HomeMy WebLinkAboutEIR 91-01; Rancho Santa Fe Rd Realignment and Mass Grading; EIR; 1989-09-01RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD
REALIGNMENT AND EXPANSION TO A SIX-LANE PRIME ARTERIAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FORM
PREPARED FOR:
CITY OF CARLSBAD
2 07 5 Las Palmas Drive
carlsbad, CA 92009
PREPARED BY:
FAY ROUND AND ASSOCIATES
2630 Cazadero Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92009
(619) 438-2407
September 1989
CASE NO.
DATE:
ENVIRnriMFNTAL IMPACI ASSF.SSflENT FORM - PART I
(To be Completed by APrilCANT)
Applicant: City of Carlsbad
Address of Applicant: 2075 Las Palmas Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92009-4859
Phone Number: ( 619 )
Name, address and phone number of person to be contacted (if other than
Applicant): Mark Rowson, Project Design Consultants, 1010 Second Ave, Ste. 2109
San Diego, Ca 92101 619-235-6472
GENERAL INFORMATION: (Please be specific)
Project Description: Realignment and expansion of Rancho Santa Fe Road to a
six-land prime arterial fron La Costa Avenue on the south to Melrose Avenue on
the north and associated grading to accotmiodate the road construction and
and timing. See accompanying Rancho Santa Fe Road Adoption Report for detailed
descriptions.
Project Location/Address: Eastem area of La Costa in the Citv of Carlsbad.
between La Costa Avenue and Melrose Avenue.
Assessor Parcel Number: Varies
General Plan/Zone of Subject Property: Six-lane prme arteyial as shown on
Circulation Elements of the General PlanTor Qii City of Carlsbad.
Local Facilities Management Zone: Zone 11
Is the site within Carlsbad's Coastal Zonp? No
Please describe the area surrounding the sU." to the
North: Existing residential & vacant East: Open space
South: Existing residential & vacant West: Existing residential & vacant
List all other applicable permits & ^pprov-ils related to this project:
Grading and improvement plan from tJie City of Carlsbad. Also U.S. Anny Corps
of Engineers Section 404 permit, and State Fish & Game Section 1603 permit
related to the crossing of San Marcos Creek.
2
fPlease be Specific. Attach Additional Pages or Exhibits, if necassarv)
1. Please describe the project site, including distinguishing natural and
manmade characteristics. Also provide precise slope analysis when a slope
of 15' or higher and 15% grade or greater is present on the site.
Project site is approximately two miles in length and enccirpasses the
Rancho Santa Fe Road right-of-way proposed by the City's Rancho Santa Fe
Road Alignment Coitmittee from La Costa Avenue on the South to Melrose
Avenue on the north. Vacant open land cuinrently exists along both sides
of the of the.proposed alignment. (See next page) ^ , .
2. Please describe energy conservation measures incorporated into the design
and/or operation of the project.
None
3. PLEASE AHACH A PROJECT SUMMARY SHEET WHICH SHOWS THE FOLLOWING:
a. If a residential project identify the number of units, type of units,
schedule- of unit sizes, range of sale prices or rents, and type of
household size expected, average daily traffic generation (latest SANDAG
rates).
b. If a commercial project, indicate the exact type, activity(ies),
square footage of sales area, average daily traffic generation
(latest SANDAG rates), parking provided, and loading facilities.
c If an industrial project, indicate the exact type or industry(les),
average daily traffic generation (latest SANDAG rates), estimated
employment peV shift, time of shift:;, and loading facilities.
If an institutional project, indicate the major project/site
function, estimated employment per shift, estimated occupancy,
loading facilities, and community benefits to be derived from the
project.
Major project function is to provide a 6-lane P^^^^^j;^^^ .^f
for in^e Circulation Element of the City of ^^^f^* .?^S^d
benefits will include reduced congestion, unproved traffic flow and
increased safety.
1. (Continued from page 3)
Ihe nearest urbanized uses include the La Costa Vale residential subdivision
roughly one-quarter mile to the west of the proposed alignment, the Stanley
Mahr Water Reservoir just east of the alignment, and the Rancho Santa Fe Industrial
Park southeast of its intersection with Melrose Avenue. The proposed alignment
crosses San Marcos Creek just south of its intersection with Melrose Avenue.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS
Please Answer each of the following questions by placing a check in the
appropriate space. Then, fully discuss and explain why each item was
checked yes or no. Provide supporting data if applicable. Attach
additional sheets as necessary.
1) Could the project significantly impact or change
present or future land uses in the vicinity of the
activi ty?
EXPLANATION: The project is in full conformance
with the Circulation Element of the City of Carlsbad.
as well as with other elements of the General Plan.
2) Could the activity affect the use of a recreational
area, or area of aesthetic value?
EXPLAflATION:
3) Could the activity affect the functioning of nn
established community or neighborhood?
EXFLANAnON: The project will improve traffic flow
fron existing and planned neighborhoods.
4) Could the activity result in the displacement of
community residents?
EXPLANATION:
YES NO
X
YES NO
5) Could the activity increase the number of low and
moderate cost housing units in the city?
EXPLANATION: .
6) Could the activity significantly affect existing
housing or create a demand for additional housing?
EXPLANATION:
7) Are any of the natural or man-made features in the
activity area unique, that is, not found in other
parts of the county, state or nation?
EXPLANATION:
8) Could the activity significantly aff^^ct an
historical or archaeological site or its settings?
EXPLANATION: As described in Attachment A^_no
important cultural resources were located within
the proposed alignment, and no direct or indirect
impacts will result from its development.
9) Could the activity significantly affect the
potential use, extraction, or conservation of a
scarce natural resource?
EXPLANATION: .
YES NO
10) Could the activity significantly affect fi-^h
wildlife or plant resources? ' x
EXPLANATION: As described in AttachTngnt_R^4-ho
proposed alignment will impact existing riparian
habitat along San Marcos Creek, as well as Coastal
Sage Scrub (Gnatcatcher Habitat).
11) Are there any rare or endangered plant or animal
species in the activity area? x
EXPLANATION:The riparian habitat along .S;:.n Marcos
Creek is potential habitat for the state RW^
endangered Least's RPILS vSeoT M^±O^^^ .j^^^^^^y
eight breeaing pairs of Gnatcatchers (which is'under
review for potential listing as either threatened^^?''
endangered) may be present onsite (See Attachment B)
12) Could the activity change existing features of any
or beach'esf ''''' '^"^^^^"^^
X
EXPLANATION: The project will involve impacts to
San Marcos Creek near the northem end of the
proposed alignment.
13) Could the activity result in the ern.ion or elimin-
ation of agricultural lands?
EXPLANATION:
14) Could the activity serve to encourage development
of presently undeveloped areas or intensify develop-
ment of already developed areas?
EXPLANATION: While the project is in full conformance
with the General Plan of the Citv of Carlsbad, it
could encourage the development of currently vacant
along both sides of the proposed alignment.
15) Will the activity require a variance from estab-
lished environmental standards (air, water, noise
etc.)? '
US HQ
EXPLANATION:
16) Is the activity carried out as part of a larger
project or series of projects? x
EXPLANATION: This project will serve to implement a
portion of the overall roadway systan as called for in
the Circulation Element of the Citv of Carlsbad.
17) Will the activity require certification, authoriza-
tion or issuance of a permit by any local, state
or federal environmental control agency? x
EXPLAfJATION: The project will most likely require a
U.S. Army Corps permit (Section 404), and a Streaitibed
Alteration Permit (Section 1603) from the State Department
of Fish and Game. ~ ~
18) Will the activity t-equire issuance of .T variance or
conditional use permit by the City?
EXPLANATION:
19) Will the activity involve the application, use, or
disposal of potentially hazardous materials?
EXPLANATION:
21) Will the activi
1
22)
23)
nthrir^r^H^ - ^-imi
EXPLANATION:
es
on or near an active fault.
Could the activity resuU in fk.,
significant amounts of dusi? 9^"^^^tion of
^^^^^^^^^OU: ill?_^ojec^^4ii_^^
^-^^^^^^^^^struc^^
significant as defjner2_>vr^,^
EXPLANATION:
EXPLANATION: §arL^fercos^ee]w^^^ ~
^^^^^^-^2Eosed_ali3n^^ ^ ^^ood
NO
24) Could the activity resuU in , o' r-
in the qualitv nf.n!n\ ^ significant change
or wate? ?e oirces? °f ^^^ion's air
water, offshore ) " ^''^'"^
EXPLANATION:
YES
25) Will the project substantially increase fuel
consumption (electricity, oil, natural gas, etc.)?
EXPLANATION:
NO
X
26) Will the activity involve construction of facilities
on a slope of 25 percent or greater?
EXPLANATION: Approximately 15-20 percent of the
graded area involves slopes 25% or greater.
27) Will there be a significant change to existing
land form?
(a) Indicate estimated grading to be done in
cubic yards: 5,000,000 CY excavate & compact
(b) Percentage of alteration to the present
land form: 80 percent
Maximum height of cut or fill slopes-
80-100 feet
(c)
EXPLANATION:
|23) Will the activity result in substantial increases
in the use of utilities, sewers, drains or streets?
EXPLANATION: Although the project will require the
relocation of certain of these facilities,' it will
not result in increased tjsage.
29) Will the project significantly increase wind or
water erosion of soils?
EXPUVrWTION:
YES NO
X
30) Could the project significantly affect existing
fish or wildlife habitat?
EXPLANATION: As described in Attachment B, the project
will resxilt in significant impacts to existing
riparian habitat as well as to the Coastal Sage Scrub
habitat.
31) Will the project significantly produce new light
or glare?
EXPLANATION: The proiect will include street lights
typical of a prime arterial roadway.
10
II. HAIEMENT OF NON-SinMlFrr/^NT ENVIRONMPNTU EFFECT.S
Unless some form of acceptable mitigation can be develooed for the -i™^
ans^gn^fxcant levels or not .«^c™siaeL.'^S^iScS?"^S=ras Buastion 16),
in
idd^-Uo'lVrhe'et/'',\"„J|.;r''' '"'""'"^ ^"""""s, attach
Signature
Date Signed
(Pers
Fay 0. Round, Jr.
Fay Round and Associates
eting Report)
September 11, 1989
Instruct.eia
LBS;lh
II
ATTACmffiNT A
CULTURAL RESOURCE SURVEY
Cultural Resource Survey of the
Rancho Santa Fe Road Alignment,
Carlsbad. California
Prepared for:
Fay Round and Associates
2630 Cazadero Drive
Carlsbad, California 92008
Prepared by:
ERG Environmental and Energy Services Company
5510 Morehouse Drive
San Diego, California 92121-1709
Project No. 39147.001
Dennis Gallegos
Project Manager
Andrew Pigniolo
Associate Archaeologist
August 1989
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SF.CTTON
1
1.1
1.2
TITLE
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
Project Description
Environmental Setting
PAGE
1-1
1-1
1-1
2
2.1
2.2
3
3.1
3.2
4
4.1
BACKGROUND DATA
Cultural Prehistory
Previous Research
FIELD METHODS AND RESULTS
Survey Methods
Survey Results
IMPACTS AND MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Impacts and Recommendations
REFERENCES CITED
2-1
2-1
2- 1
3- 1
3-1
3- 1
4- 1
4- 1
5- 1
N^^MBER
1-1
1-2
3-1
LIST OF FIGURES
TTTLE
Regional Location of Project Site
Project Location Map
Project Location Showing Areas of Cultural Material
PAGE
1-2
1-3
3-2
ABSTRACT
An archaeological Uteratuie review, site record check, historic map check, and survey was
conducted for road improvements along a portion of Rancho Santa Fe Road between La
Costa Avenue and Mekose Drive. Record search information indicated that no culuiral
resources had been previously identified directiy within tiie project alignment. Site
SDi-4498 (W-659) was located just west of tiie project area. Historic maps of the area
indicated tiiat no historic structures were located witiun of tiie proposed aUgnment altiiough
a historic cemetery, structure and anotiier structure (H-1) were located just outside tiie
eastem end of tiie alignment. The entire route had been included in previous surveys and
only a field check was conducted during diis study. Altiiough several clusters of trees were
located during tiie survey tiiese trees could not be linked witii any structures on historic
maps and no historic remains were associated. Site SDi-4498 (W-659) did not extend
witiun tiie project boundary. Under tiie Califomia Environmental (Quality Act (CEQA), it is
only necessary to mitigate impacts to important cultural resources. Since no important
cultural resources are located witiun tiie project right-of-way no direct impacts wUl occur.
Indirect impacts to SDi-4498 (W-659) and tiie historic cemetery and two stmctures should
be avoided.
II
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The foUowing report presents tiie results of an archaeological Uterature review, site records
check, historic map check, and field survey of tiie Rancho Santa Fe Road alignment. This
program was conducted by ERC Environmental and Energy Services Company for Fay
Round and Associates. Literature information and site records on recorded cultural
resources witiun a one mile radius of tiie project area was obtained from data provided by
tiie South Coastal Information Center at San Diego State University and tiie San Diego
Museum of Man. Microfilm copies of historic USGS maps of the area, located at the
University of Califomia, San Diego were checked for historic structures. In addition to tiie
record search and historic map check, an in-field survey was conducted to identify cultural
resources within tiie project boundary.
The Rancho Santa Fe Road project consists of a realignment and widening of tiie existing
road between La Costa Avenue and Melrose Drive in Carlsbad, Califomia. The project is
located on tiie USGS Rancho Santa Fe 7.5' quadrangle in tiie northern portion of San
Diego County (Figure 1). The new alignment includes portions of both sides of the
existing road alignment and follows, a portion of an existing truck route. The project is
located witiiin portions of Sections 29, 30, and 31 in Township 12 S, Range 3 W
(Figure 2).
1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The project alignment crosses several ridges and ridge slopes as well as Encinitas and San
Marcos Creek which provide seasonal water. The majority of the alignment crosses
undisturbed areas with dense vegetation. Plant communities include coastal sage scmb and
riparian vegetation. The area is underlain by the Santiago Peak Volcanic Formation which
includes rock outcrops of fine-grained volcanic material which was an important lithic
resource for prehistoric inh abitants of tiie area. Elevations witiiin the project range from
approximately 3(X) to 600 feet above mean sea level (MSL).
1-1
FALLBROOK
I WARNER
VSPRINGS
iUkt
VISTA PROJECT
LOCATION 1 ^ Vohllori
ESCONDIDO
LEUCAOIM JULIAN^
RAMONA
OEL MAP
LAJOLLi^
'TOWAY
SANTEEf
ELlCAJON
ALPINE
Rntnotr
POINT LOMA^
fSAN. '^DIEQO ^ JAMUL
^NATIONAL
, CITY
.OULZURA
HULAVVISTA^
IMPERIAL^ BEACHI
FIGURE
Regional Location of Project Site
U ERC
Environmental
and Energy
Services Co.
Project Location as Shown on the 7.5" USGS
Rancho Santa Fe Quadrangle
FIGURE
Mr. Fay O. Round
September 6,1989
Page 3
The adverse impacts to these sensitive plant species is considered to be not
significant since tiiese species occur in small numbers and are better represented elsewhere
in tiie La Costa area (WESTEC 1986).
If you have any questions, please call me at 458-9044.
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Mock
Senior Biologist
PJM/dp
References
Califomia Department of Fish and Game. 1987. Designated endangered, threatened or
rare plants. January. 4 p.
Califonua Department of Fish and Game. 1988. Natural Diversity Data Base, "Special
Animals" December. 18 p.
Pacific Soutiiwest Biological Services. 1982. A biological si^ey of Rancho La Costa
properties (Battiquitos Lagoon). Prepared for Scott Engelhom, Cardiff, California.
Smith, J.P. and K. Berg. 1988. Inventory of rare and eridangered vascular plants of
Califomia. Califomia Native Plant Society. Special Publication No. 1 (4tii edition).
168 p.
US Fish and WUdlife Service. 1986. Endangered and tiireatened wildlife and plants.
Federal Register 50 CFR 17.11 and 17.12. January. 30 p.
WESTEC Services. 1986. Biological resources analysis of tiie La Costa plaining sub-
areas. Prepared for Fay O. Round and Associates, Calsbad, Califomia. September.
50 p., plus appendices.
SECTION 2
BACKGROUND DATA
2.1 CULTURAL PREHISTORY
For tiie past 10,000 years, tiie area now comprising San Diego County was occupied by
Native Americans. This 10,000-year span is divided into two major archaeologically
distinct periods (Early and Late). The Early Period includes two cultural complexes, tiie
San Dieguito and tiie La Jolla/Pauma. The earliest occupants are known as tiie San
Dieguito, who moved to inland and coastal San Diego County areas from the east. These
people have been characterized by tiie use of Santiago Peak Volcanics in die manufacture of
large leaf-shaped bifaces and scraper planes.
La Jolla sites, also within tiie Early Period tend to be located near tiie coast. The people
who occupied tiiese sites depended primarily upon marine resources, as well as seed and
vegetable foods. In general, tiie stone tool technology associated witii tiiese people is
primarily cobble-based at coastal La Jolla sites. This refers to tiie use of locally available
coarse-grained Eocene cobbles for stone tool manufacture. Termed Pauma by Tme (1959),
inland La Jolla sites more closely resemble San Dieguito sites, witii finelyrmade stone
tools, predominance of grinding implements (manos and metates, in particular), and a lack
of shellfish remains. The use of tiie terms La Jolla and Pauma reflects availability of food, .
location of sites, and stone tool material for people occupying different regions of San
Diego County, within the same general time period.
For the past 2000 years, material goods and traits associated with speakers of Yuman
languages firom tiie east (Colorado River region) were brought into Imperial and San Diego
Counties. This period is identified as the Late Period or Late Prehistoric. These Late
Period material goods and traits include ceramic artifacts, small projectile points, obsidian
from Obsidian Butte, and the practice of cremation.
2.2 PREVIOUS RESEARCH
ERC Environmental and Energy Services Company completed a thorough review of
pertinent record data from tiie South Coastal Information Center at San Diego State
University and the San Diego Museum of Man which indicated tiiat no cultural resources
2-1
had been previously recorded witiiin tiie project boundary, however prehistoric site
SDi-4498 (W-659) was recorded adjacent to tiie project boundary.
SDi-4498 (W-659) was originally recorded by RusseU Kaldenberg as a Late Period site
witii stone enclosures located on a knoU overlooking San Marcos Creek. Artifacts noted at
tiiat time included 40+ flakes/angular waste, 2 scrapers, 2 metate fragments, 10+ mano
fragments, 1 pestie, 10 thennally fractured rocks, 2 potsherds, 7 bedrock miUing slicks,
and 1 bedrock mortar. Randy Franklin filed a site update on tins resource in 1981 noting
an additional bedrock milling outcrop to tiie west. Disturbance at the site in tenns of
potiiunting was noted by both recorders.
A total of 28 otiier cultural resources were located witiiin a one mile radius of the project
area. These sites include a variety of types such as; a historic mine, a historic adobe, large
prehistoric lithic quarry sites, bedrock nulling stations, Utiiic scatters, and prehistoric
temporary camps.
The entire project area has been previously surveyed by Kaldenberg (1976a and 1976b)
using 25 foot transect intervals (Kaldenberg 1976b). Complete coverage, but no transect
interval, was described in Kaldenberg (1976a) which covers tiie soutiiem portion of the
project alignment. Other studies which include portions of tiie project area include
Eckhardt (1977), LSA (1982), and Cheever and Gallegos (1986).
Historic maps of tiie area were checked for historic stmctures. A single stmcture (H-1)
was located on tiie 1901 edition of tiie San Luis Rey 15' quadrangle just northeast and
outside tiie project area on tiie east side of tiie present alignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road
near tiie intersection of Melrose Drive. A stmcnire was also located further north on the
same map, near tiie same location as a historic cemetery identified on tiie 1968 edition of
tiie Rancho Santa Fe 7.5' USGS quadrangle. The historic cemetery was field located. No
stmcmres are located along tiie project alignment on the 1948 edition of tiie Rancho Santa
Fe 7.5' USGS quadrangle.
2-2
SECTION 3
FIELD METHODS AND RESULTS
3.1 METHODS
Because d,. project area had been previously surveyed a spo. check was conduced ocu u,g on ^ ^^^^^^ -
Check was conduced was co™luc»d on ;uiy 25,1989 by Andrew Pigniolo and S^ef H
Bnggs^ ttg^ po«n.u, areas for culh^ resources such as bedrock oulps and ridZps
w«e Checked as weU as concen^tos of non-nadve nees which ar. of Jassoc,"^
3.2 RESULTS
Results of tiie records and field check were neaariv*. M«^„I*, i
, were negative. No ciutural resource"! w#»ri» JH»r.*;«-j
directiy witiun tiie project area. Site SDi-4498 rw fiso^ , T
.=e.wes.of.heproi..a.e.Ahis.oH::Zl^^^^^^
e.an.eddur.gr:re:r:Li:i:~^^^^^
s.^ large rectangular Pi. (app.^.,, we„ Is:^:"::
LtuLT^'-""""" "'"^ ™- - ™ ~
3-1
SECTION 4
IMPACTS AND MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 IMPACTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Un^ "Tr.T- ^ "^'^ -*i" *e P^jec. area Under CEQA nnp«an. cutanal resources need » be addressed as io i„,a«s I ZZ,
of .mpac«. No drrea in^ac« wiU occur .o culn^ resources as a result of du^pr^^Tt
^w^er .drrect unpacts to site SDi.4498 (W-659,. the approxitnate locadon o^Hrrd
me hrstonc cen^tery and sm^uue should avoided by linndng aU cons«cdon equipn^t
and activity to the project alignment as shown in Figure 2. equipment
4-1
SECTION 5
REFERENCES CITED
Cheever, Dayle and Dennis Gallegos
1986 Cultural Resource Survey of Industrial Parcel #096, San Marcos, Califomia.
Ms on file at ERC Environmental and Energy Services Company, San Diego,
California.
Eckhardt, William T.
1977 Archaeological Survey of the Assessment Districts Number 76-1 and 76-3, San
Marcos County Water District. Ms on file at ERC Environmental and Energy
Services Company, San Diego, Califomia.
Kaldenberg, Russell L.
1976a An Intensive Archaeological Reconnaissance of the La Costa Land Company
Property Carlsbad, Califomia. Ms on file at ERC Environmental and Energy
Services Company, San Diego, Califomia.
1976b An Archaeological Impact Report on La Costa Far South (Easterly Area)
Including Santa Fe Knolls. Ms on file at ERC Environmental and Energy
Services Company, San Diego, Califomia.
5-1
ATTACHMENT B
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE SURVEY
5510 Morehouse Drive
San Diego, California 92121
Telephone: 619-458-9044
Fax: 619-458-0943
ERC
Environmental 89-1223-E
and Energy September 6,1989
Services Co.
Mr. Fay O. Round
Fay O. Round and Associates
2630 Cazadero Drive
Carlsbad, Califomia 92008
Re: Rancho Santa Fe Road
Dear Fay:
The biological resources along Ranch Santa Fe Road, between La Costa Avenue
and La Costa Meadows Drive were surveyed by ERCE biologists on June 16, July 7 and
14, and August 11 and 18, 1989. This field effort supplements tiie extensive data base for
tiie La Costa Soutiieast subarea of tiie La Costa Planning Area. This information was
summarized by WESTEC Services (1986).
Areas tiiat support namral vegetation occur along tiie entire length of tiie proposed
road ahgnment (Figure 1). Vegetative cover types include oak woodland, riparian
woodland, elderberry woodland, chaparral, grassland, and coastal sage scmb tiiat is
dominated by either Califomia sagebmsh (Artemisia californica) or black sage {Salvia
mellifera). Of tiiese habitats, oak woodland, riparian woodland, native grassland, and
coastal sage scmb are habitats tiiat are considered to be of regional importance due to tiieir
lunited distribution, declining stams, support of sensitive species, or high value to wildlife.
The willow-dominated riparian habitat found along San Marcos Creek is potential
habitat for tiie state and federally endangered least Bell's vireo {Vireo bellii pusillus). This
vu-eo species has not been detected along tius drainage, however a single least Bell's vireo
was detected in tiie Green Valley riparian corridor in 1982 (PSBS 1982). No otiier
reported sightings of tius species are known for tiie area, despite a number of attempts in
locating this species in tiie area. The proposed road alignment will cross San Marcos
Creek. An estimated 1.5 to 2.0 acres of riparian habitat would be directiy impacted by the
constmction of tiie bridge over San Marcos Creek. Due to tiie rarity of tiiis habitat and its
importance to least bell's vireo and otiier wildlife, this impact would be considered
significant Impacts to riparian habitat could be mitigated elsewhere in tiie project vicinity.
The coastal sage scmb in tiie project area represents habitat for tiie declining San
Diego coast homed lizard {Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei) and orange-tiiroated whiptail
{Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi). Botii of tiiese reptiles are candidate 2 species for
hsting by tiie U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The major drainages in tiie area provide
potential habitat for tiie declining two-striped garter snake (Thamnophis couchi hammondi).
The Califomia gnatcatcher {Polioptila californica) is an obligate resident of coastal
sage scmb habitat. The concem for tiiis species' status has intensified recentiy and tiie
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currentiy evaluating the potential listing of this candidate
Mr. Fay O. Round
September 6, 1989
Page 2
species as eitiier tiireatened or endangered. The major cause for tiiis species decline is the
loss of suitable sage scmb habitat. Sightings of gnatcatchers witiiin tiie project area
indicate tiiat at least 8 breeding pairs of gnatcatcher may be present onsite (Figure 1). The
distribution of tiie gnatcatcher sightings suggest tiiat gnatcatchers prefer sage scmb that is
dominated by Artemisia californica. Sage scmb composed of near pure stands of Salvia
mellifera is not extensively used by gnatcatchers and is generally of low value to otiier
wildlife species. About 284 acres of Arremwza-dominated sage scmb exists in the project
area. The road alignment and associated grading plan is expected to directiy impact about
71 percent (194 acres) of Artemisia-doTninated sage scmb. Most of the presumptive
gnatcatcher territories would be eitiier lost or significantiy reduced in size to tiie extent tiiat
tiie capacity of tiie remaining sage scmb habitat to support breeding gnatcatchers in tiie
long-term may be impaired.
A maximum estimate of tiie number of gnatcatcher pairs tiiat could potentially be
supported onsite after implementation of the proposed project would be about 4 pairs.
However, tiie remaining areas of suitable sage scmb habitat would be fragmented witiiout
dispersal corridors between tiie patches of habitat. Isolation of small areas of habitat would
likely reduce tiie long-term potential of tiiese areas to support gnatcatchers. Since tiie
regional status of tiie Califomia gnatcatcher is currentiy under review, tiie loss of 194 acres
of coastal sage scmb habitat tiiat supports at least 8 pairs of Califomia gnatcatcher would be
considered significant
Several sensitive plant species have been recorded within tiie project area (see
Figure 1). None of tiiese plant species is listed as endangered by eitiier tiie U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS 1986) or tiie Califomia Department of Fish and Game (CDFG
1987; 1988), but tiiey are identified by tiie CaUfomia Native Plant Society (Smitii and Berg
1988) as sensitive species. These plant species are listed below:.
Scientific Name
Adolphia californica
Brodiaea orcuttii
Iva hayesiana
Midlla clevelandii
Common Name
Califomia adolphia
Orcutt's brodiaea
< 50 indiv.
<50 indiv.
San Diego marsh elder common in
drainages onsite
San Diego goldenstar <50 indiv.
spiny msh
Selaginella cinerascens ashy spike-moss
Juncus acutus
var sphaerocarpus common in
San Marcos Creek
common in
sage scmb onsite
Stams
CNPS List 2, 1-2-1
FWS Candidate 2
CNPS List IB, 1-3-2
CNPS List 2, 2-2-1
FWS Candidate 2
CNPS List IB, 2-2-2
CNPS List 4, 1-2-2
CNPS List 4, 1-2-1
Mr. Fay O. Round
September 6,1989
Page 3
The adverse impacts to these sensitive plant species is considered to be not
significant since tiiese species occur in small numbers and are better represented elsewhere
in tiie La Costa area (WESTEC 1986).
If you have any questions, please call me at 458-9044.
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Mock
Semor Biologist
PJM/dp
References
Califomia Department of Fish and Game. 1987. Designated endangered, tiireatened or rare plants. January. 4 p.
Califomia Department of Fish and Game. 1988. Natural Diversity Data Base, "Special Animals" December. 18 p.
Pacific Soutiiwest Biological Services. 1982. A biological survey of Rancho La Costa
properties (Battiquitos Lagoon). Prepared for Scott Engelhom, Cardiff, Califomia.
Snuth, J.P. and K. Berg. 1988. Inventory of rare and endangered vascular plants of
Califomia. Califomia Native Plant Society. Special Publication No. 1 (4tii edition).
168 p.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants.
Federal Register 50 CFR 17.11 and 17.12. January. 30 p.
WESTEC Services. 1986. Biological resources analysis of the La Costa planning sub-
areas. Prepared for Fay O. Round and Associates, Calsbad, Califomia. September.
50 p., plus appendices.
Existing RSF Road ||
CHP = Chapafral
EW = Elderberry Woodland
OW = Oak Woodland
DGL Disturbed Grassland
ACSS - Artemisia - dominated Coastal Sage Scrub
SCSS « Salvia - dominated Coastal Sage Scrub
RW = Riparian Woodland
Brodiaea orcuttii
Selaginella cinerascens
Adolphia californica
Muilla clevelandii
California Gnatcatcher Sighting
ERC
Environmental
and Energy
Services Co.
Rancho Santa Fe Road Mass Grading Plan and Biological Resources
FIGURE