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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 00-02; Calavera Hills Stockpile; Tentative Map (CT) (5)- ----.. ---- - - ... - .. ... - .,. ,.., .... Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-01 Robertson Ranch BIOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS REPORT FOR THE ROBERTSON RANCH PROJECT Carlsbad, California Prepared for: Calavera Hills II, LLC 2727 Hoover A venue National City, California 91950 Attention: Don Mitchell Phone: (619) 336-3673 Fax: (619) 336-3010 Prepared by: Merkel & Associates, Inc. 5434 Ruffin Road San Diego, CA 92123 Contact: B. G. Adam Koltz Phone: (858) 560-5465 Fax: (858) 560-7779 AUGUST 21,2002 Keith W. Merkel, Principal Consultant August 21. 2002 -Merkel &Associates Inc. #0/-046-0/ August 21. 2002 TABLE OF CONTENTS .. SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................................. I 1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................. 2 .. 1.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Location and General Physiography ................................................................................................................... 2 • 1.3 Robertson Ranch Site Description ...................................................................................................................... 5 2.0 METHODS ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 2.1 Botanical Investigations ...................................................................................................................................... 5 -2.2 Wildlife Investigations ........................................................................................................................................ 6 2.3 Focused Surveys ................................................................................................................................................. 6 -2.3.1 Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation .............................................................................................................. 6 2.3.2 California Gnatcatcher Focused Survey ....................................................................................................... 6 -2.3.3 Least Bell's Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Focused Surveys ................................................ 7 2.4 Scientific and Vernacular Nomenclature ............................................................................................................ 8 3.0 BIOLOGICAL SETTING ...................................................................................................................................... 8 -3.1 Regional Overview and Local Conservation Plans ............................................................................................. 8 4.0 RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................................... 9 -4.1 Botanical Resources ............................................................................................................................................ 9 4.1.1 Vegetation Communities and Habitats ......................................................................................................... 9 -4.1.1.1 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (Holland Code 32500) .............................................................................. 9 4.1.1.2 Chamise Chaparral (Holland Code 37200) ......................................................................................... 10 4.1.1.3 Riparian Forest (Holland Code 61000) ............................................................................................... 10 4.1.1.4 Southern Willow Scrub (Holland Code 63320) .................................................................................. 10 -4.1.1.5 Mule Fat Scrub (Holland Code 63310) ............................................................................................... 10 4.1.1.6 Cis montane Alkali Marsh (Holland Code 5231 0) ............................................................................... 10 4.1.1.7 Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh (Holland Code 52410) ............................................................ 10 -4.1.1.8 Emergent Wetland (Oberbauer Code 52440) ...................................................................................... 11 4.1.1.9 San Diego Mesa Vernal Pool (Holland Code 44320) ......................................................................... 11 -4.1.1.10 Eucalyptus Woodland (Oberbauer Code 11100) .............................................................................. 11 4.1.1.11 Orchards and Vineyards/Intensive Agriculture/Exotic Plantings (Oberbauer Codes 18100 and 18200) ............................................................................................................................................................. 11 -4.1.1.12 Row Crops (Oberbauer Code 18320) ................................................................................................ 11 4.1.1.13 Urban/Developed (Oberbauer Code 12000) ..................................................................................... 12 4.1.2 Flora ........................................................................................................................................................... 12 4.2 Wildlife Resources ............................................................................................................................................ 12 .. 4.2.1 Fauna .......................................................................................................................................................... 12 4.2.1.1 Butterflies ............................................................................................................................................ 12 .. 4.2.1.2 Amphibians ......................................................................................................................................... 12 4.2.1.3 Reptiles ............................................................................................................................................... 13 .. 4.2.1.4 Birds .................................................................................................................................................... 13 -4.2.1.5 Mammals ............................................................................................................................................ 13 4.2.2 Wildlife Movement Corridors .................................................................................................................... 14 -4.3California Gnatcatcher ....................................................................................................................................... 14 4.4Least Bell's Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher .................................................................................. 15 5.0 SPECIAL STATUS BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................. 15 5.1 Special status Habitats ...................................................................................................................................... 16 5.2 Special Status Flora .......................................................................................................................................... 16 -5.3 Special Status Faunal Species Present On-Site ................................................................................................. 16 5.4 Additional Sensitive Nesting Avian Species ..................................................................................................... 17 6.0 EXPECTED BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS .............................................................................................................. 18 6.1 VEGETATION IMPACTS ............................................................................................................................... 18 -6.1.1 Sensitive Vegetation Impacts ..................................................................................................................... 18 6.1.2 Sensitive Plant Impacts .............................................................................................................................. 19 - Robertson Ranch ll - Merkel & Associates Inc.# 01-046-01 August 21. 2002 6.1.3 Sensitive Animal Impacts .......................................................................................................................... 19 6.1.4 Wildlife Corridors ...................................................................................................................................... 19 ... 6.1.5 Significant Secondary Impacts ................................................................................................................... 20 7.0 Recommendations to reduce biological impacts ................................................................................................... 20 -7.1 Sensitive Vegetation ......................................................................................................................................... 20 7.2 Sensitive Plants ................................................................................................................................................. 20 7.3 Sensitive Animals ............................................................................................................................................. 21 -7.4 Wildlife Corridors ............................................................................................................................................. 21 7.5 Secondary Impacts ............................................................................................................................................ 21 7.0 PREPARER'S QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS .......................................................................... 22 7.1 Present Surveys and Analyses ........................................................................................................................... 22 -LITERATURE CITED AND CONSULTED ............................................................................................................. 23 ... List of Figures FIGURE 1. S!TELOCATORMAP ..................................................................................................................................... 3 FIGURE 2. VEGETATION AND SENSITIVE RESOURCES MAP ........................................................................................... 4 -.... List of Appendices APPENDIX 1. FLORAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED ............................................................................................ .. -APPENDIX 2. FAUNAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED ............................................................................................ . APPENDIX 3. SENSITIVE PLANTS ................................................................................................................................... .. APPENDIX 4. WETLAND ANIMALS ................................................................................................................................ .. • - - ... - - Robertson Ranch Jll - -- - --.. -- - .. .. • • .. • .. .. -.. • - - Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 SUMMARY BIOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS REPORT FOR THE ROBERTSON RANCH PROJECT CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA Merkel & Associates, Inc . August 12, 2002 August 2/, 2002 The 403.7 acre Robertson Ranch site includes extensive tracts of active agricultural with occasional inclusions of Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (74.08 acres). Most of the sage scrub is situated at higher elevations in the northwestern portion of the site, on both flanks of one on-site canyon at the southern terminus of Glasgow Street in the Colony residential neighborhood, and on a steep slope to the southeast of Tamarack A venue. Impacts to native vegetatation associated with proposed extension of Cannon Road Reach 3 and College Boulevard Reach B are not addressed within this report as they have been permitted in conjunction with Calavera Hills. Several drainages occur on-site; however, only the easternmost (i.e., Lake Calavera Creek, a primary tributary of Agua Hedionda Creek) retains any substantial riparian woodland. In the northwestern corner of the site is a vestigial area of marsh that was once at the confluence of three drainages --as shown in 1928 aerial photographs. It now features brackish components as freshwater urban run-off enters the property primarily from a creek (now partially channelized) paralleling Tamarack A venue, off-site to the northwest (see Lukas 2002 for wetland delineation of entire site). Also present are limited tracts of Chamise Chaparral, Eucalyptus Woodland, Exotic Plantings, an operating plant nursery specializing in palms, and partially developed Urban Lands that include two existing ranch houses and associated outbuildings. One low-quality vernal pool is present in the sage scrub, and two vernal swales occur as ruts in dirt roadways (0.006 acre total). None of these three locations contains sensitive plants sometimes associated with this severely declining habitat, but each does contain a common vernal pool indicator species. Levels of historical disturbance are locally high within most of the site; and current, extensive agricultural activities continue to play an important role in modifying portions of the native vegetation. Acreage totals for the various habitat categories (excluding College Boulevard and Cannon Road impacts) are shown in Table 5 . Three sensitive plant species were observed on-site, but are of limited botanical significance: Southwestern Spiny Rush (]uncus acutus), California Adolphia (Adolphia californica), and Western Dichondra (Dichondra occidentalis) are all listed by the California Native Plant Society as regionally sensitive, but otherwise have no federal or state status. The rush is locally restricted to wetlands in the southeast and will be impacted by the construction of Cannon Road; the adolphia is well distributed on-site but found primarily on slopes with better developed sage scrub habitat; while the dichondra is isolated primarily beneath native shrubs on the moderately flat upland terrain in the northeast. None of these three species is highly sensitive. The cumulative numbers of the adolphia (i.e., at least several hundred) are enough to warrant some local significance, and a portion of the population is retained within a proposed biological open space. The federally threatened Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) was observed in sage scrub habitat at three locations on-site where it likely breeds. Other significant sensitive animals noted include a pair of Least Bell's Vireos (Vireo bellii pusillus) observed nesting Robertson Ranch ---·---... • • • • • - - .. .. .. --... -.. - Merkel & Associates Inc.# 01-046-01 August 21. 2002 just off-site in a willow thicket south of on-site greenhouses and near the Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park brick wall (i.e., within the proposed footprint of the College Boulevard Reach B/Cannon Road extension, but not directly within the impacts associated with Robertson Ranch). Yellow- breasted Chat (lcteria virens) and Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia), two less sensitive breeding riparian bird species, were also observed in the willow canopy of Calavera Creek, and both species may nest here during the spring. Orangethroat Whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus) lizards are still present in native sage scrub across the property. This lizard species is still locally common in the region, despite sensitivity listings that might indicate otherwise. White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) and Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) both hunt in the fallow fields, agricultural edges, and sage scrub; however, the active disking of the agricultural fields limits the on-site rodent prey populations for raptors. In general, the high levels of agricultural activity over many decades have substantially degraded peripheral native wildlife habitat at the Robertson Ranch (e.g., farm worker trails from field to field). The areas of seasonal crops are of very limited wildlife utility, and some of these fields may have seasonal pesticide applications to limit insect damage. The adjacent Calavera Hills IIIB & TD project and associated regional road improvement projects have proposed to create 8.3 acres of wetland mitigation along the undeveloped northern reaches of Calavera Creek. The proposed project retains open space that could be utilized to potentially create a viable north-south wildlife corridor incorporating portions of existing tracts of adjacent sage scrub . However, the creation of such a wildlife corridor linking Agua Hedionda Lagoon with the Calavera Hills land bank preserves would require some habitat restoration in areas currently under crop production or utilized as nursery lands, in order to create linkages of viable vegetation cover. 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PURPOSE Merkel & Associates, Inc. (M&A) conducted a biological investigation of existing conditions for the Robertson Ranch (Figure 1) at the request of Calavera Hills II, LLC of National City. Spring field surveys were performed to update historical information associated with proposed construction of new eastern links for Cannon Road and College Boulevard, and included focused California Gnatcatcher surveys and Least Bell's Vireo/Willow Flycatcher surveys. Vegetation communities were documented and mapped (Figure 2), lists of the flora and fauna were compiled (Appendices 1 ,2, and 3), and the presence of special status species were recorded. 1.2 LOCATION AND GENERAL PHYSIOGRAPHY The 403.7 acre site is located in un-sectioned Pueblo lands, with a focused UTM 472,000E by 3,669,000N, within the USGS San Luis Rey 7.5' Quadrangle (Figure 1). The biological study area is shown in the County of San Diego, Thomas Guide page 1127. The site is bounded on the south by El Camino Real; on the northwest by Tamarack A venue; on the north by still undeveloped portions of the Calavera Hills and the existing Colony residential neighborhood; and on the east by the Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park, as well as Carlsbad Union School and State of California lands (Figure 1) . Robertson Ranch 2 1" = 2,000' Project Vicinity Map Source: USGS 7.5' San Luis Rey, CA Quadrangle Figure 1 Merkel & Associates, Inc. Sensitive Species e Least Bell's Vireo e California Gnatcatcher Vegetation Type Wetlands* -Riparian Forest -Southern Willow Scrub [=:J Mule Fat Scrub LZJ Cismontane Alkali Marsh -Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh *Note: see Lukos report 2002 for wetland delineation Vernal Pool RR = Road Rut Pool Upland Vegetation 0 Agriculture Wlt!i1#rl Chamise Chaparral ~ Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Eucalyptus Woodland EJ Exotic 0 Nursery -Urban Property Boundary 580 0 Cannon Road I N t\ 580 1160 Feet ,'i Robertson Ranch Biological Resources Map I M&A #01-046-01 Figure 2 -- -... -- ... - • .. ... '-- - --... -- -- Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-01 August 21. 2002 The Robertson Ranch site generally loses substantial elevation from north to south (from approximately 280 feet to 30 feet above Mean Sea Level). A small southeast-trending canyon consisting of good quality coastal scrub gives way to a disturbed broad floodplain and low-lying uplands at the southern end of the site. A plant nursery specializing in palms is now located here adjacent to El Camino Real. Nearby to the east are two long-estabished homes. Much of the remainder of the site now consists of agricultural fields; however, additional sage scrub is clustered along the northeastern boundary adjacent to the proposed Calavera Hills residential project. Underlying geology is mapped as Tertiary Marine, Upper Jurassic Marine, Upper Cretaceous Marine and Holocene alluvium (Rogers 1965). On-site soils are quite varied and mapped as Friant rocky fine sandy loam underlying the sage scrub in the north, Salinas clay loam in the broad valley to the south, Las Flores loamy fine sands underlying areas of agricultural field, Gaviota fine sandy loam on the steep slope facing Tamarack A venue; as well as small inclusions of Visalia fine sandy loam, Tujunga sand, and Altamont clay (Bowman 1973) . 1.3 ROBERTSON RANCH SITE DESCRIPTION The Robertson site is being proposed for various uses that include residential and commercial development. 2.0METHODS General biological field surveys that include botanical and wildlife investigations were conducted at the times and under the environmental conditions listed in Table 1. T bl 1 S a e . ummaryo fG en era IS I t f urvey n orma Ion Date Time Conditions Staff Weather: Sunny June 7, 2001 0900-1400 Wind (Beaufort)= <1 Craig H. Reiser Temperature: 70-75° F Weather: Partially overcast June 13, 2001 0900-1400 Wind (Beaufort)= <l Craig H. Reiser Temperature: 70-80° F Weather: Overcast Navroop K. Jassal June 13, 2001 0815-1530 Wind (Beaufort)= <1 Temperature: 65-70° F Vanessa A. Lee Weather: Sunny Jean-Paul LaCount June 18, 2001 0900-1530 Wind (Beaufort)= <1 Vanessa A. Lee Temperature: 70-80° F 2.1 BOTANICAL INVESTIGATIONS Vegetation cover on the site was ground truthed to address site condition changes using a 1" = 200' base map and recent aerial photographs. Vegetation cover and special status biological resources were plotted on the site maps in the field and later transferred into a geographic information system (GIS) ESRI Arc View 3.2 format. All vegetation communities, soil types, and slope exposures within the Robertson Ranch were surveyed on-foot. Robertson Ranch 5 -- • --------- - ... ... -- .... , ... ... Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-0/ August 21. 2002 Vegetation commumtles were delineated according to the Holland classification system. Plant identifications were either made in the field or were later determined in the laboratory by the identification of voucher specimens. Plant species identified on the site are listed in Appendix 1. A focused survey for Thread-leaf Brodiaea on May 10, 2002 by M&A biologist Brian Parker did not locate this species on the Robertson Ranch. 2.2 WILDLIFE INVESTIGATIONS The presence of wildlife species was determined primarily through direct observation aided by binoculars. Identification of songs, call notes or alarm calls, and the observation of indirect sign (e.g. burrows, tracks, scat, etc.) were used to confirm the presence of some wildlife species. Appendix 2 provides a list of wildlife species identified during the present study, and where appropriate, includes observations of additional species observed or reported by others. Surveys for the federally endangered Least Bell's Vireo and federally threatened Coastal California Gnatcatcher were performed and reported to USFWS as required by our permits. 2.3 FOCUSED SURVEYS 2.3.1 Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation For a recent wetland delineation of the site see separate 2002 report by Lukos and Associates. 2.3.2 California Gnatcatcher Focused Survey Merkel & Associates, Inc. conducted a presence/absence survey for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher (CAGN) (Polioptila californica californica) at the Robertson Ranch site. M&A biologist Geoffrey L. Rogers, authorized under federal Endangered Species Act section 10(a)(1)(A) permit #801346-2 and State of California Endangered Species Act Memorandum of Understanding, conducted a three-visit focused presence/absence survey for the federally listed, threatened CAGN. The survey was conducted according to the recommended guidelines noted in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service CAGN Survey Protocol dated July 1997. The survey route was slowly walked and all vegetation communities were mapped, including appropriate CAGN habitat. Professional judgment was used, based on the prevailing site conditions, to determine appropriate survey rates and the number of acres covered per site visit. Taped recordings of CAGN vocalizations, as well as "pishing," were used to elicit vocal responses approximately every 100-200 feet. An approximate five to ten minute time interval was allowed for a response, particularly from advantageous viewpoints. Binoculars of 8x42 power were used to aid in the identification of the wildlife species. The taped vocalizations were used only to initially locate individual gnatcatchers. CAGN presence was determined based on the detection of CAGN songs, calls and/or direct observations. The number, age, sex, and color band information of all CAGN observed within the biological study area were documented. Following the detection of a gnatcatcher, the bird was monitored for five to ten minutes in order to identify other gnatcatchers that might respond to the initial vocal aggression. Mature males in breeding plumage (e.g., black-capped) were used to designate the presence of a territory. Additionally, efforts were made to determine the paired or unpaired status of each observed bird. The following table provides a field survey summary: Robertson Ranch 6 - ----- ... - Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-0/ August 21. 2002 T bl 2 S a e . ummaryo a 1 orma na ca c er fC n . G t t h F ocuse dS urvey lnf ormatiOn Date Survey Time Conditions Permitted *Acres/ *Acres/ (start-end) Biologist Hour Day Weather: 100% (cc) May 24,2001 1 0715-1115 Wind (Beaufort): 0-1 Geoffrey L. Rogers 10 40 Temp.: 60-64° F Weather: 50-0% (cc) May 31,2001 2 0700-1130 Wind (Beaufort): 0-1 Geoffrey L. Rogers 10 40 Temp.: 59-62° F Weather: 100-0% (cc) June 20, 2001 3 0820-1200 Wind (Beaufort): 0-2 Geoffrey L. Rogers 10 40 Temp.: 62-72° F *Acres of smtable Cahforma CAGN habitat 2.3.3 Least Bell's Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Focused Surveys Merkel & Associates, Inc. also conducted a presence/absence survey for Least Bell's Vireo (BEVI) and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (WIFL) at the Robertson Ranch site. M&A biologist Geoffrey L. Rogers, authorized under federal Endangered Species Act section 10(a)(1)(A) permit #TE801346- 2 and State of California Endangered Species Act Memorandum of Understanding, conducted focused surveys for the federally listed, endangered BEVI and WIFL according to the recommended guidelines noted in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) BEVI Survey Guidelines dated April 1999, and WIFL Survey Protocol dated July 2000. BEVI and WIFL survey dates and times varied according to weather and scheduling conditions, and professional judgement was used to comply with USFWS guidelines as closely as possible (Table 4). Survey routes were slowly walked through appropriate BEVI and WIFL habitat. Taped recordings of WIFL vocalizations were used, after an initial listening period, to elicit vocal responses approximately every 20-30 meters. An approximate one to two minute time interval was allowed for a response, particularly from advantageous viewpoints. Binoculars of 8x42 power were used to aid in the identification of the wildlife species. A taped recording of WIFL vocalizations was used, to elicit vocal responses from WIFL approximately every 20-30 meters; an approximate 1-2 minute time interval was allowed for a response. Vegetation communities have been mapped according to current Holland Code descriptions and a USFWS protocol data form for WIFL has been completed and mailed. The following table provides a field survey summary: Table 3. Summary of Least Bell's Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Focused Survey Information Date Survey Time Conditions Permitted *Km/Hour (start-end) Biologist(s) BEVI 1 Weather: 100% (cc) May 18,2001 WIFLl 0630-0830 Wind (Beaufort): 0-1 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5 Temp.: 62-64° F Weather: 50% (cc) May 29,2001 BEVI2 0900-1100 Wind (Beaufort): 0 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5 Temp.: 64-67° F BEVI3 Weather: 100-0% (cc) June 8, 2001 WIFL2 0900-1100 Wind (Beaufort): 0 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5 Temp.: 68-74° F June 18, 2001 BEVI4 0900-1100 Weather: 0% (cc) Geoffrey L. Rogers .5 Robertson Ranch 7 -- -- ---- .,.,. .... -- ... ... Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-01 August 21. 2002 Wind (Beaufort): 0-1 Temp.: 70-78°F Weather: 10 % ( cc) June 22, 2001 WIFL3 0900-1100 Wind (Beaufort): 1 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5 Temp.: 70-78° F BEVIS Weather: 0% (cc) June 28, 2001 WIFL4 0900-1100 Wind (Beaufort): 0-1 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5 Temp.: 75-84° F BEVI6 Weather: 100% (cc) July 9, 2001 WIFL5 0900-1100 Wind (Beaufort): 0-1 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5 Temp.: 68-73° F Weather: 100-0% (cc) July 20, 2001 BEVI7 0900-1100 Wind: 0 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5 Temp.: 60-74° F Weather: 100-90% ( cc) July 31,2001 BEVIS 0900-1100 Wind (Beaufort): 0-1 Geoffrey L. Rogers .5 Temp.: 64-70° F *Acres of smtable southwestern willow flycatcher habitat 2.4 SCIENTIFIC AND VERNACULAR NOMENCLATURE The scientific and vernacular nomenclature for the species and vegetation types used in this report are from the following standard references: vegetation, Holland (1986); flora, Skinner and Pavlik (CNPS) 1994 and Hickman (1993); rare plants Reiser (2001); butterflies, Opler (1999.) and Glassberg (2001); birds, American Ornithologists' Union (1998); reptiles, Collins (1990); and mammals, Jones et. al. (1997). For animals, subspecies names are used when a specific subspecies is listed as special status by the CDFG or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The standardized common names of species and the names of vegetation series and types are capitalized in this report. 3.0 BIOLOGICAL SETTING The biological resources of the study site and surrounding area are described below. The section includes: 1) a regional overview; and, 2) a focused discussion of the Robertson Ranch site. This is followed by a detailed discussion of the botanical and wildlife resources present on site and special status species found on site or known from the area. Additional information on sensitive plants and animals in the region is located in Appendix 3 & 4. 3.1 REGIONAL OVERVIEW AND LOCAL CONSERVATION PLANS The Carlsbad region historically supported a diversity of vegetation cover types including extensive areas of vegetation classified as the California Sagebrush Series (Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub) and various types of chaparral. Riparian vegetation was less extensive but nevertheless was well represented in the region. Also present in the region were smaller microhabitat areas of native grassland and distinctive regional vegetation types such as vernal pools. During the latter half of the twentieth century progressive loss of natural habitat occurred in the region primarily due to livestock grazing, agricultural expansion, and urbanization. Human use, fragmentation, and invasive non-native plants have degraded many of the remaining areas of natural habitat. Today urban development dominates the area to the west and southeast of the study area (Figure 2). Larger tracts of native habitat occur in the more rugged lands to the north and northeast Robertson Ranch 8 -... - _..,. - - _.., _ . .., .... -.. ... -411 -------------------~~-~-- Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21, 2002 of the ranch site. However, a golf course and agricultural lands are also scattered throughout these areas. 4.0RESULTS 4.1 BOTANICAL RESOURCES 4.1.1 Vegetation Communities and Habitats All vegetation series and other habitat areas are mapped for the Robertson Ranch site (Figure 2). These mapped habitats are separately discussed below. An examination of a good quality 1928 aerial photograph taken of the site (available at the County of San Diego's Department of Planning and Land Use) indicates the property was very similarly vegetated to the present. Sage scrub habitat was already restricted to approximately its present location, and even the small tracts of disturbed lands within the sage scrub were in approximately the same locations. 4.1.1.1 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (Holland Code 32500) The Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub is a low-growing native plant community dominated by drought- deciduous aromatic shrubs. This vegetation is typical of low elevation cismontane areas of San Diego County and is often present growing in shallow loamy soils on south-facing slopes. This series was historically one of the dominant habitat types on the lower coastal slopes of San Diego County, including the lands within the ranch vicinity, but its extent has been greatly reduced by urban and agricultural development. The continued loss of this vegetation and the threatened status of one of its most closely affiliated bird species, the California Gnatcatcher, is the driving force behind the sage scrub conservation processes in San Diego County. Characteristic shrub species of the Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub that are present in the ranch vicinity and on the site, include California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), Flat-top Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum var. foliolosum), White Sage (Salvia apiana), San Diego Monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus), and Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina). Examples of herbaceous plants typical of this habitat and present on the Robertson Ranch include Fascicled Tarplant (Deinandra fasciculata), Lance-leaf Dudleya (Dudleya lanceolata), Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malvaeflora), Common Goldenstars (Bloomeria crocea), California Everlasting (Gnaphalium californicum), Weed's Mariposa Lily (Calochortus peninsularis var. weedii), and Silver Puffs (Uropappus lindleyi). A quantitative study of the vegetation structure and density on the site was not conducted, however, from a qualitative standpoint the vegetation stands of this series that are present are structurally typical of this community elsewhere in the region. Canopy height varies from approximately 2-5 feet and density ranges from fairly open on southern exposures, to dense coverage in some areas of north- facing slope. Shrub diversity on the site is relatively low for this series and the vegetation has been degraded in many places by invasive non-native plant species, trash dumping, evidence of farm- worker campsites, and off-road vehicle use. It is possible that this habitat has been historically impacted by fire, heavy grazing, and/or brushing in the distant past since the floristic diversity is abnormally low --yet there is no evidence that the area has been previously tilled for agricultural uses . Robertson Ranch 9 .. • • -• • - • -- - - - ... .. - .. Merkel &Associates Inc. #01-046-01 August 21, 2002 This sage scrub habitat dominates the northern portion of the site, a canyon in the center of the property, and a particularly mature phase of sage scrub on the hillside above Tamarack A venue . 4.1.1.2 Chamise Chaparral (Holland Code 37200) Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) occurs as isolated stands within sage scrub near the northern boundaries of the site. Understory development is unusually poor. A few species such as Soap Plant (Chlorogalum parvifolium) and Bi-colored Everlasting (Gnaphalium bicolor) do occupy openings in this relatively xeric microhabitat. The Chamise on-site is transitional to broader expanses of mixed chaparral found elsewhere in coastal Carlsbad (e.g., near the Carlsbad Raceway). 4.1.1.3 Riparian Forest (Holland Code 61000) The Riparian Forest is dominated by Western Sycamore (Platanus racemosa) and mature willows. It is primarily situated on-site along Calavera Creek. Heavy adjacent farming activities have resulted in an understory composed primarily of pioneering wetland weeds; however, in the extreme northeast, beyond the agricultural area, a more pristine woodland survives. 4.1.1.4 Southern Willow Scrub (Holland Code 63320) The Southern Willow Scrub is dominated by various species of willows such as Goodding's Willow (Salix gooddingii), Arroyo Willow (S. lasiolepis), and Narrow-leaved Willow (S. exigua). Fremont Cottonwood (Populus fremontii) may be present as scattered younger individuals. This vegetation is typically found on seasonally flooded or saturated soils along streams and in canyon bottoms; however, small patches are sometimes present on the slopes below point discharges for residential run-off, and in other areas where human-created run-off occurs. This series is present along Calavera Creek, and at scattered localities near the Tamarack A venue and El Camino Real intersection. 4.1.1.5 Mule Fat Scrub (Holland Code 63310) Mule Fat Scrub is typically found in canyon bottoms, along washes, and near streams where there is seasonal flooding or the substrate is saturated for relatively brief periods. This vegetation is also found on the drier benches along stream systems and is often dominated by a single shrub species, Mule Fat (Baccharis salicifolia). Various species of juvenile willows are sometimes present in small numbers. On-site this microhabitat is indicative of limited water resources, or of habitat evolving towards Southern Willow Scrub. This habitat occurs within the centrally located canyon drainage. 4.1.1.6 Cismontane Alkali Marsh (Holland Code 52310) High evaporation and low input of fresh water render Cismontane Alkali Marshes somewhat salty, usually with salts other than sodium chloride (Holland 1986). This habitat occurs within the southern end of the property. Dominant plants include Spiny Rush (Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii), Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica), and Alkali-mallow (Malvella laprosa) . 4.1.1.7 Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh (Holland Code 52410) Various species of cat-tails (Typha spp.) and/or bulrush (Scirpus californicus and Scirpus robustus) dominate the Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh. The stands present within the study area are Robertson Ranch 10 - ... - .. -- - --- ,..., - ---- -- - ,.,. .. Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002 dominated by Soft-flag Cattail (Typha latifolia and Typha dominguensis). These occur in association with the Southern Willow Scrub located along Calavera Creek, or intermixed with brackish water components (e.g., Salicornia virginica) near the intersection of El Camino Real and Tamarack Avenue. 4.1.1.8 Emergent Wetland (Oberbauer Code 52440) Emergent Wetland generally consists of herbaceous plants that are not necessarily marsh species such as cattails and bulrushes. This habitat can include wetland-associated grasses and forbs that are both native and non-native. Emergent Wetland often, but not always, signifies areas of disturbance. Several small areas of Emergent Wetland are found on the Robertson Ranch property; limited impacts are proposed. Plant species found include Western Ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), Tall Flatsedge (Cyperus erogrostis), Curly Dock (Rumex crispus), Willow Herb (Epilobium ciliatum), and Bristly Ox-tongue (Picris echioides). 4.1.1.9 San Diego Mesa Vernal Pool (Holland Code 44320) A rudimentary vernal pool is found downslope from the northern boundary of the property within an area of open sage scrub. Upslope is a mild swale that deposits rainfall run-off into a shallow basin. The primary constituents of the pool are several species common to many pools in the region: Dwarf Plantain (Plantago elongata) and Water Tillaea (Crassula aquatica). No evidence of sensitive vernal pool plants was observed during the spring survey series. Also found were two road-rut pools near the property boundary that retained Woolly Marbles (Psilocarphus brevissimus). Presence of these obligate wetland species indicates that higher quality pools may once have been present nearby, either on-site or off. All three areas mapped with vernal pool indicators are proposed within biological open space. 4.1.1.10 Eucalyptus Woodland (Oberbauer Code 11100) This vegetation type has no equivalent in Holland (1986), but is assigned a category in the Oberbauer (1996) County revision. Many species of Eucalyptus have been introduced into California from Australia and several of these species have become naturalized and often form large monotypic groves. One of the largest and most common species is Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus). Blue Gum and various other species of Eucalyptus are present at scattered localities throughout the Robertson Ranch. Groves occur near both farmhouses, and near a farm shed in the northeastern corner of the property. 4.1.1.11 Orchards and Vineyards/Intensive Agriculture/Exotic Plantings (Oberbauer Codes 18100 and 18200) A palm nursery is situated near El Camino Real and the off-site Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park. Most of the vegetation here is either planted in containers, or is shallowly rooted for later transplant/sale. Also present on-site is a now inactive orchard approximately a quarter mile to the east. 4.1.1.12 Row Crops (Oberbauer Code 18320) Agricultural lands include irrigated and non-irrigated field crops, actively grazed pasture lands, as well as orchards, groves, and vineyards. These lands vary in their use by wildlife and may support a Robertson Ranch 11 ... - • .... • .. - - .... ·- ... .... -.. .. -.. -... Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002 variety of different species, however, they are generally dominated by exotic and opportunistic plant species. Both faunal and floral diversity are generally low within agricultural lands. Also mapped here during the wetland delineation are areas of "Prior Converted Croplands" that do not presently support perennial herbaceous elements, but do contain hydric soils and weedy annuals associated with wetlands such as Rabbitsfoot Grass (Polypogon monspeliensis). Within the Robertson Ranch agricultural lands include a wide variety of field and row crops. Among the vegetables noted as row crops were tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, green onions, and cabbage . 4.1.1.13 Urban/Developed (Oberbauer Code 12000) Urban lands are characterized by structural development. Within these areas, biotic communities are generally completely altered and supplanted by cultural landscaping associated with structures and open space between hard surface development. The wildlife associated with such areas are typically disturbance tolerant, human-associated species, or species that are opportunistic in nature. These often include a number of exotic species. Plants include a number of cultivated ornamental species and invasive weedy species, as well as some opportunistic or ornamental native plants. Within the Robertson Ranch, urban lands include two ranch houses with adjacent horticultural plantings, a flower stand near El Camino Real, and several packing areas with temporary structures. 4.1.2 Flora The site supports a moderate diversity of native plant life (243 species; 103 non-native). Given a long period of historic disturbance, and high degrees of urban encroachment, the proportion of exotic species relative to native species is relatively high. All plant species identified on the site are listed in Appendix 1. There are no regionally unique floristic assemblages present on the site. 4.2 WILDLIFE RESOURCES 4.2.1 Fauna The Robertson Ranch supports a subset of the fauna typical of habitats dominated by sage scrub, coastal riparian woodlands, and agricultural lands, in coastal Southern California. A number of species are often found in these habitats, but not all were observed during the survey. This is primarily due to the seasonality and time of day during which the various surveys were performed. 4.2.1.1 Butterflies Butterflies species that were observed on the site include the Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funerals), Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon), Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus), Sara Orangetip (Anthocharis sara), Bernardino Blues (Euphilotes bernardino) exhibiting breeding behavior, Behr's Metalmark (Apodemia vigulti), Lorquin's Admiral (Liminitis lorquini), and Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia). 4.2.1.2 Amphibians Four species of amphibians, the Garden Slender Salamander (Batrachosepts major), Pacific Chorus Frog (Pseudacris regilla), Western Toad (Bufo boreas), and Western Spadefoot toad (Spea Robertson Ranch 12 • .. -.. - .. • ---- .... .. - - .. ,. Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-0/ August 2/. 2002 hammondi) are potentially present on the study site. Only the Pacific Chorus Frog was directly observed during the recent series of surveys. 4.2.1.3 Reptiles The Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), the Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana), and the Orangethroat Whiptail were all regularly observed on the site; primarily in areas of sage scrub. Several Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) were also encountered. Other species, such as the Common Kingsnake (Lampropettis getula) and Southern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata), that are often present in semi-rural areas are expected to occur on the ranch site. Snake populations, however, are not expected to be high on the site or in the vicinity due to the nearby presence of heavily traveled roads and the extensive human use in agricultural portions of the site. 4.2.1.4 Birds Most of the bird species observed on the ranch site are typical of California Sagebrush dominated habitats in coastal San Diego County. Avian species seen on various surveys include: Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus), California Quail (Callipepla californica), Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxilis), Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae), Selasphorus hummingbird, Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans), Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris), Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus), Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii), Wrentit (Chamaeafasciata), California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis), California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum), Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena), Rufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps), and House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus). Other avian species recorded near wetlands, on exposed perches, or soaring overhead include: Nuttall's Woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii), Black Phoebe (Phoebe nigricans), Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans), Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis), Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonotya), House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus), Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia), Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), Yellow-breasted Chat (lcteria virens), Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca caerulea), and Lesser Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria). 4.2.1.5 Mammals Relatively few mammalian species were observed on the Robertson Ranch. This in part due to the fact that most native mammal species are primarily nocturnal and not easily observed during daytime surveys. The California Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) are both common on the periphery of the agricultural areas. Sign of Coyote (Canis latrans) and Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) was well distributed about the site. These mammals are all common species in sage scrub or chaparral dominated habitats in San Diego County. The site's relative isolation from other large tracts of inland native habitats would be expected to limit or even preclude the occurrence of larger wide-ranging species such as the Mountain Lion (Felis concolor). Some tracks of Mule Deer ( Odocoileus hemionus) were observed in areas with limited human activities . Robertson Ranch 13 .... -- - .. -.. --- - - - -- - - .... - Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002 4.2.2 Wildlife Movement Corridors Many species of wildlife move through the landscape during their daily and/or seasonal activities. Many resident sedentary species move only short distances within their home ranges or territories. Others, such as migratory birds, may move great distances during the year. Larger mammalian predators often traverse extensive areas of the landscape over the course of their activities. Because predation is a key process in maintaining biodiversity, it is important to maintain connectivity between large core areas of preserved habitat (Soule' and Terborgh 1999) . Corridors are often defined as linear habitats that differ from the extensive surrounding landscape in which they are embedded. But Soule'and Terborgh (1999) point out that this definition is vague and has multiple meanings. Extensive data on the natural history, movement patterns, and dispersal behavior of specific species is needed to define a corridor, and this type of data is unavailable for most of the species in San Diego County. The key concept in regional conservation efforts is landscape connectivity. Core areas need to be connected, and the more fragmented and isolated a patch of habitat becomes, the less value it has for regional conservation efforts. This concept of connectivity is an important component of the Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (MHCP) process. Currently the Robertson Ranch retains some connectivity between Agua Hedionda Lagoon and Calavera Lake. El Camino Real, a heavily trafficked highway, separates the back lagoon riparian habitat from Robertson Ranch. Moreover, habitat north of the roadway now consists of palm nursery and agricultural lands. This connection northward is therefore tenuous at present, but does not preclude future enhancement, insofar as urban hardscape is not in place other than the road. 4.3CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER Three pairs of gnatcatchers were located within the site (see Figure 2). An estimate of suitable CAGN habitat on-site is 40 acres. Habitat quality for the two easternmost pairs varies from sparse DCSS with intervening Non-native Grassland to dense DCSS. The pair at the west end (#1) of the site occupies high quality DCSS which is confined to a sharply delineated shallow canyon between an active agricultural field to the west and a fallow field to the east. This site is dominated by Black Sage (Salvia mellifera). Also present here are California Encelia (Encelia californica), California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), Broom Baccharis (Baccharis sarothroides), and a scattering of Our Lord's Candle (Yucca whipplei). The field to the east has a border of dense Black Mustard (Brassica nigra). The central pair (#2) was seen in low quality, open DCSS that marks a transition from non-native grassland. DCSS here is dominated by California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica) with an extensive understory of Tarplant (Hemizonia fasciculatum). Also present is Flat-top Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), scattered Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia), California Adolphia (Adolphia californica), and Bush Mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus). Scattered Black Mustard merges into DCSS that in turn merges into a small tract of Chamise Chaparral to the north and east. This pair probably utilizes both vegetation types. Agricultural fields lie to the south of this pair's location. The eastern pair (#3) was found in a similar transition zone of non-native grassland to open DCSS. Plant cover here is mostly herbaceous with scattered sage scrub species such as California Sagebrush, Bush Mallow, and Broom Baccharis. Agricultural fields lie to the east. The area between this site and Robertson Ranch 14 -- .. -- --- - - - - - - Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-01 August 21. 2002 the agricultural field to the east is dominated by Black Mustard. West of this pair is an area of Chamise Chaparral representing a common boundary between the two latter pairs. A concurrent botanical survey by M&A found a male CAGN off site in an area of moderate quality DCSS. The location is to the northwest of the ranch site along Tamarack A venue. While there is a considerable amount of DCSS adjacent to Tamarack within the study area, it is of a more mesic quality than CAGN prefer. It occupies a steep northwest-facing slope and retains a high number of exotic plant species. Only a very small area at the northeastern end of this patch has what could be considered DCSS. In our opinion, it is too small to provide adequate habitat for CAGN. Conversely, this habitat off-site is more extensive, of gentler gradient and proper plant composition, thus more likely to support CAGN. 4.4LEAST BELL'S VIREO AND SOUTHWESTERN WILLOW FLYCATCHER As evidenced by its presence on-site in 2001, portions of the riparian habitat at Robertson Ranch are currently suitable for Least Bell's Vireo (BEVI). Habitat quality for BEVI is adequate to very good at the eastern end of the Robertson Ranch within Calavera Creek. These areas largely comprise dense Southern Willow Scrub, the preferred habitat of BEVI in southern California. However, much of the central part of this drainage on the east side comprises an area of Riparian Woodland dominated by California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa). Adequate WIFL habitat within the study area should be considered minimal at best. In San Diego County, breeding WIFL are known to prefer willow- dominated riparian woodlands with a mixture of tree height and density, a central corridor of dense vegetation, and small areas of open water below the canopy. At Robertson Ranch, minimally- moving water from an undetermined source (likely irrigation) was found near the intersection of Tamarack and El Camino Real--when the surveys commenced in May. Standing water in this area eventually dried up over the survey period. Moving water was also found in the drainage on the eastern side of the Robertson Ranch when the surveys commenced. By mid-June, this water was largely isolated in well-shaded, low-lying areas along the drainage. In comparison to known WIFL breeding sites there would seem to be an inadequate amount of seasonal water flow within the study area to support the species. A single Least Bell's Vireo was heard singing on June 8, 2001(Figure 2). The location was in dense Southern Willow Scrub at the south end of the drainage along the eastern boundary of the site (i.e., within an area proposed for direct impacts from the Cannon Road extension; therefore, not directly impacted by Robertson Ranch impacts). This individual was heard again on June 18; and was also reported to the USFWS by additional biologists conducting work on the Cannon Road extension project. The vireo was not heard or seen on subsequent visits by M&A through the area. There were no WIFL observations within the study area site. 5.0 SPECIAL STATUS BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES For purposes of this report, special status biological resources are one of the following: species listed under the state or federal Endangered Species Act, Resources defined in sections 1702(q) and (v) of Title 20 of the California Code of Regulations, and species or habitats identified by legislative acts as requiring protection. Robertson Ranch 15 - .. ... ... - -... .. • .. .... -- - ·• Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002 5.1 SPECIAL STATUS HABITATS Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub is considered a special status habitat in San Diego County. Urban and agricultural land use has claimed well over 70% of the historical coverage of this vegetation type in San Diego County and losses of such habitat have surpassed thresholds of cumulative significance wherein even the minor additional losses can result in continued fragmentation that threaten the long- term survival of several dependent species --absent a concerted effort at strategic conservation of key habitat areas and associated linkages. The Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub is the primary habitat of the California Gnatcatcher and a host of other special status species. These species are becoming substantially rarer because of habitat loss. As noted above, the loss of this vegetation is the driving force behind the NCCP process in coastal San Diego County. Sensitive vegetation communities are habitats that support sensitive plant or animal species, or they are vegetation communities that are considered rare within the region. Wetlands and jurisdictional watercourses are considered sensitive for their high wildlife value and their naturally limited distribution. Wetland habitats and Non-wetland Waters have also historically suffered from a tremendous reduction in total area because of urban development and agriculture. Resource agencies enforce a no net loss policy of wetland habitat and Non-wetland Waters in California. 5.2 SPECIAL STATUS FLORA This region of San Diego County has a particularly limited number of special status plants. This is because these plants locally are usually found on metavolcanic substrates, on friable cracked clay soils, or within wetlands such as vernal pools. These circumstances are poorly developed within the Robertson Ranch. Many rare plants in coastal San Diego County are associated with a Baja California flora that does not generally reach northward to Carlsbad. As a result, the California Sagebrush Series in the region has a limited understory and shrub mix when compared with sage scrub in areas to the south (e.g., Chula Vista). While no special status plants were observed on the ranch, the site vicinity is capable of supporting a limited number of special status plants associated with clay soils. A thorough list of special status plants in the region and their likelihood of occurrence within the vicinity and on the Robertson Ranch site is provided in Appendix 3. Three species of plants not retaining sensitive federal or state status, but listed by the CNPS were observed on-site: California Adolphia, Western Dichondra, and Southwestern Spiny Rush. Presence of these three is not considered botanically significant; they are further discussed in Appendix 3 . None of the 15 "narrow endemic" plant species noted in the Carlsbad HMP were observed on-site. Some very limited potential exists for Thread-leaf Brodiaea (Brodiaeafilifolia); however, it was not observed during Year 2001 spring surveys in appropriate habitat. A focused Year 2002 spring survey on the Robertson Ranch for Thread-leaf Brodiaea did not locate this species . 5.3 SPECIAL STATUS FAUNAL SPECIES PRESENT ON-SITE Special status wildlife species include those carrying a listing status by USFWS (1999), CDFG (2000), those considered to be covered species under the draft Carlsbad Subarea Plan, and those recognized as declining within the region by non-governmental environmental organizations and trained biologists. Table 5 lists the special status species known to exist on-site. A number of other special status species are known from the Carlsbad region, but none were detected on the site during the current survey series. Robertson Ranch 16 • - - --- .. • .. .. .. <- Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002 T bl 4 S . I St t S a e . 'pecm a us 'pec1es Ob serve d th S't on e 1 e . Species Name Federal Status California Status Carlsbad Subarea Plan California Gnatcatcher Threatened -Covered Least Bell's Vireo Endangered Endangered Covered Yellow-breasted Chat --Covered Cooper's Hawk --Covered Southern California --Covered Rufous-crowned Sparrow Orangethroat Whiptail --Covered 5.4 ADDITIONAL SENSITIVE NESTING AVIAN SPECIES Several species of raptors are expected to occasionally nest in the tall Eucalyptus in the study area vicinity. The White-tailed Kite is a raptorial species that potentially nests within the vicinity or on- site. Large concentrations of kites have historically been observed roosting in trees in eastern reaches of Agua Hedionda Lagoon (C. Reiser pers. obs.). No on-site nests of this raptor were observed during recent surveys. In addition to this species, the Yellow Warbler and the Yellow- breasted Chat are considered likely to nest during some years within the riparian habitat on-site. Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia hypugaea) is another species that may nest on-site but was not observed. For additional discussion of vertebrates and invertebrates with some listing history, see Appendix 4 . Robertson Ranch 17 - ... -------- - • • ---• .. .. Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21, 2002 6.0 EXPECTED BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS 6.1 VEGETATION IMPACTS The vegetation impacts from the proposed project are as follows: T bl 5 V t f I t a e . e2e a IOn mpac s: Vegetation Type Total Acres Impacted Acres Acres Impacted East Village/ Versus West Agricultural Lands 288.304 94.94/135.26 230.20 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub 74.080 12.11110.50 22.61 (30.5%) Plant Nursery Lands 15.953 0.95/8.76 9.71 Eucalyptus Woodland 4.583 1.85/2.73 4.58 Exotic Plantings/Orchards 2.670 0.89/0.74 1.63 Urban Lands 2.400 0.83/1.50 2.33 Chamise Chaparral 1.914 0.36/0.00 0.36 (18.8%) Vernal Pool & Vernal Ruts 0.006 0.00/0.00 0.00 Southern Cottonwood-5.56 See Glenn Lukos Associates Report 2002 for Willow Riparian Forest* wetland delineation and impacts to vegetated Southern Coastal and Valley 2.02 riparian habitat under CDFG jurisdiction (total 0.91 Freshwater Marsh* acre in West Village only) and wetland impacts Southern Willow Scrub* 4.53 under ACoE jurisdiction (0.36 acre in West Village Emergent Wetland* 0.47 only).** Non-wetland Waters of U.S.* 1.04 Cismontane Alkali Marsh* 0.13 Mule Fat Scrub* 0.04 Totals 403.7 acres 111.931160.4 272.33 acres (including ACoE) * Numbers determined by ACoE focused wetland delineation (Glenn Lukos Associates 2002) ** Excludes direct impacts (i.e., 2.1 acre of direct and 0.3 acre of temporary impact) from ACoE permitted construction associated with Cannon Road and College Boulevard 6.1.1 Sensitive Vegetation Impacts Sensitive Vegetation Impacts occur for Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (22.61 acres), Charnise Chaparral (0.36 acre), and various phases of wetlands. The sage scrub impacts 30.5% of this vegetation type present on-site. Impacts under the draft HMP for Carlsbad limit impacts to less than 33%. Most of the significant wetland impacts being proposed occur in the extreme western portion of the study area along a seasonal drainage where juvenile willows and freshwater marsh predominate. Wetland impacts are subject to a federal and state jurisdictional oversight and approvals process (e.g., ACoE 404 & CDFG 1603 protocols), in addition to those formulated by the City of Carlsbad. All gross acreage loss of wetlands habitat will require at least 1:1 replacement mitigation. Wetlands mitigation for on-site impacts is to occur on the Robertson Ranch in the floodplain near Calavera Creek, in conjunction with several other regional projects that were previously approved, including the Calavara Hills residential development and the extension of College Boulevard. Concentrating Robertson Ranch 18 - ... - - - """ ,. -.. -- Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002 the mitigation efforts for these various projects is expected to result in less habitat fragmentation and the creation/enhancement of habitat with higher quality wetlands values. No impacts are proposed for the one identified vernal pool or two localized farm road ruts created by vehicles that were identified on-site --and support opportunistic vernal pool plant species. This assessment includes no direct impacts to the immediate up-slope watershed of these incipient vernal pools or basins. 6.1.2 Sensitive Plant Impacts No significant direct plant impacts are expected from the proposed project. Substantial sage scrub habitat retaining scattered populations of California Adolphia is proposed for biological open space . The ranch properties do not support any known population of a highly sensitive plant species. 6.1.3 Sensitive Animal Impacts Three active California Gnatcatcher territories were identified on-site. The proposed project retains substantial tracts of sage scrub near where two of the pairs were observed. No focused use area studies have been conducted to see if the proposed development overlaps any portions of the territories of these two resident pairs. Nevertheless, given the proposed sage scrub impacts, it appears most or all of these use areas will be retained in biological open space. The third gnatcatcher pair was observed in the canyon-lands between Planning Areas 3 and 4. However, one location where this pair was observed foraging is shown as within an area of fill slope proposed to support residential housing along the crest of the canyon. Additional areas where foraging was observed for this third pair lie within the proposed biological open space, and a substantial tract of sage scrub is retained within this canyon for biological open space. The Carlsbad HMP requires that 75% of the gnatcatchers on-site (i.e., birds with viable territories) be retained within proposed biological open space. Protection of 2 of 3 territories would not strictly fulfill such criteria. The project design provides for the full retention of two territories, and retains an extensive stand of suitable gnatcatcher habitat between Planning Areas 3 and 4 where a third pair was observed. Impacts to a territory utilized in spring 2001 by a pair of breeding Least Bell's Vireos is within habitat proposed for impact by the College Boulevard extension - a previously approved mitigated project. As such, it is not a direct impact associated with the proposed project, and should be dealt with under USFWS permitting for the road. 6.1.4 Wildlife Corridors A substantial north-south wildlife corridor is envisioned within the Carlsbad HMP that would link Agua Hedionda Lagoon with the Calavera Hills. The Robertson Ranch lands are a critical linkage for the establishment of such a corridor. Existing native vegetation present on-site does not naturally provide such a linkage. The development design proposes an approximately 600 foot wide corridor between Planning Area 4 and Planning Area llA; maintaining approximately that width for most of the remaining linkage northward. Planning Areas 8 & 9 include a park and school with playgrounds; in essence providing some additional non-hardscape lands as a buffer on the eastern side of the primary corridor. The existing highway of El Camino Real along the project's southern boundary has substantial traffic and is a significant future impediment to the establishment of a viable corridor that will connect southward with Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The culvert for Agua Hedionda Creek beneath El Camino Real would act as a primary route of passage for terrestrial animals. Robertson Ranch 19 ... • • • -- ·- - ..... - .... • -.. -- .... - Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-01 August 21. 2002 The mid-portion of the corridor currently supports disturbed agricultural lands without providing much vegetative cover. Nevertheless, no more promising route is available to link up with sage scrub habitat to the north. The predominantly north-south corridor eventually turns eastward as it approaches the northern boundaries of the Robertson Ranch; crossing a fair quality tract of Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub. This linkage provides a sizeable corridor connection not shown in the Carlsbad HMP. The proposed corridor route would then dogleg at a property corner and again head northward towards the Calavera Hills and sizeable tracts of previously dedicated biological open space. An impediment to the corridor occurs at this "dogleg" location --where the proposed College Boulevard extension is slated to exit the Robertson Ranch. A 12' arched by 6'underpass is approved for a wildlife crossing at this location; no natural drainage facilitates this crossing. In summary, the wildlife corridor's success is in large part dependent upon the ultimate revegetation of portions of the route that currently support agricultural lands on the Robertson Ranch; as well as the enhancement of wildlife road crossings at El Camino Real and the unconstructed College Boulevard extension. 6.1.5 Significant Secondary Impacts The Robertson Ranch has been subject to very intensive agricultural practices for decades. As a result, extant areas of native vegetation have generally been subject to substantial secondary impacts to the understory. As one example, the large tract of sage scrub along the northern boundary shows widespread evidence of understory disturbance due to various agricultural pursuits. Over the last century these apparently included use as staging areas for initial planting and harvesting activities, repetitive heavy foot traffic along numerous unofficial trails, temporary grazing of livestock, storage of truck crop vegetative detritus, and isolated but repetitive wildfires. Given this history, the proposed project may offer a respite from some of these more impactive practices. Ultimately, further secondary impacts will be directly correlated with the level of protection provided from numerous urban access points . 7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS TO REDUCE BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS 7.1 SENSITIVE VEGETATION Sage scrub impacts are at approximately 30.5 % of total sage scrub habitat present; within the 33% allowance to meet the intent of the Carlsbad HMP . Cumulative wetland impacts will require an individual U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit (i.e., proposed take exceeds the maximum allowed under a Nationwide Permit) and a California Department of Fish and Game 1603 Streambed Alteration Agreement. Additional wetlands permitting with the State Regional Water Quality Control Board will also be necessary to ensure best management practices are utilized in maintaining suitable water quality standards. 7.2 SENSITIVE PLANTS Sensitive plant populations on-site are adequately protected under the existing development design. No additional recommendations are made to protect specific populations of sensitive plants on-site. A significant portion of the adolphia population is currently being proposed to be protected within biological open space; as well as the entire Western Dichondra population previously observed on- site . Robertson Ranch 20 .. ... - ... - ... - .. ... Merkel & Associates Inc. #OJ -046-0/ August 21. 2002 7.3 SENSITIVE ANIMALS HMP requirements specify the preservation of 75% of the gnatcatcher population. Each of the three presumed gnatcatcher use areas on-site is primarily within the proposed biological open space; however, limited portions of the potential use area for the pair observed in the canyon-lands between Planning Areas 3 and 4 may be impacted by proposed fill slopes. Perceived secondary impacts from nearby residential development here could also be a factor (e.g., cat predation from the 27 proposed lots that share a boundary with the open space lands here). The open space appears to retain enough native vegetation to support a gnatcatcher territory. Informal discussions with the USFWS and the City will be necessary to determine if HMP requirements are met on this issue . 7.4 WILDLIFE CORRIDORS The site's proposed primary wildlife corridor is proposed to be fully integrated into the design plans for the College Boulevard extension, vis a vis the City of Carlsbad, federal, and state inter-agency participation in the approvals processes for both projects. Wildlife crossing issues hinging on College Boulevard underpass design criteria should be clearly resolved prior to construction of that separately permitted project. Criteria should deter significant road-killed animals through use of sound engineering means. General recommendations for wildlife underpasses vary. However, some recommendations in use regionally, include a requirement that roads crossing a substantial corridor should be fenced by at least a 10-foot tall barrier --channeling potential, terrestrial animal travel routes toward the appropriate wildlife underpass. These fences should be buried at least one foot underground so animals cannot readily dig underneath. The length to width ratio of wildlife underpasses is generally recommended to be 2:1 or less. One possible feature to ameliorate a less than 2:1 ratio is to provide sky-lit openings .. Such openings within the underpass allow for sunlight and subsequent vegetative cover to grow; and they decrease the dark, crowded conditions that may indicate potential danger to animals. Natural vegetative cover should be established and maintained at the entrance of wildlife underpasses. The culvert crossing of the road beneath College Boulevard should be designed to meet these criteria, and has recently been upgraded to a 12 foot wide arched by six foot tall culvert. It should be noted that only the first of these criteria (i.e., the fencing) is a direct responsibility of the Robertson Ranch project. 7.5 SECONDARY IMPACTS Several recommendations are made to deter or ameliorate potential secondary biological impacts: 1) Residents of Planning Areas 3 and 4 whose lots back onto the canyon-lands, that support native sage scrub, should be apprised of the sensitivity of the adjacent lands via appropriate signage, and informed of penalties for dumping materials over their fences into biological open space. 2) Fencing should be installed (at least 6' in height) to deter open access to the biological open space near the northern boundary of the property and running parallel to a proposed road that does not support housing on its northern boundary. Access points to the biological open space should be carefully controlled to eliminate random habitat degradation. 3) Two noxious plant species: Giant Cane (Arundo donax) and Pampas Grass ( Cortaderia jubata), should be eliminated from all areas of the property to be retained in open space. If identified, additional significant noxious plant species currently growing within the primary wildlife Robertson Ranch 21 .. .. ... - ... ... .. ... ... Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21. 2002 corridor (including the northern panhandle), should be flagged by a trained biologist and carefully removed (if such a removable can practically be achieved) so that seeds are not dispersed. 4) Potential horticultural planting areas on "project exterior" cut and fill slopes that abut biological open space should utilize native plant species rather than exotics whenever feasible. As an example, extensive fill slopes planned between Planning Areas 3 and 4 should be planted primarily in native sage scrub, to compliment the adjacent native sage scrub proposed to remain in this canyon drainage. 7.0 PREPARER'S QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS 7.1 PRESENT SURVEYS AND ANALYSES Focused surveys for the California Gnatcatcher, Least Bell's Vireo, and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher were performed under USFWS lO(a) permit numbers PRT-797999 and TE-801346-2. The following Merkel & Associates staff participated in the field work or document preparation. Craig H. Reiser, served as the principal report author. He has over 20 years experience in the region conducting biological impact analyses. Focused surveys for Least Bell's Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher were conducted by Geoffrey L. Rogers with over 10 years experience conducting similar avian surveys. Vegetation mapping and computer aided analysis has been completed by study area field biologists and Jessernine L. Fung, associate biologist/GIS specialist; Brian Parker, assistant biologist; and Jean-Paul LaCount, biological technician: GIS analyst. Robertson Ranch 22 - ·-... .... .... 1111111 ... .. ... Merkel & Associates Inc. # 01-046-01 August 21, 2002 LITERATURE CITED AND CONSULTED American Ornithologists Union. 1998, Seventh Edition. Check-list of North American Birds. American Ornithologists Union, Washington, D.C. Army Corps of Engineers. 1987. Wetland Delineation Manual: Appendix C, Section 1; Region 0- California. Technical Report Y-87-1. U.S. Army Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A Flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater River Press, National City, CA. 241 pp. Bowman, Roy. 1973. Soil Survey of the San Diego Area, California, Part I. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service, in cooperation with the University of California Agricultural Experiment Station, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Department of the Navy, United States Marine Corps, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the County of San Diego Planning Department. December, 1973. California Department of Fish and Game. 2000. List of Special Animals. July 2000. California Department of Fish and Game. 2000. List of State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California. July 2000. California Department of Fish and Game, Natural Heritage Division. 2000. Rarefind, California Natural Diversity Data Base . California Division of Mines and Geology. 1966. Geologic Map of California: Santa Ana Sheet. California Division of Mines and Geology, Sacramento. City of Carlsbad. 1999. Draft Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities . Collins, Joseph. 1990. Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American Amphibians and Reptiles (3rd ed.). The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Herpetological Circular No. 19. Everett, W. T. 1979. Threatened, Declining and Sensitive Bird Species in San Diego County. Audubon Society-Sketches. July 1979. 2-3. Glassberg, Jeffrey. 2001. Butterflies Through Binoculars: Western Edition. Glenn Lukos Associates. 2002. ACoE Wetland Delineation of the Robertson Ranch. Hickman, James, ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley. 1182 pp . Holland, Robert. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. Non-game Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game. Jennings, Mark. and Marc P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California. Final Report submitted to the California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division. Contract Number 8023 . Robertson Ranch 23 .. .. • ... .. - .. .. ... .. ... ... - • Merkel &Associates Inc. #01-046-01 August 21, 2002 Jones, Clyde, Robert Hoffmann, Dale Rice, Robert Baker, Mark Engstrom, Robert Bradley, David Schmidly, and Cheri Jones. Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico. Occas. Papers Mus., Texas Tech Univ., 173: 1-24. Munsell Color. 1974. Munsell Soil Color Charts. Macbeth, a Division of Kollmorgen Corporation, Baltimore, Maryland. Opler, Paul. 1999. A Field Guide to Western Butterflies, 2nd Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company . Boston Reiser, Craig. 2001 Edition. The Rare Plants of San Diego County. Aquafir Press. 175 pp . San Diego Non-Game Wildlife Subcommittee. 1976. Proposed List of Species and Habitats Requiring Special Protection and Study in San Diego County. Memorandum to San Diego County Environmental Quality Division . Sawyer, John. and Todd Keeler-Wolf. 1995. A Manual of California Vegetation. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento. Sibley, David Allen. 2001. The Sibley Guide to Birds. American Audubon Society and Alfred Knopf Press. Skinner, M. and B. Pavik. 1994. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. California Native Plant Society Publication No. 1, 51h Edition. Sacramento . Soule', Michael, and John Terborgh eds. 1999. Continental Conservation: Scientific Foundations of Regional Reserve Networks. Island Press. Washington D. C. and Covelo, California. Stebbins, Robert. 1985. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston Tate, James, Jr. 1986. The Blue List for 1986. American Birds 40(2):227-236 . Unitt, P. 1984. The Birds of San Diego County. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist. Memoir No. 13 . U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1997. Survey Protocol for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher. Revised July 28, 1997 . Robertson Ranch 24 -- - -.. .. -- - .... - - ,.., .... .. - Robertson Ranch APPENDIX 1. FLORAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED ROBERTSON RANCH A = Agricultural Lands D = Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub V =Vernal Pool/Basin X = Ruderal/Disturbed!U rban Lands * denotes non-native plant taxa Merkel & Associates, Inc.# {01-046-01} Habitat Types: C = Chamise Chaparral M = Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh R =Riparian Woodland (Willow/Mule Fat) A-1 ... .. """ Robertson Ranch .. Scientific Name Common Name Habitat --CRYPTOGAMS .. .. Equisetaceae-Horsetail Family Equisetum laevigatum A. Br. Smooth Scouring Rush w .. • Pteridaceae -Brake Family Pentagramma triangularis (Kaulf.)Yats. ssp. tricmgularis California Goldenba.ck Fern D '1111 • Selaginellaceae-Spike-Moss Family Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. Ashy Spike-moss D .. GYMNOSPERMS .. -Pinaceae-Pine Family *Pinus sp. Pine X .. *Pseudotsuga macrocarpa (Vasey)Mayr Bigcone Douglas-fir X -.. DICOTYLEDONS Aizoaceae-Carpet-weed Family -*Carpobrotus edulis (Molina)N.E. Brit. Hottentot -Fig X *Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. Crystalline Iceplant X *Mesembryanthemum nodijlorum L. Slender-leaved Iceplant X , ... Amaranthaceae -Amaranth Family -* Amaranthus alb us L. Tumbleweed X -*Am.aranthus blitoides S. Wats. Prostrate Amaranth X • Anacardiaceae-Sumac Family .. lvfalosma laurina (Torr. & Gray)Abrams Laurel Sumac D Rhus integrifolia (Nutt.)Benth. & Hook. Lemonade berry D ... Toxicodendron diversilobum (Torrey & Gray)Greene Western Poison Oak w -Apiaceae -Carrot Family .. Apiastrum angustifolium Nutt. Mock Parsley D *Apium graveolens L. Celery w -*Conium maculatum L. Common Poison Hemlock X .. * Daucus carota L. Queen Anne's Lace X Daucus pusillus Michx. Rattlesnake Weed D -*Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Fennel X .. Asclepiadaceae -Milkweed Family .. Asclepias fascicularis Dcne. Narrow-leaf Milkweed w -.. -Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01 A-2 .. .... - --- - ... .. .. .. ... .. .. .. ""' .. - Robertson Ranch Scientific Name Asteraceae-Sunt1ower Family Ambrosia psilostachya DC. *Anthemis cotula L. Artemisia californica Less. Artemisia douglasiana Bess. Artemisia dracunculus L. Aster subulatus Michx. var. ligulatus Shinn. Baccharis emoryi Gray Baccharis pilularis DC. Baccharis salicifolia (R. & P.)Pers. *Carduus pycnocephalus L. *Centaurea melitensis L. Chaenactis glabriuscula DC. var. glabriuscula *Chrysanthemum coronarium L. *Cirsium vulgare (Savi)Ten. *Conyza bonariensis (L.)Cronq. *Conyza canadensis (L.)Cronq. *Cotula australis (Spreng.)Hook. f. *Coutla coronopifolia L. *Cynara cardunculus L. *Eclipta prostrata (L.)L. Encelia californica Nutt. Common Name Western Ragweed Mayweed California Sagebrush Mugwort Tarragon Slim Aster Emory's Baccharis Coyote Brush Mule Fat Italian Thistle Tocalote Yellow Pincushion Garland Bull Thistle Flax-leaf Fleabane Horse weed Australian Brass-buttons Brass-buttons Cardoon False-daisy California Encelia Eriophyllum confertiflorum (DC.)Gray Filago californica Nutt. Gnaphalium bicolor Bioletti Gnaphalium cal!fornicum DC. Gnaphalium luteo-albwn L. var. confertiflorum Golden-yarrow California Filago Bicolor Cudweed California Everlasting Cud weed Gnaphalium palustre Nutt. Hazardia squarrosa ssp. grindelioides (DC.)Clarke Helianthus annuus L. Lowland Cudweed Saw-toothed Goldenbush Western Sunflower Hemizonia (Deinandra) fasciculata (DC.)Torrey & Gray Fascicled Tarplant Heterotheca grandiflora Nutt. Telegraph Weed *Hypochoeris glabra L. Smooth Cat's-ear Jsocoma menziesii (Hook. & Arn.)Nesom var. menziesii Goldenbush !socoma menziesii (Hook. & Arn.)Nesom var. vernonioides (Nutt.)Nesom Coastal Goldenbush *Lactuca serriola L. Wild Lettuce Lasthenia californica Lindley Common Goldfields Lessingiafilaginifolia (Hook. & Arn.)M.A. Lane var.filagin!folia Osmadenia tenella Nutt. *Picris echioides L. Pluchea odorata Cav . Psilocarphus brevissimus Nutt. *Silybum marianum (L.)Gaertn. *Sonchus asper (L.)Hill Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01 Cudweed Aster Osmadenia Bristly Ox-tongue Salt Marsh Fleabane Woolly Marbles Milk-thistle Prickly Sow Thistle Habitat w w D w w M w w w X X D X X X X w w X X D D D D D X w D A D X D D D X D D D w M v X X A-3 - .... ... -- ... .. .. ... Robertson Ranch Scientific Name * Sonchus ole race us L. Stephanomeria diegensis Gottlieb Stylocline gnaphalioides Nutt. Uropappus lindleyi (DC.)Nutt. *Xanthium strumarium L. *Zinnia sp. Boraginaceae-Borage Family Common Name Common Sow Thistle San Diego Wreath-Plant Everlasting Nest Straw Silver Puffs Cocklebur Aztec Zinnia Habitat X X D D w X Amsinckia menziesii (Lehm.)Nelson & J.F. Macbr. var. intermedia (F.& M.) Ganders Rancher's Fireweed D Cryptantha intermedia (Gray)Greene Nievitas, Cryptantha D Heliotropium curvassavicum L. Salt Heliotrope M Plagiobothrys collinus (Philbr.)J.M. Johnston var. gracilis (Jtn.)Higgins Brassicaceae -Mustard Family *Brassica sp. *Brassica oleracea *Brassica nigra (L.)Koch *Hirschfeldia incana (L.)Lagr.-Fossat Lepidium nitidum Nutt. var. nitidum *Raphanus sativus L. *Rorippa nasturtium-officinale (L.)Hayek *Sisymbrium irio L. Cactaceae-Cactus Family *Opuntiaficus-indica (L.)Miller Opuntia littoralis (Engelm.)Ckll. Opuntia phaeacantha Engel. Opuntia prolifera Engelm. Capparaceae -Caper Family lsomeris arborea Nutt. Caryophyllaceae -Pink Family Cardionema ramosissimum (Weinm.)Nels. & Macbr. *Cerastium glomeratum Thuill. *Silene gallica L. *Spergularia bocconii (Scheele)Merino Spergularia marina (L.)Griseb. * Stellaria media (L.) Villars Chenopodiaceae -Goosefoot Family *Atriplex rosea L. *Atriplex semibaccata R. Br. Atriplex triangularis Willd. Merkel & Associates, Inc. #OJ -046-01 Small California Popcornflower D Mustard Greens Cabbage Black Mustard Short-pod Mustard Shining Peppergrass Radish Water Cress London Rocket Indian-fig Coast Prickly-pear Interior Prickly-pear Cholla Bladderpod Tread Lightly Mouse-ear Chickweed Common Catchfly Buccone's Sand-spurry Salt Marsh Sand-spurry Common Chickweed Redscale, Red Saltbush Australian Saltbush Spearscale A A X X D X w X D D D D D D X X X M X X X M A-4 Robertson Ranch Scientific Name Common Name Habitat -*Bassia hyssopifolia (Pall.)Kuntze Five-hook Bassia M -*Beta vulgaris L. Sea Beet A *Chenopodium album L. Lamb's Quarters X -Chenopodium berlandieri Moq. Pitseed Goosefoot X ... Chenopodium cal(fornicum (Wats.)Wats. California Goosefoot D *Chenopodium murale L. Nettle-leaf Goosefoot X .. Salicornia virginica L. Pickleweed M ... *Salsola tragus L. Russian Thistle X ... Convolvulaceae -Morning-Glory Family -Calystegia macrostegia (Greene)Brumm. Finger-leaf Morning-glory D *Convolvulus arvensis L. Bindweed X -Cressa truxillensis Kunth. Alkali Weed M ;-Dichondra occidentalis House Western Dichondra D -Crassulaceae -Stonecrop Family Crassula aquatica (L.)Schoenl. Stonecrop v Crassula connata (Ruiz & Pav.)Berger Dwarf Stonecrop D -Dudleya lanceolata (Nutt.)Britt. & Rose Coastal Dudleya D Dudleya pulverulenta (Nutt.)Britt. & Rose Chalk -lettuce D Cucurbitaceae -Gourd Family *Cucumis melo Melon A *Cucurbita pepo Zucchini A Marah macrocarpus (Greene)Greene var. macrocarpus Wild-Cucumber D Cuscutaceae-Dodder Family Cuscuta californica Hook & Arn. var. califomica Witch's Hair D Ericaceae-Heath Family Xylococcus bicolor Nutt. Mission Manzanita c - """ ·Euphorbiaceae-Spurge Family *Chamaesyce mantlata (L.)Small Spotted Spurge X .. Chamaesyce polycarpa (Benth.)Millsp. Small-seed Sandmat D ,. Eremocarpus setigerus (Hook.)Benth. Dove weed X *Ricinus communis L. Castor-bean R .. -Fabaceae-Pea Family *Acacia sp . Wattle X • Lotus .ycoparius ssp. brevialatus (Ottley)Munz Deerweed D *Medicago polymorpha L. California Burclover X -*Melilotus albus Desr. White Sweetclover w .. *Melilotus indicus (L.)All. Sourclover X *Phaseolus vulgaris String Bean A .... *Vicia villosa Roth Winter Vetch, Hairy Vetch X .. ,.,;, Merkel & Associates, Inc.# 01-046-01 A-5 .. - ---- -- - .... .. • .. • - ·• Robertson Ranch Scientific Name Fagaceae-Oak Family Quercus berberidifolia Liebm. Frankeniaceae-Frankenia Family Frankenia salina (Molina)Jtn. Gentianaceae-Gentian Family Centaurium venustum (Gray)Robinson Geraniaceae-Geranium Family *Erodium brachycarpum (Godr.)Thell. *Erodium cicutarium (L.)L'Her. *Erodium moschatum (L.)L'Her. Grossulariaceae -Currant Family Ribes speciosum Pursh Hydrophyllaceae-Waterleaf Family Common Name Scrub Oak AI kal i Heath Canchalagua Short-beak Filaree Red-stem Filaree White-stem Filaree Fuchsia-flowered Gooseberry Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia (Benth.)Greene var. chrysanthemifolia Eucrypta Lamiaceae -Mint Family *Marrubium vulgare L. *Mentha spicata L. var. spicata Salvia apiana Jeps. Salvia colwnbariae Benth. Salvia mell(fera Greene Lythraceae-Loosestrife Family *Lythrum hyssopifolia L. Malvaceae-Mallow Family Malacothamnusfasciculatus (Nutt.)Greene *Malva parviflora L. Malvella leprosa (Ort.)Krapov. Sidalcea malvaejlora (DC.)Benth. ssp. sparsifolia Hitch. Musaceae-Banana Family *Musa acuminata Myrtaceae-Myrtle Family *Eucalyptus sp. Nyctaginaceae -Four-O'Clock Family Mirabilis californica Gray Merkel & Associates, Inc. #Of -046-01 Horehound Spearmint White Sage Chi a Black Sage Grass Poly Chaparral Mallow Cheeseweed, Little Mallow Alkali-mallow Checkerbloom Banana Eucalyptus California Wishbone Plant Habitat c M D X X X D D X X D 0 D v D X M D A X D A-6 - .... .. -.. - - - • .. Robertson Ranch Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Oleaceae-Olive Family *Olea europea L. Mission Olive X Onagraceae -Evening-Primrose Family Epilobium ciliatum Raf. ssp. ciliatum Willow Herb Oenothera elata Kunth ssp. hirsutissima (Wats.)Dietrich Great Marsh Evening Primrose w w Oxalidaceae-Wood-Sorrel Family Oxalis albicans Kunth ssp. californica (Abrams)Eiten Plantaginaceae -Plantain Family Plantago elongata Pursh. Plantago erecta Morris Platanaceae-Sycamore Family Platanus racemosa Nutt. Polemoniaceae-Phlox Family California Wood-sorrel Plantain Dot-seed Plantain Western Sycamore Navarretia hamata Greene ssp. leptantha (Greene)Mason Narrow-throated Skunkweed Polygonaceae-Buckwheat Family Chorizanthefim.briata Nutt. var.jimbriata Fringed Spineflower Eriogonumfasciculatum Benth. var.foliolosum (Nutt.)S. Stokes *Polygonum arenastrum Bor. Pterostegia dryntarioides F. & M. *Rumex crispus L. Rumex salicifolius Wienm. Portulacaceae -Purslane Family Claytonia perfoliata Donn ssp. perfoliata *Portulaca oleracea L. Plumbaginaceae-Leadwort Family Limonium perezii (Stapf.)Hubb. Primulaceae-Primrose Family *Anagallis arvensis L. Ranunculaceae-Crowfoot Family Clematis pauciflora Nutt. Rhamnaceae-Buckthorn Family Adolphia californica Wats. Rhamnus crocea Torrey & Gray Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01 Interior Flat-top Buckwheat Common Knotweed Granny's Hairnet Curly Dock Willow Dock Common Miner's-lettuce Common Purslane Perez Rosemary Scarlet Pimpernel Ropevine California Adolphia Spiny Redberry D v w D D D X D w w D X M X D D D A-7 - - - - - - - ... • - - • Robertson Ranch Scientific Name Rosaceae -Rose Family Adenostomafasciculatum Hook & Arn. Heteromeles arbutifolia (Ait.)M. Roem. Rubiaceae-Madder Family . _ Common Name Chamise To yon Galiwn angustifolium Nutt. ex Torrey & Gray ssp. cmgust(folium Narrow-leaf Bedstraw Galium nuttallii Gray ssp. nuttallii Nuttall's Bedstraw Salicaceae-Willow Family Populus fremontii Wats. ssp. ji-emontii Salix exigua Nutt. Salix gooddingii Ball Salix laevigata Bebb Salix lasiolepis Benth. Saururaceae -Lizard-tail Family Anem.opsis californica Hook. Scrophulariaceae -Figwort Family Fremont Cottonwood Narrow-leaved Willow Goodding's Black Willow Red Willow Arroyo Willow Yerba Mansa Mimulus aurantiacus Curtis San Diego Monkeyflower Scrophularia californica Cham. & Schldl. ssp.jloribunda (Greene)Shaw California Figwort *Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. Water Speedwell Solanaceae-Nightshade Family *Capsicum annuum Datura wrightii Regel *Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. *Nicotiana glauca Grah. *Solanum nigrum L. Tamaricaceae -Tamarisk Family *Tamarix parvijlora DC. Urticaceae -Nettle Family Urtica dioica L. ssp. holosericea (Nutt.)Thorne * U rtica urens L. Verbena~eae-Verbena Family Verbena lasiostachys Link var. lasiostachys Viscaceae-Mistletoe Family Phoradendron villoswn (Nutt.)Nutt. Merkel &Associates, Inc. #01-046-01 Bell Pepper Western Jimsonweed Tomato Tree Tobacco Black Nightshade European Tamarisk Hoary Nettle Dwarf Nettle Western Vervain Oak Mistletoe Habitat c c D D w w w w w M D D X A X A X X w w X D w A-8 Robertson Ranch 0-Scientific Name Common Name Habitat -Zygophyllaceae-Caltrop Family "''" *Tribulus terrestris L. Puncture Vine X ... MONOCOTYLEDONS -Cyperaccae-Sedge Family .... Carex triquetra W. Boott Triangular-fruit Sedge D Cyperus eragrostis Lam. Tall Flatsedge w -*Cyperus involucratus Rottb. Umbrella Flatsedge M -*Cyperus odoratus L. Fragrant Flatsedge M Eleocharis 1nontevidensis Kunth Dombey's Spike-sedge w -Scirpus californicus (C.A. Mey.)Steudel. California Bulrush w "" Scirpus robustus Pursh Prairie Bulrush w ... Iridaceae -Iris Family ,.. Sisyrinchium bellum Wats. B I ue-eyed-grass D .. Juncaceae-Rush Family ]uncus acutus L. ssp. leopoldii (Parl.)Snag. Spiny Rush w .. ]uncus b4'onius L. var. bufonius Toad Rush M • ]uncus mexicanus Willd . Mexican Rush M .. Liliaceae -Lily Family ,. *Agave americana L. American Agave X *Allium cepa Spring Onion A .. *Allium schoenopraswn Chives A ... Bloomeria crocea (Torr.)Cov. Common Goldenstar D Calochortus splendens Benth. Splendid Mariposa D • Calochortus weedii Wood var. weedii Weed's Mariposa D • Chlorogalum parv!florum Wats. Small-flower Soap-plant D Dichelostemma capitatum Wood ssp. capitatum Blue Hyacinth D .. Yucca schidigera Ortgies Mojave Yucca D • Poaceae -Grass Family .. *Arundo donax L. Giant Reed w ... *A vena barbata Link Slender Wild Oat X Bothriochloa barbinodis (Lag.)Herter Cane Bluestem D ... *Bromus diandrus Roth Ripgut Grass X *Bromus hordeaceus L. Soft Chess X • *BromLtS madritensis L. ssp. rubens (L.)Husnot Red Brome X -*Cortaderia jubata (Lem.)Stapf Pampas Grass X *Cynodon dactylon (L.)Pers. Bermuda Grass X ... Distich/is spicata (L.)Greene Saltgrass w ..... *Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum (Link)Arcang. Han~ Barley X *Lamarckia aurea (L.)Moench Golden-top X .. ... Merkel & Associates, Inc. #01-046-01 A-9 .. - - --- --... • • • ... Robertson Ranch Scientific Name Leptochloa uninervia (Presi.)Hitch. & Chase Leymus condensatus (Presl)A. Love *Lolium perenne L. Melica imperfecta Trin. Nassella lepida (A.S. Hitchcock)Barkworth Nassella pulchra (A.S. Hitchcock)Barkworth Paspalum distichum L. *Pennisetum setaceum Forsk. *Phalaris minor Retz. *Piptatherum miliaceum (L.)Cosson *Poa annuaL. *Poa pratensis L. ssp. pratensis *Polypogon monspeliensis (L.)Desf. *Schismus barbatus (L.)Thell. *Setaria viridis (L.)Beauv. *Vulpia myuros (L.)Gmelin *Zea mays L. Typhaceae-Cat-Tail Family Typha domingensis Pers . Typha latifolia L. Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01 Common Name Dense-flower Sprangle-top Giant Wild Rye Perennial Ryegrass Coast Range Melic Foothill Needlegrass Purple Needlegrass Dallas Grass Fountain Grass Littleseed Canary Grass Smilo Grass Annual Bluegrass Kentucky Bluegrass Annual Beard Grass Mediterranean Schismus Green Bristlegrass Foxtail Fescue Cultivated Corn Southern Cattail Broad-leaved Cattail Habitat w D X D D D w X X w X X w D X X A M M A-10 - -- '"" .. '""' - - -.. .. .. ... - Robertson Ranch APPENDIX 2. FAUNAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED Habitat.Types: A = Agricultural Lands C = Chamise Chaparral D = Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub M = Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh V = Vernal Pool/Basin R =Riparian Woodland (Willow/Mule Fat) X= Ruderal/Disturbed/Urban Lands Abundance Codes: A= Abundant: Almost always encountered in moderate to large numbers in suitable habitat and the indicated season. C = Common: Usually encountered in proper habitat at the given season. U = Uncommon: Infrequently detected in suitable habitat. May occur in small numbers or only locally in the given season. R = Rare: Applies to species that are found in very low numbers. Status Codes: M = Migrant: Uses the site for brief periods of time, primarily during the spring and fall months . R= Year-round resident: Probable breeder on-site or in the vicinity. S= Spring/summer resident: Probable breeder on-site or in the vicinity. T = Transient: Uses site regularly but unlikely to breed on-site. W = Winter visitor: Does not breed locally . Merkel & Associates, Inc. #OJ -046-01 A-1 Robertson Ranch -Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Abundance Status ... BUTTERFLIES '--Papilionidae (Swallowtail Butterflies) Pale Swallowtail Papilio eurymedon D c R '""' Western Tiger Swallowtail Papilio rutulus R c R Anise Swallowtail Papilio zelicaQn A c R - Pieridae (White, Orange-tip, and Sulfur Butterflies) -Checkered White Pontia protodice A A R ,,. Cabbage White Pieris rapae A A R Sara Orangetip Anthocharis sara sara R u R ... Orange Sulphur Colias eurytheme A c R -Lycaenidae (Hairstreak, Copper, and Blue Butterflies) -Western Pigmy-Blue Brephidium exile X c R Perplexing Hairstreak Callophrys perplexa D u R Marine Blue Leptotes marina D u R -Ceraunus Blue Hemiargus ceraunus D u R Bernardino Dotted-Blue Euphilotes bernardino D u R Southern Blue Glaucopsyche lygdamus australis D u R -Acmon Blue Icaricia acmon D u R Riodinidae (Metalmarks) """' Behr's Metalmark Apodemia virgulti D A R Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies) -Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa R u R American Lady Vanessa virginiensis D u T ... Painted Lady Vanessa cardui D A T • West Coast Lady Vanessa anabella D c T Common Buckeye Junonia coenia D u R '<!Ill Lorquin's Admiral Basilarchia lorquini R u R ... Common Ringlet Coenonympha tuilla D c R • Hesperiidae (Skipper Butterflies) Funereal Duskywing Erynnis jimeralis D u R ... Common Checkered-Skipper Pyrgus communis D u R """ Fiery Skipper Hylephila phyleus X ·u R ... .. AMPHIBIANS -... Hylidae (Treefrogs and Relatives) Pacific Chorus Frog Pseudacris regilla R c R ... -Merkel & Associates, Inc.# 01-046-01 A-2 ... - Robertson Ranch ,.., Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Abundance Status --REPTILES -Phrynosomatidae -.... Western Fence Lizard Sceloporus occidentalis D A R Side-blotched Lizard Uta stansburiana D A R -... Teiidae (Whiptails and Relatives) Orangethroat Whiptail Cnemidophorus hyperythrus D c R ... ,.. Viperidae (Vipers) Southern Pacific Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis helleri D c R .. "" BIRDS .. .. Accipitridae (Hawks, Old World Vultures, and Harriers) White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus A,D,X c R ... Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus D,A,D,X u T Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii D,C,R c R .. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis A,D,X, c R • C,R -Falconidae (Caracaras and Falcons) • American Kestrel Falco sparverius A,D,X c R Ill Phasianidae (Quails, Pheasants, and Relatives) • California Quail Callipepla califomica D,C c R .. Charadriidae (Plovers and Relatives) .. Killdeer Charadrius vociferous A,V,X,M c R • -columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) .. Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura A,D,X,R c R -Cuculidae (Typical Cuckoos) Greater Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus A,D,X,C R R .. .. Apodidae (Swifts) White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis A,D,V,X, u T • C,M,R .. Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) • Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri R c s Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna D,X,C,R c R -Costa's Hummingbird Calypte costae D,C c s .. ... Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01 A-3 .. -Robertson Ranch -Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Abundance Status -Selasphorus species D,X,C,R u M --Picidae (Woodpeckers and Wrynecks) Nuttall's Woodpecker Picoides nuttallii R c R -Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans A,V,X,R c R Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens D,X,C,R c s -Cassin's Kingbird Tyrannus vociferans A,D,X,R c s Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis A,D,X,R c s -Laniidae (Shrikes) -Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus A,D,X,C, R R R .. Vireonidae (Typical Vireos) Least Bell's Vireo .,. Vireo bellii pusillus R R s .. Corvidae (Jays, Magpies, and Crows) Western Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma californica D,C,R c R ... American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos A,D,X,C, c R .. R Common Raven Corvus corax A,D,X,C, c R ·-R -Alaudidae (Larks) California Horned Lark Erenwphila alpestris actia A,X u R ... Hirundinidae (Swallows) Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor A,D,V,X, u s ... C,M,R • Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis A,D,V,X, c s C,M,R .. Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota A,D,V,X, c s • Aegithalidae (Bushtit) C,M,R ... Bush tit Psaltriparus minimus D,X,C,R c R -Troglodytidae (Wrens) .. Bewick's Wren Thryomanes bewickii D,C c R .. House.Wren Troglodytes aedon R c R .... Sylviidae (Old World Warblers and Gnatcatchers) -Coastal California Gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica D R R """ -... Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01 A-4 • ... Robertson Ranch -Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Abundance Status "-Timaliidae (Wrentit) Wrentit Chamaeafasciata D,C c R , .. Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers) '"" Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos X c R California Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum -D,C c R ,..,. Sturnidae (Starlings) European Starling Sturnus vulgaris A,X,R A R --Parulidae (Warblers) Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata D,C,R c R -Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia R u s '"' Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas M,R c R Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens R u s --Emberizidae (Sparrows, Blackbirds and Relatives) Spotted Towhee Pipilo maotlates D,C,R c R -California Towhee Pipilo crissalis D,C c R So. Ca. Rufous-crowned Sparrow Aimophila ruficeps canescens D c R .. Bell's Sage Sparrow Amphispiza belli belli D,C R R .. Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia M,R c R .... Cardinalidae (Grosbeaks, Buntings, and Relatives) ,,.. Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus R c s Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea R c s "' Lazuli Bunting Passerina amoena D,C,R c s • lcteridae (Blackbirds, Meadowlarks, Orioles, and Relatives) • Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta A,V,X c R ,. Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater A,R c R .. ·Fringillidae (Finches) • House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus A,D,X,C, A R R • Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria D,X,R c R American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis X,R c R • .. MAMMALS • .. Leporidae (Rabbits and Hares) Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii D A R .. """ - "" Merkel & Associates, Inc. #OJ -046-01 A-S - .. - - - .. -- - - Robertson Ranch Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Abundance Status Sciuridae (Squirrels, Chipmunks, and Marmots) California Ground Squirrel Spermophilus beecheyi Geomyidae (Pocket Gophers) Botta's Pocket Gopher Thomomys bottae (burrows) Heteromyidae (Pocket Mice and Kangaroo Rats) Pacific Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys agilis (tail drags) Canidae (Foxes, Wolves, and Relatives) Coyote Canis latrans (scat) Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus (scat) Procyonidae (Raccoons and Relatives) Raccoon Procyon lotor (tracks) Cervidae (Deer, Elk, and Relatives) Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus (scat) Merkel &Associates, Inc. #01-046-01 D,X D D D,X D R D A A u c u c u R R R R R R R A-6 j. • j • • ' J • J I t . ' • J I l j l Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002 APPENDIX 3. LOCAL SPECIAL STATUS PLANT SPECIES PRESENCE AND STATUS. The following abbreviations are used in this table: FE == Federally Endangered, FT = Federally Threatened, FSC = Federal Species of Special Concern, SE = California ESA Endangered, NE = MSCP Narrow Endemic Species. *Habitat codes are synonymous to those used in the California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (Skinner and Pavlik 1994). CCFrs = closed-cone conifer forest, Chprl = chaparral, CoScr = coastal scrub, CmWid = cismontane woodland, MshSw = marshes and swamps, Medws = meadows and seeps, RpWid =riparian woodland, VFGrs = valley and foothill grassland, VnPls = vernal pools. For habitat characterization see Skinner and Pavlik 1994. Sci~~t\fi() N~w~ .·.· .. · Co11m1<ln Name f!abjtat* Federal CaUfo).'nia CNPS Carlsbad Present ~rob~liHJty 9fQc£#h'~l}c~/ ·. Status Statl)s s4b~r~~ J{easonf{)r i\.bsenre · · . · .. ··. ·.· Plari .. ... . .. . . > .. Acanthomintha Chprl, CoScr, VFGrs, Low, substantial levels of existing San Diego Thorn-mint FT SE lB Covered --disturbance throughout areas of ilicifiJlia VnPls/clay cracked clay soils Present, well distributed throughout Adolphia cali(omica California Adolphia Chprl, CoScr None None 2 Not covered YES sage scrub; population numbers in the hundreds I Am/Jrosia pumila San Diego Ambrosia CoScr,RpWld FE None lB Covered --Low; habitat poorly developed on-site A rcto.~taplzylos Low to None, northeast of known ~:Ianchtlosa ssp. Del Mar Manzinita Chprl FE None lB Covered --range; chaparral sparse on-site crassifiJ/ia Arcto.~taphylos Rainbow Manzinita Chprl None None lB Not covered Not expected, well outside of --rainbuwensis historical range Encinitas Baccharis Chprl (sandstone) FT SE IB Covered Low to None, well outside historical Bacclzaris vanes.we --range Thread-leaf Brodiaea Medws, VFGrs, FT CE IB Covered Low, not observed during current B rodiaea fil ifiJ/ia VnPls/clay -· spring survey series CCFrs, Chprl, CmWld, Low, not observed during current Brodiaea orcutti Orcutt's Brodiaea Medws, VFGrs, None None IB Covered --spring survey series VnPls/clay Listed C(fu/antlzus but Low to None, well southwest of heterophy/lus var. Buck's Jewelflower Chprl, CoScr None None waiting Not covered -· known range pseudosimulans code. Cewwthus venucoms Wart-stemmed Ceanothus Chprl FSC None 2 Covered .. Low to None, suitable habitat almost absent on-site Centromadia pun gens FSC IB Not covered Low to None, no suitable habitat Smooth Tarplant VFGrs None ·-present on-site ssp.'!aevis Merkel &Associates, Inc. #0/-046-01 A-3-I ••• l • I • I j l • l I ' . & I • j ' l l I i ' Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002 Chamaebatia australis Southern Mountain Misery Chprl None None 4 Not covered Not expected, no suitable habitat --present on-site Churizanthe Orcutt's Spine flower CoScr FE CE IB Covered Not expected, north of known range orcuttiana -- Comarostaphylis Low, very little suitable habitat divers!f(Jlia ssp. Summer-Holly Chprl FSC None IB Covered -- diversif(Jlia present on-site Convolvulus simuilms Small-flowered Morning Chprl (openings) None None 4 Not covered Low, most suitable habitat in cracked Glory --clay soils is heavily degraded Corethrogyne .filag inif(J!ia var. Del Mar Sand Aster CoScr, Chprl, VFGrs None None IB Covered --Low, northeast of known range linifulia Deinandra paniculata Paniculate Tarplant VFGrs, CoScr (openings) None None 4 Not covered Low to None, well southwest of --historical range Dichondra Present on-site in limited numbers in occidenralis Western Dichondra Chprl, CoScr None None 4 Not covered YES sage scrub understory; population might show resurgence if site burned Dudleya viscid a Sticky Dudleya Chprl, CoScr (steep north FSC None 4 Covered Not expected, no suitable habitat facing slopes) --present on-site Dudleya bluchmaniae Blochman's Dudley a CoScr FSC CE lB Covered --I Not expected, generally found closer ssp. blochmwziae to beaches Eryngium aristulatwn San Diego Button Celery VnPis FE SE lB Not covered Low to None, no well developed ssp. parishii --vernal pools present on-site Euphorbia misera Cliff Spurge CoScr None None 2 Covered Low: conspicuous species not --observed Ferocactus viridescens San Diego Barrel Cactus Chprl, CoScr FSC None 2 Covered ·--Low. species searched for. not found Fritillaria biflora var. Chocolate Lily Chprl, CoScr, VFGrs/clay None None Unlisted Not covered --Low_ species searched for, not found biflora Githopsis difjitsa ssp. Mission Canyon Blue-Cup Chprl (openings) FSC None 3 Not covered --Low. species searched for, not-found .filicaulis Harpagonella palmeri Palmer's Grappling Hook Chprl, CoScr, VFGrs/clay None None 4 Not covered Moderate. potentially present in low --numhc'r> in mesic sage scrub swales Merkel & Associates, Inc.# 01-046-01 A-3-2 l I j I ' I • I t • • I I ' j ' j I J l Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002 Hazardia orcuttii Orcutt's Hazardia Chprl FSC Candidate IB Covered --Not expected; well north of sole U.S. population Holocarpha virgata Gi·aceful Tarplant VFGrs FSC None 4 Not covered Moderate, Species searched for, not --found Horkeliqtrwu:ata Ramona Horkelia Chprl, CmWld/ None None lB None --Not expected, lack of suitable habitat clay on project site. !socoma menzeisii var. High, some individuals of lsocoma decumbens Decumbent Goldenbush CoScrs None None lb Not covered --complex likely present on clay substrates; not botanically significant Iva hayesiana San Diego Marsh-elder RpWld FSC None 2 Covered Low, near northern edge of known (creeks/streambeds) --range .lwzcu,, acutus ssp. Southwestern Spiny Rush MshSw (coastal salt) None None 4 Not covered YES Present in several drainages; not leopoldii botanically significant Machaeranthera Rush-like Brislleweed Chprl, CoScr None None 4 Not covered Not expected; well west of known --juncea range Microseris douglasii Small-flowered Microseris YFGrs (clay) None None 4 Not Covered Low, clay balds where potentially --_present are generally very disturbed Muilla cleve/andii San Diego Goldenstar Chprl, CoScr (openings) FSC None IB Covered Low to none, this near extreme --northern end of known range Myosurus miuimus Little Mousetail YnPls FSC None 3 Not covered Low, not observed in low quality --ssp. opus vernal pools and vernal swales on-site NavarretiafiJssa/is Spreading Navarretia YnPls FT None lB Not covered Low, not observed in low quality --I vernal pools and vernal swales on-site Generally restricted to higher quality Orcullia wlifinnica California Orcutt Grass YnPis FE CE IB Covered --vernal pools; vernal pools on-site are not of this caliber Poly gala comuta ssp. Fish's Milkwort Chprl, CmWld, RpWld None None 4 Not covered --Not expected, lack of suitable habitat .fishiae on project site Low, near interface of Q. dumosa and Quercus dumosa Nuttall's Scrub Oak Chprl FSC None IB Not covered --Q. be rbe ridifiJ/ia populations; chapmTal poorly developed on-site Quercus engelmanni Engelmann Oak Chprl, CmWld, RpWld, None None 4 Covered --Conspicuous species not found VFGrs Tetracoccus dioiczzs Parry's Tetracoccus Chprl, CoScr None None lB Covered --Not expected; habitat not present Low, the site is generally outside of Viguiera luciniata San Diego County Viguiera CoScr None None 4 Not covered natural range of species, but now --spreading in region via introduced hydroseed mixes Merkel & Associates, Inc.# 01-046-01 A-3-3 ' . ' i ' . • • l i i I. ' Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002 APPENDIX 4. LOCAL SPECIAL STATUS ANIMAL SPECIES PRESENCE AND STATUS. The following abbreviations are used throughout the table: FE = Federally Endangered, FT = Federally Threatened, CSC = CDFG Species of Special Concern; SA = CDFG Special Animal, SE = California ESA Endangered, . ST = California ESA Threatened. The abbreviation, FSC, indicates "Federal Species of Concern". This is a "term of art" for former Category 2 species whose conservation status is of concern to the USFWS but for which no official status has been designated. It is provided here for informational purposes only. . . ·. c~riSpap ...... .. /'; F£6~~~illtY !if • ... ·· . · .. ·.· ... ·· .. ... 0Pmlijoh Sci~ntifk Ihb\tat F~d~ral Cjllif~rni~ S4p~i:e~ ······ .•... 9n~~Hli .. 9~~.pr~~H~ti/R~·a~91l•fqf··· .· .·.···. ... N!tme .•. . N~me. Status Status I .• £la11. · · · ... Statvs A..b$ence. > .· ......... · . • .. i•. . ... Quina Euphydryas Open grassland and openings within FE SA Not Covered Not Outside of current known range. Checkers pot editha quina shrub habitats that support Dwarf expected Buttert1y Plantain (Plantago erecta) Harbison's Dun Euphyes vestris Oak woodlands, riparian woodlands, FSC --Covered Absent Low to none, site lacks suitable Skipper harbisoni and riparian scrub. habitat Hermes Copper Lycaena hermes Openings in chaparral, associated FSC SA Covered Not Low, site IS generally northwest of with the larval host plant Spiny expected current known range Red berry (Rhamnus crocea), adults feed on nectar from Flat-top Buckwheat Salt Marsh Panoquina Forages in coastal salt marsh None None Covered Potentially May occupy brackish marsh habitat Skipper errans Present near corner of El Camino Real and Tamarack; population if present would not be significant; high quality habitat surrounds Agua Hedionda Lagoon Riverside Fairy Streptocephaltts Lives 10 deeper, longer sustaining FE None Covered Absent Habitat absent from site Shrimp woottoni vernal pools San Diego Fairy Branchinecta Lives in vernal pools FE None Covered Low May occupy vernal pool mapped on- Shrimp sandiegoensis potential site; isolation of this lone pool may for preclude this species; seasonal presence survey would be necessary to confirm presence/absence Arroyo Toad Bufo Shallow pools, open sand, and FE esc, Covered Not Lack of suitable habitat califomicus gravel flood terraces of intermittent Protected expected to perennial streams; may also occupy adjacent upland communities within 1.2 km Merkel &Associates, Inc. #01-046-01 A-3-4 l l • II i ' j l I i I i • I l I I I • I I ll I l I l Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002 Western Scaphiopus Prefers sandy or gravelly soil in FSC esc, Not Covered Moderate Potentially present on-site in limited Spadefoot Toad hammondii grasslands, sage scrub, open Protected potential numbers in sage scrub near vernal chaparral, and pine-oak woodlands; for pool habitat grasslands with shallow temporary presence pools are optimal on-site California Red-Rana aurora Quiet permanent stream pools, FT esc, Not Covered Absent Requires permanent or nearly legged Frog marshes, and ponds Protected permanent water with emergent vegetation, which is absent on-site Southwestern Clemmys Quiet permanent stream pools, and FSC esc Covered Absent None, site lacks suitable habitat Pond Turtle marmorata ponds .. pal/ida San Diego Phrynosoma Chaparral, sage scrub, oak FSC esc, Covered Good Site is relatively disturbed but still Horned Lizard corona tum woodlands, and grasslands; Protected potential supports fair quality habitat for this blainvillii sometimes occurs along seldom for limited species in sage scrub used dirt roads where native ant presence species are prevalent Coronado Skink Eumeces Variety of habitats including FSC esc None Good Site is relatively disturbed and skiltoniarws grasslands, sage scrub, and various potential supports fair quality habitat for this in terparietalis woodlands including oak, pine, for species in mesic areas juniper, and riparian presence Orangethroat Cnemidophorus Sage scrub (and chaparral), prefers FSC esc, Covered Present Appears well distributed in sage Whiptail h)per)'thrus sandy areas with patches of brush Protected scrub habitat; species still well and rocks; may be associated with distributed in region and site buckwheat and Black Sage population I not biologically significant Coastal Western Cnemidophorus Coastal Sage Scrub, chaparral, and FSC SA None Potentially Low, site supports low quality Whiptail tigris grasslands present habitat for this species multiscutatus Coastal Rosy Boa Lichanura Rocky outcrop areas within FSC SA None Not Rocky terrain preferred by this trivirgata chaparral and sage scrub expected species poorly represented on-site roseofusca Two-striped Thamnophis Associated with semi-permanent None esc, None Potentially Low; the lack of a persistent water Garter Snake hammondi and permanent bodies of water in a Protected present source limits on-site foraging habitat variety of habitats; requires a to primary drainage relatively dense riparian border Northern Red Crotalus ruber Occupies rocky outcrops and areas FSC esc None Potentially High; the site supports good Diamond ruber of heavy brush or rugged terrain in present potential habitat for this species in Rattlesnake chaparral, sage scrub, or desert scrub sage scrub along northern boundary; on both coastal and desert slopes, population would not be significant usually below 4000 feet White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus Grasslands, agricultural fields, and None SA, Fully None Present Present; expected to regularly hunt open habitats with areas of dense Protected on-site; loss of habitat will result in deciduous trees for nesting cumulative regional impact for this species Merkel & Associotes, Inc. #OJ -04fJ-!J I A-3-5 I j. ' ' I J I t l j ' j l ' ' l • • • I j I Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002 Golden Eagle Aquila Nests in cliffs (or trees), found in None esc, Fully Covered Low Limited potential, coastal site is in chrysaetos generally mountainous or hilly Protected potential area now rarely hunted by this terrain species American Falco Forages near coast FE CE Covered Expected to This raptor likely forages near and Peregrine Falcon peregrinus forage on on the site on occasion; the site does anatwn occasion not constitute good quality habitat for this species Sharp-shinned Accipiter Mixed woodlands near open areas, None esc None Expected Good potential for sporadic Hawk striatus prefers but not restricted to riparian seasonally occurrence in winter, no potential habitats for nesting Cooper's Hawk Accipiter Oak, riparian deciduous or other None esc Covered Potentially Good potential for sporadic cooperii woodland habitats usually near present occurrence hunting, limited potential water hunting site for nesting in riparian trees Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Forages over marsh and open terrain None esc Covered Present Regularly hunts open terrain on-site; loss of habitat will result in cumulative regional impact for this species Osprey Pandion Forages over lagoons, bays, and None esc Covered Potentially Forages at Agua Hedionda Lagoon haliaetus lakes; primarily hunting for fish present and may occasionally over-fly the hunting site; property does not constitute near site significant habitat Loggerhead Lanius Found within grassland or open FSC esc None Expected to High, site is 1disturbed and supports Shrike ludovicianus habitats with bare ground and sparse use site on fair to good quality open foraging shrub and/or tree cover for nesting occasion habitat for this species; population and perching would not be biologically significant Elegant Tern Sterna elegans Forages in bays, lagoons, ocean None esc Covered Not Habitat absent from site Expected California Least Sterna Forages in bays, lagoons, ocean None esc Covered Not Habitat absent from site Tern antillarwn Expected browni California Brown Pelecanus Forages over open salt water FE CE Covered Not Habitat not present on-site Pelican occidental is Expected califomicus Long-billed Numenius Forages within coastal salt marsh None esc Covered Not Primarily found 111 region 111 salt Curlew americanus Expected marsh habitat to west of site Tricolored Agelaius Typically found near ponds in None esc Covered Limited May forage occasionally on-site Blackbird tricolor region Potential along primary creek near cat-tails; not expected to nest on-site Light-footed Red/us Occupies salt marsh habitat; FE CE Covered Low Present in low numbers in Agua Clapper Rail longirostris typically in stands of pickle weed Potential Hedionda Lagoon; not expected in levipes and Spartinafoliosa small tract of brackish marsh on-site Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 0/-046-01 A-3-6 I i· ' j • J . ' l J ' J l I I J l • • l j ' j . ' l I I J I j I • i l j Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002 Western Snowy Charadrius Forages along open beaches and Fr esc Covered Not Habitat absent from site Plover alexandrinus expanses of lagoon devoid of Expected nivosus substantial vegetation White-faced Ibis Plegadis clzihi Forages near wetlands and in None esc Covered Limited May rarely forage near wetlands on- brackish marsh/salt marsh Potential site; site retains fair to poor quality foraging habitat for this species Least Bell's Vireo bellii Moist woodlands, typically early FE SA.SE Covered Present One singing male was observed in Vireo pusillus successional riparian habitat the major site drainage near the eastern boundary during focused 200 I surveys California Eremophila Grasslands, disturbed areas and None esc None Potentially Good open terrain habitat exists on- Horned Lark alpestris actia open habitats with sparse, low present site and this species is expected to vegetation seasonally utilize the site during spring and fall migration; presence not si!!nificant Burrowing Owl Speotyto Hunts open terrain generally with None esc Covered Potentially Suitable habitat is present on-site; cwricularia burrow at a slight elevational rise present heavy human use of property may hypugaea preclude presence California Polioptila Various successional stages of sage FT esc Covered Present Present on-site; three resident pairs Gnatcatcher califomica scrub were observed califomica Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana Open woodlands, farmlands. and None None Covered Potentially Moderate, may occur on-site in orchards present in limited numbers during down-slope appropriate seasonal migrations; presence not season significant Yellow Warbler Dendroica Riparian woodlands, especially of None esc None Present Present in riparian woodland and petechia willows may nest in some years on-site in primary Calavera Creek drainage Yellow-breasted Icteria virens Riparian woodland/scrub with dense None esc Covered Present Present in riparian woodland and Chat undergrowth may nest in some years on-site in primary Calavera Creek drainage Cactus Wren Cwnp)·lorhynch-Areas of sage scrub with robust None esc Covered Not Substantial stands of cacti were not us stands of prickly pear and cholla Expected found on-site. brunneicapillus cousei Southern Aimophila Rocky hillsides supporting sparse. FSC esc Covered Present Present in sage scrub habitat; California mficeps low scrub or chaparraL sometimes population on-site likely limited and Rufous-crowned canescens mixed with grasses not biologically significant; this Sparrow species is still well distributed in San Diego County Bell's Sage Amphispiza belli Chaparral and dense sa!!e scrub FSC esc Covered Not Low, site is relatively disturbed and Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01 A-3-7 i •· l • I I l I • j ' . I J I I . ' l • t ' j I I j I I l I • j Robertson Ranch February 15, 2002 Sparrow belli expected supports low quality habitat for this species Large-billed Passerculus Forages at edge of bays, lagoons, None CE Covered Not Habitat absent from site Savannah sandwichensis ocean; typically near pickleweed Expected Sparrow rosti·atus Belding's Passerculus Forages at edge of bays, lagoons; None CE Covered Not Habitat absent from site Savannah sandwichensis typically near pickleweed Expected Sparrow beldingi Southwestern Empidonax Summer resident only; breeds in FE esc Covered Absent Not observed during focused Willow traillii extinws willow riparian woodland surveys in 2001 Flycatcher Mountain Lion Felis concolor Found in areas of extensive dense Calif. Covered Probably The site probably now lies outside native vegetation Regulated extirpated the range of any lions due to peripheral urban development Southern Mule Odocoileus Found in areas of extensive dense None Calif. Covered Present Still present in low numbers in area; Deer hemionus native vegetation Regulated likely to become extirpated due to fuliginata · _geripheral urban development San Diego Black-Lepus Relatively open chaparral and sage FSC esc None Potentially Good, site supports some suitable tailed Jackrabbit cal(fomicus scrub and grasslands present quality habitat for this species bennettii Dulzura Perognathus Found in areas of fine sandy ground. FSC esc None Not Low, site is relatively disturbed and California Pocket long imembris (Coastal Sage Scrub) expected supports low quality habitat for this Mouse pac(ficus species '· Northwestern San Chaetodipus Found in Coastal sage scrub FSC esc None Potentially Moderate, ~Ire supports fair quality Diego Pocket fallaxfallax present habitat for this species Mouse Stephen's Dipodomys Areas of sparse vegetation primarily FE SA,ST None Not Low, site is disturbed and lies Kangaroo Rat stephensi grasslands, but may occur in sage expected southwest of known range of this scrub or disturbed areas species San Diego Desert Neotoma lepida Chaparral, particularly abundant in FSC esc None Likely Tail drags likely representing this Wood rat intermedia areas of rock outcrops Present species were observed in sage scrub Merkel & Assncioles. Inc.# 0/-046-01 A-3-8 .. --- • ... ----- - .. ... .. ... - Robertson Ranch PLANT AND ANIMAL SENSITIVITY GUIDELINES Listings by USFWS and CDFG carry regulatory authority, while other listings herein are generally advisory in nature and serve to monitor and inform. FEDERALLY LISTED AND CANDIDATE SPECffiS FE FT FPE FPT FC FSC Federally listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Taxa that are in danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a significant portion of their range. Federally listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Taxa which are likely to become Endangered in the foreseeable future in the absence of special protection. Federally proposed for listing as Endangered. Federally proposed for listing as Threatened. Federal candidate species (former Category 1 candidates). Taxa for which the USFWS has sufficient biological information to support a proposal to list as endangered or threatened. Federal Special Concern Species (former Category 2 candidates included here). Existing information on these species suggests listing may be warranted, but substantial biological information to support a proposed rule is lacking. CALIFORNIA LISTED AND CANDIDATE SPECIES SE ST SCE State-listed as Endangered, a native species or subspecies in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a significant portion of its range (CDFG Code §2062). State-listed as Threatened, a native species or subspecies that, although not presently threatened with extinction, is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future in the absence of special protection and management efforts (CDFG Code §2067). State candidate for listing as Endangered SCT State candidate for listing as Threatened FP California Protected and Fully Protected Species m'e taxa that fall under special protection within the Fish & Game Codes §3511 (birds), §4700 (mammals), §5050 (reptiles and amphibians), and §5515(fish). These species may not be taken or possessed without a permit ti·om CDFG . CSC CDFG California Special Concern Species, a designation given to vertebrate species for which sufficient information exists which warrants concern over that species status and may warrant future listing as threatened or endangered. Protective status falls under State Government Code 66474. SA California Special Animals: These are species that fall into one or more of the following categories: Merkel &Associates, Inc. #01-046-01 .. .. -.. ... .. .. --- - -- - .. Robertson Ranch • Otlicially listed or proposed for listing under the State and/or Federal Endangered Species Acts • State or Federal candidate for possible listing • Taxa which meet the criteria for listing, even if not currently included on any list, as described in Section 15380 of the CEQA Guigelines • Taxa considered by the Department to be a Species of Special Concern • Taxa that are biologically rare, very restricted in distribution, declining throughout their range, or have a critical, vulnerable stage in their life cycle that warrants monitoring . • Populations in California that may be on the periphery of a taxon's range, but are threatened with extirpation within California • Taxa closely associated with a habitat that is declining in California at an alarming rate (e.g., wetlands, riparian, old growth forests, desert aquatic systems, native grasslands, vernal pools, etc.) • Taxa designated as a special status, sensitive, or declining species by other state or federal agencies, or non-governmental organization LOCAL SENSITIVITY LISTINGS (SAN DIEGO COUNTY) SDHS San Diego Herpetological Society ( 1980) Endangered Species which are in immediate danger of extirpation in all or major parts of their range in San Diego County. Threatened Species or subspecies which have dramatically declined and could potentially reach the level of endangered in San Diego County. SDNGWS San Diego Non-Game Wildlife Subcommittee ( !986) Ev Sensitive Species Species warranting special concern and protection and may be recommended for further study. Everett ( 1979) Considered sensitive in San Diego County. Threatened A species or subspecies which has undergone dramatic, non-cyclic, long-term population declines, to the point where the situation has reached the critical level throughout their range. Many of these species have been recognized and protected by state or federal legislation. Declining A species whose local breeding populations have been steadily reduced, or in some cases extirpated. Sensitive A species for which declines have not been documented, but are regarded as senstttve because of: I) extremely localized or limited distribution, 2) sensitivity to disturbance, 3) actual or impending destruction of essential habitat, or 4) lack of sufficient data on current or past status which significantly increased the potential for serious reduction of a local population. B Brown (1991) Considered sensitive in San Diego County. LS Locally Sensitive Considered sensitive by local biologists. No official status . NDDB RANKING G Global Ranking: Worlwide status of a full species. Merkel &Associates, Inc. #01-046-01 - • • • • • -- • • .. -.. Robertson Ranch T G I Extremely endangered: Less than 6 viable occurrences (EO's), or less than I ,000 individuals, or less than 2,000 acres of occupied habitat G2 habitat Endangered: 6-20 EO's, or I ,000-3,000 individuals or 2,000-10,000 acres of occupied G3 Restricted range, rare: 21-100 EO's, or 3,000-10,000 individuals, or I 0,000-50,000 acres of occupied habitat G4 Apparently secure: some factors exist to cause some concern; i.e. continuing threats, or narrow habitat - G5 Demonstrably secure: commonly found throughout its historic range Global Subspecies Level Subspecies receive aT-rank attached to the G-rank. With the subspecies, the G-rank retlects the condition of the entire species, whereas the T-rank reflects the global situation of just the subspecies. For example: Chorizanthe robusts var. hartwegii. This plant is ranked G2T I. The G-rank refers to the whole species range (i.e. Chorizanthe robusts). The T-rank refers only to the global condition of variety hartwegii. S State Ranking: Statewide status of a full species or a subspecies. The state rank is assigned much the same way as the global rank, except state ranks in California may also contain a threat designation attached to the S-rank . Notes: Sl Less than 6 EO's, or less than l ,000 indi victuals, or less than 2,000 acres of occupied habitat S I . I = very threatened S2.2 = threatened S3.3 =no current threats known S2 6-20 EO's, or I ,000-3,000 individuals, or 2,000-10,000 acres of occupied habitat S2. I = very threatened S2.2 = threatened S2.3 = no current threats known S3 21-100 EO's, or 3,000-10,000 individuals, or 10,000-50,000 acres of occupied habitat S3. l = very threatened S3.2 =threatened S3.3 =no current threats known S4 Apparently secure within California, no threat rank S5 Demonstrably secure to ineradicable in California, no threat rank Uncertainty about the rank of an element is expressed in two major ways, by expressing the rank as a range of values (for example S2S3 means the rank is somewhere between S2 and S3), or by adding a"?" to the rank. (for example S2? represents more certainty than S2S3, but is less than S2). Other symbols: Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01 • .. • ... • .. ... • ... • .. Robertson Ranch GH All sites are historical; the element has not been seen for at least 20 years but suitable habitat still exists (SH =All California sites are historical) GX All sites are extirpated; this element is extinct in the wild (SX = All California sites are extirpated) GXC Extinct in the wild; exists in cultivation GtQ The element is very rare, but there is a taxonomic question associated with it CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY (CNPS) R-E-D CODE R (Rarity) I 2 3 Rare, but found in sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough that the potential for extinction of extirpation is low at this time. Occurrence confined to several populations or to one extended population. Occurrence limited to one or a few highly restricted populations, or present in such small numbers that it is seldom reported. E (Endangerment) I Not endangered. 2 Endangered in a portion of its range . 3 Endangered throughout its range . D (Distribution) I More or less widespread outside of California. Rare outside California. 2 3 Endemic to California. 4 A"?" under Rarity/Endangerment/Distribution is given when information to allocate a code is incomplete. CNPS LISTS List lB: List 2: List 3: List 4: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California or elsewhere Plants rare or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere Plants about which more information is needed Plants of limited distribution Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 01-046-01