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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 93-09; Ocean Bluff; Tentative Map (CT) (51)VSTATE OF CALIFORNIA—THE RESOURCES AGENCY PETE WILSON, Governor DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME 4949 VIEWRIDGE DR. SAN DIEGO, (13199213357 -4212 October 3, 1995 Ms. Anne Hysong Assistant Planner Planning Department City of Carlsbad Carlsbad, CA 92009-1576 Comments on the Notice of Prior Environmental Compliance for the Ocean Bluff Project (CT 93-09}, Carlsbad, California Dear Ms. Hysong: The California Department of Fish and Game's (DFG) Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) staff has completed its review of the Public Notice of Prior Environmental Compliance and the Biological Field Survey Update Report for the Ocean Bluff project in the City of Carlsbad. The proposed 31.2 acre project consists of a 94 lot residential housing subdivision built upon land that has been in agricultural use. No impacts to significant biological resources would occur on-site. However, the extension of Poinsettia Lane to the project site will impact 3.7 acres of coastal sage scrub habitat and one pair of California gnatcatchers. In addition, off-site grading for the construction of Street "A" will impact 0.28 acres of disturbed coastal sage scrub. The total impact to coastal sage scrub habitat is 3.98 acres. The proposed project occurs within Preserve Planning Area 4 of the City's Draft Habitat Management Plan (HMP). The proposed project would not compromise the viability of the City's HMP in terms of impacting a significant biological core or corridor area. Proposed mitigation consists of the acquisition of 3.98 acres of coastal sage scrub or equivalent habitat within or in the vicinity of the Carlsbad Highlands mitigation bank. In addition, 3.0 acres of southern mixed chaparral (with elements of maritime chaparral) will be preserved on-site along the northwest corner of the parcel. The DFG concurs with this mitigation proposal. If Carlsbad Highlands is not the site of off-site mitigation, then" the DFG would need to be notified and concur with an alternate site. The DFG believes that the proposed Ocean Bluff project design and mitigation plan are consistent with the NCCP Guidelines. Whether this project can be processed through the 4 (d) Rule mechanism for interim coastal sage scrub loss depends upon the City of Carlsbad having adequate sage scrub lands left under the 5% cap at the time the project is ready to apply for a grading permit. Ms. Anne Hysong October 3, 1995 Page Two This issue was not addressed in the environmental documents sent to the DFG. If you have any questions please contact David Lawhead at (619) 467-4211. Thank you. Sincerely, William E. Tippets NCCP Field Supervisor cc: Department of Fish and Game Mr. Ron Rempel Sacramento Ms. Patty Wolf Long Beach Mr. David Lawhead San Diego U..S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mr. Gail Kobetich Ms. Ellen Berryman Mr. Jack Henthorn Jack Henthorn & Associates 5431 Avenida Encinas, Suite J Carlsbad, CA 92008 FILE: Chron OCNBLUFF.DNL LAWHEAD/TIPPETS