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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 03-09A; Ocean Bluff; Tentative Map (CT) (26)Natural Resource Consultants April 20, 1998 Mr. Brian Millich Catellus Residential 5 Park Plaza; Suite 400 Irvine, California 92614 Subject: Biological Resources Evaluation for the Poinsettia Lane Extension- Reach II Located in the City of Carlsbad, County of San Diego, California Dear Mr. Millich: Natural Resource Consultants (NRC) was retained by Catellus Residential to conduct a biological resources evaluation of the Poinsettia Lane Extension- Reach II located in the City of Carlsbad, County of San Diego, California. This evaluation includes 1) a description of the habitats on the site, 2) surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californicd) within the grading limits of the site, 3) an analysis of anticipated project impacts, and 4) recommended mitigation measures for the adverse project effects. Site Location The Poinsettia Lane Reach II site occurs in the City of Carlsbad approximately 1620 feet east of the current terminus of Poinsettia Lane and Alga Road and extends easterly to the intersection with Black Rail Road. The site has been disturbed by various agricultural uses in the western portion of the site and supports disturbed coastal sage scrub and southern mixed chaparral in the northern and eastern reaches of the alignment. Various roadway and residential development projects are in progress to north of the alignment and south of Palomar Airport Road. Survey Methods Mr. Michael Couffer, Mr. David Levine, and Mr. Nigel Hancock, biologists from NRC, conducted several biological resource surveys of the Poinsettia Lane Reach II site. These surveys were completed in conjunction with biological evaluations of the Ocean Bluff and Roesch sites located in the vicinity of the proposed extension of Poinsettia Lane. The dates, times, weather conditions and biologists for each survey are provided in Table I. Both Mr. Couffer and M. Levine are permitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to conduct surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher. This permits allow limited replay of taped gnatcatcher calls. Gnatcatcher surveys were conducted in accordance with the protocol recommended by the USFWS for determining the presence or absence of coastal California gnatcatchers. Coastal sage scrub vegetation located within the project boundaries was identified and survey routes that provided direct visual and auditory examination of this habitat were selected. Areas supporting coastal sage scrub vegetation were surveyed on five occasions, under rain-free conditions, with wind velocities under 15 mph, and temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Surveys included replay of taped gnatcatcher vocalizations. The small areas of coastal sage scrub on the site allowed for full inspection of all potential gnatcatcher habitat. Endangered Species Studies • Environmental Compliance • Biological Resource Assessments • Conservation Planning 30 Crystal Cove, Laguna Beach, California, 92651 • Telephone: 714.497.0931 • Facsimile: 714.497.2971 Mr. Brian Millich April 20, 1998 Page 2 of 6 TABLE! SURVEY INFORMATION FOR THE POINSETTIA LANE SITE Dale December 21 , 1997 December 27, 1997 February 18, J 998 February 24, 1998 March 11, 1998 March 17, 1998 Time 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. 8:45 a.m. to 30:15 H.rn. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. 7 a.m. To 7:30 a.m. Weather Clear, with light wind and mikl temperatures. Clear, light wind, mild temperatures. Partly cloudy, light wind & warm temperature. Overcast, light to moderate wind & chilly temperature. Clear, no wind, temperature in the seventies. Clear, no wind, mild temperatures. Bioh>gist(s) Mike Couffer Mike Couffer Mike Couffer, David Levine Mike Couffer Mike Couffer Mike Couffer, Nigel Hancock Comments Focused gnatcatchw survey, preliminary vegetation map. Focused gnatcatcher survey. Focused guatcatcher survey, vegetation mapping. Focused gnatcatcher survey. Focused gnatcatcher survey. Focused gnutualcher survey, vegetaUon mapping Vegetation Communities A total of 14 different vegetation communities have been mapped on the Poinsettia Lane property They are described in the following paragraphs. Chaparral Chaparral is one of the two dominant native vegetation types in this general part of California. (The other is Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub.) Chaparral communities are dominated by evergreen shrubs that have small, thick, leathery leaves to resist water losses. Stands of chaparral generally constitute more or less dense, continuous cover of shrubs all of similar height, although this height varies from about 3 feet to over 12 feet, depending on the chaparral type, the soil quality, and the aspect. Only one type of chaparral is present on the Poinsettia Lane property. Mr. Brian Million April 20, 1998 Page 3 of 6 Southern Maritime Chaparral Southern maritime chaparral is a mixed-dominance chaparral. Its important species include those characteristic of southern mixed chaparral found further inland, together with several species that are restricted to the immediate coastal area. It occurs on weathered sandstone soils, and lies within the coastal fog belt, Dominant species in the southern maritime chaparral on the Poinsettia Lane property are chamise (Adenostomafasciculatwri), white coast ceanothus or wart-stemmed lilac (Ceanoihus verrucosus), mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor) and black sage (Salvia melliferd). Laurel sumac (Malosma laurind), lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa), Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera), and Ramona lilac (Ceanothus tomentosus var. olivaceus) also occur, with Parish's nightshade (Solanum parishii) and pancake prickly-pear (Opuntia oricold). Southern maritime chaparral often has a relatively open cover of shrubs. In the understory, characteristic species are peak rush-rose (Helianthemum scoparium), pygmy-weed (Crassula connatd), San Diego bedstraw (Galium nuttalHi), scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis), and coast range melic grass (Melica imperfectd). In sheltered places,, shiny lomatium (Lomatium lucidum) and silverbaek fern (Pentagramma triangularis ssp. viscosd) are also present. On the Poinsettia Lane property, southern maritime chaparral predominates the flatter central portion of the site and is surrounded by ruderal and previously disturbed areas. Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Coastal sage scrub is the second of the two dominant native vegetation types in this part of California. It occurs in the same general areas as chaparral, but tends to occupy drier, more xeric situations, such as south-facing slopes in contrast to chaparral-covered north-facing slopes. Sage scrub communities are dominated by lower-growing shrubs and subshrubs that lose their leaves to minimize water losses during summer drought. They may replace them with lesser amounts of smaller leaves. Many of the shrubs and subshrubs in coastal sage scrub are 3-6 feet tall, and have relatively open canopies. There is therefore often a significant herbaceous understory, including native grasses and colorful native annual wildflowers. Two different types of Diegan coastal sage scrub have been mapped, based on the dominant shrubby species in each case. . Coastal Sage Scrub—California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica) dominated California sagebrush-dominated coastal sage scrub is the typical form of sage scrub. California sagebrush is the most abundant species, but there is usually a fair diversity, with black sage, flat-top buckwheat (Eriogonumfasciculatum), scattered laurel sumac, lemonadeberry and coast prickly-pear Mr. Brian Millich April 20, 1998 Page 4 of 6 (Opuntia littoralis), and locally abundant thickleaf yerba santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium). Important smaller shrubs are deerweed (Lotus scoparius), California bush sunflower (Encelia californicd), and coast goldenbush (Isocoma menziesif). This community is usually relatively open, and includes many herbaceous species, especially rattlesnake weed (Daucus pusillus), California suncup (Camissonia bistorta), bicolored cudweed (Gnaphalium bicolor), California plantain (Plantago erectd), slender pectocarya (Pectocarya linearis ssp.ferocula), popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys sp.), common forget-me-not (Cryptantha intermedia), shining peppergrass (Lepidium nitiduni), long-beaked filaree (Erodium botrys), windmill pink (Silene gallica), and blue toadflax (Linaria canadensis). Ashy spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens) occurs in small openings. On the Poinsettia Lane Reach II site, California sagebrush-dominated coastal sage scrub occurs in one patch located on the flat ground at the northwest end of the site. Coastal Sage Scrub—Disturbed Coastal sage scrub has been defined as disturbed when only some 50-75% of ground cover comprises coastal sage scrub shrubs and subshrubs. Often the subshrubs include a high percentage of deerweed (Lotus scoparius). The intervening areas are more or less weedy annual grassland, with such species as long-beaked filaree, white-stemmed filaree (Erodium moschatum), red-stemmed filaree (Erodium cicutarium), miniature lupine (Lupinus bicolor), common fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii), black mustard (Brassica nigrd), wild radish (Raphanus sativus), and London rocket (Sisymbrium irid). Grasses include wild oats (Avena spp.), foxtail chess (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), and goldentop (Lamarckia aured). Disturbed coastal sage scrub is located in the western part of the Poinsettia Lane Reach II site. Ruderal Ruderal habitat is indicative of disturbed areas. It is dominated by coarse weedy introduced broad- leaved species, especially wild radish, black mustard, cheeseweed (Malva parviflord), and Russian thistle (Salsola tragus). Other common species are common sow-thistle, London rocket, common fiddleneck, white-stemmed filaree, and red-stemmed filaree, with weedy cudweed (Gnaphalium luteo- album), scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis}, and white nightshade (Solanum americanum). On the Poinsettia Lane property, ruderal vegetation has been mapped in various locations, mainly adjacent to agricultural land, developed areas, and roadsides. Mr. Brian Millich April 20, 1998 Page 5 of 6 Developed Developed habitat includes buildings, pavement and roads, nurseries and storage yards. In this case, the developed areas include primarily greenhouses, mainly disused, and dirt roads. Coastal California Gnatcatcher Survey Results On December 21 and 27, 1997 a female gnatcatcher was observed foraging within a sagebrush/grassland ecotone habitat southwest of the Reach II alignment. This area included scattered California sagebrush, California buckwheat, coyote bush, annual brome grasses, deerweed, short-podded mustard (Brassica geniculatd) and bare ground. This bird was not observed within the Poinsettia Lane alignment on subsequent surveys. In January, February and March of 1998 no gnatcatchers were located on the Poinsettia Lane Reach II site; however, in early-March a previously unrecorded gnatcatcher pair was located approximately 1000 feet to the west of the proposed Reach II alignment. This pair was observed foraging together within southern mixed chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats. On March 17, 1998 the male of this pair was observed with nest material. It is possible that the female gnatcatcher observed in December of 1997 moved to the west, paired with a male, and is currently nesting approximately 1000 feet outside the proposed grading limits for the Poinsettia Lane Reach II project. Since December of 1997 no gnatcatchers have been observed within or adjacent to the Poinsettia alignment. Impacts of the Proposed Project The Poinsettia Lane Reach II project would result in 2.94 acres of grading. Grading would include impacts to 1.592 developed acres on the Gallagher Trust & Cameron Parcel. This area currently supports green houses and no impact to native vegetation communities would occur as a result of development. The remainder of grading would occur on the Baker and Aitchinson Parcels (Exhibit 1). Grading in these areas would remove a total of 1.35 acres including 0.213 acres of disturbed coastal sage scrub and 0.137 acres of California sagebrush-dominated coastal sage scrub. In addition, 0.45 acres of southern maritime chaparral would be removed by this project. The remainder of grading would occur within ruderal and developed areas. The impacts to 0.35 acres of coastal sage scrub and 0.45 acres of southern maritime chaparral are significant project effects. No imapcts to the coastal, California gnatcatcher or any other species listed as threatened or endangered by the USFWS would occur as a result of project grading. Mr. Brian Millich April 20, 1998 Page 6 of 6 Recommended Mitigation Measures To offset the loss of coastal sage scrub and southern maritime chaparral habitats, the following measures should be implemented. 1) Mitigation of impacts to coastal sage scrub vegetation should be mitigated through acquisition of a 4-d Habitat Loss Permit from the City of Carlsbad with concurrence from the USFWS. Mitigation is likely to include 1) off site purchase of coastal sage scrub, 2) revegetation of coastal sage scrub, or 3) payment of a per acre fee according to regional plans for the City of Carlsbad. The terms of mitigation should be decided at the time the 4-d application is submitted to the City of Carlsbad. The applicant's proposal to purchase 0.35 acres of coastal sage scrub credits at a 2:1 ratio in an off site mitigation bank deemed acceptable to the City, or a combination of off site purchase with habitat enhancement to the Poinsettia Lane alignment may be sufficient mitigation for the proposed impacts. 2) Mitigation of impacts to southern maritime chaparral vegetation should be mitigated through 1) off site purchase and preservation of maritime chaparral, 2) enhancement or revegetation of southern maritime chaparral on or off site, or 3) payment of a per acre fee according to regional plans for the City of Carlsbad. The applicant's proposal to preserve and enhance 0.45 acres of southern maritime chaparral at a 1:1 ratio within the Aitchison parcel adjacent to the Poinsettia Lane alignment may be acceptable mitigation for the proposed impacts to southern maritime chaparral. The enhancement proposal should include the removal of debris and nonnative intrusive plant species to allow the site to naturally re-establish the chaparral habitat. If you have questions or comments pertaining to the information provided in this letter please contact me directly at 714.497.0931. Sincerely, JATURAL RESOURCE CONSULTANTS Dave Levme cc: Mr. Mark McGuire' Mr. Jack Henthorn EXHIBIT 1 POINSETTIA LANE - REACH II BIOLOGICAL HABITAT - STUDY AREA MAP POINSETTIA LANE REACH I APPROVED BY 40 OCEAN BLUFF :'•• APPROVED BY NEG. DECAITCHISON GALLAGHER TRUST & CAMERON HLDALGO EXHIBIT BY JACK HENTHORN & ASSOCIATES BASED UPON FIELD MAPPING PROVIDED BY NATURAL RESOURCE CONSULTANTS - DAVID LEVINE 3D O>O APRIL 1 o, 1998 N OT TO SCALE EXHIBIT 2 POINSETTIA LANE - REACH II BIOLOGICAL HABITAT IMPACT MAP AITCHISON RUD CSS-D /068 ac1 ac EXHIBIT BY JACK HENTHORN & ASSOCIATES BASED UPON FIELD MAPPING PROVIDED BY NATURAL RESOURCE CONSULTANTS - DAVID LEVINE 0 25 50 100 150 200 APRIL 10, 1998 TABLE 2 BIOLOGICAL HABITATS POINSETTIA LANE - REACH II ACTIVITY AREA Vegetation Communities Chaparral SMaC Coastal Sage Scrub CSS-A CSS-D Subtotal Other Vegetation RUD DEV Subtotal Southern maritime chaparral Coastal sage scrub—California sagebrush (Artemisia californicd) Coastal sage scrub—disturbed Ruderal Developed Acres .45 .137 .213" .299 1.84 TOTAL ACRES OF IMPACT IN ACTIVITY AREA 2.94 NOTE: TABLE BY JACK HENTHORN & ASSOCIATES BASED UPON FIELD MAPPING PROVIDED BY NATURAL RESOURCE CONSULTANTS - DAVID LEVINE JACK HENTHORN & ASSOCIATES April 10, 1998 JEH/mka