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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 93-09; Ocean Bluff; Tentative Map (CT) (70)Anita M. Haywdrfh ^ Biological Consultant March 5, 1994 Mr. Jack Henthorn Jack Henthorn and Associates 5431 Avenida Encinas Suite G Carlsbad, CA 92008 Re: Burrowing Owl survey for the Ocean Bluff Property Dear Mr. Henthorn, Pursuant to a request by the City of Carlsbad, a survey for the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) was conducted for the Ocean Bluff property. The proposed project is approximately 30 acres and is located within the Zone 20 Specific Plan Area, south of Palomar Airport Road, east of Paseo Del Norte, and west of El Camino Real in Carlsbad. Most of the parcel is currently in agricultural use with a small portion of the western part in ruderal vegetation. A small canyon is located at the northwestern corner of the property which is composed of highly disturbed mixed chaparral vegetation. This area is dominated by species such as yerba santa, wart-stemmed ceanothus, chamise, laurel sumac, non-native grasses and weeds. The burrowing owl is a California Department of Fish and Game Species of Special Concern. It is also on the Audubon Society Blue List (Tate, 1986) and is considered to be declining in San Diego County (Everett, 1979). This owl species is a diurnally active inhabitant of deserts and open grasslands. It typically perches on fence posts or stands on a mound at the entrance to its nesting burrow. The burrowing owl nests in abandoned rodent burrows by enlarging the opening. The EIR prepared for the Zone 20 Specific Plan Project reported that the burrowing owl may occur in the fallow fields on-site near the margins of active farming areas where there are ground squirrel burrows (Brian F. Mooney Associates, 1991). However, the owl was not observed on the property during any of the surveys conducted for the preparation of the EIR. Prior to any development activity at the property, a focused survey for the owl is deemed necessary. 10542 Montego Drive / San Diego CA 92124 / (619) 694-0084 o o A total of three complete surveys of the property were done at least one week apart for approximately two hours each. All areas of the property, especially the edges, were searched for the presence of the owl or burrows. Surveys were conducted on February 19, 26, and March 4, 1994 in the late afternoon/early evening when the owl becomes most active. Weather conditions were mild with temperatures in the low 60s, slight wind and overcast skies. The burrowing owl was not observed during the surveys of the property. Currently, the property is being farmed, so suitable habitat is not available for nesting. Some ground squirrels were observed on the property which could provide nesting burrows, however, no owl burrows were observed. Since no burrowing owls were observed on the property, the project would result in no impacts to this species. Therefore, no mitigation measures are required for impacts to the owl. Sincerely, Anita M. Hay worth Owner/Biologist References Brian F. Mooney Associates. 1991. Program Environmental Impact Report for the Zone 20 Specific Plan Project, Carlsbad, California. Everett, William T. 1979. Threatened, declining, and sensitive bird species in San Diego County. Sketches 29(10): 2-3. Tate, James, Jr. 1986. The Blue List for 1986. American Birds 40(2): 227-236.