HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-06-21; Parks & Recreation Commission; 699-4; Habitat Management PresentationPARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL
AB# 699-4
ACTION DEPT. COM. DEV.
HABITAT MANAGEMENT PRESENTATION MTG. DATE: 6/21//99
TITLE :
DIV. PLANNING
STAFF:
RECOMMENDED ACTION :
INFO
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Accept and file staff report, comment as appropriate.
ITEM EXPLANATION :
During the June 8, 1999 meeting, the City Council received a staff report outlining the Habitat
Management Plan (HMP).
The HMP is intended to provide a comprehensive, Citywide plan to preserve the diversity of
habitat and protect sensitive biological resources while allowing for additional development
consistent with the City’s General Plan and its Growth Management Plan.
Prior to final adoption of the plan by the City Council, the plan is currently under public review for
a period of forty-five (45) days.
At the request of the Planning Director, Senior Planner Don Rideout has been asked to address
the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding the HMP. Accordingly, his presentation to the
Commission will give an overview of the HMP, focusing on the Parks component of the Plan and
how the Plan influences existing and future parksites. More specifically, the presentation will
address the Plan’s impact to Larwin Park, Zone 19, Alga Norte, Hub Park, Veteran’s Memorial
Park and the Municipal Golf Course.
Any comments the Commission may have relative to the influence the HMP may have on
existing and future parksites will be addressed by staff as part of the public review process prior
to this issue being returned to Council for final adoption of the plan.
EXHIBITS:
1. City Council Agenda Bill # 15,254
2. HMP - Park Component Maps
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CITY OF CARLSBAD -AGENDA BILL
AB# /5%4 I TITLE:
MTG. d?/gq
DEPT. PLN
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~ -. HABITA~~ANAGEMENT PRESENTATION
.r I CITYMGR
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council receive the presentation from staff on the Habitat Management Plan, direct
staff to distribute the Plan to and interested parties for a period of 45 days, and
ADOPT Resolution of the intention of the City Council to APPROVE a
Mitigated Negative Declaration.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
In accordance with City Council direction, staff has prepared a Habitat Management Plan (HMP) for
submittal to the federal and state wildlife agencies for approval. The HMP is intended to provide a
comprehensive, citywide plan to preserve the diversity of habitat and protect sensitive biological
resources while allowing for additional development consistent with the City's General Plan and its
Growtb Management Plan.
Staff will be making a full presentation of the plan's contents to the City Council. Ta briefly
summarize, the Plan will:
0 Create an open space and wildlife preserve system of approximately 6,400 acres;
Utilize Existing Hardline Areas, Proposed Hardline Areas, and Standards Areas to
0 Participate in the assembly and conservation of habitat in the regional Multiple Habitat
0 Provide justification for take permits, for both public and private projects while providing
0 Contribute significantly to regional efforts to conserve the California gnatcatcher and
assemble the preserve system;
Conservation Plan (MHCP) Core.Area;
adequate conservation coverage for 47 species of plants and animals; and
other key species of concern.
Staff has worked very closely with the wildlife agencies to incorporate all of their comments into the
'Ian. Numerous revisions were made to the original draft based on their comments. Affected
xoperty owners and other interested parties have not yet had an opportunity to review the full
locument. Therefore, it is recommended that the Plan be distributed for comment for a period of 45
lays. Staff will address any comments received on the Plan and then return to the City Council for
inal adoption of the Plan.
t will be necessary for the City to submit an Implementing Agreement (IA) to the wildlife agencies
Mith the HMP. Staff is providing the City Council with a draft of the IA for review with this Agenda
3ill.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
Staff is proposing that a Mitigated Negative Declaration be approved for the HMP in compliance with
he California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A copy of the proposed Mitigated Negative
leclaration is being provided to the City Council for review. The attached Resolution of Intention
ndicates the City Council's initial position that compliance with CEQA can be achieved by
reparation of a Mitigated Negative Declaration. During the 45-day review period for the HMP, staff
vill accept comments on the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. Staff is also proposing that
he US. Fish and Wildlife Service prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) in conjunction with its
ipproval of the HMP. A draft outline for the EA is attached for Council review.
024 EXHIBIT 1
PAGE 2 OF AGENDA BILL NO. /<, 259
FISCAL IMPACT: I .x
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Adoption of the plan‘will hav9 financial impacts to the City. The magnitude of these impacts is
addressed in Section E of the’ Plan.
EXHIBITS:
1. City Council Resolution of intention No. 9 q0J/
2. Habitat Management Plan, Previously Distributed to Council
3. Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration, Previously Oistributed to Council
4. Draft Implementing Agreement, Previously Distributed to Council 5. Draft Outline for Federal Environmental Assessment (EA)
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CITY COUNCIL-RESOLUTION OF INTENTION NO. 99-2 11
A RESQLVTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO
APPROVE A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR
ADOPTION OF THE HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad has prepared a Habitat Management Plan in
conformance with the State of California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act; and
WHEREAS, on day of , 1999, the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad reviewed the plan and directed staff to distribute the plan to the public for comment;
and
WHEREAS, following public review and comment on the plan the City Council
will consider adoption of the plan for submittal to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
California Department of Fish and Game to serve as the basis for issuance of permits; and
WHEREAS, adoption of the plan will require compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act for which the City of Carlsbad will serve as Lead Agency, and the
City Council wishes to consider the appropriate type-of environmental document to prepare;
and
WHEREAS, the Planning Director has proposed that a Mitigated Negative
Declaration should be approved to comply with the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act in that adoption of the plan with appropriate mitigation measures is
not expected to have a significant adverse impact on the environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City
of Carlsbad, California as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That pursuant to Title 19 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code and Sections 21064.5
and 21 157.5 of the State Public Resources Code, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad
declares its intention to approve a Mitigated Negative Declaration for adoption of the Habital
Management Plan.
3. City staff is hereby directed to continue processing the Mitigated Negative
Declaration and to submit the Mitigated Negative Declaration for public review and comment as
required by Sections 15072 through 15074 of the California Environmental Quality Act
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PASSED, APPRPVW AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City 1
Council of the City" CarfSbad on the day of , 1999, by
the following vote, to wit:
- AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CLAUDE A. LEWIS, Mayor
ATTEST:
ALETHA L. RAUTENKRANZ, City Clerk
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ORAFT OUTLINE
FOR
ENVlRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
(Based on the USFWS NEPA Handbook - Intra-Service Planning and Documentation/Section 30
AM.3.1 OA)
A. COVER SHEET
(Cover sheet will include title of the project, date and a statement that the document was
prepared by the City of Carlsbad for the USFWS.)
B. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION
(According to the NEPA Handbook, this section dowments the need for the project. The
need must be clearly defined to ensure that the proposed action and alternatives
address it directly.)
1. Introduction
2. Proposed Action and Decisions Needed
3. Purpose of and Need for the Proposed Action
4. Issues and Concerns
5. Other Required Actions
C. THE PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES
(This section describes in detail the proposed project as well as alternatives considered.
According to the NEPA Handbook, all alternatives should be considered initially.
However, only practicable alternatives including no action and the proposed action need
to be discussed in detail in the EA. Alternatives should represent other ways to meet the
objectives while reducing or eliminating any harmful impacts. A brief record shall be
made of those alternatives initially considered but rejected.)
1. Detailed Description of Proposed Action
2. Alternatives
2.1 Alternatives Considered and Eliminated from Further Analysis
2.1 .l Postpone Action
2.1.2 Purchase Mitigation Outside the City
2.2 Alternatives Retained for Detailed Analysis
2.2.1 No Action Alternative
2.2.2 Focused Acquisition Alternative
D. DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
(The Affected Environment Section should describe the area in which the action occurs.
Particular mention should be made of the absence of any issues such as significant
cultural resources.)
1. Regional and Local Setting
2. Plan Area
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. Biological Resources: Discussion combined for Proposed Action, the Focused
. Non Biological Resources: Discussion combined for Proposed Action, the Focused
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Acquisition AI-ternative, and the No Action Alternative.
Acquisition Alternative, and the NO Action Alternative.
4.1 Air Quality
4.2 Water Quality
4.3 Soils and Seismic Activity
4.4 Transportation
4.5 Housing
4.6 Property Values
4.7 Recreation
4.8 Histotic and Cultural Resources
4.9 Noise
4.10 Aesthetics
E. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
(Section completed for all topics contained in Section D. A separate analysis of
environmental consequences for each alternative would be included for each
environmental issue. Additional sections would also be included as identified below.) ~
1. Biological Resources
a) Proposed Action
b) Focused Acquisition Alternative
c) No Action Alternative
a) Proposed Action
b) Focused Acquisition Alternative
c) No Action Alternative
3. Cumulative Impacts
4. Unavoidable Adverse Effects
5. Relationship of Short Term Uses and Long Term Productivity
6. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources
2. Non Biological Resources
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F. PERSONS AND AGENCIES CONSULTED
G. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
H. ’ REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND COMPLIANCE,
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CARLSBAD HMP 1
- B. Proposed Hardline Preserve Areas ? i
pori- Veteran's Mt
properties, Bressi Ranch, Carlsbad Oaks. F "
I ; General Plan will be ..... __..._. k=d for the remaining
lions of the projects. These projects include the City's municipal golf course, Lake Calavera,
smorial Park, Hub Park, the Zone 19 park, Manzanita Properties, SbGE south shore Jorth Business Park, Holly Springs, Kelly Ranch, South
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Coast and the Raceway Property. The general location of the proposed hardline areas are shown on
Fiaure 6, while detailed boundaries are shown for the individual projects on Figures 7 through 19. T& piposed hardline boundaries on Veterans Memorial Park which provide a corridor between the City's Municipal Golf Course and properties to the north, constitutes mitigation-for the development of%e
Gmaining portion of Veterans Memorial Park. A pedestrian trail, park road and five individual a- 1
group passive picnic areas will be permittd in the corridor. The Citi is proposing to include the 266 i acre public proDerty at Lake Calavera as a Dublic project mitigation bank for municipal projects such
as the Citv wlf course and the major roads shown on the City's Circulation Plan. The other City projects which could be covered by the City mitigation bank are identified in Appendix B. One of the key objectives of the HMP is permitting for City public facility projects mandated by the Growth *
Management Plan. The purpose of a public mitigation bank will be mitigation of unavoidable impacts
to biological resources resulting from these public facilities projects. The mitigation credits available in 1 the Lake Calavera mitigation bank are shown in the following table. There are 266.1 total acres at the
bank. Deductions have already been made for the partial mitigation for the City's municipal golf
course (46.45 acres and two pairs of gnatcatchers), mitigation for development in the portion of Hub Park not being conserved as a hardline preserve area (10 acres). Deductions have also been made
for approved future improvements on the property which consists of a police shooting range (10 1 acres) and Water District projects (22 acres).
TABLE 5
Lake Calavera Public Mitigation Bank
DEDUCTIONS I ACRES
Approved Mitination for 56.45 I Existing Projects I Future Improvements
CREDITS (ACRES) 177.65 TOTAL REMAINING
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The remaining credits at Lake Calavera will mitigate for habitat impacts of City projects on an acre-for-
acre basis regardless of the type of habitat being impacted except for impacts to gnatcatcher occupied I
coastal sage scrub, southern maritime chaparral, maritime succulent scrub and wetlands.
In addition to mithation credits at Lake Calavera, 10 acres of coastal sage scrub and two gnatcatcher pair mitigation- for future C-cts will be given for the conservation provided at Hub Park as a hardline preserve area.
The levels of conservation achieved by the proposed hardline component of the preserve system by I
habitat type and by LFMZ are provided in Table 6. The total acreage of conserved habitat resulting from proposed hardline conservation areas is 1,353 acres or approximately 21% of the preserve
system.
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D -14 APRlL 1999 EXHIBIT 2
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4. The Preserve System and Resulting Levels of Conservation
The combination of the preserve and assembly components described previously will result ultimately in a preserve system of approximately 6,489 acres. Figure 21 generally shows these conservation components combined on one map. The HMP map, Figure 22, located in the back of the HMP,
graphically shows the entire preserve system and includes the existing hardline areas, proposed hardline areas, standards areas and the areas subject to existing take agreement 1
(FieldstondCarlsbad HCP). Table 8 provides the total resulting levels of conservation achieved by the HMP, based on these components of the preserve system. The preserve system has been
designed, to the maximum extent feasible, to ensure that species addressed by the HMP continue to survive in healthy and thriving populations within Carlsbad. c
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Table 8 also shows the conservation levels excluding the area covered by the Fieldstone HCP take
permit. Although this area has not developed yet, the Fieldstone HCP was approved and legal D agreements with the property owners and wildlife agencies were entered into prior to the completion of
the HMP. The City does not have the authority to require additional conservation on the properties
covered by the HCP. The level of conservation is higher in the remainder of the City and resultant take of HMP species is lower if the Fieldstone HCP is separated out. I
As identified on Table 8, implementation of the HMP will result in the preservation of 66% of the
remaining habitat in the City including 64% of the remaining coastal sage scrub habitat. By adding other land to the preserve system (e.g., disturbed habitat) and creating a system of 6,489 acres, the
overall conservation level is 74%. When adjusted for the existing Fieldstone HCP take permit, 71% of the remaining habitat is preserved, and 68% of the coastal sage scrub habitat, and the actual
conservation level is increased to 78%.
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5. MHCP Participation by City
As a result of the biological analysis associated with the preparation of the North County Subregional
Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (MHCP), it has been determined that a large (approximately 500 acre), biological core area primarily for supporting a core population of gnatcatchers is needed in the
south, central portions of the MHCP and including the unincorporated area to the southeast of Carlsbad in the general area as shown on Figure 23. The initial biological analysis for the HMP also
identified the need to enhance conservation levels, particularly for coverage of the gnatcatcher. In I addition, as part of the approval of the Fieldstone HCP, the City was required to take a lead position in identifying the location and potential funding sources for 240 acres in this same general area. In order
to satisfy its participation in the MHCP core area, increase conservation levels for the gnatcatcher in
the HMP and fulfill its responsibilities under the Fieldstone HCP, the City will effectuate the conservation and conveyance of 296 acres of land within the MHCP core area consisting of the
following components: I
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CARLSBAD HYP
A. Bank of America (VLC) onsite 12 acres
(increased coastal sage scrub preservation
within the Villages of La Costa)
(the difference between additional onsite preservation identied above and the 240 acre
need identified in the Fieldstone HCP)
(mitigation funds previously paid by Rancho Carrillo Master Plan to be used for
offsite acquisition in the MHCP Core Area) D. Municipal Golf Course offsite conservation - 40 acres
' (partial mitigation for development of the City
B. Fieldstone HCP offsite 228 acres
C. Rancho Carrillo offsite conservation 16 acres
golt course) . TOTAL 296 acres.
(Note: In order to use 40 acres of this area for golf course
mitigation, at least five pairs of gnatcatchers must occupy a contiguous portion of the 296 acres.)
The funding for acquisitions required to effectuate the conveyance of the above described 296 acres is identified later in this section of the Plan. The proposed conservation and conveyance of this land shall:
a) be considered as an increase to the overall, resulting conservation levels in Carlsbad; b) constitute the
full participation of the City in any MHCP land acquisitions in the core area; c) complete Carlsbad's obligations under the Fieldstone HCP regarding the 240 acres of offsite mitigation; and d) allow the HMP
to be severable from the MHCP.
D -59 APRIL, 1999
Figure 8
City Golf Course
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