HomeMy WebLinkAbout3190; Properties in the Southeast Quadrant Fieldstone/La; Properties in the Southeast Quadrant Fieldstone/La Costa; 1995-06-01City of Carlsbad/Fieldstone/La Costa Associates
Habitat Conservation Plan/
Ongoing Multi-Species Plan
for Properties in the Southeast Quadrant
of the City of Carlsbad, California
June, 1995
Table of Contents
Volume I
Preface
1. Base Plan
2. First Addendum
3. Second Addendum
Volume il
Implementation Agreement
CITY OF CARLSBAD/FIELDSTONE/LA COSTA ASSOCIATES
HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN/
ONGOING MULTI-SPECIES PLAN
for Properties In the Southeast Quadrant
of the City of Carlsbad, California
June 7, 1995
PREFACE
This Habitat Conservation Plan/Ongoing Multi-Species Plan
("HCP/OMSP") became effective on June 7, 1995, with the execution
of the related Implementation Agreement among the parties,
including:
The City of Carlsbad
Fieldstone/La Costa Associates
Califomia Department of Fish and Game
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
The HCP/OMSP is comprised of three documents: the Base Plan, as
supplemented and revised, serially, by the First Addendum and
Second Addendum (Collectively included in Volume I). In addition,
the parties have entered into a related Implementing Agreement
dated June 7, 1995 ("lA") (included as Volume II), which implements
and, in part, further revises the HCP/OMSP.
In summary, the revisions in the Base Plan reflected in the Addenda
and lA modified the initial commitment of Fieldstone to acquire and
dedicate a 240-acre parcel as offsite-mitigation. As revised, this
element of the Plan includes:
(i) a commitment by Fieldstone to increase the on-site
Conserved Habitat by approximately 57.4 acres (to
reflect a concem for additional conservation of
southern maritime chaparral);
(ii) a commitment by the City, as lead agency, under the
City's Habitat Management Plan ("HMP") and the
subregional Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan
("MHCP") to acquire for conservation purposes 240
acres beneficial to the gnatcatcher within the
corridor between the City and the sin Dieguito
Riverpark Planning Area with funds available under
the HMP and MHCP and, in part, by the acquisition
of lands by Fieldstone within the corridor at a
cost of up to $1,000,000; and,
(iii) the provision by Fieldstone of a Right-of-
First-Refusal with respect to the Rancheros-
Southeast II Subarea and a commitment to continue
to negotiate as a "willing seller" for the sale to
and acquisition by the City of additional lands
within the Plan Area for conservation purposes; and
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(iv) in addition, the list of Species of Concem to be
covered in the HCP/OMSP was revised from the list
of 66 species proposed in the First Addendum to the
list of 63 species included as Attachment A to this
Preface.
These revisions are set forth in greater detail in the lA. In
interpreting the HCP/OMSP and resolving any conflicts or
inconsistencies in the provisions of the Base Plan and the Addenda,
a later document shall control and be interpreted as revising an
earlier document. As to any conflicts or inconsistencies between
the terms of the HCP/OMSP and lA, the terms of the lA shall
control.
The following summarizes the amount (in acres) of lands and
habitats within the HCP/OMSP Plan Area impacted and conserved.
Attachment B to this Preface are maps showing the land areas
referenced:
Rancbaroa/
SouthMBt XI Nortfawast
Plan Araa
Total
HCP/OMSP Plan Area 1,278.20 662.00 *1.955.00
Impact Area 756.80 480.91 1.252.51
Conserved Haibitat **S21.41 ••*181.09 702.50
Coastal sage scrub habitat
("CSS")
832.20 123.00 955.20
conserved 426.67 22.61 449.28
iiT^acted 405.53 100.39 505.90
Southem maritime chaparral
habitat
0.00 120.00 120.00
conserved 0.00 75.86 75.86
impacted 0.00 44.10 44.10
Riparian scrub and woodland
hahitat
16.60 97.00 113.60
conserved 9.65 34.91 44.56
impacted 6.95 62.09 69.04
Area conserved including 240
acres of offsite mitigation
942.50
Maximum amount of ess preserved
assuming all 240 acres of
offsite mitigation consists of
CSS
678.48 - 1.3:1
mitigation
ratio for very
high quality
CSS
* includes 14.8 acres within the Rancho Santa Fe Road right-of-way and construction
rights-of-way
** includes 15 acres as mitigation for a prior project
*** includes 40 acres as mitigation required for a prior project if Del Mar
Memzanita were to be listed under the federal Endangered Species Act or otherwise
under the HCP/OMSP.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have approved this HCP/OMSP on
the date first set forth above.
CITY OF
By:
A. Lewist MayVr
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FIELDSTONE/LA COSTA ASSOCIATES
By: Jo^fkrone, Assistant Secretary
m CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
By:
^fy^oyd Gippons, Director
U. S. FISH Airo/IWILBLIFE SERVICE
By:
The undersigned have witnessed the approval of this^CP/OMSP on
this 7th day of June, 1995.
Kathleen A. McGinty
Council on Environmental Quality
Douglas Wheeler, Secretary
The Resources Agency of Califomia
City of Carlsbad;
Julie Nygaard, Mayor Pro Tempore
Ramona Finnila, Councilmember
Ann Kulchin, Councilmember
Matt Hall, Councilmember
Raymond Patchett, City Manager
06-02-95
F:\HPDOC\01\2110\PREFACE.01
Marty Orenyak, Community Development
Director
Michael Holzmiller,
Planning Director
Donald Rideout,
Senior Management Analyst
Rick Alexander, President
The Rick Alexander Company
Paul Fromer, Consultant
RECON
Jean K. Carr, Consultant
Jean Carr Consulting
Califomia Department of Fiah and Game:
Larry Eng, Environmental Program Manager
Califomia Department of Fish and Game
Ronald D. Rempel, Program Manager
Califomia Department of Fish and Game
Terry Stewart, NCCP Planning
Califomia Department of Fish and Game
.0.
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
Dale Hall, Asst. Regional Director
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Gail Kobetich, Field Supervisor
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
David Harlow,
U. S. 'Fish and Wildlife Service
z
Ken Corey,
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Mr Fieldstone Consultants;
Edwin Sauls
The Sauls Company
Michael McCollum
McCollum Associates
Barry Jones
Sweetwater Environmental Biologists
06-02-95
F:\MPDOC\01\2110\PREFACE.01
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Bill Hofman, President
Hofman Planning Associates
Lisa King
Hofman Planning Associates
Douglas Avis
Conservationists;
Michael Beck
Endangered Habitats League
Bill Daugherty, Buena Vista
Lagoon Chapter, The Audubon Society
Jeffrey Opdycke, Local Habitat Analyst
San Diego Zoo
Seth Schulberg
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation
Attorneys:
Lynn Cox, Asst. Regional Solicitor
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Craig Manson, General Counsel
Califomia Department of Fish and Game
Lindell L. Marsh, Counsel
Siemon, Larsen & Marsh
Ronald R. Bail, City Attorney
City of Carlsbad
Others:
Michael McLaughlin, Director of
Land Use and Planning,
San Diego Association of Governments
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m
m ATTACEHENT A
TO THE PREFACE OF THE
m CITY OF CARLSBAD/FIELDSTONE/LA COSTA ASSOCIATES
^ HABITAT CONSERVATION FLAN/
ON-GOING HOLTI-SPECIES PLAN
m
List of Species of Concern
from Approved Habitat Conservation Plan
m
m Plants
m
^ 1. Encinitas baccharis (Baccharis vanessae) (endangered)
2. San Diego thorn mint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia)
^ {endangered)
3. Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) (endangered!
4. Ashy spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens)
5. Blochman's dudleya (Dudleya blochmaniae ssp.
blochmaniae)
6. Califomia adder's tongue (Ophioglossum californicum)
7. California adolphia (Adolphia califomica)
8. Cliff spurge (Euphorbia misera)
9. Coast white lilac (Ceanothus verrucosus)
10. Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp.
crassifolia)
11. Del Mar Mesa sand aster (Corethrogyne filaglnifolia var
linifolia)
12. Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii)
13. Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa)
14. Orcutt's brodiaea (Brodiaea orcuttii)
15. Orcutt's hazardia (Hazardia orcuttii)
16. Palmer's grapplinghook (Harpagonella palmeri)
17. San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila)
18. San Diego Coast barrel cactus (Ferocactus viridescens)
19. San Diego County viguiera (Viguiera laciniata)
20. San Diego goldenstar {Muilla clevelandii)
21. San Diego marsh elder (Iva hayesiana)
22. San Diego sagewort (Artemisia palmeri)
23. Southwestern spiny rush (Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii)
24. Sticky-leaved liveforever (Dudleya viscida)
25. Summer holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp.
diversifolia)
26. Westem dichondra (Dichondra occidentalis)
Invertebrates
27. Dun skipper (Euphyes vestris harbinsoni)
28. Hermes copper (Lycaena hermes)
j^phibians
29. Califomia red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii)
30. Westem spadefoot (Scaphiopus hammondii)
Reptiles
31. Coastal rosy boa {Lichanura trivirgata rosafusca)
32. Coastal westem whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris
multiscutatus)
33. Coast patch-nosed snake {Salvadora hexalepis virgultea)
34. Coronado skink (Eumeces skiltonianus interparietalis)
35. Northem red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber ruber)
36. Orange-throated whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus
beldingi)
37. San Diego banded gecko {Coleonyx variegatus abbitti)
38. San Diego homed lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum
blainvillei)
39. San Diego ringneck snake (Diadophus punctatus similis)
40. Silvery legless lizard (Anniella pulchra pulchra)
41. Southwestem pond turtle {Clemmys marmorata pallida)
42. Two-striped garter snake {Thamnophis hammondii)
Birds
43. Least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) (endangered)
44. Southwestem willow flycatcher (Empidonax trailli
extimus) (endangered)
45. Bell's sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli belli)
46. Burrowing owl (Speotyto cunicularia)
47. Califomia homed lark (Eremophila alpestris actia)
48. Coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila califomica
califomica)
49. Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperi)
50. Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)
51. Northem harrier (Circus cyaneus)
52. San Diego cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
couesi)
53. Southem Califomia 3nafous-crowned sparrow {Aimophila
ruficeps canescens)
54. Tricolored blaclcbird {Agelaius tricolor)
55. Yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens)
56. Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia brewsteri)
57. California mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus)
58. Dulzura Califomia pocket mouse (Chaetodipus
californicus femoralis)
mm
m
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59. m
60.
m- •
60.
m 61.
62.
m 63.
•
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am
Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax
fallax)
San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus
bennettii)
San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia)
Southem grasshopper mouse (Onychomys torridus ramona)
Townsend's westem big-eared bat (Plecotus townsendii
townsendii)
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ATTACHMENT B
TO THE PREFACE OF THE
CITY OF CARLSBAD/FIELDSTONE/LA COSTA ASSOCIATES
HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN/ONGOING MULTISPECIES PLAN
SHEET 1
LEGEND
/'\./ | Rancheros/Southeast II Subarea Boundary
Impact Areas
Rancheros/Southeast II Consen/ed Habitat Parcels
Existing Roadway
Future Roadway
_ SOOlE EASEMENT
NTS
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates
ATTACHMENT B
TO THE PREFACE OF THE
CITY OF CARLSBAD/FIELDSTONE/LA COSTA ASSOCIATES
HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN/ONGOING MULTISPECIES PLAN
SHEET 2
LEGEND
Northwest Subarea
Boundary
Impact Areas
Northwest Conserved Habitat Parcels
(previously proposed)
Northwest Conserved Habitat Parcels (additionally proposed)
57.4 Acres (Planimeter Measurement at 1"=200' scale)
(1) In conjunction with constuction of Carrillo Way
NTS
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates
Source: O'Day Consulting
Base Plan
City of Carlsbad/Fieldstone/La Costa Associates
Habitat Conservation Plan/
Ongoing Multi-Species Plan
for Properties in the Soutlieast Quadrant
of the City of Carlsbad, California
Final
June, 1995
City of Carlsbad
Fieldstone/La Costa Associates
California Department of Fish and Game
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
m
m
Habitat Conservation Plan/
Ongoing Multi-Species Plan
for Properties in the Southeast Quadrant
of the City of Carlsbad, California
Final
June, 1995
Prepared by
The City of Carlsbad
and
Fieldstone/La Costa Associates
Comments and inquiries
regarding this document may be addressed to:
Don Rideout
City of Carlsbad
2075 Las Palmas Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92009
or
John Barone
The Fieldstone Company
5465 Morehouse Drive, Suite 250
San Diego, CA 92121
This document is printed on recycled paper,
except for the color maps and aerial photos.
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Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Contents
Contents
Summary s-i
1. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context i
A. Purpose and Scope 1
B. The Planning Context 5
1. Planning Agreements and Process 6
a. 1991 Memoranda of Agreement 6
b. HCP Facilitation Team 6
c. Initial Points of Consensus 7
d. Review and Revision of a Draft Plan 7
2. Road Project 8
3. Carlsbad's General Plan 9
a. GMP 9
b. Draft RMP 9
c. Draft HMP '. '. 10
4. Regional Conservation Programs 10
a. North County MHCP H
b. San Dieguito River Valley
Regional Open Space and Park Plan 11
c. City of San Diego's MSCP 12
5. Federal and State Laws and Guidelines 12
2. Plan Area Setting and Und Use Profile i7
A. Regional and Local Setting 17
1. San Diego County 17
2. North County 17
3. Carlsbad 17
B. Plan Area Components 20
1. Rancheros-Southeast II 20
2. Northwest 20
Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation 29
A. Surveys and Studies 29
1. Pre-Survey Review of Biotechnical Reports 29
2. General Biological Surveys.. 30
3. Regional Vegetation Mapping 31
4. Focused Sensitive B ird Surveys 31
5. Coastal California
Gnatcatcher Dispersal Studies 31
6. Focused Rare Plant Surveys 31
7. Focused Herpetological Surveys 32
8. Focused Sensitive Invertebrate Surveys 32
9. Small Mammal Trapping 32
10. Literature Reviews 32
B. Resource Inventory 33
1. Habitat Types 33
a. Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub 34
b. Non-Native and Native Grassland 34
c. Southern Mixed and Southern Maritime Chaparral 34
d. Riparian Scrub and Woodland 37
e. Disturbed Habitat 33
f. Eucalyptus Woodland 38
2. Species of Concern 33
a. Observed Species of Concern 39
b. Potentially Occurring Species 39
C. Habitat Evaluation 39
1. HMP Context 50
a. PPA7 50
b. PPAS 50
2. MHCP Context ....56
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Final 6-95
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Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Contents
4. Habitat Conservation Strategy
and Impact Analysis 63
A. Configuration of Conserved Habitat 63
1. Rancheros-Southeast II 64
a. Southeast II 64
b. San Marcos Creek 65
c. Rancheros 65
2. Northwest 65
a. Onsite Conservation 69
b. Offsite Conservation 69
B. Impact Analysis.... 69
1. Impacts to Species of Concern 73
2. Alternatives to the Taking 84
a. Complete Avoidance of Take 84
b. Take Only within Road Project Area ....84
c. No Take of Gnatcatchers 85
d. Delay of Take Pending Completion of the HMP 85
e. Offsite Mitigation for Unlimited Plan Area Take 85
f. Reconfiguration of Onsite Conserved Habitat
and Development Areas 86
5. Conservation Program and
Mitigation Measures 87
A. Habitat Conservation 87
1. Onsite Conservation 87
2. Offsite Conservation 88
3. Ownership of Conserved Habitat 88
B. Habitat Management 88
1. Interim Habitat Management 88
2. Ongoing Habitat Management 89
3. Funding of Habitat Management 90
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Final 6-95 iii
Contents Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
C. Impact Minimization and Mitigation Measures 90 m
1. Project-Specific Impact Avoidance and Minimization 90 M*
a. Nest Site Protection 90 ^
b. Controlled Access and Barriers 91
wm
c. Noise Levels 9^ <••» d. Storage and Staging Areas 91
•Mt
e. Monitoring 9^
f. Unavoidable Disturbances of Conserved Habitat 91 ^
g. Fuel Management Zones 92
h. Lighting 92 m
t. Landscaping 92 —
j. Public Information Program 92 ^
2. Impact Phasing and Project Design Measures 92 ^
3. Supplemental Mitigation Measures 94
a. Coastal California Gnatcatcher Research 94
b. Coordination with Other Programs 94
c. Cooperation of Other Land Owners 94
HI
D. Plan Implementation 94
1. Record Keeping 94
2. Annual Reports 95
3. Periodic Comprehensive Reviews 95 m
4. Procedures in Response to Unforeseen Circumstances 95
5. Authorizations and Assurances 96 „
tm
References q?
Glossary 99 m
HCP Facilitation Team 109 m
Plan Preparers m *
Appendices
A Regulatory Framework of the HCP/OMSP A-1
B Profile of HCP/OMSP Species of Concern B-1
tv Final 6-95
CaWsbad-FtCA HCP/OMSP Contents
m
Figures
s-1 HCP/OMSP Plan Area Components S-3
S-2 Schematic of Conserved Habitat in Rancheros-Southeast II S-15
S-3 Schematic of Conserved HabiUt in Northwest S-16
1 HCP/OMSP Plan Area 2
2 North County Resources 3
3 Plan Area Location 18
4 Northern San Diego County 19
5 GMP Zone Map 21
6 HMP Preserve Planning Areas 22
7 Road Project Finance District r 23
8 Rancheros-Southeast W (aerial photo) 25
9 Northwest (aerial photo) 27
10 Habitat Types in the Plan Area 35
11 Distribution of Coastal California Gnatcatchers
in Rancheros-Southeast II 51
12 Distribution of Coastal California Gnatcatchers
in Northwest 53
13 MHCP Habitat Evaluation Map for North County 59
14 MHCP Habitat Evaluation Map for Carlsbad 61
15 Schematic of Conserved Habitat on
Rancheros-Southeast II • 66
16 Conserved Habitat in Rancheros-Southeast II 67
17 Schematic of Conserved Habitat on
Northwest 70
18 Conserved Habitat on Northwest 71
19 Grading Phases in Southeast II 93
Final 6-95
Contents Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Tables
5-1
S-2
S-3
S-4
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Habitat Types in the Plan Area S-6
HCP/OMSP Species of Concern 5.7
Conserved Habitat in the Plan Area Components S-13
Summary of Potential Impacts on Species of Concern
by Primary Habitat Associations of the Species S-I8
Summary of Applicable Federal and State Laws 13
Information Requirements and Approval Criteria
Relevant to the HCP/OMSP 15
General Plan Land Use Designations in the Plan Area 24
Surveys Conducted for the HCP/OMSP 30
Habitat Types in the Plan Area 33
HCP/OMSP Species of Concern 40
Comparison of Citywide, PPA, and Plan Area
Habitat Estimates 55
Comparison of MHCP Study Area, Carlsbad, and Plan Area
Habitat Estimates 55
Results of MHCP Habitat Evaluation 57
Conserved Habitat in the Plan Area Components 64
Habitat Conserved and Assumed "Taken" by Primary
Habitat Associations of the Species of Concern 73
Estimated Impacts of Conservation Strategy
on Species of Concern 74 m
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VI Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Summao'
Summary
A. Introduction
This Habitat Conservation Plan/Ongoing Multi-Species Plan (HCP/OMSP) is the
culmination of a three-year collaborative planning process undertaken by the
City of Carlsbad (City) and Fieldstone/La Costa Associates (FLCA) in consultation
IB with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and California Department of
Fish and Game (CDFG). It covers 1,940.2 acres of land essentially surrounded
1* by existing urban uses in the southeast quadrant of Carlsbad (Figure 5-1),
^ conserving habitat for plant and wildlife species and mitigating the impacts of
anticipated urbanization.
m
Initiated prior to enactment of California's Natural Communities Conservation
^ Planning (NCCP) Act, the HCP/OMSP technically is exempt from the NCCP
program; however, it is consistent with NCCP Guidelines and with two
* planning efforts that are enrolled in the NCCP program as OMSPs - the City's
m Habitat Management Plan (HMP) and the North County Multiple Habitat
Conservation Program (MHCP). The plan fulfills NCCP goals and strengthens
i» the HMP and MHCP efforts by:
• Providing for the preservation and management of up to 885.1 acres of
pi coastal sage scrub and other habitats in key locations that will support
viable populations of indigenous plants and animals and maintain the link
between the City's natural communities and the larger regional ecosystem;
and
• • Reconciling the current and future needs of diverse public and private
interests through a cooperative effort that will sustain and improve sensitive
biological resources while allowing necessary economic development and
^ anticipated urbanization to proceed.
*• In this way, the HCP/OMSP constitutes a completed aspect of NCCP for the City
^ and subregion.
Consistent with the federal and state Endangered Species Acts (ESAs) as well as
" the NCCP program, the HCP/OMSP addresses the needs of 66 listed and
•i unlisted species associated with habitats in the plan area. It focuses on a
number of animal species that are representative of the diversity and sensitivity
of resources in the City and region, including the federally-listed coastal
^ California gnatcatcher, and provides protection for nearly 80 percent of all
sensitive plant populations in the plan area. Utilizing the best available
scientific information, the HCP/OMSP meets the requirements of the ESAs by:
Minimizing and mitigating anticipated impacts on the species of concern to
the maximum extent practicable; and
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^ Final 6-95 5-1
Summary Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
• Conserving habitat, habitat linkages, corridors, and buffers in a way that,
together with the other impact minimization and mitigation measures,
ensures that the likelihood of the species' survival and recovery will not be
appreciably reduced.
Also in accordance with the ESAs, the plan assures adequate funding for
implementation of the conservation and mitigation measures and includes
procedures for responding to unforeseen circumstances.
The HCP/OMSP also is consistent with the Carlsbad General Plan, providing for
the conservation of sensitive resources and the development of land and
facilities in accordance with the City's land use, circulation, open space, and
growth management plans as well as the proposed HMP.
B. Planning Process and Purpose
Preparation of the HCP/OMSP began in 1989 and evolved into a unique
planning process for a project specific plan, characterized by a consideration of
range-wide conservation issues, open public participation, and candid
negotiations with conservation interests and federal, state, and local agencies.
To ensure continued progress during the process, the planning participants
signed a Memorandum of Agreement in 1991 regarding development of a plan
and an Initial Points of Consensus document in 1992 establishing the plan's
fundamental tenets.
The primary purpose of the planning process and this HCP/OMSP is to provide
for the conservation of wildlife and its habitat in the context of anticipated
urbanization. The HCP/OMSP establishes the basis for government planning
and regulation as well as assurances to the landowners and others that the plan
will be implemented and that projects and activities in the plan area can
proceed without further wildlife mitigation. Specifically, the plan provides the
basis for:
1. Issuance by USFWS of a Section 10(a) permit, USFWS authorizations under
the gnatcatcher 4(d) rule, and USFWS consultations (internal as well as with
other agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) under Section 7 of
the federal ESA;
2. Issuance by CDFG of a Section 2081 pemiit under the California ESA and a
Section 2835 permit under the NCCP Act;
3. Issuance of permits under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act;
4. Consummation of an implementation agreement, with USFWS, CDFG, the
City, and FLCA as parties, implementing the plan and providing the parties
with assurances; and
5. Planning and development activities by the City, FLCA, and other
landowners in the plan area.
Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 1. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context
1. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context
m This chapter describes the purpose and scope of the plan, the process by which
H it was prepared, its relationship to other plans and programs, and the federal
and state laws on which it is based.
A. Purpose and Scope
This HCP/OMSP has been prepared for private properties in two locations
within the southeast quadrant of Carlsbad: 1,278.2 acres identified herein as
"Rancheros-Southeast 11" and 662.0 acres identified as "Northwest" (Figure 1).
f* Its primary purpose is to provide for the conservation of wildlife and its habitat
ti in the context of anticipated urbanization. The HCP/OMSP establishes the basis
for government planning and regulation as well as assurances to the landowners
tm and others that the plan will be implemented and that projects and activities in
the plan area can proceed without further wildlife mitigation. Specifically, the
plan provides the basis for:
c
m
1. Issuance by USFWS of a Section 10(a) permit, USFWS authorizations under
the gnatcatcher 4(d) rule, and USFWS consultations (internal as well as with
other agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) under Section 7 of
the federal ESA;
2. Issuance by CDFG of a Section 2081 permit under the California ESA and a
Section 2835 permit under the NCCP Act;
3. Issuance of permits under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act;
4. Consummation of an implementation agreement, with USFWS, CDFG, the
City, and FLCA as parties, implementing the plan and providing the parties
with assurances; and
5. Planning and development activities by the City, FLCA, and other
landowners in the plan area.
The plan's scope can best be defined in terms of the plan's biological focus and
the planning considerations and principles that guided its development.
• Biological focus. The biological focus of the plan is the western tip of the
largest coastal sage scrub community in northern San Diego County (Figure
2) and 66 species of concern associated with the habitats in that community
(see 3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation).
Final 6-95
m
Oceansicie
0t>
San Diego
County I'
LEGEND Encinitas
PLAN AREA
EXISTING ROADWAYS
PROPOSED ROADWAYS
Ml
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates NTS
Figure 1. HCP/OMSP Plan Aile
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Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Summary
C. Plan Area Profile
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The plan area for the HCP/OMSP consists of two sets of lands (see Figure S-1):
• 1,278.2 acres identified as "Rancheros-Southeast 11," which includes 846.2
acres that are the project area for the Rancho Santa Fe Road realignment,
* 347 acres that are the Rancheros component of FLCA's La Costa Master
Plan, and 85 acres in San Marcos Creek; and
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M • 662.0 acres identified as "Northwest," another component of the La Costa
Master Plan.
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^ Combined, the lands account for 13 percent of all undeveloped land remaining
in the City. All of the land is private property, and 95 percent (1,844.4 acres) is
^ owned by FLCA. The other five percent includes 81 acres owned by MAG
Properties and 14.8 acres of miscellaneous private ownerships within proposed
right-of-way easements for the realigned Rancho Santa Fe Road. Except for
242.6 acres, all of the lands are currently designated in the General Plan for
^ residential or commercial development
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The biological significance of the lands stems from their location in relation to
m other resources and their inherent values. Rancheros-Southeast II forms the
^ western tip of the largest, contiguous stretch of coastal sage scrub and natural
open space in northem San Diego County and, by virtue of that connection, is
^ the primary link between the City's natural communities and the larger regional
ecosystem. Northwest is less directly attached to the regional ecosystem but
* supports a mix of habitats and species representative of the City's and region's
biodiversity.
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m Six habitat types occur within the plan area: Diegan coastal sage scrub, southern
mixed and southern maritime chaparral, non-native and native grassland,
«" riparian scrub and oak woodland, disturbed habitat, and eucalyptus woodland
^ (Table S-1). Approximately two-thirds of Rancheros-Southeast II is coastal sage
scrub, with the remainder primarily southern mixed chaparral and disturbed
^ habitat; all six habitat types occur in Northwest but no one type covers more
than 38 percent of the area.
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The habitats support hundreds of different plant and wildlife species, including
the 66 that have been selected as "species of concern" for conservation planning
•i purposes. The 66 include species that are:
1. Already protected by the federal or state ESAs;
2. Candidates for federal or state listing;
3. "Species of special concern" in California as identified by CDFG;
4. Sensitive bird species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act;
5. On the list of sensitive species for the NCCP program;
6. On the list of sensitive plant species in California;
7. On the list of target species for the HMP and North County MHCP; or
8. On the list of "other sensitive species" for the HMP.
Final 6-95 S_5
Summary Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table S-1
Habitat Types in the Plan Area
(acres)
Habitat Type Rancheros-
Soutiwast tl Northwest Plan Area
Dleg^ coastal sage scrub 832.2 123.0 955.2
Chaparral
Southem mixed 189.2 6.0 195.2
Southem maritime 0.0 120.0 120.0
Subtotal 189.2 726.0 315.2
Grassland
Non-native 35.0 251.6 286.6
Native 41.6 3.4 21.0
Subtotal 76.6 255.0 306.6
Riparian scrub and woodland 16.6 97.0 113.6
Disturbed habitat 157.4 55.5 191.9
Eucalyptus woodland 1.0 5.5 6.5
TOTAL 1,278.2 662.0 1,940.2
Based on extensive surveys conducted over a two-year period, 36 of the 66
species of concern are known to occur in one or both plan area components;
the other 30 species are closely associated with habitats in the plan area and, for
purposes of this plan, have been treated as potentially occurring. Table S-2 lists
the species of concern under the headings of "observed" and "potentially
occurring"; it also indicates their primary habitat association and rangewide
distribution.
D. Habitat Conservation Strategy
and Impact Analysis
Based on an understanding of both the biological and land use issues to be
reconciled, the City and FLCA developed a onsite habitat conservation strategy
that is the foundation of this HCP/OMSP. Further, in accordance with the ESAs
and NCCP Guidelines, the City and FLCA considered the potential effects of the
strategy on the species of concern before proceeding with final planning. For
purposes of the impact analysis, all species of concern were treated as listed
species. "Take" as defined in the ESAs was calculated primarily based on the
occurrence of habitat for each species in areas designated for development. All
habitat suitable for a species of concern was assumed to be occupied by that
species, and all habitat not designated as being conserved was treated as
"taken." Also in accordance with ESA and NCCP requirements, alternatives to
the taking were considered.
S-6 Final 6-95
Car/sbad^fiCA HCP/OMSP Summary
Table S-2
HCP/OMSP Species of Concern
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ID# Species Name and Listing Status Habitat Association and Rangewide Distribution
Observed Species of Concem (N-36)
A-1
Ashy spike-moss
Selaginella cinerascens
CNPS4
Occurs on flat mesas in open CSS and CHP. Range
includes Orange County to northem Baja Califomia.
A-2
Califomia adder's-tongue
Ophioglossum californicum
C3c, CNPS4
Occurs in grassy areas and vemal pools. Range
extends from northem Califomia counties into
northwestem Baja California.
A-3
Califomia adophia
Adolphia califomica
CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CSS and CHP in clay soils on dry coastal
and foothill slopes below 1000 feet. Range includes
San Diego County to Baja Califomia.
A-4
Del Mar manzanita
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia
FPE*, CNPSIB, T
Occurs in SMaC in areas with marine sandstone.
Range includes coastal San Diego County to Cabo
Colonet.
A-5
Engelmann oak
Quercus engelmannii
CNPS4, OSS
Occurs in OW, EW, and SMaC. Range extends from
Los Angeles County foothills to Sierra Juarez in Baja
Califomia.
A-6
Nuttall's scrub oak
Quercus dumosa
CNPSIB, OSS
Occurs in CHP and CSS in sandy soils and sandstone.
Range extends from coastal Santa Barbara County to
northwestem Baja Califomia.
A-7
Orcutt's brodiaea
Brodiaea orcuttii
C2*, CNPSIB, T
Occurs along ephemeral streams and vernal pools.
Range extends from Riverside and San Bemardino
Counties through San Diego County into Baja Calif.
A-8
Palmer's grapplinghook
Harpagonella palmeri
CNPS2, OSS
Occurs in CHP, CSS, and C. Range includes
southem Califomia from Los Angeles County
southward, Arizona, and northem Baja Calif.
A-9
San Diego County viguiera
Viguiera laciniata
CNPS4, NCCP
Occurs in CSS. Range includes coastal San Diego
County to central Baja Califomia.
A-10
San Diego golden star
Mu///a clevelandii
C2*, CNPSIB, T
Occurs in G and CSS with day soils. Range includes
coastal San Diego County to extreme northwest of
Baja Califomia.
A-11
San Diego marsh elder
Iva hayesiana
C2, CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in RS and SM. Range includes coastal San
Diego County to central Baja Califomia.
A-12
Southwestem spiny rush
Junctus actus var. leopoldii
CNPS4, OSS
Occurs in FWM, SM, and RW. Range extends from
San Luis Obispo and San Bemardino Counties to
central Baja Califomia.
A-13
Sticky-leaved liveforever
Dudleya viscida
CI*, CNPSIB, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CSS and CHP of bluffs and rocky cliffs.
Range includes southem Orange County to central
San Diego County.
A-14
Summer holly
Comaro5taphy/)5 diversifolia ssp. diversifolia
CI, CNPSIB, T
Occurs in CHP and SMaC. Range includes coastal
Orange and San Diego Counties into northwest Baja
Califomia..
A-15
Thread-leaved brodiaea
Brodiaea filifolia
CT, SE, CNPSIB, T
Occurs in G and vemal pools with clay soils. Range
includes coastal San Diego County to central Baja
Califomia.
Final 6-95 S-7
Summary Car/sbad-FiCA HCP/OMSP
Table S-2 (continued)
HCP/OMSP Species of Concern
ID# Species Name and Listing Status Habitat Association and Rangewide Distribution
A-16
Wart-stemmed ceanothus
Ceanothus verrucosus
C2, CNPS2, T
Occurs in SMaC and CHP. Range includes coastal
San Diego County to central Baja Califomia.
A-17
Westem dichondra
Dichondra occidentalis
C3c, CNPS4, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in understory of CHP and CSS. Range
extends from Marin and Sonoma Counties to San
Miguel Island and Baja Califomia.
A-18
Westem spadefoot toad
5pea hammondii
CSC. NCCP, T
Occurs in CSS, CHP, and G. Range extends from
north central Califomia to northwestem Baja
Califomia.
A-19
Coastal rosy boa
Lichanura tr/v/rgata rosafusca
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CSS and CHP with rocky substrates.
Range extends from Los Angeles County to northwest
Baja Califomia.
A-20
Coastal westem whiptail
Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in open CSS, CHP, and woodlands. Range
extends from Ventura County to south central Baja
Califomia.
A-21
Northem red diamond rattlesnake
Crotalus ruber ruber
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in rocky CSS, CHP, other scrub, and cactus.
Range includes southem Califomia to northem Baja
Calfiomia.
A-22
Orange-throated whiptail
Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi
C2, CSC, NCCP, T
Occurs in CSS, CHP, RW, weedy areas, and washes.
Range includes southem Orange and San Bemardino
Counties to south central Baja Califomia.
A-23
San Diego homed lizard
Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei
C2, CSC, NCCP, T
Occurs in CSS, CHP, and OW. Range includes Santa
Barbara County to northwest Baja Califomia.
A-24
Beit's sage sparrow
Amphispiza belli belli
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CSS, CHP, juniper woodland, and alluvial
fan scub. Range includes California and northem
Baja Calif.
A-25
Burrowing owl
Speotyto cunicularia
CSC, MBTA, T
Occurs in G. Range includes westem United States,
Canada, and Mexico.
A-26
Coastal California gnatcatcher
Polioptila califomica califomica
FT, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, T
Occurs in CSS. Range includes Los Angeles, Orange,
westem Riverside, and San Diego Counties into Baja
Calif.
A-2 7
Cooper's hawk
Accipiter cooperi
CSC, MBTA, T
Occurs in RS, RW, and OW near foraging areas.
Range includes continental U.S., excluding Alaska
and parts of Montana and the Dakotas.
A-28
Loggerhead shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in G, CSS, and disturbed habitat. Range
includes much of North America; winters south to
Central America.
A-29
Northem harrier
Circus cyaneus
CSC, MBTA, T
Occurs in FWM, SM, C, CSS, and agricultural fields.
Winters and migrates throughout Califomia.
A-30
Southem Califomia rufous-crowned sparrow
Aimophila ruficeps canescens
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, T
Occurs in CSS and mixed CSS and G. Range
Includes Santa Barbara County to northwestem Baja
Califomia.
S-8 Final 6-95
Car/sbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Summary
Table S-2 (continued)
HCP/OMSP Species of Concern
ID# Species Name and Listing Status Habitat Association and R»igewide Distribution
A-31
Tricolored blackbird
Agelaius tricolor
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, T
Breeds in FWM, forages in G and agricultural lands.
Range extends from southem Oregon to northem
Baja Califomia.
A-32
Yellow-breasted chat
Icteria virens
CSC, MBTA, OSS
Occurs in RW and RS. Range includes most of North
America; breeds in southem Califomia in spring and
summer.
A-33
Yellow warbler
Dendroica petechia brewsteri
CSC, MBTA, OSS
Occurs in RW and RS. Range includes most of North
America; breeds in southem Califomia in spring and
summer.
A-34
Northwestem San Diego pocket mouse
Chaetodipus fallax fallax
C2, CSC, NCCP, T
Occurs in CSS, CHP, and open weedy areas. Range
includes parts of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San
Bemardino, and San Diego Counties.
A-35
San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit
Lepus californicus bennettii
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CSS, G, and disturbed habitat Range
includes coastal slope of southem Califomia from
Santa Barbara County into northwest Baja Calif.
A-36
San Diego desert woodrat
Neotoma lepida intermedia
C2, CSC, OSS
Occurs in rocky areas and CHP and CSS with cactus.
Range includes coastal slope of southem Califomia
from San Luis Obispo County to northwest Baja Calif.
Potentially Occurring Species of Concem (N > 30)
B-1
Blochman's dudleya
Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae
CNPSIB, NCCP, OSS
Occurs atop coastal bluifs in CSS. Range includes
coastal slope of southem Califomia from San Luis
Obispo County to northwest Baja Calif.
B-2
Cliff spurge
Euphorbia misera
CNPS2, NCCP, OSS .
Occurs on coastal bluffs in CSS. Range includes
Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties to central
Baja Califomia.
B-3
Coast barrel cactus *
ferocactus viridescens
C2'. CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
Occurs on dry slopes with CSS and CHP. Range
includes coastal San Diego County, northwest Baja
Califomia, and foothills of Sierra Juarez.
B-4
Del Mar sand aster
Coret/jfogyne filaglnifolia var. linfolia
FPT, CNPSIB, NCCP, T
Occurs in sandy, disturtwd coastal areas, usually in
SMaC. Endemic to central, coastal San Diego
County.
B-5
Encinitas baccharis
Baccharis vanessae
FPE, SE, CNPSIB, T
Occurs in SMaC and CHP. Endemic to northwest
and north-central San Diego County.
B-6
Orcutt's hazardia
Hazardia orcuttii
C2, CNPSIB
Occurs on coastal slopes in CHP. Endemic to
northwest Baja California, with a disjunct population
in Encinitas, Califomia.
B-7
Orcutt's spineflower
Chorizanthe orcuttiana
FPE*, SE, CNPSIB, NCCP
Occurs in SMaC. Endemic to San Diego County.
8-8
San Diego ambrosia
Ambrosia pumila
C2-, CNPSIB, NCCP
Occurs in coastal G and disturbed habitat. Range
includes coastal San Diego County to northwest Baja
Califomia.
B-9
San Diego sagewort
Artemisia palmeri
CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in drainages with RS, CSS, and CHP. Range
includes coastal San Diego County to northwest Baja
Califomia.
Final 6-95 S-9
Summary Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table S-2 (continued)
HCP/OMSP Species of Concern
ID# Species Name and Listing Status Habitat Association and Rangewide Distribution
JWE
B-10
San Diego thommint
Acanthomintha ilicifolia
CI*, SE, CNPSIB, NCCP,T
Occurs in C and vemal pools on clay soils. Range
includes coastal San Diego County to coastal area
above Ensenada and Sierra Juarez mountains.
B-n
Harbison's dun skipper
Euphyes vestris harbinsoni
C2,T
Occurs in RW, RS, and OW with perennial water
source. Range includes Orange and San Diego
Counties.
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B-12
Hermes copper
Lycaena hermes
C2*, OSS
Occurs in CSS and CHP; larval foodplant is
buckthorn. Range includes San Diego Co. to
northem Baja Calif. m
B-13
Quino checkerspot
Euphydryas editha quino
Cl OSS
Occurs in CSS, G, and VP; larval foodplant is
plantain. Range includes Orange, Riverside, and San
Diego Counties to coastal central Baja Calif. m
B-14
Califomia red-legged frog
Rana aurora draytonii
FPE, CSC, OSS
Occurs in ponds, marshes, and pools. Range
includes northem Califomia to northwestem Baja
Califomia.
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B-15
Coast patch-nosed snake
Salvadora hexalepis virgultea
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs mainly in CHP but also in mixed CSS and G.
Range includes Santa Barbara County into northwest
Baja Califomia.
B-16
Coronado skink
Eumeces skiltonianus interparietalis
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in C, CSS, open CHP, OW, and pine forests.
Range includes Los Angeles County into northwest
Baja Califomia plus several islands.
B-17
San Diego banded gecko
Coleonyx variegatus abbotti
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CHP and CSS with rocky outcrops. Range
extends from San Gabriel Mountains to northwest
Baja California and Cedros Island.
B-18
San Diego ringneck snake
Diadophis punctatus similis
C2, CSC, OSS
Occurs in OW, C, CHP, and CSS. Range includes
' southwest San Bemardino County to northwest Baja
Califomia.
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B-19
Silvery legless lizard
Anniella nigra argentea
CSC, OSS
Occurs along washes, beaches, alluvial fans and in
CSS and CHP. Range includes San Francisco to
northwest Baja Califomia.
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B-20
Southwestem pond turtle
Clemmys marmorata pallida
CT, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in FWM, creeks, and ponds. Range extends
from Monterey County to northwest Baja Califomia. m
8-21
Two-striped garter snake
Tbamnophis hammondii
C2, CSC, OSS
Occurs primary along permanent creeks and streams,
also in VP and CHP. Range includes Monterey
County to northwest Baja Califomia.
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B-22
Califomia homed lark
Eremophila alpestris actia
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in sandy beaches, G, and agricultural lands.
Range includes coastal slopes and lowlands from
Sonoma County to northem Baja Califomia. -
B-23
Least Bell's vireo
Vireo bellii pusillus
FE, SE, MBTA, T
Occurs in lowland RW. Range includes southem
Califomia to northwest Baja California. m
B-24
San Diego cactus wren
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus couesi
C2, CSC, NCCP, T
Occurs in CSS, cactus patches, and thomy thickets.
Range includes southem Orange and San Diego
Counties into northwest Baja Califomia.
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S-10 Final 6-95 m
Car/sbad^FiCA HCP/OMSP Summary
Table S-2 (continued)
HCP/OMSP Species of Concern
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iD# Species Name and Listing Status Habitat Association and Rangewide Distribution
B-25
Southwestem willow flycatcher
Empidonax traillii extimus
FPE, SE, FSS, MBTA, T
Occurs in RW and RS. Range includes southwestem
U.S. into northwest Mexico.
B-26
Califomia mastiff bat
Eumops perotis californicus
C2, CSC, T
Roosts in rock crevices, outcrops, buildings; forages
in CHP and OW. Range includes Central California,
westem Texas, and northem Mexico.
B-27
Dulzura Califomia pocket mouse
Chaetodipus californicus femoralis
C2, CSC, T
Occurs in CHP, mutefat scrub, and disturbed areas.
Range extends from Santa Mai^rita River to northem
Baja Califomia.
B-28
Pacific pocket mouse
Perognathus longimembris pacificus
FEE, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CHP, CSS, and C with sandy substrate.
Range limited to coast of southem Califomia; only
eight localities known.
B-29
Southem grasshopper mouse
Onychomys torridus ramona
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in C and CSS. Range extends from northem
Los Angeles County to northwestem Baja Califomia.
B-30
Townsend's westem big-eared bat
Plecotus townsendii townsendii
C2, CSC, T
Roosts in tunnels, caves, and buildings; forages in
OW, G, and other habitats. Range includes most of
westem U.S.
Final 6-95 S-11
Summary Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table S-2 (continued)
HCP/OMSP Species of Concern
ID Codes
A- Species observed or assumed to occur in one or both plan area components.
8- Species potentially occurring in habitats in one or both plan area components.
Status Codes
C1 Category 1 candidate for federal listing
C2 Category 2 candidate for federal listing
C3c Category 3c candidate for federal listing
CNPS Listed by the Califomia Native Plant Society as:
(1B) rare or endangered in California and elsewhere
(2) rare or endangered in California and more common elsewhere
(4) plants of limited distribution
CSC Identified by CDFG as a species of special concem in Califomia
FE Listed as endangered under the federal ESA
FEE Emergency listed as endangered under the federal ESA
FPE " Proposed for federal listing as endangered
FPT Proposed for federal listing as threatened
FSS Identified by federal agencies as a sensitive species '
FT Listed as threatened under the federal ESA
MBTA Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
NCCP On the list of sensitive species for the NCCP program
OSS "Other Sensitive Species" identified in draft Carlsbad HMP
ST Listed as threatened under the Califomia ESA
T Target species for Carlsbad HMP and North County MHCP
* On the list of species covered by a settlement agreement between USFWS and environmental
groups who filed suit regarding the timely listing of Cl and C2 species.
Habitat Codes
AFS Alluvial Fan Scrub
CHP Chaparral types, excluding Southem Maritime Chaparral
CSS Coastal Sage Scrub
FWM Freshwater Marsh
G Grassland, native and non-native
JW Juniper Woodland
MF5 Mulefat Scrub
OW Oak Woodland
RS Riparian Scrub
RW Riparian Woodland
SMaC Southem Maritime Chaparral
VP Vemal Pools
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S-12 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Summary
1. Configuration of Conserved Habitat
The configuration of conserved habitat within the plan area achieves SIX goals:
1. Linkages to other significant habitat areas are maintained;
2. Conserved habitat is buffered from existing and anticipated development;
3. The conserved habitat values are representative of the regional and local
ecosystem;
4. The exclusion of areas from conserved habitat will not pose jeopardy to
listed and other species of concern;
5. Preservation of key species in each plan area component is maximized; and
6. The City, FLCA, and others are provided with certainty regarding which
areas will be permanently conserved and which will not
A total of 645.1 acres has been designated conserved habitat Jn the plan area:
521.41 acres within Rancheros-Southeast II and 123.69 acres in Northwest
(Table S-3). The specific configurations of onsite conserved habitat were
developed in coordination with the USFWS, CDFG, local conservation groups,
and City staff. Onsite conservation also was weighted based on existing habitat
values, with priority given to the gnatcatcher and other sage scrub vertebrates
on Rancheros-Southeast II and to sensitive plants on Northwest. Key
considerations in the planning process are summarized below.
Table S-3
Conserved Habitat in the Plan Area Components
(acres)
tm Habitat Rancheros-Southeast 11 Northwest Plan Area
Type Rancheros San Marcos
Creek
Southeast
II Total Total
Coastal sage scrub 144.81 79.40 202.46 426.67 21.36 448.03
Southem mixed chaparral 15.73 0.00 20.04 35.77 1.06 36.83
Southern maritime chaparral 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 28.90 28.90
Grassland 0.00 0.00 19.20 19.20 33.30 52.50
Riparian scrub/woodland 0.98 5.60 3.07 9.65 34.91 44.56
nm Disturbed habitat 0.00 0.00 30.12 30.12 4.16 34.28
wm TOTAL 161.52 85.00 274.89 521.41 123.69 645.10
a. Rancheros-Southeast //
Conserved habitat in Rancheros-Southeast II includes 521.41 acres that will
function as a local multiple species reserve and regional habitat linkage. The
proposed configuration:
Final 6-95 S-13
Summary Carisbad-FICA HCP/OMSP
• Preserves 426.67 acres of coastal sage scrub (51 percent of the 832.2 acres
in the plan area component) and 18 gnatcatcher use areas;
• Maintains two primary habitat linkages with the larger regional ecosystem,
one across Southeast II and one along San Marcos Creek; and
• Concentrates future land uses adjai:ent to existing development and in
relation to the ultimate alignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road. **•
As shown on Figure S-2, the proposed configuration within Southeast II
preserves a corridor that is ^,0Q0 feet wide at its narrowest point and widens to »
approximately 1,800 feet in width at the eastern end where it crosses Rancho
Santa Fe Road. The corridor retains linkages with designated conserved habitat
in San Marcos Creek and Rancheros and linkages with natural open space
outside the plan area.
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Conserved habitat along San Marcos Creek preserves a second linkage with the
regional ecosystem, ensures connectivity between conserved habitat in
Southeast II and Rancheros, and includes non-sage scrub habitats and species in
the "micro-ecosystem" captured by the configuration. In this case, the
conserved area forms a corridor that is at least 1,000 feet wide until it reaches
the Rancho Santa Fe Road crossing and enters the City of San Marcos.
Additionally, there are at least 70 feet of vertical separation between the creek »
bottom and the road crossing. This design maximizes the contiguity of the open ^
space and minimizes the overall edge effect of the proposed reserve.
The primary consideration in Rancheros was the need to reconcile conservation
and land use priorities for lands with high biological and development value. As *'
originally proposed in the La Costa Master Plan, Rancheros was designated for
large lot ranchette-style residential development. This concept was replanned
in the context of the HCP/OMSP to cluster new housing near existing 9t
development on the western and northern borders and on the upper terraces of
the site. Priority was given to minimizing edge effects and conserving two-
thirds of the gnatcatcher pairs onsite (10 of 15). The" resulting configuration
preserves the highest density occupied gnatcatcher habitat in a contiguous band
of primarily sage scrub habitat that adjoins San Marcos Creek and is over 0.5- ^
mile wide.
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b. Northwest ^
Conserved habitat in Northwest includes 123.69 acres selected to preserve plant **
species of concern and maintain connectivity through the site (Figure S-3). Four
primary considerations affected the design of conserved habitat: ^
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1. The presence and relative abundance of rare plants associated with native
grassland (thread-leaved brodiaea, Palmer's grapplinghook) and southern IP
maritime chaparral (Del Mar manzanita, summer holly, wart-stemmed ^
ceanothus, Nuttall's scrub oak);
2. The relatively fragmented nature of the sage scrub (by comparison with
Rancheros-Southeast II) but high number of gnatcatchers;
3. The bifurcation of the natural habitats by the La Costa Golf Course; and ™
S-14 Final 6-95
LEGEND
CONSERVED HABITAT
EXISTING ROADWAY
FUTURE ROADWAY
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates
Figure S-2 . Schematic of Conserved Habitat
on Rancheros - Southeast II
s-15
LEGEND
CONSERVED HABITAT
EXISTING ROADWAY
FUTURE ROADWAY
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates
UK
Figure S-3 . Schematic of Conserved Habi|a
in North^s
s-16
m
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Summary
4. The existing albeit narrow habitat linkages with natural open space to the
northeast and to Rancheros to the southeast.
Following a consideration of each of these factors, two interrelated decisions
were made: onsite conservation would focus on sensitive plants and would be
supplemented by offsite acquisitions of coastal sage scrub.
As proposed, the onsite conserved habitat preserves a majority of the sensitive
plant species. It also provides connections to and through the site from south to
north and to the east (see Figures S-3). In addition, onsite restoration of about
m 11 acres of sage scrub has been proposed for a portion of conserved habitat that
intersects a utility easement that currently serves as a narrow wildlife corridor.
m The restoration will provide a "stepping stone" of habitat for dispersing and
^ breeding bird species of concern (including the gnatcatcher) as well as cover for
dispersing predators such as coyotes.
Offsite conservation will be used to:
1. Provide replacement habitat for the sage scrub that ultimately will be
^ removed from Northwest; and
m
2. Bolster the regional linkages conserved under the plan.
tOT
^ It also will incidentally benefit other species of concern.
^ Up to 240 acres of coastal sage scrub occupied by gnatcatchers or otherwise
acceptable to USFWS and CDFG will be acquired by FLCA, with at least 120
acres in locations that will strengthen the habitat linkage between Southeast II
and the regional coastal sage scrub community that extends into the San
^ Dieguito and San Pasqual River Valley. No specific locations have been
m proposed for acquisition at this time.
2. Impact Analysis
In connection with designating onsite conserved habitat, the City and FLCA
considered the beneficial and adverse effects on species of concern that would
likely result from conserving some areas of habitat and allowing development to
proceed in others. As noted, all species of concern were treated as listed
species, and all suitable habitat for each species was considered "taken" if not
designated as conserved habitat. This approach was used to ensure that habitat
impacts were not underestimated, to fulfill ESA requirements that "take" of
species be estimated, and to identify appropriate impact minimization and
mitigation measures. Also in accordance with the ESA and NCCP Guidelines,
alternatives to the taking were considered.
a. Impacts to Species of Concern
Anticipated impacts to species of concern are summarized in Table S-4 in terms
of habitat conserved and habitat assumed taken and based on the primary
habitat associations of the species of concern (e.g., impacts to species found
only in sage scrub, impacts to species found in more than one hat>itat type). A
separate calculation of total conserved habitat that assumes acquisition of 240
acres of offsite sage scrub also is provided.
F;na/ 6-95 S-17
Summary Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table S-4
Habitat Conserved and Assumed "Taken"
by Primary Habitat Associations of the Species of Concern
(acres)
Primary Habitat Associations of Total in Conserved Assumed
Taken
Onsite
Conserved
Onsite and
Offsite the Species of Concem Plan Area Onsite
Assumed
Taken
Onsite
Conserved
Onsite and
Offsite
•*>
Sage scrub 955.2 448.0 507.2 688.0
Chaparral 315.2 65.3 249.9 65.3
Grassland 306.6 52.5 254.1 52.5 tm
Riparian scrub/woodland (and 6.5 ac. Eucalyptus) 120.1 44.6 75.5 44.6 •u.
Disturbed habitat 191.9 34.3 157.6 34.3
Sage scrub and chaparral 1,270.4 513.3 757.1 753.3
Sage scrub and grassland 1,261.8 500.5 761.3 740.5
Sage scrub and riparian 1,075.3 492.6 582.7 732.6 tmi
Chaparral and riparian 435.3 109.9 325.4 109.0
Grassland and disturbed 507.1 86.8 420.3 86.8 MR'
Grassland and riparian 426.7 97.1 329.6 97.1
Sage scrub, grassland, and riparian 1,381.9 545.1 836.8 785.1
Sage scrub, chaparral, riparian, and disturbed 1,582.4 592.2 990.2 832.2 mm
Sage Scrub, chaparral, grassland, and riparian 1,697.1 610.4 1,086.7 850.4
Sage Scrub, grassland, chaparral, and disturbed 1,768.9 600.1 1,168.8 840.1
In addition to the habitat-based impacts, the following points can be noted
regarding the conservation of species given priority in the planning process:
• Up to 18 pair of coastal California gnatcathers will be conserved onsite in
Rancheros-Southeast II, and an undetermined number of pairs on up to 240
acres will be conserved offsite;
• At least 795 Del Mar manzanita individuals and approximately 5,800
thread-leaved brodiaea individuals will be conserved on Northwest.
All of the sticky-leaved liveforever wil
Creek corridor;
be conserved in the San Marcos
A significant portion of habitat suitable for the orange-throated whiptail and
San Diego horned lizard will be conserved on Rancheros-Southeast II, and
the two reptiles will also likely benefit from the offsite conserved habitat;
and
Riparian-dependent bird species such as the yellow-breasted chat, yellow
warbler, and least Bell's vireo will benefit from the preservation of well over
95 percent of the onsite riparian habitats; sensitive plant species such as
southwestern spiny rush and San Diego marsh elder also will be preserved
onsite.
S-18 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Summary
b. Alternatives to the Taking
Six alternatives to the anticipated taking were considered and ultimately
m eliminated from further consideration:
m
H
Complete avoidance of take of listed species;
No take of coastal California gnatcatchers;
Take only within the Rancho Santa Fe Road project area;
Delay of take in the plan area pending completion of the HMP;
An offsite mitigation strategy with unlimited take in the plan area; and
Reconfiguration of onsite conserved habitat and development areas.
E. Conservation Program tti
m
m
m
and Mitigation Measures
The conservation program and mitigation measures include those actions
necessary to:
• Conserve 645.1 acres of habitat in the plan area and up to an additional
240 acres in offsite locations;
• Provide for ongoing management of the conserved habitat;
• Minimize and mitigate the impacts expected in the plan area; and
• Ensure implementation of the plan and secure long-term (30-year)
authorizations and assurances for projects and activities in the plan area.
1 - Habitat Conservation
Implementation of the HCP/OMSP will conserve up to 885.1 acres of habitat for
the species of concern: 645.1 acres within Rancheros-Southeast II and
Northwest and up to 240 acres in offsite locations to be selected in consultation
with USFWS and CDFG. All of the onsite conserved habitat is in FLCA's
ownership.
• Onsite conservation will occur in the areas shown on Figures S-2 and S-3 and as
HfF described in the legal agreements that will accompany this plan. Offsite
conservation will occur in conjunction with development within Northwest and
m will consist of acquisition by FLCA of up to 240 acres of coastal sage scrub in
locations acceptable to USFWS and CDFG, with at least 120 acres in locations
that will strengthen the habitat linkage with the regional coastal sage community
that extends into the San Dieguito and San Pasqual River Valley.
In accordance with state guidelines for 2081 agreements (see Appendices),
FLCA will provide an irrevocable offer to convey fee interest or a conservation
easement for the conserved habitat to a conservancy established or designated
for purposes of the Carlsbad HMP, to CDFG, or to another entity approved by
USFWS and CDFG. Conservation easements or fee interest also will be
conveyed for the offsite mitigation lands.
^ F/na/6-95 S-19
IP
Summary Car/sfaad-fiCA HCP/OMSP
2. Habitat Management
Two types of habitat management will be provided under the plan:
• Interim management of conserved habitat by FLCA; and
• Long-term, ongoing management of conserved habitat by an entity
designated for that purpose under the terms of this HCP/OMSP, the HMP,
or North County MHCP.
It is anticipated that the entity responsible for long-term management of
conserved habitat and the entity to which the conservation easements or fee
interest is conveyed will be a conservancy established for purposes of
implementing the HMP. However, alternative arrangements also have been
identified in the event that the HMP is substantially delayed or not completed.
Such alternatives include delegation of management responsibilities to CDFG,
The Nature Conservancy, or (as a last resort) a homeowners association. The *^
arrangement actually made will be subject to USFWS and CDFG concurrence.
m
a. Interim Habitat Management Mi
FLCA will be responsible for management of conserved habitat until fee interest p
is conveyed or FLCA delegates its management responsibilities to the HMP ^
conservancy or an entity approved by the City, USFWS, and CDFG. Interim
management'activities will consist of: ^
• Maintaining existing access controls;
• Clean-up of conserved habitat areas where unauthorized trash dumping has
occurred; and M
• Implementation of project-specific impaa minimization and mitigation m
measures (see below).
'Ml
FLCA will prepare an interim management plan that describes the activities to ^
be performed and, until fee interest is conveyed or the management
responsibilities have been delegated, will provide annual updates to the plan as
necessary. FLCA also will provide information on the implementation of
interim management measures in the annual reports on overall plan
implementation that will be prepared by FLCA and the City for USFWS and m
CDFG review.
m
b. Ongoing Habitat Management H,
Ongoing management of conserved habitat will be guided by annual plans m
prepared by the HMP conservancy or other designated entity in consultation ^
with a management advisory committee. The committee will be composed of
representatives of USFWS, CDFG, the City, FLCA, and the management entity or ^
entities.
S-20 Final 6-95
m
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Summary
c. Funding of Habitat Management
Funding of interim management activities will be FLCA's responsibility.
Funding of long-term management will be provided through the HMP by use of
any funds available to the City for wildlife, acquisition, conservation, and
management purposes, including but not limited to assessments, levies, and
grants or other types of funding from public or private sources. As a last resort,
a "conserved habitat maintenance charge" of $50.00 per residential unit per
year would be assessed on each development unit within the plan area.
* 3. Impact Minimization
«< and Mitigation Measures
m
In addition to the impact minimization acheived through preserve design, the
m HCP/OMPS provides for individual projects and activities in the plan area to be
planned and implemented in a way that further avoids, minimizes, and
^ mitigates impacts to species of concern and conserved habitat. Such measures
^ will include but not be limited to project-specific impact avoidance and
minimization, impact phasing and project design, and supplemental mitigation
measures.
^ a. Project-Specific Impact Avoidance and Minimization
In configuring conserved habitat within the plan area, priority was given to
minimizing direct impacts through preserve design. Ten additional impact
M avoidance and minimization measures will pertain to individual projects and
activities that would affect conserved habitat.
1. Nest site protection. No clearing or grading operations will be allowed in
habitat occupied by the gnatcatcher during its breeding season (February 15
to july 31). This measure also will protect other nesting species of concern.
Prior to July 31, clearing may occur if It is determined that the birds have
«c already successfully fledged young, are no longer actively nesting, and the
young have dispersed from the area. In addition, although no direct
* impacts to trees currently used for nesting by raptors are anticipated, if it is
determined that raptors are nesting in any trees scheduled for removal, the
trees will be avoided until after the nesting season. Additionally, where
m feasible, clearing activities within 200 feet of raptor nest sites will be
avoided during the nesting season.
m 2. Access control. Prior to commencement of clearing or grading activities,
access barriers to conserved habitat will be established at key entry points.
tt> The boundaries of conserved habitat immediately adjacent to a grading area
will be flagged by a biologist, and a fence will be installed to prevent
•* disturbance by construction vehicles. This fencing may be removed upon
completion of all construction activities and/or replacement with permanent
fencing to protect conserved habitat. Reasonable, appropriate measures
also will be taken to ensure that the construction crew is informed of the
sensitivity of conserved habitat.
Final 6-95 S-21
Summary Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
3. Noise Control. Grading, construction, and other activities that create noise
in excess of 61 d.b.a. Leq level in conserved habitat occupied by
gnatcatchers will be limited to the non-breeding season (August 1 through
February 15) unless six foot temporary noise berms are used to reduce noise
levels.
IB*
4. Storage and staging areas. No temporary storage or stockpiling of
construction materials will be allowed within conserved habitat, and all
staging areas for equipment and materials (especially rock crushing
equipment) will be located as far from conserved habitat as possible. *
Staging areas and construction sites will be kept as free as possible of trash,
refuse, discarded food wrappers, and other waste that might attract small
scavengers that prey on gnatcatchers and other sensitive small passerines.
Trash containers with animal-resistant lids will be provided on the site
during construction.
5. Monitoring. During grading and construction adjacent to conserved
habitat, a biologist vyill monitor the adjacent habitat for excessive *•
accumulations of dust or other disturbance. Erosion control devices also
will be monitored during the rainy season to ensure that dirt, topsoil, and ^
other materials are not washing into the conserved habitat area. If at any m
time significant amounts of dust or material are determined to be impacting
conserved habitat, then corrective measures will be taken immediately. m
6. Unavoidable disturbances of conserved habitat. Disturbance of conserved
habitat will be avoided to the maximum extent possible. However, where ,^
disturbance is unavoidable and has been authorized, it will be mitigated by
restoration of the affected sites. Revegetation plans will be prepared for the
approval of the City prior to such disturbances occurring. In addition, the
location and installation of utilities will be planned cooperatively with the ^
City, USFWS, and CDFG to minimize and mitigate the impacts of such mm
projects on species of concern and conserved habitat. Examples or
disturbances that may be unavoidable include: (a) temporary noise buffers
and fencing adjacent to conserved habitat; (b) fuel modification zones at
the edge of conserved habitat; (c) temporary and permanent public facilities
for water, electricity, sewer, gas, and other utilities; and (d) remedial ^
grading for struaural purposes, such as easements, buttresses, and crib
walls.
7. Fuel management zones. Fuel management zones separating conserved *
habitat from adjacent development will be designed to minimize impacts to •»
native vegetation. The final location of the zones in relation to the interface
of development of conserved habitat will be defined at the tentative map i"
stage of planning. Measures to minimize or further reduce impacts to ^
vegetation include: (a) removal of high fuel species, irrigation, and seleaive
pruning (as specified in the City of Carlsbad's Landscape Manual) to mm
suppress the potential for slope fires; (b) planting of native, low-fuel plant
species within fuel management zones; and (c) use of alternative fuel breaks
such as coastal prickly pear caaus, that reduce water use, have additional
wildlife value, and minimize access to conserved habitat. "
m
S-22 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Summary
m
8. Lighting. Lighting within new development projects adjacent to conserved
habitat will be seleaively placed, shielded, and direaed away from
in ' conserved habitat. In addition, lighting from homes abutting conserved
habitat will be screened by planting vegetation, and.large spotlight-type
backyard lighting direaed into conserved habitat will be prohibited.
m 9. Landscaping. Invasive species such as giant reed and pampas grass will not
be used in landscaped area direaly adjacent to conserved habitat. A list of
species that should not be used in landscaping will be provided to home
* buyers. Additionally, these species will be identified In the CC&Rs of the
Il homeowners association as plants to be avoided in landscaping.
41* 10. Public information program. Homeowners, homeowner associations, and
gl the interested public will be informed of ways to avoid impacts to the
conserved resources through a public information program developed in
cooperation with the City. The program will include: (a) a public
information brochure that describes the natural resources and prohibited
IP aaivities within conserved habitat; and (b) a landscaping and fuel break
planning brochure for homeowners and homeowner associations adjacent
* to conserved habitat.
b. Impact Phasing and Project Design Measures
m
ft Impaa phasing and projea design measures pertain to projects and artivities
within Rancheros-Southeast II. They are as follows.
m
m
m
1. Realignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road will proceed in two-phases tied to
the City's level of service and financing requirements and subjea to final
environmental review.
2. Grading and construaion within Southeast II will occur in the areas
Identified in the plan as "phases."
3. Realignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road and the configuration of conserved
habitat in Southeast II assumes redesign of Melrose Avenue to avoid two
gnatcatcher use areas and reclassification of the road from a prime to major
arterial.
c. Supplemental Mitigation Measures
In addition to the measures already described, FLCA will work cooperatively
with the City, USFWS, and CDFG to implement the following supplemental
mitigation measures.
1. Research. To provide additional data that can be used to guide habitat
• management, FLCA will provide $50,000 for research on the coastal
H California grvatcatcher. The focus and design of the research program will
be determined prior to the conveyance of conserved habitat to the
HI designated management entity.
Final 6-95 S-23
Summary Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
2. Coordination. To ensure that the needs of multiple species are addressed
and to avoid duplication of effort, the City will coordinate the
implementation of this plan with other conservation programs in and
adjacent to Carlsbad. In addition, FLCA will provide the City with
$150,000 for the completion of the HMP.
3. Cooperation. Working with USFWS and CDFG, the City and FLCA will
seek the cooperation of Vallecitos Water Distria in maintaining the existing
biological value of the Distria's lands near Stanley Mahr Reservoir;
SDG&E's cooperation in the consolidation and relocation of powerline
easements in conserved habitat; and the City of San Marcos' cooperation in
the preservation of a wildlife corridor in that portion of San Marcos Creek
outside of the City.
4. Plan Implementation
Implementation of the HCP/OMSP will be governed by an agreement among
the City, FLCA, USFWS, and CDFG. In addition to reiterating the roles and
responsibilities cited above, the agreement will specify reporting requirements
and procedures to address unforeseen circumstances. It also will provide long-
term (30-year) authorizations and assurances allowing projects and aaivities
planned and conduaed in accordance with the HCP/OMSP to proceed without
further wildlife mitigation. Such projects and aaivities will include but are not
limited to:
1. Realignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road and related transportation
improvements in Rancheros-Southeast II;
2. Development of FLCA master planned residential communities, together
with the requisite infrastruaure and public facilities, in both plan area
^ components;
3. Commercial development by MAG properties on 81 acres in Rancheros-
Southeast II;
4. Fire management and roadway maintenance in both plan area components; m
and m
5. Management of conserved habitat in both plan area components.
m
S-24 Final 6-95
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>
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 1. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context
«
• Planning considerations and principles. The planning considerations and
principles that guided development of the plan reflea its relationship to
other plans and programs and its regulatory framework (see "B. Planning
Context" below). Key considerations and principles include the following:
1. The conservation of wildlife habitat for the 66 species of concern, with
the objeaive of conserving adequate habitat, habitat linkages, corridors,
and buffers necessary for the long-term survival and recovery of all
wildlife in the plan area and surrounding region and in a manner that
acheives citywide, regional, ESA, and NCCP conservation objeaives;
2. The need of the City, FLCA, and other for "certainty"; that is, the
identification of development areas (together wtih provisions for
infrstruaure and facilities) that may be planned and developed without
further mitigation for wildlife purposes;
3. The utilization of the "best scientific information";
4. Addressing and providing for the species of concern as if they listed as
endangered under the ESAs;
5. Any take (disturbance in the case of plants) of the species of concern
will be incidental to an otherwise lawful aaivity and to the maximum
extent praaicable any impacts on the species of concern will be
minimized and mitigated;
6. Adequate funding for the HCP/OMSP will be assured;
7. The anticipated taking of the species of concern will not appreciably
reduce the likelihood of the survival and recovery of the species in the
wild;
8. The provision for procedures for addressing unforeseen circumstances;
and
9. The utilization of a collaborative planning process that encourages the
entire constituency of agencies and interests (landowners, City,
resource agencies, conservationists) to participate from the outside in
the plan.
B. The Planning Context
Preparation of the HCP/OMSP has occurred in the context of:
1. A public planning process initiated by agreements with USFWS and CDFG
in 1991;
2. Preparation and certification of an Environmental Impaa Report (EIR) for the
realignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road;
3. Carlsbad's General Plan, including the Growth Management Plan (CMP),
draft Open Space and Resource Management Plan (RMP), and draft HMP;
Final 6-95
1. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
4. Regional habitat conservation programs, including but not limited to the
North County MHCP; and
5. Federal and state laws and guidelines regarding wildlife and habitat
conservation, including but not limited to the ESAs and NCCP Aa.
1. Planning Agreements and Process
Preparation of the HCP/OMSP dates back to 1989 as part of the planning for the
realignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road in Southeast II. It evolved into a unique
planning process for a projea specific plan, charaaerized by a consideration of
range-wide conservation issues, open public participation, and candid
negotiations with conservation interests and federal, state, and local agencies.
To ensure continued progress during the process, the planning participants
signed a Memorandum of Agreement in 1991 regarding development of a
conservation plan and an Initial Points of Consensus document in 1992
establishing the plan's fundamental tenets. A preliminary draft of the plan was
completed in March 1993, circulated for public review, and subsequently
revised.
a. 7997 Memoranda of Agreement
In July and August 1991, the City signed memoranda of agreement (MOAs) with
USFWS and CDFG that expressed the City's intention to complete an HMP as
part of its General Plan and, in the interim, to work cooperatively with the two
wildlife agencies to prepare a conservation plan addressing the impacts of
individual projects oii sensitive habitats such as coastal sage scrub, including
but not limited to the realignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road (see "2. Road
Projea" below).
As the primary property owner involved in the road projea, FLCA signed the
MOAs as a statement of its support for the HMP and its intention to prepare an
HCP for the road projea area. At that time, the gnatcatcher was under
consideration for both federal and state listing as an endangered species, and
the City and FLCA anticipated that the road projea would require a federal
incidental take permit and state endangered species management agreement to
proceed. The HCP for the road projea was intended to provide the information
and consen/ation program required for both the federal permit and state
agreement for the gnatcatcher and other species of concern.
b, HCP Facilitation Team
In January 1992, an HCP Facilitation Team appointed by the City Council began
meeting regularly to discuss the potential scope of the HCP for the road projea.
This team included representatives of the City, FLCA, USFWS, CDFG, Batiquitos
Lagoon Foundation, San Diego Zoological Society, San Dieguito River Valley
Joint Powers Authority, Endangered Habitats League, and San Diego Association
of Governments. Consultants to the City and FLCA participated in team
meetings, together with private land owners in the plan area, community
interest groups, and other interested parties. All meetings were publicly noticed
and open to all who wished to participate. Team meetings were held over a
five-month period, during which the scope of the HCP was expanded.
Final 6-95
Car/sbad-FlCA HCP/OMSP h Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context
c Initial Points of Consensus
In May 1992, a preliminary consensus was reached among the City, FLCA,
USFWS, and CDFG regarding the basic terms of a conservation and mitigation
strategy. An Initial Points of Consensus document establishing the- plan's
fundamental tenets was signed by the planning participants, and an HCP
Preparation Team was formed to complete the planning process. Data
colleaion and analysis took an additional six months to complete and resulted
in a further expansion of the plan's scope to include multiple habitats and
species. By this time, USFWS had published a draft rule to list the gnatcatcher,
the NCCP Aa had been adopted by the California legislature, and draft
guidelines were being prepared by CDFG for the NCCP program.
d. Review and Revision of a Draft Plan
In March 1993, the first draft of the plan (entitled "Habitat Conservation Plan for
Plant and Wildlife Species of Concern on Properties in the Southeast Quadrant
of the City of Carlsbad, California") was distributed for review and comment to
the members of HCP Facilitation Team and other interested parties. This review
was undertaken to provide additional opportunities for public involvement in
the planning process; it occurred in addition to, not instead of, the public
review of the HCP/OMSP that will take place in accordance with the federal
ESA, NEPA, and CEQA.
Approximately 200 copies of the March 1993 draft of the plan were distributed,
and discussion sessions were held to solicit verbal as well as written comments.
Public presentations on the draft were made at a combined meeting of the HCP
Facilitation Team and HMP Advisory Group and at a special workshop. The
HCP Preparation Team also held several meetings with staff of USFWS and
CDFG to hear and discuss the agencies' preliminary responses to the plan. Key
issues raised during the review process include:
• The relationship of the plan to the Carlsbad HMP and North County MHCP;
• The long-term viability of the wildlife corridors, habitat linkages, and
conserved habitat proposed in the plan;
• The potential effects of the take authorized under the plan on gnatcatcher
populations in Carlsbad and North County; and
• The benefits versus the costs of additional or alternative configurations of
onsite conservation within the two plan area components.
In addition, events that occurred after March 1993 prompted other revisions to
the plan:
1. CDFG proposed and adopted NCCP Process Guidelines, including
provisions for OMSPs;
2. The areas covered by the Carlsbad HMP and North County MHCP were
enrolled in the NCCP program as OMSPs;
Final 6-95
/. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
3. USFWS listed the coastal California gnatcatcher as a threatened species,
promulgated a special rule regarding conservation and take of gnatcatchers
in areas participating the NCCP program;
4. USFWS proposed several plant and wildlife species known to occur in
Carlsbad for federal listing as threatened or endangered;
5. GIS data bases of vegetation types in the areas covered by the Carlsbad
HMP and North County MHCP were completed;
6. A preliminary draft of the Carlsbad HMP was completed and distributed for
public comment;
7. USFWS approved mitigation measures for FLCA's Arroyo La Costa projea
that build on the conservation program proposed in the March 1993 draft
HCP; and
8. FLCA prepared detailed mapping and legal descriptions of the lands
proposed for permanent conservation within the plan area.
2. Road Project
As noted, the projea that precipitated the planning process is the realignment of
Rancho Santa Fe Road in the Southeast 11 segment of the plan area. As
originally proposed, the road projea entailed mass grading of 448 acres to
accommodate realignment and widening of the roadway together with adjacent
development. The realignment and widening was proposed in accordance with
the Circulation Element of the City's General Plan, with the planning and
financing of the improvements dictated by the local facility requirements of the
City's GMP (see "3. Carlsbad's General Plan). By the time the conservation
planning MOAs were signed in 1991, a draft EIR for the road projea had
already been completed and was being circulated for public comment. The EIR
subsequently was certified, with the HCP and HMP cited as part of the
mitigation plan.
Concurrent with preparation of the HCP/OMSP, changes in economic and
market conditions made it impossible to finance the road improvements within
the time-frame originally proposed and consequently delayed the proposed
timing of the projea. City staff and FLCA subsequently have re-examined the
grading plan and recommended that the improvements occur in two phases
over a 10 to 15 year period rather than as a single mass grading. Both phases
would be tied to the City's GMP performance standards, facility financing, and
other requirements, with the first phase commencing when average daily trips
on the roadway reach 12,500.
The two-phase approach of the road projea has been approved by the City
Council and will be incorporated into the final plans for the road projea,
together with conservation and mitigation measures identified in this
HCP/OMSP.
Final 6-95
Car/sbad^fiCA HCP/OMSP 1. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context
3. Carlsbad's General Plan
Three components of the Carlsbad General Plan direaly pertain to the
HCP/OMSP: the GMP, which is a component of the Land Use Element, and the
draft RMP and draft HMP, which are proposed components of the Open Space
and Conservation Element.
a. CMP
The GMP, which was adopted in July 1986, does not direaly address wildlife
conservation but treats open space (including preserved natural habitats) as a
public facility that must be planned and provided in advance of development.
In general, the GMP divides the City into four quadrants along El Camino Real
and Palomar Airport Road and restricts the number of dwelling units that can be
construaed in each quadrant. This provision prohibits the approval of any
General Plan amendment, zone change, tentative subdivision map, or other
discretionary approval of a projea which would result in development above
the limit in any quadrant.
The GMP also establishes performance standards for eleven public facilities: city
administration, library, wastewater treatment, parks, drainage, circulation, fire,
open space, schools, sewer colleaion, and water distribution. The performance
standards are identified in the Citywide Facilities and Improvement Plan, which
also defines the boundaries of 25 local facility management zones. Each zone
must have a Local Facilities Management Plan (LFMP) that has been approved
by the City Council before development applications can be accepted or
processed for that zone. A finance plan documenting financial guarantees for
the required facility improvements also must be approved by the City Council
before a final map can be recorded or a grading permit issued for individual
projeas.
The HCP/OMSP covers lands within Growth Management Zones 10 and 11 (see
2. Plan Area Setting and Land Use Profile).
b. Draft RMP
The draft RMP, which was completed in June 1992, defines priorities for open
space planning on a citywide basis and for the City's 25 Growth Management
Zones. Priorities were set by considering the importance of individual
categories of open space and the degree of proteaion already afforded to that
type by existing regulations.
With respea to citywide goals, the draft RMP identifies open space for the
preservation of plants, animal life, and habitat as a top priority. This designation
expresses the City's general intent to optimize natural resource values
throughout the open space system and to maximize the proteaion and
enhancement of wildlife and habitats within various preserves. However,
within the context of the RMP, natural habitats are only one of several open
space types for which the City must plan. It is the HMP rather than the RMP
that focuses on how and where biological resources will be preserved and
managed.
Final 6-95
1. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
RMP priorities for Zones 10 and 11, which encompass the HMP/OMSP plan m>
area, Include greenways, trails, gateway features for Rancho Santa Fe Road, and
plant/animal life/habitat preserves.
c. Draft HMP
Preparation of the HMP is occurring in phases. It began in 1991 with the
compilation of data on habitats and species within the City and development of
a habitat evaluation model by which to rank the relative biological values of the ^
City's remaining natural open space. This phase culminated in August 1992
with the issuance of a technical report that provides an inventory of the City's
biological resources and identifies seven "preserve planning areas" (PPAs) as the
focus for the next phase of conservation planning. •
Opportunities and strategies for conserving habitat within the PPAs were then
examined, together with options for maintaining habitat linkages and wildlife m
corridors within and between PPAs. Forty target species were seleaed as ^
indicators of both the biodiversity and sensitivity of the resources to be
conserved, and 43 additional species of concern were identified as occurring or ^
potentially occurring within the City. In addition, the HMP was formally
identified as a subarea component of the North County MHCP and an OMSP •*
under the NCCP program. This phase culminated in July 1993 with the
completion of a preliminary draft HMP that proposes: *
• Citywide conservation goals for coastal sage, chaparral, grassland, oak and
sycamore woodland, and wetlands;
IK
• Guidelines and institutional arrangements for the ongoing management of
conserved habitat; and ^
• Guidelines for projea-level planning and impaa mitigation within the City.
At the time of this writing, a revised draft is being prepared in response to *
comments from the HMP Advisory Group and other interested parties. The m
revised draft HMP will be distributed for additional public review and presented
to the City Council for discussion. The final phase of the HMP preparation •*
process is expeaed to begin in mid-to-late 1994. ^
The HCP/OMSP proposes projea-level conservation and mitigation measures
for lands within PPAs 5 and 7 (see 2. Plan Area Seuingand Land Use Profile). It
has been prepared in accordance with the 1991 MOAs with the intent of
helping to attain citywide and regional conservation goals. As also anticipated
in the MOAs, the HCP/OMSP is meant to be a stand-alone plan that is ™
consistent with the stated goals of the HMP but is not contingent on completion, »
approval, or implementation of a citywide plan.
mm-
4. Regional Conservation Programs «
Regional conservation programs that are relevant to the HCP/OMSP include the *
North County MHCP, San Dieguito River Valley Open Space and Park Plan, m
and City of San Diego's MSCP.
10 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 1. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context
a. North County MHCP
In addition to planning habitat conservation within its own boundaries, the City
is participating in regional planning efforts as a member of the North County
Wildlife Forum. Other members of the forum include the County of San Diego,
cities of Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanslde, Poway, San Marcos, Solana
Beach, and Vista, the County Water Authority, and the San Diego Association of
Governments (SANDAG). The U.S. Marine Base Camp Pendleton, USFWS,
CALTRANS, and CDFG also are participating in the forum to ensure
coordination with federal and state concerns.
The forum was formed in 1991, primarily as a mechanism for exchanging
information about and coordinating the preparation of local conservation plans.
As the local planning efforts progressed, the need for an interjurisdiaional
approach and data base became clearer. The forum then developed a scope of
work for the North County MHCP and seleaed a technical team to compile and
analyze a North County biological resource inventory. Subsequently, the
resource inventory and analysis have been completed, and the MHCP plan area
has been enrolled in the NCCP program as an OMSP, with Carlsbad's HMP
designated as a subarea component. In the current phase of the MHCP,
regional-scale PPAs are being identified, together with conservation goals and
implementation strategies. A preliminary draft of a conservation plan is
expeaed by the end of 1994.
The HCP/OMSP's primary conneaion to the MHCP is that it encompasses
habitat that forms the primary link between the City's natural communities and
the larger regional ecosystem.
b, San Dieguito River Valley
Regional Open Space and Park Plan
In June. 1989, the County of San Diego and the cities of Del Mar, Escondido,
Poway, San Diego, and Solana Beach formed a joint powers authority (jPA) to
plan, establish, and operate an open space greenbelt and park system in the San
Dieguito River Valley. The JPA's goal is to preserve open space, protea natural
and cultural resources, create a scenic trail system, and establish appropriate
recreation areas within the 55-mile river valley. To this end, a "Concept Plan"
has been prepared to provide a framework for park planning, habitat
conservation, and land acquisition within the viewshed of the river valley and
its tributary canyons. Approximately 50 percent of the land in the viewshed
already is in public ownership, and recent acquisitions through special
partnerships with public and private entities have increased public holdings in
key areas of the valley.
The river valley does not include lands within Carlsbad, and consequently the
City is not part of the JPA or the park planning process. However, the coastal
sage scrub habitat within the City is linked to the sage scrub and natural open
space in the river valley via the lands within the HCP/OMSP plan area.
Final 6-95 11
1. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
c. City of San Diego's MSCP
In july of 1991, the City of San Diego began a multi-phase program to provide
for conservation and management of sensitive habitats and species within the
service area of the City's Metropolitan Sewerage System. The program covers
approximately 800 square miles in the urbanized core of San Diego County,
extending north from the international border to the San Dieguito River Valley.
The first phase of the program focused on mapping of vegetation types, existing
and planned land uses, and ownership of over 300,000 acres of vacant land in
and immediately adjacent to the service area. These maps, together with
technical studies of habitat requirements for 80-t- target species, were used to
develop alternative conservation strategies for the plan area. A working draft of
the MSCP was completed in January 1994. Subsequently, a public policy
advisory group has been convened to review the working draft and determine
which alternatives should be developed into a final plan.
The areas covered by the Carlsbad HMP and the HCP/OMSP are not part of the
Metropolitan Sewerage System service area and consequently are not part of the
MSCP. However, the habitats within Carlsbad are conneaed to those within
the northern portion of the MSCP plan area and that conneaion is provided
primarily through the HCP/OMSP plan area.
5. Federal and State Laws and Guidelines
The federal and state laws and guidelines that most direaly pertain to the
HCP/OMSP include:
• The federal ESA;
• The California ESA and NCCP Aa;
• NCCP Process and Conservation Guidelines; and
• The federal special 4(d) rule for the coastal California gnatcatcher.
Table 1 summarizes the most relevant provisions of these and other applicable
laws and guidelines; a more detailed discussion of the plan's regulatory context
is provided as Appendix A. In addition. Table 2 identifies the information
requirements and approval criteria that pertain to the HCP/OMSP as:
• An HCP prepared in accordance within Seaion 10(a) of the federal ESA;
• Supporting documentation for a management agreement under Seaion
2081 of the California ESA; and
• An OMSP as defined in the NCCP Process Guidelines.
12 f/na/6-9S Ii
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 1. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context
Table 1
Summary of Applicable Federal and State Laws
Federal Law Key Provisions Relevance to HCP/OMSP
Endangered Species Act
Section 4 Covers the federal listing process,
designation of critical habitat, special
rules for the protection of threatened
species, and preparation of federal
recovery plans.
Plan anticipates future listings,
designation of critical habitat, special
rules, and recovery plans for species in
the plan area; 66 species of concem
treated as listed for planning purposes.
Section 6 Covers cooperative agreements with
states for the management and
conservation of listed fish, wildlife, and
plants.
Conservation measures for sensitive
plants devised in accordance with
existing cooperative agreements
between USFWS and CDFG.
Siection 7 Requires federal agencies to consult
with USFWS on actions involving
listed species; requires USFWS to
conduct intemal consultations
regarding its own actions; includes
provisions for conferences with
USFWS on species proposed for listing
and for authorization for take of listed
species.
Intemal consultation/conference will
be conducted as part of USFWS'S
action on the plan.
Section 9 Prohibits the lake of listed fish or
wildlife species; prohibits take of listed
plants in areas under federal
jurisdiction, except as provided under
Sections 6 and 10.
Prohibition of take currently applies to
one species observed in plan area
(coastal Califomia gnatcatcher);
prohibition assumed to apply to all
species of concem.
Section 10(a) Authorizes take of listed species for
scientific purposes and in connection
with otherwise lawful activities;
requires preparation of an HCP for an
incidental take permit and speciHes
approval criteria (see Table 2).
Information requirements and approval
criteria for HCPs applied to plan.
Special 4(d) Rule for the
Coastal Califomia
Gnatcatcher
Allows incidental take of gnatcatchers
in areas with approved NCCPs and in
areas where NCCPs are being
prepared.
As OMSP, plan is intended to provide
basis for authorization of take of
gnatcatchers.
Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior
to provide assistance to and cooperate
with federal, state, and public or
private agencies.
Authorizes USFWS'S participation in
implementation of plan and expresses
federal intent to conserve habitat for
non-listed species.
Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act
Regulates the discharge of dredged
and/or fill material into the waters of
the United States; pertains to wetland
habitats as well as water bodies.
Plan provides framework for
coordination of wetland conservation
and impact mitigation measures within
plan area.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act Prohibits taking of certain birds or their
nests and eggs during their breeding
season.
Applies to 10 observed and 3
potentially occurring bird species of
concem.
National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA)
Requires federal agencies to evaluate
the effects of their proposed actions on
the human environment.
Applies to USFWS'Ss action on plan as
an HCP.
Final 6-95 13
/. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table 1 (continued)
Summary of Applicable Federal and State Laws
State Law Key Provisions Relevance to HCP/OMSP
Endangered Species Act
Section 2053 Stipulates that state agencies should
not approve projects that would
jeopardize listed species or destroy or
adversely modify their habitat; directs
CDFG to help develop reasonable and
prudent altematives for such projects.
Applies to CDFG's action on a 2081
agreement, jeopardy consultations
triggered by CEQA reviews, and, if
listed species are involved, CDFG's
aaion on plans prepared under the
NCCP Act.
Seaions 2070-2079 Covers the state listing process; calls
for periodic review of species' status,
habitat identified as essential to listed
species, and recommendations for the
recover/ of listed species.
Plan anticipates future listings; 66
species of concem treated as state
listed for planning purposes.
Section 2080 Prohibits take of state listed species
and of candidate species for such
listing.
Prohibition of take currently applies to
one observed plant species of concem
(thread-leaved brodiaea).
Section 2081 Authorizes CDFG to enter into
memoranda of agreement for take of
listed species for scientific,
educational, or management purposes.
Information requirements and approval
criteria applied to plan.
Sections 2090-2097 Requires state lead agencies to consult
with CDFG on projects affecting state-
listed species; requires CDFG to
coordinate consultations with USFWS
for aaions involving federally listed
species and, wherever possible, to
adopt the federal biological opinion.
Plan assumes coordination of
consultations on the species covered
the by plan; questions used by CDFG
in jeopardy consultations used in
planning process to help evaluate
potential effects of projects and
activities on species of concem.
NCCP Act
Seaions 2800-2840 Establishes program to conserve
ecosystems on a regional scale; directs
CDFG to develop guidelines for
preparation and approval of such
conservation plans.
Plan is intended to meet requirements
of NCCP Aa as OMSP.
Section 2835 Allows CDFG to authorize take of
species covered by plans prepared in
accordance with NCCP Guidelines.
Plan intended to provide basis for
CDFG authorization for take of species
treated as state-listed.
Native Plant
Protection Act
Protects rare and endangered native
plants; basis for agreement between
CDFG and USFWS regarding
proteaion of federally listed plants.
Plan conserves the plant species
treated as listed in accordance with
provisions of this Aa.
Seaions 1600-1603 of
Fish and Game Code
Requires agreement with CDFG for
projects that affea streambeds or
wetlands.
Plan provides framework for
coordination of wetland conservation
and impaa mitigation measures for
projects and aaivities in the plan area.
Califomia Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA)
Requires state lead agencies to
evaluate the environmental effects of a
proposed project before rendering a
decision.
Applies to City's aaion on the plan;
individual projects and aaivities
covered by plan also are subjea to
CEQA review.
•I
m
Ml
m
*m
m
m
m
14 Final 6-95
0
m
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 1. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context
Table 2
Information Requirements and Approval Criteria
Relevant to the HCP/OMSP
Information Requirements
Federal ESA
HCP requirements, as stated in
Seaion 10(a) and 50 CFR 13 and
17:
1. Common and scientific
name(s) of species;
2. Names of responsible parties;
3. Impacts likely to result from
the taking;
4. Measures to monitor,
minimize, and mitigate
impacts;
5. Funding available to
undertake the proposed
measures;
6. Procedures to deal with
unforeseen circumstances;
7. Altematives that would not
result in take and the reasons
why the altematives were not
adopted; and
8. Additional measures (if any)
required by USFWS as
necessary or appropriate.
California ESA
2081 agreement requirements, as
stated in CDFG draft guidelines:
1. Description of the affeaed
species and their habitat(s);
2. Description of the projea that
will affea the listed species, •
including maps showing the
overall projea area and
impaa area;
3. Analysis of potential impacts,
including cumulative effects
on listed species in and
adjacent to the project area;
4. Analysis of altematives
designed to reduce or
eliminate impacts to the listed
species;
5. Description of on- and offsite
mitigation measures; and
6. Financial assurances
regarding the implementation
of mitigation measures.
California NCCP Aa
NCCP conservation plan
components, as stated in NCCP
Process Guidelines:
1. Maps and text presenting: (a)
plan area boundaries; (b) the
distribution of coastal sage
scrub, target species
populations, and sensitive
species; (c) quantitative and
qualitative habitat
assessments; and (d) planned
land uses.
2. A habitat conservation and
management program that
includes: (a) options that
have been evaluated for their
effeaiveiess; (b) criteria that
treat target species as listed
species; (c) short-term and
long-term measures; (d) an
evaluation of altematives to
aaivities that would take
target species; and (e) a
recommended approach.
3. An implementation program
that includes: (a) a phasing
program; (b) funding
mechanisms; (c) mitigation
and plan monitoring; and (d)
procedures to address the
effects of unforeseen
circumstances.
Final 6-95 15
/. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table 2 (continued)
Information Requirements and Approval Criteria
Relevant to the HCP/OMSP
Approval Criteria
Federal ESA Califomia ESA Califomia NCCP Aa
Approval criteria for an incidental
take permit, as stated in Seaion
10(a)(1)(B) and 50 CFR 13 and 17:
1. The taking will be incidental
to an otherwise lawful
aaivity;
2. The applicant will, to the
maximum extent praaicable,
minimize and mitigate the
impacts of the taking;
3. The applicant will ensure that
adequate funding for the plan
and procedures to deal with
unforeseen circumstances
will be provided;
4. The taking will not
appreciably reduce the
likelihood of the survival and
recovery of the species in the
wild;
5. The applicant will ensure that
the other measures, if any,
required by USFWS will be
met; and
6. USFWS is assured that the
conservation plan will be
implemented.
No approval criteria stated in ESA;
CDFG uses the following
questions in consultations under
Seaion 2090 to assess impacts of
a projea on listed species:
1. Would a viable or
recoverable population be
eliminated or a significant
proportion of a population be
adversely affeaed?
2. Would the range of the
species be significantly
diminished?
3. Would the quantity or quality
of the species' habitat be
reduced by immediate or
future effects?
4. Would the species' access to
its habitat be reduced or
rendered more hazardous?
5. Would current or future
efforts to protea species be
adversely affeaed?
6. Would plans for the recovery
or eventual delisting of the
species be adversely affeaed?
7. Would the projea interfere
with reproductive or other
behavior of the species?
8. Would the projea cause, or
increase the risk of, the
species' extinction?
No approval criteria stated in Aa;
NCCP Process Guidelines indicate
that OMSPs must meet following
criteria to qualify as and be
accepted as an NCCP:
1. The planning effort was
funded and was underway as
documented either by a
memorandum of
understanding, an agreement,
a statutory exemption, or
other formal process at the
time the NCCP Aa became
effeaive Oanuary 1, 1992);
2. The plan protects coastal sage
scrub habitat and/or contains
an agreement for satisfaaory
mitigation for any coastal
sage scrub loss approved by
CDFG pursuant to a prior
planning effort, and the plan
substantially achieves the
objeaives of the NCCP Aa;
3. CDFG approves the plan and
the plan meets state ESA
Seaion 2081 requirements
for named species of concem;
and
4. USFWS approves the plan
and it provides the equivalent
of federal ESA Seaion 10(a)
HCP requirements for named
species of concem.
16 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 2. Plan Area Setting and Land Use Profile
2. Plan Area Setting
and Land Use Profile
This chapter describes the regional and local setting of the plan area, together
with the existing uses and General Plan land use designations within and
adjacent to the plan area components.
A. Regional and Local Setting
The area covered by the HCP/OMSP is located in the City of Carlsbad in
northwestern San Diego County, approximately 30 miles south of Orange and
Riverside Counties and 30 miles north of the urban core of the City of San
Diego.
1. San Diego County
San Diego County forms the southwestern tip of the State of Califomia and the
continental United States. It is bordered on the east by Imperial County, on the
north by Riverside and Orange Counties, on the west by the Pacific Ocean, and
on the south by Baja California, Mexico (Figure 3). It extends about 70 miles
from east to west and 60 miles from north to south, encompassing
approximately 2.7 million acres (4,250 square miles). With over 2.6 million
residents as of 1993, the county has the second largest population among the 58
counties in California; its population is larger than that in 33 of the 50 States.
2. North County
The term "North County" generally refers to the cities and unincoiporated
communities located north of Del Mar, south of the Orange and Riverside
County borders, and west of Lake Henshaw (Figure 4). This area includes about
550,000 acres or about 20 percent of the county. Based on 1990 census data,
nearly 700,000 persons reside in North County, occupying about 250,000
housing units. Approximately 40 percent of the land in the subregion has been
developed.
3. Carlsbad
Carlsbad is located in the western portion of North County. It is situated along
the Pacific Ocean, extending 7 miles along the coast and 4.5 miles inland. It
encompasses about 25,000 acres and shares borders with four other cities and
two unincorporated areas (see Figure 4). Its population (63,000 in 1990)
constitutes about 10 percent of that in North County and is expeaed to exceed
Hi 100,000 by 2010. As in North County as a whole, about 40 percent (10,000
acres) of the City's total area has been developed; an additional 4,000 acres are
m in agricultural use.
Final 6-95 17
m
m
..-r r
^. Onnga FVv*r»M County j
\ County ^ \ County ^
/ / / / /. Imp«nai County
Project Location
£>ACXF'XC OCEAN
lUPSBAL BEACH
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates WT8
Figure 3 . Plan Area Locati* n
18
ri fi fi fi It il II II I 1 fi II fi II II It II Ii t* II
LEGEND
j-^V^ JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates HIS
Figure 4 . Northern San Diego County
to
2. Plan Area Setting and Land Use Profile Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
B. Plan Area Components
Rancheros-Southeast II and Northwest are located in the southeast quadrant of
the City in CMP Zones 10 and 11 and in HMP PPAs 5 and 7 (Figures 5 and 6).
All of Rancheros-Southeast II also is within the proposed finance district for the
Rancho Santa Fe Road Project (Figure 7). As previously noted, all of the plan
area lands are in private ownership. FLCA owns 1,844.2 acres (95 percent);
MAG Properties owns 81.0 acres, and 14.8 acres are in multiple private
ownership in areas proposed as roadway easements for the realigned Rancho
Santa Fe Road in Rancheros-Southeast II. With the exception of approximately
260 acres, all of the lands are currently designated in the General Plan for
residential or commercial development (Table 3).
1. Rancheros-Southeast 11
Rancheros-Southeast 11 includes 1,278.2 acres south of Alga Road near the City's
eastern boundary. It has three subcomponents (Figure 8):
• The Rancheros component of FLCA's La Costa Master Plan (347.0 acres);
• A segment of San Marcos Creek (85.0 acres); and
• The Rancho Santa Fe Road project area (846.2 acres), which includes 750.4
acres that are the Southeast 11 component of FLCA's La Costa Master Plan,
MAG Properties' 81 acres, and the 14.8 acres of proposed roadway
easements.
The 18.7-acre Stanley Mahr Reservoir and 2.7-acre Denk Reservoir within
Southeast II and the water tank area within Rancheros are not part of the plan
area.
This portion of the plan area is surrounded by existing development of various
densities on all sides except the southeast (see Figure 8). It is bisected by the
existing Rancho Santa Fe Road, which generally runs north-south and varies in
width from two to three lanes and has a truck by-pass route east of the main
road. With the exception of existing roads, powerlines, and water facilities, the
land is vacant; lands closest to existing development have been heavily
disturbed by illegal trash dumping and off-road vehicle (ORV) use.
Most (1,038.4 acres) of Rancheros-Southeast II is designated in the Carlsbad
General Plan for residential uses, primarily low density (^1 dwelling unit per
acre) housing (see Table 3). All of the component is within CMP Zone 11 and
HMP PPA 7 (see Figure 5 and 6). Zone 11 has an approved LFMP. PPA7 is the
second largest PPA identified in the draft HMP, and Rancheros-Southeast 11
constitutes 64 percent of its 1,986.9 acres.
2. Northwest
Northwest includes 662 acres that surround the La Costa Country Club Golf
Course north of Alga Road and east of El Camino Real (Figure 9). It coincides
with the Northwest component of FLCA's La Costa Master Plan.
20 - Final 6-95
Oceanslde
San Marcos
San
Marcos
LEGEND
Encinitas
PLAN AREA
EXISTING ROADWAYS
PROPOSED ROADWAYS
ZONE BOUNDARIES
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates NTS
Figures. GMP Zone Map
21
NOTE:
FOCUSED PLANNING AREAS INCLy^E
THOSE AREAS THAT ARE PRESEN Y
VACANT AND WITH OR WrTHOUT m
APPROVED TENTATIVE TRACT MAP.
• CARLSBAD CITY BOUNDARY
LEGEND
HMP PRESERVE PLANNING AREAS
HCP PLAN AREA
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates NTS
m
Figure 6 . HMP Preserve Planning Artj
22
•"^innimiMI MtlHM<l< f'I
RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT BOUNDARY
LEGEND
FIELDSTONE PROPERTY
M.A.G. PROPERTY
OTHER OWNERSHIPS
^ DEVELOPED
NOT-A-PART
\
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates NTS
Figure? . Road Project Finance District
23
2. Plan Area Setting and Land Use Profile Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table 3
General Plan Land Use Designations in the Plan Area
(acres)
Plan
Land Use
Designation
Rancheros-Southeast II Northwest Plan
Area
Plan
Land Use
Designation Rancheros San Marcos
Creek
Southeast
II* Total
Northwest Plan
Area
0.0 72.0 103.3 175.3 67.3 242.6
Commercial
Professional & related 0.0 0.0 11.5 11.5 0.0 11.5
Community 0.0 0.0 36.7 36.7 0.0 36.7
Subtotal 0.0 0.0 48.2 48.2 0.0 48.2
Residential
347.0 13.0 386.6 746.6 0.0 746.6
0.0 0.0 291.8 291.8 453.2 745.0
Medium density 0.0 0.0 16.3 16.3 131.5 147.8
Subtotal 347.0 /3.0 694.7 /,054.7 584.7 ;,639.5
Elementary school 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 10.0
TOTAL 347.0 85.0 846.2 1,278.2 662.0 1,940.2
• Includes 750.4 acres of FLCA's Southeast 11 component of the La Costa Master Plan, 81 acres
owned by MAG Properties, and 14.8 acres covered by roadway easements.
Subtotal for commercial uses does not reflect proposed Master Plan amendment for MAG
Properties' commercial development of 81 acres in the plan area component.
Source; HPA plannimeter measurements.
Northwest is bordered by residential development on the east and south, by
commercial and residential development on the west, and by agriculture on the
north and northeast (see Figure 9). Excluding the golf course, existing uses are
limited to an FLCA ranch house, powerlines, and access roads; land between El
Camino Real and the Golf Course has been disturbed by illegal dumoinR and
ORV use.
Most (584.7 acres) of the area is designated in the General Plan for residential
uses, primarily low to medium density (^3.2 dwelling units per acre) housing
(see Table 3). All of the area is within GMP Zone 10 and HMP PPA 5 (see
Figures 5 and 6). Zone 10 has an LFMP that is pending final approval. PPA5 is
the fourth largest PPA identified in the HMP, and Northwest constitutes 49
percent of its 1,342.4 acres.
24 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation
3. Resource Inventory
and Habitat Evaluation
This chapter describes the surveys and studies conducted in the plan area, the
habitats and species of concern that are the focus of the plan, and the
significance of the plan area resources in the context of the Carlsbad HMP and
North County MHCP. For convenience, common names of species have been
used in the text, and both common and scientific names have been used in the
tables in this chapter, A complete list of common and scientific names is
provided in the Clossary; and additional information regarding the range and
habitat requirements of each species of concern is included in Appendix B.
A. Surveys and Studies
Ten types of surveys and studies were conducted as part of the data collection
and habitat evaluation for the HCP/OMSP, primarily by Sweetwater
Environmental Biologists, Inc. (SEB). The primary biological data base for the
plan is the result of extensive field surveys (at least 150 person-days in the field)
conducted in the plan area over a two-year period (Table 4), supplemented as
appropriate with information collected for the HMP and North County MHCP.
1. Pre-Survey Review of Biotechnical Reports
Prior to site surveys, sensitive biological resources that could potentially occur
in each plan area component were identified through a review of technical
resource manuals and biotechnical reports.
• Resource manuals consulted include: USFWS's list of endangered and
threatened wildlife and plants (USFWS 1987); CDFG's lists of endangered
and rare fish, wildlife, and plants (California 1980, 1986, 1987); the
California Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) (CDFG 1991); and CNPS's
inventory of rare and endangered vascular plants of California (Smith and
Berg 1988).
• Biotechnical reports reviewed include: Biological Resources Survey Report
Proposed Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Mass Grading (MBA
1991a and b); Biological Resources Analysis of the La Costa Planning Sub-
Areas (WE5TEC 1986); Draft EIR for the Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment
and Mass Grading (Cotton/Bel and/Associates, Inc. 1991); Focused
California Gnatcatcher Mapping of the La Costa Planning Sub-Areas (ERCE
1989, 1990c); and, for surveys conducted after May 1992, the Carlsbad
HMP technical report (MBA/Dudek 1992).
Final 6-95 29
3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table 4
Surveys Conducted for the HCP/OMSP
Type of Survey Surveys within
Rancheros-Southeast 11
Surveys within
Northwest
Vegetation August 1990
November 1990
April 1991
May 1991
October 1991
June 1992
March 1991
November 1991
January 1992
April 1992
May 1992
Sensitive Birds April 1991
May 1991
September 1991
October 1991
December 1991
January 1991
March 1992
April 1992
March 1991
August 1991
September 1991
January 1992
Gnatcatcher Banding August 1991
September 1991
August 1991
September 1991
Rare Plants March 1991
July 1992
September 1992
October 1992
November 1991
January 1992
April 1992
May 1992
September 1992
October 1992
Sensitive Reptiles May 1992
June 1992
May 1992
June 1992
Sensitive Invertebrates June 1992 June 1992
Small Mammal Trapping August 1992 July 1992
2. General Biological Surveys
General biological surveys were conducted to assess and map all observable
biological resources within the two plan area components. The surveys were
conducted on foot over routes that provided for direct visual observation of the
entire site. Verification of species present onsite was made by direct
observation or by the identification of vocalizations, tracks, scat, nests, or other
sign. Bird observations were aided by the use of 10x40 and 8.5x44 power
binoculars. All observed plant communities, rare plants, and sensitive wildlife
were noted and mapped on topographic maps scaled at 1 inch equals 100 feet
or 1 inch equals 200 feet. No night time surveys or small mammal trapping was
conducted as part of the general surveys; in addition, many of the field days
were overcast and relatively cool, thus limiting lizard and invertebrate
observations.
30 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation
3. Regional Vegetation Mapping
In addition to mapping the plan area components, SEB also prepared a regional
map of habitat distribution from the City of Carlsbad southeast to Lake Hodges
and east to the eastern end of the San Pasqual Valley (see Figure 2). The
vegetation in this region was mapped on U.S.G.S. topographic maps based on
previously prepared biotechnical reports, preliminary mapping for Carlsbad's
HMP (MBA/Dudek 1992), and aerial photo interpretation. Field verification was
conducted when possible. As citywide and North County mapping became
available through the HMP and MHCP programs, maps and corresponding data
were integrated into the plan and used as part of the habitat evaluation.
4, Focused Sensitive Bird Surveys
Sensitive bird surveys focused on the California gnatcatcher. In general, survey
methods developed by USFWS's California gnatcatcher working group were
used whenever possible. Surveys were conducted on rain-free days during the
morning hours between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., with wind velocities under
15 mph. Taped vocalizations of the species were used to help locate birds.
Gnatcatcher use areas were defined by spot mapping on aerial photographs
with acetate overlays. Observed pairs were followed for approximately two to
three hours at a distance far enough away as to not disrupt the birds' natural
movement and activity. Focused surveys also were conducted for the
endangered least Bell's vireo following protocols developed by USFWS's vireo
working group.
5. Coastal California
Gnatcatcher Dispersal Studies
Mist-netting and color banding of coastal California gnatcatchers were
conducted in accordance with the regulations established by USFWS's Banding
Laboratory. After banding, all publicly accessible coastal sage scrub within the
City was surveyed for coastal California gnatcatchers and to determine if any of
the observed birds had originated on Fieldstone's properties. When a
previously banded bird was observed, its location was mapped on U.S.G.S.
topographic maps. This location was then compared with the original banding
location to determine dispersal route and distance.
6, Focused Rare Plant Surveys
Focused rare plant surveys were conducted during the appropriate flowering
period for rare plants potentially occurring in each plan area component. The
surveys were conducted between March and July and between September and
November on foot, over routes that provided direct observation of all
representative habitats, slope aspects, and varied soil types. Prior to onsite
ground surveys, all previously prepared reports, soil maps, and historically-
recorded rare plant locations were reviewed to aid the ground surveys. Rare
plants observed were manually counted or population numbers estimated and
then mapped onto topographic maps at a scale of 1 inch equals 100 feet or 1
inch equals 200 feet. When needed, voucher specimens were collected and
placed in a temporary herbarium at SEB.
Final 6-95 31
3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
7. Focused Herpetological Surveys
Focused herpetological surveys were conducted to determine the presence or
absence and estimated numbers of orange-throated whiptails and San Diego
horned lizards. Surveys were conducted in late May and June by slowly
walking transects along roads and through open habitats where these reptiles
would be expected to occur. Both actual sightings and physical signs (scat,
shed skin) were included as evidence of these species occurring on-site.
Surveys were conducted during the afternoon hours between 11:00 a.m. and
3:00 p.m. when ground temperatures ranged between 75 and 85*^ F. All
sensitive reptile species encountered during all surveys of the sites were mapped
onto topographic maps at a scale of 1 inch equals 100 feet.
8. Focused Sensitive Invertebrate Surveys
Focused surveys for several sensitive invertebrates were conducted in June
1992, with a special emphasis on two butterflies: Hermes copper and Quino
checkerspot. Potential for occurrence of the two butterflies was assessed based
on the presence and concentrations of larval host and adult food plants. The
survey and the results were limited by the time of year (i.e., past the adult
period for both species) and by the lack of certainty in the body of knowledge
about the species regarding the amount of larval host plants needed to support a
population of either butterfly.
9. Small Mammal Trapping
Small mammal trapping was conducted in July and August 1992. The primary
purpose of the trapping was to determine the status of several subspecies of
sensitive mammals, including the San Diego woodrat, northwestern San Diego
pocket mouse, Dulzura California pocket mouse, and southern grasshopper
mouse. Trapping methods consisted of setting 95 to 100 Sherman live traps in
each of the three primary terrestrial habitat types (i.e., chaparral, coastal sage
scrub, and grassland) for three consecutive nights. The traps were baited with a
mixture of rolled oats, "wild birdseed," and small amount of peanut butter and
set in transect lines ranging from 25 to 100 traps per line, generally in areas
where rodent signs (nests, burrows, tracks, or scat) were evident. Traps were set
in the late afternoon or early evening and checked early the following morning.
Weather conditions prevailing during the trapping period consisted of cool
nights (65-70" F) and warm humid days (75-85° F). Mornings and nights were
generally overcast. Speizies identification was based on the keys in ingles (1965)
and on information obtained from examining specimens from the mammal
collection of the San Diego Natural History Museum.
10. Literature Reviews
Existing scientific literature on species of concern known or assumed to occur in
the plan area was reviewed and summarized, with a special emphasis on
species currently under consideration for federal or state listing (see Appendix
B). This effort was assisted by biologists from Regional Environmental
Consultants (RECON), who served as biological consultants to the City during
the preparation of the March 1993 draft of the plan.
32 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation
Information about HMP and MHCP target species has been integrated into the
summaries in this chapter and Appendix B, based primarily on work completed
by Dudek and Associates, the biological consultants for the HMP and MHCP,
and the Biological Task Force for Reserve Design convened for the MSCP and
MHCP.
B. Resource Inventory
Results of the surveys and studies reflect the different mixes of habitat types
within each plan area component and the effects of existing development on the
distribution of habitats and species of concern.
1. Habitat Types
m
Six habitat types occur within the plan area: Diegan coastal sage scrub, southern
mixed and southern maritime chaparral, non-native and native grassland,
riparian scrub and oak woodland, disturbed habitat, and eucalyptus woodland.
Approximately two-thirds of Rancheros-Southeast II is coastal sage scrub, with
the remainder primarily southern mixed chaparral and disturbed habitat; all six
habitat types occur in Northwest but no one type covers more than 38 percent
of the plan area component (Table 5 and Figure 10). A brief description of each
habitat type follows Table 5.
Table 5
Habitat Types in the Plan Area
(acres)
Habitat Type Rancheros-
Southeast II Northwest Plan Area
Diegan coastal sage scrub 832.2 123.0 955.2
Chaparral
Southem mixed 189.2 6.0 195.2
Southem maritime 0.0 120.0 120.0
Subtotal 789.2 726.0 315.2
Grassland
Non-native 35.0 251.6 286.6
Native 41.6 3.4 21.0
Subtotal 76.6 255.0 306.6
Riparian scrub and woodland 16.6 97.0 113.6
Disturbed habitat 157.4 55.5 191.9
Eucalyptus woodland 1.0 5.5 6.5
TOTAL 1,278.2 662.0 1,940.2
Final 6-95 33
3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
a. Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
Diegan coastal sage scrub is a drought-deciduous shrub community with a
diverse understory of annual and perennial herbs, perennial and annual grasses
and grass-like plants. It occurs primarily on dry-south facing slopes and hillsides
or clay-rich soils adjacent to chaparral or upslope from riparian woodlands,
frequently in a mosaic distribution with native grasslands and occasionally with
chaparral. Characteristic species include: California sagebrush, black sage, flat-
top buckwheat, lemonadeberry, laurel sumac, and California encelia.
In the plan area, coastal sage scrub dominated by California sagebrush occurs
on gentle slopes and has flat-top buckwheat and laurel sumac as associated
species; coastal sage scrub dominated by black sage generally occurs on the
steeper slopes in the plan area and has California encelia as an associate
species.
Rancheros-Southeast II contains 832.2 acres of coastal sage scrub; Northwest
contains 123.0 acres.
/>. Non-Native and Native Grassland
Non-native grassland is a dense to sparse cover of annual grasses often
associated with numerous species of showy-flowered, native annual forbs,
especially in years of high rainfall. This association occurs on fine-textured,
usually clay soil that is moist or even waterlogged during the winter rainy
season and very dry during the summer and fall. Characteristic species include
slender wild pat, soft chess, red brome, ripgut grass, red-stem filaree, tarweed,
common goldenfields, and foxtail fescue.
Native grassland is characterized by perennial bunch grasses such as purple
needlegrass and a variety of herbaceous annuals and perennials such as
Cleveland's golden star and California blue-eyed grass. They generally occur on
fine-textured soils that exclude annual and exotic grasses. Almost all of the
native grasslands in California have been displaced by non-native grassland
dominated by introduced annual species.
Rancheros-Southeast II contains 35 acres of non-native grassland and 41.6 of
native grassland. Northwest has 251.6 acres of non-native grassland and 3.4
acres of native grassland.
c. Southern Mixed and Southern Maritime Chaparral
Southern mixed chaparral is composed of broad-leaved, fire- and drought-
adapted shrubs that are typically about 4 to 9 feet tall and form dense, often
nearly impenetrable stands. Dominant shrubs vary from site to site but are
likely to include chamise, interior scrub oak, mission manzanita, laurel sumac,
lemonadeberry, and toyon. Understory plants include rush-rose, deerweed,
wreathplant, and a variety of composites. The habitat occurs on dry, rocky,
often steep north-facing slopes with little soil.
34 Final 6-95
In
10-18-93
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 3. Resound/nventOQ^ and Hab/tat Eva/uat/on
Southern maritime chaparral is low to medium in height and occurs in dense to
fairly open stands on weathered sandstone fomriations in the coastal fog belt.
Characteristic species include several endemic shrubs such as Del Mar
manzanita, wart-stemmed ceanothus, coast spice bush, and coastal scrub oak.
Within the plan area, the habitat occurs in an area characterized by flat mesas
dissected by steep, severely eroded rills, gullies, and drainages. Chamise,
mission manzanita, and Del Mar manzanita dominate the mesas, while scrub
oak, lemonadeberry, and summer holly dominate the drainages.
Rancheros-Southeast II contains 189.2 acres of southern mixed chaparral and no
southem maritime chaparral. Northwest has 6 acres of southem mixed and 120
acres of southern maritime chaparral.
rf. Riparian Scrub and Woodland
The riparian scrub and woodland habitats in the plan area include: mulefat
scrub, tamarisk scrub, floodplain scrub, southem willow scrub, and southern
willow woodland.
Mulefat scrub is a depauperate, tall, herbaceous, riparian scrub community
dominated by mulefat and interspersed with shrubby willows. This habitat
occurs along intermittent stream channels with a fairly coarse substrate and
moderate depth to the water table. Similar to southem willow scrub, this early
serai community is maintained by frequent flooding, the absence of which
would lead to a riparian woodland or forest (Holland 1986).
Tamarisk scrub is a weedy stand of plants comprised primarily of tamarisk
species, which is a non-native plant that displaces native vegetation subsequent
to a major disturbance. This habitat occurs along intermittent streams in areas
where high evaporation rates increase the salinity level of the soil. Tamarisk is a
phreatophyte, a plant that can obtain water from an underground water table.
Because of its deep root system and high transpiration rates, tamarisk can
substantially lower the water table below the root zone of native species,
thereby competitively excluding them. As a prolific seeder, it is able to rapidly
replace the native species that it displaces within a drainage (Holland 1986).
Floodplain scrub is an open to dense scrub community dominated by coyote
bush. This community occurs on the upper flood plains along large stream
courses. This is most likely a serai community, that in the absence of contmued
disturbance such as periodic flooding will be replaced by later serai scrub or
woodland communities.
Southern willow scrub and woodland are open to dense riparian communities
dominated by willow species. Both occur along major stream courses where
there is an abundant supply of water at or near the surface for most of the year.
The woodland community differs from the scrub not so much in fioristic
composition as in physiognomy; it has a greater vertical structure, greater
biomass and lower density of dominant species. In the absence of large,
periodic disturbances, southern willow scrub, which is characterized by a high
density of small individual willows, is replaced by southern willow riparian
woodland which is characterized by fewer larger individuals of these same
willows.
Final 6-95 37
3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
38
Rancheros-Southeast II contains 16.6 acres of riparian scrub and woodland;
Northwest has 97 acres.
e. Disturbed Habitat
Disturbed habitat is characterized by areas that either lack vegetation, support
weedy introduced species, or are irreversibly developed. Most of the disturbed
habitat in the plan are areas affected by past agricultural activities, construction
m adjacent areas, or trespassers. The level of disturbance is such that these
areas would not recover to native habitats without restoration efforts.
Moreover, some of the existing impacts will worsen unless specific management
measures are implemented.
Rancheros-Southeast II contains 157.4 acres of disturbed habitat, including 21
acres that are a recovering burn area. Northwest has 55.5 acres of disturbed
habitat.-
f. Eucalyptus Woodland
Eucalyptus woodland is dominated by eucalyptus, an introduced species, that
produces a large amount of leaf and bark litter. The chemical and physical
characteristics of this litter limits the ability of other species to grow in the
understory and fioristic diversity decreases.
Rancheros-Southeast II has 1 acre of eucalyptus woodland; Northwest has 5.5
acres.
2. Species of Concern
Of all flora and fauna associated with the habitats types in the plan area, 66
species were selected as "species of concern" for conservation planning
purposes. The species are representative of the biodiversity and sensitive of
resources in the plan area, Carlsbad, and the regional ecosystem. They include
species that are:
Final 6-95
m
m
i
1. Already protected by the federal or state ESAs; '
2. Candidates for federal or state listing; il
3. "Species of special concern" in California as identified by CDFG;
4. Sensitive bird species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Aa; ^
5. On the list of sensitive species for the NCCP program; ' m
6. On the list of sensitive plant species maintained by the CNPS;
7. On the list of target species for the HMP and North County MHCP; m
8. On the list of "other sensitive species" for the HMP
Information regarding the species* habitat associations, rangewide distribution, _
and occurrence in the plan area is summarized in Table 6 and presented in
more detail in Appendix B. M
As previously noted, 36 of the 66 species of concern were observed in one or ^
both plan area components; 30 of the 66 species have the potential to occur in
habitats in the plan area. Within the plan area components:
Ml
m
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation
• 26 species of concern were observed, 2 are assumed to occur, and 27 have
a low to moderate probability of occurring in suitable habitat in Rancheros-
Southeast II; and
• 23 species of concern were observed, 3 are assumed to occur, and 26 have
a low to moderate probability of occurring in suitable habitat in Northwest.
a. Observed Species of Concern
Observed species of concern Include 17 plant species, 1 amphibian, 5 reptiles,
10 birds, and 3 mammals (see A-1 through A-36 on Table 6). Of the 36 species:
• 1 is federally listed as threatened (coastal Califomia gnatcatcher), 1 is
proposed for federal listing as endangered (Del Mar manzanita), and 19 are
candidates for federal listings;
• 1 is state listed as endangered (thread-leaved brodiaea) and 16 are species
of special concern in California; and
• 20 are on the list for the NCCP program, and 16 are target species for the
HMP and MHCP.
The distribution of the one federally-listed observed species of concern, the
coastal California gnatcatcher, is shown on Figures 11-12.
£), Potentially Occurring Species
The "potentially occurring" species of concern include 10 plants, 1 amphibian,
7 reptiles, 4 birds, and 5 mammals (see B-1 through B-30 on Table 6). Of the
30 species:
• 2 are federally listed as endangered (least Bell's vireo and pacific pocket
mouse), 5 are proposed for federal listing as threatened or endangered (Del
Mar sand aster, Encinitas baccharis, Orcutt's spineflower, California red-
legged frog, and southwestern willow flycatcher), and 21 are candidates for
federal listing;
• 5 are state listed as endangered (Encintas baccharis, Orcutt's spineflower,
San Diego thornmint, least Bell's vireo, and southwestern willow flycatcher)
and 15 are species of special concern in California; and
• 17 are on the list for the NCCP program, and 10 are target species for the
HMP and North County MHCP.
C. Habitat Evaluation
Habitat evaluations consistent with NCCP Guidelines have been conducted for
the HMP and North County MHCP and provide a relative measure of the
habitat values and species richness of HCP/OMSP plan area.
Final 6-95 39
3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP *"
ii
Table 6
HCP/OMSP Species of Concern
ID# Species Name and Listing Status Habitat Association and Rangewide Distribution
Observed Species of Concem (N-36)
A-1
Ashy spike-moss
Selaginella cinerascens
CNPS4
Occurs on flat mesas in open CSS and CHP. Range
includes Orange County to northem Baja Califomia.
A-2
Califomia adder's-tongue
Ophioglossum californicum
C3c, CNPS4
Occurs in grassy areas and vemal pools. Range
extends from northem Califomia counties into
northwestem Baja Califomia.
A-3
Califomia adophia
Adolphia califomica
CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CSS and CHP in clay soils on dry coastal
and foothill slopes below 1000 feet. Range includes
San Diego County to Baja Califomia.
A^
Del Mar manzanita
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia
FPE*, CNPSIB, T
Occurs in SMaC in areas with marine sandstone.
Range includes coastal San Diego County to Cabo
Colonet
A-5
Engelmann oak
Quercus engelmannii
CNPS4, OSS
Occurs in OW, EW, and SMaC. Range extends from
Los Angeles County foothills to Sien-a Juarez in Baja
Califomia.
A-6
Nuttall's scrub oak
Quercus dumosa
CNPSIB, OSS
Occurs in CHP and CSS in sandy soils and sandstone.
Range extends from coastal Santa Barbara County to
northwestem Baja California.
A-7
Orcutt's brodiaea
Brodiaea orcuttii
C2*, CNPSIB,!
Occurs along ephemeral streams and vemal pools.
Range extends from Riverside and San Bemardino
Counties through San Diego County into Baja Calif.
A-8
Palmer's grapplinghook
Harpagonella palmeri
CNPS2, OSS
Occurs m CHP, CSS, and G. Range includes
southem Califomia from Los Angeles County
southward, Arizona, and northem Baja Calif.
A-9
San Diego County viguiera
Viguiera laciniata
CNPS4, NCCP
Occurs in CSS. Range includes coastal San Diego
County to central Baja Califomia.
A-10
San Diego golden star
Mu/7/a clevelandii
C2«, CNPSIB, T
Occurs in G and CSS with clay soils. Range includes
coastal San Diego County to extreme northwest of
Baja Califomia.
A-11
San Diego marsh elder
Iva hayesiana
C2, CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in RS and SM. Range includes coastal San
Diego County to central Baja Califomia.
A-12
Southwestem spiny rush
junctus actus var. leopoldii
CNPS4, OSS
Occurs in FWM, SM, and RW. Range extends from
San Luis Obispo and San Bemardino Counties to
central Baja Califomia.
A-13
Sticky-leaved liveforever
Dudleya viscida
Cl*, CNPSIB, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CSS and CHP of bluffs and rocky cliffs.
Range includes southem Orange County to central
San Diego County.
A-14
Summer holly
Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia
Cl, CNPSIB, T
Occurs in CHP and SMaC. Range includes coastal
Orange and San Diego Counties into northwest Baja
Califomia.
A-15
Thread-leaved brodiaea
Brodiaea filifolia
Cl*, SE, CNPSIB, T
Occurs in G and vemal pools with clay soils. Range
includes coastal San Diego County to central Baja
Califomia.
40 Final 6-95
Car/sbad-FtCA HCP/OMSP 3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation
m
Occurence in Plan Area
Occurrence in
Components Habitat Used by or Potentially Suitable for Species in Plan Area
M R-SEll 1 NW CSS 1 CHP j SMaC RW DIS 1 Other
m
m Widespread in suitable
habitat in R-SEIl and NW. O O X X X
pi
ii
Approx. 100 individuals
in R-SEM. O NE X X
Pi
Ml
Approx. 6,500 individuals
on R-SEll and 3,600
individuals in NW.
0 O X X X
Approx. 1,026 individuals
in NW. NE O X
One tree in NW only. NP O X
Occurs in both areas;
1,351 individuals in NW;
no count for R-SEll.
O O X X
Two populations of five
individuals each in R-SEll. O NE X
Ma Eight populations with
individual counts ranging
from 3000 to 20 in NW.
NE 0 X X X
ma Approx. 75 individuals in
R-SEM. O NE X
mt
Approx. 1,950 individuals
in three locations in R-
SEll.
O ND X X
m
m
Large population along
San Marcos Creek in R-
SEII.
O ND X X
m Large and small
populations in R-SEll; 5
small populations in NW.
o O X X
m !• Several large populations
along San Marcos Creek
in R-SEll.
o NE X
in
riparian
corridor «• IH
Approx. 1,100 individuals
in NW. ND O X
Ml
Sixteen populations,
approx. 7,000 individuals
in NW.
ND o X
Final 6-95 41
3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table 6 (continued)
HCP/OMSP Species of Concern
ID# Species Name and Listing Status Habitat Association and Rangewide Distribution
A-16
Wart-stemmed ceanothus
Ceanothus verrucosus
C2, CNPS2, T
Occurs in SMaC and CHP. Range includes coastal
San Diego County to central Baja Califomia.
A-17
Westem dichondra
Dichondra occidentalis
C3c, CNPS4, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in understory of CHP and CSS. Range
extends from Marin and Sonoma Counties to San
Miguel Island and Baja Califomia. " |
A-18
Westem spadefoot toad
Spea hammondii
CSC, NCCP, T
Occurs tn CSS, CHP, and G. Range extends from
north central Califomia to northwestem Baja 1
Califomia. 1
A-19
Coastal rosy boa
Lichanura trivirgata rosafusca
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CSS and CHP with rocky substrates. 1
Range extends from Los Angeles County to northwest 1
Baja Califomia. j
A-20
Coastal westem whiptail
Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
OccursinopenCSS, CHP, and woodlands. Range
extends from Ventura County to south central Baja 1
Califomia. 1
A-21
Northem red diamond rattlesnake
Crotalus ruber ruber
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in rocky CSS, CHP, other scrub, and cactus.
Range includes southem Califomia to northem Baja 1
Calfiomia. 1
A-22
Orange-throated whiptail
Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi
C2, CSC, NCCP, T
Occurs in CSS, CHP, RW, weedy areas, and washes. 1
Range includes southem Orange and San Bemardino 1
Counties to south central Baja Califomia. |
A-23
San Diego homed lizard
Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei
C2, CSC, NCCP, T
Occurs in CSS, CHP, and OW. Range includes Santa
Barbara County to northwest Baja Califomia. 1
A-24
Bell's sage sparrow
Amphispiza belli belli
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CSS, CHP, juniper woodland, and alluvial (
fan scub. Range includes Califomia and northem 1
Baja Calif. 1
A-25
Burrowing owl
Speotyto cunicularia
CSC, MBTA, T
Occurs in G. Range includes westem United States, 1
Canada, and Mexico. j
A-26
Coastal Califomia gnatcatcher
Polioptila califomica califomica
FT, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, T
Occurs m CSS. Range includes Los Angeles, Orange, 1
westem Riverside, and San Diego Counties into Baia 1 Calif. 1
A-27
Cooper's hawk
Accipiter cooperi
CSC, MBTA, T
Occurs in RS, RW, and OW near foraging areas.
Range includes continental U.S., excluding Alaska
and parts of Montana and the Dakotas j
A-28
Loggerhead shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in C, CSS, and disturbed habitat. Range
includes much of North America; winters south to 1
Central America. 1
A-29
Northem harrier
Circus cyaneus
CSC, MBTA, T
Occurs in FWM, SM, C, CSS, and agricultural fields. 1
Winters and migrates throughout Califomia. 1
A-30
Southem California rufous-crowned sparrow
Aimophila ruficeps canescens
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, T
Occurs in CSS and mixed CSS and C. Range 1
includes Santa Barbara County to northwestem Baja 1
Califomia. j
42
Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation
-
Occurrence in Plan Area
Occurrence in
Components Habitat Used by or Potentially Suitable for Species in Plan Area
m R-SEII NW CSS G CHP SMaC RS RW DIS Other
-Approx. 155 individuals
in NW. NE O X
-
Five small populations in
R-SEll. O NE X X
wm Tadpoles observed in rain
pools in R-SEII; potential
habitat present in NW.
O P X X
ma
Observed in R-SEll;
assumed to occur in NW. o A X X
w
mm
Observed in both
subareas; does not appear
to be common.
o O X X
IH Observed in R-SEII;
assumed to occur in NW;
not likely to be common.
o A X X
Observed in NW;
assumed to occur in R-
SEII.
A 0 X X X X X washes
-
Observed in both
components. 0 6 X X X OW
m
Approx. 13-20 pairs seen
in R-SEII; suitable habitat
present in NW.
0 A X X X AFS
mt
Burrows and pellets found
in NW; suitable habitat
not present in R-SEII.
A NE X AFS
jm
35 pairs in R-SEII; 13 pairs
in NW. O O X X
Observed foraging in both
subareas; potential
breeding habitat in R-SEII.
O o X X X X OW
Ml
Two pairs in each
subarea. o o X X X
m»
One male observed
foraging in NW. ND o X X X X
ma individuals fairly common
in CSS in R-SEll; not
observed in CSS in NW.
O ND/P X
Final 6-95 43
3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table 6 (continued)
HCP/OMSP Species of Concern
ID# Species Name and Listing Status Habitat Association and Rangewide Distribution
A-31
Tricolored blackbird
Agelaius tricolor
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, T
Breeds in FWM, forages in C and agricultural lands.
Range extends from southem Oregon to northem
Baja Califomia.
A-32
Yellow-breasted chat
Icteria virens
CSC, MBTA, OSS
Occurs rn RW and RS. Range includes most of North
America; breeds in southem Califomia in spring and
summer.
A-33
Yellow warbler
Dendroica petechia brewsteri
CSC, MBTA, OSS
Occurs in RW and RS. Range includes most of North
America; breeds in southem Califomia in spring and
summer.
A-34
Northwestem San Diego pocket mouse
Chaetodipus fallax fallax
C2, CSC, NCCP, T
Occurs in CSS, CHP, and open weedy areas. Range
includes parts of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San
Bemardino, and San Diego Counties.
A-35
San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit
iepu5 californicus bennettii
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CSS, G, and disturbed habitaL Range
includes coastal slope of southem Califomia from
Santa Barbara County into northwest Baja Calif.
A-36
San Diego desert woodrat
Neotoma lepida intermedia
C2, CSC, OSS
Occurs in rocky areas and CHP and CSS with cactus.
Range includes coastal slope of southem Califomia
from San Luis Obispo County to northwest Baja Calif.
Potentially Occurring Species of Concem (N-30)
B-1
Blochman's dudleya
Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae
CNPSIB, NCCP, OSS
Occurs atop coastal bluffs in CSS. Range includes
coastal slope of southem Califomia from San Luis
Obispo County to northwest Baja Calif.
B-2
Cliff spurge
Euphorbia misera
CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
Occurs on coastal bluffs in CSS. Range includes '
Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties to central
Baja Califomia.
B-3
Coast barrel cactus
ferocactus viridescens
C2*, CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
Occurs on dry slopes with CSS and CHP. Range
includes coastal San Diego County, northwest Baja
Califomia, and foothills of Sierra Juarez.
B^
Del Mar sand aster
Corethrogyne filaglnifolia var. linfolia
FPT, CNPSIB, NCCP,T
Occurs in sandy, disturtied coastal areas, usually in
SMaC. Endemic to c^itral, coastal San Diego
County.
B-5
Encinitas baccharis
Baccharis vanessae
FPE, SE, CNPSIB, T
Occurs in SMaC and CHP. Endemic to northwest
and north-central San Diego County.
B-6
Orcutt's hazardia
Hazardia orcuttii
C2, CNPSIB
Occurs on coastal slopes in CHP. Endemic to
northwest Baja Califomia, with a disjunct population
in Encinitas, Califomia.
B-7
Orcutt's spineflower
Chorizanthe orcuttiana
FPE*, SE, CNPSIB, NCCP Occurs in SMaC Endemic to San Diego County.
B-8
San Diego ambrosia
Ambrosia pumila
C2*, CNPSIB, NCCP
Occurs in coastal G and disturbed habitat. Range
includes coastal San Diego County to northwest Baja
Califomia.
B-9
San Diego sagewort
Anemisia palmeri
CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in drainages with RS, CSS, and CHP. Range
includes coastal San Diego County to northwest Baja
Califomia.
44 Final 6-95
Car/sbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation
m
Occurrence in Plan Area
Occurrence in
Components Habitat Used by or Potentially Suitable for Species in Plan Area
m R-SEII NW CSS c CHP SMaC RS RW DIS other
mm
Good foraging habitat in
NW, one bird sighted; not
detected in R-SEII.
ND/P O X X
M
Two pairs observed in
NW; none obsen/ed in R-
SEII.
ND/P O X X
IMI
A few individuals
observed in NW; none
observed in R-SEII.
ND/P 0 X X
JM
m»
Observed in both
components. O o X X X X X
edge of
RWin
NW
m
M
Observed in both
components. O o X X X X X
m Observed in both
components. 0 0 X X
m Not detected, low
potential for occurring in •
either component.
ND/L ND/L X
nr Not detected, low
potential for occurting in
either component.
ND/L ND/L X
m Not detected or expected
in either component. NE NE X X X
Not deteaed or expected
in either component. NE NE X
w Not expected in R-SEII;
low potential for
occurrence in NW.
NE ND/L X X
HI
m
Not detected or expected
in either component. NE NE X X
m
Not expected in R-SEII;
low potential for
occurrence in NW.
NE ND/L X
-
Only one population
known to occur in San
Diego County.
NE NE X X X
Low to moderate
potential for occurrence
in plan area.
ND/L ND/M X X X
Final 6-95 45
3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation
Table 6 (continued)
HCP/OMSP Species of Concern
Car/si)ad-fLO\ HCP/OMSP
ID# Species Name and Listing Status Habitat A^ociation and Rangewide Distribution
B-10 Acanthomintha Ilicifolia
Cl*, SE, CNPSIB, NCCP,T
Occurs in C and vemal pools on clay soils. Range
includes coastal San Diego County to coastal area
above Ensenada and Sierra Juarez mountains.
B-11
Harbison's dun skipper
Euphyes vestris harbinsoni
C2,T
Occurs in RW, RS, and OW with perennial water
source. Range includes Orange and San Diego
Counties.
B-12
Hermes copper
lycaena hermes
C2*, OSS
Occurs in CSS and CHP; larval foodplant is
buckthorn. Range includes San Diego Co. to
northem Baja Calif.
B-13
Quino checkerspot
Euphydryas editha quino
Cl *, OSS
Occun: in CSS, C, and VP; larval foodplant is
plantain. Range includes Orange, Riverside, and San
Diego Counties to coastal central Baja Calif.
B-14
California red-legged frog
Rana aurora draytonii
FPE, CSC, OSS
Occurs in ponds, marshes, and pools. Range
includes northem Califomia to northwestem Baja
Califomia.
B-15
Coast patch-nosed snake
Salvadora hexalepis virgultea
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs mainly in CHP but also in mixed CSS and C.
Range includes Santa Barbara County into northwest
Baja Califomia.
B-16
Coronado skink
Eumeces skiltonianus interparietalis
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in C, CSS, open CHP, OW, and pine forests.
Range includes Los Angeles County into northwest
Baja Califomia plus several islands.
B-17
San Diego banded gecko
Coleonyx variegatus abbotti
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CHP and CSS with rocky outcrops. Range
extends from San Gabriel Mountains to northwest
Baja Califomia and Cedros Island.
B-18
San Diego ringneck snake
Diadophis punctatus similis
C2, CSC, OSS
Occurs in OW, C, CHP, and CSS. Range includes
southwest San Bemardino County to northwest Baja
Califomia.
B-19
Silvery legless lizard
Anniella nigra argentea
CSC, OSS
Occurs along washes, beaches, alluvial fans and in
CSS and CHP. Range includes San Francisco to
northwest Baja Califomia.
B-20
Southwestem pond turtle
Clemmys marmorata pallida
Cl CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in FWM, creeks, and ponds. Range extends
from Monterey County to northwest Baja Califomia.
B-21
Two-striped garter snake
Thamnophis hammondii
C2, CSC, OSS
Occurs primary along permanent creeks and streams,
also in VP and CHP. Range includes Monterey
County to northwest Baja Califomia.
B-22
California homed lark
Eremophila alpestris actia
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in sandy beaches, G, and agricultural lands.
Range includes coastal slopes and lowlands from
Sonoma County to northem Baja Califomia.
B-23
Least Bell's vireo
Vireo bellii pusillus
FE, SE, MBTA, T
Occurs in lowland RW. Range includes southem
Califomia to northwest Baja Califomia.
B-24
San Diego cactus wren
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus couesi
C2, CSC, NCCP, T
Occurs in CSS, cactus patches, and thomy thickets.
Range includes southem Orange and San Diego
Counties into northwest Baja Califomia.
46 Final 6-95
Car/sbad^fLCA HCP/OMSP 3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation
Occurrence in Plan Area
Occurrence in
Components Habitat Used by or Potentially Suitable for Species in Plan Area
Occurrence in Plan Area
R-SEII NW CSS G CHP SMaC RS RW DIS Other
Not detected in either
component; low potential
for occurrence.
ND/L ND/L X
Habitat occurs in R-SEII;
larval foodplant not
observed in NW.
ND/L ND/L X X
Larval foodplant occurs in
both components; adults
not surveyed for.
P P X X
Thought to be extirpated
in San Diego County;
potential habitat in R-SEIt.
NE NE X X
Extirpated in many areas
of southem Califomia. NE NE X X creeks
Not seen in plan area,
low potential for
unobserved occurrence.
ND/L ND/L X X X
Not detected but not
surveyed for; moderate
potential for occurrence.
ND/M ND/M . X X X OW
Low potential for
occurrence in R-SEll; not
expected in NW.
ND/L NE X X
Moderate potential for
occurrence in both
components.
ND/M ND/M X X X OW
Not observed; suitable
habitat occurs in both
components.
ND/M ND/M X X OW
Not observed; suitable
habitat in R-SEll; marginal
habitat in NW.
ND/M ND/L X X ponds,
stream
Low potential for
occurrence in R-SEII; in
NW, moderate potential.
ND/L ND/M X X X
creek,
ponds,
stream
Low potential for
unobserved occurrence in
either component.
ND/L ND/L X X
Not observed in plan
area; moderate potential
for occurrence.
ND/M ND/M X X
Not observed; might
occur if cactus is'used for
fire breaks.
ND/P ND/P X
cactus
patches
Final 6-95 47
3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table 6 (continued)
HCP/OMSP Species of Concern
ID# Species Name and Listing Status Habitat Association and Rangewide Distribution
B-25
Southwestem willow flycatcher
Empidonax traillii extimus
FPE, SE, FSS, MBTA, T
Occurs in RW and RS. Range includes southwestem
U.S. into northwest Mexico.
B-26
Califomia mastiff bat
Eumops perotis californicus
C2, CSC, T
Roosts in rock crevices, outcrops, buildings; forages
in CHP and OW. Range includes Central Califomia,
westem Texas, and northem Mexico.
B-27
Dulzura Califomia pocket mouse
Chaetodipus californicus femoralis
C2, CSC, T
Occurs in CHP, mulefat scrub, and disturbed areas.
Range extends from Santa Margarita River to northem
Baja Califomia.
B-28
Pacific pocket mouse
Perognathus longimembris pacificus
FEE, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in CHP, CSS, and C with sandy substrate.
Range limited to coast of southem Califomia; only
eight localities known.
B-29
Southem grasshopper mouse
Onychomys torridus ramona
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
Occurs in C and CSS. Range extends from northern
Los Angeles County to northwestem Baja California.
B-30
Townsend's westem big-eared bat
Plecotus townsendii townsendii
C2, CSC, T
Roosts in tunnels, caves, and buildings; forages in
OW, C, and other habitats. Range includes most of
westem U.S.
ID Codes
A-
B-
Species observed or assumed to occur in one or both plan area components.
Species potentially occurring in habitats in one or both plan area components.
Status
Cl
C2
C3c
CNPS
CSC
FE
FEE
FPE
FPT
FSS
FT
MBTA
NCCP
OSS
ST
T
Codes
Category 1 candidate for federal listing
Category 2 candidate for federal listing
Category 3c candidate for federal listing
Listed by the California Native Plant Society as:
(1B) rare or endangered in Califomia and elsewhere
(2) rare or endangered in Califomia and more common elsewhere
(4) plants of limited distribution
Identified by CDFG as a species of special concem in Califomia
Listed as endangered under the federal ESA
Emergency listed as endangered under the federal ESA
Proposed for federal listing as endangered
Proposed for federal listing as threatened
Identified by federal agencies as a sensitive species
Listed as threatened under the federal ESA
Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
On the list of sensitive species for the NCCP program
"Other Sensitive Species" identified in draft Carlsbad HMP
Listed as threatened under the Califomia ESA
Target species for Carlsbad HMP and North County MHCP
On the list of species covered by a settlement agreement between USFWS and environmental
groups who filed suit regarding the timely listing of Cl and C2 species.
IP
m
48 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation
m
m
Occurrence in Plan Area
Occurrence in
Components Habitat Used by or Potentially Suitable for Species in Plan Area
Occurrence in Plan Area
R-SEII NW CSS G CHP SMaC RS RW DIS Other
Not observed; low
potential for occurence in
R-SEII; moderate in NW.
ND/L ND/M X X
Bats and roost sites not
observed; foraging habitat
in both components.
ND/P ND/P X OW
Not observed; potential
habitat occurs in both
components.
ND/P ND/P X MPS X
Not observed or expected
in plan area because of
rarity in region.
NE NE X X X X
Not observed; low
potential for occurrence
in either component.
ND/L ND/L X X
Bats and roost sites not
observed; foraging habitat
in both components.
ND/P ND/P X OW
Subarea Codes
R-SEII Rancheros-Southeast Ii
NW Northwest
Habitat Codes
AFS Alluvial Fan Scrub
CHP Chaparral types, excluding Southem Maritime Chaparral
CSS Coastal Sage Scrub
FWM Freshwater Marsh
G Grassland, native and non-native
JW Juniper Woodland
MPS Mulefat Scnjb
OW Oak Woodland
RS Riparian Scrub
RW Riparian Woodland
SMaC Southem Maritime Chaparral
Occurrence Codes
A Assumed to occur
L Low Probability of Occurrence
M Moderate Probability of Occurrence
ND Not Detected"
NE Not Expected (or Observed)
O Observed
P Potentially occurs, based on presence of suitable habitat
Final 6-95 49
3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
1. HMP Context
As discussed in the draft HMP, the identification of the PPAs was based on an
habitat value and sensitivity analysis that evaluated natural open space
throughout the City in terms of several factors:
Amount and number of different habitats present;
Connectivity with habitats of the same type;
Vulnerability and manageability, based on adjacent land uses;
Presence, amount, and diversity of sensitive habitats;
Presence and abundance of gnatcatchers and coastal sage scrub; and
Numbers of sensitive plant and wildlife species.
Similar to the habitat evaluation process recommended in the NCCP guidelines
(see Appendix A), the analysis allowed for a comparative ranking of habitat
values. The PPAs were drawn to capture the higher value habitats, but not all
habitat within PPAs is high value and not all PPAs have habitats of equal value.
The relative values of PPAs 7 and 5, which encompass the plan area
components, can be described as follows.
a. PPA7
Based on HMP GIS mapping, PPA7 is 47 percent coastal sage scrub {937 acres),
17 percent chaparral (337 acres), 22 percent grassland (477 acres), and 3
percent riparian scrub and woodland habitat (53 acres) {Table 7). It is linked to
comparable habitat east of Carlsbad via Rancheros-Southeast II, to PPA6 via the
riparian corridor extending through Green Valley, and to PPAS by a power line
corridor and La Costa Golf Course.
Habitat in the PPA supports a full complement of HMP target coastal sage scrub
species, including California gnatcatcher (at least 52 records from the area), San
Diego horned lizard, orange-throated whiptail, southern California rufous-
crowned sparrow, northwestern San Diego pocket mouse, and others. The PPA
also contains riparian habitat that is potentially suitable for least Bell's vireo and
southwestern willow flycatcher, plus grasslands that are potential foraging
habitat for raptors and potential nesting habitat for the burrowing owl. Sensitive
plants present in PPA7 include Del Mar manzanita and summer holly in
chaparral; Orcutt's brodiaea, San Diego golden-star, and San Diego thorn-mint
in grasslands- and other sensitive species such as California adolphia, western
dichondra, and ashy sptke-moss.
Rancheros-Southeast 11 encompasses most (over 800 aaes) of the sage scrub in
the PPA, more than one-half (about 190 acres) of the chaparral, and about one-
third (about 17 acres) of the riparian scrub and woodland in the PPAs.
Compared with the PPA as a whole, it contains a higher proportion of sage
scrub and lower proportion of grassland.
L PPAS
PPAS is 22 percent sage scrub (292 acres), 13 percent chaparral (172 acres), 34
percent grassland (450 acres), and at least 5 percent riparian scrub and
woodland habitat (60 acres).
50 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation
Table 7
Comparison of Citywide, PPA, and Plan Area Habitat Estimates
(acres)
1M Total ToUl Rancheros-
m Habitat Type in
City
in All 7
PPAs
PPA 7 Southeast
II
PPAS Northwest
mm Coastal sage scrub 3,377 2,645 937 832.2 292 123.0
Chaparral 2,024 1,555 337 189.2 172 120.0
Grassland 2,469 1,571 477 76.6 450 255.0
Riparian scrub/woodland* 621 535 53 76.6 60 97.0*
Eucalyptus woodland 302 102 17 1.0 8 5.5
m Salt and freshwater marsh 360 285 1 0.0 8 0.0
Disturbed wetlands 189 124 0 0.0 35 0.0
mm Other disturbed habitat** 4,706 1,597 116 157.0 291 191.9
Water 880 850 2 0.0 7 0.0
Developed 9,989 444 47 0.0 20 0.0
TOTAL 24,917 9,708 1,987 1,278.2 1,343 662.0
* HMP "Riparian Scrub/Woodland" category excludes disturbed riparian areas, which are
treated as "Disturbed Wetlands" in the HMP.
** HMP "disturbed habitat" category includes agriculture and excludes disturbed coastal sage
scrub and chaparral; the latter are counted in the totals for those types.
NOTE: Acreage for Rancheros-Southeast II and Northwest is included for comparison; plan area
component totals were calculated based on site-specific mapping, not the HMP data base.
The La Costa Golf Course provides a buffer between existing uses and habitat in
the PPA, and the edge of the golf course also provides a narrow riparian
corridor that traverses nearly the entire PPA. The northern edge of the PPA is
adjacent to agricultural lands. Linkages to PPA7 are provided via narrow power
line easements. No permanent linkages to PPA2 and PPA4 currently exist.
At least 19 California gnatcatchers have been recorded from this PPA, and it is
likely that other target coastal sage scrub species (i.e., southern California
rufous-crowned sparrow, orange-throated whiptail, San Diego horried lizard) are
present as well. The sage scrub and chaparral provide potential habitat for
California aldolphia, northwestern San Diego pocket mouse, Dulzura California
pocket mouse, mule deer, California mastiff bat, and Townsend's western big-
eared bat. Riparian scrub and woodland in the area also represents potential
habitat for San Diego sagewort, least Bell's vireo, southwestern willow
flycatcher. Cooper's hawk, and Harbison's dun skipper. As in PPA7, the
grassland represents potential raptor foraging habitat and burrowing owl nesting
habitat. The southern maritime chaparral supports large populations of Del Mar
manzanita, wart-stemmed ceanothus, and summer holly, and other sensitive
species such as ashy spike-moss. Native grasslands support two sensitive plant
species, San Diego thorn-mint and thread-leaved brodiaea.
Final 6-95 55
3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Northwest contains approximately 40 percent of the sage scrub, 70 percent of
the chaparral, more than 50 percent of the grassland, and all of the riparian
scrub and woodland habitat in the PPA. Compared with PPAS as a whole,
Northwest contains a higher proportion of riparian scrub and woodland habitat.
2. MHCP Context
The mapping and GIS data base for the North County MHCP indicate that the
sage scrub in the HMP PPAs constitutes less than 3 percent of 108,032 acres in
the MHCP subregion, the grasslands constitute less than 2 percent of 84,940
acres in the subregion, and the chaparral constitutes less than 1 percent of the
156,253 acres in the subregion (Table 8). In addition, preliminary results of a
habitat evaluation of lands within the MHCP study area largely confirm the
results of the HMP analysis. Approximately 10,100 acres within the City are
shown to have low to very high conservation values and the acres in question
closely correspond to the 9,700+ acres within PPAs. Carlsbad's 10,141 acres
of habitat constitute about 2 percent of the 422,776 acres In the MHCP study
area, and Carlsbad's 7,225 acres of "very high" rated habitat constitute about 4
percent of 186,346 acres with that same rating {Table 9 and Figures 13 and 14).
Combined, the two plan area components represent 0.5 percent of the rated
habitats (422,776 acres) in the MHCP study area, and, as previously noted,
about 30 percent of the habitats in Carlsbad. If al I 1,940.2 acres were treated as
"very high" rated, they would constitute 1 percent of that category in the MHCP
study area and 27 percent of that category in the City. In reality, the plan area
components are a combination of very high to low value habitats (see Figure
14).
Table 8
Comparison of MHCP Study Area,
Carlsbad, and Plan Area Habitat Estimates
(acres)
MHCP Total Total RarKheros-
Habitat Type Study in in All 7 Southeast Northwest
Area City PPAs II
Coastal Sage Scrub 108,032 3,377 2,645 832.2 123.0
Chapan-al 156,253 2,024 1,555 189.2 120.0
Grassland 84,940 2,469 1,571 76.6 255.0
Riparian Scrub/Woodland 25,447 621 535 16.6 97.0
Eucalyptus Woodland 2,306 302 102 1.0 5.5
Subtotal 376,978 8,793 6,408 nT5.6 600.5
All Other 281,137 16,124 3,300 162.6 61.5
TOTAL 422,877 24,917 9,708 1,278.2 662.0
56 Final 6-95
Car/sfaad^FLCA HCP/OMSP 3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation
Table 9
Results of MHCP Habitat Evaluation
(acres)
MHCP Participant Results of Natural Open Space Ranking Other
Lands
TOTAL MHCP Participant
Very
High High Moderate Low Total
Other
Lands
TOTAL
Carlsbad 7,225 1,516 1,015 385 10,141 14,776 24,917
Del Mar 163 66 11 1 241 893 1,134
Encinitas 2,477 417 141 74 3,109 8,373 11,482
Escondido 2,298 1,558 2,314 1,137 7,307 15,585 22,892
Oceanslde 3,011 1,330 1,107 247 5,695 21,337 27,032
Poway 5,755 1,969 3,869 1,972 13,565 11,446 25,011
San Diego* 4,677 2,5.91 1,709 451 9,428 6,950 16,378
San Marcos 2,087 1,134 1,112 1,405 5,738 9,340 15,078
Solana Beach 74 24 5 0 103 2,043 2,146
Vista 511 162 427 497 1,597 9,947 11,544
Unincorporated' 158,068 78,820 ,64,218 64,746 365,852 134,649 500,501
TOTAL 186,346 89,587 75,928 70,915 422,776 235,339 658,115
Includes only those lands within MHCP study area.
Final 6-95 57
3. Resource Inventory and Habitat Evaluation Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
m
Ml
m
m
m
58 Final 6-95 m
• Voiy High
(Vaiv High KOiu in UM Qiuilcalclwi. Ta>g«l.
diid Habitat Valua IndaA Modali aiid tha Polatitial WiUlila Coindoial
• High
(Higlt acofas in tha Gnalcalcliaf. Taigat. and Habitat Valua Indaa Modala. and G<i4dan Eagia Nasi Silaal
Modaiata
IModaiala ranka in tha Gnalcalchar and Habitat Valua
Indax motlela)
low
ILuw lanka in tha Gnali:atchai and Habitat Va»ua Inda. modalal
Oavalopad/Oialuibad/Agocultuia
HABITAT EVALUATION MODELS
COMPOSITE MODEL RESULTS
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates - Base Map Source: SANDAG
Figure 13 . MSHCP Habitat Evaluation Map for North County
cn
CO
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 4. Habitat Conser/ation Strategy and Impact Analysis
4. Habitat Conservation Strategy
and Impact Analysis
This chapter describes the habitat conservation strategy that underlies the
primary conservation and mitigation measures proposed in the plan. It explains
the factors that were considered in delineating conserved habitat within the plan
area and examines the expected effects on species of concern. For purposes of
the impact analysis, all species of concern were treated as listed species. "Take"
as defined in the ESAs was calculated primarily based on the occurrence of
habitat for each species in areas designated for development. All habitat
suitable for a species of concern was assumed to be occupied by that species,
and all habitat not designated as being conserved was treated as "taken." Also
in accordance with ESA and NCCP requirements, alternatives to the taking were
considered.
A. Configuration of Conserved Habitat
The configuration of conserved habitat within the plan area achieves six goals:
1. Linkages to other significant habitat areas are maintained;
2. Conserved habitat is buffered from existing and anticipated development;
3. The conserved habitat values are representative of the regional and local
ecosystem;
4. The exclusion of areas from conserved habitat will not pose jeopardy to
listed and other species of concern;
5. Preservation of key species in each plan area component is maximized; and
6. The City, FLCA, and other are provided with certainty regarding which
areas will be permanently conserved and which will not.
A total of 645.1 acres was identified for permanent onsite conservation: 521.41
acres within Rancheros-Southeast II and 123.69 acres in Northwest as
conserved habitat (Table 10). In addition, up to 240 acres of sage scrub will be
conserved in offsite locations, bringing the total amount of habitat conserved
under the plan to 885.1 acres.
The specific configuration of conserved habitat within the plan area and the
proposal for offsite acquisitions were developed in coordination with the
USFWS, CDFG, local conservation groups, and City staff. Onsite conservation
also was weighted based on existing habitat values, with priority given to the
gnatcatcher and other sage scrub vertebrates on Rancheros-Southeast It and to
sensitive plants on Northwest. Key considerations in the planning process are
summarized below.
Final 6-95 63
4. Habitat Conser/ation Strategy and Impact Analysis Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table 10
Conserved Habitat in the Plan Area Components
(acres)
Habitat Rancheros-Southeast II Northwest Plan Area
Type Rancheros San Marcos
Creek
Southeast
II ToUl ToUl
Coastal sage scrub 144.81 79.40 202.46 426.67 21.36 448.03
Southem mixed chaparral 15.73 0.00 20.04 35.77 1.06 36.83
Southem maritime chaparral 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 28.90 28.90
Grassland 0.00 0.00 19.20 19.20 33.30 52.50
Riparian scrub/woodland 0.98 5.60 3.07 9.65 34.91 44.56
Disturbed habitat 0.00 0.00 30.12 30.12 4.16 34.28
TOTAL 161.52 85.00 274.89 521.41 123.69 645.10
1. Rancheros-Southeast 11
Conserved habitat in Rancheros-Southeast II includes 521.41 acres that will
function as a local multiple species reserve and regional habitat linkage. The
proposed configuration:
• Preserves 426.67 acres of coastal sage scrub (51 percent of the 832.2 acres
in the plan area component) and 18 gnatcatcher use areas;
• Maintains two primary habitat linkages with the larger regional ecosystem,
one across Southeast II and one along San Marcos Creek; and
• Concentrates future land uses adjacent to existing development and in
relation to the ultimate alignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road.
a. Southeast II
Five primary considerations affected the configuration of conserved habitat in
the Southeast II segment:
1. Southeast ll's critical location as the City's link to the regional ecosystem,
2. The quality of the sage scrub and number of gnatcatchers found onsite,
3. Existing habitat linkages with San Marcos Creek and Rancheros;
4. The bisection of the area by Rancho Santa Fe Road; and
5. The landscape changes that would accompany the approved realignment of
the roadway.
Priority was given to conserving sage scrub occupied by resident gnatcatcher
pairs in areas that also would preserve the habitat linkages within and leading
out of Southeast II.
64 Final 6-95
IM Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 4. Habitat Consen/ation Strategy and Impaa Analysis
mk
^ As shown on Figures 15 and 16, the proposed configuration within Southeast II
preserves a corridor that is 1,000 feet wide at its narrowest point and widens to
^ approximately 1,800 feet at the eastern end where it crosses Rancho Santa Fe
Road. Approximately 74 acres within the corridor is native and non-native
habitat, including 47.2 acres of existing sage scrub. As shown on Figure 16, the
corridor retains all of the use areas of three gnatcatcher pairs (numbers 9, 11,
*" and 12) and most of the use areas of two other pairs (numbers 15 and 18). The
Ml corridor also retains existing linkages with designated conserved habitat in San
Marcos Creek and Rancheros and linkages to natural open space outside the
plan area.
b, San Marcos Creek •n
^ Conserved habitat along San Marcos Creek preserves a second linkage with the
regional ecosystem, ensures connectivity between conserved habitat in
^ Southeast tl and Rancheros, and includes non-sage scrub habitats and species in
the "micro-ecosystem" captured by the configuration. Sensitive species in the
conserved habitat include sticky-leaved liveforever, spiny rush, San Diego marsh
elder, yellow warbler, yellow-breasted chat and others. The conserved area
^ forms a corridor that is in excess of 1,(X)0 feet wide until it reaches the Rancho
Ml Santa Fe Road crossing and enters the City of San Marcos. Additionally, there
are at least 70 feet of vertical separation between the creek bottom and the road
IH crossing. This design maximizes the contiguity of the open, space and
minimizes the overall edge effect of the proposed configuration. MM
c. Rancheros
The primary consideration in RancKeros was the need to reconcile conservation
and land use priorities for lands with high biological and development value. As
originally proposed in the La Costa Master Plan, Rancheros was designated for
ii large lot ranchette-style residential development. This concept was replanned
in the context of the HCP/OMSP to cluster new housing near existing
P development on the western and northern borders and on the upper terraces of
gl the site. As a result, the highest density occupied gnatcatcher habitat was
preserved onsite. Priority also was given to minimizing edge effects and
MM conserving two-thirds of the gnatcatcher pairs onsite (10 of 15). The resulting
configuration preserves a contiguous band of primarily sage scrub habitat that
adjoins San Marcos Creek and is over 0.5-mile wide.
2 2. Northwest
Conserved habitat in Northwest includes 123.69 acres selected to preserve plant
species of concern and maintain connectivity through the site. Four primary
considerations affected the design of conserved habitat:
3 1. The presence and relative abundance of rare plants associated with native
grassland (thread-leaved brodiaea. Palmer's grapplinghook) and southern
maritime chaparral (Del Mar manzanita, summer holly, wart-stemmed
m ceanothus, Nuttall's scrub oak);
II
Final 6-95 65
LEGEND
CONSERVED HABITAT
EXISTING ROADWAY
FUTURE ROADWAY
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates UTS
Figure 15 . Schematic of Conserved Habits
on Rancheros - Southeast ]
66
1-5-94
•irrn
I Car/sbad^FlCA HCP/OMSP 4. Habitat Consen.at/on Strategy and impact Analysis
2 The relatively fragmented nature of the sage scrub (by comparison with
Rancheros-Southeast II) but high number of gnatcatchers;
3. The bifurcation of the natural habitats by the La Costa Golf Course; and
4. The existing albeit narrow habitat linkages with natural open space to the
northeast and to Rancheros to the southeast.
Following a consideration of each of these factors, two interrelated decisions
were made: onsite conservation would focus on sensitive plants and would be
supplemented by offsite acquisitions of coastal sage scrub.
a. Onsite Conservation
As proposed, the onsite conserved habitat preserves a majority of the sensitive
plant species and provides connections to and through the s.te from south to
north and to the east (Figures 17 and 18). Sensitive plant ^pec-es consen.^
include 795 Del mar manzanita individuals and approximate y 5,800 hread-
leaved brodiaea individuals. Additionally, onsite restoration of about 11 acres
of sage scrub is proposed for a portion of conserved hal^t that mtersects a
utility easement which currently serves as a narrow wildlife corridor. The
restoration will provide a "stepping stone" of habitat for dispersing and breeding
bird species of concem (including the gnatcatcher) as well as cover for
dispersing predators such as coyotes.
b. Offsite Conservation
Offsite conservation will be used to provide replacement habitat for the sage
scrub that ultimately will be removed from Northwest and to bolster the
regional linkages conserved under the plan. It also will mc.dentally benefit other
species of concern.
Up to 240 acres of coastal sage scrub occupied by gnatcatchers or otherwise
acceptable to USFWS and CDFG will be acquired by FLCA, with at least 120
acres in locations that will strengthen the habitat linkage between Southeast II
and the regional coastal sage scrub community that extends into the San
Dieguito and San Pasqual River Valley. No specific locations have been
proposed for acquisition at this time.
Z B. Impact Analysis
« In connection with designating onsite conserved habitat, the City and FLCA
considered the effects on species of concem likely to result from conserving
* some areas of habitat and allowing development to proceed in others. As
noted all species of concem were treated as listed species, and all suitable
(habitat for each species was considered "taken" if not designated as conserved
habitat This approach was used to ensure that habitat impacts were not
underestimated, to fulfill ESA requirements that "take" of species be estimated,
m and to help identify appropriate impact minimization and mitigation measures.
^ Also in accordance with the ESA and NCCP Guidelines, altematives to the
taking were considered.
Final 6-95
69
EXISKNG GO]
:OURS]
LEGEND
CONSERVED HABITAT
EXISTING ROADWAY
FUTURE ROADWAY
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates
Figure 17
ALGA
tm
Schematic of Conserved Habijaf
on Northwlsl
10-18-93
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 4. Habitat Conservation Strategy and Impact Analysis
1. Impacts to Species of Concern
Anticipated impacts to species of concem are summarized in Tables 11 and 12,
primarily in terms of habitat conserved and habitat assumed taken. Table 11
summarizes potential onsite impacts by primary habitat associations of the
species of concern; it also includes a calculation of total conserved habitat that
assumes offsite conservation of 240 acres of sage scrub. Table 12 summarizes
impacts by individual species and plan area component; additional information
on potential effects to individual species is included in Appendix B.
In addition to the habitat-based impacts, the following points can be noted
regarding the species given priority during the planning process:
• Up to 18 pair of coastal California gnatcathers and a significant portion of
habitat suitable for the orange-throated whiptail and San Diego homed
lizard will be conserved onsite in Rancheros-Southeast II; these sage scrub
species also will benefit from the offsite conservation.
• At least 795 Del Mar manzanita individuals and approximately 5,800
thread-leaved brodiaea individuals will be conserved on Northwest, and all
of the sticky-leaved liveforever will be conserved in the San Marcos Creek
corridor; and
• Riparian species such as southwestern spiny rush, San Diego marsh elder,
yellow-breasted chat, yellow warbler, and least Bell's vireo will benefit from
onsite conservation of 95 + percent of the riparian habitats.
Table 11
Habitat Conserved and Assumed '*Taken"
by Primary Habitat Associations of the Species of Concern
(acres)
m Primary Habitat Associations of Total in Conserved Assumed
Taken
Onsite
Conserved
Onsite and
Offsite m the Species of Concem Plan Area Onsite
Assumed
Taken
Onsite
Conserved
Onsite and
Offsite
Sage scrub 955.2 448.0 507.2 688.0
Chaparral 315.2 65.3 249.9 65.3
m Grassland 306.6 52.5 254.1 52.5
Riparian scrub^woodland (and 6.5 ac. Eucalyptus) 120.1 44.6 75.5 44.6
m Disturbed habitat 191.9 34.3 157.6 34.3
Sage scrub and chaparral 1,270.4 513.3 757.1 753.3
Sage scrub and grassland 1,261.8 500.5 761.3 740.5
Sage scrub and riparian 1,075.3 492.6 582.7 732.6
UN Chaparral and riparian 435.3 109.9 325.4 109.0 •» Grassland and disturbed 507.1 86.8 420.3 86.8
Grassland and riparian 426.7 97.1 329.6 97.1
WW Sage scrub, grassland, and riparian 1,381.9 545.1 836.8 785.1
Sage scrub, chaparral, riparian, and disturbed 1,582.4 592.2 990.2 832.2
flu Sage Scrub, chaparral, grassland, and riparian 1,697.1 610.4 1,086.7 850.4
m-Sage Scrub, grassland, chaparral, and disturbed 1,768-9 600.1 1,168.8 840.1
Final 6-95 73
4. Habitat Conservation Strategy and Impaa Analysis Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table 12
Anticipated Impacts of Conservation Strategy on Species of Concern
ID
#
Species Name
and Listing Status
Rancheros-Southeast II Northwest ID
#
Species Name
and Listing Status Conserved
Onsite
Assumed
Taken
Conserved
Onsite
Assumed
A-1
Ashy spike-moss
Selaginella cinerascens
CNPS4 460 acres 560 acres 50 acres 200 acres
A-2
Califomia adder's-tongue
Ophioglossum californicum
C3c, CNPS4
100
individuals None NA NA
A-3
Califomia adophia
Adolphia califomica
CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
2,400
individuals
4,100
Individuals
700
individuals
2,800
individuals
. A-4
Del Mar maruanita
Araostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia
FPE*, CNPS1B,T
NA NA 795
individuals
261
individuals
A-5
Engelmann oak
Quercus engelmannii
CNPS4, OSS NA NA None 1 tree
A-6
Nuttall's scrub oak
Quercus dumosa
CNPSIB, OSS
35 acres 150 acres 640.
individuals
710
individuals
A-7
Orcutt's brodiaea
Brodiaea orcuttii
C2*, CNPSIB, T
None 10
individuals NA NA
A-8
Palmer's grapplinghook
Harpagonella palmeri
CNPS2, OSS
NA NA 3,500
individuals
3,775
individuals
A-9
San Oiego County viguiera
Viguiera laciniata
CNPS4, NCCP
75
individuals None. NA NA
A-10
San Diego golden star
Muilla clevelandii
C2*, CNPSIB, T
400
individuals
1,550
individuals NA NA
A-n
San Diego marsh elder
Iva hayesiana
C2, CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
Almost all <100
individuals NA NA
A-12
Southwestem spiny rush
junaus actus var. leopoldii
CNPS4, OSS
590
individuals None 45
individuals
100
individuals
A-13
Sticky-leaved liveforever
Dudleya viscida
Cl *, CNPSl B, NCCP, OSS
All None NA NA
A-14
Summer holly
Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia
C2, CNPSIB, T
NA NA 460
individuals
635
individuals
A-15
Thread-leaved brodiaea
Brodiaea filifolia
Cl*, SE, CNPSIB, T
NA NA 5,800
individuals
1,190
individuals
A-16
Wart-stemmed ceanothus
Ceanothus verrucosus
C2, CNPS2, T
NA NA 155
individuals None
74 Final 6-95
Car/sbad-fiCA HCP/OMSP 4. Habitat Conservation Strategy and Impaa Analysis
Benefit from
Offsite
Conservation
Potential Benefits/Other Considerations Potential Impact Minimization and
Mitigation Measures
Potentially At least 40 percent will be conserved onsite;
species is still widespread.
Would benefit from control of access and
removal of exotic species.
Not Likely Population on Rancheros-Southeast II will be
preserved; species is still widespread.
Would indirectly benefit from control of
access and removal of exotic species.
Potentially
Preservation of 3,200 individuals will
substantially add to species' long-term
viability.
Could be used in habitat restoration efforts.
Not Likely Preserved population is one of larger
populations in region.
Would benefit from access control and
removal of exotic species.
Not Likely None; only one tree affected. Plan provides for pres«vation of other oak
species.
Potentially Approximately 30 percent of species'
potential habitat is presen/ed.
Would benefit from access control and
removal of exotic species.
Not Likely None; only two small populations (5
individuals each) are affected.
Plan provides for preservation of other
sensitive plants.
Potentially Preserved population is one of larger
populations in region.
Would benefit from access control and
removal of exotic species; could be used in
habitat restoration efforts.
Potentially. Alt of population on Rancheros-Southeast II
will be preserved.
None necessary; no take.
Potentially None, except preservation of 400
indh/iduals.
Would benefit from access control;
preserved population is near development.
Not Likely Laige population will be preserved rn San
Marcos Creek. Could be used in wetland restoration.
Not Likely Large population will be preserved in
Rancheros-Southeast II. None necessary; no take.
Potentially Large population will be preserved in San
Marcos Creek. None necessary; no take.
Not Likely Large population will t>e preserved in
Northwest. Could be used in habitat restoration efforts.
Not Likely A significant population in the southem end
of the species' range will be preserved.
Would benefit from access controls and
removal of exotic species.
Not Likely None. Not necessary; no take.
Final 6-95 75
4. Habitat Conservation Strategy and Impaa Analysis Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table 12 (continued)
Anticipated Impacts of Conservation Strategy on Species of Concern
ID
#
Species Name
and Listing Status
Rancheros Northwest ID
#
Species Name
and Listing Status Conserved
Onstte
Assumed
Taken
Conserved
Onsite
Assumed
Taken
A-17
Western dichondra
Dichondra occidentalis
C3c, CNPS4, NCCP, OSS
2 of 5
populations
3 of 5
populations NA NA
A-18
Westem spadefoot toad
Spea hammondii
CSC, NCCP, T
480 acres 620 acres 85 acres 420 acres
A-19
Coastal rosy boa
Lichanura trivirgata rosafusca
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
460 acres 560 acres 50 acres 200 acres
A-20
Coastal westem whiptail
Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
460 acres 560 acres 50 acres 200 acres
A-21
Northem red diamond rattlesnake
Crotalus ruber ruber
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
460 acres 560 acres 50 acres 200 acres
A-22
Orange-throated whiptail
Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi
C2, CSC, NCCP, T
460 acres 560 acres 50 acres 200 acres
A-23
San Diego homed lizard
Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei
C2, CSC, NCCP, T
460 acres 560 acres 50 acres 200 acres
A-24
Bell's sage sparrow
Amphispiza belli belli
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, OSS
460 acres 560 acres 50 acres 200 acres
A-25
Burrowing owl
Speotyto cunicularia
CSC, MBTA, T
20 acres 60 acres 35 acres 220 acres
A-26
Coastal Califomia gnatcatcher
Polioptila califomica califomica
FT, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, T
425 acres
Up to 18
pair
405 acres
Up to 18
pair
20 acres
None
assumed
100 acres
Up to 13
pair
A-27
Cooper's hawk
Accipiter cooperi
CSC, MBTA, T
30 acres 65 acres 70 acres 280 acres
A-28
Loggerhead shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
C2. CSC, MBTA, NCCP, OSS
480 acres 580 acres 60 acres 370 acres
A-29
Northern harrier
Circus cyaneus
CSC, MBTA, T
450 acres
(foraging
habitat)
450 acres
(foraging
habitat)
55 acres
(foraging
habitat)
320 acres
(foraging
habitat)
A-30
Southem Califomia rufous<rowned sparrow
Aimophila ruficeps canescens
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, T
425 acres 405 acres 20 acres 100 acres
A-31
Tricolored blackbird
Age/a/us tricolor
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, T
10 acres <1 acre 35 acres <1 acre
A-32
Yellow-breasted chat
laeria virens
CSC, MBTA, OSS
10 acres <1 acre 35 acres <1 acre
76 Pinsii 6-95 m
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 4. Habitat Conservation Strategy and Impaa Analysis
m
Benefit from
Offsite
Conservation
Potential Benefits/Other Considerations Potential Impact Minimization and
Mitigation Measures
Potentially Preserved population is not large but large
area of potential habitat is protected.
Would benefit from access c<»itrol and
removal of exotic species.
Potentially Lai^e area of potential breeding habitat is
preserved.
Would benefit from having potential
breeding pools maintained.
Potentially La^e area of potential habitat preserved. Would benefit from access controls.
Potentially Large area of potential habitat preserved. Would benefit from access controls.
Potentially Large area of potential habitat preserved. Would benefit from access controls.
Potentially Large area of potential habitat preserved. Would benefit from access controls and
predator management.
Potentially Large area of potential habitat preserved. Would benefit from access controls and
predator management.
Potentially Large area of potential habitat presen/ed. Would benefit from removal of non-native
species.
Not as planned Measures for Northwest do not directly
benefit this grassland species.
Would benefit habitat conservation under
HMP and MHCP.
Yes
Preservation of habitat linkage will help
sustain viability of City's gnatcatcher
populations.
Would boiefit from access controls, predator
controls, and fire management.
Potentially Preserved habitat in San Marcos Creek will
help sustain prey base for species.
Would benefit from nest site protection
during breeding season.
Potentially Habitat and dispersal corridors used by
species are preserved.
Would benefit from access controls, control
of non-native plants, and revegetation efforts.
Potentially Indirectly benefited by preservation of
potential foraging habitat. Would benefit from wetland enhancement.
Potentially Large area of potential habitat preserved. Would benefit from access controls and
control of non-native plants.
Not Likely Some habitat preserved on Northwest. No direct impacts expected; only one
transient bird observed onsite.
Not Likely Potential habitat preserved. Would l>enefit from cowbird trapping, nest
monitoring, and access control.
Final 6-95 77
4. Habitat Conservation Strategy and Impaa Analysis Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table 12 (continued)
Anticipated Impacts of Conservation Strategy on Species of Concern
ID
#
Species Name
and Listing Status
Rancheros Northwest ID
#
Species Name
and Listing Status Conserved
Onsite
Assumed
Taken
Conserved
Onsite
Assumed
Taken
A-33
Yellow warbler
Dendroica petechia brewsteri
CSC, MBTA, OSS
10 acres <1 acre 35 acres 60 acres
A-34
Northwestem San Diego pocket mouse
Chaetodipus fallax fallax
C2, CSC, NCCP, T
510 acres 745 acres 90 acres 470 acres
A-35
San Oiego black-tailed jackrabbit
Lepus californicus bennettii
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
480 acres 580 acres 60 acres 370 acres
A-36
San Diego desert woodrat
Neotoma lepida intermedia
C2, CSC, OSS
460 acres 560 acres 50 acres 200 acres
B-1
Blochman's dudleya
Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae
CNPSIB, NCCP, OSS
L L L L
B-2
Cliff spurge
Euphorbia misera
CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
L L L L
B-3
Coast barrel cactus
ferocactus viridescens
Cl', CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
NE NE NE NE
B-4
Del Mar sand aster
Coret/ifogyne filaginifolia var. linfolia
FPT, CNPSIB, NCCP, T
NE NE NE NE
B-5
Encinitas baccharis
Bacchant vanessae
FPE", SE, CNPSIB, T
NE NE L L
B-6
Orcutt's hazardia
Hazardia orcuttii
Cl, CNPSIB
NE NE NE NE
B-7
Orcutt's spineflower
Chorizanthe orcuttiana
FPE*, SE, CNPSIB, NCCP
NE NE L L
B-8
San Diego ambrosia
Ambrosia pumila
C2*, CNPSIB, NCCP
NE NE NE NE
B-9
San Diego sagewort
Artemisia palmeri
CNPS2, NCCP, OSS
L L M M
B-10
San Diego thommint
Acanthomintha ilicifolia
Cl*, SE, CNPSIB, NCCP,T
L L L L
B-11
Harbison's dun skipper
Euphyes vestris harbinsoni
C2,T
10 acres <1 acre 35 acres <1 acre
B-12
Hermes copper
Lycaena hermes
C2*, OSS
465 acres 180 acres 50 acres 200 acres
78 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 4. Habitat Conservation Strategy and Impaa Analysis
m
m
m
m
m
m
Benefit from
Offsite
Conservation
Potential Benefits/Other Considerations Potential Impact Minimization and
Mitigation Measures
Not Likely Potential habitat preserved. Would benefit from cowbird trapping, nest
monitoring, and access controls.
Potentially Large area of potential habitat preserved. Would benefit from predator controls.
Potentially Large area of potential habitat preserved. Would benefit from predator controls.
Potentially Large area of potential habitat preserved. Would benefit from predator controls.
Not Likely Low potential for occurrence. No take expected.
Not Likely Low potential for occurrence. No take expected.
Not Likely Not expected to occur. No take expected.
Not Likely Not expected to occur. No take expected.
Not Likely Not expected to occur. No take expected.
Not Likely Not expected to occur. No take expected.
Not Likely Low potential for occurrence in Northwest. No take expected.
Not Likely Not expected to occur. No take expected.
Potentially Low to moderate possibility of occurring;
potential habitat preserved. No take currently expected.
Not Likely Low potential for occurrence. No take currently expected.
Not Likely Pot»itial habitat preserved. No take expected.
Potentially Potential habitat preserved. No take expected.
m
Final 6-95 79
4. Habitat Conservation Strategy and Impaa Analysis Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table 12 (continued)
Anticipated Impacts of Conservation Strategy on Species of Concern
ID
#
Species Name
and Listing Status
Rancheros Northwest ID
#
Species Name
and Listing Status Conserved
Onsite
Assumed
Taken
Conserved
Onsite
Assumed
Taken
B-13
Quino checkerspot
Euphydryas editha quino
C1-, OSS
NE NE NE NE
B-14
Califomia red-legged frog
Rana aurora draytonii
FPE. CSC, OSS
NE NE NE NE
B-15
Coast patch-nosed snake
Salvadora hexalepis virgultea
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
465 acres 160 acres 50 acres 200 acres
B-16
Coronado skink
Eumeces skiltonianus interparietalis
C2, CSC, NCCK OSS
495 acres 620 acres 90 acres 510 acres
B-17
San Diego banded gecko
Coleonyx variegatus abbotti
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
465 acres 180 acres 50 acres 200 acres
B-18
San Diego ringneck snake
Diadophis punctatus similis
C2, CSC, OSS
495 acres 620 acres 90 acres 510 acres
B-19
Silvery legless lizard
Anniella nigra argentea
CSC, OSS
45 acres 160 acres 65 acres 155 acres
B-20
Southwestem pond turtle
Clemmys marmorata pallida
Cl*, CSC, NCCP, OSS
10 acres <1 acre 35 acres < 1 acre
B-21
Two-striped garter snake
Thamnophis hammondii
C2, CSC, OSS
10 acres <1 acre 35 acres <1 acre
B-22
Califomia homed lark
Eremophila alpestris actia
C2, CSC, MBTA, NCCP, OSS
20 acres 55 acres 35 acres 220 acres
B-23
Least Bell's vireo
Vireo bellii pusillus
FE, SE, MBTA, T
10 acres <1 acre 35 acres <1 acre
B-24
San Diego cactus wren
Campylorhyndius brunneicapillus couesi
C2, CSC, NCCP, T
425 acres 405 acres 20 acres 100 acres
B-25
Southwestem willow flycatcher
Empidonax traillii extimus
FPE, SE, FSS, MBTA, T
10 acres <1 acre 35 acres <1 acre
B-26
Califomia mastiff bat
Eumops perotis californicus
C2, CSC, T
45 acres
(foraging
habitat)
160 acres
(foraging
habitat)
65 acres
(foraging
habitat)
165 acres
(foraging
habitat)
B-27
Dulzura Califomia pocket mouse
Chaetodipus californicus femoralis
C2, CSC, T
65 acres 280 acres 35 acres 145 acres
B-28
Pacific pocket mouse
Perognathus longimembris pacificus
FEE, CSC, NCCP, OSS
NE NE NE NE
80 Final 6-95
Car/5bad^tCA HCP/OMSP 4. Hab/tat Conservat/on Strategy and Impaa Analysis
mm
m
Benefit from
Offsite
ConservaticHi
Potential Benefits/Other Considerations Potential Impact Minimization and
Mitigation Measures
mm Potentially Not expected to occur. No take expected.
•
Not Likely Not expected to occur. No take expected.
•1 Potentially Potential habitat preserved. If present, would benefit from access
controls.
-Potentially Potential habitat preserved. If present, would benefit from access
controls.
Mt
Potoitially Potential habitat preserved. If present, would benefit from access
controls.
wm
m
Potentially Potential habitat preserved. If present, would benefit from access
controls.
-Not Likely Potential habitat preserved. If present, would benefit from predator
controls.
m
Not Likely Potential habitat in San Marcos Creek
preserved. No take expected.
wm Not Likely Potential habitat preserved. If present, would benefit from access
controls and control of non-native plants.
-Not Likely Potential foraging habitat preserved. No take expected.
mm
m Potentially Potential nesting and foraging habitat
preserved.
If present, would benefit from cowbird
trapping and access controls.
mm Potentially Potential habitat preserved.
Would benefit from use of cacti and other
succulents in fuel modification zones and as
access controls.
m Not Likely Alt potential habitat presen/ed. If present, would benefit from cowbird
trapping and access controls.
m
m
Potentially Potential foraging habitat preserved. No take expeaed.
m Not Likely Potential habitat preserved. If present, would benefit from predator
controls and access controls.
mm
m Potentially Not expected to occur in plan area. No take expected.
mm
mm Final 6-95 81
4. Habitat Conservation Strategy and Impaa Analysis Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Table 12 (continued)
Anticipated Impacts of Conservation Strategy on Species of Concern
ID Species Name Rancheros Northwest
# and Listing Status Conserved
Onsite
Assumed
Taken
Conserved
Onsite
Assumed
Taken
B-29
Southem grasshopper mouse
Onychomys torridus ramona
C2, CSC, NCCP, OSS
450 acres 450 acres 55 acres 320 acres
B-30
Townsend's westem big-eared bat
Plecotus townsendii townsendii
C2, CSC, T
45 acres
(foraging
habitat)
160 acres
(foraging
habitat)
65 acres
(foraging
habitat)
165 acres
(foraging
habitat)
ID Codes
A-
B-
Species observed or assumed to occur in one or both plan area components
Species potentially occurring in habitats in one or both plan area components
Occurrence Codes
L Low Probability of Occurrence
M Moderate Probability of Occurrence
NA Not Applicable
NE Not Expected (or Observed)
82 Final 6-95
Ml
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 4. Habitat Conservation Strategy and Impaa Analysis
Benefit from
Offsite
Conservation
Potential Benefits/Other Considerations Potential Impact Minimization and
Mitigation Measures
Potentially Potential habitat preserved. If presOTt, would benefit from access and
predator controls.
Not Likely Potential foraging habitat preserved. No take expected.
Status Codes
Cl Category 1 candidate for federal listing
C2 Category 2 candidate for federal listing
C3c Category 3c candidate for federal listing
CNPS Listed by the Califomia Native Plant Society as:
(1B) rare or endangered in Califomia and elsewhere
(2) rare or endangered in Califomia and more common elsewhere
(4) plants of limited distribution
CSC Identified by CDFG as a species of special concem in Califomia
FE . Listed as endangered under the federal ESA
FEE Emergency listed as endangered under the federal ESA
FPE Proposed for federal listing as endangered
FPT Proposed for federal listing as threatened
FSS Identified by federal agencies as a sensitive species
FT Listed as threatened under the federal ESA
MBTA Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
NCCP On the list of sensitive species for the NCCP program
OSS "Other Sensitive Species" identified in draft Carlsbad HMP
ST Listed as threatened under the Califomia ESA
T Target species for Carisbad HMP and North County MHCP
HI
Final 6-95 83
4. Habitat Conservation Strategy and Impaa Analysis Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
2. Alternatives to the Taking
In addition to examining potential impacts, six altematives to the anticipated
taking were considered:
Complete avoidance of take of listed species;
No take of coastal California gnatcatchers;
Take only within the Rancho Santa Fe Road project area;
Delay of take in the plan area pending completion of the HMP;
An offsite mitigation strategy with unlimited take in the plan area; and
Reconfiguration of onsite conserved habitat and development areas.
a. Complete Avoidance of Take
Under this alternative, all development within the plan area would be planned
to completely avoid take of listed species. The HCP/OMSP would not be
submitted to USFWS and CDFG for approval and would not be implemented by
FLCA and the City. Individual projects within the two plan area components,
including mitigation for impacts to biological resources, would be planned,
reviewed, and approved in accordance with the local, state, and federal law^ in
effect at the time. Conservation of plants and wildlife in the plan area would be
determined in the context of existing laws and, upon its completion, the
Carlsbad HMP.
This alternative was rejected as counter to the intent of the MOAs signed in July
and August 1991, the preliminary consensus reached in May 1992, the federal
ESA and state NCCP program, and the citywide HMP planning process. In
addition, by failing to address the likelihood that additional species known to
occur in the plan area will be listed in the foreseeable future, the "no project"
alternative also fails to address the economic uncertainties that could render
both private development and public works infeasible.
b. Take Only within Road Project Area
Under the "road project only" alternative, the HCP/OMSP would focus solely
on mitigation for the impacts of the Rancho Santa Fe Road realignment and
adjacent grading project. Land uses that would affect biological resources in
San Marcos Creek, Rancheros, and Northwest would be planned, reviewed, and
approved in accordance with local, state, and federal laws in effect at the time.
This alternative was the focus of initial planning efforts for this plan. It was
explicitly rejected by the HCP Facilitation Team because of (1) the obvious links
between habitats in the road project area, San Marcos Creek, and Rancheros; (2)
FLCA's willingness to include three components of the La Costa Master Plan in
an planning process; and (3) the need for greater flexibility (via a larger plan
area) in balancing conservation and development within the constraints of the
City's GMP.
84 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 4. Habitat Conservation Strategy and Impaa Analysis
c. No Take of Gnatcatchers
Under this alternative, all proposed land uses in the plan area, including the
road project, would be reconfigured to avoid take of coastal Califomia
gnatcatchers due to direct and indirect impacts. This approach was originally
proposed in anticipation of the federal listing of the gnatcatcher as a way to
comply with the federal ESA without requiring preparation of an HCP. It also
was proposed as a way to maximize the conservation of coastal sage scrub
habitat in the plan area.
The alternative was eliminated from further consideration because, given the
distribution of habitat and birds, take could not be completely avoided without
precluding all of the land uses currently proposed for the plan area and
authorized under the City's existing General Plan and GMP. The elimination of
development impacts in the plan area would have to assume acquisition of the
property or the development rights to it. Such acquisitions are not within the
City's current or foreseeable financial capabilities. Likewise, dedication of all or
part of the lands without the ability to develop elsewhere is financially
infeasible for FLCA.
d. Delay of Take Pending Completion of the HMP
Under this alternative, take in the plan area would not be allowed until the
citywide HMP is completed. This approach would delay but not avoid the
development impacts identified in this plan, tt was eliminated from further
consideration primarily because it would also delay implementation of
conservation measures proposed in this HCP/OMSP and thereby preclude any
immediate benefits that those measures would provide to individual species. In
addition, the HCP/OMSP is specifically designed to provide an opportunity for
early implementation of conservation measures in two of the preserve planning
areas identified in the HMP. Further, the HCP/OMSP is consistent with the
HMP and stregthens it by preserving habitat, species, and wildlife corridors in
key locations.
e. Offsite Mitigation for Unlimited Plan Area Take
Under this alternative, a higher level of take in both plan area components
would be proposed and offsite lands would be the primary focus of the
conservation and mitigation measures. Onsite measures would concentrate on
minimization of development impacts, and replacement habitat would be
acquired offsite and established as a permanent preserve. A version of this
alternative also was considered prior to the preliminary consensus on the basic
terms of the strategy in this plan, in which occupied habitat in San Pasqual
Valley was identified as mitigation for impacts within Southeast II.
This approach was eliminated from further consideration primarily because,
given the pattern of habitat and land ownership in the City and region, the
offsite reserve would likely be located outside the urban area where coastal sage
scrub is most at risk. In addition, although an offsite preserve would have
benefits for the gnatcatcher and other species, it would not have the same
• natural open space function and local conservation value as a strategy focused
on the plan area components. It also would not provide the connectivity
proposed in the HCP/OMSP.
Final 6-95 85
4. Habitat Conservation Strategy and Impaa Analysis Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
/. Reconfiguration of Onsite Conserved Habitat
and Development Areas
During the preparation and review of the HCP/OMSP, a variety of alternative
onsite configurations of the conserved habitat and development areas were
considered. This was in keeping with the requirement that impacts must be
minimized and mitigated to the maximum extent practicable and that the
HCP/OMSP not prejudice subregional NCCP planning efforts. Generally,
alternatives considered included the downsizing and relocation of major arterial
roadways, density transfers, dwelling unit losses, and boundary reconfigurations
to permit increases in conserved habitat. Among other factors, the financial
costs and feasibility of these alternatives were considered. It was determined
that further dedications and revisions by the landowner were not financially
practicable.
m^^
Final 6-95
I
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 5. Conservation Program and Mitigation Measures
5. Conservation Program
and Mitigation Measures
This chapter describes the actions that the City and FLCA will undertake in
coordination with USFWS and CDFG in order to:
• Conserve 645.1 acres of habitat in the plan area and up to an additional
240 acres in offsite locations;
• Provide for ongoing management of the conserved habitat;
• Minimize and mitigate the impacts expected in the plan area; and
• Ensure implementation of the plan and secure long-term (30-year)
authorizations and assurances for projects and activities in the plan area.
A. Habitat Conservation
Implementation of the HCP/OMSP will conserve up to 885.1 acres of habitat for
the species of concern: 645.1 acres within Rancheros-Southeast II and
Northwest and up to 240 acres in offsite locations to be selected in consultation
with USFWS and CDFG.
1. Onsite Conservation
Onsite conservation will occur within Rancheros-Southeast II and Northwest as
shown on Figures 16 and 18 (see pages 67 and 71) and as described in the
implementing agreement that accompanies this plan.
In Rancheros-Southeast II, conserved habitat consists of 521.41 acres as shown
on Figure 16:
• 161.52 acres in Rancheros,
• 85.0 acres in San Marcos Creek, and
• 274.89 acres in Southeast II.
In Northwest, conserved habitat consists of 123.69 acres as shown on Figure 18.
All of the designated areas of conserved habitat are lands owned by FLCA;
inholdings shown on Figures 16 and 18 are not included in conserved habitat
and are not covered by the authorizations and assurances that the City and
FLCA are seeking based on this plan.
Final 6-95 87
«
5. Conservation Program and Mitigation Measures Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
2. Offsite Conservation
Offsite conservation will occur in conjunction with development within
Northwest and will consist of acquisition by FLCA of up to 240 acres of coastal
sage scrub in locations, acceptable to USFWS and CDFG. As proposed in this
HCP/OMSP, at least 120 acres of the replacement habitat will be in locations
that strengthen the habitat linkage between Rancheros-Southeast II and regional
coastal sage scrub community that extends into the San Dieguito and San
Pasqual River Valley. Areas proposed as replacement habitat will be reviewed
oh a case-by^ase basis with USFWS and CDFG and, once acquired, will be
managed as conserved habitat. Criteria for acceptable sites will be developed
by USFWS and CDFG working in cooperation with the City and FLCA.
3, Ownership of Conserved Habitat
In accordance with state guidelines for 2081 agreements (see Appendix A),
FLCA will provide an irrevocable offer to convey fee interest or a conservation
easement for conserved habitat in the plan area to a conservancy established or
designated for purposes of the Carlsbad HMP, to CDFG, or to another entity
approved by USFWS and CDFG. Conservation easements or fee interest also
will be conveyed for the offsite mitigation lands.
B. Habitat Management
Two types of habitat management will be provided under the plan:
Interim management of conserved habitat by FLCA; and
• Long-term, ongoing management of conserved habitat by an entity
designated for that purpose under the terms of this HCP/OMSP, the HMP,
or North County MHCP.
It is anticipated that the entity responsible for long-term management of
conserved habitat and the entity to which the conservation easements or fee
interest is conveyed will be a conservancy established for purposes of
implementing the HMP. However, alternative arrangements also have been
identified in the event that the HMP is sut^ntially delayed or not completed.
Such alternatives include delegation of management responsibilities to CDFG,
The Nature Conservancy, or (as a last resort) a homeowners association. The
arrangement actually made will be subject to USFWS and CDFG concurrence.
1. Interim Habitat Management
FLCA will be responsible for management of conserved habitat until fee interest
is conveyed or FLCA delegates its management responsibilities to the HMP
conservancy or an entity approved by the City, USFWS, and CDFG. Interim
management activities will consist of:
•IP
m
m
m
88 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 5. Conservation Program and Mitigation Measu
• Maintaining existing access controls;
• Clean-up of conserved habitat areas where unauthorized trash dumping has
occurred; and
• Implementation of project-specific impact minimization and mitigation
measures for FLCA activities (see below).
FLCA will prepare an interim management plan that describes the activities to
be performed and, until fee interest is conveyed or the management
responsibilities have been delegated, will provide annual updates to the plan as
necessary. FLCA also will provide information on the implementation of
interim management measures in the annual reports on overall plan
implementation that will be prepared by FLCA and the City for USFWS and
CDFG review (see "D. Plan Implementation").
2. Ongoing Habitat Management
Ongoing management of conserved habitat will be guided by annual plans
prepared by the HMP conservancy or other designated entity in consultation
with a management advisory committee. The committee will be composed of
representatives of USFWS. CDFG^ the City^ FLCA, and the management entity or
^ititiesTSubject to the availability of funds through the HMP and other sources,
long-term management would include the following types of activities.
1. Target species would be selected for monitoring, and highly sensitive
species would be targeted for special management.
2. Opportunities for habitat restoration and enhancement within conserved
habitat would be identified and ranked in order of priority.
3. Cowbird trapping and predator controls would be selectively applied in
connection with special management measures for highly sensitive species.
4. The locations of non-native and exotic plants within and immediately
adjacent to conserved habitat could be mapped and scheduled for removal,
monitoring, and control.
5. A fire management program would be developed in consultation with the
City Fire Marshall and the wildlife agencies to: (a) avoid a catastrophic fire
within conserved habitet; (b) develop altematives for reducing fuel loads; (c)
minimize impacts to conserved habitat from fire management programs for
adjacent land uses; and (d) if controlled bums are required, develop
"optimal" fire regimes for key species.
6. Access controls would be maintained and where necessary increased to
limit access of people, vehicles, and domestic pets to conserved habitat and
to preclude access to highly sensitive resources.
Final 6-95 89
5. Coniervatfon Program and Mitigation Measures Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
7. Public information materials and programs would be developed, including:
(a) a brochure that describes the natural resources, areas of special interest,
and prohibited activities within conserved habitat; (b) landscaping and fuel
break planning brochure for homeowners and homeowner associations
adjacent to conserved habitat, providing them with information about
which plant species to use or avoid; (c) provided impacts are avoided or
mitigated, inclusion of nature trails along or through portions of conserved
habitat as part of the City's Master Trails Plan; and (d) identification of study
areas within conserved habitat to be used for public education purposes.
3. Funding of Habitat Management
Funding of interim management activities will be FLCA's responsibility.
Funding of long-term management will be provided through the HMP by use of
any funds available to the City for wildlife, acquisition, conservation, and
management purposes, including but not limited to assessments, levies, and
grants or other types of funding from public or private sources. As a last resort,
a "conserved habitat maintenance charge" of $50.00 per residential unit per
year would be assessed on each development unit within the plan area.
C. Impact Minimization
and Mitigation Measures
In addition to the impact minimization acheived through preserve design, the
HCP/OMPS provides for individual projects and activities to be planned and
implemented in a way that further avoids, minimizes, and mitigates impacts to
species of concern and conserved habitat. Such measures will include but not
be limited to project-specific impact avoidance and minimization, impact
phasing and project design, and supplemental mitigation measures.
1. Project-Specific Impact Avoidance
and Minimization
Ten project-specific impact avoidance and minimization measures will pertain
to individual projects and activities that would affect conserved habitat.
a. Nest Site Protection
No clearing or grading operations will be allowed in habitat occupied by the
gnatcatcher during its breeding season (February 15 to july 31). This measure
also will protect other nesting species of concem. Prior to July 31, clearing may
occur if it is determined that the birds have already successfully fiedged young,
are no longer actively nesting, and the young have dispersed from the area. The
presence of occupied habitat will be determined by a qualified biologist prior to
February 15 of the year in which any clearing or grading would occur.
Although no direa impacts to trees currently used for nesting by raptors are
anticipated, if it is determined that raptors are nesting in any trees scheduled for
removal, the trees will be avoided until after the nesting season. Additionally,
where feasible, clearing activities within 200 feet of raptor nest sites will be
avoided during the nesting season.
90 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 5. Conservat/on Program and Mitigation Measures
b. Controlled Access and Barriers
Prior to commencement of clearing or grading activities, access barriers to
conserved habitat will be established at key entry points. The boundaries of
conserved habitat immediately adjacent to a grading area will be flagged by a
biologist, and a fence will be installed to prevent disturbance by construction
vehicles. This fencing may be removed upon completion of all construction
activities and/or replacement with permanent fencing to protect conserved
habitat. Reasonable, appropriate measures also will be taken to ensure that the
construction crew is informed of the sensitivity of conserved habitat.
c. Noise Levels
Grading, construction, and other activities that create noise in excess of 61
d. b.a. Leq level in conserved habitat occupied by gnatcatchers will be limited to
the non-breeding season (August 1 through February 15) unless six foot
temporary noise berms are used to reduce noise levels.
d. Storage and Staging Areas
No temporary storage or stockpiling of construction materials will be allowed
within conserved habitat, and all staging areas for equipment and materials
(especially rock crushing equipment) will be located as far from conserved
habitat as possible. Staging areas and construction sites will be kept as free as
possible of trash, refuse, discarded food wrappers, and other waste that might
attract small scavengers that prey on gnatcatchers and other sensitive small
passerines. Trash containers with animal-resistant lids will be provided on the
site during construction.
e. Monitoring
During grading and construction adjacent to conserved habitat, a biologist will
monitor the adjacent habitat for excessive accumulations of dust or other
disturbance. Erosion control devices also will be monitored during the rainy
season to ensure that dirt, topsoil, and other materials are not washing into the
conserved habitat area. If at any time significant amounts of dust or material are
determined to be impacting conserved habitat, then corrective measures will be
taken immediately.
f. Unavoidable Disturbances of Conserved Habitat
Disturbance of conserved habitat will be avoided to the maximum extent
possible. However, where disturbance is unavoidable and has been authorized,
it will be mitigated by restoration of the affected sites. Revegetation plans will
be prepared for the approval of the City prior to such disturbances occurring. In
addition, the location and installation of utilities will be planned cooperatively
with the City, USFWS, and CDFG to minimize and mitigate the impacts of such
projects on species of concern and conserved habitat. Examples of disturbances
that may be unavoidable include: (a) temporary noise buffers and fencing
adjacent to conserved habitat; (b) fuel modification zones at the edge of
conserved habitat; (c) temporary and permanent public facilities for water,
electricity, sewer, gas, and other utilities; and (d) remedial grading for structural
purposes, such as easements, buttresses, and crib walls.
Final 6-95 91
5. Conser/ation Program and Mitigation Measures Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
g. Fuel Management Zones
Fuel management zones separating conserved habitat from adjacent
development will be designed to minimize impacts to native vegetation. The
final location of the zones in relation to the interface of development of
conserved habitat will be defined at the tentative map stage of planning.
Measures to minimize or further reduce impacts to vegetation include: (a)
removal of high fuel species, irrigation, and selective pruning (as specified in the
City of Carlsbad's Landscape Manual) to suppress the potential for slope fires;
(b) planting of native, low-fuel plant species within fuel management zones; and
(c) use of alternative fuel breaks such as coastal prickly pear cactus, that reduce
water use, have additional wildlife value, and minimize access to conserved
habitat.
h. Lighting
Lighting within new development projects adjacent to conserved habitat will be
selectively placed, shielded, and direaed away from conserved habitat. In
addition, lighting from homes abutting conserved habitat will be screened by
planting vegetation, and large spotlight-type backyard lighting directed into
conserved habitat will be prohibited.
1. Landscaping
Invasive species such as giant reed and pampas grass will not be used in
landscaped area directly adjacent to conserved habitat. A list of species that
should not be used in landscaping will be provided to home buyers.
Additionally, these species will be identified In the CC&Rs of the homeowners
association as plants to be avoided in landscaping.
/. Public Information Program
Homeowners, homeowner associations, and the interested public wil! be
informed of ways to avoid impacts to the conserved resources through a public
information program developed in cooperation with the City. The program will
include: (a) a public information brochure that describes the natural resources
and prohibited activities within conserved habitat; and (b) a landscaping and
fuel break planning brochure for homeowners and homeowner associations
adjacent to conserved habitat.
2. Impact Phasing and Project Design Measures
Impaa phasing and projea design measures pertain to projects and aaivities
within Rancheros-Southeast II. They are as follows.
1. Realignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road will proceed in two-phases, as
discussed in 1. Purpose, Scope, and Planning Context and subjea to final
environmental review.
2. Grading and construaion within Southeast II will occur in the areas shown
on Figure 19 as "phases."
92 Final 6-95
m
mtt
NOTES:
RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD WILL BE PHASE 1A.
PHASES I - III MAY OCCUR IN ANY ORDER.
LEGEND
PRESERVE AREAS
II PHASE NUMBER
Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates NTS
Figure 19 . Phased Grading in Southeast II
93
5. Conservation Program and Mitigation Measures Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
3. Realignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road and the configuration of conserved
habitat in Southeast it assumes redesign of Melrose Avenue to avoid two
gnatcatcher use areas and reclassification of the road from a prime to major
arterial.
3. Supplemental Mitigation Measures
In addition to the measures already described, FLCA will work cooperatively
with the City, USFWS, and CDFG to implement the following supplemental
mitigation measures.
a. Coastal California Gnatcatcher Research
To provide additional data that can be used to guide habitat management, FLCA
will provide $50,000 for research on the coastal California gnatcatcher. The
focus and design of the research program will be determined prior to the
conveyance of conserved habitat to the designated management entity.
6. Coordination with Other Programs
To ensure that the needs of multiple species are addressed and to avoid
duplication of effort, the City will coordinate the implementation of this plan
with other conservation programs in and adjacent to Carlsbad. In adduion,
FLCA will provide the City with $150,000 for the completion of the HMP.
c. Cooperation of Other Land Owners
Working with USFWS and CDFG, the City and FLCA will seek the cooperation
of Vallecitos Water Distria in maintaining the existing biological value of the
Distria's lands near Stanley Mahr Reservoir; SDG&E's cooperation in the
consolidation and relocation of powerline easements in conserved habitat; and
the City of San Marcos' cooperation in the preservation of a wildlife corridor in
that portion of San Marcos Creek outside of the City.
D. Plan Implementation
Implementation of the HCP/OMSP will be governed by an agreement among
the City, FLCA, USFWS, and CDFG. In addition to reiterating the roles and
responsibilities cited above, the agreement specifies reporting requirements and
procedures to address unforeseen circumstances, and states the authorizations
and assurances provided under the plan. Key provisions are summarized
below.
1. Record Keeping
ii To document and monitor plan implementation, the City will designate a
projea manager to:
1. Maintain files with current information on projects and aaivities proposed *
for the plan area;
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94 Final 6-95 W
[
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 5. Conservatran Program and Mitigation Measures
2. Maintain files with current information on the inventory of species and
habitats in the plan area;
.3. Assist with projea and aaivity planning; and
4. Assist with onsite monitoring of impacts and mitigation measures.
2. Annual Reports
The City and FLCA will cooperatively prepare annual reports on overall
implementation of the plan for review by USFWS and CDFG. Preparation of
these reports will be timed so that they are available when the management
entity is planning habitat management aaivities for the ensuing year. Each
annual report on plan implementation will include:
1. A summary of projects and aaivities that were initiated, continued, or
completed in the plan area in the year past;
2. A list of projects and aaivities expeaed to begin, continue, or conclude in
the plan area in the upcoming year;
3. Take of any listed species that occurred in conneaion with projects and
aaivities covered by the plan;
4. A report of any changes in the federal or state listing status of the species of
concern or other species known to occur in the plan area; and
5. A report of any significant changes in the status of resources in areas
designated as conserved compared with the previous year.
3. Periodic Comprehensive Reviews
At the end of the first five years of the program and every five years thereafter, a
comprehensive review of plan implementation will be undertaken by the City
and FLCA in cooperation with USFWS and CDFG. The biological scope of the
review will be determined by the management advisory committee and
conduaed as part of the annual work program for the ensuing year.
4. Procedures in Response to Unforeseen
Circumstances
For purposes of this plan, the term "unforeseen circumstances" is meant to
include:
1. Significant adverse changes in the quality of habitat and species richness of
conserved habitat;
2. Significant changes in the anticipated impacts of projects and activities
covered by the plan; and
Final 6-95 95
5. Conservat/on Program and Mitigation Measures Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
3. Significant new infonnation relevant to the HCP/OMSP that was unforeseen
at the time the plan was approved.
In determining whether such circumstances have occurred, USFWS and CDFG ^
will notify the City and FLCA of their intention to review the situation and ^
provide a written explanation of the facts that prompted the review. If it is
determined that unforeseen circumstances have occurred, the agencies. City,
and FLCA will work cooperatively to amend the HCP/OMSP as appropriate.
5. Authorizations and Assurances m
mm
Implementation of the plan is predicated on the approval of long-term (30-year)
authorizations and assurances that will allow planning and development MI
aaivities by the City, FLCA, and other landowners in the plan area to proceed
without further wildlife mitigation. The authorizations and assurances will "*
apply to projects and aaivities planned and conduaed in accordance with the
HCP/OMSP, including but not limited to: *
1. Realignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road and related transportation
improvements in Rancheros-Southeast II; •
mm
2. Development of FLCA master planned residential communities, together
with the requisite Infrastruaure and public facilities, in both plan area m
components;
3. Commercial development by MAG properties on 81 acres in Rancheros- _
Southeast II;
4. Fire management and roadway maintenance in both plan area components;
and
m
5. Management of conserved habitat in both plan area components.
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96 Final 6-95
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Car/5bad^iO\ HCP/OMSP References
References
California Department of Fish and Game
1980 At the crossroads: A report on the status of Califomia endangered
and rare fish and wildlife.
1986 Endangered, rare, and threatened animals of California.
1987 Designated endangered or rare plants. Summary list from seaion
1904 Fish and Game Code (Native Plant Proteaion Aa).
1991 Special Animals. Natural Diversity Data Base. April.
California Department of Fish and Game and California Resources Agency
1993 Southern Califomia Coastal Sage Scrub Natural Community
Conservation Planning Process Guidelines. November.
City of Carlsbad
n.d. Land Use Element (of the General Plan).
1992 Open Space and Conservation Resource Management Plan. June.
1993 Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of
Carlsbad, California. Review Draft. July.
Cotton/Beland and Associates
1991 Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Mass Grading, Draft
Environmental Impaa Report. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad.
ERCE
1989 Focused California gnatcatcher mapping of the La Costa planning
sub-areas. Prepared for The Fieldstone Company. Unpublished job
report.
1990 Focused California gnatcatcher mapping of the La Costa planning
sub-areas. Prepared for The Fieldstone Company. Unpublished
job report.
Holland, Robert F.
1986 Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of
Califomia. Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of
Fish and Game. Oaober.
Final 6-95 97
References Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Michael Brandman Associates, Inc. ^
1991a Biological assessment for Draft EIR for the Rancho Santa Fe Road
realignment and mass grading.
m
1991b Report on California gnatcatcher and sensitive plants of the Santa m
Fe Creek Property, San Diego County, California.
m
Michael Brandman Associates and Dudek & Associates, Inc.
1992 Draft Biological Resources and Habitat Analysis City of Carlsbad,
California. May 14. Unpublished job report. ' ^
San Diego Association of Governments
1993 Habitat Model Results [for the] MHCP Study Area. Preliminary
tabulation. Report to North County Wildlife Forum. August.
Smith, J. P., and K. Berg *
1988 Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. California m
Native Plant Society Special Publication No. 1, 4th edition. ^
Sacramento, California.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service *
1987 Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants: Federal Register 50
CFR 17.11 and 17.12.
m
WESTEC Services, Inc. 1^
1986 Biological resources analysis of the La Costa planning sub-areas: La
Costa, Northwest, Rancheros, La Costa Southeast, La Costa •»
Southwest. Prepared for Lay O. Round and Associates. September. ^
98
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Final 6-95 P
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Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Clossary
Glossary
Abbreviations and Acronyms
m CALTRANS California Department of Transportation
CDFG Califomia Department of Fish and Game
M CEQA California Environmental Quality Aa
cm centimeter(s)
Mi CNPS California Native Plant Society
City City of Carlsbad
CSS Coastal Sage Scrub
M db decibel
du dwelling unit
tm ESA Endangered Species Aa (Federal or Califomia)
tM EIR Environmental Impaa Report
FLCA Fielstone/La Costa Associates
«-GIS Geographic Information System
GMP Growth Management Plan/Program
om HCP Habitat Conservation Plan
HMP Habitat Management Plan
LFMP Local Facilities Management Plan
tm m meter(s)
MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Aa
1^ MHCP (North County) Multiple Habitat Conservation Program
mm mm millimeter(s)
MOA Memorandum of Agreement
MSCP (City of San Diego) Multi-Species Conservation Plan
NCCP Natural Community Conservation Planning
IM NDDB (California) Natural Diversity Data Base
NEPA National Environmental Policy Aa
OMSP Ongoing Multi-Species Plan
iM PD Planned Development
RMP Resource Management Plan
<n SANDAG San Diego Association of Governments
SDG&E San Diego Gas and Elearic
SRP Scientific Review Pane!
ssp subspecies
USFWS (U.S.) Fish and Wildlife Service
uses U.S. Geological Survey
var variation
Final 6-95 99
Clossary Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
Common and Scientific Names
Plants
Trees
Ash
California sycamore
Coastliveoak
Cottonwood
Engelmann oak
Nuttall's scrub oak
San Diego mountain-mahagony
Toyon
Willow
b. Shrubs
Black sage
California adolphia
California buckwheat
California encelia
California sagebrush
Chamise
Chaparral broom
Cliff spurge
Coyote bush
Del Mar manzanita
Encinitas baccharis
Flat-top buckwheat
Laurel sumac
Lemonadeberry
Mission manzanita
Mulefat
Munz's sage
Orcutt's hazardia
Purple sage
Redberry
San Diego County viguiera
San Diego marsh elder
San Diego sagewort
Sugar bush
Summer holly
Tamarisk
Wart-stemmed ceanothus
White sage
Fraxinus velutina var. coriacea
Platanus racemosa
Quercus agri folia
Populus sp.
Quercus engelmannii
Quercus dumosa
Cerocarpus minutiflorus
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Salix sp.
5a/v/a mellifera
Adolphia califonica
Eriogonum fasciculatum
Encelia califomica
Artemisia califomica
Adenostoma fasciculatum
Baccharis sarothroides
Euphorbia misera
Baccharis pilularis ssp. consangu/nea
Araostapby/os glandulosa ssp. crassfolia
Baccharis vanessae
Eriogonum fasciculatum
Malosma laurina
Rhus integrifolta
Xylococcus bicolor
Baccharis glutinosa ssp. salicifolia
Salvia munzii
Hazardia orcuttii
Salvia leucophylla
Rhamnus crocea
Viguiera laciniata
Iva hayesiana
Artemisia palmeri
Rhus ovata
Comarostaphylis diversifolia
Tamarix parviflora
Ceanothus verrucosus
Salvia apiana
P
ii
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Final 6-95 P
CaWsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Clossary
tm Herbaceous Plants
mm Ashy spike-moss Selaginella cinerascens
Blochman's dudleya Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae
m Bulrush Scirpus sp.
California adder's-tongue Ophioglossum lusitanicum
Califomia blue-eyed grass Sisyrinchium bellum
Cattail Typha sp.
Cocktebur Xanthium strumarium var. canadense
Common golden stars Bloomeria crocea ssp. crocea
Curly dock Rumex crispus
Del Mar sand aster Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolia
MM Orcutt's brodiaea Brodiaea orcuttii
Orcutt's spineflower Chorizanthe orcuttiana
Palmer's grapplinghook Harpagonella palmeri
Plantain Plantago ereOa, Plantago insularis
Purple needlegrass Stipa pulchra
ma Rush funcus sp.
Salt grass Distichlis spicata var. striata
San Diego ambrosia Ambrosia pumila
San Diego golden star Muilla clevelandii
San Diego sedge Carex spi'ssa
San Diego thornmint Acanthomintha ilicifolia
Southwestern spiny rush Juncus acutus var. leopoldii
Ml Spike sedge Eleocharis sp.
Sticky^leaved liveforever Dudleya viscida
Thread-leaved brodiaea Brodiaea filfolia
Umbrella sedge Cyperus ergrostis
Westem dichondra Dichondra occidentalis
Westem ragweed Ambrosia psilostachya var. califomica
mm Verba mansa Anemopsis califomica
Cacti
Cholla Opuntia sp.
Coast barrel caaus Ferocactus viridescens
<M Butterflies
Harbison's dun skipper Euphyes ve$tris harbinsoni «• Hermes copper Lycaena hermes
«. Quino checkerspot Euphydryas editha quino
•m Fish
Mosquitofish Cambusia affinis
Large crayfish Procambarus clarki
Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides
Final 6-95 101
Clossary Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP ^
Amphibians
Bullfrog
California red-legged frog
Western spadefoot
Reptiles
Coach whip
Coastal rosy boa
Coastal western whiptail
Coast patch-nosed snake
Common kingsnake
Coronado skink
Gopher snake
Granite spiny lizard
Northern red diamond rattlesnake
Orange-throated whiptail
San Diego banded gecko
San Diego horned lizard
San Diego ringneck snake
Silvery legless lizard
Southern alligator lizard
Southwestern pond turtle
Striped racer
Two-striped garter snake
Birds
Rana catesbe/ana
Rana aurora draytonii
Spea hammondii
Masticophis flagellum
Lichanura trivirgata rosafusca
Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus
Salvadora hexalepis virgultea
Lampropeltis getulus
Eumeces skiltonianus interparietalis
Pituophis catenifer
Sceloporus orcuttii
Crotalus ruber ruber
Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi
Coleonyx variegatus abbotti
Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei
Diadophis punctatus similis
Anniella nigra argentea
Elgaria multicarinata
Clemmys marmorata pallida
Masticophis lateralis
Thamnophis hammondii P
American crow
Bell's sage sparrow
Brown-headed cowbird
Black-tailed gnatcatcher
Burrowing owl
California horned lark
Canyon wrens
Coastal black-tailed gnatcatcher
Coastal California gnatcatcher
Common raven
Common yellowthroat
Cooper's hawk
Least Bell's vireo
Loggerhead shrike
Northem harrier
Scrub jay
Song sparrow
So. Calif. rufous<rowned sparrow
Southwestern willow flycatcher
Tricolored blackbird
Yellow-breasted chat
Yellow warbler
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Amphispiza belli belli
Molothrus ater
Polioptila melanura
Athene cunicularia
Eremophila alpestris actia
Catherpes mexicanus
Polioptila melanura califomica
Polioptila califomica califomica
Corvus corax clarionensis
Geothlypis tricbus
Accipiter cooper//
Vireo bellii pusillus
Lanius ludovicianus
Circus cyaneus
Aphelocoma coerulescens
Melospiza melodia
Aimophila ruficeps canescens
Empidonax traillii extimus
Agelaius tricolor
laeria virens
Dendroica petechia brewsteri
102 Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Clossary
Mammals
Black rat
Bobcat
California mastiff bat
Coyote
Dulzura California pocket mouse
Field mouse
Mule deer
NW San Diego pocket mouse
Norway rat
Opossum
Pacific pocket mouse
Raccoon
San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit
San Diego desert woodrat
Southern grasshopper mouse
Townsend's western big-eared bat
Woodrat
Ra//us rattus
lynx rufus
Eumops perotis californicus
Canis latrans
Chaetodipus californicus femoralis
Peromyscus sp.
Odocolileus hemionus
Chaetodipus fallax fallax
Rattus norvegicus
Didelphis marsupialis
Perognathus longimembris pacificus
Procyon lotor
Lepus californicus bennettii
Neotoma lepida intermedia
Onychomys torridus ramona
Plecotus townsend// townsendii
Neotoma sp.
Definitions
Arterial: A street that provides for the movement of large amounts of traffic,
carrying traffic from colleaor roads to other colleaors, arterials or freeways.
Biodiversity: A general term for species, habitats, and genetic diversity; the
distribution and abundance of different plant and animal communities and
species within an area.
Compensation Measures: Measures undertaken by public and private
landowners to offset the adverse environmental impacts of development through
agreements; may include dedication of land, provision of funds for wildlife
conservation, design modification, habitat reclamation or enhancement, and/or
other proteaive aaions.
Conditional Use Permit: In Carlsbad, a permit allowing certain uses in certain
zones provided the uses will not be detrimental to public health, safety, and
welfare and will not impair the integrity and charaaer of the zone. The
Planning Commission approves such permits subjea to conditions, and each
application is considered on its own merits.
Control Point or Density Control Point: In Carlsbad, the number of du/ac in
each residential classification that cannot be exceeded by any new development
in the City.
Critical Habitat: Defined in the federal Endangered Species Aa (1973) to
include the area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, specific areas in
the vicinity of the occupied habitat, and specific areas away from the occupied
habitat considered essential for the conservation of the species.
Final 6-95 103
"^^""^ • Car/sbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP ^
Cumulative Impact: The incremental environmental impaa of an aaion *
together with impacts of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable aaions ^
(regardless of the source of the other aaions).
i»
Decibel (db and dbA): A unit for measuring the relative loudness of sounds m
equal approximately to the smallest degree of difference of loudness ordinarily
deteaable by the human ear. The A-weighted scale, expressed as dbA, gives W
greater weight to ft-equencies. ^
Discretionary Project/Action: A projea which requires the exercise of ^
judgment or deliberation when the public agency or body decides to approve or
disapprove a particular aaivity, as distinguished ft-om situations where the
public agency or body merely has to determine whether there has been
conformity with applicable statutes, ordinances, or regulations (CEQA *
Guidelines 1986). ^
Dispersal: The movement, usually one way, and on any time scale, of plants or
animals from their point of origin to another location whether they subsequently ^
produce offspring.
Ecosystem: A community of organisms and their physical environment "*
interaalng as an ecological unit. *•*
Endangered Species: Any plant or animal in danger of extinaion in all or a
significant part of its range. m
m
P
m
P
Endangered Species Art: Federal Aa of 1973, as amended, 16 U.S.C. Seaions
1531-1543; and California Aa of 1984, as amended, Califomia Fish and Game
Code, Sections 2050-2098.
Environmental Impart Report (EIR): A document prepared in accordance with
state law that contains detailed information about the effert which a proposed
projea is likely to have on the environment, lists ways in which the significant
effects of such a projea might be minimized, and indicates alternatives to the
projea. m
Environmentally Sensitive Lands: In Carlsbad, open space lands which are P
constrained or prohibited from development, including beaches, lagoons, other m
permanent water bodies, riparian habitats, steep slopes, and land with' other
significant environmental features determined by the environmental review m
process for a projea.
mm
Exclusive Agriculture: In Carlsbad, a zoning classification that provides for such
uses as agriculture which are customarily conduaed in areas which are not yet
appropriate for urban development. P
Exclusive Agriculture with Qualified Overlay: In Carlsbad, a zoning *
classification that supplements agricultural zoning by providing additional M
regulations for development within a designated area.
Extinrt: No longer in existence; no longer living.
P
Final 6-95 P
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Glossary
Growth Management Plan/Program: In Carlsbad, a comprehensive approach
to land use planning now and in the future that links residential, commercial,
and industrial development direaly to the availability of public services and
facilities, sets limits on the total number of housing units to be built, and
increases the total amount of open space to be preserved in the City.
Growth Management Zone: In Carlsbad, a geographically-defined area in the
City for which a plan for public services and facilities is required before
development can occur. Under the City's Growth Management Plan, there are
25 such zones in the City.
Habitat: The combination of environmental conditions of a specific place
occupied by a species or a population of such species.
Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP): An implementable program for the long-
term proteaion and benefit of a species in a defined area; required as part of a
Seaion 10(a) permit application under the federal Endangered Species Aa.
Habitat Management Plan (HMP): Here, a conservation plan being prepared by
the City of Carlsbad as a component of the General Plan to preserve sensitive
and other significant biological resources within the City's boundaries.
Harass: A form of take under the federal Endangered Species Aa; defined in
federal regulations as an intentional or negligent aa or omission which creates
the likelihood of injury to wildlife by annoying it to such an extent as to
significantly disrupt normal behavioral patterns which include, but are not
limited to, breeding, feeding or sheltering (50 CFR 17.3).
Harm: A form of take under the federal Endangered Species Aa; defined in
federal regulations as an aa which aaually kills or injures wildlife. Such acts
may include significant habitat modification or degradation where it aaually
kills or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns,
including breeding, feeding, or sheltering (50 CFR 17.3).
High Density: tn Carlsbad, a classification for residential development
charaaerized by two and three-story condominiums or apartments, 15 to 23
du/ac. The City's GMP sets a 19 du/ac control point on such residential
development.
Historic Habitat: Areas that have supported a species in the past and may or
may not continue to do so.
Historic Range: The maximum past or present distribution of a species or
subspecies.
Home Range: The area to which the aaivities of an animal are confined during
a defined period of time.
Incidental Take: The taking of a federally listed wildlife species, if such taking
is incidental to and not the purpose of carrying out otherwise lawful aaivities.
Lead Agency: The public agency which has the principal responsibility for
carrying out or approving a projea.
Final 6-95 105
<^los^^n^ Car/sbad-f LCA HCP/OMSP ^
Limited Control: In Carlsbad, an interim zoning classification for areas where
planning for future land uses has not been completed or plans for development
have not been formalized.
Low Density: In Carlsbad, a classification for rural, residential, or agricultural •*
development that is charaaerized by single family dwellings on parcels one-half
acre of larger, or cluster-type and innovative housing development at an overall
density not to exceed 1.5 du/ac. The City's GMP sets 1 du/ac as the control ^
point for such development.
mm
Low-Medium Density: In Carlsbad, a classification for residential areas usually
charaaerized by single family homes and planned residential development. A
variety of overall housing types may be allowed as long as the overall density
does not exceed 4 du/ac. The City's GMP sets 3.2 du/ac as the control point for *
such development. «•
Master Plan: In Carlsbad, a plan that supplements and provides more detail to ^
the General Plan and Land Use Element as it applies to a large piece of land in
the City.
Medium Density: In Carlsbad, a classification for urban residential
development typically charaaerized by small lot single-family homes or
townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, and low density apartment developments, 4 to _
8 du/ac. The City's GMP sets 6 du/ac as the control point for such ^
development. Mb
Medium-High Density: In Carlsbad, a classification for residential development *
charaaerized by one and two-story condominiums or apartments, 8 to 15 m
.du/ac. The City's GMP sets 11.5 du/ac as the control point for such
development. pp
Mitigation: Measures undertaken to diminish or compensate for the negative "*
impacts of a projea or aaivity on the environment, including: (a) avoiding the ^
impaa altogether by not taking a certain aaion or parts of an aaion; (b)
minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the aaion and its "*
implementation; (c) reaifying the impaa by repairing, rehabilitating, or
restoring the affeaed environment; (d) reducing or eliminating the impaa over "*
time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the aaion; m
or (e) compensating for the impart by replacing or providing substitute
resources or environments. wm
Monitoring: In the context of this plan and as per CEQA requirements for "*
certified EIRs and mitigated negative declarations, the process of colleaing i-
information to document the implementation and evaluate the efficacy of
approved mitigation measures. *•
Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP): Here, a wildlife species and
habitat conservation program initiated by the members of the North County
Wildlife Forum.
Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP): Here, a wildlife species and
habitat conservation program initiated by the City of San Diego in conneaion
with its Clean Water Program.
Final 6-95
m
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Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Clossary m
1^
Natural Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP): A habitat conservation
* program instituted by the State of California in 1992 to encourage the
preservation of natural communities before the species within those
^ communities are threatened with extinrtion.
Negative Declaration: A document prepared in accordance with state law that
^ briefly describes the reasons that a proposed projea will not have a significant
effea on the environment and does not require the preparation of an
environmental document.
m
Ongoing Multi-Species Plan (OMSP): As defined in NCCP Process Guidelines,
a multiple species conservation program that was formally underway prior to
enactment of the NCCP program on January 1, 1992, and that substantively
^ meets the same goals and objeaives of plan prepared under the NCCP
tti Guidelines.
^ open Space: Land on which no struaural improvements are permitted.
Plan Area: Here, Fieldstone's Northwest, Rancheros, and Southeast II properties
wm in the City of Carlsbad, together with MAG properties within the Rancho Santa
Fe Road projea area.
IM
Planned Community: In Carlsbad, a zoning classification that designates large
^ ttacts of land for a combination of residential densities and development
lm controlled by a Master Plan.
" Planned Development: In Carlsbad, a contained development, often with a
^ mixture of housing types and densities, in which the subdivision and zoning
controls are applied to the projea as a whole rather than to individual lots as in
most subdivisions. Therefore, densities are calculated for the entire
development, usually permitting a trade-off between clustering of houses and
provision of common open space.
Population: A colleaion of individuals that share a common gene pool.
tm
Population Density: Number of individuals of a species per unit of area.
m
^ Public Facilities: Uses or struaure that provide services to the public, such as a
library. City hall, fire station, police station, park, traffic signal, or major street.
IP. Within the Carlsbad Growth Management Plan, public facilities are defined to
include city administration, library, wastewater treatment, parks, drainage,
• circulation, fire, open space, schools, sewer colleaion, and water distribution.
^ Rare Species: A species of plant or animal which had limited numbers and/or
distribution.
^ Recovery Plan: A plan to ensure the conservation and survival of endangered
^ and threatened species. Recovery plans give priority, to the extent feasible, to
those endangered or threatened species that are or may be in confiia with
^ construaion or other development projects or other forms of economic aaivity.
^ Resource Management Plan (RMP): Here, an open space conservation plan
being prepared by the City of Carlsbad as a component of its General Plan to
provide and protea open spaces for different uses within the City.
^ Final 6-95 107
<^'os^ry ' Carysbad-f tCA HCP/OMSP
Right-of-way: An area of land which has been dedicated for public use for
transportation purposes (i.e., a street, freeway or railroad).
Sertion 7: A sertion of the federal Endangered Species Aa that provides for
consultation between federal agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to
ensure that any aaion authorized, funded, or carried out by such agencies is not
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened
species or result in the destruaion or adverse modification of critical habitat on
such species.
Sertion 9: A sertion of the federal Endangered Species Art that prohibits
"taking" of threatened and endangered species.
Sertion 10(a): A sertion of the federal Endangered Species Aa that allows for
incidental takings of a threatened or endangered species through permits issued
for scientific purposes and for otherwise lawful aaivities.
Sensitive Species: Species which are rare, which have preternaturally small or
declining populations, or whose probably for long-term survival is in question.
Serai Stage: A step in the praaically continuous replacement of one plant
community by another (succession) as an ecological site passes from a pioneer
stage through intermediate to the climax stage of a vegetation type.
Recognizable stages, or seres, occur in the development of a climax vegetation
as it arises, grows, matures, and dies. The stages of progression from
colonization of bare land to formation of stabilized habitat are called early serai,
mid-seral, late serai, and potential natural community (climax).
Species: Groups of interbredding natural populations that are reproduaively
isolated from other such groups.
Territory: The area that an animal defends, usually during breeding season,
against intruders of its own species.
Final 6-95
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m Species of Concem: In this plan, the listed and sensitive species that are known
to or are likely to occur within the plan area. Also usually synonymous with
"sensitive species" if used to distinguish listed species from other species. ^
m Take: To harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or
collea a listed species, or attempt to do so. m
m
Threatened Species: Any species or subspecies that is likely to become an
endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant
portion of its range. P
Viability: The ability of a population to persist. The converse of vulnerability or
the propensity of a population to go extinrt. m
m Zoning: A legal device used by local governments to control development
density and ensure that land uses are properly situated in relation to one m
another. *
ii
Car/sbad^iCA HCP/OMSP HCP Facilitation Team
HCP Facilitation Team
The following persons were members of or advisors to the HCP
Facilitation Team that guided initial development of the
HCP/OMSP in 1991-93:
Rick Alexander*
Jonathan Atwood
Doug Avis*
John Barone
Glenn Black*
Jean Carr*
Mary Lynn Coffee
Diana Coombs*
Michael Evans
Paul Fromer*
Brooks Harper*
Philip Hinshaw*
Bill Hofman
Michael Holzmiller*
Barry Jones*
Lisa King
Lindell Marsh*
Michael McCollum
Michael McLaughlin'
Jeff Opdycke*
Carrie Phillips*
Don Rideout*
Seth Schulberg*
Ed Sauls*
Dan Silver*
Terri Stewart*
Bill Toone*
The Rick Alexander Company
Manomet Bird Observatory
Fieldstone/La Costa Associates
Fieldstone/La Costa Associates
California Department of Fish and Game
Carr Consulting
(formerly) Siemon, Larsen & Marsh
San Dieguito River Valley Joint Powers Authority
Biological Consultant
Regional Environmental Consultants
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
A.D. Hinshaw and Associates
Hofman Planning Associates
Carlsbad Planning Dirertor
Sweetwater Environmental Biologists Inc.
Hofman Planning Associates
Siemon, Larsen & Marsh
McCollum Associates
San Diego Association of Governments
(formerly) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Carlsbad Community Development Department
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation
The Sauls Company
Endangered Habitats League
California Department of Fish and Game
San Diego Zoological Society
m
* Member of the HCP Facilitation team
Final 6-95 109
HCP Facilitation Team Carlsbad-Fieldstone HCP/OMSP
Other persons who participated in the initial planning process
include:
Heidi Coates Audubon Society
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Deborah Croft-Kornheiser Silldorf, Burdman, Duigan & Eisenberg PI*'
Claire Dedrick Consulant wm
Lewis Feldman Cox, Castle & Nicholson
"Teen" Flores Brighton Homes
Douglas Ford Douglas Ford and Associates
John Foreman The Development Planning & Finance Group
Joe Gallagher Leisure Technologies mm
Marc Gerber CunninghanvBaristic
Dale deed Bren Company wm
Kevin Hampton Lincoln Property Company mm
L. Ski Harrison Rutan and Tucker
Dave Hogan San Diego Biodiversity Projert wm
Doug Jensen Vista Santa Fe and Broadmoor Homes
Robert Kennedy Jack Henthom & Associates
Mark Krai Vistar Financial, Inc. wm
Bob Ladwig Ladwig Design
Fred Morey MAG Properties
Neal Pederson Baywood Development Group
Brian Rice Rice Enterprises m
Mike Ryan .lit
Bernie Scaparro Unocal Corporation
P. Jerold Walsh Cox, Castle & Nicholson m
John Weigand Weigand Properties
Harold Weigand Weigand Properties
John Yeager Pettis, Tester, Kruse & Krinsky wm
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no Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Plan Preparers
Plan Preparers
The following persons contributed to the preparation of the
March 1993 and/or March 1994 versions of the HCP/OMSP.
City of Carlsbad Staff and Consultants
Michael Holzmiller
Don Rideout
Rick Alexander
Jean Carr
Paul Fromer
Gina Shultz
Philip Hinshaw
City of Carlsbad Planning Department
City of Carlsbad Community Development
The Rick Alexander Company
Carr Consulting
Regional Environmental Consultants
Regional Environmental Consultants
A.D. Hinshaw & Associates
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Fieldstone/La Costa Staff and Consultants
John Barone
Doug Avis
Barry Jones
Chris Lindsay
Ed Reichenberg
Ed Sauls
Lindell Marsh
Mary Lynn Coffee
Michael McCollum
Bill Hofman
Lisa King
Dan King
Greg Hagen
Fieldstone/La Costa Associates
Fieldstone/La Costa Associates
Sweetwater Environmental Biologists, Inc.
Sweetwater Environmental Biologists, Inc.
Sweetwater Environmental Biologists, Inc. (mapping)
The Sauls Company
Siemon, Larsen & Marsh
(formerly) Siemon, Larsen & Marsh
McCollum Associates
Hofman Planning Associates
Hofman Planning Associates
Hofman Planning Associates
Hofman Planning Associates
Final 6-95 111
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix A
Appendix A
Regulatory Framework
of the HCP/OMSP
A. Federal Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Laws A-3
1. Federal Endangered Species Act A-3
a. Section 4 A-4
b. Section 9 A-4
c. Section 10(a) A-5
d. Section 7 A-7
e. Section 6 A-7
f. Special 4(d) Rule for the Coastal Califomia Gnatcatcher A-8
2. Migratory Bird Treaty Act A-9
3. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act A-9
4. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act A-10
B. California Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Laws A-12
1. California Endangered Species Act A-12
a. Sections 2070-2079 A-12
b. Section 2080 A-12
c. Sections 2081 and 2053 A-13
d. Sections 2090-2097 A-13
2. Native Plant Protection Act A-15
3. Natural Community Conservation Planning Act. A-15
a. Purpose and Focus A-15
b. Process Guidelines for NCCPs and OMSPs A-16
c. Coastal Sage Scrub Conservation Guidelines A-19
4. Streambed Alteration Laws A-20
C. Federal and State Environmental Documentation Requirements A-21
1. National Environmental Policy Act A-21
2. California Environmental Quality Act A-21
Final 6-95 A-1
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix A
Regulatory Framework
of the HCP/OMSP
The regulatory framework of the HCP/OMSP consists primarily of federal and
state laws and regulations that pertain to the plan's funrtions as a Habitat
Conservation Plan (HCP) for federally listed species, a Natural Community
Conservation Plan (NCCP) equivalent, and as a menu of conservation and
mitigation measures for individual projects. This appendix discusses the
pertinent laws and regulations under three headings:
• Federal wildlife and habitat conservation laws,
• California wildlife and habitat conservation laws, and
• Federal and state environmental documentation requirements.
A. Federal Wildlife and Habitat
Conservation Laws
The federal wildlife and habitat conservation laws that pertain to the
HCP/OMSP include the federal Endangered Species Aa (ESA), Migratory Bird
Treaty Aa (MBTA), Fish and Wildlife Coordination Aa, and Seaion 404 of the
Clean Water Aa.
1. Federal Endangered Species Act
Five seaions of the federal ESA are relevant to the preparation, approval, and
implementation of the HCP/OMSP:
• Seaion 4, which covers the listing process, designation of critical habitat,
issuance of special rules for the proteaion of threatened species, and
preparation of recovery plans;
• Seaion 9, which prohibits the import, export, take, possession, transport,
receipt, or sale of listed species;
• Seaion 10(a), which authorizes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
to issue permits for incidental take of listed species and to approve HCPs
for listed and/or unlisted species;
• Seaion 7, which requires all federal agencies to consult with USFWS
regarding aaions that would affea a listed species, includes provisions for
conferences with USFWS regarding impacts to species proposed for federal
listing, and allows for the authorization of incidental take resulting from
federal aaions; and
• Seaion 6, which authorizes cooperative agreements between USFWS and
states and includes provisions for the conservation of federally listed plants.
Final 6-95 A-3
^"^""^ ' Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
a. Section 4
Section A of the federal ESA stipulates that a species may be determined to be
endangered or threatened based on any one of five faaors:
1. Present or threatened destruaion, modification, or curtailment of its habitat
or range;
2. Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational
purposes;
3. Disease or predation;
4. The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; and
5. Other natural or manmade faaors afferting its continued existence.
A-4
b. Section 9
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Sertion 4 further stipulates the steps by which species may be proposed for
listing and the time-frame in which decisions must be made. It also requires
that critical habitat for the species be designated concurrently with the decision
to list the species and that a plan for the conservation and survival of the species
(recovery plan) be prepared and implemented. Sertion 4 also provides for the
issuance of special regulations for the protertion of federally-listed threatened _
species in any State that has entered into a cooperative agreement with USFWS
pursuant to Sertion 6 of the ESA. «•
The HCP/OMSP anticipates the future federal listing of species known or *
experted to occur in the plan area and encompasses habitat currently occupied 'm
by one federally-listed species, the threatened coastal California gnatcatcher.
USFWS has not designated critical habitat or initiated preparation of ecovery
plan for the gnatcatcher but has adopted a special rule for the species (see "f."
below).
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m
Sertion 9 of the federal ESA prohibits the taking of species listed by USFWS as
threatened or endangered. As defined in the ESA, "taking" means "to harass, *
harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collert or to attempt to *
engage in such condurt." "Harass" and "harm" are further defined in federal
regulations and case law as follows:
"Harass" means an intentional or negligent art or omission which creates
the likelihood of injuring wildlife by annoying it to such an extent as to fr
significantly disrupt normal behavioral patterns which include, but are not 1
limited to, breeding, feeding or sheltering (50 CFR 17.3).
"Harm" means an art which artually kills or injures wildlife. Such acts may J
include significant habitat modification or degradation where it aaually kills *
or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns,
including breeding, feeding, or sheltering (50 CFR 17.3). ' W
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Final 6-95 W
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Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix A
«
With respea to endangered plants, the ESA makes It unlawful to:
1. Remove and reduce to possession any such species from areas under
federal jurisdiaion;
2. Maliciously damage or destroy any such species on such areas; or
3. Remove, cut, dig up, or damage or destroy any such species on any other
area in knowing violation of any law or regulation in any state or in the
course of any violation of a state criminal trespass law.
ESA proteaion for threatened plants is substantially the same as that given to
endangered plants, except that the seeds of threatened plants may be cultivated.
Within the area covered by the HCP/OMSP, Seaion 9 prohibitions on take
currently apply to only to one observed wildlife species (the gnatcatcher); no
currently listed plants have been observed to date in the plan area.
c. Section 10(a)
In recognition that take cannot always be avoided, Seaion 10(a) of the ESA
includes provisions for takings that are incidental to, but not the purpose of,
othenrtrise lawful aaivities. Similar provisions also are found in Seaion 7 for
aaions by federal agencies.
Under Seaion 10(a)(1)(B), USFWS (via powers delegated by the Secretary of the
Interior) is authorized to approve "incidental take" permits provided that the
applicant has met certain conditions. As described in the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) and draft conservation planning guidelines prepared by
USFWS, the application for such permits must be submitted on a specific form
and must be accompanied by an HCP that contains the following information:
1. The impaa that will likely result frpm the proposed taking of the species;
2. Steps the applicant will take to monitor, minimize, and mitigate such
impacts;
3. The level and source of funding available to implement such steps;
4. Procedures that will be used to deal with unforeseen circumstances;
5. The names of the responsible party or parties;
6. Alternatives to the taking and the reasons why they were not pursued; and
7. Other measures that may be required by USFWS as necessary or
appropriate.
The application is submitted to the Regional Dirertor of USFWS who, after a
public comment period, must issue the permit if it is found that:
1. The taking will be incidental to an otherwise lawful aaivity;
Final 6-95 A-5
Appendix A Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
2. The applicant will, to the maximum extent praaicable, minimize and
mitigate the impacts of the taking;
3. The applicant will ensure that adequate funding for the conservation plan *"
and procedures to deal with unforeseen circumstances will be provided; m
4. The taking will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival and »
recovery of the species in the wild;
5. The applicant will ensure that other measures (if any) that USFWS may
require as being necessary or appropriate will be met; and
6. USFWS is assured that the conservation plan will be implemented
(USFWS'Ss praaice has been to require an "implementing agreement"
signed by the permittee and USFWS in which the aaions identified in the
HCP are presented in the form of a legal contraa.)
Prior to making the decision, USFWS must condurt an internal consultation in
accordance with Sertion 7 of the ESA. USFWS also must comply with the
environmental review requirements of the National Environmental Policy Art
(NEPA), which requires that the potential effects of a major aaion be analyzed
in a written statement.
Although phrased in terms of criteria for issuance of incidental take permits,
Seaion 10(a)(1)(B) also was intended by Congress to authorize USFWS'Ss
approval of HCPs for unlisted as well as listed species. Moreover, if the HCP
treats unlisted species as if they were already listed, additional mitigation would
not be required within the area covered by the HCP upon the listing of that
species. As stated by the House Conference Committee when Sertion
10(a)(1)(B) was added to the ESA in 1982:
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The committee intends that the Secretary [of the Interior] may utilize this
provision to approve conservation plans which provide long-term
commitments regarding the conservation of listed as well as unlisted species
and long-term assurances to the proponent of *he conservation plan that the ^
terms of the plan will be adhered to and that further mitigation
requirements will only be imposed in accordance with the terms of the •
plan. In the event that an unlisted species addressed in an approved ^
conservation plan is subsequently listed pursuant to the Art, no further
mitigation requirements should be imposed if the conservation plan mt
addressed the conservation of the species and its habitat as if the species ^
were listed pursuant to the Art. (House of Representatives Conference
Report No. 97-835, 97th Congress, 2d Session, p. 30).
Consistent with Congress' intent, the HCP/OMSP addresses the needs of listed *
and currently unlisted species of concern in the plan. It also presents the type of
information and analysis required for USFWS to consider authorization for take II
for each species of concern. ^
A-6 Final 6-95 »
Car/sfaad^FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix A
rf. Section 7
Sertion 7 of the ESA requires all federal agencies to consult with USFWS on
artions involving listed species, requires USFWS to condurt internal
*• consultations regarding the effects of its own artions on such species, and
includes provisions for conferences with USFWS regarding impacts to species
proposed for federal listing. It also requires USFWS to use its program to further
^ the objertives of the ESA.
*• A Sertion 7 consultation begins with a biological assessment that examines the
potential effects of the artion on the species in question and concludes with a
* written statement by USFWS stating whether the aaion would jeopardize a
listed or proposed species or adversely affea critical habitat. If USFWS finds
that the species would not be jeopardized, the written statement includes
«• authorization for incidental take. A Seaion 7 conference is conduaed in much
the same way as a consultation but written findings are not always prepared.
^ With respea to the HCP/OMSP, USFWS must condua an internal consultation
regarding the potential effects of plan approval on any federally listed species,
*• designated or proposed critical habitat, and any adopted recovery plans for
^ federally listed species; USFWS also will consider potential effects on species
currently proposed for federal listing.
*•
e. Section 6 m Seaion 6 of the ESA authorizes USFWS to enter into cooperative agreements ^ with States, such as the agreement between USFWS and CDFG regarding the NCCP program for coastal sage scrub. In addition, Seaion 6(c)(2) deals explicitly with conservation programs for listed plants; as stated in the ESA: m ^ In order for a State program to be deemed an adequate and aaive program ... the Secretary must find, and annually thereafter reconfirm such finding, IM that under the State program —
m.
m
(A) Authority resides in the State agency to conserve resident species of
plants detennined by the State agency or the Secretary to be endangered or
threatened;
(B) the State agency has established acceptable conservation programs,
consistent with the purposes and policies of this [ESA], for all resident
species of plants in the State which are deemed by the Secretary to be
endangered or threatened, and has furnished a copy of such plan and
* program, together with all pertinent details, infonnation, and date requested
to the Secretary;
(Q the State agency is authorized to condua investigations to determine
the status and requirements for survival of resident species of plants; and
(D) provision is made for public participation in designating resident species
of plants as endangered or threatened ...
Such a program has been authorized in California based on the state ESA; the
Native Plant Proteaion Art, and California Native Desert Plants Aa.
Final 6-95 A-7
^ CaWsbad^f iCA HCP/OMSP
A-8
The plant conservation program proposed in the HCP/OMSP is based on the
assumption that the authorized state program in California provides mechanisms
for approving take of federally as well as state listed plants.
/. Special Rule
for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher
m
The special 4(d) rule for the gnatcatcher was proposed in March 1993 and, m
following an extended public review period, was adopted in December 1993.
As published in the Federal Register on December 10, 1993, the final rule reads
as follows: m
(1) Except as noted in paragraphs (b)(2) and (3) of this seaion, all
prohibitions of §17.31 (a) and (b) shall apply to the coastal California
gnatcatcher. *
(2) Incidental take of the coastal California gnatcatcher will not be *
considered a violation of seaion 9 of the Endangered Species Aa of 1973,
as amended (Act), If it results from artivities condurted pursuant to the State
of California's Natural Community Conservation Planning Aa of 1991 •»
(NCCP), and in accordance with a NCCP plan for the proteaion of coastal .j^
sage scrub habitat, prepared consistent with the State's NCCP Process
Guidelines, provided that: ^
(i) The NCCP plan has been prepared, approved, and implemented **
pursuant to California Fish and Game Code seaions 2800-2840-
and .
MM
(ii) The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has issued written
concurrence that the Natural Community Conservation Plan meets
the standards set forth in SO CFR 17.32(b)(2). The Service shall ^
issue its concurrence pursuant to the provisions of the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated December 4, 1991, mm
between the California Department of Fish and Game and the
Service regarding coastal sage scrub natural community *
conservation planning in southern Califomia The Service shall
monitor the implementation of the NCCP plan and may revoke its **
concurrence under this paragraph (b)(2)(ii) if the NCCP plan, as
implemented, fails to adhere to the standards set forth in 50 CFR
17.32(b)(2).
(3) During the period that a NCCP plan referred to in paragraph (b)(2) of **
this seaion is being prepared, incidental take of the coastal California •
gnatcatcher will not be a violation of seaion 9 of the Aa if such take occurs ^
within an area under the jurisdiaion of a local government agency that is
enrolled and aaively engaged in the preparation of such a plan and such
results from aaivities conduaed in accordance with the NCCP *
Conservation Guidelines and Process Guidelines. *
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Final 6-95 tP
IB
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix A
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—
(4) The Service will monitor the implementation of the NCCP Conservation
^ and Process Guidelines as a whole, and will condua a review every 6
months to determine whether the guidelines, as implemented, are effeaive
*^ in progressing toward or meeting regional and subregional conservation
*• goals during the interim planning period. If the Service determines that the
guidelines are not effeaing adequate progress toward or meeting regional
and subregional conservation objeaives, the Service with consult with the
^ California Department of Fish and Game pursuant to the MOU to seek
appropriate modification of the guidelines or their application as guidelines
as defined herein. If appropriate modification of the guidelines or their
application as defined therein does not occur, the Service shall revoke the
interim take provisions of this special rule on a subregional or subarea basis.
The Service will publish findings for revocation in the Federal Register and
provide for a 30-day public comment period prior to the effeaive date for
m revoking the provisions of the special rule in a particular area. Revocation
would result in the reinstatement of the take prohibitions set forth under 50
CFR 17.31(a) and (b) in the affeaed NCCP area.
The HCP/OMSP is intended to fulfill 4(d) rule requirements as an OMSP that is
m* an NCCP-equivalent. With USFWS'Ss concurrence that the plan meets NCCP
Guidelines, which in turn requires USFWS'S concurrence that the plan as an
** OMSP meets Seaion 10(a) criteria, take of gnatcatchers would be allowed in the
plan area.
*• 2. Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The MBTA makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, capture, kill, or possess or attempt
to do the same to any migratory bird or part, nest, or egg of such bird listed in
wildlife proteaion treaties between the United States and Great Britain, United
**" Mexican States, Japan, and the Union of Soviet States. As with the federal ESA,
the aa also authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue permits for take. The
procedures for securing such permits are found in Title 50 of the CFR, together
with a list of the migratory birds covered by the aa.
The HCP/OMSP is designed to ensure compliance with the MBTA by avoiding
direa harm to bird species of concem covered by the aa.
3. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Art authorizes the Secretary of the Interior
to:
1. Provide assistance to and cooperate with federal, state, and public or
private agencies and organizations:
(a) in the development, proteaion, rearing, and stocking of all species of
wildlife, resources thereof, and their habitat,
(b) in controlling losses of the same from disease or other causes,
(c) in minimizing damages from overabundant species.
Final 6-95 A-9
Appendix A Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
id) in providing public shooting and fishing areas, including easements
across public lands for access thereto, and ^
(e) in carrying out other measures necessary to effeauate the purposes of ^
said seaions; m
2. Make surveys and investigations of the wildlife of the public domain, •»
including lands and waters or interests therein acquired or controlled by ^
any agency of the United States; and
3. Accept donations of land and contributions of funds in furtherance of the ^
purposes of said seaions. *•
The Aa's stated purpose is to:
1. Recognize the contribution of the wildlife resources to the nation, the
increasing public interest and significance thereof due to the expansion of *
the national economy and other faaors; and
2. Provide that wildlife conservation receive equal consideration and be
coordinated with other features of water-resource development programs.
Specifically, the aa requires that, except for water impoundment projects less
than 10 acres in size and federal projects on federal lands, all federal agencies
must consult with USFWS and the head of the state wildlife agency with
jurisdiaion over the projea area with a view to preventing loss of and damage
to and providing for the development and improvement of wildlife resources.
The reports and recommendations from such consultations must be included in
any documents prepared as part of the approval process for the projea and must
be considered prior to approval being given. The aa further authorizes federal
agencies responsible for the construaion or operation of water<ontrol facilities
to modify or add to the struaures and operations of such facilities and acquire
lands in order to accommodate the wildlife conservation measures.
The HCP/OMSP assumes that the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Aa authorizes
USFWS'Ss aaive participation in the implementation of the plan, together with
the Conference Report on Seaion 10(a), expresses the intent of the federal *
government to support the conservation of habitats for non-listed as well as m
listed species.
WWk
4. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
Seaion 404 of the Clean Water Aa, which is administered by the U.S. Army "*
Corps of Engineers (COE), regulates the discharge of dredged and/or fill material m
into the waters of the United States. The term "waters of the United States"
generally defines COE's jurisdiaion and is defined at 33 CFR Part 328 as:
1. All navigable waters (including waters subjert to the ebb and flow of the *
tide);
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2. All interstate waters and wetlands;
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A-10 Final 6-95 P
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Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix A
3. All other waters such as intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (including
intemiittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie
potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds, the use, degradation
or destruaion of which could affea interstate or foreign commerce;
4. All impoundments of waters mentioned above;
5. All tributaries to waters mentioned above;
6. The territorial seas; and
7. All wetlands adjacent to waters mentioned above.
Wetlands are further defined at 33 CFR 328.3(b) as:
those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a
frequency and duration sufficient to support ... a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.
The vegetation, soils, and hydrology of a wetland is further charaaerized in the
manual used by COE as normally meeting the following three criteria:
• More than 50 percent of the dominant plant species at the site must be
typical of wetlands (i.e., rated as facultative or wetter in the National List of
Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands);
• Soils must exhibit physical and/or chemical charaaeristies indicative of
permanent or periodic saturation (e.g., a gleyed color, or mottled with a
matrix of low chroma indicating a relatively consistent fluauation between
aerobic and anaerobic conditions); and
• Hydrologic chararteristies must indicate that the ground is saturated to
within 12 inches of the surface for at least five percent of the growing
season during a normal rainfall year.
Certain aaivities in wetlands or waters of the United States are automatically
authorized by COE or granted a nationwide permit, provided they meet specific
conditions. All impacts of 10 acres or more and aggregate wetland impacts
greater than 1 acre require an individual permit. The permitting process entails
consultation with federal agencies, public notice, and preparation of a projert
alternatives analysis in accordance with guidelines issued by the U.S.
Environmental Protertion Agency (EPA). EPA's guidelines are used as the
primary environmental criteria for evaluating the necessity of the proposed
aaivity and for determining the least damaging feasible alternative appropriate
mitigation for unavoidable impacts. In accordance with the provisions of
Seaion 404, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Aa, and, if federally listed species
are present, Seaion 7 of the ESA, COE also is required to consult with USFWS
prior to aaing on a permit.
The HCP/OMSP provides a framework to coordinate the proteaion of wetland
habitats and the mitigation for authorized impacts to such habitats within the
plan area. However, the HCP/OMSP is not being submitted for approval as part
of an application for a nationwide or individual permit or other form of 404
authorization from COE for projects or aaivities in the plan area.
Final 6-95 A-11
m
Appendix A Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
B. California Wildlife and Habitat
Conservation Laws
State conservation taws that most direaly pertain to the HCP/OMSP include the
California ESA, Native Plant Proteaion Aa, NCCP Aa, and streambed alteration
laws.
1, California Endangered Species Act
The California ESA is part of the Fish and Game Code. Key seaions that pertain
to the HCP/OMSP include:
• Seaions 2070-2079, which cover the state listing process;
4b
Seaion 2080, which prohibits the taking, importation, or sale of state
listed species; *•
Seaions 2081 and 2053, which authorize California Department of Fish **
and Game (CDFG) to allow take that is for scientific, educational, or m
management purposes through memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and
specify state policy regarding projects with impacts to listed species; and »
• Sections 2090-2097, which cover the state consultation process,
a. Sections 2070-2079
m
Seaions 2070-2079 of the California ESA specify the process by which species
are proposed for listing as threatened or endangered or as candidates for such
listing. Unlike the federal law, however, the state law does not specify faaors
that could trigger a listing. Instead, state law requires the CDFG to recommend
and the Fish and Game Commission to adopt criteria for determining a species'
status.
m
The HCP/OMSP anticipates the future state listing of species known or expeaed
to occur in the plan area. It also should be emphasized the plan has been
prepared under the NCCP Aa, which is intended to preserve natural
communities in a way that will preclude the need to list certain species as
threatened or endangered.
b. Section 2080
Similar to Seaion 9 of the federal ESA, Seaion 2080 of the state law prohibits
the import, export, take, possession, purchase, or sale of listed species unless
explicitly authorized by other provisions of the law. However, the state
restriaions on take differ from those under federal law in two key ways:
1. Take is defined simply as "to hunt, pursue, capture, or kill or attempt the
same;" the terms "harm" or "harass" are not used; and
'^•12 Final 6-95
• Carisbad^tCA HCP/OMSP Appendix A
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2. Take of species designated as candidates for state listing is prohibited for
the one-year period during which the final listing decision is made (federal
law does not prohibit the taking of species proposed for federal listing).
«M In the HCP/OMSP, where state and federal definitions of take differ, the more
restriaive of the two has been applied.
c. Sections 2081 and 2053
Seaion 2081 authorizes CDFG to enter into management agreements with
"individuals, public agencies, universities, zoological gardens, and scientific or
* educational institutions, to import, export, take or possess species for scientific,
^ educational or management purposes." In general, a 2081 management
agreement is similar to an implementing agreement for a 10(a) permit in that it is
a legal contraa with CDFG regarding implementation of conservation and
mitigation measures. The agreement typically is prepared in which the parties
seeking the authorization for take provide CDFG with the same information
tw required for consultation under Seaions 2090-2097 (see below). The state ESA,
however, does not specify the contents of or approval criteria for such
agreements other than the requirement that the agreements can be approved
^ only if they comply with Seaion 2053.
»m Seaion 2053 stipulates that:
*• ... it is the policy of the state that state agencies should not approve
, projects as proposed which would jeopardize the continued existence of
any endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruaion or
adverse modification of habitat essential to the continued existence of those
species, if there are reasonable and prudent alternatives available consistent
with conserving the species or its habitats which would prevent jeopardy.
Furthemiore, it is the policy of the state and the intent of the Legislature that
M reasonable and prudent alternatives shall be developed by the department,
together with the projea proponent, and the state lead agency, consistent
with conserving the species, while at the same time maintaining the projea
purpose to the greatest extent possible.
•« If the species also is federally listed, CDFG's praaice has been to accept an
HCP prepared for a federal 10(a) permit as the basis for the management
agreement if it contains information that is sufficient for purposes of Seaion
1^ 2081 and 2053. Following review by both CDFG and the State Legal Advisors
Office, the agreement is signed by the Direaor of CDFG.
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Consistent with NCCP Guidelines for OMSPs, the HCP/OMSP is intended to
*• meet the requirements of a 2081 management agreement for the species of
concern.
^ d. Sections 2090-2097
Seaions 2090-2097 of the state ESA require state lead agencies to consult with
m CDFG on projects with potential impacts on state-listed species and incorporate
by reference Seaion 21104.2 of CEQA. (CEQA requires state lead agencies to
consult with and obtain written findings from CDFG when preparing an
F;na/6-95 A-13
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Appendix A Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
environmental impaa report [EIR] for a projert that affects a state listed species.)
These seaions also require CDFG to coordinate consultations with USFWS for
aaions involving federally as well as state listed species, and whenever
possible, to adopt the federal biological opinion as its findings in such *
consultations. ^.
To make its written findings on projects involving listed species, CDFG requires
that the following information be presented:
<«»
1. A full description of the projea area and projea impaa area, including j,*
maps.
2. Known and potential distribution of endangered and threatened species in
the projea area and projea impaa area, based on recent field surveys ^
conduaed in compliance with Fish and Game guidelines. n*
3. Additional information on the species' distribution and habitat, based upon *
literature, scientific data review, and discussions with experts. ^
4. Analysis of possible effects of the proposed projea on listed species, m
including cumulative effects.
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5. Analysis of alternatives designed to reduce or eliminate impacts to
endangered and threatened species. **
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A specific format for the data is not stipulated, but the information must be
presented clearly. CDFG then applies the following questions to the projea: *
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1. Would a viable or recoverable population be eliminated, or would a
significant proportion of a population be adversely affeaed by the projea m
or the projea's effects?
2. Would the range of the species be significantly diminished by the projert? ^
3. Would habitat used by the species be reduced In quantity or quality by ^
either the immediate or future effects of the projert?
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4. Would a species' access to its habitat be reduced or rendered more ^
hazardous as a result of the projea?
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5. Would the projea adversely affea current or future efforts at providing
proteaion for the species?
6. Would plans for recovery or eventual delisting of the threatened or *
endangered species be adversely affeaed by the projea?
7. Would the projea interfere with reproduaive or other behavior of the "
endangered or threatened species? ^
8. Would the projea cause extinaion of the species?
To support a no jeopardy finding, the answers to all of the questions must be
no. A yes answer to any of the questions is considered the basis for an initial
assumption that a threatened or endangered species would be jeopardized.
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Car/sbad-f tCA HCP/OMSP Appendix A
Final determination of whether or not jeopardy would occur is based on the
degree to which the projea would increase the risk of extinaion, limit options
for immediate proteaion, or decrease the likelihood of future recovery.
For planning purposes, the questions posed in the 2090 consultation have been
used to scope potential impacts of the projects and aaivities covered by the
HCP/OMSP.
2. Native Plant Protection Act
The Native Plant Proteaion Aa includes measures to preserve, protea, and
enhance rare and endangered native plants. The definitions of "rare" and
"endangered" in the plant aa differ from those in the state ESA, but the list of
proterted native plants encompasses ESA candidate, threatened, and
endangered species. The plant art also includes its own restrirtions on take,
stating that "[n]o person shall import into this state, or take, possess, or sell
within this state" any rare or endangered native plant, except as provided in the
art. The exception is where a land owner has been notified of the presence of a
^ proterted plant by CDFG and is required to notify CDFG at least 10 days in
advance of changing land uses to allow CDFG an opportunity to salvage the
*• plants. Salvaging typically is planned and authorized in conneaion with
consultations triggered by Seaions 2090-2097 of the state ESA and Seaion
21104.2 of CEQA.
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In the HCP/OMSP, the Native Plant Proteaion Aa has been assumed to apply
#• to all state and federally listed plants and all candidates for such listing in the
^ plan area.
3. Natural Communities
Conservation Planning Act
The NCCP Aa was approved in 1991 and took effert January 1, 1992. In
^ general, the aa authorizes the preparation and approval of conservation plans
for communities of plants and wildlife, with Seaion 2835 explicitly providing
for the authorization of take of listed species covered by such plans. Currently,
the NCCP program is focused on the coastal sage scrub community in southern
Califomia, which includes a broad range of sensitive plant and wildlife species.
a. Purpose and Focus
to
The primary purpose of the NCCP program is to preserve local and regional
biological diversity, reconcile urban development and wildlife needs, and meet
the objeaives of the state and federal ESAs by conserving habitat before species
are on the brink of extinaion. As stated in the planning and conservation
guidelines prepared by CDFG and the Scientific Review Panel (SRP) appointed
as technical advisors, the NCCP process is designed to:
• Promote coordination and cooperation among public agencies,
landowners, and other private interests;
• Provide a mechanism whereby landowners and development proponents
can effeaively participate in the resource conservation process;
Final 6-95 A-15
Appendix A Car/sfaad-ftCA HCP/OMSP
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• Provide a regional planning focus which can effeaively address cumulative
impaa concerns, minimize habitat fragmentation, and promote multiple **
species management and conservation;
• Provide an option for identifying and ensuring appropriate mitigation for *»'
Impacts on fish and wildlife;
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• Promote the conservation of broad-based natural communities and species «
diversity; and
• Provide for efficient use and proteaion of natural and economic resources *
while promoting greater public awareness of important elements of the
state's critical resources.
As also stated in the guidelines, NCCPs are intended to: »
1. Protea sufficient coastal sage scrub habitat to ensure the long-term survival ^
of designated "target" species associated with the habitat; 0
2. Be based on biological data on the distribution, abundance, and habitat m
requirements of the designated target species; ^
3. Include habitat enhancement and proteaion measures for small as well as
large parcels of lands; and "
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4. Satisfy the requirements of the federal and state ESAs for any listed species.
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The "target" coastal sage scrub species recommended by the SRP include but II
are not limited to: the coastal California gnatcatcher, the caaus wren, and the
orange-throated whiptail. The SRP also has identified other sensitive species
associated with coastal sage scrub habitat and has prepared biological field
survey guidelines for use in the planning process.
The HCP/OMSP is intended to serve the above-stated purposes of an NCCP f
within the plan area. In addition, the NCCP list of target and sensitive species %
has been used in the identification of species of concern that should be covered
by the plan. H
6. Process Guidelines for NCCPs and OMSPs
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NCCP Process Guidelines developed in 1992 and 1993 were adopted by CDFG 0
in November 1993, concurrent with USFWS publication of the final special 4(d)
rule for gnatcatchers. In general, the Process Guidelines recommend that §§
conservation planning for coastal sage scrub communities be conduaed in a
series of ten to twenty subregions through a process that:
• Encourages maximum cooperation between landowners, local
governments, and conservation interests; and
• Allows local governments to adapt the NCCP process to their existing
administrative processes relating to plan preparation, public participation,
public hearing, and environmental review.
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^•"•^ Final 6-95
Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix A
The recommended planning process entails six steps:
1. Enrollment of local governments and landowners in the NCCP program;
2. Designation of NCCP subregional boundaries by local governments and
landowners who have enrolled in the NCCP program, with each subregion
of sufficient size and diversity to meet the guidelines set by the SRP and
CDFG;
3. Establishment of a coordinated process for the preparation, review, and
approval of each subregional NCCP, with the process specified in a
planning agreement signed by the participating local agencies, landowners,
CDFG, and USFWS;
4. Formulation of the conservation plan through a public planning process,
with opportunities for public participation that equal or exceed those
^ provided by existing ordinances, public notice and hearing requirements,
m and related laws;
•» 5. Preparation and approval of an implementing agreement that specifies all
^ terms and conditions of aaivities under the NCCP plan; and
^ 6. Preparation of appropriate CEQA and NEPA documentation for the aaions
to be taken on the plan, with the lead agency responsibilities and type of
documentation identified in the planning agreement.
** The guidelines do not specify a format for individual plans but require that the
iM following components be included:
— 1. Maps and text that clearly present: (a) the boundaries and extent of the
area included in the subregional NCCP; (b) existing coastal sage scrub
habitat within the subregion; (c) the distribution of target species
populations within the subregion and the presence of other sensitive
species; (d) quantitative and qualitative assessments of the coastal sage
W scrub habitat required by the designated target species; (e) proposed land
uses or other aaivities that would affea coastal sage scrub habitat.
mm 2. A habitat conservation and management component that includes: (a) a
range of habitat proteaion and management options that have been
*- evaluated for their effeaiveness; (b) criteria for habitat conservation and
^ mitigation that treat all of the target species as listed species; (c) policies for
habitat proteaion and management, including short-term and long-term
p« aaions to mitigate identified impacts; (d) evaluations of potential
alternatives to planned development or other aaivities that would result in
incidental take of target species; and (e) a recommended habitat
conservation plan.
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M 3. An implementation component that includes: (a) a phasing program
designed to assure the long-term proteaion of habitat and open space
corridors over time; (b) funding measures; (c) a mitigation monitoring
program that satisfies CEQA requirements and is adequate to measure the
effeaiveness of plan implementation; and (d) procedures to address the
« effects of unforeseen circumstances.
Final 6-95 A-17
Appendix A Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
The guidelines also recognize pre-existing conservation planning efforts as
NCCP equivalents, provided that four conditions are met.
1. The planning effort was funded and underway at the time that the NCCP ^
Aa became effeaive Oanuary 1, 1992), as documented by a memorandum
of understanding, an- agreement, a statutory exemption, or other formal
process. mt
2. The plan protects coastal sage scrub habitat and/or contains a mitigation
agreement approved by CDFG pursuant to a prior planning effort, and the ^
plan substantially achieves the objeaives of the NCCP Aa, meaning that
the plan provides assurance that coastal sage scrub habitat and named
species will be proteaed to a degree substantially equivalent to an NCCP
prepared under the guidelines. *
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3. CDFG approves the plan, and the plan meets Seaion 2081 requirements
for named species of concern. m
4. USFWS approves the plan, and it provides the equivalent of Seaion 10(a)
HCP requirements for the named species of concern.
Such efforts are termed "on-going multi-species plans" and may differ from *
subregional NCCPs in one or more of the following ways:
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1. The plan covers species and habitats in addition to those in the coastal m
sage scrub community;
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2. The boundaries of the planning area are different from, those for NCCP ^
subregions (but have been previously approved by CDFG and do not
significantly impair long-term opportunities for conserving coastal sage _
scrub region-wide);
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3. Survey methodologies differ from NCCP guidelines but have been
approved by CDFG; and ^
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4. Timing requirements differ from the target NCCP milestones.
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The HCP/OMSP qualifies as an OMSP under the Process Guidelines for the n
following reasons:
1. Preparation of the plan was funded and underway in 1991; *
2. The planning process was initiated in accordance with memoranda of
agreement with both USFWS and CDFG; • m
3. Coastal sage scrub habitat and its associated species are the primary focus of
the plan; VP
4. USFWS and CDFG have participated in the planning process, including
review of the survey methodologies and preserve design; -^^
5. The plan is designed to meet federal Seaion 10(a) and state Seaion 2081 *
requirements for the species of concern; and ^
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A-18 Final 6-95 m
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^ Car/sbad-FtCA HCP/OMSP Appendix A
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6. The plan is designed to help attain key conservation goals of two larger-
*" scale OMSPs enrolled in the NCCP program, the subregional North County
^ MHCP and subarea Carlsbad HMP.
^ c. Coastal Sage Scrub Conservation Guidelines
^ As part of the Process Guidelines, CDFG also adopted conservation guidelines
^ that focus on minimizing short-term losses of coastal sage scrub habitat while a
long-term enhancement and conservation program is being formulated. Under
this strategy, interim loss would be limited to 5 percent of the coastal sage scrub
^ habitat in any subregion. Implementation of the strategy would occur in the
following sequence:
1. In each subregion where an NCCP would be prepared, a planning body
*" would be established according to the approved NCCP Process
Guidelines.
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2. Working in consultation with USFWS and CDFG, the subregional planning
body would define the boundaries of the area to be included in the
subregional NCCP.
3. An inventory of coastal sage scrub habitat and species would be completed
jM for the subregion.
** 4. All natural lands within the subregion would be evaluated for their long-
term conservation based on the method described below.
5. The amount of coastal sage scrub within the subregion would be
calculated, verified by USFWS and CDFG, and used to compute the
^ allowable 5 percent interim loss.
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6. A central clearinghouse for data on habitat loss would be established
within the subregion, and that entity would advise the local land use
jurisdiaions, USFWS and CDFG regarding aaual and anticipated impacts
to coastal sage scrub within the subregion.
7. Interim mitigation requirements would be established for all development
of coastal sage scrub habitat, either through a subregional NCCP planning
agreement or other written document requiring the concurrence of USFWS
and CDFG.
8. The subregional planning body would work to identify and fill data needs
for long-term planning, using SRP conservation guidelines in the process.
9. The subregional NCCPs would then be completed according to the
approved process guidelines.
*• The evalulation of the long-term conservation value of coastal sage scrub would
include an analysis of all lands with natural habitats in the subregion or subarea,
including forestlands, brushlands, native and non-native grasslands, non-
irrigated grazed land, and vacant or disturbed natural land. Lands subjea to
intensive agriculture and urban uses would be excluded. Coastal sage scrub
iM would be identified based on the presence of primary or secondary cover
Final 6-95 A-19
Appendix A Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
charaaeristics, and the effeaive size of coastal sage scrub patches would be
determined by assays of natural habitat and clusters of coastal sage scrub within
a one or two mile diameter circle. Proximity to other habitat patches would be
measured as a direa, straight-line distance, with the appropriate scale *
determined for each subregion. Landscape linkages also would be determined ^
by drawing geometric corridors that connea each higher value area to the
closest two or three other higher value areas. The presence of species also i^
would be taken into account, with higher value assigned to areas that support ^
significant populations of target species, highly endemic species, or rare sub-
habitat types. In this way, areas within an NCCP subregion would be ^
determined to have higher, intermediate, or lower potential value for long-term
conservation. Development would be constrained on the higher value area
until the NCCP is completed; development in intermediate areas would be
evaluated on a case-by<ase basis; and development on lower potential areas *
would be allowed with appropriate mitigation. m
The HCP/OMSP proposes a permanent, adaptive conservation strategy for m
coastal sage scrub and other resources within the plan area; the measures would ^
be implemented over time, but the proposed conservation program is not
"interim" as defined in NCCP Conservation Guidelines. Consistent with the ^
guidelines for OMSPs, the habitat evaluation process used in preparation of the
plan differs from but is consistent with the intent of the coastal sage scrub
conservation guidelines. Specifically, the HCP/OMSP incorporates by reference
the habitat evaluation conduaed for the HMP and North County MSHCP. *
4. Streambed Alteration Laws
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Seaions 1600-1603 of the California Fish and Game Code regulate all
diversions, obstruaions, or changes to the natural flow or bed, channel, or bank
of any river, stream, or lake in California that supports fish or wildlife. "Stream" *
is defined in CDFG regulations as: m
a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a i»
bed or channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life. This ^
includes watercourses having surface or subsurface flow that supports or
has supported riparian vegetation. ^
CDFG jurisdiaion within altered or artificial waterways is based on the value of
those waterways to fish and wildlife and generally mirrors that of COE under
Seaion 404 of the federal Clean Water Aa. Under state law, CDFG must be ^
contaaed for a streambed alteration agreement for any projea that may impaa *
a streambed or wetland. Public agency projects are addressed under Seaion
1601 of the Code; private seaor projects are addressed under Seaion 1603. •
The HCP/05MP provides a framework to coordinate the proteaion of water-
related habitats and the mitigation for authorized impacts to such habitats within
the plan area. However, as in conneaion with the federal Clean Water Art, the
plan is not being submitted as part of an application for any individual or
comprehensive agreement with CDFG under these seaions of the Fish and
Game Code.
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A-20 Final 6-95 fl
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Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix A
C. Federal iand State Environmental
Documentation Requirements
Both federal and state documentation and impaa analysis requirements pertain
to the HCP/OMSP.
1. National Environmental Policy Act
The National Environmental Policy Aa (NEPA) requires federal agencies to
evaluate the effects of their proposed aaions on the human environment in a
written statement that addresses:
1. The environmental impaa(s) of the proposed aaion;
2. Any adverse environmental effects that cannot be avoided should the
proposed aaion be implemented;
3. Alternatives to the proposed aaion;
4. The relationship between short-term uses of the human environment versus
the maintenance and enhancement of long-term produaivity; and
5. Any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be
involved if the proposed aaion is implemented.
Compliance with NEPA generally begins with an internal "scoping" process. If
a preliminary review indicates that the proposed aaion has no or minimal
environmental impacts, then a "categorical exclusion" may be determined and
no further environmental documentation is required. If the review indicates that
the proposed aaion may have significant effects, then an environmental
assessment (EA) or an environmental impaa statement (EIS) must be prepared.
An EA is prepared when the preliminary review indicates that the proposed
aaion is not likely to have significant impacts; an EIS is prepared when the
expeaed impacts are significant.
Appropriate NEPA documentation for USFWS'Ss aaion on the HCP/OMSP will
^ be prepared jointly with that required under state law,
*" 2. California Environmental Quality Act
^ Similar to NEPA, the Califomia Environmental Quality Aa (CEQA) requires state
agencies empowered to make discretionary decisions to evaluate the
^ environmental effects of a proposed projea before rendering a decision. The
evaluation begins with an initial study that includes:
m
1. A description of the project, including the location of the projea;
mm 2. An identification of the environmental setting;
Final 6-95 A.2i
Appendix A Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP
•»
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3. An identification of environmental effects by use of a checklist, matrix, or
other method;
4. A discussion of ways to mitigate the significant effects identified. If any; *
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5. An examination of whether the projea would be consistent with existing
zoning, plans, and other applicable land use controls; and
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6. The name of the person or persons who prepared or participated in the
Initial Study. ^
If one or more significant impacts are identified, a detailed environmental '*
impaa report (EIR) must be prepared. If no significant impacts are determined
or if all of the significant impacts can be mitigated, a negative declaration is ^
prepared. CEQA also requires that a negative declaration or draft EIR be »
prepared if a projea has statewide, regional, or areawide significance and
defines projeas that would substantially affea sensitive habitats as projects of •
areawide significance. ^
CEQA documentation for the City of Carlsbad's aaion on the plan will be ^
prepared jointly with the NEPA documentation for USFWS'S decisions. In
accordance with the CEQA and the NCCP Aa, the joint environmental
documentation also will be considered by CDFG in its decisions on the plan.
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A-22 Final 6-95 B
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