HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-12; City Council; 21959; Status Habitat Management Plan ImplementationCITY OF CARLSBAD-AGENDA BILL
AB# 21 959 RECEIVE REPORT ON STATUS OF DEPT. DIRECTOR'?-1.
DATE: 5/12/2015 HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN CITY ATTY. 4<-._
IMPLEMENTATION lr\ DEPT. PW-PEM CITY MGR.
,/
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive report on status of Habitat Management Plan (HMP) implementation.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
Staff will be providing a report on the content of the draft HMP Annual Report for Reporting Year 10
(Nov. 1, 2013 to Oct. 31, 2014), the status of HMP implementation to date and goals for the remainder of
Reporting Year 11.
As part of the implementation of the HMP, the city is required to prepare an annual report discussing
issues pertinent to the monitoring and management of the HMP preserve system. Environmental
Management staff recently released the draft annual report for reporting year 10 and conducted a public
meeting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Department of Fish and Game, the
California Coastal Commission, the city preserve steward, HMP preserve managers, local non-
governmental organizations and interested members of the public to discuss the content of the report.
Staff is accepting public comment on the report until May 22, 2015.
In addition, there are several HMP-related projects and programs underway and planned for the
upcoming months. Staff will provide a status report on these projects and programs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the staff update.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, this action does not constitute a "project" within the
meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in that it does not cause either a direct
physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the
environment, and therefore does not require environmental review.
DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Michael Grim 760-602-4623 Mike.Grim@carlsbadca.gov
FOR CLERK USE.
COUNCIL ACTION: APPROVED D CONTINUED TO DATE SPECIFIC D
DENIED D CONTINUED TO DATE UNKNOWN D
CONTINUED D RETURNED TO STAFF D
WITHDRAWN D OTHER-SEE MINUTES D
AMENDED D REPORT RECEIVED ~
2
Report on Habitat Management Plan
May 12,2015
Page 2 of 2
EXHIBITS:
1. City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan Annual Report
2
City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan
Annual Report
Reporting Year 10, Nov. 2013-Oct. 2014
April 2, 2015
City of Carlsbad
Property and Environmental Management
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Contact: Mike Grim, Senior Planner
C. City of
Carlsbad
Acknowledgments:
Implementing Agreement Signatories:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Preserve Steward:
Rosanne Humphrey-ESA
Preserve Managers:
Center for Natural Lands Management
Habitat Restoration Sciences, Inc.
Helix Environmental, Inc.
San Diego Habitat Conservancy
Urban Corps San Diego
Other Contributors:
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation
Buena Vista Audubon
Preserve Calavera
•
Table of Contents
Contents
ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................... iii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................... E-1
1.0 PLAN ADMINISTRATION .................................................................................................................. 1
1.11NTRODUCTION ••...............•••.................•...•.................••••••...................•.••••.•..........•.••.•••••........•. 1
1.2 HMP COMPLIANCE MONITORING AND EFFECTIVENESS MONITORING .............••.. ; ••••...............••..•••.... 1
1.2.1 HMP Conservation Goals ........................................................................................................... 1
1.2.2 Compliance Monitoring ............................................................................................................... 2
1.2.3 Effectiveness Monitoring .............................................................................................................. 2
1.3 CURRENT STATUS OF PRESERVES ................................................................................................. 3
1. 3.1 Categories of HMP Preserves ...................................................................................................... 3
1.3.2 Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel.. .............................................................................................. 5
1.3.3 Gnatcatcher Core Area Conservation Obligation ....................................................................... 6
1.3.4 In-lieu Mitigation Fee Program .................................................................................................. 7
1.4 HABITAT GAINS AND LOSSES ....................................................................................................... 7
1.4.1 Target Acreage ............................................................................................................................. 7
1.4.2 Land Acquisitions ........................................................................................................................ 8
1.4.3 Habitat Gains and Losses ........................................................................................................... 8
1.4.4 Rough-Step Preserve Assembly ................................................................................................... 9
1.5 REGULATORY COMPLIANCE ....................................................................................................... 12
1.5.1 HMP-relatedPermitsandAmendments .................................................................................... 12
1.5.2 City Compliance with Terms and Conditions of Take Authorization ........................................ 13
1.5.3 City Compliance with HMP Zone-Wide Standards .................................................................... 20
1.6 OTHER IMPLEMENTATION ACTIVITIES ......................................................................................... 22
1.6.1 Public Outreach ........................................................................................................................ 22
1.6.2 Poinsettia Fire .......................................................................................................................... 22
2.0 PRESERVE MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ..................................................................... 24
2.1 KEY MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................. 24
2.1.1 City-Owned Preserves ............................................................................................................... 24
2.1.2 Other Actively Managed Preserves ........................................................................................... 24
2.1.3 Pre-Existing Natural Open Space Preserves ............................................................................ 24
2.2 MONITORING ......................................................................................................................... 26
2. 2.1 Species and Habitat Monitoring ................................................................................................ 26
2.2.2 Wildlife Movement ..................................................................................................................... 27
2.3 ENFORCEMENT AND PATROLLING .............................................................................................. 27
3.0 FINANCIAL SUMMARY ................................................................................................................... 30
3.1 CITY FUNDING IN SUPPORT OF HMP ........................................................................................... 30
3.1.1 HMP Implementation ................................................................................................................ 30
3.1.2 In-lieu Habitat Mitigation Fees ................................................................................................ 30
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
5
3.2 STATUS OF PRESERVE MANAGEMENT ENDOWMENTS •......•....•..•••...••.....•..••...•.•••..•.••..•...•••..•.....••. 33
4.0 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 33
APPENDIX A: Management and Monitoring Summary by Management Unit
APPENDIX B: Habitrak Report Year 10
APPENDIXC: Triennial Monitoring Summary
List of Figures
Contents
Figure 1. Categories of HMP Preserves ........................................................................................... 4
Figure 2. 2013 Current Conditions ................................................................................................ 10
Figure 3. Project Gains/Losses by Report Year. ............................................................................. 11
Figure 4. Preserve Ownership/Management ................................................................................ 25
List of Tables
Contents
Table 1. Mitigation Acreage Provided at Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel in RY 10 (2013-2014) ... 6
Table 2. Status of Carlsbad HMP Gnatcatcher Core Area Obligation through RY 10 (2013-2014). 6
Table 3. HMP Target Conservation of Habitats ............................................................................... 8
Table 4. HMP Permits in Process during RY 10 (2013-2014) ........................................................ 12
Table 5. Summary of Cumulative Habitat Gains and Losses RY 10 (2013-2014)
Table 6. Summary of City Compliance with HMP Implementing Agreement Requirements
through RY 10 (2013-2014) ........................................................................................................... 14
Table 7. Summary of City Compliance with Terms and Conditions of CDFW Permit through RY 10
(2013-2014) ................................................................................................................................... 17
Table 8. Summary of City Compliance with the Terms and Conditions of USFWS Permit through
RY 10 (2013-2014) ......................................................................................................................... 17
Table 9. Compliance with Zone-Wide Standards through RY 10 (2013-2014) .............................. 21
Table 10. Biological Monitoring Conducted in RY 10 (2013-2014) ................................................ 25
Table 11. In-lieu Mitigation Fee Account Activity in RY 10 (2013-2014) ....................................... 32
Table 12. Endowment Status for HMP Preserves in RY 10 (2013-2014) ....................................... 32
ii Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
\o
Acronyms and Definitions
Annual Reports -Preserve-specific annual reports, which summarize management and
monitoring activities, threats, and monitoring results, are due in November of every year.
Pre-HMP preserves are generally not required to prepare annual reports unless stipulated
in previously negotiated agreements with the city and/or Wildlife Agencies. HMP-wide
annual reports {e.g., the current report) are due to the Wildlife Agencies in December of
every year. HMP annual reports summarize gains and losses in the HMP preserve system,
current status of individual preserves and species, management and monitoring activities,
and a financial summary. Every third year, the HMP annual report includes an analysis of
species monitoring data. The latest three-year report was prepared as part of the
2010/2011 HMP annual report.
ASMD-Area Specific Management Directive.
BLF-Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation
California Gnatcatcher Core Area -An area identified in the MHCP that is considered critical to
the recovery of the coastal California gnatcatcher. Approximately 500 acres of core habitat
must be conserved by the MHCP jurisdictions as a condition of coverage for gnatcatcher.
Although the core area is located outside of the City of Carlsbad, the city is responsible for
307.6 acres of conservation.
Caltrans -California Department of Transportation. Caltrans is responsible for the design,
construction, maintenance, and operation of the California State Highway System and
Interstate Highway segments within the state's boundaries.
City-City of Carlsbad.
CDFW -California Department of Fish and Wildlife {formerly CDFG -California Department of
Fish and Game).
CNDDB-California Natural Diversity Database, operated and maintained by CDFW.
CNLM -Center for Natural Lands Management, a non-profit organization that provides
management and biological monitoring of mitigation and conservation lands in perpetuity.
Compliance Monitoring-Monitoring to determine if the HMP is being properly implemented
pursuant to the Implementing Agreement {lA) and state and federal take
authorizations/permits.
Conservation Easement {as defined in California Civil Code Section 815.1) -Any limitation in a
deed, will, or other instrument in the form of an easement, restriction, covenant, or
condition, which is or has been executed by or on behalf of the owner of the land subject
to such easement and is binding upon successive owners of such land, and the purpose of
which is to retain land predominantly in its natural, scenic, historical, agricultural, forested,
or open-space condition.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April2,2015
iii
Critical Location-An area that must be substantially conserved for a particular sensitive species
to be adequately conserved by the MHCP. Critical locations often coincide with major
populations of the same sensitive species, but not all major populations are considered
critical.
Edge Effects-Impacts to natural open space resulting from adjacent, contrasting environments,
such as developed or disturbed land. When an edge is created, the natural ecosystem is
affected for some distance in from the edge.
Effectiveness Monitoring-Monitoring habitat and species to determine if the HMP is protecting
sensitive biological resources as planned and if any adaptive management is needed.
EMP-SANDAG's TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program, a funding allocation category for
the costs to mitigate habitat impacts for regional transportation projects. Funding grants
from this program may be used for habitat acquisition, management, and monitoring
activities as needed to help implement the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program {MHCP).
ESA-Endangered Species Act.
Existing Hardline Preserve Areas-Natural habitat open space areas, such as Ecological Reserves
and Dawson-Los Monos Reserve that were preserved prior to final approval of the HMP, or
areas that were previously Proposed Hard line Areas or Standards Areas that have secured
preservation, long-term management and monitoring, and a non-wasting endowment to
fund activities in perpetuity.
FPA-Focused Planning Area.
GIS-Geographic Information System.
Habitrak - A GIS-based tool that was developed and is maintained by CDFW for habitat
accounting. The tool calculates the acreage, type, and location of vegetation communities
that are gained (conserved), or lost (impacted) from the HMP planning area.
HCP-Habitat Conservation Plan, a planning document required as part of an application for an
incidental take permit from the USFWS that describes the anticipated effects of the
proposed taking; how those impacts will be minimized, or mitigated; and how the HCP is to
be funded.
HMP-Habitat Management Plan; serves as the MHCP Subarea Plan for the City of Carlsbad.
HOA-Home Owners' Association
HRS -Habitat Restoration Sciences, Inc. A for-profit native habitat restoration and general
engineering firm specializaing in installation and long term maintenance of natural areas.
lA -Implementing Agreement. The legal agreement between the City of Carlsbad, CDFW, and
USFWS that ensures implementation of the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP),
iv Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April2, 2015
binds each of the parties to perform the obligations, responsibilities, and tasks assigned,
and provides remedies and recourse should any of the parties fail to perform.
Landowner -The legal entity that owns the land in fee-title. The landowner has the ultimate
responsibility to ensure that preserve management is secured prior to habitat impacts.
Often, the management responsibility is contracted to a third party.
LFMZ-Local Facility Management Zone, one of 25 Growth Management Plan sub-areas of the
City of Carlsbad used for planning and financing infrastructure improvements and other city
services and facilities concurrent with development.
Major Population -A population of sensitive species considered sufficiently large to be self-
sustaining with a minimum of active or intensive management intervention (especially for
plants) or that at least supports enough breeding individuals to contribute reliably to the
overall meta population stability of the species (especially for animals). Also includes smaller
populations that are considered important to long-term species survival.
Management Unit -Groupings of adjacent or nearby preserve parcels that have similar
management needs.
MHCP-Multiple Habitat Conservation Program -a subregional conservation plan prepared and
administered by SANDAG that encompasses the cities of Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido,
Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach, and Vista. The goal of the MHCP is to conserve
approximately 19,000 acres of habitat and contribute toward the regional habitat preserve
system for the protection of more than 80 rare, threatened, or endangered species.
NCCP -Natural Community Conservation Planning Program - a program of CDFW that takes a
broad-based ecosystem approach to planning for the protection and perpetuation of
biological diversity throughout the State. The MHCP is a sub-regional component of the
statewide NCCP.
Non-wasting Endowment-An endowment with sufficient principal that provides for the set up
costs and management/monitoring of a preserve in perpetuity through investment returns.
The endowment is designed to increase in value over time in order for the generated
revenues to increase, and thus keep pace with inflation. Pre-HMP preserves generally did
not require endowments to fund management, unless specified in a previously negotiated
agreement with the city and/or Wildlife Agencies.
OSMP -Open Space Management Plan, which serves as the Preserve Management and
Monitoring Plan referenced in Section 12.3 of the Implementing Agreement.
PAR -Property Analysis Record, a cost analysis that estimates the management and monitoring
costs of a specific preserve in perpetuity, often in the form of an endowment to fund long-
term management. A PAR is based on industry accepted parameters, allows an objective
cost/benefit analysis for each line item, and adjusts for inflation.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April2, 2015
v
PMP-Area-specific Preserve Management Plan, the permanent management plan developed for
a particular preserve within the preserve System. The city has contracted Center for Natural
Lands Management to develop a master PMP for all city-owned preserves which addresses
each preserve individually.
Preserve-Land conserved with a conservation easement, restrictive covenant, deed restriction,
or transfer of fee title to the city or California Department of Fish and Game that is being
managed to HMP and MHCP standards. (Note: lands already set aside for preservation
through an open space easement prior to HMP adoption have limited management
activities until a regional funding source is available).
Preserve Manager -The entity responsible for monitoring and managing the preserve. The
majority of preserve lands are owned/managed by the city, CDFW, CNLM, or private
Homeowner's Associations (HOAs). Pursuant to State due-diligence legislation that took
effect January of 2007, preserve managers must be certified by either the city or CDFW
before they can begin managing lands in the city.
Priority Species-Sensitive species that have site-specific permit conditions requiring populations
to be tracked individually using GIS.
Proposed Hardline Preserve Areas -Areas identified in the HMP as natural habitat open space
that were proposed for permanent conservation and perpetual management during the
design phase of development projects but not completed prior to final approval of the HMP.
RV-Reporting Year, or from November 1, 2012 to October 31, 2013
Rough Step Assembly-A policy that requires development (losses) occur in "rough step" with
land conservation (gains) during preserve assembly to ensure that development does not
greatly outpace land conservation. It is generally understood by the Wildlife Agencies that
losses should be no more than 10% greater than gains.
SANDAG -San Diego Association of Governments. SANDAG is the San Diego region's primary
public planning, transportation, transit construction, and research agency, providing the
public forum for regional policy decisions about growth, transportation planning and transit
construction, environmental management, housing, open space, energy, public safety, and
binational topics.
SDHC-San Diego Habitat Conservancy; a non-profit organization that provides management and
biological monitoring of mitigation and conservation lands in perpetuity. Prior to February
of 2009, SDHC was called Helix Community Conservancy.
SDMMP -San Diego Management and Monitoring Program; The SDMMP is a science based
program seeking to provide a coordinated approach to management and biological
monitoring of lands in San Diego that have been conserved through various programs
including the Multiple Species Conservation Program, the Multiple Habitats Conservation
vi Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
Program, the TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program, and various other conservation
and mitigation efforts.
Standards Areas-Areas that were included in the MHCP Focused Planning Area (i.e., considered
high priority for inclusion into the preserve system), but for which projects had not been
proposed prior to the city's HMP approval. Because potential protected habitat areas had
not been delineated, a set of zone-specific conservation standards were established as a
condition of future project approval.
Take -As defined in the Federal Endangered Species Act; to harm, harass, pursue, hunt, shoot,
wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect a listed species or attempt to do so, including impacts
to the habitats upon which these listed species depend.
TET -The Environmental Trust. TET was a habitat management company that owned and
managed several preserves in Carlsbad until declaring bankruptcy in 2005. Their properties
were unmanaged until CDFW acquired title and management responsibility in early 2010.
TransNet -the San Diego County half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements first
approved by voters in 1988 and extended in 2004. The Environmental Mitigation Program
(EMP) is a component of TransNet that funds habitat related environmental mitigation
activities required to implement projects identified in SANDAG's Regional Transportation
Plan, including a funding allocation for habitat acquisition, management, and monitoring
activities as needed to help implement the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP)
and the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP).
USACOE-U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USFWS-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wildlife Agencies-Term used collectively for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
vii
Executive Summary
This is the tenth annual HMP summary report, covering the period of November 1, 2013 to
October 31, 2014. This report summarizes the preserve status, implementation activities, and
preserve gains and losses that have occurred during the current reporting period. Highlights of
HMP activities are summarized below.
Current Status of Preserves
The existing preserves continued to be managed, monitored, and/or maintained during the
reporting period. Established private and city-owned Hardline Preserves were managed and
monitored in accordance with their approved Preserve Management Plans; California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW} preserves were managed subject to available funding
and resources; and pre-existing natural open space areas were maintained according to their
respective Open Space Easements, if applicable. Descriptions of the different categories of
preserves are contained in Section 1.3.
Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel
There was one debit during the reporting period for 1.4 acres; cumulative debits to date are
83.2 acres. A total of 170.0 acres (credits) remain.
Gnatcatcher Core Area Conservation Obligation
At the start of the reporting period, the remaining Core Area obligation consisted of
acquisition of 20.45 acres of occupied coastal sage scrub habitat. During this reporting period
the city met its fourth and final funding obligation of a four-year agreement to fund an
endowment on the Perkins property, owned by Center for Natural Lands Management,
bringing the remaining Core Area obligation to 12.93 acres.
Land Acquisitions
There were no land acquisitions inside of the HMP Planning Area during the reporting
period.
Habitat Gains and Losses
E-1
The only habitat gain and loss during the reporting period involved the Fair Oaks Valley project
with 26.1 acres impacted by development and 55.2 acres set aside for preservation.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
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Rough-Step Preserve Assembly
The rough step policy states that during preserve assembly, development (losses) must occur
in "rough step" with land conservation (gains). Although a precise definition of "rough step"
was not included in the MHCP or HMP, it is generally understood by the Wildlife Agencies that
losses should be no more than 10% greater than gains (C. Beck, CDFW, pers. comm. 2007).
This policy was developed for NCCP plans to ensure that development does not greatly
outpace land preservation. To date, 1,564.7 acres have been lost in Carlsbad since inception
of the HMP, and therefore, no less than 1,408.2 acres (1,564.7-156.5) must be preserved. A
cumulative total of 5,931.8 acres have been gained in the preserve system, which greatly
exceeds the minimum required by the rough step policy. The rough step policy will continue
to be followed for all new development projects (e.g., in Standards Areas) because the city
requires that native habitat be conserved (impact mitigation/habitat gain) prior to issuing a
grading permit (habitat impact/habitat loss).
Regulatory Compliance
The city is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Implementing Agreement, NCCP
take authorization/permit, and federal ESA section 10(a)(1)(B) take authorization/permit, and
HMP zone-specific standards, as summarized in Tables 5-8 in the body of the report. Three
HMP permits were approved, and three minor amendments (two Consistency Findings and
one mapping correction) were processed during the current reporting period.
Preserve Management and Monitoring
Key management and monitoring activities in HMP preserves conducted this year included
invasive species removal, installation and maintenance of fences and signage, rare plant
counts and habitat assessments, vegetation mapping, sensitive bird species surveys, wildlife
corridor tracking,, and public outreach activities.
Patrolling and Enforcement
The Environmental Management division of Public Works continues to coordinate with
preserve managers, Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Department, CDFW, and the Carlsbad and
Oceanside Police Departments on a multi-pronged approach to enforcement within the
preserve system using education, deterrence, and patrolling.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April2,2015
E-2
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Financial Summary
E-3
In-lieu Mitigation Fee Program. A total of $66,415.64 of in-lieu mitigation fees was collected
and $217,075.50 was expended during the reporting period. The expenditure, totaling
$217,075.50, was made in October 2014 to purchase 7.52 acres of habitat for the Gnatcatcher
Core Area obligation. As of October 31, 2014, the account had a negative balance of
$776,032.69. This shortfall will be reimbursed with future in-lieu mitigation fees.
Preserve Management Endowments. During the reporting period, a total of $362,766 was
used by CNLM, SDHC, HRS, San Diego Urban Corps Habitat Services and Helix Environmental
for management and monitoring activities on 13 preserves. Endowment and remaining initial
funds for these properties totaled $10,138,746 as of October 31, 2014.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
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1.0 Plan Administration
l.llntroduction
The purpose of this document is to provide an update on the status of the Habitat Management
Plan (HMP) preserve system, and implementation activities that have occurred during the current
reporting period (November 1, 2012-October 31, 2013). The information in this report will be
used in compliance monitoring to determine if the HMP is being properly implemented pursuant
to relevant regulations and permit conditions. Annual tracking and reporting of the HMP
Preserve's gains, losses, management, and monitoring is required by Sections 12.1 and 12.2 of
the Implementing Agreement (lA), dated November 12, 2004; the Federal Fish and Wildlife
10(a)(1)(B) Permit No. TE022606-0, dated November 12, 2004; and the NCCP Permit No. 2835-
2004-001-05, dated November 15, 2004. This annual report covers year eight of the SO-year HMP
implementation permits.
1.2 HMP Compliance Monitoring and Effectiveness Monitoring
1.2.1 HMP Conservation Goals
In order to evaluate the city's compliance with the HMP, and the effectiveness of the MHCP/HMP
with respect to natural resources protection, it is necessary to understand the underlying goals of
the plan, which are summarized below (See HMP p. A-2 for a complete list):
• Conserve the full range of vegetation community types, with a focus on sensitive habitat
types.
• Conserve populations of narrow endemic species and other covered species.
• Conserve sufficient habitat, functional biological cores, wildlife movement corridors, and
habitat linkages, including linkages that connect coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila
californica ca/ifornica) populations and movement corridors for large mammals, to
support covered species in perpetuity.
• Apply a "no net loss" policy to wetlands, riparian habitats, and oak woodlands.
• Implement appropriate land use measures to ensure the protection of preserve lands in
perpetuity.
• Meet conservation goals stated above while accommodating orderly growth and
development in the city.
• Coordinate and monitor protection and management of conserved lands within the
preserve system.
• Minimize costs of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-related mitigation and HMP
implementation.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
1
1.2.2 Compliance Monitoring
Compliance monitoring, also known as implementation or regulatory monitoring, is required
pursuant to the city's HMP Implementing Agreement (permit) with the Wildlife Agencies (CDFW
and USFWS) to ensure that the city is performing the conservation and implementation actions
described in the Implementing Agreement. Compliance monitoring tracks whether the city is
doing what it agreed to do from a regulatory perspective, such as conserving particular species
locations and acres of habitat, monitoring the condition of the habitat and species, and
performing required management actions (MHCP Vol. 1). The Preserve steward assists the city by
conducting compliance monitoring and reporting for agency review. Habitat tracking results are
provided in Section 1.4; regulatory compliance is discussed in Section 1.5; and management and
monitoring activities are summarized in Section 2.0.
1.2.3 Effectiveness Monitoring
Effectiveness monitoring, also known as biological, ecological or validation monitoring,
determines the effectiveness of the conservation program. Effectiveness monitoring evaluates
how well the conservation and management actions are achieving the biological goals stated in
the MHCP and HMP within the city and across the MHCP planning area as a whole. The preserve-
level monitoring program is used to evaluate the effectiveness of management actions at specific
preserve areas (MHCP Vol. Ill). At the subregional (MHCP-wide) level, effectiveness monitoring
involves assessing status and trends in populations of covered species, and assessing how well the
conservation strategy is working to maintain natural ecological processes (MHCP Vol. Ill). The city
is responsible for biological monitoring on city-owned properties and for reporting monitoring
results from other properties within the HMP. The Wildlife Agencies are responsible for
monitoring on t~eir own properties (i.e., reserves owned by CDFW or lands within Batiquitos
Lagoon owned by the California State Lands Commission) and for conducting subregional
monitoring and analysis.
Monitoring the effectiveness of the MHCP and HMP is more challenging than compliance
monitoring because the biological goals are broad and it may take many (upwards of ten) years
before trends in species populations and habitat conditions are detectable. Species and habitat
monitoring is conducted by the preserve managers. The city, Preserve steward, preserve
managers, and Wildlife Agencies are currently working together to develop a functional city-wide
monitoring program that will help answer questions about population trends and wildlife
movement. In addition, the city is coordinating with the San Diego Management and Monitoring
Program (SDMMP), which is developing regional and preserve-level monitoring and management
protocols for use throughout San Diego County.
2 Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
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1.3 Current Status of Preserves
This section contains a description of the different categories of preserves within the HMP
preserve system, accounting of the mitigation credits at the city's Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel,
status of the city's Gnatcatcher Core Area conservation obligation, and summary of in-lieu
mitigation fee program.
1.3.1 Cat egories of HMP Preserves
Lands within the HMP preserve system can be grouped into four categories: (1) established
private and city-owned Hardline Preserves; (2) California Department of Fish and Game Ecological
Reserves; {3) pre-existing natural open space preserves; and {4) future preserves (Proposed
Hardline Preserves and Standards Areas). These categories of preserve lands are distinguished by
the level of management, ownership, and/or status as described below and shown in Figure 1.
Established Private and City-owned Hardline Preserves
These Hardline Preserves were established during or after the adoption of the HMP. They have
approved Preserve Management Plans implemented by preserve managers and funded through
non-wasting endowments or, in the case of the city-owned preserves, through annual budget
appropriations. The city requires annual reports for all of these preserves. The underlying
property owners for these preserves are a preserve management entity, homeowner's
association, or the city. Except for the city-owned properties, all of these Hard line Preserves are
protected by a recorded Conservation Easement. Examples of these preserves include Rancho La
Costa, Carlsbad Oaks North, Kelly Ranch, Lake Calavera, and the Crossings Golf Course, among
others.
California Department of Fish and Game Ecological Reserves
These Hardline Preserves were established prior to or subsequent to the adoption of the HMP
and are all owned by the State of California. According to the HMP Implementing Agreement, the
level of management and monitoring of the CDFW preserves is based upon the available State
funding and resources. Currently there are no finalized Reserve Management Plans for the CDFW
ecological reserves in Carlsbad but management follows draft plans. CDFW obtains State Wildlife
Grant funding annually for management and monitoring activities on preserves. Management
accounts are established for Carlsbad Highlands Ecological Reserve and Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Ecological Reserve. The Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve is managed and monitored by CDFW
and funded through a mitigation account established by the Port of Los Angeles and held by
CDFW. The Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve is managed by Center for Nat ural Lands
Management (CNLM), a non-profit management entity, through a contract and funded by an
endowment held by CNLM. The city receives some CDFW monitoring data for the lagoon
preserves and a CNLM prepared annual report for the Buena Vista Creek Reserve.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP. Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
3
Figure 1. Categories of HMP Preserves
4
Legend
PACIFIC
OCEAN
-Established Pfl\late and Clly-OIM'led Preserve•
-Cal~omlil Oepertment r:J FISh and v.lldli#e Ecolog1C81 Reserve
Pr-xl5bng Nattnl Open Space Prewrve
F L/lure PresefVe
~ Future Prese<ve Standards AIN
Cll'f' OJ
CARlSBAD
City of Carlsbad
Cnt•ego ries of HMPPreserves Figure 1
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Yea r 10
April 2, 2015
\q;
Pre-existing Natural Open Space Preserves
These Hardline Preserves predated the adoption of the HMP and are composed of natural open
space areas within subdivisions or master plan communities (owned by the respective
homeowner's association), the University of California's Dawson-Los Monos Reserve, and areas
owned by Cabrillo Power, San Diego Gas and Electric, and the San Dieguito Union High School
District. The lands were included in the HMP because of their biological resources and ecological
value. There are no Preserve Management Plans or active management and monitoring
associated with these preserves and maintenance of the property is the responsibility of the
property owner. Generally, management consists of trash pick-up and fence maintenance. The
HMP envisioned that future management and monitoring of these lands would be financed
through a regional funding source. All of the preserves owned by homeowner's associations are
protected by an Open Space Easement. The Dawson-Los Monos Reserve is owned by the Regents
of University of California and has no open space or conservation easement protection. Examples
of the homeowner's association owned preserves include Calavera Hills Phase I, Aviara, and
Arroyo La Costa.
Future Preserves (Proposed Hardline Preserves and Standards Areas)
These preserves are identified in the HMP and are associated with developable lands but have yet
to begin management and monitoring. As a condition of approval for any development on the
property, the developer is obligated to establish the preserve by gaining approval of a Preserve
Management Plan, contracting with a management entity, depositing a non-wasting endowment
or other secure financing mechanism, and recording a Conservation Easement. An Equivalency
Finding, approved by the city and Wildlife Agencies, is required for any alterations to the Proposed
Hardline Preserve and the final preserve design for Standards Areas must be approved by the city
and Wildlife Agencies through a Consistency Finding. Examples of these future preserves include
Mandana and Kato.
1.3.2 Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel
The city-owned Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel, also known as the Lake Calavera Preserve,
provides mitigation as needed for upland habitat impacts related to city construction projects.
Credits are deducted on an acre-for-acre basis, regardless of the type of habitat being impacted,
except for impacts to gnatcatcher-occupied coastal sage scrub, southern maritime chaparral, and
maritime succulent scrub. No credits can be sold to outside entities. Table 1 shows total debits
to date. There was one city project that required mitigation of habitat impacts at Lake Calavera
Mitigation Parcel, the El Camino Real Southbound Widening, for a total of 1.4 acres.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April2, 2015
5
\C\
Table 1. Mitigation Acreage at Lake Calavera Mitigation Parcel through RY 10 (2013-2014)
Credits and Debits Acres1
INITIAL CREDITS 256.0
Total Debits as of October 31, 2013 84.6
Year 10 Project-Related Deductions (Nov. 2013-0ct. 2014)
1. El Camino Real Southbound Widening 1.4
Total Debits 83.2
TOTAL ACRES AVAILABLE AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2014 170.0
1 Rounded to the nearest tenth of an acre.
1.3.3 Gnatcatcher Core Area Preservation Obligation Acreage
As of the final approval of the HMP in 2004, 264.5 acres of the 307.6 acre Gnatcatcher Core Area
preservation obligation had been met through project related mitigation in the Core Area and
additional onsite restoration within the HMP Plan Area. The remaining obligation consisted of
acquisition of 43.02 acres of occupied coastal sage scrub habitat and reimbursement for 50.13
acres of land that was acquired by a private developer in anticipation of the HMP Core Area
requirements. The history of the Gnatcatcher Core Area, including how the previous obligations
were met, is detailed in earlier annual reports.
Table 2. Status of Carlsbad HMP Gnatcatcher Core Area Obligation through RY 10 (2013-2014)
Core Area Components Component Total
Acreage Acreage
TOTAL CORE AREA CONSERVATION REQUIREMENT 307.60
1. Acquisition by the City
A/emir Property -land in excess of mitigation 50.13
requirements.
Perkins Property-30.09 acres of conservation
credit for endowing long-term management on portion
of property.
October 24, 2011
October 11, 2012 7.53
October 21, 2013 7.52
October 22, 2014 7.52
7.52
Subtotal of Acquisition 80.22
2. Project-Related Mitigation 150.26
3. Onsite Conservation Restoration Credits 64.19
Total Core Area Conservation 294.67
REMAINING CORE AREA CONSERVATION REQUIREMENT 12.93
6 Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
~0
During the reporting period, the city completed implementation of The Agreement Regarding
Conservation Credits re: City of Carlsbad HMP Offsite Core Area, dated July 26, 2011. This
agreement states that the city will receive 30.09 acres of conservation credit for contributing
funds annually over a 4-year period; the conservation credits will be earned incrementally. The
fourth and final increment was earned as of October 22, 2014. Table 2 shows the current status
of Core Area conservation credits.
1.3.4 In-lieu Mitigation Fee Program
Under certain circumstances, project impacts to non-sensitive upland habitats that occur outside
of the HMP preserve may be mitigated through a fee rather than onsite or offsite conservation.
These funds can only be used to offset the cost of Gnatcatcher Core Area conservation. A total of
$66,415.64 of in-lieu mitigation fees were collected during the reporting period. A detailed
accounting of the in-lieu mitigation fees and expenditures is given in Section 3 (Financial
Summary).
1.4 Habitat Gains and Losses
Pursuant to the HMP and lA, the city is required to provide an annual accounting of the amounts
and locations of habitat lost and conserved over time due to public and private development
projects and land acquisition. This information will be used to demonstrate to the Wildlife
Agencies that (a) the HMP preserve is being assembled as anticipated; (b) the habitat conservation
goals of the HMP are being achieved; and (c) habitat conserved is in rough step with development.
Habitrak is a GIS database tool that was designed to satisfy these tracking and reporting
requirements by providing standard tracking protocols and reporting output. It uses standard
baseline spatial databases (e.g., vegetation, preserve boundaries, and parcel boundaries) and
development project footprints to prepare standardized tables and maps for annual reporting.
1.4.1 Target Acreage
Habitrak, a CDFW maintained database, is used by the city to calculate the number of acres added
to the HMP preserve every year (although it does not calculate gains within the Gnatcatcher Core
Area which is outside of the city limits). Some of the habitat types used in the standard Habitrak
table outputs are more specific than those used in HMP Table 8. To make it easier to compare the
Habitrak tables with the HMP table for compliance monitoring, Table 3 below lists acres of target
conservation and compares habitat categories in HMP Table 8 to categories used in Habitrak.
Note that the GIS data layers used for this analysis included the more detailed habitat categories.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
7
~\
Table 3. HMP Target Conservation of Habitats
(Comparison of Habitat Categories in HMP and Habitrak)
HMPTableS Habitrak
Habitat Type Target Habitat type Target
Acres Acres
Maritime succulent scrub 29
Coastal sage scrub 2,139 Coastal sage scrub 2,003
Coastal sage-chaparral scrub 107
Subtotal 2,139
Chaparral 676 Chaparral 676
Southern maritime chaparral 342 Southern maritime chaparral 342
Coast live oak 20
Oak woodland 24 Other oak woodland 4
Subtotal 24
Riparian forest 82
494 Riparian woodland 17 Riparian Riparian scrub 395
Subtotal 494
Southern coastal salt marsh 143
Alkali marsh 9
Freshwater marsh 165
Marsh 1,252 Freshwater 53
Estuarine 789
Disturbed wetland 93
Subtotal 1,252
Grassland 707 Grassland 707
Eucalyptus woodland 99 Eucalyptus woodland 99
Agriculture 185
Disturbed lands 745 Disturbed Land 244
Developed 316
Subtotal 745
Total Target Conservation Total Target Conservation
within Carlsbad 6,478 within Carlsbad 6,478
Carlsbad's Gnatcatcher Core Not tracked in Habitrak N/A Area Contribution 3081
Total HMP Target
Conservation 6,786
1 Rounded to the nearest acre.
1.4.2 Land Acquisitions
There were no land acquisitions inside of the HMP planning area during the reporting period.
1.4.3 Habitat Gains and Losses
Habitat gain and loss during the reporting period involved the Fair Oaks Valley project with 26.1
acres impacted by development and 55.2 acres set aside for preservation. The current HMP
8 Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
conditions are shown in Figure 2 and the areas of gains and losses in the HMP during the
reporting period and from previous years are displayed in Figure 3.
1.4.4 Rough-Step Preserve Assembly
As stated in the lA (12.1 Record Keeping) "Habitat conservation under the HMP must proceed
concurrently and in rough step with development." Although 'rough step' has not been defined
in the HMP or MHCP, the general standard adopted by the Wildlife Agencies is that acres of
habitat gain must be within approximately 10% of habitat losses (Christine Beck, CDFG, pers.
comm. 2007). This policy was developed for NCCP plans to ensure that development does not
greatly outpace land preservation. To date, 1,564.7 acres have been lost in Carlsbad since
inception of the HMP, and therefore, no less than 1,408.2 acres (1,564.7-156.5) must be
preserved. A cumulative total of 5,931.8 acres have been gained in the preserve system, which
greatly exceeds the minimum required by the rough step policy. The rough step policy will
continue to be followed for all new development projects (e.g., in Standards Areas) because the
city requires that native habitat be conserved (impact mitigation/habitat gain) prior to issuing a
grading permit (project impact/habitat loss) pursuant to the mitigation ratios described in the
HMP. Measures required to be in place prior to permit issuance include: management cost
analysis, non-wasting endowment for perpetual management, conservation easement, preserve
management plan, and a contract with an approved preserve manager. Some projects that were
approved prior to final HMP approval were issued grading permits before all of these elements
were put in place. The city continues to work towards ensuring permanent management for these
properties, either in concert with Wildlife Agency sign-off of project mitigation sites or assisting
USACOE and USFWS in enforcing the provisions of the project Biological Opinion. Habitat
impacted outside of the HMP is mitigated through an in-lieu mitigation fee.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
9
Figure 2. 2014 Current Conditions
en" or
CARLSBAD
10
PACII'IC
OCEAN
Legend
-Existing Hardline
Outside-Conserved
Proposed Hardline
Standards Area
City of Carbbad
201-' Current Conditions Figure 2
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
Figure 3. Project Gains/Losses by Report Year
PaC/fK;
Ocean
Figure Legend
-GanYear10
-Loss Year 10
Gain Before Year 10
Loss Bel<><e Year 10
.. Existing Herdine Conservation .Area
-HMP Ate a w~h No Gain 0< loss
-Not APart
Banmap Legend
Freeway Carlsbad Boundary
Major Road 0 Municipal
'""-River
,..,
.. ,.,
I
::csou=R=ce-=-:-=c:-::N0::-:0:::s.--:u:::5:::FWS.-=--=CN:-::LM~(R=-e-...,-1:-:-lo-CO!ion-::.,....,-;:201=~-=20:-:1.,.,4l----------Ca~sbad Preserve Annual R~M . 0211XXX
Figure 3
City of Carlsbad
Project Gains and Losses by Reporting Year
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
11
1.5 Regulatory Compliance
To ensure regulatory compliance, the city is implementing the HMP (1) through the project review
process for new development projects; (2) by issuing HMP permits when impacts to habitat or
covered species are involved; {3) by issuing incidental take permits when take of a listed
species is involved; and (4) by ensuring consistency with the terms and conditions of the lA, and
State NCCP and Federal Fish and Wildlife permits.
1.5.1 HMP-related Permits and Amendments
During the current reporting period, three HMP permits for private development projects were
approved by the city. Table 4 also includes a status update for HMP permits that have been
submitted but are currently pending or incomplete. No incidental take permits were issued this
reporting period.
Table 4. HMP Permits in Process during RV 10 (2013-2014)
HMP Permit No. Project Name Date Status
HMP 07-05 Viii agio -Kelly Ranch 05/14/2007 Pending
HMP 11-03 Robertson Ranch West Village 05/06/2011 Incomplete
HMP 13-02 Daybreak Community Church 07/22/2014 Approved
HMP 14-01 nerra La Costa 04/23/2014 Approved
HMP 14-02 College Blvd Mitigation 07/03/2014 Incomplete
Two Minor Amendments were processed during the reporting period as described below. See
HMP Section E-3 and Implementing Agreement Section 20.1 for a description of Minor
Amendment types and the HMP amendment process.
12
1. Consistency Finding. The Daybreak Community Church development project, which is
within a Standards Area in LFMZ 20, was processed as a Consistency Finding and received
Wildlife Agency concurrence on February 13, 2014. The project added 1.66 acres to the
preserve and incorporated 2.20 acres of pre-existing preserve into long term
management and monitoring.
2. Equivalency Finding. The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Visitor's Center Equivalency
Finding was approved by the city on April 28, 2014 and no comments were received from
the Wildlife Agencies within the 30 day review period. The revised preserve boundary
resulted in a net gain of 4.07 acres, including 0.11 acres of coastal salt marsh and 1.18
acres of disturbed native grassland/coastal sage scrub. Two Equivalency Findings were
approved by the Wildlife Agencies for the Quarry Creek Master Plan, one on September
19, 2014 and one on December 16, 2014, resulting in a net gain of 7.96 acres.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
3. Other Minor Amendments (pursuant to Section 20.1 of the Implementing Agreement).
No other minor amendments were processed during the reporting period.
1.5.2 City Compliance with Terms and Conditions of Take Authorization
To satisfy the terms and conditions of the state and federal take authorization, the city is required
to fulfill the obligations outlined in Sections 10 -14 of the lA, the Conditions of the State NCCP
Permit, and Terms and Conditions of the Federal ESA Section 10(a)(1)(B) Incidental Take
Authorization/Permit. Implementation tasks associated with these regulations are completed or
ongoing, and are described in Tables 5-7. In cases where a particular condition is worded the same
in more than one document, a reference is made to a previous table in which compliance is
described, to avoid redundancy.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
13
lA Section
10.10
11.1
11.2
11.3
14
Table 5. Summary of City Compliance with HMP Implementing Agreement Requirements through RY 10 {2013-2014)
Obligation
Duty to Enforce: To enforce the terms of the Take
Authorization, HMP, and lA and ensure HMP lands are
conserved in perpetuity.
Preserve System: To ensure the establishment and
management in perpetuity of a 6, 757-acre preserve
system.
Project Mitigation Measures: To require additional
mitigation measures to mitigate impacts to covered
species in all future development projects.
A.
B.
c. Regulatory Implementation:
A. Urgency Ordinance-interim HMP enforcement
B. Amend Open Space and Conservation Element of
General Plan to incorporate HMP D.
c. Amend Open Space Ordinance to incorporate
Conserved Habitat Areas
D. Amend Municipal Code to incorporate Standards
Area compliance E.
E. Amend General Plan to identify HMP as priority
use for open space lands
F. Wetlands Protection Program F.
City Compliance
• The city requires compliance with the HMP as a condition of approval for new development projects, which
includes conservation in perpetuity, a non-wasting endowment, and a management agreement with a preserve
manager.
• On March 14, 2006 the city passed the Habitat Preservation and Management Requirements Ordinance (Carlsbad
Municipal Code§ 21.210), which includes a section on enforcement (§21.210.19) for violations of the HMP.
• The city is developing a coordinated multi-departmental trail enforcement program (Section 2.1.6) and continues
to work with local preserve managers for enforcement activities.
• Complaints made by citizens regarding possible violations of the HMP within preserves are investigated on a case
by case basis.
• The city has currently gained 5,931.8 acres of habitat within the HMP planning area and 294.67 acres of habitat
within the MHCP Gnatcatcher Core Area (over 95% of the overall target acreage). See Section 1.4.3 for more
details.
• As a condition of approval for new development projects, the city requires that all potential impacts to HMP
covered species be avoided, minimized, and/or mitigated.
The Emergency Ordinance was approved by the City Council November 9, 2004.
Revisions to the policy statements regarding the HMP were approved by the City Council in July, 2005.
Revisions were made to Carlsbad Municipal Code § 21.53.230 and approved by the City Council in March, 2006.
Conserved Habitat Areas were included as undevelopable open space lands preserved exclusively and in perpetuity
for conservation purposes consistent with the HMP. Submitted to California Coastal Commission on April 3, 2006-
application is under review.
A new chapter (§ 21.210) was added to the Zoning Ordinance to address habitat preservation and management
requirements. Section 21.210.040 B. specifically addresses Standards Area compliance. Approved by the City
Council in March 2006. City staff is working with Coastal Commission staff on the related implementation plan for
the Local Coastal Program.
The General Plan was revised to make conservation of habitat a priority use for the 15% of otherwise developable
land which the Growth Management Plan already requires to be set aside for open space purposes (the city defines
five categories of open space). Approved by the City Council July 2005.
New subsections (§21.210.040 D.S and §21.210.070 A.S) were added to the Municipal Code to address the
protection of wetland habitat. The ordinance states that wetlands impacts will be avoided, minimized, or mitigated
(in that order). Approved by the City Council in March 2006. Submitted to Coastal Commission on April 3, 2006.
Compliance is enforced on a project-by-project basis during environmental review and in conjunction with other
wetland permitting agencies such as Coastal Commission, CDFW and USACOE.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
Table 5. Summary of City Compliance with HMP Requirements through RV 10 (2013-2014) continued
lA Section Obligation
11.4 Additional Implementation Measures: To implement
measures included in MHCP.
Regional Conservation: To effectuate the
11.5 conservation of 307.6 acres of land within the MHCP
Gnatcatcher Core Area, and convey the property to a
qualified preserve manager.
Cooperative Regional Implementation: To 11.6 participate in MHCP Elected Officials Committee.
Monitoring and Reporting: To track habitat gains
and losses within the HMP area (which should occur
12.1 in rough step with one another); to maintain its
12.2 database of biological resources; to submit an annual
12.4 report by December 1 of each year; to hold a public
meeting to discuss HMP implementation; and to
12.5 provide the Wildlife Agencies with additional reports
if necessary for compliance monitoring; and to certify
all reports.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
City Compliance
• The MHCP, HMP, and OSMP conservation measures are currently being implemented during the approval process
for all development projects and preserve management activities.
• See Section 1.6 for details about additional implementation measures.
• The city has met 294.67 acres of its coastal sage scrub conservation obligation through acquisition (80.22 acres),
project mitigation (150.26 acres), and habitat enhancement credit (64.19 acres).
• The city reimbursed Lennar (developer) for the 50.13 acres that were purchased up-front (see above) on April 26,
2011
• The city entered into an agreement on July 26, 2011 with the Wildlife Agencies and Conservation Fund to acquire
30.09 acres of conservation credit over four years. The city made the fourth payment on October 22, 2014 and
received 7.52 acres of credit.
• The Core Area properties are protected under a Conservation Easement, and are being monitored and managed
by the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM).
• To date, the City of Carlsbad is the only MHCP jurisdiction with an approved subarea plan, so this is not applicable
at this time; however, the city participates in meetings to discuss MHCP-wide issues with other MHCP
jurisdictions and SANDAG as needed.
• Habitat gains and losses are being tracked through Habitrak. Rough step preserve assembly is built into the city's
permitting process (See Section 1.4.4 for details.)
• Currently the city is working with the Preserve steward, preserve managers, city GIS staff, the San Diego
Management and Monitoring Program, and SDSU's Institute for Environmental Monitoring and Management to
determine the best approach to develop and manage monitoring data.
• Protocols and standards will be developed with regard to baseline surveys and monitoring (survey methods and
data format), entry and attributing of GIS data, and data management.
• Annual public HMP workshops are held every year to give participants an opportunity to learn about current HMP
preserve assembly, management, and monitoring, and to ask questions and provide comments.
• Annual HMP status reports are submitted to Wildlife Agencies each year. The public also has an opportunity to
view these reports prior to the annual meeting and provide comments.
15
lA Section
12.3
13.0
14.0
16
Table 5. Summary of City Compliance with HMP Requirements through RY 10 (2013-2014) continued
Obligation
Preserve Management and Monitoring Plan: To
prepare a preserve management and monitoring
plan that will detail recommendations in HMP
Section F.
Adaptive Management: To ensure that adaptive
management actions do not result in less mitigation
than provided for the HMP Covered Species under
the original terms of the HMP, unless approved by
the Wildlife Agencies.
Funding:
14.1 MCHP Core Area Participation
14.2 Preserve Management and Monitoring Plan
14.3 Management of City-owned public lands
14.4 Management of private lands in HMP area
14.5 Management of Existing Hard line areas
14.6 Program Administration
14.7 Habitat In-lieu-Mitigation Fees
City Compliance
The Open Space Management Plan (OSMP) is the Preserve Management and Monitoring Plan described in lA Section
12.3, and the subarea framework management plan described in MHCP Vol. Ill, Section 1.2. The first complete draft was
finalized in May 2004. The document was completed in September 2004 and accepted by the Carlsbad City Council in
December 2005. Currently the OSMP is being reviewed by the California Coastal Commission as part of the HMP Local
Coastal Program Implementation Plan; the city is implementing OSMP policies citywide.
• The city complies with this policy by having ongoing discussions with preserve managers on management
activities and by requiring adaptive management within all actively managed preserves.
• The city is coordinating with the regional adaptive management and monitoring through the San Diego
Management and Monitoring Program.
• The city has developed a compliance checklist for the preserve managers; the checklist includes a section on
adaptive management activities (pilot study design, methods, results, etc.).
14.1 The city has met 294.67 acres of its 307.6-acre coastal sage scrub conservation obligation. The city must cause
conservation of an additional12.93 acres; this obligation will be funded through in-lieu mitigation fees.
14.2 The Preserve Management and Monitoring Plan (known as the Open Space Management Plan or OSMP) was
completed in September 2004 using city funds and a Local Assistance Grant from CDFW.
14.3 City-owned preserves are currently being actively managed and monitored by CNLM.
14.4 The city requires all private development projects within the HMP to fully fund perpetual management of
associated preserve land prior to issuing a grading permit.
14.5 Hard line preserves in existence before final HMP approval are owned and managed by several other entities,
including the CDFW, private HOAs, University of California, SDG&E, Cabrillo Power, and SDUHS.
14.6 The HMP program is being overseen by Michael Grim (City of Carlsbad Property and Environmental Management
Department). In addition, the city has contracted with Environmental Science Associates (ESA) to serve as the
city's Preserve steward, who coordinates management throughout the HMP Preserve, and monitors HMP
compliance and management effectiveness.
14.7 The city has implemented an in-lieu-mitigation fee program for new development that will fund the city's
remaining Gnatcatcher Core Area obligations.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
Table 6. Summary of City Compliance with Terms and Conditions
of CDFW Permit through RY 10 (2013-2014)
CDFW NCCP Permit Terms and Conditions (T&C)
Section 6.1 Conditions A through F are the same as those stated in A through F of the
lA, Section 11.3 (See Table 12). They are summarized below.
A. Urgency Ordinance -interim HMP enforcement.
B. Amend Open Space and Conservation Element of General Plan to
incorporate HMP.
C. Amend Open Space Ordinance to incorporate Conserved Habitat Areas.
D. Amend Municipal Code to incorporate Standards Area compliance.
E. Amend General Plan to identify HMP as priority use for open space lands.
F. Wetlands Protection Program.
G. This permit is subject to compliance with the MHCP Volumes 1-111, HMP,
including Addenda 1 and 2, and the lA.
H. Coverage for thread-leaved brodiaea and approval of the Fox-Miller Project.
The conditions are as described in the USFWS 10{a) Permit Condition 7
{Table 12).
I. All monitoring and reporting must comply with MHCP Vol. I and Ill, and lA
Section 12. Annual reports are due no later than December 1 of each year.
MHCP Volume II includes the following policies and conditions:
• Standard Best Management Practices (Appendix B)
• General Outline for Revegetation Plans (Appendix C)
• Narrow Endemic Species and Critical Population Policies {Appendix D)
• Conditions for Estuarine Species (Appendix E)
• CEQA requirements for quantifying and mitigating impacts
Description of City Compliance
See Table 9, lA Section 11.3.
All project approvals within the city are
subject to these requirements as a
condition of approval.
See Table 11, USFWS 10(a) Permit
Condition 7 for a description of compliance.
See description for Condition G.
MHCP Vol. II policies and conditions are
reviewed during regular HMP compliance
review for all new projects within Carlsbad.
In addition, these policies have been
integrated and/or referenced in the city's
Guidelines for Biological Studies.
Table 7. Summary of City Compliance with the Terms and Conditions
of USFWS Permit through RY 9 (2012-2013)
Federal ESA lO(a) Permit Terms and Conditions (T&C)
1. All sections of Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 13, 17.22, and 17.32 are
conditions of this permit.
2. The permittee is subject to compliance with the MHCP, HMP, and lA.
3. The amount and form of take are authorized as described below. Referenced
tables are from Attachment 2 of the T&C, and are the same as List 1-3 Species in
Description of City Compliance
Appropriate language has been integrated
into the HMP and lA; therefore, compliance
with these documents ensures compliance
with Title CFR sections.
The city complies with all regulations as
described in Tables 10 and 11.
HMP Section C. Coverage for species in HMP Tables 2 and 3 below require the city See next page.
to submit in writing a request for coverage, including documentation showing
compliance.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
17
Table 7. Summary of City Compliance with Terms and Conditions
of USFWS Permit through RY 9 {2012-2013) continued
Federal ESA lO(a) Permit Terms and Conditions (T&C)
3. continued
Table 1. (a) No take authorized for the following species:
Chorizanthe orcuttiana-Orcutt's spineflower
Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. b/ochmaniae-Bloch man's dudleya
Euphorbia misera-Cliff spurge
Hazardia orcuttii-Orcutt's hazardia
Quercus dumosa-Nuttall's scrub oak
Pe/ecanus occidentalis ca/ifornicus-California brown pelican
Falco peregrinus -American peregrine falcon
Rallus longirostris levipes-Light-footed clapper rail
Sterna antil/arum browni-California least tern
Charadrius a/exandrinus nivosus-Western snowy plover
Sterna e/egans-Elegant tern
Table 1. (b) Take authorization is or will be (upon listing) granted for:
Listed species:
Empidonax trail/ii extimus-Southwestern willow flycatcher
Vireo be/Iii pusil/us-Least Bell's vireo
Polioptila ca/ifornica ca/ifornica-Coastal California gnatcatcher
Not yet listed:
Panoquina errans-Salt marsh skipper
Euphyes vestris harbisoni-Harbison's dun skipper
Plegadis chihi-White-faced ibis
Accipiter cooperii-Cooper's hawk
Pandion ha/iaetus -Osprey
lcteria virens-Yellow-breasted chat
Aimophila ruficeps canescens-So. California rufous-crowned sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi-Belding's savannah sparrow
P.s. rostratus-Large-billed savannah sparrow
Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi-Orange-throated whiptail
Table 2. Take authorization contingent upon other MHCP subarea plans being
permitted for the following species:
Acanthomintha ilicifolia-San Diego thorn mint
Ambrosia pumila-San Diego ambrosia
Ceanothus verrucosus-Wart-stemmed ceanothus
Dudleya viscida-Sticky dudleya
Ferocactus viridescens-San Diego barrel cactus
Quercus enge/mannii-Engelmann oak
Table 3. (a) Take authorization contingent upon adequate funding and legal
access to manage and monitor the following species:
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia-Del Mar manzanita
Baccharis vanessae-Encinitas baccharis
Brodiaea filifo/ia -Thread-leaved brodiaea
Comarostaphylis diversifo/ia ssp. diversifolia-Summer-holly
Corethrogyne fi/aginifolia var. linifolio-Del Mar sand aster
Pinus torreyana ssp. torreyana-Torrey pine
Description of City Compliance
Table 1 (a). No take of these species has been
authorized by the city.
Table 1 (b). The city did not authorize take for
any of these species during the current reporting
period.
Table 2. No other MHCP subarea plans have been
permitted, and therefore take authorization for
these species has not been granted by the city.
Table 3 (a). Take authorization for thread-leaved
brodiaea was granted by the Wildlife Agencies to
the city on December 2, 2005 based upon the
management required for Fox-Miller property.
Take of this species was not granted during the
reporting period. No take of any other species
from this list has been granted by the city.
18 Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
Table 7. Summary of City Compliance with Terms and Conditions
of USFWS Permit through RY 9 (2012-2013) continued
Federal ESA lO{a) Permit Terms and Conditions (T&C)
Table 3. {b) Take is contingent upon {a), described above. and the city receiving
legal control over the vernal pools adjacent to the Poinsettia Train Station.
Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii-San Diego button-celery
Myasurus minim us ssp. apus-Little mousetail
Navarretia fossa/is-Spreading navarretia
Orcuttia ca/ifarnica-California Orcutt grass
Streptocephalus woottoni-Riverside fairy shrimp
Branchinecta sandiegonensis-San Diego fairy shrimp
Table 3. {b) Take is contingent upon {a) and (b), described above, and upon
other MHCP subarea plans being permitted.
Iva hayesiana-San Diego marsh-elder
4. The FESA Section 10{a) constitutes a Special Purpose Permit for the take of HMP
covered species which are listed as threatened or endangered under the FESA,
and which are also protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as
amended. The Special Purpose Permit will be valid for three years after effective
date and may be renewed as long as 10{a) permit conditions are being met.
Sterna an til/arum browni-California least tern
Empidonax traillii extimus-Southwestern willow flycatcher
Vireo be/Iii pusil/us-Least Bell's vireo
Passercu/us sandwichensis beldingi-Belding's savannah sparrow
5. The Permittee shall not allow clearing and grubbing in known or potentially
occupied California gnatcatcher habitat between February 15 and August 31.
6. Specific standards (described in the T&C) must be met if the city proceeds with
any of the following plans:
(a) Cannon Road Reach 4
(b) Extension of Melrose Drive through the Shelley Property
(c) Marron Road through Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve
7. To receive coverage for thread-leaved brodiaea, the city must demonstrate that:
(a) The Fox-Miller project meets the narrow endemic standards for this critical
location and major population of this species;
(b) The proposed hard line shown in Addendum 2 (2003) of the HMP is not
permitted (it does not meet the MHCP standards);
(c) The Wildlife Agencies must concur with the Fox-Miller project proposal, and
the conserved area must be managed and monitored to MHCP standards in
perpetuity; and
(d) If all conditions are met, the Fox-Miller project can be permitted under the
HMP through the HMP amendment process
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
Description of City Compliance
Table 3 (b). The city has not taken legal control
of the Poinsettia Lane Vernal Pools and has not
requested take for vernal pool species.
No other take authorizations have been
requested.
The Special Purpose Permit has been in effect
during the current reporting period. No take of
these species has been granted.
This requirement is included in Municipal Code
21.210.040 and HMP Table 9. Compliance is a
condition of approval for every new
development project.
None of these projects have been proposed at
this time.
(a) The boundary for the brodiaea population
has been established.
(b) The boundary was expanded.
(c) The Wildlife Agencies have approved the
Fox-Miller project. The restoration and
non-restoration areas are currently under
management and monitoring by Helix via
annual contract with the landowner.
Long term management of the property
will be provided by SDHC when the 5-year
restoration areas are signed off by the
Wildlife Agencies.
(d) Brodiaea coverage was granted by the
Wildlife Agencies through a minor
amendment December 2, 2005.
19
Table 7. Summary of City Compliance with Terms and Conditions
of USFWS Permit through RY 9 {2012-2013) continued
Federal ESA lO(a) Permit Terms and Conditions {T&C} Description of City Compliance
(a) The corridor on the NE boundary of
8. To minimize impacts to the California gnatcatcher, rufous-crowned sparrow, and Carlsbad is conserved. Along the
orange-throated whiptail the city must: northern boundary, the Buena Vista
(a) Maintain and/or widen the habitat corridor between the city and Oceanside as Creek ER was acquired in 2007,
much as feasible, and resulting in 100% conservation, and the
(b) If the driving range adjacent to the Kelly/Bartman property is proposed for a Summit (Kelly-Bartman) property was
acquired by CDFW in 2010. different use, the city will ensure that an on-site corridor is established on the
driving range property. (b) No other uses for this property have
been proposed at this time.
9. As part of the project review process, a qualified biologist shall survey for all The city has included this as a condition of
species with immediate and conditional coverage. approval for all new projects.
The city regularly communicates with the
10. The city will contact the USFWS Carlsbad Office immediately regarding any USFWS on regulatory issues, and contacts
violations or potential violations of the FESA or the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. the appropriate personnel immediately
upon learning of any potential problems.
11. The city will notify the USFWS within one working day of finding any dead, No such individuals have been reported to
injured, or sick threatened/endangered species. or observed by the city.
12. All monitoring and reporting for this permit shall be in compliance with the See lA Section 12 discussion in Table 10
MHCP (Vol. I and Ill) and the lA (Section 12). above for compliance information.
13. A copy of this permit must be on file with the city, its authorized agents, and third A copy of this permit is on file with the city
parties under the jurisdiction and direct control of the city. and is available to any interested parties.
1.5.3 City Compliance with HMP Zone-Wide Standards
The city is also required to ensure that all projects within Standards Areas comply with the zone-
specific standards outlined in HMP Section D (Table 8). All projects that occur within a Standards
Area are processed as a Consistency Finding. During this process, projects must demonstrate
compliance with the standards before they receive concurrence from the Wildlife Agencies and
are approved by the city; therefore, all approved development within Standards Areas is
consistent with the HMP.
A total of 182.6 acres of coastal sage scrub occurs within Standards Areas throughout the HMP.
To date, 16.1 acres have been lost (8.8%), and 62.5 acres have been conserved (34.2%). Zone-
wide standards require at least 67% (122.3 acres) of the coastal sage scrub to be conserved.
Therefore, the city must conserve at least 59.8 more acres of coastal sage scrub within the
Standards Areas. Table 8 summarizes property-specific and linkage-related standards and current
status. Refer to HMP Section D pp. D-73 through D-82 for additional zone-specific standards.
20 Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
Table 8. Compliance with Zone-Wide Standards through RY 10 (2013-2014)
Zone Zone-Specific Standard
All Zones A minimum of 67% of coastal sage scrub and
75% of the gnatcatchers shall be conserved
overall within the Standards Areas.
Zone 1 Preserve at least 50% of coastal sage scrub and
avoid areas occupied by gnatcatchers. Applies
to several vacant lots on north shore of Agua
Hedionda Lagoon and a larger, vacant in-fill lot
SW of El Camino Real and Kelly Drive.
Zone 2 1. Kelly/Bartman property: 50% of this property
shall be conserved and must form a continuous
corridor from the SE corner of the property to
the northern edge. 2. Spyglass property:
grasslands impacted on this property shall have
offsite mitigation at 2:1 ratio.
Zone 8 1. Kirgis property: a maximum of 25% can be
developed. 2. Callaghan property: a maximum
of 50% can be developed. No impacts to narrow
endemic species on either property.
Zone 14 Areas of upland habitat outside Linkage B may
be taken in exchange for restoration and
enhancement inside of the linkage as long as
the result is conservation of at least 67% coastal
sage scrub and associated gnatcatcher
populations within southern portions of the
zone.
Zone 15 Maintain and enhance habitat linkages across
Linkage C and adjoining Cores 3 and 5. Areas of
upland habitat outside Linkage C may be taken
in exchange for restoration and enhancement
inside of the linkage as long as there is a no net
loss of coastal sage scrub and associated
gnatcatcher populations within southern
portions of the zone.
Zone 20 Create continuous habitat through Linkage F
between Core Areas 4 and 6. No net loss of
coastal sage scrub or maritime succulent scrub
within standards areas of the zone.
Zone 21 Ensure habitat connectivity and wildlife
movement east-west across the zone.
Zone 25 At least 75% of the Sherman property must be
conserved.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
Current Status
Total coastal sage scrub habitat within Standards Areas:
182.6 acres. Coastal sage scrub loss= 16.1 acres {8.8%).
Coastal sage scrub gains = 62.5 acres (34.2%). An
additional 59.8 acres must be conserved to meet 67%
conservation in the Standards Areas.
Occupied gnatcatcher habitat is mitigated at 2:1,
therefore there will be no net loss of gnatcatcher
habitat within Standards Areas. The 75% standard is
applied to every project individually.
Vacant lots on north shore of Agua Hedionda: no projects
have been finalized for these parcels. In-fill parcel (Aura
Circle): property changed to a Proposed Hardline
preserve during Coastal Commission processing of HMP.
A tentative map conserving the Proposed Hardline
preserve was approved however no grading permit has
been issued.
Kelly-Bartman property (Summit): Existing Hardline
preserve approved with 50% conservation including an
open space corridor from the SE to the northern site
boundary. Spyglass property: has been developed and
grassland impacts were mitigated at a 2:1 ratio through
restoration at Carlsbad Highlands Mitigation Bank.
Kirgis property: tentative map approved with 75%
percent conservation however no grading permit has
been issued. Callaghan property: no tentative map has
been approved for this property.
Robertson Ranch encompasses the entirety of Zone 14.
Due to agricultural activities, very little coastal sage
scrub existed in the southern portion of the zone. The
Existing Hardline Preserve, as approved by the Wildlife
Agencies in 2005, 2007 and 2012, preserves 70% of the
coastal sage scrub throughout the zone.
Terraces at Sunny Creek and Rancho Milagro, occur
within Core Area 5 in the southern portion of Zone 15.
No net loss of coastal sage scrub has occurred.
Projects: Emerald Pointe, North Coast Calvary Chapel,
and Muroya. All three projects were processed through
a Consistency Finding and approved by the City and
Wildlife Agencies. No net loss of coastal sage scrub or
maritime succulent scrub occurred.
Projects: Poinsettia Place and Manzanita Partners, both
Existing Hard line Preserves, provide east-west
connectivity from El Camino Real to the Local Facilities
Management Zone boundary.
As of March 2007, 100% of the Sherman property
(Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve) has been
conserved.
21
1.6 Other Implementation Activities
1.6.1 Public Outreach
In coordination with the Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Department, the Center for Natural
Lands Management and the City's Preserve Steward offer information about the HMP and
preserve management at volunteer events such as National Public Lands Day, National Trails
Day, and trail maintenance events. The city also conducted the HMP Annual Meeting at the City
Faraday Center on March 25, 2014.
1.6.2 Poinsettia Fire
On May 14. 2014, the City of Carlsbad experienced the largest fire in recent history. Known as
the Poinsettia Fire, the blaze consumed approximately 320 acres of natural open space, 295
acres of which was either existing or future HMP preserve. The preserves, acreages, and
preserve managers (if applicable) within the burn area are listed below.
Aviara Premier Collection 29.83
Brehm-Aviara 2.37
Daybreak Community Church 3.23
Encantada 5.13
Fairfield Inn 0.09
Las Suerva 0.71
Manzanita Partners (HRS) 32.30
Marbrisa 0.88
Morning Ridge (Dudek) 19.36
Palomar B L C 0.27
Palomar Oaks Business Center 23.09
Pavoreal 12.92
Poinsettia Hills 12.45
Poinsettia Place (SDUC) 11.54
Rancho La Costa (CNLM) 60.78
SSR Western 0.57
Viadana 6.99
Zephyr Court 0.04
Baker (Standards Area) 0.54
R A D C/C AD C (Standards Area) 61.37
Reiter (Standards Area) 10.17
Saska (Standards Area) 0.73
Based on existing vegetation mapping data, the dominant native vegetation types included in
the burn area are southern maritime chaparral (150.3 acres), southern mixed chaparral (60.9
acres), coastal sage scrub (27.1 acres), grasslands (15.5 acres), oak woodland (9.2 acres), and the
22 Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
vernal pool complex in the Manzanita Partners preserve. The fire also burned agricultural {28.3
acres} and disturbed areas (22.0 acres}.
Sensitive species previously mapped within the burn area include: Coastal California gnatcatcher
{Polioptila californica californica}, Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia}, Nuttall's scrub oak
(Quercus dumosa}, Wart-stemmed ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucosus}, Engelmann oak (Quercus
engelmanni}, Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifo/ia}, Summer holly
(Comarostaphy/is diversifolia ssp. diversifolia}, Del Mar mesa sand aster (Corethrogyne
filaginifolia var.linifo/ia}, Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia}, and Ashy spike moss (Seleginel/a
cinerascens}.
Immediately following the fire, the city began coordinating with the Wildlife Agencies, preserve
managers, property owners, other governmental agencies (such as Natural Resource
Conservation Service (NRCS} and other local jurisdictions that have experienced wildfires in their
preserves}, and biological consultants to assess damage, determine necessary immediate and
short-term management actions, identify potential outside funding sources, and begin planning
for long term monitoring. The city developed a cross-departmental Fire Recovery Team, based
upon an Incident Command organizational structure, which met every week to discuss all fire
related issues, including actions within the open space areas. The areas of concern for the
preserves were invasive weeds, junk and debris, access control, and erosion control.
As of October 31, 2014, the city had obtained property owner consent to allow the Carlsbad
Watershed Network's Invasive Vegetation Control Program to enter their property and treat
invasive weeds; organized a volunteer junk removal day and removed 11.8 tons of large junk
and abandoned bulky items; coordinated with property owners on access control from city
rights-of-way; and worked with two consulting firms to assess areas of high erosion potential
and prepare an emergency erosion control plan. Some preserve managers worked
independently to address issues. For example, CNLM installed fencing and began treatment of
invasive weeds on their Rancho La Costa preserve and San Diego Urban Corps Habitat Services
removed junk and debris on their Poinsettia Place preserve.
The city's Preserve Steward worked with CNLM to develop a post-fire monitoring strategy to
track the trajectory of habitat recovery and the effectiveness of interim management actions in
order to inform future decisions on the need for active restoration. The post-fire monitoring
strategy was based on CNLM's Blossom Valley Habitat Conservation Area Post-fire Monitoring
and Management Strategy (Tierra Data Inc., 2005}, which includes a strong foundation in fire
ecology by providing conceptual models relating fire to vegetation communities and species
populations.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April2, 2015
23
2.0 Preserve Management and Monitoring
2.1 Key Management Activities
2.1.1 City-Owned Preserves
All city-owned preserves have been actively managed by CNLM since December, 2008. The city
preserves consist of 13 properties scattered throughout Carlsbad totaling 600.4 acres {Figure 4).
Management activities this year included evaluation, assessment, and treatment of medium and
zero tolerance invasive non-native plant species, enforcement patrols, installation of signs and
kiosks, public education/outreach, participation in volunteer events, and coordination with police
and fire departments on enforcement issues.
2.1.2 Other Actively Managed Preserves
Areas conserved since approval of the HMP are actively managed and monitored as required by
the HMP and MHCP (Level3, as defined in the MHCP). The preserves in this category are managed
by CNLM, CDFW, San Diego Habitat Conservancy, San Diego Urban Corps Habitat Services, Habitat
Restoration Sciences, and Helix Environmental. Ongoing management and monitoring activities
on preserves throughout the HMP consist of invasive species removal, patrolling, vegetation
mapping, species and habitat monitoring, installation and maintenance of fences, signs, and
kiosks, and public outreach. These activities are summarized in Appendix A. A more detailed
preserve-specific account of these activities is available in the preserve-specific annual reports
submitted by preserve managers, which are available from the preserve managers upon request.
2.1.3 Pre-Existing Natural Open Space Preserves
Pre-existing natural open space preserves (i.e., areas that were already conserved at the time the
HMP was approved) continue to be managed according to pre-existing management funding and
arrangements. The majority of these preserves are managed by various HOAs. Other landowners
responsible for management include University of California San Diego (Natural Reserve System),
SDG&E, Cabrillo Power, North County Transit District (NCTD) and San Dieguito Union High School
District. Pre-existing natural open space preserves are managed at a property maintenance level,
which generally consists of fence maintenance and trash removal.
24 Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
Figure 4. Preserve Ownership/Management
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Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
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25
2.2 Monitoring
2.2.1 Species and Habitat Monitoring
A variety of biological surveys were conducted throughout the preserve system during
the reporting period (Table 9). In addition, incidental observations of sensitive plants and
wildlife were recorded by CNLM on properties it manages.
Table 9. Biological Monitoring Conducted in RY 10 (2013-2014)
Preserve
Agua Hedionda
Ecological Reserve
Batiquitos Lagoon
Ecological Reserve
Buena Vista Creek
Ecological Reserve
Buena Vista Lagoon
Ecological Reserve
Calavera Hills/
Robertson Ranch
Carlsbad Raceway
Carlsbad Oaks North
City Preserves
Emerald Pointe
Encinas Creek
Kelly Ranch
La Costa Collection
Poinsettia Place
Rancho La Costa
26
Surveys Conducted
Light-footed clapper rail (Ral/us longirostris /evipes) surveys.
Light-footed clapper rail surveys; nest monitoring for California least terns (Sterna
antillarum browni); monthly bird counts.
Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) population and life-stage monitoring.
Light-footed clapper rail surveys; monthly bird counts.
Coastal sage scrub monitoring; thread-leaved brodiaea index plots performed;
quarterly wildlife tracking; noted sensitive animal sightings.
Conducted baseline sensitive species surveys; established vegetation monitoring
plots and photo monitoring points; documented wildlife movement using cameras.
Documented wildlife movement using wildlife cameras; coastal California
gnatcatcher surveys; thread-leaved brodiaea index plots performed; mapped
flowering Bloch man's dudleya (Dud/eya b/ochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae); censused
San Diego thornmint population (Acanthomintha ilicifolia) counted Nuttall's scrub
oak (Quercus dumosa); coastal sage scrub vegetation study plot monitoring;
monitored and planted additional corms to thread-leaved brodiaea impact area .
Performed thread-leaved brodiaea counts and habitat assessments; monitored
Wiggin's cryptantha (Cryptantha wigginsii) population; noted sensitive animal
sightings.
Mapped vegetation communities and sensitive species.
Focused surveys for least Bell's vireo (Vireo be/Iii pusillus); wildlife movement
monitoring using cameras.
Completed two coastal sage scrub releves; Counted Orcutt's hazardia (Hazardia
orcuttii) seedlings and adults; Completed a releve pivot-plot survey of wart-stemmed
ceanothus (Ceonothus verrucosus) dominated chaparral.
Monitored Del Mar sand aster (Corethrogyne fi/aginifolia var.linifolia) population.
Monitored populations of Nutall's scrub oak, wart-stemmed ceanothus, and
summer holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp diversifolia).
Wildlife corridor tracking; conducted surveys for least Bell's vireo; focused surveys for
Orcutt's hazardia, Orcutt's brodiaea (Brodiaea orcutti), and San Diego Thorn mint;
conducted census of Orcutt's hazardia; conducted thread-leaved brodiaea index
plots and life stage tracking; coastal sage scrub vegetation study plot monitoring.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
2.2.2 Wildlife Movement
On May 28, 2013, the city accepted a Local Assistance Grant from the California Department of
Fish and Wildlife for the study of wildlife movement through the HMP preserve. The objective of
the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of MHCP identified corridors and local corridors
connecting core areas by evaluating animal passage through constrictions or pinch-points in the
corridors. The grant period began in August 2013 and will continue through March 2015. The
study involves three phases:
• Phase 1 -Linkage/Pinch-point Inventory: Using methods compatible to those used by the
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for the Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) in San
Diego, identify and evaluate potential linkages and pinch-points through the HMP.
Investigate each of the identified potential pinch-points and inventory its characteristics,
take images, and assess its suitability for future monitoring through wildlife cameras
and/or tracking. As required by the grant agreement, the city submitted a draft interim
report documenting Phase 1 activities and findings on October 31, 2013.
• Phase 2 -Wildlife Movement Monitoring: Starting on January 29, 2014, the city and
Preserve Steward installed 11 cameras at eight pinch points, focusing on Agua Hedionda
Creek, Encinitas Creek, and the Carlsbad Raceway preserve. In mid to late July, 2014, the
Preserve Steward relocated two cameras and installed three additional cameras, focused
on the Kelly Ranch and La Costa areas of the city. CNLM is operating wildlife cameras at
several locations. As of the end of the reporting period, city staff and CNLM continued to
maintain the cameras and collect data. CNLM is also collaborating with north San Diego
County representatives of the San Diego Tracking Team on a tracking transect within the
Calavera Hills Phase II preserve.
• Phase 3 -Analysis and Report: After analysis of the field data, the functionality of the
corridors and constraints of the pinch-points will be assessed and any potential adaptive
management available to improve mobility will be identified. Also the monitoring
techniques will be evaluated and recommendations for improvement, if applicable, will
be offered. A final report will be prepared detailing these analyses and evaluations.
2.3 Patrolling and Enforcement
Enforcement, as used in the habitat conservation and preservation realm, involves a combination
of education, deterrence, and punitive actions. The goal of enforcement is to reduce or ideally
eliminate human impacts to native flora and fauna, habitats, and ecological preserves from
unauthorized human activities. The city continues to coordinate and cooperate with local
preserve managers and the Carlsbad and Oceanside Police Departments in enforcing the rules
and regulations within HMP preserves.
In general, human activity within most preserves, has minimal effect on the sensitive plant and
animal species. There have been no reports of threatened or endangered plant populations being
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
27
~\
impacted or vernal pools being damaged by human activity. The majority of people accessing the
preserves do so using authorized trails. However, serious impacts can occur with only a few
individuals therefore frequent education and outreach, access control efforts, and patrolling are
needed on an ongoing basis. Below is a summary of the reported enforcement activities on HMP
preserves.
Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve (CDFW, managed by CNLM)
• Conducted weekly visits;
• Removed 14 encampments;
• Met with city HMP staff, Carlsbad Watershed Network (San Elijo lagoon Conservancy
staff), and Carlsbad Police Department regarding policing downstream to potentially
avoid upstream encampment migration.
• Noted to hikers and bikers that no official trails have been established within the
Ecological Reserve therefore the entire area is off limits.
Carlsbad Oaks North
• Conducted visits four times per month, combining patrolling with trash clean-up and
invasive weed treatments;
• Responded to inquiries from neighboring residents about human usage of preserve;
• Removed two encampments.
Carlsbad Raceway
• Conducted quarterly visits, combining patrolling with trash clean-up, mapping of invasive
weeds, biological monitoring, and observations of biodiversity and coastal California
gnatcatcher;
• Prepared and distributed informational brochure to adjacent Owner's Association.
City Preserves
• Conducted patrols for 12 to 16 hours per week at Lake Calavera preserve;
• Noted steady decline in unwanted activities at Lake Calavera preserve, with graffiti, kiosk
vandalism, dogs-off-leash, dog excrement, and skateboarding in the dam spillway being
the primary issue areas.
• Conducted weekly to monthly patrols at other city preserves;
• Participated in city events to assist with public outreach and education about human
usage of preserve;
• Repaired and maintained kiosks, and replaced damaged signs, as needed.
Emerald Pointe
28
• Conducted quarterly visits, combining patrolling with trash clean-up, mapping of invasive
weeds, biological monitoring, and observations of biodiversity and coastal California
gnatcatcher;
• Conducted public outreach with neighboring residents and adjacent Homeowner's
Association.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
Encinas Creek
• Conducted monthly visits, on average, combining patrolling with trash clean-up and
invasive weed treatments;
• Noted damage to wildlife camera and loss of data;
• Noted dogs-off-leash resulting in minimal impacts to habitat.
Kelly Ranch
• Conducted visits two to three times per month, combining patrolling with trash clean-up
and invasive weed treatments;
• Replaced kiosk materials including weed information, updated contact information, and
a larger preserve map;
• Noted deteriorating vegetation conditions along trail edge due to human activity.
La Costa Collection
• Conducted quarterly visits, combining patrolling with trash clean-up and biological
monitoring;
• Removed two encampments.
La Costa Glen
• Regular visits, combining patrolling with trash clean-up, invasive weed treatments, and
sensitive species observations;
• Responded to inquiries from neighboring residents about human usage of preserve;
• Removed a few small encampments.
Manzanita Partners
• Conducted regular visits, combining patrolling with habitat and sensitive species
monitoring.
Poinsettia Place
• Conducted quarterly visits, combining patrolling with biological monitoring.
• Removed an extensive encampment
Rancho La Costa
• Portions of preserve visited weekly, sometimes combined with biological surveys;
• Noted significant increase in trespass attempts at Box Canyon, probably due to summer
weather conditions (e.g. 9:1 increase in June compared to previous two years);
• Carlsbad Police Department issued 19 citations to four large groups at Box Canyon;
• Coordinated with San Diego Mountain Biking Association to block unauthorized trails and
educate public about proper trail use within the preserve;
• Repaired and updated materials in six mini-kiosks and two large kiosks.
With regard to CDFW Ecological Reserves, Law Enforcement promotes compliance with laws and
regulations protecting fish and wildlife resources; investigates habitat destruction, pollution
incidents and illegal commercialization of wildlife. Wardens also serve the public through general
law enforcement, mutual aid and homeland security. In the City of Carlsbad, CDFW enforcement
officers conduct regular patrols of the CDFW preserves (i.e. Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological
Reserve, Carlsbad Highlands Ecological Reserve, Agua Hedionda Lagoon, and Batiquitos Lagoon).
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
29
3.0 Financial Summary
3.1 City Funding in Support of HMP
The city uses funding to support implementation of the HMP in two ways: {1) permanent funding
allocated specifically for HMP coordination and management of city lands, and (2) existing
resources, including administrative staff and staff from the Property and Environmental
Management Department, the Planning Division of the Community Development and Economic
Department, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the Police Department.
3.1.1 HMP Implementation
The majority of the city's ongoing costs to support HMP implementation are activities required by
the HMP or the lA. Two of the city's main responsibilities are {1) oversight of the HMP Preserve,
and {2) direct, active management of 600.4 acres of preserve land owned by the city.
To fulfill the first responsibility, the city dedicated a senior-level staff planner and provides other
administrative support for HMP coordination. The city also contracted with a biological consulting
firm to serve as the city's Preserve steward, coordinating management throughout the HMP
preserve, and monitoring HMP compliance and management effectiveness. According to lA
Section 14.5, at the time of HMP adoption the annual cost of program administration was
estimated to be approximately $99,173 in 2013 dollars (U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price
Index). This reporting period, the city provided $95,000 in the annual budget to fund the contract
for Preserve steward costs.
The second responsibility is being accomplished through the city's contract with CNLM, a non-
profit preserve management company for the management of city-owned HMP preserves.
Installation and maintenance of boundary fencing was provided by the city; therefore, the cost
for fence installation was not the responsibility of CNLM. However, CNLM installs and maintains
sections of interior fencing to block off unauthorized trails as feasible.
3.1.2 In-lieu Habitat Mitigation Fees
As described in Section 1.3.5, in-lieu habitat mitigation fees are collected from developers for
project-related impacts to certain types of native habitat outside of the preserve. These habitats
include non-native grassland, disturbed lands, eucalyptus, agricultural lands, unoccupied coastal
sage scrub, coastal sage/chaparral mix, and chaparral (except southern maritime chaparral). The
purpose of these fees is to fund the city's obligation to acquire, protect, and manage the
Gnatcatcher Core Area.
30 Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
As shown in Table 10, six mitigation fees (totaling $63,994.92) were paid during the current
reporting period. One expenditure was made during the reporting period. On October 21, 2012,
$217,075.50 was used to purchase 7.52 acres of coastal sage scrub habitat in the Core Area, which
will be actively managed in perpetuity in accordance with the HMP. The shortfall was advanced
by the City using the General Fund. In-lieu fees will continue to be collected for habitat impacts,
as appropriate, and will be used to reimburse the General Fund and to purchase the remaining
required Core Area acreage.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April2, 2015
31
32
Table 10. In-lieu Mitigatio1r1 Fee Account Activity in RY 10 {2013-2014)
Date Description Habitat Impacted Total
11/01/13 Beginning Fund Tot;31 $(625,372.83) I
Fees Collected 11/01/13-10/31/14
01/15/14 Parker Residence 0.41 ac. of disturbed lands $1,239.84
02/12/14 Gaitaud Residence 0.22 ac. of disturbed lands $654.72
02/12/14 Tabata Ranch 0.9 ac of disturbed lands $2,721.60
03/21/14 Carlsbad $13,906.72 Desalination Plant 0.92 ac. of non-native grassland
04/23/14 Fidelman Yuki Lane 0.83 ac. of disturbed lands $2,509.92
04/28/14 Coastal10 0.49 ac. of disturbed lands $1,481.76
05/13/14 Spec House 0.22 ac. of disturbed lands $665.28
06/17/14 1181 Oak Avenue 0.80 ac. of disturbed lands $2,419.20
06/23/14 Takami 0.31 ac. of disturbed lands $937.44
07/02/14 Tierra La Costa 0.18 ac of non-native grassland
0.56 ac. of disturbed lands
$13,785.93
08/19/14 King Property 1.12 ac. of disturbed lands $3,386.88
08/21/14 Valley 17 3. 76 a c. of disturbed lands $11,370.24
09/12/14 La Costa Vista 0.40 ac. of disturbed lands $1,190.40
09/19/14 De Anda Residence 0.26 ac of non-native grassland $4,111.60
0.06 ac. of disturbed lands
10/08/14 The Enclave 1.97 ac. of disturbed lands $6,034.11
Total rees Collected 11/01/13-10/31/14 $66,415.64
TtPtal Revenue 11/01/13 -10/31/14 $66,415.64
Funds Expended for Core Area Cons:ervation 11/01/13-10/31/14
10/22/13 I Perkins Property I 7.52 acres conservation credit $217,075.50
Total Fun1ds Expended 11/01/13 -10/31/14 $217,075.50
10/31/13 I Account Balance I $(776,032.69)
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
3.2 Status of Preserve Management Endowments
The endowment activity and status for preserves funded through endowments are given in Table
11. This includes all preserves managed by CNLM, SDHC, HRS, and San Diego Urban Corps Habitat
Services. CDFW's Carlsbad Highlands Ecological Reserve and Agua Hedionda Lagoon Ecological
Reserve are funded through State Wildlife Grant funding. The Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological
Reserve is funded through a mitigation account established by the Port of Los Angeles and held
by CDFW.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
33
~(\
32
Table 11. Endowment Status for HMP Preserves in RY 10 (2013-2014}
Site Name Preserve Inception Original Inflation Adj. Endowmt RY 13-14 RY 13-14 Initial& Total Funds
Manager1 Date Endmt Original Endmt 9/30/14 Budget Expend. Capital as of
as of 9/30/142 9/30/14 09/30/14
Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve CNLM 4/2007 $776,644 $889,356 $1,101,084 $37,360 $38,356 $0 $1,101,084
Calavera Hills 11/Robertson Ranch E3 CNLM 6/2006 $1,650,293 $1,943,621 $2,427,928 $88,139 $83,038 $0 $2,427,928
Carlsbad Oaks North CNLM 3/2006 $1,020,311 $1,201,664 $1,414,889 $51,146 $51,305 $0 $1,414,889
Cassia Professional Offices CNLM 1/2007 $100,844 $115,479 $144,429 $5,056 $5,102 $0 $144,429
Emerald Pointe SDHC 12/2006 $194,068 $228,562 $232,272 $9,570 $9,570 $0 $232,272
Encinas Creek CNLM 5/2008 $427,004 $470,894 $609,517 $19,217 $20,265 $0 $609,517
Kelly Ranch CNLM 3/2002 $296,125 $390,828 $488,346 $15,275 $15,634 $0 $488,346
La Costa Collection SDUCHS 2012 $378,756 $391,688 $436,107 $12,671 $12,671 $0 $436,107
La Costa Glen CNLM 1/2013 $624,800 $636,805 $811,287 $30,397 $33,559 $66,797 $878,084
La Costa Villages CNLM 2/2002 $1,364,400 $1,800,743 $2,062,354 $78,218 $82,404 $0 $2,062,354
Manzanita Partners HRS 10/2012 $51,000 $52,741 $51,565 $1,600 $1,444 $0 $51,565
Nelson CNLM 6/2001 $72,180 $96,770 $104,379 $3,545 $4,103 $0 $104,379
Poinsettia Place SDUCHS 7/2011 $167,935 $177,263 $187,792 $5,315 $5,315 $0 $187,792
TOTAL $7,124,360 $8,396,414 $10,071,949 $357,509 $362,766 $66,797 $10,138,746
1 CNLM =Center for Natural lands Management, SDHC =San Diego Habitat Conservancy, HRS =Habitat Restoration Sciences, SDUCHS =San Diego Urban Corps Habitat Services.
2 Adjusted for inflation to the current dollar value as of 9/30/14 based on Bureau of labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.
3 CNLM merged funds for these two projects to provide a cost savings for Robertson Ranch East Village
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
4.0 References
Beck, Christine. 2007. Personal communication. Biologist. California Department of Fish and
Game, San Diego, California.
City of Carlsbad Open Space Management Plan (TAlC). 2005
Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad {City of Carlsbad). 2004.
Multiple Habitat Conservation Program {MHCP). 2003. Final MHCP Plan. Volumes 1-111. Prepared
for the Cities of Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach, and
Vista, March 2003.
Annual Report for the Carlsbad HMP, Reporting Year 10
April 2, 2015
33
Appendix A
Summary of Management and Monitoring
Activities within HMP Management Units
November 1, 2012 -October 31, 2013
Agua Hedlonda
Arroyo La Costa
Batiquitos Lagoon
Summary of HMP Management and Monitoring Activities, Nov 2013 -Oct 2014
Preserve Manager:
CDFW
AH Lagoon
Foundation
HOAs
Preserve Manager:
CDFW
Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Ecological Reserve
• Monitored light -footed clapper rail
Agua Hedlonda Lagoon
·Public education Including: bat pollination talk, migratory bird festival (perils of migrating birds talk), World Water Day (water
conservation, pollution, and wetlands educat ion), Earth Day (Caulerpa toxifolia talk), and coyote spotlight hike
• Environmental Stewardship School field trip serving all CUSD students, other students residing in Carlsbad
·Trail Clean Up: North Shore Hubbs Trail (invasive species removal}, and Trail Clean Up Day (all trails), weekly cleaning of North
Shore Trail, Kelly School Trail, and Discovery Center Trail
• Hosted Carlsbad Watershed network meetings
• Conducted public outreach via recycled holiday craft nights
• Birding walks (monthly)
·Community Outreach at businesses, schools and City of Carlsbad events
• Lagoon Day run and Kayak Regatta for public awareness of Carlsbad lagoons
Property-level management
Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve
• Conducted census species monitoring for California least tern
• Monitored light -footed clapper rails
Batiqultos Lagoon
• Continued maintenance of least-tern nesting sites.
• Released six males and one female light-footed clapper rails, as part of the breeding program.
• Continued management of Cholla Point property, including erosion control.
• Maintained native plant demonstration garden near Park Hyatt-Aviara North Shore trailhead.
• Managed Weed-Whacking/Trail Maintenance program for community, colleges, high schools, elementary schools, scouting
organizations, corporations and other groups.
• Conducted ninth annual Kayak Batiquitos Lagoon Clean-up event.
• Conducted monthly bird counts.
• Conducted educational public walks and talks.
• Hosted over ten thousand visitors at the nature center.
• Hosted City of Carlsbad Arts Council Club Pelican art and environmental education program.
• Implemented high school and college internship program and hosted Eagle Scout service projects.
·Worked on acquiring approximately 11 acres of additional property adjacent to the ecological reserve.
• Continued to maintain two restoration projects, totaling approximately eight acres.
• Hosted three restoration events.
• Worked on developing a strategic plan to improve nesting areas near North Shore Trail.
• Continued to d on Nests to allow volunteers to aid in bird manito activities.
Summary of HMP Management and Monitoring Activities, Nov 2013-Oct 2014 continued
Batiquitos lagoon
(cont'd)
Bressi/Carrillo
Buena Vista Creek
Batiquitos lagoon
Foundation (cont'd)
Bressl Ranch
Preserve Manager:
San Diego Habitat
Conservancy
Carrillo Ranch
landowner: CDFW
Preserve Manager:
CNlM
Preserve Calavera
• Served on Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project Task Force, North San Diego County Land Management Group,
Carlsbad Watershed Network, and San Diego Conservation Resources Network.
• Worked to implement California's Marine Life Protection Act.
• Public outreach and education about open space, lagoons, and marine environment at Street Fa ire and Beach Fest.
Property-level management
Carlsbad Raceway
• Conducted a property inspection to assess the condition of the preserve
• Conducted baseline documentation and sensitive species surveys to map habitat and locations of sensitive plants and
animals.
• Vegetation monitoring plots and photo monitoring points were established to monitor preserve health.
• Performed quarterly inspections to document habitat composition and needs, remove trash, and flag non-native plants
• Documented quarterly inspection, Including observations and activities using quarterly log reports
• Performed non-native plant flagging, mapping, and removal
• Provided public outreach and education in the form of an annual newsletter
Property-level management
Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve
• Fourteen illegal encampments were disbanded and cleaned-up
• Trash was removed from former encampments and other localities
• Invasive plant species were removed completely from riparian corridors on two separate occasions
• Native forb and trees were installed in the riparian corridor
• Non-native removal occurred on upland enhancement areas
• Site visits occurred to monitor for any new invasive occurrences, and to inform trespassers of their infringement
• The Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) restoration area was maintained
• Objectives and tasks within the SEP Scope of Work (SOW) were codified.
• Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) population and life-stage monitoring was conducted
• Fuel zones were mowed as required
• An annual work plan for the upcoming management year was developed
Buena Vista Creek
• Continued to work towards mitigation pian for 2010 sewer spill
·Supported planning for public trails with Quarry Creek project and the City's Master Trails Plan update
·Continued efforts toward minimizing impacts of the Quarry Creek development on the Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve
·Continued work with Coastkeeper for water quality and stream condition evaluations of Buena Vista Creek
Buena Vista
Lagoon
Calavera
Summary of HMP Management and Monitoring Activities, Nov 2013-Oct 2014 continued
Preserve Manager:
CDFW
Preserve Calavera
Buena Vista Audubon
Society
Preserve Manager:
CNLM
Preserve Manager:
CDFW
Preserve Calavera
Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological Reserve
• Monitored light -footed clapper rail populations
Buena Vista Lagoon/Watershed
• Partnered with Buena Vista Audubon Society to hold third Endangered Species Day event-the only such event in North
County.
• Supported community education on native plants, wildlife, and preserve management issues at various fairs and outreach
events.
Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological Reserve
• Conducted monthly lagoon bird counts
• Conducted monthly basic birding walks and classes at lagoon
• Conducted school t ours of Nature Center and lagoon and Summer Nature Camp
• Native Plant Outreach, Native Plant Club, and weekly native plant gardening
Calavera Hills Phase 11/Robertson Ranch East
• Sensitive animals observed on-site were noted
• Clay lens habitat was assessed
• Restoration of Village R was maintained
• CSS Restoration of Village H was continued and additional funding was secured
• 200 square meters of grassland within Village H was dethatched
·A dethatching experiment was performed within the thread-leaved brodiaea population of Village H
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and other non-natives were controlled at the Village H grasslands
• CSS forbs and shrubs were seeded at Village X
• Both chemical and mechanical treatments of non-native plant species were performed at Village X
• Thread-leaved brodiaea index plots and population trend monitoring was performed
• Two articles on thread-leaved brodiaea were partially completed
• Nonnative plant species were controlled throughout the property
• Controlled seepage through CE compliance
• Performed regular patrol, site enforcement, and trash pickup
trail b were maintained and new were added
Carlsbad Highlands Ecological Reserve
• Information not provided
Calavera Area
·Continued quarterly wildlife tracking surveys.
• Funded additional ground surveys of wildlife corridor pinch points in support of City grant to study movement corridors.
• Arra for an assessment of increased enforcement ns of Cal avera hlands Sheriff's nt.
Calavera
(cont'd)
Faraday
los Monos
Summary of HMP Management and Monitoring Activities, Nov 2013-Oct 2014 continued
Preserve Calavera
(cont'd)
Preserve Manager:
CNlM
HELIX Environmental
Preserve Manager:
CNlM
Preserve Calavera
• Held annual native plant hike and supported hikes by the City.
• Partnered with the city on several trail building and clean-up projects.
• Served as trail co-captain stocking kiosks, picking up dog feces, dealing with horses, and monitoring trail conditions.
• Secured a for a two Phase 2 restoration of about 2 acres for Vii H.
Kellv Ranch
• Noted and mapped sensitive plants and animals when observed
• Performed baseline conditions survey of the two Del Mar manzanita locations
• Completed two CSS releves
·Counted Orcutt's hazardia (Hazardia orcuttii) seedlings and adults
• Completed a releve pivot-plot survey of wart-stemmed ceanothus (Ceanathus verrucosus)dominated chaparral
• Removed or treated non-native plant species, including dozens of Natal grass (Melin is repens) and dozens Saharan mustard
(Brassica taurnefortii) individuals
• Performed regular patrol, site enforcement, and trash removal
• Conducted annual CE compliance visit
kiosk materials as
Fox-Miller
• Conducted habitat assessments of thread-leaved brodiaea
• Regularly assessed site health and conditions and monitored for non-native species
• Removed broad-leaved perennial non-native species
• Eliminated trash on-site
Carlsbad Oaks North
·Any sensitive animals observed were mapped
• Performed CSS monitoring
• Index plots and life-stage tracking studies of thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) was performed
• Maintained thread-leaved brodiaea impact area
• Conducted surveys of the San Diego horned lizard (Phrynosomo blainvillii)
• The San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolio) population was counted and habitat conditions were assessed
• Non-native grasses in selected areas were chemically treated with Fusilade•n
• Non-natives such as bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) were
controlled witlhin the area
• Conducted CE compliance on non-fee title parcels
• Developed annual work plan for coming year
• Patrolled the area cleaned rformed site enforcement
Dawson los Monos Preserve
• Coordinated community education hike.
• Performed n of fire demonstration
Summary of HMP Management and Monitoring Activities, Nov 2013-Oct 2014 continued
Poinsettia/ Aviara
Preserve Manager:
San Diego Habitat
Conservancy
Preserve Manager:
CNLM
Preserve Manager:
San Diego Urban
Corps Habitat Services
Preserve Manager:
Habitat Restoration
Sciences
Helix Environmental
Preserve Manager:
San Diego Urban
Corps Habitat Services
Emerald Pointe
• Performed quarterly inspections to document habitat composition and needs, remove trash, and flag non-native plants
• Documented quarterly inspection, including observations and activities, using quarterly log reports
• Conducted vegetation mapping review in the field to determine if vegetation mapping data from 2009 was still accurate for
the area
• Performed non-native plant flagging, mapping, and removal
• Dethatched test plots near the San Diego thornmint population
• Monitored San Diego thorn mint population
• Provided blic outreach and education in the form of an annual newsletter
Encinas Creek
• Performed surveys for least Bell's vireo (Vireo be/Iii pusil/us)
• Performed camera surveys to determine presence and use of the Preserve by large mammals
·Controlled non-native plant species
·Installed a four-strand barbed wire fence in the north western corner of the site to deter trespassers
• Initiated site preparation in the south eastern restoration area
• Conducted regular patrols, site enforcement, and trash pickup
annual and work ans
La Costa Collection
• Non-native plant species removal
• Dei Mar mesa sand aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolia) monitoring
·Conducted site monitoring to inspect overall condition, remove trash and debris, dismantle encampments, monitor sensitive
and animal
Manzanita Partners
• Inspected and replaced signs and fences as necessary-conducted prior to the fire.
• Patrolled and conducted site assessments on a regular basis, removed trash, and monitored non-native presence.
• Replaced vernal pool markers
• Noted all animal and observed and ma
North Coast Calvary Chapel Open Space
• Information not nrr>voriPrt
Poinsettia Place
• Performed biological monitoring of rare plant populations on-site, established photo points
• Conducted general monitoring to survey for fire-breaks, trash, and illegal encampments
• Removed trash and debris on-site and disbanded ments
Villages of La
Costa
Multiple MUs
Summary of HMP Management and Monitoring Activities, Nov 2013 -Oct 2014 continued
Preserve Manager:
CNLM
Preserve Manager:
CNLM
City Parks and
Recreation
Rancho La Costa
• The Poinsettia fire, a large wildfire that burned approximately 60 acres of Southern Maritime Chaparral habitat at the Greens,
requires staff resources to protect this area, oversee activities, and increase patrols.
• The Cocos-Washingtonia Fire burned roughly 3.7 acres of Pfau Conservation Easement and Frank's Peak
• Continued long-term monitoring plots for coastal sage scrub
• Wildlife corridor tracking was performed
·Surveys for Least Bell's vireo were conducted on various parcels
• Focused surveys were conducted for sensitive plants: San Diego thornmint (Aconthomintho ilicifolio), Orcutt's brodiaea, and
Orcutt's hazardia
• Habitat conditions of the San Diego thornmint were assessed
• A census was taken of Orcutt's hazard Ia individuals and habitat improvements were made
• Continued long-term research of the sensitive thread-leaf brodiaea; index plots were used in continued research and a life
stage tracking study was initiated
• Non-native plant species were controlled; a long-term eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.) removal project was initiated in Copper
Creek
• Funds obtained from Vallecitos Water District as compensatory mitigation for impacts at a different CNLM-owned HCA were
used to enhance wetland vegetation on the Greens parcel
• Considerable time was spent dealing with internment camps, cleaning up trash, preventing trespass, and educating the public
about conservation and site sensitivities of the HCA
• Trail improvements were conducted by staff and volunteers
·Volunteers made improvements to various structures
• Fence and signs were installed at locations throughout
• Fuel breaks were maintained per City of Carlsbad Fire Department regulations
• CE compliance monitoring was conducted and all required documents were prepared
n::ot·rnll<>rl the HCA th out the and ensured summer visitors to Box did not enter the area
City of Carlsbad Preserves
• Performed habitat assessments and counts of thread-leaved brodiaea
• Non-native species considered to be zero or moderate-tolerance plants were treated or removed
• Non-native plant species occurring within the Crossing Golf restoration area were removed
• Conducted routine patrols to protect the preserve, maintain fences, and provide information to visitors
• Visitors to lake Cal avera were provided with outreach materials
• CNLM staff met with City staff and the Preserve Steward to discuss Preserve management, monitoring , and other issues
within the city
• Particl
Appendix B
Habitrak Reports
Year 10
November 1, 2013 -October 31, 2014
City of Carlsbad
Project Name Location
Fair Oaks Valley
Total for Agency: City of Carlsbad
Friday, February 20, 2015 10:31 AM
Applicant
California West
Communities
APN
Summary of Project Gains
MHCP West San Diego County
From 1/1/2013 To 12/31/2014
Date Mgmt
Cons. Status Resp.
Conservation Mit. Bank
Type Credits Used
Easement
Report generated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Acres
Outside Acres Inside
Habitat Habitat
Preserve Preserve Total Acres
7.59 47.86 55.45
Page 1 of 1
City of Carlsbad
Project Name Location
Fair Oaks Valley
Total for Agency: City of Car1sbad
Friday, February 20, 2015 10:31 AM
Applicant
California West
Communities
Summary of Project Losses
MHCP West San Diego County
APN
From 1/1/2013 To 12/31/2014
CEQA
Doc. Activity Type
Report generated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Acres
Outside Acres Inside
Habitat Habitat
Preserve Preserve Total Acres
Page 1 of 1
City of Carlsbad
Target
Summary of Habitat Losses and Gains
Plan: MHCP West San Diego County
Date Range: 1/1/2013-12/31/2014
Acres Inside the Habitat Preserve Planning Area
Habitat Loss Habitat Gain
Project Gain Status: Gain
Project Loss Status: Loss
Acres Outside the Habitat Preserve
Habitat Loss Habitat Gain
Habitat Type Cons.
Current I
Period Cummulative
Current I I Cons. to
Period Cummulative Date %
Current I
Period Cummulative
Current I Period Cummulative
Southern Coastal Bluff Scrub 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Maritime Succulent Scrub 29 0.00 1.55 0.00 25.51 87.96%
Coastal Sage Scrub 2,003 0.59 16.87 44.75 1,670.19 83.38%
Chaparral 676 0.00 1.92 0.00 605.27 89.54 %
Southern Maritime Chaparral 342 0.00 3.55 0.00 344.64 100.77%
Coastal Sage-Chaparral Scrub 107 0.00 0.00 0.00 112.43 105.08 %
Grassland 707 0.39 25.44 3.11 638.90 90.37 %
Southern Coastal Salt Marsh 143 0.00 0.00 0.00 127.79 89.36%
Alkali Marsh 9 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00%
Freshwater Marsh 165 0.00 0.00 0.00 138.83 84.14%
Riparian Forest 82 0.00 0.92 0.00 62.84 76.64 %
Riparian Woodland 17 0.00 1.33 0.00 11.66 68.59%
Riparian Scrub 395 0.00 0.16 0.00 376.57 95.33%
Englemann Oak Woodland 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Coast Live Oak 20 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.65 38.27 %
Other Oak Woodland 4 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.82 120.54 %
Freshwater 53 0.00 0.00 0.00 51.42 97.03%
Estuarine 789 0.00 0.00 0.00 776.50 98.42%
Disturbed Wetland 93 0.00 0.00 0.00 88.63 95.30%
Natural Floodchannel 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Beach 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Saltpan/Mudflats 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
AgricuHure 185 0.00 128.54 0.00 222.78 120,42%
Eucalyptus Woodland 99 0.00 1.34 0.00 94.92 95.88 %
Disturbed Land 244 0.00 3.28 0.00 239.25 98.05 %
Urban/Developed 0 0.00 13.06 0.00 307.01
Southern Foredunes 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Agency Total: 0.98 197.98 47.86 5,907.60
Note: The Agriculture and Urban/Developed category is included to account for all land included w~hin a project
and habitat preserve planning area.
~
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.03 0.00
16.92 177.30 7.17
0.00 65.68 0.00
0.00 16.24 0.00
0.00 153.48 0.00
4.04 230.50 0.42
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.13 0.00
0.00 0.89 0.00
0.00 1.25 0.00
0.00 0.00 0 .00
0.00 9.81 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 11 .72 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 462.17 0.00
0.00 0.47 0.00
0.00 190.55 0.00
0.00 42.35 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00
20.96 1,362.56 7.59
Friday, February 20, 2015 10:30 AM Report generated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
0.00
5.54
15.19
0.03
1.52
0.00
2.02
O.Q1
0.00
0.28
0.42
0.00
0.59
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.01
0.49
0.00
0.00
0.00
3.21
0.02
18.18
0.86
0.00
48.38
Total Acres
Habitat Loss Habitat Gain
Current I Period Cummulative Current I
Period Cummulative
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 1.58 0.00 31.05
17.51 194.18 51.92 1,685.37
0.00 67.60 0.00 605.29
0.00 19.79 0.00 346.16
0.00 153.48 0.00 112.44
4.43 255.93 3.54 640.92
0.00 0.00 0.00 127.80
0.00 0.13 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.89 0.00 139.10
0.00 2.18 0.00 63.27
0.00 1.33 0.00 11 .66
0.00 9.97 0.00 377.16
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 7.65
0.00 0.00 0.00 4.82
0.00 0.00 0.00 51.42
0.00 0.00 0.00 776.51
0.00 11.72 0.00 89.12
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 590.71 0.00 225.98
0.00 1.81 0.00 94.94
0.00 193.83 0.00 257.43
0.00 55.40 0.00 307.87
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
21.94 1,560.54 55.45 5,955.98
Page 1 of 1
-6" -
City of Carlsbad
Southern Coastal Bluff Scrub
Maritime Succulent Scrub
Coastal Sage Scrub
Chaparral
Sou1hem Maritime Chaparral
Coastal Sage-Chaparral Scrub
Grassland
Sou1hem Coastal San Marsh
Alkali Marsh
Freshwater Marsh
Riparian ForeS1
Riparian Woodland
Riparian Scrub
Englemann Oak Woodland
Coast Live Oak
Other Oak Woodland
Freshwater
Estuarine
Disturbed Wetland
Natural Flood Channel
BeaCh
Sattpan/Mudflats
Agriculture
Eucalyptus Woodland
Disturbed Land
Urban/Developed
Sou1hem Foredunes
Total Acn~s for Agency: City of Carlsbad
Total Suban~a
Habitat Preserve
0
29
2,003
676
391
113
756
143
9
165
82
17
395
0
22
5
53
789
93
0
0
0
692
105
286
0
0
Conservation
Target
Habitat Conservation Accounting Model
MHCP West San Diego County
From 111/2013 To 12/31/2014
Project Gain Status: Gain
Project Loss Status: Loss
Estimated Take Conservation Ratio
Cumulative
Conservation
Inside Habitat Max. Allowable Impacts
Pn~serve for the Current Period
0 0 QOO 0.00 0.00
29 0 0.00 25.51 0.00
2,003 0 0.00 1,670.19 0.00
676 0 0.00 605.27 0.00
342 49 6.98 344.64 49.34
107 6 17.83 112.43 6.27
107 49 14.43 638.90 44.75
143 0 0.00 127.79 0.00
9 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
165 0 0.00 138.83 0.00
82 0 0.00 62.84 0.00
17 0 0.00 11.66 0.00
395 0 0.00 376.57 0.00
0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
20 2 10.00 7.65 0.89
4 4.00 4.82 1.18
53 0 0.00 51.42 0.00
789 0 0.00 776.50 0.00
93 0 0.00 88.63 0.00
0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
185 507 0.36 222.78 600.17
99 6 16.50 94.92 5.78
244 42 5.81 239.25 41 .26
0 0 0.00 307.Q1 0.00
0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
5,907.60
Note: The Agricutture and Urban/Developed category is included to account for all land included whhin a project
and habitat preserve planning area.
Actual Loss Inside
Habitat Pn~serve for
Current Period
0.00
0.00
0.59
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.39
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
000
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.98
+or-Max.
Allowable Impacts
nla
nla
+
n/a
n/a
n/a
nla
nla
n/a
nla
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
~~~--~~~--~~--------------~--~--~~~~~~------~~~~--------------------------------------Friday, February 20, 2015 10:29 AM Report generated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Page 1 of 1
Appendix C
Triennial Monitoring Summary
•
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report
Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP)
February 2015
r-1£SA
~
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Trienni al Monitoring Summary Report
Carlsbad HMP
Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...•...............•.•..•..........•...••••.•......•.....•....•........•.•....................•........................... 1
2.1 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES .....•..............•.....••.....•...•.••..•....•..........•..•......••.......•...............•..•..•... 4
2.1.1 Vegetation Mapping ...................................................................................................... 4
2.1.2 Long-Term Coastal Sage Scrub Monitoring ................................................................... 4
2.1.3 Post-Fire Monitoring ...................................................................................................... 5
2. 2 SPECIES •.•...•.••.••.•••.•...•.•••.••••••.•..••.••..•..•.•••.•••....•..••.•••••..•.••..••••...•..••..•..••.••.••.•••••.••.••••••.•..•..•... 7
2.2.1 Upland Plants ............................................................................................................... 11
2.2.2 Vernal Pool Species ...................................................................................................... 21
2.2.3 Lagoon/Coastal Bird Species ........................................................................................ 23
2.2.4 Riparian Bird Species .................................................................................................... 31
2.2.5 Upland Bird Species ..................................................................................................... 33
2.2.6 Wildlife Movement ...................................................................................................... 36
REFERENCES .•.•..•.....•....•.........•..............•.•.....•.......•....•.............•.•................•.....••..............•.......... 44
List of Tables
Contents
Table 1. Vegetation Types within the Poinsettia Fire Burn Area* ...................................... 7
Table 2. Priority Species Surveys Conducted on Actively Managed Preserves .................. 9
List of Figures
Contents
Figure 1. HMP Preserve Categories ................................................................................................. 2
Figure 2. Preserve Ownership/Managemt~nt .................................................................................. 3
Figure 3. Poinsettia Fire Perimeter .................................................................................................. 6
Figure 4. Upland Herbs .................................................................................................................. 37
Figure 5. Upland Shrubs ................................................................................................................ 38
Figure 6. Vernal Pool Species ........................................................................................................ 39
Figure 7. Lagoon Species ............................................................................................................... 40
Figure 8. Riparian Birds .................................................................................................................. 41
Figure 9. Coastal California Gnatcatcher ....................................................................................... 42
Figure 10. Wildlife Linkages ........................................................................................................... 43
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report February 2015
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Triennial Monitoring Summary Report ii February 2015
1.0 Introduction
This report summarizes the results of biological monitoring that has been conducted within the
Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP) preserve system since adoption of the HMP in
November of 2004. This monitoring summary is provided every three years, pursuant to the
HMP and Open Space Management Plan {TAlC 2004). Monitoring is conducted by the on-site
preserve manager of each preserve. The monitoring results are then submitted through site-
specific annual reports and GIS data to the HMP Preserve Steward, who summarizes the data
every three years into a triennial monitoring summary report.
The preserve system is made up of several categories of HMP preserves (Figure 1):
1. Established private and city-owned preserves-established after approval of the HMP.
These preserves are funded through endowments or other permanent funding sources
for active management.
2. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) ecological reserves -owned and
managed by CDFW.
3. Pre-existing preserves -established prior HMP approval. These preserves are generally
owned and managed by private HOAs. Management on these lands is minimal,
consisting mostly of access control and trash collection.
4. Standards Areas-undeveloped areas within the HMP boundary. When these areas are
developed, specific HMP standards must be followed, including the permanent
conservation of a portion of the property.
For the most part, monitoring data is collected on established private and city-owned preserves
and CDFW ecological reserves. Figure 2 shows the land owner and preserve manager for
individual preserves. Results of monitoring for vegetation communities and species are
summarized below.
In the last couple of years, drought and wildfire had a significant impact on the condition of the
preserve system. Severe drought conditions were especially prominent during the 2012/2013
and 2013/2014 wet season. The wet season generally occurs between October and February.
When looking at annual rainfall totals between October and September, the average rainfall in
Carlsbad {based on historical weather data from Palomar Airport) is 10.3 inches. Total rainfall in
Carlsbad over the last two years was only 6.2 inches in 2012/2013 and 4. 7 inches in 2013/2014
(McConnell 2014), which is only 60 percent and 46 percent, respectively, ofthe average.
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 1 February 2015
Legend
OCEANSIDE
PACIFIC
OCEAN
ENCINITAS
.. Established Private and City-owned Preserve
-California Department of Fish and Wildlife Ecological Reserve
Pre-existing Natural Open Space Preserve
Standards Area
~ Future Preserve Standards Area
~CITY O r
CARLSBAD
City of Carlsbad
Categor·ies of HMP Preserves
Document Path: J.\Requests201 OPius\PropEnvlron\Sionnwater\5389666_151Figure1_ CalegconesHMPPreserves mxd
6 ----===::::J Feet ~ 0 6AOO
Figure 1
Date: 1113/201~
\r~
PACIFIC
OCEAN
City of Carttbed
-Clly ProsO<YOs'
-8atiqultos0nw
• Carbbld Villga Dr
-Conllo Rondl
• Cronlngt GoU Course
• Farad•)'
• U Coste Canyon Parte;
·l• CostaiRomerill
·Lagoon Lane
• L1k1 Calavera
-Los Monos
• Macario Canyon
• Polnaottbt Park
·Veteran's Parte
-4 (If " OJ CARLSBAD
OCEANSIDE
Other Public/Semi.PubUc
Cabrilo Power
San O~o Gas & EIKtric
Oilier Public:Agondes
• North County TranH Dhlrict
-San Oiegulo Union~ Oislrit1
-State of C.ttorrMa
Wildlife Agencies
... California Department of Flsh and '1Ndlr1e
-Agua Hedionda ER
-Buena Vls:ra Creek ER
-Carbbad Highlands ER
-Batiquilos Lagoon ER
-Buena Vista Lagoon ER
-Brodiaea Preserve
ENCINITAS
Conservation M1nagament Entity
.. C~ter for Natural lands Managemenl
• Carbbad Oats Nonh
-Encint5 CrHk
-La Costa Glen
-Calawra Hils 11/RoHnson Ranch
-KollyRon<ll
-Rancho Ll Costa
.. Other Management Entity
-Habitat Restoration Sciences (HRS)
-Holix Envi'onmental
-San Diego Habitat Conservancy
-Sen Diego Urban Corps HabQt Sei'Vices
University of California Rase~ System
.. Dawson-Los Monos Canyon ReseiVe
City of Carlsbad
Current Preserve OwnersbipfManagement
Privet•
Other
AVIIf8HOAs
ColovoraH .. HOAs
La Cos11 HOA.s
Reneho Carnlo Masa.r HOA
Other HOAs and Private Open Space
Pending
-Future Preserves • Undweloped Standards Alta
·Other Future Preserve
• Managed by Center lor Natural Lenc»
Managemenl (CNLM)
Q ·---===::::IMUes 'fU 0 1
Figure 2
The drought conditions helped pave the! way for the Poinsettia Fire, which burned over 300
acres in Carlsbad in May of 2014, most of which was within the HMP boundary. On the day the
fire broke out, the area was experiencing extreme Santa Ana conditions, which is a fairly rare
occurrence at that time of year, bringing the humidity levels down and bringing temperatures
up to almost 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.1 Vegetation Communities
2.1.1 Vegetation Mapping
long-term vegetation monitoring within the HMP is accomplished through periodic mapping
and focused studies. Mapping is conducted within preserves by the preserve managers every
five years to document changes in vegetation community boundaries over time. Vegetation
communities have been mapped using the Holland {1986) classification system, as revised by
Oberbauer {2008), which is the classification system used in the MHCP and HMP. Recently, the
San Diego Association of Governments I[SANDAG) commissioned an effort to develop a
classification system that conforms to national and statewide mapping efforts. The resulting
Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County was completed in 2011
{SANDAG 2011). This system is based on alliances and associations, which are defined by the
presence and abundance of diagnostic species. Because this classification is much more fine-
scaled, mapping is more time-consuming; however, it provides more information about
variation within the habitat. Although not required by the HMP, preserve managers are
encouraged to use this newer classification system. Information about preserve-level changes in
vegetation mapping is provided in site-specific annual reports.
2.1.2 long-Term Coastal Sage Scrub Monitoring
The Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) began a long-term monitoring program in
coastal sage scrub {CSS) habitat during the spring of 2009 by setting up modified Whittaker plots
(see CNLM 2010a for methods and rationale). CNLM collaborated wit h Dr. Douglas Deutschman
of San Diego State University {SDSU) in .2010 to develop a rotating panel approach to monitoring
for a trial period prior to determining the ideal sample replicate size. Various sites in Carlsbad,
which are distributed evenly across t he landscape, will be visited every year on a three-year
return interval. A selection of the sites will be visited every year. The purpose of the study is to
track and evaluate changes in the struc1ture and composition of coastal sage scrub over time.
In 2009, CN LM established 15 plots and collected data from nine of the plots. In 2010, an
additional five plots were established and data were collected from 9 of the plots {3 of which
were repeats of data collected in 2009) .. In 2011, four more plots were established. To date, 24
plots have been established within CNLIM-managed preserves, and data have been collected
from all of t hese plots. Starting in the spring of 2015, six additional plot locations will be added
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 4 February 2015
within the Aviara Master Association area in locations of documented gnatcatcher presence.
Two of the six sites will be visited in any given year.
Results
To date, it appears that no change in shrub cover has occurred over time (see graph below).
However, there have been noticeable declines in non-native grass cover over the repeated
monitoring years (2009/2012 and 2010/2013). Additionally, both non-native and native forb
cover is markedly lower over time, with native forb cover having the largest decrease. No
statistical testing has been done on these data, but the size of the error bars, and distance
between those bars suggests that the native forb cover is significantly lower in 2012 than in
2009, and also much lower in 2013 than in 2010. These declines relate to the highly variable
rainfall experience during the years since 2009, especially the drought conditions experienced in
2012 and 2013.
-Non-native forbs
-Non-native grasses
~ ~<:) ~' r::,"-'"V ~'b ~ <"(,<:) <P> 'V <"(,<:)
-Native forbs
Native grasses
-Native shrubs
Average Vegetation Percent Cover in CSS. Note that plots are repeated on a
three-year return interval (+/-1s.e). For example, 2009 shrub cover is most
similar to 2012 shrub cover because these are the same plots being re-read.
2.1.3 Post-Fire Monitoring
In May of 2014, approximately 317 acres of habitat burned in the Poinsettia Fire (Table 1). The
majority ofthis habitat was within the HMP preserve boundary in pre-existing preserves (private
HOA lands), actively managed preserves (established private and city-owned), and Standards
Areas (future preserves) (Figure 3). In order to evaluate the trajectory of habitat recovery, the
City of Carlsbad (City), in coordination with the Preserve Steward and CNLM, developed a post-
fire monitoring protocol, which consists of a quantitative and qualitative assessment in 26
locations throughout the burn area, stratified by habitat type (southern maritime chaparral,
southern mixed chaparral, coastal sage scrub, vernal pools, and oak woodland/forest). The
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 5 February 2015
~\
0
FHt
SOURCE: C~y of Car1sbad
Future Preserve Standards Area
Pre-existing Preserves-Private/HOA •
• Name of preserve manager in parenthesis
City of Carlsbad Preserve Steward. 120574
Figure 3
Fire Perimeter-Preserves and Preserve Manager
monitoring will be conducted annually for five years, starting in the spring of 2015 to
inform preserve managers about adaptive management actions that may be needed to
ensure successful habitat recovery.
Table 1. Vegetation Types within the Poinsettia Fire Burn Area*
Vegetation Type Acres
Southern Maritime Chaparral 150.3
Chaparral 60.9
Coastal Sage Scrub 27.1
Agricultural 28.3
Disturbed 22.4
Grassland 15.5
Oak Woodland 9.2
Wetlands 1.2
Eucalyptus Woodland 1.0
Riparian Scrub/Woodland/Forest 0.6
TOTAl 316.5
• including natural lands outside of the HMP boundary
2.2 Species
This section summarizes the monitoring results for species with site-specific permit conditions
(i.e., those that require individual populations to be tracked) (MHCP 2003, Vol. Ill). The species
are grouped by general type, including updand plants, vernal pool plants and animals,
lagoon/coastal birds, riparian birds, upland birds, and wildlife movement. long-term focused
species monitoring is being conducted to document species persistence in the preserve system,
and to inform site-specific management a1ctions. The information summarized in this report
comes from site-specific annual reports, regional species monitoring reports, and GIS data.
Table 2 below summarizes the years during which focused species surveys have been conducted
on each preserve. Figures 4-9 show the known locations of these species based on data from
Preserve Managers, California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), and the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS). Figure 10 shows the habitat linkages and potential pinch points
(barriers to movement) that were evaluated as part of a wildlife movement evaluation study.
These maps are located at the end of this report.
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 7 February 2015
This page intentionally left blank
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 8 February 2015
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TMud~bt~•
Dt'I"-''¥MIIftlttl>t"i
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~
---._ .. ._.. ..
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... I .,
"' .. I ... .. I ..
lt7:J--m.V 197Jl0t01 --2001201&1
XJ01l01t1 200l101t1
J0)0-10141 2ooo-lcna1
""' ..
lOOI.lOJO,lO» 11001. xno. 20n I
Table 2. Priority Species S.....eys CA>nducted on Actively Manaced Preserves
"" ......... .... -. IYCJ-"0 ~:--~ ~;:r'-* ~OtlltN Catw....__.,. .,.., __ ""'v ..... ,,..,.. ... ,....... """"'" ~C..UOitill -
"' .. ., tool lOU' .. l00'7l0t•• ., ., ., ZOlO.lOJt "' ...
"' Holw..,.. 2011..ZOU1 l001-l01t1 ,... lOON 'COit1 "' l0l0.10lt1 •• .. "' .,
"' .. .. .. .. ., .. .. .. "' "' 10U.10lt .. .. "' "' ., .. ., "' 2011 .. "' """ ... .. .. ... ... .. .. .. .. ... .. 7011.101• ........ .. ... ,.. .. ... .. .. .. ... .. .. ..
Vet"" pooladonGC O«UrCf\ tMti!~Hff'ttS Vef~pool
pres«~I,~J .... .......... v~,., pool a do r101 0«11r on tMte prewrws
lt1'J·J0101
...........
l001.10t•'
l .. oon species do not occur on thul pruerves
lOCOlOtt1
.. .. ..
.. I NP llOOI, 1'010. lOU I 2007. 1010. 20U I 2001. 2010, 101l 12007. XUO.lOU '"" 20ll,l01S I "' I lOOt, lOU I 2009.l0ll I
lltlyludl
.. ..
):QOt, 201• .. .,
lOOt 201•"'
1200).~, 2010.1
...... ---
.,
"'
2013
l!91.lOU ..
,..
Veti'IM~I
tuned ln201t
I
----_ .. eo...
"' .. ~201 •• ., .. :ZOOS.201t1 -100e,2'01t 200$.l00f. 201• .. .. I .. I .. .. I .. I JOOI.J01t1 '
Vernal pools do not occur on these
preserves
.. ..
l005,l01l I X llODJ.10tJ7.10JQ.
I
0 ...
Site-specific species monitoring will not be able to provide information about population trends.
However, regional monitoring and associated research being coordinated by the San Diego
Management and Monitoring Program (SDMMP) will provide information about population trends,
genetic exchange, and best management practices for individual species. To this end, the SDMMP has
prepared a science-based regional Management Strategic Plan (MSP) (2013), which provides regional
and local (population-specific) goals and objectives. Other pertinent documents include the Connectivity
Strategic Plan (2013; to be revised in 2015), Invasive Plant Strategic Plan (2012; to be revised in 2015),
Wild Fire Management Strategic Plan (to be completed in 2015), and the Monitoring Strategic Plan (to
be completed in 2015). The City and HMP Preserve Steward will continue to coordinate with regional
monitoring and management efforts and will incorporate site-specific recommendations as necessary.
2.2.1 Upland Plants
San Diego Thornmint
Acanthomintha ificifolia
Status: federally threatened, state endangered
Critical locations and Major Populations
The 1999 MHCP identified critical locations and major populations in scattered locations throughout
Carlsbad, mostly in private HOA preserve lands. Other populations of San Diego thornmint are
located within the Carlsbad Oaks North and Rancho La Costa Preserve.
Management Actions Conducted to Protect the Species
Best Management Practices (BMPs) for San Diego thorn mint are currently being developed based on
the best available science and local knowledge of land managers (SDMMP 2013). Within Carlsbad,
this species is under active management within Carlsbad Oaks North, Emerald Pointe, and Rancho La
Costa preserves. Active management on these preserves generally focuses on intensive invasive
species removal around thornmint populations (including hand weeding around plants), thatch
removal, and access control. HOA-managed properties only include a basic level of management
(e.g., trash pick-up and fence maintenance).
Long-Term Monitoring
Long-term monitoring for selected populations of San Diego thornmint in Carlsbad has been ongoing
since 2008. Regional monitoring efforts to understand the species as a whole is being coordinated
by the SDMMP.
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 11 February 2015
Overall Condition and Major Threats
Monitored populations of San Diego thorn mint in Carlsbad occur at Carlsbad Oaks North, Emera ld
Pointe, and Rancho La Costa Preserve (Figure 4). As is typical for many annual species, San Diego
thornmint counts varied tremendously at each location between 2008 and 2014, including 151 to
648 plants at Carlsbad Oaks North, 6 to 110 in Emerald Pointe, and 79 to 965 at Rancho La Costa, as
shown in the table and graph below. A fourth occurrence at the Ca lavera Hills/Robertson Ranch East
Preserve was observed to have two to four individuals between 2008 and 2010, but none were
observed in 2011 or 2012, and this location is no longer monitored (McConnell 2012). The status of
San Diego thorn mint on preserve land managed by private HOAs is unknown at this time.
Population of San Diego Thorn mint on Carlsbad Preserves with Rainfall Data
Number of Individuals
Preserve 2008 2009 2010 2011
Calavera Hills/Robertson Ranch East 2 4 2 0
Carlsbad Oaks North 505 556 648 342
Emerald Pointe NS 110 93 NS
Rancho La Costa (the Greens) 194 251 380 936
Rainfall totals* (inches) --12 17
NS = not surveyed
•Measurements from Palomar-McClellan Airport in Carlsbad, CA (NOAA 2014)
-=no data
2012 2013 2014
0 NS NS
464 151 327
NS NS 6
965 79 652
10 6.2 4.7
Population of San Diego Thornmint on Carlsbad Preserves
1000
"' ii 800 :I ~ 'S :a = 600 .. c: 'E 400
~ ~ 200
0
,.--T -
• a
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
YEAR
• Calavera Hills/RR East
• Carlsbad Oaks North
Emerald Pointe
• Rancho La Costa
Due to the high annual variability of the populations, it is difficult to determine the overall trend of a
specific population or the species as a whole. To better understand what drives dynamics of the
species populations in Carlsbad, CNLM has been conducting studies to evaluate the status of the
plants in relation to weather, cover of native an d non-native forbs and grasses, and invasive species
removal. CNLM is also conducting genetic studies to understand the genetic diversity and structure
of the species. Additionally, regional monitoring and management efforts for San Diego thorn mint
are being coordinated by CNLM through the San Diego Thornmint Working Group, and by the
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 12 February 2015
SDMMP through the San Diego Thornmint Adaptive Management Framework, which was developed
by the Conservation Biology Institute {2014).
The major threats to San Diego thornmint are invasive species, direct impacts and disturbance,
habitat fragmentation with loss of pollinators, prolonged drought, and small populations that are
more vulnerable to environmental conditions (SDMMP 2013). Within Carlsbad, the most important
threat is invasion by purple false brome (Brachypodium distachyon) (M. Spiegelberg, personal
communication 2014). Wildfire is another important threat. The Poinsettia Fire burned over 60 acres
of habitat within Rancho La Costa Preserve in May of 2014. If not for a 4-foot by 1,000-foot
containment line that was constructed by Cal Fire using hand tools to contain the fire, this
population would have likely burned {Godfrey, 2014).
Overall, this species appears to be well protected on actively-managed properties in Carlsbad; it will
be critical to continue intensive invasive species removal efforts and coordinate with Cal Fire to
protect the Carlsbad populations should other fires break out in the future. In addition, it is
recommended that the species-specific BMPs be implemented, as feasible, once they are developed
bySDMMP.
Thread-leaved Brodiaea
Brodiaea filifolia
Status: federally threatened, state endangered
Critical locations and Major Populations
The 1999 MHCP identified critical locations/major populations in the following preserves: Calavera
Hills Phase II, Carlsbad Highlands Ecological Reserve, Rancho Carrillo, Fox-Miller, Brodiaea Preserve,
and Rancho La Costa.
Management Actions Conducted to Protect the Species
Known populations on CNLM-managed preserves, including Calavera Hills/Robertson Ranch East,
Carlsbad Oaks North, Rancho Carrillo, and Rancho La Costa, are actively managed mostly through
intensive invasive species removal (including hand weeding) and thatch removal around brodiaea
populations, and access control {Figure 4). Management within CDFW-managed preserves, which
include the one-acre Brodiaea Preserve and Carlsbad Highlands Ecological Reserve, is limited to
basic stewardship (access control, trash removal, etc.). The brodiaea restoration area on the Fox-
Miller property (mitigation for project impacts to this species) is still under restoration maintenance
because it did not meet its Year 5 success criteria in 2011. Once the success criteria have been met,
this area will fall under long-term management (the long-term manager is still to be determined).
Best Management Practices for thread-leaved brodiaea will be developed in the next five years by
SDMMP {SDMMP 2013), and will guide land managers in San Diego County in prioritizing
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 13 February 2015
management actions at the site-specific level. In the meantime, the species-specific goal for thread-
leaved brodiaea established by SDMMP is to inspect and manage (i.e., inspect each occurrence to
confirm presence and identify and address management issues).
Long-Term Monitoring
Long-term census monitoring of thread-leaved brodiaea is being conducted annually using
index plots at all CNLM-managed preserves. Additionally, a life-stage study was established at
these preserves in the winter of 2013-2014; results will be presented in next year's site-specific
annual reports. The goal of the study is to provide information about the life history of thread-
leaved brodiaea, including degree of flowering, variance of dormancy, and how these factors relate
to flowering. This information can then be used to determine a better method for estimating counts
(e.g., whether flowering counts are a suitable replacement for vegetative counts). This study will
continue annually into the foreseeable future.
Overall Condition and Major Threats
Plant counts of this species vary tremendously year to year depending on timing and amount of
rainfall, and the season during which the surveys were conducted (e.g., when plants are flowering or
in their vegetative state). CNLM has determined that the plant count during the flowering season
may represent only 2%-26% of the actual population size, since only a fraction of a population
flowers at a given time. No flowering took place on any of the CNLM-managed populations in 2013
or 2014, although in some locations over 1,000 vegetative individuals were counted. Due to the
large variability in the plant counts, as described above, detailed survey results will not be provided
in this report; however, these details are available upon request from CNLM. Figure 4 shows known
locations of thread-leaved brodiaea in Carlsbad and USFWS critical habitat for this species.
Major threats to this species are invasive species, drought, altered hydrology, erosion, off-road
vehicles, herbivory, and fragmentation with reduced pollinator connectivity (SDMMP 2013). In
Carlsbad, the major threat appears to be invasive species and thatch build-up. Although it is difficult
to determine the population trajectory of Carlsbad occurrences (increasing, decreasing, or stable),
the populations managed by CNLM appear to be well protected due to intensive, localized
management efforts that are conducted at least annually. Populations managed by other entities
should, at minimum, be inspected to confirm presence and population-specific threats should be
identified and addressed.
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 14 February 2015
Del Mar Manzanita
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia
Status: federally endangered
Critical Locations and Major Populations
The 1999 MHCP identified critical locations/major populations on preserve lands owned by the City,
the County, private HOAs, and La Costa Villages.
Management Actions Conducted to Protect the Species
Management actions include invasive species removal, access control, and public outreach. In
addition, special attention will be given to the burn areas in Rancho La Costa and Morning Ridge
Preserves to encourage recovery of this population. Regionally, this species has been designated by
SDMMP as a "VF" species, which means that this species is likely to persist in the Management
Strategic Plan Area (MSPA) with appropriate management of the vegetation community. VF species
are those with limited distribution in the MSPA and/or those that have specific vegetation
characteristics that need to be managed for persistence in the MSPA (SDMMP 2013). What this
means to the land manager is that by protecting and managing the vegetation community as a
whole, this species is expected to remain in stable condition.
Long-Term Monitoring
Surveys for Del Mar manzanita have been conducted periodically on the following preserves: La
Costa Glen, Kelly Ranch, Manzanita Partners, Morning Ridge, Poinsettia Place, and Rancho La Costa
Preserve (see table below for dates) (Figure 5). No other surveys for this species in Carlsbad have
been conducted. Identification of individuals to the subspecies level of on Rancho La Costa and Kelly
Ranch has been conducted by CNLM and confirmed by taxonomic experts. Because the non-
sensitive Eastwood manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. glandulosa), also occurs on Rancho La
Costa, Del Mar manzanita was re-mapped on the property pursuant to taxonomic confirmation
(Spiegelberg and Vinje 2008). All individuals observed on Kelly Ranch were confirmed to be the Del
Mar manzanita subspecies (McConnell 2011).
Overall Condition and Major Threats
Prior to the initiation of long-term management, it was reported that Rancho La Costa supported
over 500 individuals; however, this number was greatly reduced (to nine individuals) after the
shrubs were re-identified to subspecies by CNLM (M. Spiegelberg personal communication, 2011).
The number of individuals reported on other actively managed preserves ranges from 2 clumps
(number of individuals unknown) to 313 individuals. Three preserves burned during the Poinsettia
Fire in May 2014; post-fire monitoring will determine how many of the burned individuals survived.
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 15 February 2015
~\
Number of Del Mar Manzanita Individuals
Preserve 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
La Costa Glen NS NS NS 200" NS NS
Kelly Ranch NS NS NS NS NS 2'
Manzanita Partners NS 117 NS NS NS NS
Morning Ridge NS 8 NS NS 8 NS
Poinsettia Place 53 NS NS NS NS NS
Rancho La Costa NS >Soo• NS NS 9 NS
NS = Not Surveyed
1 Conducted for the MHCP, prior to long-term management
2 Unknown number; survey conducted but exact number of individuals not reported
3 Number of clumps is reported; number of individuals unknown
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
2011 2012 2013 2014
NS NS 313 Unk'
NS NS NS 2
NS NS 117 NS
NS NS NS burned
NS NS NS burned
NS NS NS burned
4 Survey performed prior to long-term management; taxonomic confirmation of subspecies not yet conducted
5 Pre-fire surveys were conducted on Poinsettia Place and Rancho La Costa in 2014; post-fire counts are presumed to be zero if the entire
preserve burned, including above-ground biomass. A post-fire inspection on Rancho La Costa reported seven resprouting shrubs, and
one near, but undamaged by the bulldozed fire line.
The species is well protected within the Kelly Ranch Preserve. This population was reportedly in
good condition during the 2014 survey. The condition of the La Costa Glen population is unknown,
but it is assumed to be in good condition due to the steep topography and inaccessibility of the site.
All of the Del Mar manzanita shrubs on the Morning Ridge and Poinsettia Place Preserves were
burned in 2014 in the Poinsettia Fire, which burned all habitat on both preserves. Many of the Del
Mar manzanita shrubs on Rancho La Costa Preserve were also damaged or destroyed during the
Poinsettia Fire, which burned over 60 acres of high quality southern maritime chaparral habitat in
Rancho La Costa Preserve (Godfrey 2014). Some shrubs were burned in the fire, and two were
"masticated, torn up by their roots, and pushed into a pile along [a) bulldozer line corridor" that was
30 feet wide and 1,200 feet long. CNLM contends that the bulldozer line was constructed, sometime
after the fire was contained, through excellent quality, non-burned southern maritime chaparral
habitat. CNLM was not able to identify the responsible agency, and therefore must try to repair the
damage on its own by installing erosion control and access control.
Post-fire monitoring will be conducted annually within the burned areas for approximately five
years. Information collected during this effort should include a detailed description of the status
(present/absent) and condition (status of recovery, signs of disease, etc.) of each Del Mar manzanita
shrub, presence or absence of seedlings, and specific threats to each population. Long-term
monitoring of non-burned Carlsbad populations should include this information as well.
Prior to the fire, threats to the actively managed Carlsbad populations were considered minimal due
to the robustness of woody shrubs (i.e., they are not as vulnerable to drought, invasive species
encroachment, or edge effects as small annuals) and the inaccessibility of most of the known
locations. In burned areas, the major threat to recovery is erosion; many of the plants occur on very
steep slopes that now have little to no vegetation holding the soil in place. Generally, wildfire is not
considered a major threat to Del Mar manzanita; this species evolved with fire, and typically
resprouts from a basal burl after it has been burned. Additionally, the seeds are dependent on fire
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 16 February 2015
to germinate (USFWS 2010). Therefore, the burned populations in Carlsbad are expected to recover.
As of January 2015, seven manzanita were resprouting in an area of Rancho La Costa Preserve
where only two had previously been documented (S. Godfrey, pers. comm.). However, even with
fire-adapted species, ifthe natural fire regime is altered (e.g., if fires become too frequent, or burn
too hot, the effect on the species could be negative.
Del Mar Mesa Sand Aster
Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolia
Status: California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) 18.1
Critical locations and Major Populations
There are no critical locations in Carlsbad, according to the 1999 MHCP. The closest major
population is at the southern boundary of Carlsbad, according to the 1999 MHCP. The majority of
the population within the MHCP Subregion is in the City of Encinitas, but may extend into Carlsbad
on private HOA lands.
Management Actions Conducted to Protect the Species
The City Ventures and Manzanita Partners populations are being managed through general habitat
management (e.g., invasive species removal, trash removal, access control, etc.) (HRS 2014, J.
Whalen Assoc. 2014,). Potentially suitable habitat for this species within the HMP preserve system,
which consists of coastal bluff scrub and openings within coastal sage scrub and chaparral, is also
being managed through general habitat stewardship. Del Mar Mesa sand aster was not identified by
the SDMMP as a high priority for regional management and monitoring; therefore, BMPs will not be
developed for this species.
Long-Term Monitoring
Long-term monitoring was initiated in 2014 for the City Ventures population of Del Mar Mesa sand
aster, which was established in 2013. The surveys consist of delineating the boundaries of sand aster
patches and estimating the density of the patches using 20 stratified, random 0.25-m plots (J.
Whalen Assoc. 2014). Long-term monitoring for the Manzanita Partners population was initiated in
2013. Monitoring on this preserve consists of general rare plant surveys every 10 years to confirm
presence. This population was burned in the Poinsettia Fire. Recovery will be assessed annually
during the post-fire monitoring period. Figure 4 shows the locations of Del Mar Mesa sand aster on
actively managed preserves. No other populations of this species are being monitored within
Carlsbad.
Overall Condition and Major Threats
The greatest threat to the City Ventures population appears to be unauthorized access, including
trails and encampments and other edge effects, such as trash and invasive species. This population
is located right on the eastern edge of the preserve, adjacent to El Camino Real. The condition of the
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 17 February 2015
habitat along the outer edges of the preserve was determined to be "poor" by the preserve
manager due to the identified edge effects. However, with continued invasive species control,
patrolling and access control, the habitat supporting this population is expected to improve. One of
the primary threats to the Manzanita Partners population, if it still exists, is likely to be trampling
and off-road vehicles. Although this locality is next to a dirt access road, the preserve did not
experience major problems with unauthorized access prior to the fire; however, once the fire
eradicated the vegetation, unauthorized access, including dirt bikes and people on foot, became an
immediate problem (A. Hayworth, personal communication, 2014). Fences were installed by the City
in late 2014 along road right-of-ways to deter unauthorized access in burned areas. The status of
other populations of Del Mar Mesa sand aster in Carlsbad is unknown.
Encinitas Baccharis
Baccharis vanessae
Status: federally threatened, state endangered
Critical Locations and Major Populations
The closest major population is at the southern boundary of Carlsbad, according to the 1999 MHCP.
The majority of the population is within Encinitas, but may extend into Carlsbad on private HOA
lands. Within this major population, there are critical locations identified that may occur within
Carlsbad; however, presence or absence of these observations have not been confirmed in the field
since surveys were conducted in the 1990s for the MHCP, except in the La Costa Glen preserve, as
described below.
Management Actions Conducted to Protect the Species
This species was identified as a high priority for regional management and monitoring (SDMMP
2013). One of the species-specific management objectives for Encinitas baccharis established by
SDMMP is to inspect and manage (i.e., inspect each occurrence to confirm presence, and identify
and address management issues). Potentially suitable habitat on actively managed preserves in
Carlsbad is being managed through general invasive species removal and access control.
Long-Term Monitoring
One Encinitas baccharis locality was reported on the La Costa Glen preserve in the 1990s during
surveys conducted for the MHCP. Long-term management for this preserve was established in
January of 2013. Since then, two focused species surveys were performed by CNLM in 2013 and two
were conducted in 2014. Encinitas baccharis was not observed during these recent surveys.
Overall Condition and Major Threats
The status of populations within Carlsbad is currently unknown. Major threats to this dioecious
species are altered fire regime, low seedling recruitment, low seed viability, reduced reproductive
potential at older age classes, fuel modification, trampling, and invasive species. Additionally, small,
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 18 February 2015
isolated occurrences with little connectivity and dioecious life history make this species more
vulnerable to changes in environmental conditions (SDMMP 2013).
Orcutt's Hazardia
Hazardia orcuttii
Status: state threatened
Critical locations and Major Populations
There are no naturally occurring critical locations or major populations in Carlsbad, according to the
1999 MHCP. However, if the transplanted populations in Carlsbad prove to be self-sustaining, they
would be considered critical populations.
Management Actions Conducted to Protect the Species
Orcutt's hazardia has been identified regionally as a high priority species for management and
monitoring (SDMMP 2013). All known populations, including the single naturally occurring population
in Encinitas and transplanted populations in Carlsbad, are under active management by CNLM.
Management activities consist of intensive invasive species removal, access control, and transplant
studies, which have been approved by the wildlife agencies. The transplant studies, which have been
ongoing since 2003, consist of transplanting Orcutt's hazardia to new locations and studying
reproduction and survival as part of a population viability analysis. By better understanding
population dynamics, it is hoped that this program will reduce the possibility of local extinction (the
species still occurs in northern Mexico) due to unforeseen events.
long-Term Monitoring
Orcutt's hazardia were transplanted by CNLM to the CNLM's Kelly Ranch and Rancho La Costa
preserves in 2003. CNLM has been tracking these transplants and documenting recruitment
annually.
Overall Condition and Major Threats
By 2004, a total of 125 Orcutt's hazardia individuals were transplanted at Kelly Ranch and 200
individuals were transplanted at Rancho La Costa. As of 2014, a total of 254 individuals (102 adults
and 152 juveniles) were observed on Kelly Ranch and 171 individuals were observed on Rancho La
Costa (147 adults and 124 juveniles). Overall, the adult plants on both sites have fared well over
time, becoming stable within a few years after the initial transplantation through 2012. A few
individuals were lost between 2012 and 2014. For the most part, juveniles on both sites steadily
increased over time. In contrast, the number of seedlings dropped to zero in 2013 and 2014 on both
sites, presumably due to the extreme drought conditions experienced in San Diego County. The
nearby weather station at Palomar Airport recorded only 6.2 inches of rain during the 2012-2013
rainfall year (October to September), reaching only 60 percent of the average 10.3 inches per year.
Rainfall in 2014 was even lower, at 4.7 inches, which is only 46 percent of average (McConnell
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 19 February 2015
2014}. These data suggest that drought may be a major hindrance to reproduction by reducing
seedling survival.
It is interesting to note that, although there were many more adults transplanted on Rancho La
Costa (200} than on Kelly Ranch (125}, the number of juveniles and seedlings on Kelly Ranch
(maximum annual count of 157 and 77, respectively} is consistently significantly higher than on
Rancho La Costa (a maximum annual count of 24 and 8, respectively}. The reasons for this are
unclear.
Counts of Orcutt's Hazardia Transplanted to Kelly Ranch Preserve
Life Stage Number of Individuals Counted, by Year
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Adults (flowering) 121 97 104 104 104 104 104 104 105 103
Juveniles' 0 0 0 1 1 4 15 42 119 157
Seedlings 0 0 0 4 17 14 68 77 55 0
Total count 121 97 104 109 122 122 187 223 279 260
Counts of Orcutt's Hazardia Transplanted to Rancho La Costa Preserve
Number of Individuals Counted, by Year
2014
102
152
0
254
life Stage 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Adults (flowering) 160 NS NS 156 156 156
Juveniles' NS NS NS NS 2 10
Seedlings NS NS NS NS 8 4
Total count 160 unknown unknown 156 166 170
NS = not surveyed
1! 200
~ 'a ct 150
0 ... 100
Ql .a E ~ z
so
0
.! 200 ·c:
Ql > ~ ......
0
150
100
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
YEAR
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
YEAR
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 20
156 NS 147
15 11 24
1 0 0
172 unknown 171
• Kelly Ranch
• Rancho La Costa
• Kelly Ranch
• Rancho La Costa
February 2015
•
~ 80 ·= l 60
J( 0 40 • Kelly Ranch
• Rancho La Costa
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
YEAR
The biggest threat to this species is that it occurs in only a few locations (only one of which
is a natural population; all others were transplanted), and populations are very small and
isolated, making this species highly vulnerable to extirpation by a catastrophic event, such
as fire (SDMMP 2013). Ongoing drought appears to be a major threat as well based on the
results of the transplant studies, as discussed above.
2.2.2 Vernal Pool Species
California Orcutt Grass
Orcuttia californica
Status: federally endangered, state endangered
little Mousetail
Myosurus minimus ssp. opus
Status: CRPR 3.1
San Diego Button-Celery
Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii
Status: federally endangered, state endangered
Critical locations and Major Populations
Spreading Navarretia
Navarretia fossa/is
Status: federally threatened
Riverside Fairy Shrimp
Streptocephalus woottoni
Status: federally endangered
San Diego Fairy Shrimp
Branchinecta sandiegonensis
Status: federally endangered
There are three vernal pool complexes in the HMP preserve system: (1) Poinsettia Lane Train
Station, (2) Hieatt property, north of the airport, and (3) Manzanita Partners Preserve, east of El
Camino Real and south of the airport {Figure 6). The Poinsettia Lanes vernal pool has been identified
as a critical location and major population for all vernal pool species listed above by the MHCP;
however, none of these species are currently covered by the HMP. Neither of the two other vernal
pools were identified by the MHCP as critical locations or major populations.
Management Actions Conducted to Protect the Species
Long-term management was initiated by Habitat Restoration Inc. {HRS) on the Manzanita Partners
Preserve in 2012 to preserve the quality of the vernal pool habitat through invasive species control.
The vernal pools on this preserve were burned in the Poinsettia Fire. Post-fire management will
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 21 February 2015
focus on invasive species removal and access control. Fencing has been installed by the City along
road right-of-ways to deter unauthorized access into burned areas.
Management of the Poinsettia Lanes Vernal Pools is the responsibility of North County Transit
District (NCTD), and presumably consists of mowing within the railroad right-of-way as part of
regular maintenance. The adjacent upland watershed buffer area, which is a semicircular area of
coastal sage scrub between the vernal pools and residential development, is being managed by the
Water's End HOA. This upland area has been fenced and signed to protect it from unauthorized
access and to provide public education. The Hieatt property vernal pools are not being actively
managed.
Long-Term Monitoring
Long-term monitoring is only being conducted at the Manzanita Partners pools, as the other two
preserves are not under active management. Due to the 2014 wildfire, monitoring for the next five
years will focus on post-fi re recovery.
Overall Condition and Major Threats
Due to the severe drought conditions of the previous couple of years, the condition of the
unmanaged vernal pools and associated species have not been evaluated since the last triennial
monitoring summary report.
Poinsettia Lanes vernal pools. All of the vernal pool species that require species-specific reporting by
the MHCP, as well as Orcutt's brodiaea (Brodiaea orcuttii), were observed on the Poinsettia Lanes
vernal pools during 2008 surveys conducted by Dudek (A. Hayworth, personal communication,
2011). Based on a qualitative site visit conducted in 2014 the City's HMP Coordinator and Preserve
Steward, the vernal pool area was observed to have a high cover of non-native species; however,
the adjacent upland watershed buffer was in excellent condition. Currently, the primary threats to
the Poinsettia Lanes vernal pool habitat and species are invasive non-native plants and long-term
drought.
Manzanita Partners. The Manzanita Partners vernal pools were enhanced/restored in 2000, and five
years of maintenance and monitoring was conducted by Dudek. Seven existing degraded pools were
enhanced, seven suspected historic vernal pools were restored, and adjacent native upland habitat
was enhanced (Dudek 2005). In 2008, the condition of this restored vernal pool was determined to
be good (A. Hayworth, personal communication, 2011); at project completion, all vernal pools held
water during the rainy season, all pools had at least one of four vernal pool target plant species
present, San Diego fairy shrimp were detected at five of the pools, coastal sage scrub habitat
surrounding the pools was mature and healthy, and non-native species were under control and did
not pose a threat to the vernal pools (Dudek 2005). A follow-up visit was made by the City HMP
Coordinator and HMP Preserve Steward in April 2011 to assess the condition of the pools. The pools
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 22 February 2015
appeared to be in good condition overall, although there was a fairly high cover of non-native
grasses. Beginning in 2013, active invasive species control was initiated as part of long-term
management of the preserve. In May 2014, a wildfire consumed the entire preserve, burning the
vegetation on-site completely. Post-fire monitoring will determine the trajectory of the recovery of
this habitat and associated species. The greatest threats to these vernal pools are invasive species
and unauthorized access (trampling, off-road vehicles, etc.).
Hieatt Property. The vernal pools on the Hieatt Property were restored by Helix Environmental
Planning Inc. (Helix). The restoration plan was initiated on March 2, 2006, and was to last two years.
Restoration monitoring reports have not been submitted to the City or Wildlife Agencies, and no
request has been made for sign off on the success of the restoration. Prior to restoration, the pools
did not contain any sensitive species, but contained the following vernal pool indicator species:
dwarf wooly-heads (Psilocarphus brevissimus var. brevissimus), water pygmyweed ( Crassula
aquatica}, chaffweed (Centunculus minimus}, and grass poly (Lythrum hyssopifolia). On October 23,
2009, a site visit was conducted by ESA, and there were no signs of vernal pool indicator plant
species nor were there other signs of a functioning vernal pool. The entire area was overrun by non-
natives. The site has not been visited since.
Other Locations
Additional vernal pools have been identified to the north of the Poinsettia Lanes site along the same
NCTD right-of-way (Rosie 2010), although these are outside of the HMP boundary. Several of these
pools are reported to support San Diego fairy shrimp. These pools, which are generally in poor
condition (few vernal pool species and dense cover of non-native grasses), are not currently
protected by a Conservation Easement or other open space protection.
2.2.3 Lagoon/Coastal Bird Species
Belding's Savannah Sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi
Status: state endangered
Critical Locations and Major Populations
The 1999 MHCP identified critical locations and major populations in Agua Hedionda Lagoon and
Batiquitos Lagoon, which are managed by CDFW.
Management Actions Conducted to Protect the Species
Management actions include habitat management through invasive species control. The top
priorities for CDFW to protect this species are habitat enhancement, protection and restoration in
the form of improved tidal flushing, sediment control, limiting human disturbances, and the
continued funding of a statewide census.
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 23 February 2015
Long-Term Monitoring
Surveys are conducted approximately every five years as part of an ongoing census effort. The most
recent census information available is from 2010, during which 30 coastal salt marshes in California
were surveyed (Zemba I and Hoffman 2010). Results of surveys conducted within Carlsbad are
summarized below. See Figure 7 for a location map.
Number of Occupied Territories by Year
1973 1977 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2010
Buena Vista lagoon 0
Agua Hedionda lagoon 37
Batiquitos lagoon 0
Overall Condition and Major Threats
70
Ill Ql ·~ 60
.t: t: so ~ ~ 40
"%-30 u ~ 20 0
d 10 z
0
5 1 0 0
16 45 13 29
20 47 50 36
1973 1977 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2010
YEAR
6 5 0
22 24 18
66 37 44
• Buena Vista Lagoon
• Agua Hedionda Lagoon
• Batiquitos Lagoon
Approximately 3,372 breeding territories were detected in California during the 2010 census. This is
the highest total since counts began in 1973 and 7.6% higher than the next highest count, reported
in 2006 (Zemba I and Hoffman 2010). However, the number of territories was markedly lower in
2010 than in 2006 at both Agua Hedionda and Buena Vista Lagoons. Encroachment of freshwater
marsh habitat, proliferation of invasive species, and human disturbances continue to exert pressure
upon Belding's savannah spa rrow and the habitat necessary to support the species (Zemba! and
Hoffman 2010).
Buena Vista Lagoon. The 2010 surveys revealed that the formerly occupied territories no longer
contained Belding's savannah sparrow. Encroachment of freshwater marsh habitat and song
sparrows has contributed to the decline of this species within Buena Vista Lagoon, in addition to
human disturbance. Potential for restoration of the territories exists, and is highest on the islands
and the north-east portion of the inner lagoon. Additional improvements to the habitat could be
made by the cleanup of trash and homeless encampments, as well as invasive species control.
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 24 February 2015
However, the transition to brackish marsh habitat limits the potential of the Buena Vista to support
Belding's savannah sparrow (Zembal and Hoffman 2010).
Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The 2010 surveys revealed a 25% decline in territories from 2006. The
territories were concentrated along a picklweed (Salacornia spp.) belt on the inland edges of the
inner lagoon, which is threatened by encroaching freshwater marsh. Regular dredging maintains a
connection to the ocean, resulting in good potential for habitat restoration in this lagoon; however,
flow is constricted due to the narrowness of the opening. Human disturbances continue to be an
issue in the lagoon, although CaiTrans has installed fencing along the northern edge of the lagoon to
exclude potential trespassers. Although CDFW is actively working to control detrimental species,
including invasive algae (Caulerpa taxifo/ia) and Algerian sea-lavender (Limonium ramosissimum),
much of the previously existing Belding's habitat has been affected and no longer supports
adequate nest cover (Zembal and Hoffman 2010).
Batiguitos Lagoon. The 2010 surveys revealed that there was a 19% increase from the 2006 surveys,
which showed a 44% decrease from the 2001 numbers (Zembal and Hoffman 2010). Past restoration
of Batiquitos Lagoon resulted in the expansion of pickleweed, which is a critical component of
Belding's habitat, and likely led to the doubling of numbers found between the 1996 and 2001
surveys. The 44% reduction in Belding's found in 2006 was presumably influenced by the reverting
of much of the habitat back to brackish marsh due to inflow of urban freshwater runoff at the
eastern edge of the lagoon (Zemba I and Hoffman 2010). Much of the remaining pickleweed
dominated marsh habitat is too narrow to support Belding's (Zemba I and Hoffman 2010).
California least Tern
Sterna antillarum browni
Status: federally endangered, state endangered and fully protected
Critical locations and Major Populations
The 1999 MHCP identified critical locations in all three lagoons. The population at Batiquitos Lagoon
is considered a major population.
Management Actions Conducted to Protect the Species
Annual management actions include use of shelters to protect chicks from predators and weather,
decoys to attract adults, interpretive signage, vegetation management, and fencing (Frost 2014).
Because the least tern nests on the ground, this species, especially its fledglings, is highly vulnerable
to predators. Management of the species at Batiquitos Lagoon is currently being conducted by
CDFW staff; however, due to budget constraints, the level of management has been reduced from
pre-20111evels. Annual monitoring and management at Batiquitos Lagoon, which has continued
since then, is now conducted by local CDFW staff.
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 25 February 2015
long-Term Monitoring
Annual least tern monitoring, funded by CDFW, has been conducted annually at Batiquitos Lagoon
from 1973 to 2014 (Figure 7). Biological data were collected in the following categories: estimation
of breeding pairs (based on number of nests, less the number of re-nests), and productivity (total
number of nests, number of eggs, number of chicks hatched, number of chicks reaching fledgling
age, and number of fledglings surviving to disperse). Mortality and predation data were also
collected.
Number of Nests, Pairs, and Hedglings by Year
2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
No. Nests 222 226 615 S96 627 594 610 649 480 532 563 558 479
No. Pairs 192 203-205 574 571 601 575-578 596 576-620 457-480 457-519 550-562 433-559 478
Estimated No. 73-99 53-66 155-228 109-128 223-270 146-226 143-187 212-233 208-261 20-37 34-38 117-163 232-269 of Fledglings
700
Ill
.5 600
'ii ~500
Gl
ii:4oo ~
~300 'ii a. 1;200
J 100
E i 0
2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
'YEAR
Overall Condition and Major Threats
• No. Pairs
• No. Fledglings
Throughout California. The long-term monitoring data for the California least tern was analyzed by
Lewison and Deutcshman {2014) to (1) identify population trends and drivers for those trends and
(2) evaluate the current monitoring and management practices. The study focused on 24 sites
throughout the range of the least tern tlhat have been monitored consistently between 1990 and
2013. Batiquitos lagoon was one of these sites. This analysis concluded the following regarding
statewide population trends:
• The number of breeding pairs ar1d nests have declined significantly since about 2007;
• Clutch size (number of eggs per nest) has remained constant across the state over the last
10 and 20 years;
• The number of hatched eggs shc)W variability over time, but no clear t rend; and
• The number fledged has shown extreme variability and a significant decline across the state
over time.
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 26 February 2015
There was no significant relationship found between these productivity variables and colony size or
latitude, with the exception of number of fledglings per pair, which increases significantly with
latitude (more fledglings per pair in the north than in the south). In addition, the changes in
productivity did not appear to be density dependent (i.e., affected by the density of a population).
Within Carlsbad. Based on 2012 monitoring data, Batiquitos Lagoon had the third highest number of
breeding pairs in California (Frost 2014). Measures of productivity, including number of nests,
breeding pairs, clutch size, and number of surviving fledglings have been variable over time, and it is
difficult to evaluate the overall trends of this subpopulation. Most notable, however, is the
precipitous drop in the number of surviving fledglings, which decreased by more than 80% between
2010 and 2011. This was likely due to the lack of funding for monitoring and predator control (Foster
2011, Sisson 2011). In 2012, the number of fledglings increased only slightly, but rebounded
significantly (almost quadrupling) by 2013, and was back up to 2010 levels by 2014 (Frost 2014).
Continued threat of predation from many species, including common raven (Corvus corax),
American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchus), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), great blue heron
(Ardea Herodias), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamoicensis), and gulls
(Larus spp.), is a major concern for the species (Frost 2014 ).
Light-Footed Clapper Rail (Ridgeway's Rail)*
Rallus longirostris levipes (Rallus obsoletus levipes)
Status: federally endangered, state endangered and fully protected
*Taxonomic Note
Taxonomic changes to the light-footed clapper rail have been proposed recently due to an analysis
of genetic data. The clapper rail species Rallus longirostris, which included the light-footed clapper
rail and two additional California subspecies, was split into three separate species (AOU 2014).
Based on this analysis, the three California subspecies have become subspecies of Ridgeway's rail
(Rollus obsoletus), resulting in a taxonomic reclassification from Rallus longirostris levipes to Rallus
obsoletus levipes.
Critical locations and Major Populations
The 1999 MHCP identified critical locations and major populations at all three lagoons in Carlsbad.
Management Actions Conducted to Protect the Species
Management actions at all three lagoons include habitat restoration and tidal enhancement,
predator study and control program, nesting site provision, adaptive management studies, captive
breeding, genetic and demographic augmentation of smaller subpopulations, and continued long-
term monitoring of population status and effects of management actions (Zembal et al. 2014).
Priorities for CDFW are continued habitat enhancement/restoration, and funding of the statewide
census. Release of captive-bred rails in Carlsbad has been conducted by a team of state, federal and
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 27 February 2015
zoological organizations to contribute gEmetic diversity and support recovery of this species (CDFW
2014}. In 2014, six rails were released into Batiquitos Lagoon in July and six additional rails were
released in November. Previous releases in Batiquitos Lagoon were performed in 2004 {8 rails), 2005
(8 rails}, and 2013 (6 rails}. Rails were also released in Agua Hedionda Lagoon in 2004 {5 rails}, 2011
(6 rails), 2012 (16 rails), and 2013 (9 rails}, and in Buena Vista Lagoon in 2011 (15 ra ils).
Long-Term Monitoring
In 2014, the 35th consecutive annual census of light-footed clapper rails in California coastal
wetlands was conducted in 30 locations by assessing call counts. This long-term annual monitoring
program, which extends from Carpinteria Marsh in Santa Barbara County to Tijuana Marsh National
Wildlife Refuge on the Mexican border, is funded by CDFW. Clapper rails are typically monitored by
two methods-spring call counts, and winter high tide counts. Results through the 2014 season are
summarized below for areas within Carlsbad (Zembal et al. 2014). These areas are shown on Figure 7.
Number of Pairs or Unpaired Individuals. of Clapper Rails by Year
Lagoon 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2:005 2006 2007 2008
Buena Vista 51 31 61 51 51 Ei1 gl g1 91
Agua 2 2 1 4 5 4~ I 7' 4 7
Hedionda
Batiquitos 21 31 31 5 11 1.61 191 22 22
1includes unpaired individuals (all others are pairs)
~ so 'ii 40 ~
~ 30 Ill ii 20 :1 ~ 10 ·s; :u 0 = 0 ..-i N r'l 8 "' ID ,.._ co en 0 ..-i N
0 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ..-i ..-i ..-i 0 0 0 z N N N N N N N N N N N N N
YEAIR
Overall Condition and Major Threats
2009 2010
91 6
6 21
261 361
r'l v ..-i ..-i 0 0
N N
2011 2012 2013 2014
31 91 2 4
7 9 8 71
431 431 45 40
• Buena Vista Lagoon
• Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Batiquitos Lagoon
For the last three years (2012-2014), more than 500 breeding pairs of light-footed clapper rail were
documented throughout their range in California. A total of 528 breeding pairs were recorded in
2014, which is the highest number recorded to date. In 2007, a total of 443 breeding pairs were
documented which, at that time, was the highest number recorded since the surveys began in 1980.
Up until then, the population had been :steadily increasing. The population crashed to 234 pairs in
2008, presumably due to weather-relatE~d causes, but recovered by 37% in 2009 to 320 breeding
pairs, and has shown a steady increase E~ver since (Zemba I et al. 2011, 2014). Three subpopulations
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 28 February 2015
occur in Carlsbad in the Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, and Batiquitos Lagoons, which account for 11
percent of the total California population (Figure 7).
Batiguitos Lagoon. Batiquitos Lagoon supports the third largest subpopulation in the state (a high of
45 pairs in 2013), and the largest subpopulation in Carlsbad. This su bpopulation has shown a steady
increase ever since census monitoring began in 1980. In 2008, when many other su bpopulations
crashed, this subpopulation remained stable from the previous year. The only exception was in
2014, when the number of rails decreased from 45 to 40. The reason for this dip is unclear (Zemba I
et al. 2014). The success of this population has been supported by the release of ca ptive-bred rails
into Batiquitos Lagoon, as described above.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Agua Hedionda Lagoon supports the second largest subpopulation in
Carlsbad. In 2014, six pairs and one advertising female were observed in this lagoon. The size of this
sub population has varied over time from one pair in 2002 to an all-time high of nine pairs in 2012.
As in Batiquitos Lagoon, this subpopulation has been augmented by the release of captive-bred rails.
Although none of these captive-bred rails, which are banded, have been observed since their
release, rails are being observed around the edges of the lagoon in previously unoccupied areas
(Zembal et al. 2014).
Buena Vista Lagoon . The size of the Buena Vista Lagoon subpopulation has been variable over time.
A high of nine pairs was detected in 2008, 2009, and 2012. Only two pairs were observed 2013 and
four pairs in 2014. To augment this population, captive-bred rails have been released; however, no
releases have been allowed since 2011, pending implementation of planned habitat restoration.
Despite the crash in 2008, which reduced the number of pairs by almost SO percent, the population
of light-footed clapper rails in California has recovered well, and has exceeded the maximum
population size recorded prior to 2008. Habitat degradation (e.g., invasion by non-native trees and
shrubs), development, and predators continue to be the greatest threats to the light-footed clapper
rail. Implementation of the management actions described above appear to be successful in
protecting and expanding this species within Carlsbad and across California, although it is unclear if
the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and Buena Vista lagoon subpopulations are stable and self-sustaining
without the introduction of captive-bred individuals.
Western Snowy Plover
Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus
Status: federally threatened
Critical locations and Major Populations
The 1999 MHCP identified critical locations and major populations at all three lagoons.
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 29 February 2015
Management Actions Conducted to Pmtect t he Species
The following management activities have been conducted on Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve
to encourage snowy plover nesting: (1) Habitat management -paths linking the breeding habitat
with the north mud flats that had been created in 2008 were maintained via the use of herbicide
and hand-weeding; (2) Predator control -exclosures (wire cages) were placed over active nests to
protect the eggs from predators {Squires 2010).
Long-Term Monitoring
Western snowy plover monitoring has been conducted annually at Batiquitos Lagoon through 2014
as part of a statewide census. Surveys were not conducted in 2011 due to freeze on private
contracting. Currently, annual surveys are conducted by local CDFW staff. Monitoring results beyond
2010 have not been submitted to the City; results through 2010 are summarized below. See Figure 7
for a location map.
Western Snowy Plover Monitoring Results for Batiquitos Lagoon
30
.. 25 r ~20 .,
II
;: 15 !5
f
:. 10
d z 5
0
Nests
Pairs/Breeding Adults
Fledglings
2001 2002
19 25
8-9 10
10-16 17
2003 200S 2006 2007
29 24-25 16 5
26' 24' 18 4
9-10 9·12 10+ 2-3
2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
YEAR
Overall Condition and Major Threats
2008 2009 2010
6 5 3
8 6' 3
3·4 3 6
•Pairs
• Fledglings
The numbers of nests, breeding adults, ,and fledglings throughout California plummeted in 2006 and
2007. The numbers remained relatively steady between 2007 and 2009 (Squires and Wolf 2010,
Squires 2010), but showed a decrease in 2010. The monitoring results at Batiquitos Lagoon were
consistent with this pattern. Despite the drop in number of nests and breeding pairs in 2010, a total
of six chicks fledged at Batiquitos Lagoon, which is the highest number recorded since 2006. The
decline in snowy plover numbers within Batiquitos Lagoon and throughout the state in recent years
may be due to predator activity, as well as the decline in suitable foraging habitat (Squires 2010).
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 30 February 2015
2.2.4 Riparian Bird Species
Least Bell's Vireo
Vireo be/Iii pusillus
Status: federally endangered, state endangered
Critical Locations and Major Populations
There are no critical locations or major populations of least Bell's vireo in the City of Carlsbad,
according to the 1999 MHCP.
Management Actions Conducted to Protect the Species
This species is managed indirectly through general habitat management (e.g., trash pick-up, access
control, patrols, and invasive species removal). On Buena Vista Ecological Reserve, additional
management actions include active habitat restoration (cuttings/container planting and targeted
invasive species removal within the riparian habitat) and cowbird trapping {2 traps for 2 months in
2012 and 2013). Regionally, this species has been designated by SDMMP as a "VF" species. VF
species are those with limited distribution in the MSPA and/or have specific vegetation
characteristics that need to be managed for persistence in the MSPA (SDMMP 2013). Therefore, by
protecting and managing the vegetation community as a whole, this species is expected to remain in
stable condition.
Long-Term Monitoring
Focused species surveys were conducted in suitable habitat on several preserves by CNLM between
2008 and 2014, as summarized below. Incidental observations made during other activities were
also recorded. The purpose of the surveys is to periodically inspect suitable habitat, map
occurrences, and identify threats to inform site-specific management. Figure 8 shows the locations
of observations from focused surveys and incidental observations.
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 31 February 2015
o(\
Estimated Number of Least Bell's Vireo Pairs
Preserve
Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve
Calavera Hills/Robertson Ranch East
Encinas Creek
Rancho La Costa Preserve
City Preserves
The Crossings Golf Course
Lake Calavera
Poinsettia Park
Lagoon Lane
NS = not surveyed
1 incidental observation
2 Migratory male
3 Surveys consisted of one site visit only
2008
3-4 pair
1 pair"
1 male1
1 pair
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
Overall Condition and Major Threats
2009
3 pair
3 males
1 indv. 1
1 pair
3 males
NS
1 pair,
3 males
0
0
0
2010 2011 2012
7 pair 3 pair NS
3 males 2 males
NS NS NS
1 male 1 male 0
NS 2indv NS
1 pair, 0 NS
3 males
0 0 NS
0 0 NS
0 0 NS
2013 2014
NS 10-12
territorial
males
3 males" 2 males"
1 male 0
NS o"
1 male' NS
0 1 male1
0 NS
NS NS
Since surveys began in 2008, the number of least Bell's vireo pairs and/or individual males on Buena
Vista Creek Ecological Reserve, Calavera Hills/Robertson Ranch, Encinas Creek, and city-owned
preserves has been somewhat variable. In Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve the number of
territories, as indicated by pairs or territorial males, has varied from three to approximately twelve
over the course of seven years. The number of potential territories on the other preserves has
varied from zero to four.
Least Bell's vireo habitat is well -protected and appears to be in good condition on actively managed
properties. Although no nest monitoring has occurred, this species appears to be breeding
successfully in the preserve system.
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
Empidonax traillii extimus
Status: federally endangered, state endangered
Critical Locations and Major Populations
There are no critical locations or major populations in the City of Carlsbad, according to the 1999
MHCP. USFWS proposed critical habitat is located along Agua Hedionda Creek, east of El Camino
Real, and along the eastern portion of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, west of El Camino Real (Figure 7).
Management Actions Conducted to Protect the Species
Regionally, the southwestern willow flycatcher is considered to be a high priority for species-specific
management (SDMMP 2013); however, regional management goals and objectives have not yet
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 32 February 2015
been developed. Within Carlsbad, management consists of general stewardship of suitable habitat
on actively managed preserves, including trash removal, access control, and invasive species
removal.
Long-Term Monitoring
Focused species surveys for the southwestern willow flycatcher are generally conducted
concurrently with least Bell's vireo surveys, as these species have similar habitat requirements (see
the Table 2 for survey dates).
Overall Condition and Major Threats
A migratory southwest willow flycatcher was observed many years ago at The Crossings Golf Course
(Cotton/Beland/Associates, Inc. 2000) and suitable habitat existing from near Cannon Road up to
the old quarry area along Maca rio Creek and at Lake Calavera (Spiegelberg 2013). However, all
available survey data indicate that the southwestern willow flycatcher does not currently nest in
Carlsbad.
2.2.5 Upland Bird Species
Coastal California Gnatcatcher
Polioptila californica ca/ifornica
Status: federally threatened
Critical Locations and Major Populations
No major or critical populations have been identified in the MHCP. However, the regional stepping-
stone corridor that provides dispersal opportunities between south San Diego County and Camp
Pendleton (and into Orange and Riverside Counties) runs through Carlsbad. In addition, several
areas of USFWS Critical Habitat have been identified within the City (Figure 9).
Management Actions Conducted to Protect the Species
Regionally, this species has been designated by SDMMP as a "VF" species, which are species with
limited distribution in the MSPA and/or have specific vegetation characteristics that need to be
managed for persistence in the MSPA {SDMMP 2013). VF species are likely to remain in stable
condition with appropriate management of the vegetation community. Management BMPs for
coastal sage scrub vegetation will be developed by SDMMP in the future. In Carlsbad, this species is
managed through general habitat stewardship, including invasive species removal, patrolling, fence
and sign maintenance, erosion control, habitat evaluations, and monitoring.
Long-Term Monitoring
Regional Monitoring. Regional monitoring efforts to understand the species as a whole are being
coordinated by the SDMMP. Regional survey protocols developed in 2008 (Winchell et al., 2008) are
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 33 February 2015
currently being re-evaluated and revised. Regional monitoring, which may or may not include
sampling points within Carlsbad, will be initiated in 2016. Other studies of interest include a genetic
analysis to understand gene flow throughout the species' distribution (Vandergast et al. 2014), and a
post-fire gnatcatcher habitat recovery study, which will be initiated in 2015 (K. Preston, pers. comm.
2015).
City-Wide Monitoring. The City initiated a coordinated long-term monitoring survey effort in 2010 to
assess the current condition (abundance, status-pair or single, and distribution) of the gnatcatchers
throughout the City's HMP preserve system. See the 2007 triennial report for more details (ESA
2007). Surveys will be conducted every three years and coordinated among preserve managers to
ensure consistency. In addition to actively managed preserves, surveys are also conducted on
selected preserves within privately owned open space lands in the vicinity of the Aviara Master
Association. Note that not all areas of suitable habitat within the HMP boundary were included in
the survey effort due to financial and staffing constraints.
The Crossings Preserve. In addition to the city-wide monitoring effort, results of monitoring within
The Crossings Golf Course Preserve are highlighted below. Development of the municipal golf course
in 2007 required mitigation of impacts to 12 acres of California gnatcatcher habitat through the
creation, restoration, and preservation of 25 acres of new habitat. To provide flexibility for potential
future mitigation needs, a total of 40 acres of mitigation was provided. The City is hoping to use the
excess mitigation towards the gnatcatcher core area preservation obligation, as required by the
HMP. Onsite gnatcatcher surveys during and after restoration have been conducted to document
that the habitat is suitable for nesting gnatcatchers. Surveys were initiated in 2007 after initial
habitat installation, and annual surveys were conducted throughout the restoration period, ending
in 2011 (Dudek 2011). Surveys continued every three years as part of long-term management by
CNLM.
Overall Condition and Major Threats
City-Wide Monitoring. Approximately 1,500 acres of suitable habitat was surveyed in 2010 and
2013. A total of 122 pair and 33 single males (155 territories) were observed in 2013 in comparison
to 85 pair and 42 males (127 total territories) observed in 2010. Observers concluded that nearly all
males were single males. This is an increase of 28 territories despite little change in survey acreage
(CNLM and ESA 2013). Areas with notable between-year differences include The Crossings Golf
Course, which increased by 9 pair (14 to 23), Agua Hedionda Lagoon Ecological Reserve, which
increased by 6 territories (4 to 10), Calavera Mountain, which increased by 5 territories (6 to 11) and
Kelly Ranch, which decreased by 6 territories (8 to 2). The newly preserved La Costa Glen had 5 pair,
which were observed using the preserve and adjacent slopes.
The 2010 and 2013 survey season results have provided a useful snapshot of gnatcatcher
abundance, status and distribution in Carlsbad. Gnatcatchers are observed across the jurisdiction
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 34 February 2015
\~
and in all unit and vegetation patch sizes. Therefore, continued management of all unit and
vegetation patch sizes is considered important for this species within the city. Small habitat patches
will continue to play an important role in Carlsbad, especially during a catastrophic event, such as
fire that burns some of the larger patches of coastal sage scrub (e.g., in La Costa Villages and
Calavera), by serving as refugia. These small patches could be a source of CAGN recolonization after
such an event occurs. In addition, the smaller patches are likely to be important "stepping stones"
for gnatcatcher movement within and beyond the City.
The Crossings Preserve. In 2013, a total of 23 gnatcatcher pairs were observed within The Crossings
Preserve foraging and nesting in mature coastal sage scrub creation/restoration areas. This greatly
exceeds the total number of gnatcatchers observed prior to construction when a total of 17
observations were documented; it is unknown if these were pairs or unpaired individuals (Merkel
and Assoc. 1998). This preserve has seen a steady increase in the number of pairs since habitat
restoration was initiated, from 8 in 2007 to 10 in 2008, 13 in 2009, 14 in 2010, 20 in 2011, and 23 in
2013, as shown in the graph below.
25
"' Gi 20 .c: u ~ 15 1W c
"' 10 'S
Pairs of Gnatcatchers at The Crossings Preserve
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2013
YEAR
Threats. There are currently no major threats to the coastal California gnatcatcher in the HMP
preserve system other than wildfire. In May of 2014, occupied habitat supporting three documented
gnatcatcher locations, based on 2013 gnatcatcher monitoring results, burned in the Poinsettia Fire.
These locations were on the eastern and western borders of the Rancho La Costa Preserve, and on
private HOA open space south of Poinsettia Lane.
Most of the suitable habitat in the City is under active management, or under a conservation
easement or other type of open space protection. The open space on HOA lands that were surveyed
in 2010 and 2013 appear to be well protected from unauthorized access and other edge effects, and
the suitable gnatcatcher habitat was generally in moderate to excellent condition. Post-fire
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 35 February 2015
monitoring will be conducted in burned areas to determine if management actions are necessary to
recover the coastal sage scrub habitat lost in the Poinsettia Fire (approximately 27 acres).
2.2.6 Wildlife Movement
The MCHP was designed to "maintain connections between each of the major lagoon and estuary
systems with larger blocks of inland habitats to allow movement for wildlife species" and allow for
"demographic and genetic exchange by all species between preserve areas ... to facilitate access by larger
predators ... between upland scrub and chaparral habitats and coastal habitats" (MHCP 2003). In order to
evaluate the effectiveness of preserve design, the MHCP identifies several priority monitoring locations
to establish where major constraints to mammal movement exist; some of these locations are within
the HMP area. Tiering off the MHCP, a key objective ofthe HMP is to "maintain functional wildlife
corridors and habitat linkages within the city and to the region," which is considered one of the HMP's
primary contributions to regional biodiversity.
To evaluate the City's progress toward this objective, the City, in partnership with the preserve steward
and CNLM, initiated a wildlife movement corridor assessment in June 2013. This assessment is being
funded by a CDFW Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant. The purpose of
the project is to:
1. Provide a baseline inventory of movement corridors and potential pinch points
a. east to west, as described in the MHCP
b. north to south between core areas
c. among smaller fragments of habitat
2. Monitor selected locations to evaluate movement through potentially constrained areas
3. Provide recommendations for adaptive management
As of November 2014 (the end of the triennial report period), the initial linkage evaluation and pinch
point inventory has been completed. This inventory provides information and photographs of 104
potential pinch points, including vegetation cover, length x width of culverts, level of traffic on adjacent
roads, and type of substrate. Subsequent to the pinch point inventory, wildlife cameras were placed
within 22 pinch point locations (generally underpasses, culverts, and bridges) for at least 3 months per
location starting in January 2014, and ending in January 2015. Figure 10 shows the wildlife linkages that
were assessed, potential pinch points that were evaluated, and locations of cameras. Once the study is
finalized, a report will be prepared and submitted to CDFW. Results of this study will be included in the
next triennial report.
Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 36 February 2015
'•
OCEANSIDE
Pacific
Ocean
CARLSBAD
Figure Legend
CNLM Occurrence USFWS Critical Habitat
.& San Diego Thommint 0 San Diego thorn mint
• thread-leaved brodiaea ~ thread-leaved brodiaea
B Del Mar sand aster CNDDB Occurrence
USFWS Occurrence -San Diego thorn mint
e San Diego thommint thread-leaved brodiaea
c{]:l thread-leaved brodiaea
SOURCE: CNOOB, USFWS, CNLM (Recent location 2012-2014)
Basemap Legend
Freeway L •• !.J Carlsbad Boundary
Major Road D Municipal
"""--' River
8.500
Feet
Carlsbad Preserve Annual Report . D211XXX
Figure 4
City of Carlsbad
Current Status of Upland Herbs
Buena
ViSta
Lagoon
Aqua ·~~ Hedionda ~, Lagoon
I ~~4
Pacific
Ocean
Figure Legend
CNLM Occurrence
e Del Mar manzanita
CNDDB Occurrence
-Del Mar manzanita
SOURCE: CNOOB, USFWS, CNLM (Recent location 2012-2014)
C.01R BAD
•
• ~
Palomar A1port Rd
Basemap Legend
Freeway " ___ " Carlsbad Boundary
Major Road D Municipal
Hardlines/Softline
Preserve
0 8,500
Feet
----------Carlsbad Preserve Annual Report . D211XXX
Figure 5
City of Carlsbad
Current Status of Upland Shrubs
\0\
Pacific
Ocean
Figure Legend
USFWS Occurrence
/
/
/
CAR:~SBAD
/
/
USFWS Critical Habitat
li! Riverside fairy shrimp -San Diego fairy shrimp
e San Diego fairy shrimp 0 Riverside fairy shrimp
CNDDB Occurrence
rz2j Riverside fairy shrimp
San Diego fairy shrimp
Basemap Legend
Freeway U=-:~ Carlsbad Boundary
Major Road D Municipal
""'-' River Hardlines/Softline
Preserve
8.500
Feet
-------------Carlsbad Preserve Annual Report . D211XXX
SOURCE: CNDDB, USFINS, CNLM (Recenllocalion 2012-2014) Figure 6
City of Carlsbad
Current Status of Vernal Pool Species
Pacific
Ocean
Figure Legend
USFWS Occurrence
1::!,. light-footed dapper rail
CNDDB Occurrence D western snowy plover
(222 Belding's savannah sparrow
g California least tern
-light-footed dapper rail
SOURCE: CNDDB, USFWS, CNLM (Recent location 2012-2014)
CARLSBAD
Palomar Alpert Rd
Basemap Legend
Freeway n=~[l Carlsbad Boundary
Major Road D Municipal
"""-' River Hardlines/Softline
Preserve
t 8,500
Feet
Carlsbad Preserve Annual Report. 0211XXX
Figure 7
City of Carlsbad
Current Status of Lagoon Species -Birds
Pacific
Ocean
Figure Legend
CNLM Occurrence USFWS Critical Habitat
CARLSBAD
Palomar Aiport Rd
/ .
•
Basemap Legend
Freeway 0---Carlsbad Boundary
~ least Bell's vireo southwestern willow flycatchelr Major Road D Municipal
USFWS Occurrence CNDDB Occurrence
e least Bell's vireo -least Bell's vireo
'""'-" River Hardlines/Softline
Preserve
::......__: southwestern willow flycatchm
SOURCE: CNDDB, USFWS, CNLM (Recent location 2012-2014)
8,500
Feel
----------Carlsbad Preserve Annual Report . D211XXX
Figure 8
City of Carlsbad
Current Status of Riparian Birds
Buena
Vtsta
Lagoon
Pacific
Ocean
Figure Legend Basemap Legend
CNLM Occurrence USFWS Critical Habitat Freeway r.·-::·· Carlsbad Boundary
e coastal California gnatcatcher ~ coastal California gnatcatcher Major Road D Municipal
USFWS Occurrence CNDDB Occurrence '""--' River • coastal California gnatcatcher coastal California gnatcatcher Hardlines/Softline
Preserve
0 8.500
Feel
-------------Carlsbad Preserve Annual Report . D211XXX SOURCE: CNDDB, USFWS. CNLM (Recent location 2012-2014) Figure 9
City of Carlsbad
Current Status of Coastal California Gnatcatcher
">!-EW1-1a
-,EW1-1b
Q\ .J.~,p,e
' ~'1>1> Buena v<6~
Vtsta '-.
Lagoon '
Pacific
Ocean
Figure Legend
0 Pinch Point
~East-West
-Core to Core
---Minor
SOURCE: CNOOB, USFWS, CNLM (Recent location 2012-2014)
ENCINITAS
Basemap Legend
Freeway U=~a Carlsbad Boundary
Major Road D Municipal
""-' River
8,500
Feel
----------Carlsbad Preserve Annual Report . D211XXX
Figure 10
City of Carlsbad
Wildlife Linkages
References
AOU [American Ornithologists' Union]. 2014. Fifty-Fifth Supplement to the American Ornithologists'
Union Check-list of North American Birds. The Auk: October 2014, Vol. 131, No. 4.
CBI [Conservation Biology Institute]. 2014. Adaptive Management Framework for the Endangered San
Diego Thorn mint Acanthomintha ilicifolia, San Diego, California. Prepared for the San Diego
Management and Monitoring Program.
CDFW [California Department of Fish and Wildlife]. 2014. Endangered light-footed Ridgeway's rails
successfully released in San Diego County, November 19, 2014. CDFW News.
https:/ /CDFWnews.wordpress.com/2014/11/19/endangered-light-footed-ridgways-rails-
successfully-released-i n-sa n-d iego-county I
CNLM [Center for Natural Lands Management]. 2010a. Appendix 4. CSS long-term monitoring plan in
Calavara Hills and Robertson Ranch Habitat Conservation Area Annual Work Plan October 2009
-2010.
CNLM. 2010b. City of Carlsbad 2010 coastal California gnatcatcher survey results. Unpublished report
prepared for the City of Carlsbad December 22, 2010.
CNLM. 2011a. Calavera Hills and Robertson Ranch Habitat Conservation Area Annual Report October 1,
2010-September 30, 2011. Annual preserve management/monitoring summary report,
November 2011.
CNLM. 2011b. Rancho La Costa Habitat Conservation Area Annual Report October 1, 2010-September
30, 2011. Annual preserve management/monitoring summary report, December 2011.
CNLM and ESA. 2013. City of Carlsbad 2013 Coastal California Gnatcatcher Survey Results. Prepared for
the City of Carlsbad November, 2013.
Cotton/Beland/Associates, Inc. 2000. Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendices for the
Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course, January 2000.
Dudek. 2005. 2005 (fifth year) vernal pool mitigation monitoring report for the Manzanita Partners
Property project, Carlsbad, California. Prepared for Continental American Properties, Ltd.
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Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 44 February 2015
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Triennial Monitoring Summary Report 46 February 2015
..
Status of Habitat Management
Plan Implementation
Michael Grim
May 12, 2015
Agenda
•Purpose, partners, and benefits
•Status of preservation requirements and
sensitive species
•Summary of post fire recovery in preserves
•Summary of wildlife movement study
Purpose of HMP
•A citywide conservation plan designed to
create areas to protect federal and state
endangered and threatened species and the
habitats upon which they depend
•A subset of the natural lands in city’s overall
open space system
3
Wildlife Agency Partners
•US Fish and Wildlife Service and California
Department of Fish and Wildlife
–Signatories of Implementing Agreement detailing
legal obligations
–Issued take authorization permits for listed species
‘covered’ by HMP
–Approved in November 2004
4
Other Partners
•California Coastal Commission
•Preserve Steward and preserve managers
•Environmental non-profit organizations
•HOAs and property owners
5
City Partners
•Environmental Management
•Planning
•Parks and Recreation
•Fire
•Police
•Geographic Information Systems
6
Benefits of HMP
•Allows continued implementation of General
Plan and Growth Management Plan
•Streamlines permit processing by giving city
control over projects with ‘covered’ species
and/or their habitats
•Further demonstrates the city’s long-standing
commitment to open space preservation
7
Benefits of HMP
•Qualify for state and federal grant monies
–CDFW Local Assistance Grants
–Federal Section 6 Grants
•Better compete for regional funds
–Transnet Environmental Management Program
Land Management Grants
–EMP program designated funds
8
HMP Preservation Requirements
•Total preserve area in city = 6,478 acres
–Preserved as of May 2015 = 5,932 acres
•Gnatcatcher Core Area = 308 acres
–Preserved as of May 2015 = 295 acres
9
91%
95%
Four Categories
of Preserves
10
Established private
and City-owned
preserves
CDFW Ecological
Reserves
Pre-existing natural
open space areas
Future preserves
Sensitive Species
•Coastal California gnatcatcher
–Populations at Crossings Golf
Course Preserve exceed pre-
development levels
–City partnering with regional
monitoring efforts
11
Sensitive Species
•San Diego thornmint
–Detailed studies over several
years providing valuable
information
–City preserve managers
coordinating with regional
monitoring efforts
12
Monitoring in 2014
–Coastal California
gnatcatcher
–Light footed clapper rail
–California least tern
–Least Bell’s vireo
⁻Thread leaved brodiaea
⁻Blochman’s dudleya
⁻Orcutt’s hazardia
⁻Nuttall’s scrub oak
⁻Wart-stemmed ceanothus
⁻Wiggin’s cryptantha
⁻Del Mar sand aster
⁻Orcutt’s brodiaea
⁻San Diego thornmint
13
Poinsettia Fire Recovery
•Primary activities:
–invasive weed treatment
–monitoring recovery of oaks,
vernal pools and other
habitats
•Excellent communication
and coordination with
private property owners
14
Wildlife Movement Study
•Inventory potential
constraints to wildlife
movement
•Evaluate functionality
of movement
corridors
15
Focus on Larger Mammals
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
This Year’s Projects
•Vernal pools at Poinsettia Station
–Secure protection and long term management of
the vernal pool complex
–Obtain ‘coverage’ for six listed species
•Complete Core Area preservation requirement
–Use excess habitat at the Crossings Golf Course
preserve
23
Thank you!
24
ite image year (trail miles)
012/05-10/07 (19.1 mi)
02/08 (3 .2 mi) }
0 7109 (7.7 mi) 13.7 mi
012/10 (2.8 mi) 700 ft
' 200 ft (edge effects)-2::;: