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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDP 98-32; Kevin Sturdy Lot 20; Coastal Development Permit (CDP) (9)Merkel & Associates, Inc. 5434 Ruffin Road, San Diego,CA 92123 Tel: 858/560-5465 • Fax: 858/560-7779 e-mail: associates@merkelinc.com March 15,2002 M&A # 02-003-01 Mr. Tony Hernandez 7558 Navigator Circle Carlsbad, CA 92009 Re: Zero Month Monitoring Report for the Batiquitos Slope Enhancement at the Hernandez Property in Carlsbad, CA SUMMARY Merkel & Associates implemented a plan to conduct the restoration of Coastal Sage Scrub habitat in a disturbed area adjacent to the Hernandez residence located on the north shore of Batiquitos Lagoon. Restoration of the disturbed area included both installation of native plant materials and implementation of a three-year maintenance and monitoring program. All revegetation installation activities were completed by March 14, 2002, but periodic maintenance remains ongoing. This document serves as the zero month monitoring report for events that took place between the dates of February 25, 2001 and March 14, 2002. Photographs that depict pre and post revegetation conditions are provided as an attachment to this report. The purpose of the zero-month monitoring is to establish baseline information and ensure planting densities have been achieved. Coverage criteria using point-intercept transects and survival counts will be performed at the twelve-month monitoring period occurring in March of 2003. On-site Preparation On February 25, a revegetation team from Merkel and Associates removed non-native species and the existing layer of hydroseed application containing seed from non-desirable plant species. Exotic and non-native species present consisted predominantly of Castor-bean (Ricinus communis) and Dwarf Nettle (Urticct urens). Waste associated with the removal of the hydroseed and exotics was properly disposed of off-site. The site was raked and holes were excavated for one-gallon container plants of various native species (Table 1). An irrigation system that was on-site but not operational was modified to provide periodic waterings during the establishment period. The system is operated from an independent valve on a separate timer from both Mr. Hernandez's the Homeowners Association's irrigation clocks. Irrigation is planned to augment natural rainfall, which has been limited this year. Use of the irrigation system will taper off in spring and summer months to further assist plants in acclimatizing to the native conditions Planting Plants were installed according to the originally proposed palette with several modifications. Spanish Bayonet (Yucca shidigera) was not planted since plants propagated from a coastal seed source could not be obtained. This species was replaced with Sea Dahlia (Coreopsis maritima). Additionally, both Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina) and Lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia) were unavailable at the time of planting. These two species will be available and installed during a maintenance visit at some point in April 2002. Thirty one-gallon individuals of Flat-top Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasiculatum) were additionally installed to help the revegetation area blend into the existing vegetation dominated by this species. Shallow watering basins were formed around the base of each plant and filled with a bark mulch to help conserve soil moisture. Each plant was watered in by hand until the root matrix and soil was saturated. Table 1. Installed container plant palette. Species Flat-top Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasiculatum) Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina)* Lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia)* Monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus) Sea-Dahlia (Coreopsis maritima) Size 1 gallon 1 gallon 1 gallon 1 gallon 1 gallon Quantity 30 20 30 20 10v - L - - -- _, „ * These species were unavailable at the time of planting, but will be installed in April 2002. After container plants had been installed, seed was applied to the disturbed area. Individual seed species were combined into a heterogeneous mixture that was broadcast by hand over the disturbed slope. Seed was raked in to the soil and watered thoroughly. All plant materials, with the exception of both Lemonadeberry and Laurel Sumac, are installed and the irrigation system is functioning properly. Maintenance Requirements Summary and Recommendations The following maintenance activities are recommended to maintain compliance with this restoration program and continue to meet the established success criteria: 1. Monitor the watering regime throughout the establishment period. Adjust the irrigation clock accordingly as winter months give way to the warmer spring growing season. 2. Noxious weeds including Castor-bean and Dwarf Nettle should continue to be eradicated from and adjacent to the site. The existing seed bank of these individuals may yield high numbers of seedlings that will compete with the native seed mixture. Selective abatement will be required as germination commences. 3. Re-seeding and re-planting of certain species, when required, should take place in the late fall to early winter to take advantage of seasonal rainfall and cooler temperatures. Merkel & Associates, Inc. #02-003-01 Please do not hesitate, to call me if you have any questions. Sincerely, Adam Behle Project Biologist Cc: Ann Hysong, City of Carlsbad Planning Dept. John Martin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Merkel & Associates, Inc. #02-003-01