HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 02-28x1; La Costa Condominiums; Tentative Map (CT) (16)Affinis
environmental
services
847 Jamacha Road, El Cajon, California 92019-3206
teI: (619) 441-0144 fax: (619) 441-6421
August 14, 2002
Mr. Roy Publico
Hofman Planning Associates
5900 Pasteur Court, Suite 150
Carlsbad, California 92008
RE: La Costa Condominiums Biological Survey (PRE 01-70, APN 216-160-27, Affinis Job
No. 1716)
This letter report has been prepared to summarize the results of biological surveys conducted on
an approximately 8-acre parcel in the City of Carlsbad (Figure 1).
A. Introduction and Site Description
The project area is located south of La Costa Avenue, east of El Carnino Real. The project site
is within Township 12 South, Range 4 West, Section 36 of the USGS 7.5' Encinitas quadrangle
(Figure 2). It is not within the boundaries of any pre-approved mitigation areas It is not within
or adjacent to any existing or proposed hardline conservation areas or proposed standards areas
of the City's Habitat Management Plan (HMP, City of Carlsbad, 1999).
The majority of the property is a flat area which appears to have been repeatedly disced and/or
mowed for many years. The northern property boundary, adjacent to La Costa Avenue, is a
moderately steep slope. Very steep slopes are on the southwestern, southern, and southeastern
portions of the property. Elevations range from about 106 ft above mean sea level (amsl) at the
lowest point in the northwestern corner of the property to about 205 ft amsl in the high point at
the top of the slope in the southern portion of the site. Soils mapped by the US Soil Conservation
Service are Altamont clay, 15-30% slopes, eroded, and Terrace escarpments (Bowman 1973).
The property is vacant. Land adjacent to the south and west is developed, as is land across La
costa Avenue to the north. The property immediately to the east is vacant, but additional
residential development is just to the east of that parcel.
B. Methods and Survey Limitations
Prior to the initial survey, the California Department of Fish and Game's Natural Diversity
Database (NDDB, version date March 1, 2002) was accessed to provide lists of all sensitive
species that could potentially occur on the property.
1
m m •
•AN CLCHINTC
SAN ONOFftE
VAUIT CENTEH
OCEANSIDE
CARtSBA
ESCONDIOO WI7CM
SAN FAMUAL C
ICUCADI
ENCINITA
CARDIFF
SOLANA BEACH PROJECT
LOCATION
ce
CAJON
B03TONIA
•N093MONT
9PHIH9 VALLEY
PACIFIC BfACH
MISSION BEACH
OCEAN BEACH
SAN DIEGO
CORONA DO
MCITT
SAN VSIOHO0 5 10
Scale in miles
IMPERIAI BEACH
Affinis
REGIONAL LOCTION IN SAN DIEGO COUNTYShadow Valley Center
847 Jamacha Road
EICajon.CA 92019
FIGURE 1
m m m m
PROJECT
LOCATION
Affinis
PROJECT LOCATION ON USGS
7.5' ENCINITAS QUADRANGLEShadow Valley Center
847 jamacha Road
EICajon.CA 92019
FIGURE 2
The property was surveyed on May 22, 2002, between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. The weather
was clear, with a westerly breeze, and temperatures from the upper 60s to low 70s. The
majority of the property was traversed, although binoculars were used to view vegetation on
the steep southerly slopes. Habitats were mapped and all plant and animal species observed
were recorded (Appendices 1 - 3). Nomenclature for plant species is according to Munz (1974),
Beauchamp (1986), and Hickman (1993); and for animals is according to the National
Geographic Society (1983), American Ornithologists Union (DeBenedictis, 1989), Jameson and
Peeters (1988), and Stebbens (1985). Plant community classification is according to Holland
(1986).
C. Results
1. Vegetation. The biological resources of the site are mapped on Figure 3. Plant species
observed are listed in Appendix 1. Four habitat types/vegetative associations were mapped on
the property. Typical views of habitats are shown hi Figures 4-6.
Disturbed/Ruderal (3.6 acres). The flat, previously disced and mowed area of the site was
mapped as disturbed/ruderal. Furrow marks are evident across the site, and there are many
patches of bare ground. In some areas there is a sparse growth of non-native grasses such as
soft chess (Bromus mollis), ripgut grass (B. diandrus), and wild oat (Avena sp.).
Occasionally, there are some very small sprouts of shrubs such as goldenbush (Isocoma
menziesii) and coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis var. consanguinea), but overall the area is
highly disturbed and weedy (Figure 4).
Non-native grassland/landscaped (0.6 acre). The slope along the northern property boundary
adjacent to La Costa Avenue supports a low growth of wild oats, pampas grass (Cortaderia
jubata), and occasional ornamental trees including pines and Brazilian peppers (Figure 5).
Landscaped (2.7 acres). The steep southerly slopes, which are below residential development
to the south, are largely landscaped with trees and shrubs such as acacia, eucalyptus, Brazilian
pepper, and myoporum. There are also occasional native shrubs such as chamise (Adenostoma
fasciculatum), lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolid), and toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), but
overall, the area is dominated by landscaping (Figure 6).
Coastal sage scrub/mixed chaparral (1.1 acres). The steep southeastern slope supports a mix
of coastal sage and chaparral species (Figure 6). Shrubs occurring in this area include black
sage (Salvia mellifera), coast sage brush (Artemisia California*), toyon, lemonade berry,
coyote brush, sawtooth goldenbush (Hazardia squarrosd), honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicata),
and monkeyflower (Diplacus puniceus}. No plant species indicative of southern maritime
chaparral were observed.
-I . *
m
Affinis
a Shadow Valley Center
847 jamacha Road
ElCajon, CA 92019
DISTURBED/RUDERAL AREAS FIGURE 4
q
i
i
i
Affinis
Shadow Valley Center
847 Jamacha Road
ElCajon, CA 92019
NON-NATIVE GRASSLAND/
LANDSCAPED AREAS FIGURE 5
MIXED CHAPARRAL/COASTAL SAGE SCRUB
LANDSCAPED AREAS
Af finis
Shadow Valley Center
847 Jamacha Road
ElCajon, CA 92019
VEGETATION ON SLOPES FIGURE 6
2. Wildlife. Little wildlife was observed on the site. Only two species of birds were
observed in the landscaped areas; these were California towhee (Pipilo crissalis) and house
finch (Carpodacus mexicanus). Other common bird species would be expected to occur
farther upslope in the mature trees. No raptor nests were noted in any of the trees.
Two mammals were detected on-site. Mounds of Botta's pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae)
were common in the disturbed/ruderal areas. Sign of Audubon's cottontail (Sylvilagus
audubonii) was also noted in this area. No reptiles or amphibians were observed. Other
animals such as small rodents may occur on-site, but these were not observed due to their
nocturnal or secretive habits.
• — - — .
3. Sensitive Habitat. No sensitive habitat occurs within the proposed development area (see
Section E, below). The mixed chaparral/coastal sage scrub habitat would be considered
sensitive. Under the draft City's HMP, habitats are ranked by sensitivity ("A" being the most
sensitive and "F" being the least); coastal sage/chaparral mix is ranked at tier "D."
4. Rare and Endangered or Sensitive Species. No rare, endangered, or threatened plant
species were observed on the site or are expected to occur. Sensitive plant and animal species
reported by the NDDB from the general vicinity are listed in Appendices 2 and 3.
While the coastal sage scrub/mixed chaparral habitat on-site is small, it is adjacent to
additional habitat off-site to the east. Three protocol surveys were conducted to determine the
presence or absence of the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila calif ornica californica}, a
federal-listed Threatened species. No gnatcatchers were observed on or adjacent to the
property (Appendix 5).
The property is within the geographic range (within two miles of the coast) of the federal-
listed Endangered Pacific pocket mouse (PPM; Perognathus longimembris pacificus), a small
rodent endemic to coastal Southern California. While the biology of this species is not well
understood, PPM have been found on fine-grain, sandy substrates along the coastal strand,
coastal dunes, river alluvium, and coastal sage scrub habitats on marine terraces; hi sparse to
moderately dense coastal sage scrub or grassland vegetation on loose, sandy soils (Dodd,
2002). The potential for this species' occurrence on-site is considered low, given the lack of
suitable soils, long-term disturbance of the site, and lack of suitable habitats. Additionally,
there are no records of PPM from the Carlsbad area, and the species is not listed as a target
species of concern hi the City's draft HMP.
D. Evaluation of Resourcesc
Native habitat is very limited on the project site. The coastal sage scrub/chaparral mix i
' contiguous with habitat to the east, but this off-site area is also relatively small and is
sx
/
J
10
surrounded by development on three sides. Overall, the subject property does not support high-
quality biological resources.
E. Project Impacts and Recommended Mitigation Measures
Project grading/encroachment would impact 5.2 acres of the property (Figures 7 and 8). Impacts
would be 0;6 acre of non-native grassland/landscaping adjacent to La Costa Avenue, 0.5 acres of
landscaped area at the base ofthTsoutnefljTslopeTand 4.1 acres of ruderal habitat. No significant
direct unpactsjwould^ccur to biological resources, and thus nojnitigation measures would be
required. • ~
No_grading is proposed in thejnixed_ghapaiTal/coastal sage scrub habitat, although the grading
plan calls for construction of a retaining wall along die base of the slope supporting this habitat.
The wall would vary in height from a minimum of six inches to a maximum of nine feet in height.
V
To avoid indirect impacts to biological resources, the following measure is recommended:
• Prior to commencement of grading, the lower boundary of the mixed chaparral/coastal
sage scrub habitat shall be staked and flagged by a qualified biologist at the base of the
slope. The contractor shall be advised to avoid encroachment into this habitat during
project grading and construction of the retaining wall.
Marcia Gross
Biologist
TE 794784-3
MG: jm
11
REFERENCES
American Birding Association
1989 "Winging It." American Birding Association. Vol. 1:7.
Barbour, Michael G., and Jack Major, ed.
1990 Terrestrial Vegetation of California. California Native Plant Society, Special Publication
No. 9.
Beauchamp, R. Mitchel
1986 A Flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater River Press, National City,
California.
Bowman, Roy H.
1973 Soil Survey of the San Diego Area, California. U.S.D. A., Soil Conservation Service.
Burt, William H., and Richard P. Grossenheider
1976 A Field Guide to the Mammals. 3rd Ed., Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston.
California Dept. of Fish & Game
2002 California Natural Diversity Data Base. Special Vascula Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens
List. January.
2002 California Natural Diversity Data Base. Special Animals. January.
2002 State and Federally Listed Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Plants of California .
January
2002 State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California. January.
2002 California Natural Diversity Data Base Report of occurrences of special plants, animals
and natural communities for the Encinitas Quadrangle. Version Date March 1.
16
Carlsbad, City of
1999 Draft Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad .
December.
DeBenedictis, Paul A.
1989 Comments on the thirty-seventh supplement to the checklist of North American birds.
American Birds 43:3 (416-418).
Dodd, Shana
2002 Pacific Pocket Mouse Surveys on the Sea Breeze Property Project Site, Del Mar, CA.
May 2.
Hickman, James C., Ed.
1993 The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of California. University of California Press.
Holland, Robert F.
1986 Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California
Dept. of Fish & Game.
Jameson, E. W., Jr., and Hans J. Peeters
1986 California Mammals. University of California Press, Berkeley.
Munz, Philip A.
1974 A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press., Berkeley.
National Geographic Society
1983 Field Guide to the Birds of North America. National Geographic Society, Washington,
D.C.
17
Remsen, J.V., Jr.
1978 Bird Species of Special Concern in California. California Dept. of Fish & Game Report
No. 78-1.
Stebbins, Robert C.
1985 A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. 2nd Ed., Revised. Houghton Mifflin
Co., Boston.
Skinner, Mark W., and Bruce M. Pavlik
1994 Inventory of Rare & Endangered Vascular Plants of California. California Native Plant
Society's Special Publication No. 1 (5th Edition), February.
Steinhart, Peter
1990 California's Wild Heritage: Threatened and Endangered Animals in the Golden State
California Department of Fish and Game.
Unitt, Philip
1984 The Birds of San Diego County. San Diego Society of Natural History, San Diego.
18
Appendix 1. Plant Species Observed, La Costa Condominiums Property, May, 2002
Habitat
PINACEAE
*Pinus sp.
Pine NNG/LS
DICOTYLEDONES
AIZOACEAE - Carpetweed Family
*Carpobrotus sp.
Sea Fig LS
ANACARDIACEAE - Sumac Family
Malosma laurina (Nutt.) Nutt. ex Abrams.
Laurel Sumac
Rhus integrifolia (Nutt. in T. & G.) Brew. & Wats.
Lemonade Berry
*Schinus terebenthifolius
Brazilian Pepper Tree
Toxicodendron diversilobum (T. & G.) Greene.
Poison-Oak
D/R
LS, MC/CSS, NNG/LS
LS. NNG/LS
NNG/LS
APIACEAE - Carrot Family
*Foeniculum vulgare Mill.
Sweet Fennel D/R
ASTERACEAE - Sunflower Family
Ambrosia psilostachya DC. var. californica (Rydb.) Blake.
Western Ragweed
Artemisia californica Less.
Coastal-Sagebrush
Baccharis pilularis D.C. ssp. consanguinea (D.C.) C. B. Wolf
Coyote Brush
*Centaurea melitensis L. .
Tocalote
Hazardia squarrosa (H.& A.) E. Greene var. grindelioides (DC.) W. Clark
Sawtooth Goldenbush
Heterotheca grand/flora Nutt.
Telegraph Weed
D/R
LS, MC/CSS
D/R, MC/CSS, NNG/LS
D/R
D/R, MC/CSS
D/R
Appendix 1. Continued
Isocoma menziesii (Hook. & Am.) var. menziesii
Goldenbush
Habitat
D/R
BRASSICACEAE - Mustard Family
*Brassica sp.
Mustard D/R
CAPR1FOLIACEAE - Honeysuckle Family
Lonicera subspicata var. denudata Rehd.
San Diego Honeysuckle MC/CSS
FABACEAE - Pea Family
* Acacia sp.
Acacia
*Melilotus a/bus Desr.
White Sweet Clover
LS
D/R
GERANIACEAE - Geranium Family
*Erodium sp.
Filaree D/R
LAMIACEAE - Mint Family
Sa/via mellifera Greene.
Black Sage MC/CSS
MALVACEAE - Mallow Family
Malacothamnus fasciculatus (Nutt.) Greene ssp. fasciculatus
Mesa Bushmallow D/R
MYOPORACEAE - Myoporium Family
*Myoporum laetum Forst. f. Ngaio.
Myoporum LS
Appendix 1. Continued
MYRTACEAE - Myrtle Family
'Eucalyptus sp.
Eucalyptus LS
POLYGONACEAE - Buckwheat Family
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. fasciculatum
California Buckwheat LS
ROSACEAE - Rose Family
Adenostoma fasciculatum H. & A.
Chamise
Heteromeles arbutifolia M.Roem.
Toyon
LS, NNG/LS
D/R, LS, MC/CSS
SCROPHULARIACEAE - Ftgwort Family
Diplacus puniceus (Nutt.) Steud.
Coast Monkey Flower MC/CSS
MONOCOTYLEDONES
POACEAE - Grass Family
*Avena sp.
Wild Oat
*Bromus diandrus Roth.
Ripgut Grass
*Bromus mo His L.
Soft Chess
*Bromus rubens L.
Foxtail Chess
*Cortaderia atacamensis (Phil.) Pilger.
Pampas Grass
D/R, NNG/LS
D/R
D/R
D/R
LS, NNG/LS
Appendix 1. Continued
KEY:
MC/CSS = Mixed Chaparral/Coastal Sage Scrub
NNG/LS = Non-Native Grassland/Landscaped
LS = Landscaped
D/R = Disturbed/Ruderal
* = Non-native taxa
Nomenclature is according to Hickman (1993), Munz (1974), and Beauchamp (1986)
4
APPENDIX 2. SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING ON-SITE
SPECIES
Acanthomintha ilicifolia (Gray)
Gray
San Diego thorn mint
Adolphia californica Wats.
California adolphia
Arctostaphylos glandufosa
ssp. crass/folia (Jeps.) Wells
Del Mar manzanita
Baccharis vanessae
Encinitas baccharis
Brodiaea filifolia Wats
Thread-leaved brodiaea
Ceanothus vemicosus Mutt, in
T. &G.
Wart-stemmed ceanothus
Chorizanlhe orcuttiana Parry
Orcutt's spineflower
Chorizanlhe polygonoides T. &
G. var. longispina
(Gooclm.)Munz
Long-spined spineflower
Comarostaphylos diversifolia
ssp. diversifolia
Summer holly
Coreopsis maritima (Nutt.)
Hook. f.
Sea dahlia
STATUS
CNPS: 2-3-2, List 18
Fed: T
Cat: E
HMP: NE, C
CNPS: 1-3-1, List 2
Fed: -
Cal: --
CNPS: 3-3-2, List IB
Fed: E
Cal: --
HMP: NE,C
CNPS: 2-3-3. List IB
Fed: T
Cal: E
HMP: NE, C
CNPS: 3-3-3, List 1B
Fed: T
Cal: E
HMP: NE, C
CNPS: 1-2-1, List 2
Fed: SC
Cal: --
HMP: C
CNPS: 3-3-3, List IB
Fed: E
Cal: E
HMP: NE, C
CNPS: 2-22, List IB
Fed: SC
Cat: -
CNPS: 2-2-2, List IB
Fed: --
Cal: -
CNPS: 2-2-1, List 2
Fed: -
Cal: --
HABITAT
Chaparral, coastal scrub, valtey
and foothill grassland. Generally
associated with clay soils.
Coastal sage scrub, chaparral,
foothill grassland
Chaparral, coastal below 660 ft
Chaparral
Vernal pools, grasslands
Chaparral, below 1000'
Mesas, coastal below 500'
Mesas, coastal below 500'
Chaparral, below 2500'
Coastal bluffs below 500'
OPTIMUM TIME FOR
SURVEY
April - June
Anytime
Anytime; blooms Dec -
Apr
Anytime
May
Anytime
March - April
April - July
Anytime; blooms April -
June
March - June
COMMENTS
Low potential for occurrence due to long-
term disturbance of site.
Not observed on-site.
Not observed on-site.
Not observed on-site.
Low potential for occurrence due to long-
term disturbance of site.
Not observed on-site.
Low potential for occurrence due to long-
term disturbance of site.
Low potential for occurrence due to long-
term disturbance of site.
Not observed on-site.
Not observed on-site.
SPECIES
Corethrogyne filaginifolia (H. &
A.) Nutt. var. linifolia Hall
Del Mar sand aster
Eryngium arislulatum var.
parishii
San Diego Button Celery
Hazardia orcuttii (Gray) Greene
Orcutt's hazardia
Isocoma menziesii (H. & A.)
Nesom var. ttecumbens
(Greene) Nesom
Decumbent goldenbush
Laslhenia glabrata Lindl. ssp.
coulteri (Gray)OrndufJ
Coulter's salt marsh daisy
Lotus nuttallianus Greene
Nuttal's lotus
Navarretia (ossalis Moran
Prostrate navarretia
Nemacaulis denudata Nutt. var.
denudata
Coast wooly heads
STATUS
CNPS: 3-3-3, List IB
Fed: --
Cal: --
HMP: NE, C
CNPS: 2-3-2, List IB
Fed: E
Cal: E
HMP: NE, C
CNPS: 3-3-2, List 1B
Fed: SC
Cal: -
HMP: NE, C
CNPS: 2-2-2, List 1B
Fed: --
Cal: -
CNPS: 2-3-2, List IB
Fed: SC
Cal: -
CNPS: 3-3-2, List IB
Fed: SC
Cal: --
HMP: C
CNPS: 2-3-2, List IB
Fed: T
Cal: --
HMP: NE, C
CNPS: 2-2-2, List 2
Fed: --
Car: -
HABITAT
Sandy & disturbed areas below
350'
Vernal pools, 50' - 500'
Chaparral
Sandy and disturbed areas in
coastal scrub; soils from
sandstone or granite, landward
side of dunes, hillsides, arroyos
below 4000'
Coastal salt marshes, playas,
vernal pools
Sandy beaches, coastal, below
100'
Vernal pools, below 3000'
Coastal dunes, below 65'
OPTIMUM TIME FOR
SURVEY
July - Sept
April - June
June - October
April - November
February - June
Anytime; blooms March
- June
April - June
April - September
COMMENTS
Not observed on-site. (Note: No longer
considered a separate variety by Hickman,
1993).
Mo suitable habitat on-site.
Not observed on-site.
Not observed on-site.
No suitable habitat on-site.
Not observed on-site. No suitable habitat.
No suitable habitat on-site.
No suitable habitat on-site.
SOURCES: Tibor (2001), 1994; City of Carlsbad, 1999; Beauchamp, R. Mitchel, 1986; Munz, Philip A., 1974; Hickman, 1993; CDF & G's Natural Diversity Database (2001)
SEE APPENDIX 4 FOR EXPLANATION OF STATUS CODES
APPENDIX 3. SENSITIVE ANIMAL SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING ON-SITE
SPECIES STATUS HABITAT OPTIMUM TIME
FOR SURVEY
POTENTIAL ON-SITE
INVERTEBRATES
Cicindella hirticollis gravida
Sand beach tiger beetle
Danaus plexippus
Monarch butterfly
Streptocephalus wootoni
Riverside (airy shrimp
Fed: SC
Cal: --
Fed: --
Cal: --
Fed: E
Cal*- --
HMP: NE,C
Inhabits areas adjacent to non-brackish water along
the coast of So California Found in clean, dry,
tight-colored sand in the upper zone.
Winter roost sites extend along the coast from N.
Mendocino to Baja, California, Mexico. Roosts in
wind-protected tree groves (Eucalyptus, Monterey
pine, cypress), with nectar and water sources
nearby.
Vernal pools. Endemic to W Riverside & San Diego
counties in areas of tectonic swales/earth slump
basins in grassland & coastal sage scrub. Inhabits
pools filled by seasonal rains; hatches in warm
water later in season.
Spring-summer
Spring - fall
Late winter and
early spring
AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES
Cnemidophorus hyperylhrus
beldingi
Orange-throated whiptail
Phrynosoma coronalum blainvillei
San Diego horned lizard
Fed: --
Cal: -
CDFG: CSC, Protected
HMP: C
Fed: --
Cal: --
CDFG: CSC, Protected
Inhabits coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and valley-
foothill hardwood at low elevations. Prefers
washes and other sandy areas with patches of
brush and rocks.
Coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Prefers friable,
rocky, or shallow sandy soils.
April - September
April - September
No suitable habitat on-site.
Only known roosting areas
in SD County at UCSD
and near Carlsbad. No
suitable habitat on site.
No suitable habitat on-site.
Not observed May
potentially occur in coastal
sage on slopes, outside
development area.
Not observed. Low
potential in coastal sage
on slopes.
BIRDS
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
Coastal cactus wren
Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus
Western snowy plover
Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus
(California) black rail
Fed: --
Cal: -
CDFG: CSC
Fed: --
Cal: -
CDFG: CSC
MAS'. Declining
HMP: C
Fed: SC
Cal: T
CDFG: Protected
HMP: NE, C
Coastal sage scrub, cactus patches
Ocean/bay shoreline, river mouths
Mainly inhabits salt marshes bordering larger bays.
Occurs in tidal salt marsh heavily grown to
pickleweed; also in freshwater and brackish
marshes, all at low elevations.
Anytime; nests
April - June
July - September;
March - April
Winter
No suitable habitat on-site.
No suitable habitat on-site.
No suitable habitat on-site.
SPECIES
Passerculus sandwichensis
beldingi
Belding's savannah sparrow
Polioptila califomica californica
California gnatcatcher
Rallus longirostris levipes
Light-footed clapper rail
Sterna anlillarum browni
California least tern
STATUS
Fed: SC
Cal: E
HMP:C
Fed: T
Cal: --
CDFG: CSC
NAS: E
HMP:C
Fed: E
Cal: E
HMP-C
Fed: E
Cal: E
NAS: E
HABITAT
Salt marsh. Nests in Salicornia and about marginsof tidal flats.
Coastal sage scrub with Artemisia californica amajor component.
Found in salt marshes traversed by tidal sloughs,
where cordgrass and pickleweed are the dominant
vegetation. Require dense growth of either
pickleweed or cordgrass for nesting or escape
cover, feeds on molluscs and crustaceans.
Coastal strand, mudflats, beach, colonial breeder
on bare or sparsely vegetated flat substrates: sand
beaches, alkali flats, landfills, or paved areas.
OPTIMUM TIME
FOR SURVEY
Winter
Anytime; nests
mid-February to
mid-August
Anytime
Summer
POTENTIAL ON-SITE
No suitable habitat on-site.
Low potential in coastal
sage on slopes outside
development area.
Protocol surveys to be
conducted.
No suitable habitat on-site.
No suitable habitat on-site.
MAMMALS
Chaetodipus ( = Perognathus} fallax
faltax
Northwestern San Diego Pocket
Mouse
Perognathus tongimembris
pacificus
Pacific little pocket mouse
Fed: --
Cal: --
CDFG: CSC
Fed: E
Cal. --
CDFG: CS
Sandy, herbaceous areas, usually in association
with rocks or coarse gravel
Inhabits the narrow coastal plains from the
Mexican border north to El Segundo. Seems to
prefer soils of fine alluvial sands near the ocean.
Spring - fall
Spring - summer
No suitable habitat on-site.
Within geographic range,
but low potential on-site
due to long-term
disturbance.
1
Sources: CDF & G's Natural Diversity Database (2002), S.D. County Sensitive Birds, Mammals, and Herptiles
lists; HMP Target Species List (1/25/93), National Audubon Society (NAS, 1990).
SEE APPENDIX 4 FOR EXPLANATION OF STATUS CODES.
'£»APPE^IX 4. EXPLANATION OF STATlKODES
The CNPS R-E-D Code
R (Rarity)
1 Rare, but found in sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough that the potential for extinction is low at
this time
2 Distributed in a limited number of occurrences, occasionally more if each occurrence is small
3 Distributed in one to several highly restricted occurrences, or present in such small numbers that it is seldom
reported
E (Endangerment)
1 Not endangered
2 Endangered in a portion of its range
3 Endangered throughout its range
D (Distribution)
1 More or less widespread outside California
2 Rare outside California
3 Endemic to California
The CNPS Lists
List 1A Plants that are Presumed Extinct in California
List IB Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California and Elsewhere
List 2 Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California, But More Common Elsewhere
List 3 Plants About Which We Need More Information - A Review List
List 4 Plants of Limited Distribution - A Watch List
State-Listed Plants and Animals
CE State-listed, endangered
CT State-listed, threatened
CR State-listed, rare
CC Candidate for State listing
CSSC Species of Special Concern
P Protected
Federal-Listed Plants and Animals
IFIF
FE Federal-listed, Endangered
FT Federal-listed, Threatened
PE Federal-proposed, Endangered
PT Federal-proposed, Threatened
R Federal-listed, Rare
C Candidate species for federal-listing
SC Species of Concern '
MSCP = Target Species of Multiple Species Conservation Program
NE Narrow Endemic
C Covered Under the MSCP
NC Not Covered Under the MSCP
SOURCE: Tiber (2001), MSCP (1994), USFWS (1997)
APPENDIX 5
GNATCATCHER SURVEY REPORT
I
A f f i n i s
environmental
services
847 Jamacha Road, El Cajon, California 92019-3206
tel: (519) 441-0144 fax: (619) 441-6421
July 16, 2002
Ms. Christine Moen
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2730 Loker Avenue West
Carlsbad, CA 92008
RE: Results of Protocol Surveys for the California Gnatcatcher, La Costa Condominiums
Property (Affinis Job. No. 1716)
Dear Christine,
This letter is provided to summarize the results of three protocol surveys for the coastal
California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californicd). Affinis surveyed a portion of an
approximately 8-acre parcel on La Costa Avenue in the City of Carlsbad (Figures 1 and 2).
The majority of the site is disturbed, but there is about one acre of mixed coastal sage scrub and
chaparral habitat on a steep slope along the southeastern site boundary. This habitat is adjacent
to additional off-site habitat, and thus it was concluded that there is some potential for the
gnatcatcher to occur on-site.
Three surveys were conducted as follows:
DATE
7/02/02
7/09/02
7/16/02
TIME
09:30-10:15
10:00-10:30
09:00-09:30
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Clear, upper 60s-lower 70s, light variable breeze
Clear, 70s, breezy
Clear, 70s, calm
The survey route is shown on Figure 3. The area supporting the habitat is a steep slope. The
base of the slope was walked, as well as a small dirt road running along the slope. Taped
vocalizations were played to elicit responses.
No California gnatcatchers were observed on or adjacent to the property during the three surveys.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Marcia Gross
TE794784-2
Attachments
»
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SAN JUAN CAPISTNANO
O.BIACH
SAN CLCMCNTC
OCEANSIOE
CARISIA
ESCONOIDO
LCUCAOI
CNCINITA
CARDIFF
SOLANA BEACH PROJECT
LOCATION
PACIFIC BEACH
MISSION BEACH
OCEAN BEACH
CAJOM
BOSTON)*
8A09SMONT
3PRIN9 VAttCr nOO* CAtlZAJ
SAN DIEGO
CORONADO
ATIONAI CITYACHES
M CITY
SAN VSIOHO0 5 10a
Scale in miles
IMPERIAL BEACH
Affinis
REGIONAL LOCATION IN SAN DIEGO COUNTYShadow Valley Center
847 Jamacha Road
ElCaion, CA 92019
FIGURE 1
PROJECT
LOCATION
Leucadia\
ISCALE 1:240001 5
Affinis
Shadow Valley Center
847 jamacha Road
EICajon.CA 92019
PROJECT LOCATION ON USGS
7.5' ENCINITAS QUADRANGLE FIGURE 2