disturbed habitat. 'Jvotis yumanenszs Yuma myotis .-/CSC Low; foraging and roosting areas onsite not available. Perognathus Pacific pocket FE/CSC Low; site has been highly longimembris mouse disturbed from borrow-site acficus activities. Phrvnosoma San Diego homed --/CSC Low-moderate; little suitable coronatuni blainvillei lizard habitat exists onsite. Progne subis Purple martin —/CSC Low; suitable habitat does not occur onsite. Salvadora hexalepis Coast patch-nosed --/CSC Low-moderate; this species' virgultea snake main prey item (whiptails) has been observed onsite; however, very little cover and foraging habitat exist. Scap hiop us Western spadefoot --/CSC Low-moderate; marginally harnmondii toad suitable habitat present, but is highly disturbed. Thamnop his Two stripe garter --/CSC Low-moderate; riparian hamrnondii snake habitat onsite is marginally suitable. Thamnophis sirtalis South coast garter —/CSC Low; suitable habitat not ssp. snake present onsite. Viguiera laciniata San Diego --/--14 Low; species would likely sunflower have been observed if present. See Appendix D for a description of status codes. Li I I I [1 I I I El I I E I I Li I U I APPENDIX D I SENSITIVITY CODES SPECIES DESIGNATIONS (USFWS 1996,1997) I FEDERAL Category Description I FE FT Federal Endangered species. Federal Threatened species. FPE Taxa proposed to be listed as Endangered. 1 FPT Taxa proposed to be listed as Threatened. SOC Species of Concern (former Candidate Species). MNBMC Migratory Nongame Birds of Management Concern. I STATE SPECIES DESIGNATIONS (CDFG 1997) Category Description I SE State listed as Endangered. ST State listed as Threatened. SR State-listed as Rare. I SCE State candidate for listing as Endangered. SCT State candidate for listing as Threatened. I CSC CDFG "Species of Special Concern". CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY DESIGNATIONS (Skinner and Pavlik 1 1994) I CNPS List Description 1 Plants of highest priority. I 1A lB Plants presumed extinct in California. Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere. 2 Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but common I elsewhere. 3 Plants about which we need more information (A Review List). 4 Plants of limited distribution (A Watch List). [I NO P&D Environmental P A Z19ParkBoRpt iar-CP-Bic-RpuJoc Aviara Community Park- D-1 Biological Resources Report April 2002 I I