Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout3190; La Costa Oaks & Ridge Projects; La Costa Oaks & Ridge Projects; 1999-07-07The La Costa Oaks and Ridge Projects DRAFT BIOLOGICAL TECHNICAL REPORT July 7, 1999 Prepared for: VIIIAGES OF LA COSTA 2300 Alga Road Carlsbad, California 92009 Prepared by: HEUX ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING, INC. 8100 La Mesa Boulevard, Suite 150 La Mesa, California 91941-6452 DRAFT BIOLOGICAL TECHNICAL REPORT FOR THE LA COSTA OAKS AND RIDGE PROJECTS TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 METHODS 3 EXISTING CONDITIONS 4 REGULATORY CONTEXT 10 IMPACT ANALYSIS AND MTTIGATION MEASURES 11 LITERATURE CTTED 19 APPENDIX A SURVEY INFORMATION A-l APPENDIX B OAKS/RIDGE PLANT SPECIES LIST B-1 APPENDIX C OAKS/RIDGE ANIMAL SPEQES LIST C-1 APPENDIX D SENSITIVrTY CODES D-1 LIST OF FIGURES Follows No. Title Page 1 Regional Locatioii Map 2 2 Project Vicmity Map 2 3 HMP Preserve Planning Area 11 4a-b Vegetation, Sensitive Resources^ Impacts and HCP Preserve 12 LIST OF TABLES No. Title Page 1 Summary of Vegetation Communities for the La Costa Oaks and Ridge 4 2 Vernal Pool Characteristics 5 3 Sensitive Plant Species Occurring or with Potential to Occur on the La Costa Oaks/Ridge Project Sites 8 4 Sensitive Animal Species Occurring or with Potential to Occur on the La Costa Oaks/Ridge Project Sites 9 5 Vegetation Impacts 12 6 Sensitive Plant Impacts 14 7 Impacts and Conservation Levels for tiie La Costa Oaks/Ridge * 15 DRAFT INTRODUCTION This report describes existing biological conditions within the proposed Oaks and Ridge projects of the Villages of La Costa Master Plan (VLCMP), and provides the City of Carlsbad (City), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Califomia Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), and the public with information necessary to assess impacts to biological resources under fhe Califonua Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City's Draft Habitat Management Plan (HMP), Draft North County Multiple Habitat Coiwervation Program (MHCP), state and federal Endangered Species Acts (ESAs), and the federal Clean Water Act. The following discussion compares the proposed project's biological impacts and mitigation measures to those reported for the Southeast n (Oaks) and Rancheros (Ridge) components of the Fieldstone La Costa Master Plan (LCMP) as outhned in the City's Habitat Conservation Plan/Ongoing Multi-Species Plan (HCP/OMSP) (City of Carlsbad 1995). The HCP/OMSP provides specific requirements for the implementation of the LCMP tiiat, if implemented, would ensure that biological impacts would be mitigated. The Southeast n project also had an EIR approved for the re-alignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road project and mass grading. In this report, re-ahgnment construction impacts of Rancho Santa Fe Road are kept separate from the overall project discussion. The HCP/OMSP establishes a preserve design consistent with the Gty's HMP, MHCP, and State Natural Communities Conservation Program (NCCP). The HCP/OMSP further provides the primary guidance for long-term management of the site and a basis for fuIfilUng permitting requirements with the City and both state and federal agencies. A section 10(a) incidental take perinit under the federal ESA has been issued for species covered under the HCP/OMSP. As proposed, the Oaks/Ridge projects meet or exceed the mitigation measures outiined for the projects in the HCP/OMSP. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Oaks/Ridge projects would provide approximately 1,140 residential homes, a 5.7-acre commercial site, a common recreation area at least 20 acres in size, a 9.6-acre SDG&E utihty corridor, necessary circulation roads, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and approximately 525.3 acres of natural open space. An additional 85 acres of proposed open space has been added to the overall project area in the eastern portion of the Ridge project. The re-aHgnment of Rancho Santa Fe Road is also part of the project but is discussed separately in tius document. PROJECT HISTORY The La Costa Master Plan (LCMP [Master Plan 149]) was finalized in 1972, prior to many of the current environmental regulations. The LCMP encompassed a larger study area, some of which has since been developed. The current VLCMP covers the two remaining undeveloped blocks of land, including La Costa Oaks and Ridge (subject of this report) and the La Costa Greens projects. The Oaks project, previously known as Southeast II, had an EIR approved for the re-ahgnment of Rancho Santa Fe Road project and mass grading. The HCP/OMSP is the result of a three-year public plarming process involving the USFWS, CDFG, the City, local and national envirorunental groups, and Fieldstone/La Costa Associates (FLCA). The HCP/OMSP is regional in scope, designed to be consistent with both local and regional planning efforts. The primary purpose of the HCP/OMSP is to conserve wildlife habitat and linkages, ensuring long-term survival of 62 sensitive plant and animal species while achieving objectives of tiie resource agendes, the City, landowners, and other HCP/OMSP participants. The biological basis for the HCP/OMSP includes results of biological studies conducted over a two-year period. HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report Jbr the La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 / July 7, 1999 DRAFT The VLCMP includes modifications to tiie preserve design that allow a net increase to the preserve area over that reported in the HCP/OMSP. The combined open space among the Oaks, Ridge, and Greens in the HCP/OMSP totaled approximately 703 acres. Under the VLCMP, the total open space in tiie HCP/OMSP is increased by 153.5 acres for a total of 856.5 acres. Additionally, 10 acres of disturbed habitat in the central portion of the Oaks project has been used as a Diegan coastal sage scrub restoration site as partial mitigation for the La Costa Valley project. The HCP/ OMSP provides the legal framework for the Greens, Oaks and Ridge projects to meet City, CDFG, and USFWS requirements. Several biological studies, conducted in 1991 and 1992, comprise the biological basis for the HCP/OMSP. The data presented in this report dupUcate the data in the HCP/OMSP wifh some additions and/or revisions. The primary data additions in this report include quino checkerspot butterfly {Euphydryas editha quino) survey results, wetiand delineation results, and updates to the status of sensitive species. The impacts under the VLCMP have been reduced in comparison witti the HCP/ OMSP. Additionally it should be noted that a majority of the project area was bumed in 1996. It is assumed that the burned areas will eventually re-establish themselves and that sensitive species present prior to the fire will re-occupy the site in pre-fire densities. Proposed development impacts under for the Oaks and Ridge Projects have been reduced by a net of 119 acres. Mitigation, however, would include all measures developed as part of the HCP/OMSP conservation program. The HCP/OMSP stipulates conveyance of a total of 525.2 acres of open space on site. In addition, tiiere are habitat management measures and other impacts minimization and mitigation measures to be implemented. PHYSICAL SITE CHARACTERISTICS The Oaks and Ridge projects consist of undeveloped, natural areas divided by San Marcos Creek. San Maicos Creek is a major drainage feature on site that provides for wildlife movement and high quaUty habitat. The Oaks and Ridge projects are in the City in northwestem San Diego County, Califomia (Figures 1 and 2). The Oaks and Ridge sites are approximately 741 and 465 acres, respectively. On-site elevations range from approximately 240 feet to 740 feet above mean sea level. SOILS Soil types present on site include clays of the Salinas and Altamont series and various sandy loams of tiie Excequer, Huerhuero, San Miguel, and Cieneba series (Bowman 1973). HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report fbr the La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 /juiy 7,1999 ! RIVERSIDE COUNTY PROJECT LOCATION NOTTOSCALE IIEIIX Regional Location Map THE OAKS AND RIDGE PROPERTIES Fiyure .Source: USGS 7.5 min Quadrangles: Encinitas and Rancho Santa Fei, um Project Vicinity Map THE OAKS AND RIDGE PROPERTIES Figure ? DRAFT m METHODS m Nine types of surveys were conducted on site between 1990 and 1998: vegetation mapping, rare plant surveys, coastal California gnatcatcher {Polioptila califomica califomica) surveys, coastal California gnatcatcher banding, sensitive reptile siu^eys, sensitive butterfly surveys, quino checkerspot butterfly surveys, small manunal trapping, and wetiand delineation. Fieldwork was conducted by Sweetwater Environmental Biologists, hic. (SEB) and HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc (HELIX). Vegetation was mapped on a topographic map of 1"=200' scale. An aerial photograph was used as a reference for both site work and mapping in the office. Vemal pools were surveyed in by Htmsaker and Associates. Focused rare plant surveys were conducted during Spring 1991 and Summer/Fall 1992 as well as opportunistically during other surveys. The coastal California gnatcatcher surveys followed suggested guidelines for surveys in use in 1991 (ERC Environmental and Energy Services, Inc. 1990) because no official (USFWS) protocol was available. However, the surveys complied with the protocol implemented later in 1992 for the NCCP (Scientific Review Panel 1992). Surveys were conducted durmg the morning before 11:00 a.m. at a rate of 25 acres per person-hour. Durmg the gnatcatcher surveys, a tape of coastal Cahfomia gnatcatcher vocalizations was used to elicit gnatcatcher responses. Tape playing was minimized to avoid unnecessary harassment of gnatcatchers. In August and September 1991, SEB banded the gnatcatchers on site. Banding was consistent with guidelines estabhshed by the USFWS, U.S. Bu-d Banding Laboratory under the direct supervision of Barry L. Jones (master permitee). Gnacatchers were banded and subsequentiy monitored to determine their dispersal patterns. Prior to the listing of the qumo checkerspot butterfly, a sensitive butterfly survey was conducted on site in June. Because the quino checkerspot butterfly has since become federally listed as endangered (January 1997), quino presence/absence surveys were conducted that compUed with USFWS interim general survey protocol (USFWS 1997). Surveys were conducted weekly during the 1998 flight season (March through late April). The site was also assessed for adequate habitat and the presence of the two larval foodplants: dwarf plantain {Plantago erecta) and owl's-clover {Castilleja exserta) and other quino habitat features. Quino checkerspot surveys were repeated in 1999, based on the new standard protocol (USFWS 1999). Surveys in 1999 were completed weekly from March to May and covered all suitable habitat on site at a rate of 12.5 acres or less per hour. Habitat components, such as the larval foodplants mentioned above, were surveyed and mapped. Wildhfe signs and observations were noted during all surveys. Survey techniques included searching all habitats for anticipated wildlife species that could occur on site. All habitat types were searched for wildlife presence or sign. The potential for other sensitive species to occur on site was determined by a habitat-based analysis and by consulting the known distribution of sensitive species in tiie City. A sensitive reptile survey and small mammal trappmg was conducted to amplify the general wildlife information. The wetiand delineation followed methods prescribed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) (Envirorunental Laboratory 1987). Complete details of the wetiand dehneation methods and results are provided in a separate wetiand delineation report. Nomenclature for tiiis report is from Hickman, ed. (1993) for plants; Holland (1986) for vegetation communities; Emmel and Emmel (1973) for butterflies; CoUins (1997) for reptiles and amphibians; the American Ornithologist's Union (1983, as updated) for birds; and Jones et al. (1997) for mammals. Sensitive animal and plant status is taken from CDFG (1994a) and CDFG (1994b), respectively (as updated). HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report pr the La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 /July 7,1999 DRAFT EXISTING CONDITIONS VEGETATION COMMUNITIES/HABITATS The Oaks and Ridge Projects support nine vegetation communities or habitats: vemal pool, Diegan coastal sage scrub, native grassland, riparian scrub and woodland, southem mixed chaparral, non-native grassland, open water, eucalyptus woodland, and disturbed habitat (Table 1). As noted earUer, a fire bumed the entire site in 1996. This report uses habitat and sensitive resource data collected before the fire. Table 1 SUMMARY OF VEGETATION COMMUNITIES FOR THE LA COSTA OAKS AND RIDGE Vegetation Communitv Acres* Diegan coastal sage scmb 806.9 Native grassland 31.6 Riparian scrub and woodland 27.3 Southem mixed chaparral 182.8 Non-native grassland 35.6 Open water 0.4 Vemal pool 0.05 Eucalyptus woodland 0.7 Disturbed habitat 120.4 Total 1,205.8 * Areas are given in approximate acreage Vernal pool Vemal pool habitat on site is characterized by depressions in the disturbed habitat areas, dominated by vemal pool vegetation. Plants observed in the pools include long-stalk water-starwort {Callitriche marginata), stonecrop {Crassuia aquatica), spike-rush {Eleocharis sp.), and grass poly {Lythrum hyssopifolia). Vemal pools are considered sensitive by the City of Carlsbad (1999) and the CDFG (Holland 1986), as weU as by the USFWS because they support sensitive species, are limited in distribution, and are declining in area. One of the vemal pools is located within non-native grassland habitat, while the rest are entirely within disturbed areas. Approximately 1,960 square feet (0.05 acre) of vemal pool habitat (4 pools) occurs on site. The watershed, for each of the pools was also measured and is included with tiie acreage in Table 2. Note that vemal pools 1 and 2 share a single watershed. HEUX Draft Biological Technical Report for the La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 /July 7, 1999 DRAFT m Table 2 Vemal Pool Characteristics Vemal Pool Surface Area Watershed 1 760 sq. ft. 20,480 sq. ft. / 0.47 acre 2 270 sq.ft 20,480 sq. ft. / 0.47 acre 3 590 sq. ft 3,070 sq.ft./0.07 acre 4 340 sq. ft 2,670 sq. ft. / 0.06 acre Total 1,960 sq ft. 26,220 sq ft / 0.6 acre Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Coastal sage scmb is one of the major shrub communities that occur in California. Coastal sage scmb is dominated by shmbs whose leaves die back during hot and dry periods. Coastal sage scmb is an open plant community, allowing for the occurrence of a substantial herbaceous component. There are many coastal sage scrub subtypes, differing in their dominant plants and overall species composition. Much of the coastal sage scrub on the Ridge property is dominated by semi-pure stands of black sage while on the Oaks property Califomia sagebrush is more dominant. Additional plant species m the coastal sage scmb include laurel sumac {Malosma laurina), Mexican elderberry {Sambucus mexicana), California buckwheat {Eriogonum fasciculatum), Califomia adolphia {Adolphia califomica), and Califomia enceUa {Encelia califomica). Coastal sage scmb is considered a sensitive resource by several resource agencies, including the City of Carlsbad (1999), CDFG (HoUand 1986), and USFWS, because it supports many sensitive plants and animals. As mentioned previously, a 10-acre coastal sage scmb revegetation area has been estabUshed on the Oaks property. Approximately 806.9 acres of Diegan coastal sage scmb (including the revegetation) occurs on tiie Oaks and Ridge Projects. Native Grassland Native grassland is a community dominated by native perermial bunchgrasses such as purple needle grass {Nasella pulchra) and foothiU needlegrass {Nasella lepida) with native forbs such as common golden stars {Bloomeria crocea ssp. crocea) and Califomia blue-eyed grass {Sisyrinchium helium). Native grasslands generaUy occur on fine-textured soils that generaUy exclude the annual, exotic grasses. Native grasslands are considered sensitive by the CDFG (HoUand 1986), City of Carlsbad (1999), and USFWS because of their limited distribution and because they support sensitive plant and animal species. Within the Oaks and Ridge Projects native grassland is restricted to several patches within the non-native grassland. Approximately 31.6 acres of native grassland occurs on site. Riparian Scmb and Woodland Riparian scrub and woodland is a generic term for plant communities occurring along drainages or river corridors. This habitat occurs on loose, sandy or fine graveUy aUuvium deposited near stream charmels during flood flows. Riparian habitat types are considered sensitive by the CDFG (HoUand 1986), City of Carlsbad (1999), and USFWS due to their overaU importance to wUdlife as corridors and water sources and because they are a declining resource. The riparian plant communities on the Oaks and Ridge Projects are represented by two main habitat types: southem wiUow scmb and southem coast Uve oak riparian woodland. Southem wiUow scmb consists of dense, broadleaved, winter-deciduous stands of trees dominated by shrubby wiUows {Salix sp.) in association with mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia). The herbaceous understory consists of: Curly dock {Rumex crispus), cocklebur {Xanthium stmmarium var. canadense) and western ragweed. Periodic flooding maintains this early serai community, preventing succession to a riparian HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report fbr the La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 / July 7,1999 DRAFT m woodland or forest (HoUand 1986). In the absence of periodic flooding, competition between the wiUows wiU intensify as these individuals grow and compete. A smaU percentage of these individuals wiU survive and form the tree stratum, whUe most wUl die or exist as suppressed juvenUes in the lower ^ sttatum. Trees within the creek include wiUows and a few sycamores {Platanus racemosa). Southern willow scmb occurs within the San Marcos Creek corridor. Southem coast Uve oak riparian woodland is an open to dense riparian community that is dominated by *• coast Uve oak {Quercus agrifolia). This community occurs Eilong large stteam courses where the water table ^ is at or near the surface for most of the year. Southem coast live oak riparian woodland thrives in the absence of frequent flood disturbances, aUowing the ttee component to attam a sizable height Riparian m oak woodland occurs on the south border of the Oaks property in two north-south trending drainages. Approximately 27.3 acres of combined southern wiUow scrub and southern coast Uve oak woodland ^ vegetation occur on the Oaks and Ridge Projects. Southern Mixed Chaparral Southem mixed chaparral is composed of broad- and thick-leaved shrubs that grow to about six to ten ^ feet taU and form dense often nearly impenettable stands. Plant components of southem mixed chaparral on site include chamise {Adenostoma fasciculatum), lemonadeberry {Rhus integrifolia), poison oak i-i {Toxicodendron diversilobum), mission manzanita {Xylococcus bicolor), scrub oak {Quercus sp.), fuchsia- flowered gooseberry {Ribes speciosum), and wUd Ulac {Ceanothus sp.). The southem mixed chaparral occurs primarUy in four patches on nortii-facing slopes along tiie northem boundaries of both sites. ^ Approximately 182.8 acres of southem mixed chaparral occur on the Oaks and Ridge Projects. ™ Non-native Grassland Non-native grassland consists mostiy of aimual rather than perermial grasses that are characteristicaUy ^ associated with flowering forbs. The dominant species in non-native grasslands are mediterranean, inttoduced species. Like the native grasslands, non-native grasslands occur on fine-textured soUs. Non- — native grassland occurs on the Oaks project site, in several patches on the main south-facing hillside. Approximately 35.6 acres of non-native grassland occurs on site. ^ Open Water Open water habitat is foimd in a man-made pond in one of the canyons in the northem haU of the site.' Approximately 0.4 acre of open water occm-s in a pond at the northem end of the Ridge project site within San Marcos Creek. Eucalvptus Woodland IB* Eucalyptus woodland is dominated by eucalyptus {Eucalyptus sp.). In most instances, eucalyptus have " been planted for a variety of cultural reasons. If sufficient moisture is available, eucalyptus become ^ naturaUzed and are able to reproduce and expand theU range which has happened in many riparian areas. Approximately 0.7 acre of eucalyptus woodland occurs on site adjacent to San Marcos Creek m the " northem portions of the Ridge project site. Disttirbed Disturbed habitats lack vegetation, are developed, or support mostiy weedy species. Disturbed areas occur as a result of agriculture, development dumping, off-highway vehicle activity, and so on. ^ Approximately 120.4 acres of disturbed habitat occurs on the Oaks and Ridge Projects. HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report for the La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 /July 7,1999 DRAFT Turisdictional Areas ACOE jurisdictional areas include landforms such as: channels, flood plains and springs. The wetiand areas on site are dominated by hydrophytic vegetation, hydrology, and soUs. Witiiin the proposed development area of the Ridge property, there were no areas where wetiand vegetation, hydrology, and soils criteria were met. On the Oaks property wetlands occur in the four vemal pools on site, at two springs, and in several of the drainages on-site, often as ttansitional areas between or adjacent to non- vegetated Waters of the U.S. Wetiand features on the Ridge project site occur primarUy in San Marcos Creek. Non-vegetated Waters of the U.S. occur on both sites as ephemeral stteams, some of which ttansition into wetiand areas. The jurisdictional widths in these drainages are determined by the OHWM and bed and bank topography. CDFG jurisdictional areas include aU ACOE jurisdictional areas and areas with riparian vegetation that may not meet federal jurisdictional wetland criteria (no such areas were found on site). Details of the wetland delineation and results are reported in separate dociunents for the Oaks and Ridge properties. Plants Appendix A provides a complete Ust of plant species observed on the project site. None of the sensitive plants observed are state or federal listed species. A total of nine sensitive plant species were observed that are not listed at federal or state levels, including ashy spike-moss {Selaginella cinerascens), Califomia adolphia {Adolphia califomica), San Diego marsh elder {Iva hayesiana), soutiiwestem spiny rush [Juncus acutus ssp. Sphaerocarphus), Califomia adder's tongue {Ophioglossum californicum), San Diego County viguiera {Viguiera laciniata). Sticky-leaved Uve-forever {Dudleya viscida), Orcutfs brodiaea {Brodiaea orcuttii), and San Diego goldenstar {Muilla clevelandii). AdditionaUy, 12 sensitive plant species were not observed but have the potential to occur on site, These species would have been observed during fhe rare plant surveys if present. Table 3 summarizes the species observed and potentiaUy-occurring on the Oaks and Ridge projects site. Animals Appendix B provides a list of animal species found duruig project surveys. Thirteen sensitive animal species were observed on site. Of the sensitive species observed on site, the coastsil Califomia gnateatcher is the only federal listed as threatened species and an HMP Group 1 species. The Cooper's hawk {Accipiter cooperii) observed on site is an HMP Group 2 species. The westem spadefoot {Spea hammondii), San Diego homed lizard {Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei), BeU's sage sparrow {Amphispiza belli belli), southem California rufous-crowned sparrow {Aimophila riificeps canescens), northwestem pocket mouse {Chaetodipus fallax fallax), and San Diego black-taUed jackrabbit {Lepus califomicus bennettii) are HMP Group 4 species. The coastal whiptaU {Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus), coastal rosy boa {Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca), Northem red-diamond rattiesnake {Crotalus mber mber), loggerhead shrike {Lanius ludovicianus), and desert woodrat {Neotoma lepida) are not included within the HMP groupings but are considered sensitive by the resource agencies. AdditionaUy, 26 sensitive animal species have the potential to occur on site, including three that are federaUy listed as endangered. Table 4 summarizes the animal species observed or potentiaUy-occurring on the Oaks and Ridge project sites. HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report fbr tlie La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 /July 7, 3999 I I I I I I i I i I itilll TABLE 3 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES OCCURRING OR WITH POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ON THE LA COSTA OAKS/RIDGE PROJECT SITES Species Name Status Distribution Habitat(s) Oaks/Ridge OccurFence/Potentlal Plant Species Observed On Site California adolphia (Adolphia califomica) CNPS List 2; R-E-D 1-2-1 Below 1,000 feet in elevation in westem San Diego County and northwestem Baja Califomia, Mexico. Clay soils in dry canyons and washes in coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Approximately 6,500 individuals observed across the site in many drfferent stands. Most of the stands are associated with coastal sage scrub. Orcutt's brodiaea (Brodiaea orcuttii) Regionally Sensitive/CNPS List IB; R-E-D 1-3-2; HMP Group 4 Riverside and San Bemardino counties south to Baja California, Mexico. Vemal pools and ephemeral streams and seeps. Two populations of five individuals each. Sticky-leaved liveforever (Dudleya viscida) USFWS C1/CNPS List IB; R-E-D 3-2-3; HMP Group 2 Coastal areas in northern San Diego County and in Orange ' County below 1200 feet in elevation. Dry, rocky cliffs and coastal bluffs. Several large populations observed in San Marcos Creek canyon. San Diego marsh-elder (Iva ftayesiana) Regionaliy Sensitive/CNPS List 2; R-E-D 2-2-1; HMP Group 2 San Diego County and Baja Califomia, Mexico. Low-lying, moist or alkaline places along the coast. Has been reported along intermittent streams A large population (numbering in the thousands) occurs in San Marcos Creek. Spiny rush {Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii) CNPS List 4; R-E-D 1-2-1 Los Angeles, San Bemardino, San Luis Obispo, Ventura and San Diego counties as well as Baja Califomia, Mexico. Moist, saline, or alkaline soils. A number of stands numbering in the thousands occur within San Marcos Creek. San Diego goldenstar (Muilla clevelandii) Regionally Sensitive/CNPS List IB; R-E-D 2-2-2; HMP Group 4 Southwestern San Diego County and northwestern Baja Califomia, Mexico. Clay soils on dry mesas and hillsides in coastal sage scmb or chaparral. Approximately 1,950 individuals obsen/ed in Rancho Santa Fe Road alignment. California adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum californicum) Regionally Sensitive/CNPS List 4; R-E-D 1-2-2 Discontinuous distn~bution from central Calrfomia to San Diego County and northern Baja Califomia, Mexico. Grassy, open areas where it is generally associated with short grasses and other herbs. Although often found near vemal pools, the species can also occur in relatively dry, stony areas. Approximately 100 individuals obsen/ed within SDG&E easement east of Rancho Santa Fe Road. llllllllllll i j IIIIIIII SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES OCCURRING OR WITH POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ON THE LA COSTA OAKS/RIDGE PROJECT SITES Species Name Status Distribution Habitat(s) Oaks/Ridge Occurrence/Potential Ashy Spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens) CNPS List 4; R-E-D 1-2-1 San Diego County and northwest Baja California Flat mesas in open coastal sage scrub or chapan'al. Widespread in the southern mixed chaparral and coastal sage scmb. Plant Species Not Observed On site San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia) USFWS C1/CDFG SE/CNPS List IB; R-E-D 2-3-2; HMP Group 4 San Diego County and Baja California, Mexico. Heavy clay soils near vemal pools, in grasslands, and in chaparral and coastal sage scrub. Not obsen/ed. Low potential; would have been observed if present. San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila) CNPS List 1B; R-E-D 3-3-2; HMP Group 4 San Diego County, Riverside County, Baja Califomia, Mexico. Chaparral coastal sage scrub, valley and foothill grasslands, vemal pools. Often in disturbed areas. Not observed. Low potential; would have been observed if present. Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia) USFWS FE/CNPS List 1B; R-E-D 3-3-2; HMP Group 1 Coastal San Diego County. Southem maritime chaparral on sandy mesas and bluffs. Not observed or expected on site. Habitat not suitable. San Diego sagewort (Artemisia palmeri) CNPS List 2; R-E-D 2-2-1 San Diego County and Baja California, Mexico. Stream courses, often within coastal sage scrub and southern mixed chaparral. Not obsen/ed. Low potential; would have t>een observed if present. Encinitas baccharis {Baccharis vanessae) USFWS FT/CDFG SE/CNPS List IB; R-E-D 2-3-3; HMP Group 1 San Diego County endemic. Southern maritime and southem mixed chaparral. Not obsen/ed. Low potential; would have been observed if present. Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) USFWS PT/CDFG SE/CNPS List IB; R-E-D 3-3-3; HMP Group 1 Interior valley regions of Riverside and San Diego counties. Clay lens soils in annual grasslands and vernal pools. Not observed. Low potential. Would have been observed if present. Wart-stemmed ceanothus (CeanoUtus verrucosus) Regionally Sensitive/CNPS List 4; R-E-D 1-2-1; HCP Group 2 Central coastal San Diego County to Baja Califomia, Mexico. Chaparral, coastal sage scrub, or southem oak woodland. Not observed. Lew potential. Would have been observed if present. i ] i I I i I I llli llll SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES OCCURRING OR WITH POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ON THE LA COSTA OAKS/RIDGE PROJECT SITES Species Name Status Distribution Habitat{s} Oaks/Ridge Occurrence/Potential Orcutfs spineflower (Chorizanthe orcuttiana) USFWS FE/CDFG SE/CNPS List 1B; R-E-D 3-3-3; HMP Group 4; Not a covered species under the HCP/OMSP. Endemic to San Diego County. Last seen in 1967. Found only in sandy areas on mesas in the coastal region. Generally associated with coastal sage scrub or chaparral. Not obsen/ed. Low potential; would have been observed rf present. This species is known from only one location in southern maritime chapan'al 6 miles southwest of the site. Summer holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia) Regionally Sensitive/CNPS List IB; R-E-D 2-2-2 Scattered locations below approximately 2,300 feet in elevation from the foothills to the coast in Orange and San Diego counties and south into Baja Califomia, Mexico. North-facing slopes and drainages in chaparral. Not obsen/ed or expected on site. Habitat not suitable. Del Mar sand aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolia) Regionally Sensitive (formerly USFWS PT but is now considered protected under the MSCP of southern San Diego County)/CNPS List 1B; R-E-D 3-2 3; HMP Group 4 San Diego County from Carlsbad to Fort Rosecrans. Sandy and disturbed areas within southern maritime chaparral. Not observed. Low potential; would have been obsen/ed if present. Westem dichondra (Dichondra occidentalis) Regionally Sensitive/CNPS List 4; R-E-D 1-2-1 Santa Barbara County to Baja California, Mexico and on San Miguel Island. Dry, sandy banks in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, or southem oak woodland; often proliferates on recently burned stopes. Not obsen/ed. Low potential; would have been obsen/ed if present. Blochman's dudleya (Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae) Regionally Sensitive/CNPS List IB; R-E-D 1-2-2; HMP Group 2 Near the coast from San Luis Obispo County south to northem Baja Califomia, Mexico below 1,500 feet in elevation. Dry, stony places associated with coastal sage scrub. Not observed. Low potential; would have been observed if present. San Diego button-celery (Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii) USFWS FE/CDFG SE/CNPS List IB, 1-3-2 San Diego and Riverside Counties and Baja Califomia, Mexico. Vernal pools Not obsen/ed. Low potential due to the disturbed nature of vernal pools on site. Would have been observed if present. Cliff spurge {Euphorbia misera) CNPS List 2; R-E-D 2-2-1; HMP Group 4 Corona Del Mar to Baja California, Mexico. Sea bluffs in coastal sage scmb. Not obsen/ed. Low potential; would have been observed rf present. i I lili i 4 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES OCCURRING OR WITH POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ON THE LA COSTA OAKS/RIDGE PROJECT SITES Species Name Status Distribution Habitat(s) Oaks/Rrdge Occurrence/Potential San Diego barrel cactus {Ferocactus viridescens) Regionally Sensitive/CNPS List 2; R-E-D 1-3-1: HMP Group 4 San Diego County and Baja Calrfomia, Mexico. Dry slopes in coastal sage scrub. Not observed. Low potential; would have been obsen/ed if present. Palrrrer's grappling hook {Harpagonella palmeri) Regionally Sensitive/CNPS List 2; R-E-D 1-2-1 Below approximately 3,300 feet in elevation in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties, on San Clemente Island, in Arizona, Baja California and Sonora, Mexico. Clay soils in annual grasslands and coastal sage scmb. Not obsen/ed or expected on site. Habitat not suitable. Orcutt's hazardia (Hazardia orcuttii) Regionally Sensitive/CNPS List IB; R-E-D 3-3-2; HMP Group 4 San Diego County and Baja Califomia, Mexico. The only United States occunence is in Encinitas. Chaparral of ail types. Not observed. Low potential; would have been observed if present. Little mousetail (Myosurus minimus) Regionally sensitive/CNPS List 3, R-E-D 2-3-2 Coastal San Diego County and elsewhere north to Butte County, California. Vernal pool Not observed. Low potential due to dlsturised nature of vernal pools on site. Would have been observed if presenL Spreading navarretia (Navarretia fossalis) USFWS PT/CNPS List IB R-E-D 3-2-1 San Diego County Vernal pools and vemal swales Not observed. Low potential due to disturbed nature of vernal pools on site. Would have been observed if present. Califomia orcutt grass {Orcuttia califomica) USFWS FE/CDFG SE/CNPS IB R-E-D 3-3-2 San Diego County Vernal pools Not obsen/ed. Low potential due to disturbed nature of vernal pools on site. Would have been observed if present. Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii) CNPS List 4; R-E-D 1-2-2; HMP Group 2 Cismontane foothills of southem Califomia, primarily from the Santa Ana Mountains to Baja California Norte, Mexico within an upper elevational limit of approximately 4,200 feet. Between dry coastal plains and cold, montane areas with a minimum precipitation level of 15 inches per year (Scott 1990). Not observed. Low potential. Would have been observed if presenL San Diego County viguiera (Viguiera laciniata) CNPS Ust4; R-E-D 1-2-1 San Diego County and Baja Calrfomia, Mexico. Diegan coastal sage scmb. Not observed. Low potential; would have been obsen/ed if present 1 j 1 i I liiilJtiiiiiii TABLE 4 SENSITIVE ANIMAL SPECIES OCCURRING OR WITH POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ON THE LA COSTA OAKS/RIDGE PROJECT SITES Species Name Status Distiibution Habitat(s) Oaks/Ridge Occurrence/Potential Animal Species Observed On Site AK11:'H1BIANS Westem spadefoot (Spea liammondii) Regionally Sensitive/ CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4 Central Valley and surrounding foothills in San Francisco and the bay areas south along coast to northwestem Baja Califomia. Various habitats are used, inculding coastal sage scmb, chaparral, and grassland, but the most important factor is the presence of ephemeral pools. Pools need proximity to friable soils for burrowing by young spadefoots in the dry summer and fall periods. Tadpoles observed in ephemeral ponded water areas in coastal sage scrub and grassland east and west of Rancho Santa Fe Road. REPTILES Coastal whiptail (Cnemidopliorus tigris multiscutatus) Regionally Sensitive Ventura Coimty south, in cismontane CaHfomia, to soufli-central Baja Califomia, Mexico. Open coastal sage scmb, chaparraL and woodlands. Frequently found along the edges of dirt roads traversing its habitats. Important habitat components include open, sunny areas, shrub cover with accumulated leaf litter, and an abundance of invertebrate prey, particularly termites (Reticulitermes sp.). Several individuals observed in coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus exsul) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC Extreme southeastem Los Angeles County (Diamond Bar) into southem San Bemardino County, and south into southem Baja Califomia, Mexico. Favors rocky outcrops in coastal sage scrub, chaparral creosote bush scrub, and areas dominated by cactus. Also encountered along rocky canyon bottoms and on the flats adjacent to Tocky, desert foothills. One observed in rocky areas of coastal sage scrub. Coastal rosy boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) Regionally Sensitive Treinsverse Ranges in Los Angeles and San Bemardino counties soutti into northwestem Baja CaHfomia, Mexico. Also east to the lower desert slope and is most often found below 4,500 feet in elevation. Usually in or near rocky areas in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and desert scmb. One observed in rocky areas of coastal sage scmb. San Diego homed lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4 Southem California, west of ttie deserts, and south into northem Baja Califomia, Mexico. Coastal sage scrub, chaparraL open oak woodlands and open coniferous forests. Important habitat components include basking sites, adequate scrab cover, areas of loose soil, and an abundance of harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex sp.), a primary prey item. One individual observed in coastal sage scrab near San marcos Creek canyon. BIRDS Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) Nesting-CDFG CSC; HMP Group 2 Throughout the continental U.S. excluding Alaska, parts of Montana, and pcu-ts of the Dakotas. Winters south to Mexico and Honduras. In San E>iego County tends to inhabit lowland riparian areas and oak woodlands in proximity to suitable foraging areas such as scmblands or fields. Observed hunting in oak riparian areas during several surveys, potentially breeding on site. i j t J t i I llllllllll Species Name Status Distribution Habltat{s) Oaks/RIdge Occurrence/Potential Southem Califomia rufous- crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4 Ventura County southeast through Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties to northwestem Baja Califonua, Mexico. Coastal sage scrab where it occurs on rocky hillsides and in canyons but also may be found in open sage scrab/ grassy areas of successional growth for example, after a fire. Individuals common in coastal sage scrab prior to the 1996 fire. Bell's sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli belli) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4 Lower slopes of the Califomia and northem Baja Cahfomia, Mexico coast ranges; on the eastem slopes bordering the Central Valley from the San Francisco Bay Area to Trinity County; and on the westem slopes of the Sierra Nevada from Calaveras to Madera counties. Sunny, dry stands of coastal sage scrab and chaparral. May occasionally be found in other cirid habitats such as cismontane jtmiper woodland and alluvial fan scrab. Estimated 13 to 20 pairs on site prior to the 1996 fire. Loggerhead shrike {Lanius ludaoicianus) CDFG CSC Widespread, but declining, throughout North America. Winters south to Central America. Habitat: Open habitats including grasslands, scrablands, and mderal areas witti adequate perching locations. Two pair observed, possibly breeding. Coastal Califomia gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica califomica) USFWS FT/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 1 Southem Los Angeles, Orange, westem Riverside, and San Diego counties soutti into Baja Califomia, Mexico. Coastal sage scrub. 35 pairs observed in coastal sage scrab on site prior to 1996 fire. Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax follax) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4 Los Angeles County and southem San Bemardino County south into west-cential Baja California, Mexico. Open areas of coastal sage scrub and weedy growth, often on sandy substrates. Trapped in southem mixed chaparral and coastal sage scrub along dirt roads and open areas on site. San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennettii) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4 Southem Santa Barbara County, south on ttie coastal slope to the vicinity of San Quintin, Baja Califomia, Mexico, Localities on the eastem edge of its range include Jacumba and San FeUpe Valley in San Diego County, Occurs primarily in open habitats including coastal sage scrab, chaparral, grasslands, croplands, and open, disturbed areas if there is at least some scrab cover present. Obseived in coastal sage scrab and non- native grassland. San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC • Coastal slope of souttiem Califomia from San Luis Obispo County south into coastal northwestem Baja California, Mexico. Open chaparral and coastal sage scrab, often building large, stick nests in rock outcrops or around clumps of cactus or yucca. Several individuals trapped in coastal sage scmb and chaparral. Animal Species Not Observed On Site INVERTEBRATES San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegoensis) USFWS FE; HMP Group 4; Not a covered spedes under the HCP/OMSP. Populations of this shrimp are known from vemal pool habitat throughout much of San Diego County. Vemal pool Not observed. Moderate potential wittiin the four vemal pools on site. I I I I I i I I I E I I i t I I I & i Species Name Status Distribution Habitat(s) Oaks/Ridge Occurrence/Potential Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editim quino) USFWS FE; HMP Group 4; Not a covered species under the HCP/OMSP. Current papulations are known to exist as several, probably isolated, colonies in southwestem Riverside County, southem San Diego Counly, and northem Baja California, Mexico. The principal larval host plants in San Diego are dot-seed plaintain (Plantago erecta) owl's clover (Castilleja exserta). Potential habitat in the region includes vegetation communities with relatively open areas that typically include the host and nectaring plants; habitats include vemal pools, lake margins, non-native grassland, perennial grassland, disturbed habitat, disturljed wetlands, and open areas within shrab communities. Not observed during focused surveys in 1998 or 1999. Low potential; larval host plants present on site but butterfly not known historically from site. Harbison's dun skipper (Euphyes vestris liarbisoni) Regionally Sensitive; HMP Group 4 Southem Orange County to the Mexican border. Riparian habitats and chaparral where perennial sources of water provide adequate habitat for the larval foodplant, San Diego sedge (Carex spissa). Not observed. Moderate potential; Habitat abundant in San marcos Creek and larval food plants present However ttie site may be too close to the coast for this species. Hermes copper (Lycaena liermes) Regionally Sensitive; HMP Group 4 San Diego County, south of Fallbrook to northem Baja Califomia, Mexico. Southem mixed chaparral and coastal sage scrab. Not observed. Moderate potential; larval food plants presenL Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocepluilus wootoni) USFWS FE; HMP Group 4; Not a covered species under the HCP/OMSP. Populations of this shrimp are known from one vemal pool in Carlsbad, some pools in Otay Mesa, a few pools in Orange County, and Riverside County. Vemal pool Not observed. Low potential within the four vemal pools observed on site. Pool depth not appropriate. VERTEBRATES AMIHI^IANS.;;;- V Califomia red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) USFWS PE/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4 Northem Califomia along westem slopes of Sierra Nevada through coast ranges to norttiwestem Baja Califomia. Occurs in ponds, marshes, and pools in creeks and streams. Not observed. Low potential; not known from San Diego County since the early 1970s. REf^i|s-v, Silvery legless lizard (Anniella nigra argentea) CDFG CSC East of San Francisco Bay south to norttiwestem Baja California, Mexico. Primarily west of the major mountain ranges, but there are scattered populations along the westem edges of the Califomia deserts. Washes, beaches, alluvial fans, scrablands, and oak woodlands. Important habitat components include loose soil and leaf-litter, adequate sott moisture, warmth, and an abundance of invertebrate prey. Not observed. Low potential because appropriate habitat (sandy soils) occurs on site. Southwestem pond turtte (Clemmys marmorata pallida) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4 Vicinity of Monterey in central Califomia south into northwestem Baja Califomia, Mexico. Primarily west of the major moimtain ranges in southem Califomia, but there is a population along ttie Mojave River in San Bemardino County, Variety of wetland habitats including freshwater marshes, creeks, ponds, and reservoirs. Adequate basking sites, deep water retreats, and egg laying areas are important components of habitat. Not observed. Moderate potential; would likely have been observed if present However the species could emigrate to the site via upstream habitat into San Marcos Creek canyon because appropriate habitat (ponds in stream habitats) occurs. I I I I Species Name Status Distribution Habitat(s) Oaks/Ridge Occurrence/Potential Orange-throated whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 2 Southem Orange County and southem San Bemardino County (Colton), south to ttie cape of Baja Califomia, Mexico. Coastal sage scrab, chaparral, edges of riparian woodlands, and washes. Also found in weedy, disturbed areas adjacent to these habitats. Important habitat requirements include open, sunny areas, shaded areas, and abundant invertebrate prey base, particularly termites (ReticuUtermes sp.). Not observed. High to moderate potential because habitat on site is appropriate. San Diego banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus abbotti) Regionally Sensitive Southem slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles County, south ttiroughout cismontane and coastal souttiem Califomia into northwestem Baja California, Mexico. Also found on Cedros Island off the Pacific coast of Baja CaHfomia, Mexico. Chaparral and coastal sage scrab in areas with rock outcrops. Not observed. Low potential because appropriate habitats (rocky outcrops) do not occur on site. San Diego ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus similis) Regionally Sensitive Southwestem San Bemardino County south along the coastal slope into northwestem Baja California, Mexico. Generally occurs in moist habitats such as oak woodlands and canyon bottoms, but is also sometimes encountered in grassland, chaparral, and coastal sage scrab. Not observed. Moderate potential because appropriate habitat (chaparral) occur on site. Coronado Island s]smk (Eumeces skiltonianus interparietalis) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC Distribution: Southwestern Czdifomia from Los Angeles County south into northwestem Baja Califomia, Mexico. Also occurs on several islands off the Pacific coast including Los Coronados Islands. Grasslands, coastal sage scrab, open chaparral, pine oak woodland, and coniferous forests. Prefers areas where there is abundant leaf Utter or low, herbaceous growth. Not observed. Moderate potential because appropriate habitats (coastal sage scrab and grasslands) occur on site. Coast patch-nosed snake (Salvadora liexalepis virgultea) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC; HCP Group 5 Santa Barbara County south into northwestem Baja Califomia, Mexico, Primarily f otmd in chaparral but also inhabits coastal sage scrab and areas of grassland mixed with scrub. Not observed. Moderate potential because favored food source (whiptails) occur on site. Two-striped garter snake (Tliamnophis liammondii) Regionally Sensitive Distribution: Monterey County south through the coastal ranges into northwestem Baja Califomia, Mexico. Primarily along permanent creeks and streams lmt also around vemal pools and along intermittent streams. Occasionally fotmd in chaparral or ofher habitats relatively far from permanent water. Not observed. Moderate potential; would Hkely have been observed if present However, like the pond turtle, the species could emigrate to the site. BIRDS • Tricolored blackbird {A^laius tricolor) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 2 Califomia's Central VaUey and tfiroughout the lowlemd regions west of ttie Sierra Nevada Moimtains from San Diego County north to Lake County. There are also breeding populations in Califomia in Siskiyou and Modoc Counties and, more recentty, in southem Oregon, Forages in pastures, croplands, lakeshores, and irrigated grassy areas. Breeds in freshwater emergent wetlands, mostly marshes composed of cattails (Typha spp.), wittows (Salix spp.), mulefat (Baccharis sahcifolia), and tamarisk (Tamarix spp.). Not observed or expected on site. Habitat not suitable. Burrowing owl (Atliene cunicularia) Burrow sites-CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4 Distribution:. Lower British Columbia to Manitoba, Canada and ttie coitral and westem U.S. south to northem Mexico and Baja Califomia, Mexico. Generally restricted to grasslands and agricultural lands. Uses burrows of Califomia ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) for nest sites. Not observed or expected on site. Habitat not suitable. liil till I I I I I I I I I I i j Species Name Status Distribution Habitat(s) Oaks/Ridge Occurrence/Potential Cactus wren {Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4 Southem Orange County (San Juan Creek) soutti through San Diego County into northwestem Baja California, Mexico. Restricted to clumps of prickly-pear (Opuntia Uttoralis and O. oricola) or cholla (O. prolifera) growing in coastal sage scrab or along washes. Not observed. Low potential because appropriate habitat (cactus patches) does not occur on site. Northem hamer (Circus cyaneus) Nesting-CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4 Widespread throughout the temperate regions of North America and Eurasia. Winters and migrates throughout Califomia from below sea level in Deatti Valley to an elevation of 9,800 feet. Known breeding areas in San Diego County include Torrey Pines, ttie Tijuana River Valley, and Camp Pendleton, CoastaL salt and freshwater marshlands; grasslands; and prairies. Not observed. Moderate potentizil to forage on site but for breeding the site is not appropriate. Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia brewsteri) CDFG CSC Throughout North America. A spring and summer breeding resident in southem California. Riparian areas throughout Califomia. Primarily restricted to riparian woodland and ripsirian scrab habitats in souttiem Califomia, Not observed. Some potential for this species to occur within San Marcos Creek. Southwestem willow flycatcher {Empidonax traillii extimus) USFWS FE/CDFG SE; HMP Group 1 Within the U,S., breeding range is restricted to souttiem Califomia, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. Largest remaining population in southem Califomia is at The Nature Conservancy's Kem River Preserve. Other significant remaining populations occur in San Diego County along the Santa Margarita and San Luis Rey Rivers. Intennittent sightings have occurred at the south end of Lake Cuyamaca, at the upper end of the Sweetwater Reservoir, at the east end of Lower Otay Lake, and in the Tijuana River Valley (Unitt 1987). Breeds within thickets of willows or other riparian understory, usuaUy along streams, ponds or lakes, or in canyon drainage bottoms. Migrant birds may be located among any of the larger trees or shrabs in the Coimty of San Diego, but even migrants seem to prefer damp areas. Not observed. Moderate potential because appropriate habitats (mature riparian woodlands and streamside riparian haliitats) are within San Marcos Creek. Califomia homed lark (Eremophila alpestris actia) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC Coastal slopes and lowlands from Sonoma County to northem Baja Califomia, Mexico, Sandy beaches, agricultural fields, grasslands, and open areas. Not observed. Moderate potential for occurrence because species is rather common and appropriate habitat (grassland) is present on site. YeUow-breasted chat (Icteria virens) CDFG CSC; HMP Group 2 Most of North America. Breeds in southem Califomia during the spring and summer. Brushy tangles, briars, stream thickets, riparian scrab, and riparian woodland. Breeding confined to riparian woodlands. Not observed. Some potential for this species to occur within San Marcos Creek. Least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) USFWS FE/CDFG SE; HMP Group 1 Formerly common and widespread in Califomia and northwestem Baja Califomia, Mexico. Known to winter only in southem Baja Califomia, Mexico. Riparian woodland and is most frequent in areas that combine an understory of dense, young WiUows (Salix spp.) or mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) with a canopy of tall wiUows. Not observed. Low to moderate potential to occur because appropriate iiabitat (wiUow scrab and woodland) occurs on site in San Marcos Creek. MAMMALS _ j t I I llllllllllll Species Name Status Distribution Habitat(s) Oaks/Ridge Occurrence/Potential Dulzura (Califomia) pocket mouse (Cliaetodipus californicus femoralis) RegionaUy Sensitive/CDFG CSC Reported from the mouth of the Santa Margarita River soutti into norttiem Baja Califomia, Mexico. In San Diego Coimty it ranges eastward to ttie desert transition zone. Some locaUties near the eastem edge of its range are Banner, San FeUpe VaUey, and Campo. Primarily associated with mature chapanal. It has, however, been trapped in mule-fat (Baccharis salicifolia) scrab. Not observed. Low potential. Habitat occurs on site. Califomia mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus) RegionaUy Sensitive/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4 A permanent resident in southem Califomia. Chapanal and where coast Uve oaks are found. Also occurs in arid, rocky areas. Not observed. Low potential. Habitat appropriate for foraging. Southern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys torridus ramona) Regionally Sensitive/CDFG CSC Northem Los Angeles County along the coastal slope to extreme norttiwestem Baja Califomia, Mexico. LocaUties near the eastem edge of its range in San Diego County include Culp VaUey and Jacumba in the desert transition zone. Arid habitats including various types of scrablands. Not observed. High to moderate potential. Appropriate habitat (grassland) occurs on site. Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimemhris pacificus) USFWS FE/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4; Not a covered species under the HCP/OMSP. Between 1894 and 1972, the subspecies was recorded from eight general locales from Los Angeles County south to the Mexican border in San Diego County. Only three populations are known to be extant today: one at ttie Dana Point Headlands in Orange County and two on Camp Pendleton in San Diego County. The subspecies occurs within approximately Z4 miles inland of the Pacific Ocean and has not been reUably recorded above 600 feet in elevation (Erickson 1993). Fine-grained, sandy or graveUy subsfrates in coastal strand, coastal dunes, river aUuvium, and coastal sage scrab growing on marine terraces. Not observed. Habitat determined to be inappropriate. Townsend's westem big-eared bat (Plecotus taionsendii taiunsendii) RegionaUy Sensitive/CDFG CSC; HMP Group 4 British Columbia, along the eastem slopes of the Cascade and Siena Nevada mountiuns, into southem CaHfomia from Santa Barbara County south to norttiem Baja Califomia, Mexico. In the eastem portion of its range it is known firom Soutti Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, and the westem half of Texas, as weU as south into the Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua. A cave-dwelling spedes but is sometimes found in attics and bams. Not observed. Low potential. Habitat appropriate for foraging. DRAFT REGULATORY CONTEXT Biological resources are subject to regulatory review by tiie federal government, State of CaUfornia, and City. The federal govemment administers non-marine plant and wUdlife related issues through the USFWS, whUe wetiands and Waters of tiie U.S. issues are administered by ACOE. CaUfomia law relating to wetiand, water-related, and wildlife issues is administered by the CDFG. The HCP/ OMSP tteats the 62 species that occur or potentiaUy occur on site as if they were Usted at federal and state levels, although most are not listed. Federal Government The federal ESA, administered by the USFWS, provides the legal framework for the Usting and protection of spedes (and theU habitats) which are identified as l>eing endangered or threatened with extinction. Actions that jeopardize endangered or threatened species and the habitats upon which they rely are considered a 'take' under tiie ESA. Section 9(a) of tiie ESA defines take as: "to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kiU, ttap, capture, or coUect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct." 'Harm' and 'harass' are further defined in federal regulations and case law to include actions that adversely impair or disrupt a Usted species' behavioral pattems. Sections 7 and 10(a) of fhe federal ESA regulate actions that could jeopardize endangered or threatened species. Section 10(a) aUows issuance of permits for 'mcidental' take of endangered or threatened spedes. The term 'incidental' appUes if the taking of a Usted species is incidental to, and not the purpose of, an otiierwise lawful activity. The HCP\OMSP is an approved 10(a) permit and meets requirements of Section 10(a) whUe fulfUUng goals of tiie NCCP for tiie City and tiie MHCP. A habitat conservation plan, demonsttating how the taking wUl be minimized and what steps taken would ensure the species' survival, must be submitted for issuance of Section 10(a) permits. Nesting raptors, such as red-taUed hawks and burrowing owls, are protected under the Federal Migratory Bud Treaty Act (MBTA). This law is generaUy protective of migratory birds but does not actuaUy stipulate the type of protection required. In common practice, USFWS places resttictions on disturbances aUowed near active raptor nests. The HCP/OMSP stipulates that constmction activities are precluded within 200 feet of an active raptor nest. Federal wetiand regulation (non-marine issues) is guided by the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and the Clean Water Act. The Rivers and Harbors Act deals primarUy with discharges into navigable waters, whUe the purpose of the Clean Water Act is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological mtegrity of aU Waters of the U.S. Permitting for projects fUUng Waters of the U.S. (induding wetiands and vemal pools) is overseen by the ACOE under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Projects may be permitted on an individual basis or may be covered under one of several approved nationwide permits. Individual permits are assessed individuaUy and approved based on the type of action, amount of fiU, etc. Individual permits typicaUy require substantial time for approval, whUe nationwide permils are pre- approved if a project meets appropriate conditions. It is currentiy assumed that an Individual Section 404 permit wiU be needed for the project. State of Califomia The CaUfomia ESA is simUar to the federal ESA m that it contains a process for Usting of species and regulating potential unpacts to Usted species. Section 2081 of tiie CaUfomia ESA authorizes CDFG to enter into a memoranda of agreement for take of Usted species for scientific, educational, or management purposes. Requuements under Section 2081 are addressed in the HCP/OMSP for the 62 species considered as listed. HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report for the La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 /July 7,1999 DRAFT The California NCCP Act (Section 2835) aUows the CDFG to authorize take of species covered by plans in agreement with NCCP guideUnes. The HCP/OMSP meets the requirements of the NCCP Act as OMSP and provides a basis for CDFG authorization for take of state-listed species. An NCCP initiated by the State of Califomia under Section 4(d) of the federal ESA focuses on conserving coastal sage scrub in order to avoid the need for future federal and state listing of coastal sage scmb dependent species. The coastal California gnafcateher is presentiy listed as threatened under the federal ESA, whUe several additional species inhabiting coastal sage scrub are candidates for federal listing. This project is considered a completed NCCP plan witiiin the Cit/s Draft HMP. The Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA) enacted a process by which plants are listed as rare or endangered. The NPPA regulates coUection, transport, and commerce in plants that are listed. The CaUfornia ESA foUowed NPPA and covers both plants and animals that are determined to be endangered or threatened with extinction. Plants listed as rare under NPPA were designated threatened under the Califomia ESA. The HCP/ OMSP conserves the plant species treated as listed adequately in agreement with tiie NPPA. The CDFG Code (Sections 1600-1603) requires agreement with CDFG for projects affecting riparian and wetiand habitats through issuance of a Stteambed Alteration Agreement. Stteambed Alteration Agreements are required for impact to any riparian habitat including, in the case of the Oaks and Ridge projects, two riparian communities. The HCP/OMSP provided for approval of a Stteambed Alteration Agreement for the Oaks and Ridge projects. The Califomia Environmental QuaUty Act (CEQA) and its implementing guidelines (CEQA Guidelines), require projects that potentiaUy have significant effects (or impacts) on tiie environment to be submitted for environmental review. Significant impacts to the environment are typicaUy mitigated through the environmental review process, in accordance with existing laws and regulations. This report fulfills the requirements of CEQA. City of Carlsbad The City HMP has been in preparation since 1990 and is currentiy in the form of an agency informal review draft. The HMP is an NCCP subarea plan, addressing potential impacts to native spedes and habitats whUe at the same time providing mitigation options that satisfy the federal and state ESAs. The primary objective of the HMP is to identify and maintain a preserve system that aUows for the sustained existence of animals and plants at both the local and regional levels. The HMP preserve is a network of large habitat blocks with interconnecting linkages. The area covered by the HCP/OMSP is within Local FacUity Management Zones (LFMZ) 10, 12, and a portion of 11 of the HMP (Figure 3). The Oaks and Ridge projects Ue within LFMZ 11 and 12. Impacts and mitigation measures for the HCP\OMSP projects are incorporated into the HMP. The HCP/OMSP is a completed component of the HMP. The CEQA process for the Greens project is overseen by the City, This report is intended to provide the City with an adequate basis to proceed with the CEQA approval process. The final city authorization of the Oaks and Ridge projects wiQ depend on project consistency with the HMP. IMPACT ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION MEASURES This section presents an impact analysis of the Oaks and Ridge projects in the context of that approved under the HCP/OMSP. The projecfs impacts are assessed based on the currentiy proposed projecfs impacts to the existing environment. Impacts resulting from the re-aUgnment of Rancho Santa Fe Road HEUX , Draft Biological Technical Report for the La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 / July 7, 1999 11 NOTE: FOCUSED PLANNING AREAS INCLUDE THOSE AREAS THAT ARE PRESENTLY VACANT AND WITH OR WITHOUT AN APPROVED TENTATIVE TRACT MAP. CARLSBAD CITY BOUNDARY LEGEND HMP PRESERVE PUVNNING AREAS HCP PLAN AREA Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates ll[LIX HMP Preserve Planning Area THE OAKS AND RIDGE PROPERTIES Oaks/Ridge Project NTS Fiijure 3 DRAFT are separated from the overaU project impacts. The total project impacts (including Rancho Santa Fe Road) are compared with impacts and mitigation measures approved under fhe HCP/OMSP and to show consistency of the current plan with the HCP/OMSP. Impacts are dettimental effects of a project that may be direct or indirect. Direct impacts displace habitat, such as during grading. Indirect impacts are secondary effects of a project. Examples of indirect impacts include habitat insularization, edge effect, exotic species invasion, vehicular noise, and increased human or pet intmsion. The magnitude of an indirect impact can be the same as a direct impact Impacts were calculated based on the most recent impact footprints for the project. Areas that are modified due to grading, placement of stmctures, or alteration of existing features are considered to be directiy impacted. DIRECT IMPACTS Direct impacts are those that immediately alter the affected biological resources such that those resources are not expected to recover to their pre-impacted state. An assumption of this direct impact assessment is that aU areas outside the HMP Preserve Area on site wiU be interpreted as receiving direct impacts. Vegetation Communitie^Habitats Project Direct impacts resulting from the project total 558.5 acres of tiie 1,205.8 acres on site (Figure 4a-b; Table 5). Habitats impacted include Diegan coastal sage scrub (312.4 acres), southern mixed chaparral (120.7 acres), non-native grassland and native grassland (47.0 acres), combined riparian habitats (1.0 acre), vemal pool (4 pools; 0.05 acre), and disturbed habitat (77.2 acres). Impacts to vemal pools, Diegan coastal sage scmb, and riparian habitats are considered significant. Grading impacts to vemal pool watershed would occur in three distinct watersheds, one of which encompasses two pools. Within aU of these watersheds, there would be a total loss of vemal pool surface area, negating the value of remaining watershed portions. None of these impacted pools are known to support sensitive spedes. Table 5 VEGETATION IMPACTS Habitat Total Impacts (%) Conserved (%) Project Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment Diegan coastal sage scmb 809.1 268.1 (33%) 46.6(6%) 494.4 (61%) Riparian 25.1 0.0 (0%) 1.0 (4%) 24.1 (96%) Southem mixed chaparral 182.8 110.2 (60%) 10.5 (6%) 62.1 (34%) Grasslands 67.2 43.6 (65%) 3.4 (5%) 20.2 (30%) Open water 0.4 0.0 (0%) 0.0 (0%) 0.4 (100%) Vemal pool 1,960 sq. ft. 0.05 acre 1,960 sq. ft. 0.05 acre (100%) 0.0 (0%) 0 sq. ft. 0.0 acre (0%) Eucalyptus woodland 0.7 0.2 (29%) 0.0 (0%) 0.5 (71%) Disturbed habitat 120.4 73.5(61%) 3.7 (3%) 43.3 (36%) Total 1,205.8 514.2 (43%) 46.6 (4%) 645.0 (53%) HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report for tlie La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 / July 7,1999 n FOR CONTINUATION SEE SHEET NO. 2 NOTTOSCALE HABITAT LEQEND: 323 J ACRES ["""^ DaSTINQ HABTTAT CONSERVATION FLAN RESEFWE 1^ ^ (BOUNDARY PEfl CfTY OF CAHLSBAD DATA) +ia3.7 ACRES ACRES • AREA TO K ADCED TU THE HASTTAT CONSEFWATION PLAN flESERVE TOTAL AREA: 122.B AC. AREA TO REMOVED FTOM THE HABfTAT CONSERVATION PUN RESERVE TOTAL AREA: 3.8 AC. IMPACT AREA: BM,B ACRES NET HCP AREA VEGETATION LEGEND (on-sHe): DE5CMPTKW HCP AHEA uwrrs (4C8ES) Dcss-a SMC somv UNO na EW POND oa nvs DIEQAN CO^ALSASE BCRUB (CUjrenNitBAaESRUSH DOMINATED) OIEQAN C09TAL OUE SCRUB (BL*CK SAQE DCMIMATEO] SOUTHERN MKED CHAPARRAL KlUTHERN COAST UVE OAK RIPARIAN WOOOLANO NONMATIVE GRASSLAM3 NATIVE <3RAS8LWD EUCALinuS WOODLANO POND DISTURBED/nUDERAL SOimiBW WILCM SCRUB [BURNED AREA] (RCMD) 1(1,11 29.1 B I, 14 II. 96 734 * 0.4a 33.93 1B.17 -0- -0- 907.71 ee,e7 144.32 3.4Z 33.00 24.SS 0.T* -3- UAS ti7 21,48 1.03 TOTAL 3X9,27 «ei>>4a SENSITIVE RESOURCES (on-Gits): CO w Ao M BS Sc On SfWL ncer BCM 8C DICHaNDHA OCCOB^AUS VIQUERAIACINMTA AOOIPHW CAUFORNICA JUNCUS ACTUS COASTAL GAQE SPARnOW SBAQINEUA CNERASCENS COREOPSIS MARIT1HA BAN DEQO HORNED LIZARD ROSY BOA QNAT<»TCHm {iiumlmHimll OJX 0. 03 1. TS 0.01 >1,5Z O.OB o.OI 0,2$ 4. 39,08 B&AOtKELLA ONERASCBB OCCURS TMROUQHOLn-^EAND RUniU&CnOWNgD SPARROW IB SPREAD THROUQHOin CHAPARRAL EnSnMG PROJECT AREA: 120B.7 ACRES UUTTB OF PROJECT QRADINQ ll[LIX Vegetation, Sensitive Resources, Impacts and HCP Preserve THE OAKS AND RIDGE PROPERTIES figure <a FOR CONTINUATION SEE SHEET NO. 1 SHEET 2 OF 2 SHEETS ll[LIX Vegetation, Sensitive Resources, Impacts and HCP Preserve THE OAKS AND RIDGE PROPERTIES Figure 41) m DRAFT Federal (ACOE) jurisdictional impacts within the boundaries of the proposed Oaks and Ridge developments (induding Rancho Santa Fe Road) consist of approximately 0.58 acre of wetiands (entirely freshwater marsh), 0.55 acres of non-vegetated Waters of the U.S., and 0.05 acre of vemal pool habitat (4 pools),. Jurisdictional non-vegetated Waters of the U.S. habitats to be impacted comprise imvegetated streambed habitats. Wetiand areas are regulated under a "no net loss" poUcy by the ACOE, and any impacts to ACOE jurisdictioriai wetiands areas wiU require mitigation. The permit requirements under Section 404 for the project wiU require an individual permit due to the amoimt of wetlands being impacted (greater than 6 acres including the La Costa Greens Project). The fmal determination for permit requirements wiU depend upon the timing of the project and direction from the ACOE. m A CaUfomia Regional Water QuaUty Control Board permit (401 Certification) wiU also be obtained before any impacts to jurisdictional areas occur. m ^ State (CDFG) jurisdictional impacts within the boundaries of the proposed Oaks and Ridge development (including Rancho Santa Fe Road) consist of approximately 1.13 acres. The HCP/OMSP identifies impacts and mitigation requirements for a Streambed/Lake Alteration Agreement permit for the Oaks and Ridge projects. Rancho Santa Fe Road m m Direct impacts resulting from the Rancho Santa Fe Road reaUgnment project total 46.6 acres of the 1,205.8 acres on site (Figure 4a-b; Table 5). Habitats impacted include Diegan coastal sage scmb (28.0 acres), *• southem mixed chaparral (10.5 acres), non-native grassland and native grassland (3.4 acres), combined ^ riparian habitats (1.0 acre), and disturbed habitat (3.7 acres). Impacts to Diegan coastal sage scmb and riparian habitats are considered significant. Federal (ACOE) jurisdictional impacts within the Rancho Santa Fe Road reaUgnment consist of 1.0 acre of the total ACOE jurisdictional wetiands areas. As discussed above an individual permit wiU be required _ and mitigation wtil depend upon the timing of the project and direction from the ACOE. A Califomia Regional Water QuaUty Control Board permit (401 CertiJfication) wiU also be obtained before any impacts to jurisdictional areas occur. State (CDFG) jurisdictional impacts within the Rancho Santa Fe Road reaUgnment consist of approximately 1.0 acre of the total projecfs 1.13 acres. The HCP/OMSP grants a Stieambed/Lake Alteration Agreement permit for the Oaks and Ridge projects, induding Rancho Santa ^ Fe Road. — Sensitive Plant Species Project Five sensitive plant species would be directiy impacted by tiie Project (Table 6). Impacts to Orcutfs brodiaea are considered significant due to this species high sensitivity. PotentiaUy-occurring species are not expected on site but if present, they likely occur in very low numbers. PotentiaUy-occurring species were contemplated as part of the HCP/OMSP. HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report for the La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 / July 7, 1999 13 DRAFT m m M Table 6 Sensitive Plant Impacts Plant Species Conserved On Site (individuals) Assumed Taken (individuals) Orcutf s brodiaea 0 10 San Diego marsh elder Nearly aU Less than 100 Califomia adolphia 2,400 4,100 Westem dichondra 2 of 5 stands 3 of 5 stands Ashy spike-moss 460 acres* 560 acres* *individuals not counted, acreage of habitat provided instead Rancho Santa Fe Road One sensitive plant spedes, San Diego golden-star, would be dUectiy impacted by the Rancho Santa Fe Road reaUgnment. Impacts to 1,500 individuals would occur leaving approximately 400 individuals in open space. The impacts to San Diego golden-star are considered significant due to this species high sensitivity. PotentiaUy-occurring species are not expected in the proposed reaUgnment area. Potentially- occurring species were contemplated as part of the HCP/OMSP. Sensitive Animal Species Project and Rancho Santa Fe Road For this section, impads of the overaU project and Rancho Santa Fe Road reaUgnment are discussed together because these areas support simUar habitats and therefore simUar species would occur. Of the 13 sensitive animals species observed on site, only the impacts to the coastal CaUfornia gnatcatcher and potentiaUy nestuig raptor species (Cooper's hawk and burrowing owl) are considered significant. Impacts to the San Diego homed Uzard, coastal whiptaU, northwestern San Diego pocket mouse, San Diego black-taUed jackrabbit, and desert woodrat are considered adverse but not sigriificant due to their low sensitivity. Some loss of raptor foraging habitat wiU result from the project. AdditionaUy, loggerhead shrike breeding and foraging habitat wiU be lost. These impads are considered adverse but not sigruficant. INDIRECT IMPACTS Indirect impacts are impacts to the biological resources that occur over short or long periods of time due to the project action. Although biological resources may not initiaUy be directiy impacted, over time they may be affected indirectiy due to the relative proximity of development. Examples of indirect impacts expected to occur as a result of the proposed project include habitat insularization, edge effect, exotic species invasion, domestic pets, increased human intmsion, Ughting, and noise impacts. HCP/OMSP ANALYSIS The direct impacts within the Oaks and Ridge projects are summarized in tabular format (Table 7), then analyzed within the context of the HCP/OMSP. Figure 4a-b depicts the impact area for the project. HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report for tbe La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 /July 7,1999 14 DRAFT Table 7 Habitat Total Impacts Conserved Conserved Amount added to (VLCMP) under VLCMP under HMP preserve -Vemal pool 0.05 0.05 0.0 Not identified N/A M In HMP •m Diegan coastal sage scrub 809.1 314.7 494.4 423.5 +70.9 m Riparian 25.1 1.0 24.1 19.3 +4.8 -m Southem mixed chaparral 182.8 120.7 62.1 29.2 +32.9 M Grasslands 67.2 47 20.2 19.3 +0.9 Open water 0.4 0.0 0.4 0.4 No change m Eucalyptus woodland 0.7 0.2 0.5 0.0 +0.5 Disturbed habitat 120.4 77.2 43.3 33.5 +9.8 Total 1,205.8 560.8 645.0 525.2 +119.8 Vemal pool habitat was discovered on site during 1999 surveys. The project would impact aU of the vernal pools and their respective watersheds. Approximately 70.9 acres of coastal sage scmb are added to the HCP/OMSP preserve. This is in part accounted for by the revegetation on site of 10 acres for the La Costa VaUey project. The other areas of increase occur in patches throughout the site. Of the coastal sage scmb being removed from the development footprint, the part within the San Marcos Creek corridor east of the shared boimdary of the Oaks and Ridge projects is expected to contribute in the most meaningful manner to the functionaUty of the preserve. WhUe many of these patches are smaUer (2.0 acres and less), they adjoin existing preserve areas and increase the overall value of the preserve. A single 7-acre patch being added (southem part of the site) is sufficientiy large to support several sensitive species, but is completely surrounded by development. Soutiiem nuxed chaparral additions to the preserve occur in the nortiiern half of the sites. Five of the areas being added dUectiy adjoin existing preserve areas, including two patches of 5 acres or greater. One other addition of southern mixed chaparral is approximately 10 acres but does not adjoin existing preserve areas. Grassland areas being added are for the most part isolated from the preserve, adjacent to off site areas that are either developed or are not part of the Carlsbad HMP preserve. The additions iaclude approxunately one acre of native grassland, a habitat of higher value than non-native grassland. The native grassland being added is adjacent to the riparian area in the extreme southern haU of the sites. Additions of riparian habitats to the preserve are significant, especiaUy within the San Marcos Creek canyon due to its functionaUty as a wUdlife corridor. Another zone of riparian bemg added is at the extreme southern half of the Oaks site. Although this area would be isolated from the other preserve areas by development, regardless, preservation of this area is important because it represents tiie only oak woodland on site. The additions to the preserve would result in an increase in the habitat for aU sensitive plant spedes observed on site. The additions to the preserve wUl benefit the coastal CaUfomia gnatcateher by adding HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report for the La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 /July 7, 7999 15 m DRAFT 65.3 acres of habitat adjacent to preserved coastal sage scrub patches. Several additional coastal sage scrub-dependent species (orange-throated whiptail, southem CaUfornia rufous-crowned sparrow, etc.) would benefit from additions to the preserve. Foraging habitat for raptor species such as the northern harrier, white-taUed kite. Cooper's hawk, burrowing owl, and golden eagle wiU be increased significantly by the overaU addition of 119.8 acres to the preserve. MITIGATION MEASURES Mitigation for project impacts is in the context of the HCP/OMSP, involving preservation of 521.4 acres on the Oaks/Ridge sites. In addition, there are interim and ongoing habitat management, and project- specific impact minimization and mitigation measures. The VLCMP implements a larger preserve area and increases the amount of on-site open space by approximately 119.8 acres. On site conservation would occur within the preserve areas designated in the HCP/OMSP and the areas added under the VLCMP depicted on Figure 4a-b. The foUowing mitigation measures apply to both the overaU project emd to the Remcho Santa Fe Road reaUgnment, where appUcable. Sensitive Habitats Impacts to Diegan coastal sage scrub would be mitigated by on-site preservation of 494.4 acres (54 percent) of the coastal sage scmb on site within the HCP/OMSP open space. This action, in conjunction with the measures below, would fully mitigate impacts to coastal sage scrub. Impacts to wetiands, including aU ripariem habitats, wiU be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio and impacts to other Waters of the U.S. wiU be mitigated at a 1:1 ratio. Figure 7 identifies areas proposed for riparian habitat restoration. Vernal pool mitigation requirements have not yet been identified. If mitigation is initiated prior to project impacts, mitigation ratios may be reduced but would not faU below 1:1 for wetlands and 0.5:1 for other Waters of the U.S. Alteration to or fiUing in of these areas would be subject to regulation by the ACOE in the form of a permit pursuant to Section 404 of the federal Qean Water Act. A Section 401 waiver or certification from the Califomia Regional Water QuaUty Contiol Board is also required. The details of the mitigation wiU be detennined as a part of the permit processes with the ACOE. Sensitive Plant Species Impacts to Orcutfs brodiaea and San Diego golden star are not mitigated by the project, but they are considered covered species under the HCP/OMSP. They are covered due to theU conservation under regional conservation plans such as the MHCP and HMP. PotentiaUy occurring species discussed earUer are not expected to occur on site. However if these species were to occur, they would likely benefit through the HCP/OMSP open space program cited above. Sensitive Animal Species Mitigation for impacts to the coastal Califomia gnatcateher would be mitigated through the coastal sage scmb preservation on site cited above. Mitigation is not required for the other coastal sage scmb- occupying sensitive species impacted on site (San Diego homed lizard, coastal whiptaU, northwest San Diego pocket mouse, San Diego black-taUed jackrabbit, and desert woodrat) due to their low sensitivity status and/or limited extent on site. Regardless, the proposed coastal sage scrub mitigation would benefit these species. HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report for tlie La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 / July 7, 1999 14 m DRAFT Impacts to burrowing owl and Cooper's hawk do not require mitigation outside that approved in tiie HCP/OMSP because it is a completed component of the HMP. Cumulative impacts to the habitats of these species wiU be met in conjunction with habitat preservation proposed in the HCP/ OMSP and other regional conservation efforts. Mitigation for impacts to loggerhead shrike habitat is being met through tiie proposed habitat preservation on site. Mitigation proposed in the HCP/OMSP is considered to be met for aU potentiaUy-occurring animal species, except for the two fairy shrimp species, quino checkerspot butterfly and Pacific pocket mouse. Surveys for Ihe checkerspot were negative and the habitat on site is inappropriate for the pocket mouse. Since these species were determined not to be present, no mitigation is required for them. Surveys for the fairy shrimp are ongoing. Results of fairy shrimp surveys wiU determine the need for mitigation, but if shrimp are found they wiU be mitigated in the context of any vernal pool mitigation program. Habitat Management and Mitigation For Indirect Impacts Two types of habitat management are directed in the HCP/OMSP: interim and ongoing habitat management. Interim management measures include access control, clean-up of dumped trash, and implementation of project-specific measures outlined below. Ongoing habitat management is to be guided by annual plans prepared by a designated entity proscribed by a management advisory committee composed of the project proponent and agency and City representatives. The ongoing plan would consist of monitoruig, habitat restoration and enhancement, cowbird trapping, weed contiol, fire management, access contiol maintenance, and pubUc education. ^ Impacts would be minimized and mitigated primarUy by the proposed habitat conservation on and off site. In addition, there are ten impact avoidance and minimization measures to be implemented. The *• measures summarized below are described in greater detaU in the HCP/OMSP: ~" • Nest site protection; M - No clearing or grading to be aUowed in gnateatcher-occupied habitat between February 15 and July 31. — - Clearing activities within 200 feet of active raptor nest sites wiU be avoided. • ContioUed access and barriers; - Prior to and during constmction activities, access barriers wiU be estabUshed at key entry points to the site. The boundaries of conserved habitat areas wiU be fenced with the help of a biologist to prevent disturbance during constmction. ^ • Noise level control; - During grading and constmction, noise levels beyond 60 dBA leq wUl be prevented during the gnateatcher breeding season (Febmary 15 to July 31) by use of temporary six-foot noise berms. • • Storage and staging area placement; - Storage and staging areas wiU be placed as far from conserved habitat areas as possible and • these areas shaU be kept free from tiash and other waste that may attiact scavengers. ^ • Biological monitoring; - A biologist wiU monitor constiuction activities to ensure that conserved habitat areas do not m receive excessive amounts of dust or other disturbances. In addition, erosion contiol measures wiU be inspected regularly. • Contingendes for unforeseen disturbances; ^ - Where disturbance to conserved habitat areas is unavoidable, the disturbance wiU be authorized and mitigation measures wiU ensue. Revegetation plans wUl be prepared in cooperation with the City prior to the disturbance. HEUX —' Draft Biolo^cal Technical Report for the la Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 / July 7, 1999 17 DRAFT • Fuel management zone composition; - Fuel management zones wiU be designed to minimize impacts to native vegetation. • Lighting standards; - Lighting wiU be directed away from conserved habitat areas and shielded. Residential lighting will be designed to not shine on conserved habitat areas. • Landscaping directives; - Invasive plant species shaU not be used in landscaping adjacent to conserved habitat areas. A list of such species shaU be provided in the CC&Rs of the homeowners association. • A pubUc information program; - The pubUc wUl be educated as to the importance of the conserved habitat areas and ways to avoid impacts to them. The program wiU include educational brochures. Supplemental mitigation measures are described in the HCP/OMSP as weU including: • Funding of $50,000 for gnatcatcher research, • Coordination with other regional and local conservation efforts (MHCP), and • Cooperation with other landowners. The aforementioned measures mitigate aU project impacts to a level below significant and comply with aU local, state, and federal regulations. HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report for the La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 /July 7, 1999 18 DRAFT LITERATURE CITED American Omithologists' Union. 1983. CheckUst of Nortii American Birds (6th Edition). American Ornithologists'Uiuon, 877 pp. Updated every two years. Carlsbad, City of. 1995. Habitat Conservation Plan/Ongoing Multi-Species Plan for Properties in the Southeast Quadrant of the City of Carlsbad, California. June, 1995. Carlsbad, City of. 1999. Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad. AprU 1999. CDFG. 1993. Natural Community Conservation Planning Process GuideUnes. Unpublished. CDFG. 1994a. Special Animals. Califonua Department of Fish and Game, Natural Diversity Data Base, August, 1994. Updated as new listings occur. CDFG. 1994b. Designated Endangered, Threatened, or Rare Plants and Candidates with Official Listing Dates. California Department of Fish and Game, Natural Diversity Data Base. January, 1994. Updated as new Ustings occur. Collins, J. T. 1997. Standard common and cunent scientific names for North American amphibians and reptUes (4th Edition). Society for the Study of Amphibians and ReptUes, Herpetological Circular No. 25,40 pp. Envuonmental Laboratory. 1987. "Corps of Engineers Wetiands DeUneation Manual," Technical Report Y-87-1, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. 100 pp. plus Appendices A through D. Hickman, J. C. (Ed.). 1993. The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of CaUfomia. University of CaUfornia Press, Berkeley, 1400 pp. HoUand, R. F. 1986. Prelimmary descriptions of the terrestiial natural communities of CaUfomia. Nongame-Heritage Program, Califomia Department of Fish & Game. Jones, C, R. S. Hoffman, D. W. Rice, R. J. Baker, M. D. Engstiom, R. D. Bradley, D. J. Schmidly, and C. A. Jones. 1997. Revised checkUst of North American Mammals North of Mexico, 1997. Occasional Papers of tim Museum, Texas Tech University, 173:1-25. Mock, P.J., B.L. Jones, and J. Konecny. 1990(7). CaUfomia Gnatcatcher Survey GuideUnes. Unpublished SANDAG. 1997. PreUminary Biological Analysis for MHCP Priority Species. UnpubUshed draft SANDAG Board Report. Scientific Review Panel. 1992. Coastal Sage Scrub Survey Guidelines. Unpublished. 10 pp. plus attachments. Skinner, Mark W., and PavUk Bruce M. 1994. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of Califomia. CaUfomia Native Plant Society. HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report for tlte La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 /July 7, 1999 19 DRAFT USDA SoU Conservation Service. 1992. Hydric SoU Lists. Field Office Offidal List of Hydric SoUs Map Units for San Diego Area, Califomia . Section II Field Office Technical Guide. Davis, California. USFWS. 1997. Coastal Califomia gnateatcher {Polioptila califomica califomica) Presence/Absence Survey Guidelines. Unpublished. USFWS. 1998. Quino Checkerspot butterfly {Euphydryas editha quino) Presence/Absence Survey Guidelines. UnpubUshed. USFWS. 1999. Survey Protocol for the Endangered QuUio Checkerspot Butterfly {Euphydryas editha quino) for the 1999 Field Season. January 25,1999. HELIX Draft Biological Technical Report for the La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects /MDI-06 / July 7,1999 20 m APPENDIX A SURVEY INFORMATION Siurvey focus MontVyear Vegetation mapping August and November 1990; AprU, May, and October 1991; June 1992 Rare plant surveys March 1991; July, September, and October 1992 Coastal Califomia gnatcatcher surveys AprU, May, September, October, and December 1991; January, March, and April, 1992 Coastal Califomia gnateatcher banding August and September 1991 Sensitive butterfly surveys June 1992 Quino checkerspot butterfly surveys AprU 1998; March to May, 1999 Sensitive reptUe surveys May and June 1992 SmaU mammal ttapping August 1992 Wetiand delineation September 1998 A-l APPENDIX B OAKS/RIDGE PLANT SPECIES LIST m m Scientific Name Achillea millefolium var. millefolium Adenos toma fasciculatum Adolphia califomica Allium sp. Ambrosia psilostachya Anagallis arvensis Animopsis califomica Antirhinnium sp. Apiastmm angustifolium Artemisia califomica Amndo donax Astragalus sp. Avena sp. Baccharis salicifolia Baccharis sarothroides Brassica geniculata Bromus diandms Bromus hordaceus Bromus madritensis ssp. mbens Calandrinia ciliata Callitriche marginata Calystegia macrostegia Chamaesyce polycarpa Castilleja affinis Castilleja exserta Ceanothus sp. Centaurea melitensis Centaurium venustum Chamomilla suaveolens Chenopodium album Chlorogalum sp. Chrysanthemum coronarium Cirsium sp. Claytonia perfoliata Clematis sp. Cneoridium dumosum Collinsia sp. Crassuia aquatica Crassuia erecta Cryptantha sp. Cuscuta sp. Common Name Common yarrow Chamise Califomia adolphia WUd onion Westem ragweed Scarlet pimpernel Yerba mansa Snapdragon WUd celery California sagebmsh Giant reed Milkvetch WUd oat Mule fat Broom baccharis Mustard Ripgut grass Soft chess FoxtaU chess Red maids Long-stalk water-starwort Moming glory Rattiesnake weed Paintbrush Purple owl's clover LUac Tocalote Canchalagua Pineapple weed Lamb's quarters Soap-plant Annual garland, crown daisy Thistle Miner's lettuce Virgin's bower Spicebush Chinese houses Stonecrop Stonecrop Cryptantha Dodder B-1 APPENDIX B OAKS/RIDGE PLANT SPECIES LIST (Cont.) •m Scientific Name Common Name m Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass Ml Cyperus sp. Sedge Datura wrightii Jimson weed m Dichlostemma pulchellum Blue dicks Dichondra occidentalis Westem dichondra m Dodecatheon sp Shooting-stJu:s m Dryopterios arguta Wood fem Dudleya pulverenta Chalk dudleya Eleocharis sp. Spike-msh m Encelia califomica Califomia encelia Eremocarpus setigems Turkey muUein Eriogonum fasciculatum CaUfomia buckwheat Eriophyllum confertiflomm Golden yarrow Erodium sp. Filaree Eschscholzia califomica Califomia poppy Eucalyptus sp Eucalyptus Foeniculum vulgare Sweet fermel Galium sp. Bedstiaw Gazenia sp. Calttans daisy Gnaphalium sp. Everlasting Hazardia squarrosus Goldenbush — Helianthemum scoparium Rock rose Hemizonia fasciculata Fascicled tarplant Heteromeles arbutifoUa Toyon ... Heterotheca grandiflora Telegraph weed Hordeum sp. WUd barley Isocoma menziesii Goldenbush Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii Southwestem spiny rush Juncus bufonius Toad rush MH Juncus sp. Rush Lasthenia califomica Goldfields Lathms sp. Chaparral pea Wt* Lepidium sp. Peppergreiss Lessingia filaginifolia var. virgata Sand-aster Linanthus dianthifloms Ground pink Lolium perenne Perennial ryegrass Lotus scoparius Deerweed nm Lonicera sp. Honeysuckle Lupinus sp. Lupine M Lythmm hyssopifolium Grass poly B-2 APPENDIX B OAKS/RIDGE PLANT SPECIES LIST (Cont.) Ml Scientific Name Malacothamnus fasciculatus Malosma laurina Malva parviflora Marah macrocarpus Marmbium vulgare Matricaria matricarioides Medicago polymorpha Mimulus aurantiacus ssp. australis Mirabilis califomica Muilla clevelandi Nasella pulchra Navarretia sp. Nicotiana glauca Opuntia littoralis Oxalis sp. Parietaria hespera Pennesetum sp. Pentagramma triangularis ssp, triangularis Phacelia sp. Pholistoma sp. Picris echioides Plagiobothrys sp. Plantago erecta Plantago ovata Platanus racemosa Polypogon monspeliensis Pterostegia drymarioides Quercus agrifolia Quercus dumosa Raphanus sativus Rhus integrifolia Ribes speciosum Ricinus communis Rumex crispus Salix lasiolepis Salsola tragus Salvia apiana Salvia columbariae var. columbariae Salvia mellifera Sambucus mexicana Common Name Bush maUow Laurel sumac Cheeseweed ChiUcothe Horehound Common pineapple-weed Bur-clover YeUow bush monkey-flower Wishbone plant Cleveland's goldenstars Purple needlegrass Skunkweed Tree tobacco Coastal prickly pear Wood-sorrel PelUtory Fountain grass Goldenback fern PhaceUa Fiesta flower Bristiy ox-tongue Popcorn flower Dwarf plantain Plantain Westem sycamore Aimual beardgrass Califomia thread-stem Coast Uve oak NuttaU's scmb oak WUd radish Lemonadeberry Fuchsia-flower gooseberry Castor bean Curly dock Anoyo wiUow Russian thistie White sage Chia Black sage Mexican elderberry B-3 APPENDDC B OAKS/RIDGE PLANT SPECIES LIST (Cont.) Scientific Name Common Name Sanicula sp Snakeroot m Schinus molle Pemvian pepper-ttee Schismus barbatus Mediterranean schismus '•I Selaginella cinerascens Ashy spike-moss m Silene gallica WindmiU pink Sisyrinchium bellum Blue-eyed grass m Solanum sp. Nightshade m Sonchus asper Prickly sow-fhistie Spergula arvensis Stickwort an Stachys sp Hedge-nettie m Stephanomeria virgata Virgate wreath-plant m Tamarix sp. Tamarisk m Toxicodendron diversilobum Poison oak Trifolium sp Clover m Typha latifolia Broad-leaved cattaU Typha sp. CattaU Verbena sp. Verbena m Vulpia myuros var. myuros RattaU fescue Xanthium stmmarium Cocklebur Xylococcus bicolor Mission manzanita MB Yucca aloifolia* Spanish bayonet Yucca schidigera Mohave yucca m m B-4 APPENDIX C OAKS/RIDGE ANIMAL SPECIES LIST Common Name Invertebrates Butterflies and Moths Anise swaUowtaU Behr's metahnark Brown elfin Buckeye Cabbage white Califomia dogface Califomia ringlet Checkered skipper Common white Echo blue Fiery skipper Funereal duskywing Gray hairstteak Marine blue Mournful dusky-wing Painted lady Perplexing hairstteak Sara orangetip Southem blue Virginia lady West coast lady Westem checkered skipper Western taUed blue Westem tiger swaUowtaU Tiger moth MisceUaneous Bumblebee Crayfish Crane fly Cricket Darkling beetie Damsel fly Deer fly Earwag Field cricket Scientific Name Papilio zelicaon Apodemia mormo virguiti Incisalia augustinus Junonia coeia Artogeia rapae Zerene eurydice Coenonympha califomica Pyrgus albescens Pontia protodice Celastrina ladon echo Hylephila phyleus Erynnis funeralis Strymon melinus Leptotes marina Erynnis tristis Vanessa cardui Callophrys perplexa Anthocharis sara Glaucopsyche lygdamus Vanessa virginiensis Vanessa annabella Pyrgus albens Everes amyntula amyntula Papilio mtulus Unknown Bombus sonoms Order Artiiropoda Order Diptera Eleoides sp. Order Diptera Order Diptera Labidura sp. Gryllus sp. C-1 APPENDIX C OAKS/RIDGE ANIMAL SPECIES LIST (Cont.) Common Name Grasshopper Harvester ant Hornet Horsefly Honeybee Jemsalem cricket Ladybird beetie Osttacods Scientific Name Order Orthoptera Pogonomyrmex sp. Order Hymenoptera Order Diptera Order Hymenoptera Stenopelmatus sp. Hippodamia sp. PUlbug Armadillidium sp. m Sowbug Porcellio sp. Tarantula hawk Pepsis sp. m Trap-door spider Class Arachnida •m Velvet ant DasymutiUa sp. 'm Vertebrates Amphibians Ml Pacific tteefrog Hyla regilla Reptiles AlUgator lizard Gerrhonotus multicarinatus •™ Califomia kingsnake Lampropeltus getula Gopher snake Pituophis catenifer MM Granite spiny lizard Scelopoms orcuttii Pacific rattiesnake Crotalus viridis San Diego horned lizard Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillii mat Side-blotched lizard Uta stansburiana Two-sttiped garter snake Thamnophis hammondii Westem fence lizard Scelopoms occidentalis Mi Birds American crow Corvus brachyrhinchos Americim kesttel Falco sparverius American robin Turdus migratorius Aima's hummingbird Calypte anna m Ash-throated flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens Bam swaUow Himndo mstica MR BeU's sage sparrow Amphispiza belli belli C-2 APPENDIX C OAKS/RIDGE ANIMAL SPECIES LIST (Cont.) Common Name Belted kingfisher Bewick's wren Black phoebe Black-headed grosbeak Blue-grey gnatcatcher Blue grosbeak Bufflehead BuUock's oriole Bushtit Califomia quaU Califomia thrasher Califomia towhee Canyon wren Cassin's kingbird Caspain tem CUff swaUow Coastal Califomia gnatcatcher Common raven Common poorwiU Common yeUowthroat Cooper's hawk Costa's hummingbird Eared grebe European starling Grasshopper sparrow Greater roadrunner Homed lark House finch House wren ICUldeer LazuU bimting Lesser goldfinch Loggerhead shrike MaUard Mourning dove Northem fUcker Northem harrier Northern mockingbird Northern rough-winged swaUow Northern shoveler NuttaU's woodpecker Orange-crowned warbler Scientific Name Ceryle alcyon Thryomanes bewickii Sayornis nigricans Pheucticus melanocephalus Polioptila caemlea Guiraca caemlea Bucephala albeola icterus bullockii Psaltripams minimus Callipepla califomica Toxostoma redivivum Pipilo crissalis Catherpes mexicanus Tyrannus vociferans Stema caspia Himndo pyrrhonota Polioptila califomica califomica Corvus corax Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Geothlypis trichas Accipiter cooperii Calypte costae Podiceps nigricollis Sturnus vulgaris Ammodramus savanarmm Geococcyx califomianus Eremophila alpestris Carpodacus mexicanus Troglodytes aedon Charadrius vocifems Passerina amoena Carduelus psaltria Lanius ludovicianus Anas platyrhynchos Zenaida macroura Colaptes auratus Circus cyaneus Mimus polyglottos Stelgidopteryx serripennis Anas clypeata Picoides nuttallii Vermivora celata C-3 APPENDIX C OAKS/RIDGE ANIMAL SPECIES LIST (Cont.) m Common Name Pacific-slope flycatcher Phainopepla Pied-bUled grebe Red-shouldered hawk Red-taUed hawk Red-winged blackbird Rock dove Ruddy duck Savannah sparrow Say's phoebe Scmb jay Song sparrow Southern CaUfomia mfous-crowned sparrow Spotted towhee Tree swaUow Turkey vulture Vaux's swift Violet-green swaUow Warbling vireo Westem kingbird Westem meadowlark White-crowned sparrow White-taUed kite White-throated swift Wilson's warbler Wrentit YeUow-breasted chat YeUow-mmped warbler Mammals Bobcat Botta's pocket gopher CaUfornia ground squirrel Coyote Deer mouse Desert cottontaU Domestic dog Mule deer Opossum San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit Woodrat Sdentific Name Empinonax difficilis Phainopepla nitens Podilymbus podiceps Buteo lineatus Buteo jamaicensis Agelaius phoeniceus Columba livia Oxyura jamaicensis Passerculus sandwichensis Sayornis saya Aphelocoma coemlescens Melospiza melodia Aimophila mficeps canescens Pipilo maculatus Tachycineta bicolor Cathartes aura Chaetura vauxi Tachycineta thalassina Vireo gilvus Tyrannis verticalis Sturnella neglecta Zonotrichia leucophrys Elanus leucums Aeronautes saxatillis Wilsonia pusilla Chamaea fasciata Icteria virens Dendroica coronata Lynx mfus Thomomys bottae Spermophilus beecheyi Canis latrans Peromyscus maniculatus Sylvilagus audubonii Canis familiaris Odocoileus hemionus Didelphis virginiana Lepus califomicus bennetii Neotoma sp. C-4 Wl APPENDIX D SENSITIVITY CODES FEDERAL SPECIES DESIGNATIONS (USFWS 1990,1991) Category FE Federal endangered species • FT Federal threatened species PE Species already proposed to be listed as endangered. ^ PT Species already proposed to be listed as threatened. Cl &iough data on fQe to support federal listing, RS Threat and/ or distribution data insufficient to support federal listing. « Plants onlv • RS* Threat and/or distribution data insufficient to support federal listing, but the plant is presumed extinct. Previously considered for listing, but no longer under considerafion because (Skinner & Pavlik 1994): Ca Extinct, Cb Taxonomically invalid. mi Cc Too widespread and/or not threatened. • STATE SPECIES DESIGNATIONS (CDFG 1991b) >« SE State listed as endangered (listed as "CE" in Skinner & Pavlik 1994), ST State listed as threatened (listed as "CT" in Skirmer & Pavlik 1994). SCE State candidate for listing as endangered (listed as "CC" in Skinner & Pavlik 1994). SCT State candidate for Hsting as threatened (listed as "CC" in Skinner & Pavlik 1994). m CSC CDFG "species of spedal concem," • Plants only CR State-listed, rare. CEQA CEQA consideration mandatory. • CEQA? CEQA consideration recommended, — CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY DESIGNATIONS (Skinner & Pavlik 1994) mm The CNPS Ust mm Listl Plants of highest priority. List lA Plants presumed extinct in Califomia. M List IB Plants rare, threatened or endangered in Califomia and elsewhere. List 2 Plants rare, threatened or endangered in Califomia, but common elsewhere. •m List 3 Plants about which we need more ii\formation. List 4 Plants of limited distribution (A watch list). m The R-E-D Code mt R (Rarity) 1 Rare, but found in sufficient nimibers and distributed widely enough that the potential for extinction or extirpation is low at this time. Mi 2 Occurrence confined to several populations or to one extended population. 3 Occurrence liinited to one or a few highly restricted populations, or present in such numbers that it is m seldom reported. *• E (Endangerment) 1 Not endangered. 2 Endangered in a portion of its range, ••i 3 Endangered throughout its range. D (Distribufion) 1 More or less widespread outside Califomia. 2 Rare outside Califomia. MM 3 Endemic to Califomia. D-1