HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 95-05; Emerald Ridge East; Tentative Map (CT) (5)I
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I BIOLOGICAL SURVEY AND REPORT
* FOR
_ EMERALD RIDGE - EAST
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| Prepared for:
I MSP Californica LLC.
650 S. Cherry Street, Suite 435
Denver, Colorado 80222
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Prepared by:
* Brian F. Mooney Associates
_ - 9903-B Businesspark Avenue
I San Diego, California 92131-1120
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September 1995
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
I. SUMMARY 1
II. INTRODUCTION 1
A. Project Description and Location 1
B. Physical Characteristics 2
III. METHODS 2
IV. RESULTS 5
A. Botany 5
B. Zoology 5
C. Sensitive Species 11
D. Sensitive Habitats 14
E. Habitat Evaluation 14
V. IMPACT ANALYSIS 15
A. Assumptions and Assessment Guidelines 15
B. Project Impacts 16
VI. MITIGATION MEASURES 18
A. Mitigation Program 18
VII. REFERENCES 19
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East
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LIST OF FIGURES
Number Title
1 Regional Location Map
2 Vicinity Map
3 Biological Resources Map
4a Biological Impacts Map
4b Biological Impacts Map
LIST OF TABLES
Number Title
1 Plant Species Observed at Emerald Ridge - East
2 Animal Species Observed at Emerald Ridge - East
3 Emerald Ridge - East Impacts
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East
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Map pocket
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I. SUMMARY
The proposed Emerald Ridge - East project is a Tentative Map (TM) to divide approximately
27.4 acres into 60 residential lots and three open space lots. The project site is located hi the
City of Carlsbad, in northern San Diego County, approximately 500 feet south of Palomar
Airport Road and 1.5 miles east of Interstate 5. Access to the TM will be via Hidden Valley
Road.
The majority of the site (25.73 acres) is disturbed as a result of agricultural activities. The
property supports two native habitat types: Diegan coastal sage scrub (1.47 acres including 0.15
acre of disturbed sage scrub) and wetland vegetation (0. 17 acre). In addition, there is a drainage
channel (0.03 acre) that is vegetated with upland plant species in some areas and unvegetated
in other areas.
No Federally or State listed Threatened or Endangered plant species were observed during the
field surveys, however, there is a high potential for two sensitive plant species (ashy spike-moss
and western dichondra) to occur within the property boundaries.
Three sensitive bird species (turkey vulture, northern harrier, and California gnatcatcher) were
observed on-site during the field surveys. No sensitive reptile species were observed during the
surveys, however, two sensitive reptile species (San Diego coast horned lizard and orange-
throated whiptail) would be expected to occur in the sage scrub and chaparral on-site.
Implementation of the Tentative Map would impact 19. 17 acres of disturbed land and 0.^9 acre
of sage scrub (including 0.15 acre of disturbed sage scrub) for a total of 19.76 acres. The loss
of disturbed land would not be considered a significant loss. Impacts to sage scrub would be
considered a significant impact due to the sensitivity of the habitat and the presence of a
Federally listed species (California gnatcatcher). Impacts to 0>59cacre of sage scrub would be
mitigated by the purchase of O.'TjS'acre of sage scrub within a mitigation bank preserve or by the
creation of 0.<pf acre of habitat in the disturbed area located in the southeastern corner of the
property.
Implementation of the Emerald Ridge - East project would result hi the preservation of 7.64
acres in open space. This would include 0.88 acre of sage scrub, 0.17 acre of wetland
vegetation, 0.03 acre of drainage channel, and 6.56 acres of disturbed land.
II. INTRODUCTION
A. Project Description and Location
The proposed Emerald Ridge - East project is a Tentative Map (TM) to divide approximately
27.4 acres into 60 residential lots and three open space lots. The project site is located in the
City of Carlsbad, in northern San Diego County, approximately 500 feet south of Palomar
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East T
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Airport Road and 1.5 miles east of Interstate 5 (Figure 1). Access to the TM will be via Hidden
Valley Road.
B. Physical Characteristics
The majority of the property is on west-southwest facing slopes (Figure 2). Elevation ranges
from approximately 70 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) along the northern boundary of the
property to 210 feet AMSL along the eastern boundary of the site. Soils found on the study site
include Las Flores loamy fine sand with 15-30% slopes and Gaviota fine sandy loam with 9-30%
slopes (Bowman 1973).
The surrounding land uses include fallow agricultural areas to the north and south. Also to the
north is Encinas Creek, beyond which is Palomar Airport Road. West of the project site is a
north-south drainage and beyond it an agricultural field. To the east are residences and open
areas.
III. METHODS
An initial biological resource inventory was conducted to map the vegetation communities within
the project boundaries, survey the wildlife present, and to search for the presence of sensitive
plant and annual species. This inventory, originally called Hidden Valley Estates (Mooney
1994) also covered resources within the adjacent Emerald Ridge - West development. Resources
were mapped on a 1 inch =100 feet scale topographic map.
The initial survey was conducted on June 30, 1994 between the hours of 1300 and 1600 by L.
Embree and G.T. Baird. The weather at the beginning of the survey consisted of partially clear
skies with a temperature near 80° F and a light wind. By the end of the survey, the temperature
was unchanged despite an increase hi wind and cloud cover. A second field survey was
conducted on September 16, 1994 by G.T. Baird between the hours of 0800 and 0900 for
additional vegetation mapping. A third field survey was conducted on July 29, 1995 by G.T.
Baird between the hours of 0700 and 1000 to assess any changes to the biological resources.
For this report, previous biological studies for the project site were reviewed (RECON 1991;
Mooney 1991, 1994, and 1995; and Dudek 1995.
The following references or field guides were used for the biological resource inventory:
habitats, Holland 1986; flora, Bailey 1924, Munz 1974, Beauchamp 1986, and Hickman 1993;
birds, Binford 1986 and DeBenedictis 1989; mammals, Jones, et al. 1982 and Jameson and
Peelers 1988; reptiles, Jennings 1983.
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - Hast
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ORANGE
COUNTY
CAMP JOSEPH H.PENDLETONU.S.M.C.B.
Project Location
ESCONDIDO
78
TIONALCITY n
CHULA VISTA
PACIFIC BEACH
POINT LOMA
Brian F. Mooney
Associates 10 Miles
Regional Location Map
Figure 1
Emerald Ridge-East
Brian F. Mooney
Associates 1000' 2000'
Vicinity Map
Figure 2
Emerald Ridge - East
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IV. RESULTS
A. Botany
The majority of the vegetation on the site is disturbed as a result of previous use as crop land
but has been allowed to lay fallow for years except for periodic discing (Figure 3). A few
weedy, non-native plant species were observed scattered around the fallow field including black
mustard (Brassica nigrd), wild oat (Avena sp.), wild radish (Raphanus sativus), bromes (Bromus
sp.), and sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). These species also occur in two large patches near
the northern and the eastern boundaries. There are approximately 25.73 acres of disturbed land.
The property supports two native habitat type: Diegan coastal sage scrub (sage scrub) and
wetland vegetation (Figure 3). Sage scrub consists of low woody subshrubs, many of which are
summer deciduous. This vegetation community typically is found on dry sites, such as steep,
south and southeast facing slopes. Sage scrub occurs in two small patches within the agricultural
area adjacent to the eastern property boundary. A portion of one of the patches is disturbed,
with a higher percentage of wild oat and bromes. Sage scrub also occurs in the southern portion
of the site, extending off-site to the west. Dominant species observed include California
sagebrush (Artemisia californicd), lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolid), black sage (Salvia
melliferd) and coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis var. consanguined). There are approximately
1.47 acres of sage scrub including 0.15 acre of disturbed sage scrub.
Wetland vegetation was identified in the Enemas Creek channel along the northern boundary of
the property in a wetland delineation conducted by Dudek & Associates (1994). The vegetation
was dominated by pampas-grass (Cortaderia dioica) with a few scattered individuals of arroyo
willow (Salix lasiolepis). There is a total of 0.17 acre of wetland vegetation on the project site.
Dudek (1995) also surveyed the northeast-southwest drainage in the southern portion of the
property. The drainage channel consisted of unvegetated areas as well as areas with vegetation
that would be characterized as upland species, such as coyote bush, tree tobacco (Nicotiana
glauca), California sagebrush, and lemonadeberry. There is 0.03 acre of drainage channel
within the project boundaries.
A total of 62 plant species (including 30, or 49% non-native species) were detected during the
initial inventory hi 1994 (Table 1). The high number of non-native species observed indicates
the high level of disturbance from agricultural activities. Due to the tune of the year the survey
was conducted, some herbaceous annual plants may have been present, but were not detected.
B. Zoology
This section discusses the wildlife associated with each vegetation community, as presented
above. A total of 19 wildlife species were observed during the 1994 inventory (Table 2). The
number of wildlife species observed during the field surveys was limited due to the tune of the
year the surveys were conducted, the weather conditions, and the behavior of individual species.
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East
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I Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
Disturbed Sage Scrub
Disturbed
Riparian Vegetation (RV)
Drainage Channel
California Gnatcatcher
Project
Boundary
Brian F. Mooney
Associates 200'400'
Biological Resources Map
Figure 3
Emerald Ridge-Easc
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Table 1. Plant Species Observed at Emerald Ridge - East
Species1 Habitat2
DICOTYLEDONEAE
AIZOACEAE - Carpet-weed Family
*Carpobrotus edulis, hottentot-fig Di
*Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, crystal ice plant Di
ANACARDIACEAE - Sumac Family
Malosma laurina, laurel sumac SS.MC
Rhus integrifolia, lemonadeberry SS,MC
Toxicodendron radicans ssp. diversilobum, poison oak SS,RS,MC
APIACEAE - Carrot Family
*Foeniculum vulgare, sweet fennel Ag,RS
ASTERACEAE - Sunflower Family
Ambrosia psilostachya, western ragweed Ag.RS
Artemisia californica, California sagebrush SS
Baccharispilularis var. consanguinea, coyote brush SS,Di,RS
Baccharis salicifolia, mule-fat RS
*Centaurea melitensis, tocalote Di
*Conyza canadensis, common horseweed Di,RS
Encelia californica, California encelia SS
Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. confertiflorum, golden yarrow SS
Gnaphalium bicolor, bicolor cudweed SS
Hemizonia fasciculata, fascicled tarplant Ag,SS,Di
Isocoma menziesii var. vernonioides, coastal goldenbush SS,Di,RS
*Picris echioides, bristly ox-tongue Di
*Sonchus asper ssp. asper, spiny-leaf sow-thistle Ag
*Xanthium stnanarium, cocklebur RS
BORAGINACEAE - Carrot Family
Heliotropium curvassavicum, heliotrope Ag,Di
BRASSICACEAE
*Brassica nigra, black mustard SS.Ag
*Raphanus sativus, wild radish Ag,Di
CACTACEAE - Cactus Family
*Opuntiaficus-indica, Indian fig SS
Opuntia littoralis, coastal prickly-pear . . SS
CAPPARACEAE - Caper Family
Cleome isomeris, bladderpod SS
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East
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Table 1. Plant Species Observed at Emerald Ridge - East
C " 1
CAPRIFOLIACEAE - Honeysuckle Family
Sambucus mexicana, desert elderberry
CHENOPODIACEAE - Goosefoot Family
*Chenopodium album, lamb's quarters
*Salsola iberica, Russian thistle
EUPHORBIACEAE - Spurge Family
*Ricinus communis, castor-bean
FAGACEAE - Oak Family
Quercus dumosa, Nuttall's scrub oak
GROSSULARIACEAE - Currant Family
Ribes spedosum, fuchsia-flower gooseberry
LAMIACEAE - Mint Family
*Marrubium vulgare, horehound
Salvia apiana, white sage
Salvia mellifera, black sage
MALVACEAE - Mallow Family
Malacothamnus fasdculatus vai.fasciculatus, bush mallow
NYCTAGINACEAE - Four O'clock Family
Mirabilis calif arnica, wishbone plant
POLYGONACEAE - Buckwheat Family
Eriogonum fasticulaltum ssp. fasticulatum, flat-top buckwheat
*Rumex crispus, curly dock
PRIMULACEAE - Primrose Family
*Anagallis arvensis var. arvensis, scarlet pimpernel
ROSACEAE - Rose Family
Heteromeles arbutifolia, toyon
RUTACEAE - Citrus Family
Cneoridium dumosum, coast spice bush
SALICACEAE - Willow Family
Salix goodingii, black willow
Salix lasiolepis, arroyo willow
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - Hast
(Continued)
Habitat2
SS.MC
Di.RS
Ag.SS.Di
RS
MC
SS.MC
Ag,Di,RS
MC
SS
ss
SS
ss
RS
Ag
RS
MC
RS
RS
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Table 1. Plant Species Observed at Emerald Ridge - East (Continued)
Species1 Habitat2
SCROPHULARIACEAE - Figwort Family
Mimulus aurianticus, monkey-flower SS
SOLANACEAE - Nightshade Family
Datura wrightii, jimson weed Ag
*Nicotiana glauca, tree tobacco Ag
TAMARICACEAE - Tamarisk Family
Tamarix sp., tamarisk RS
Urticaceae - Nettle Family
Urtica dioica ssp. holosericea, hoary nettle RS
MONOCOTYLEDONEAE
CYPERACEAE - Sedge Family
*Cyperus alternifolius, African umbrella-plant Di,RS
POACEAE - Grass Family
*Avena sp., wild oat SS,Di
*Avena sativa, cultivated oats Di
*Bromus diandrus, common ripgut-grass SS.Di
*Bromus mollis, soft chess SS.Di
*Bromus rubens, foxtail chess SS,Di
*Cortaderia dioica, pampas-grass Di,RS
*Cortaderiajubata, Atacama pampas-grass Di,RS
*Cynodon dactylon, common Bermuda grass Di,RS
*Echinochloa crus-galli, barnyard grass Di
*Polypogon monspeliensis,Tabbitfoot beardgrass RS
* Denotes non-native taxa.1 Nomenclature from Bailey (1924), Munz (1974), Beauchamp (1986) and Hickman (1993).
2 Habitats: Ag = Agricultural Fields
Di = Disturbed
MC = Southern Mixed Chaparral
RS = Disturbed Southern Willow Scrub
SS = Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East
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Table 2. Animal Species Observed at Emerald Ridge - East
Common Name
turkey vulture
black-shouldered kite
northern harrier
American kestrel
California quail
greater roadrunner
black phoebe
Cassin's kingbird
bushtit
California gnatcatcher
wrentit
northern mockingbird
rufous-sided towhee
California towhee
rufous-crowned sparrow
house finch
lesser goldfinch
Common Name
California ground squirrel
cottontail rabbit
Birds
Scientific Name1"
Cathartes aura
Elanus caeruleus
Circus cyaneus
Falco sparverius
Callipepla califomica
Geococcyx californianus
Sayomis nigricans
Tyrannus vociferans
Psaltriparus minimus
Polioptila califomica
Chamaea fasciata
Mimus polyglottos
Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Pipilo crissalis
Aimophila ruficeps
Carpodacus mexicanus
Carduelis psaltria
Mammals
Scientific Name'4'
Spermophilus beecheyi
Sylvilagus auduboni
Habitat0*
O
O
O
0
SS
Ag
Ag
SS.RV
SS.RV
SS
SS
SS.RV
SS
SS
SS
Ag.SS.RV
SC.MC
Habitat01
AG.SS
SS
Abundance'31
e
e
e
e
d
e
d
e
c
d
e
e
e
e
e
b
d
Evidence
sighted
scat, sighted
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Nomenclature from Binford 1986 and DeBenedictis 1989.
Habitats:
Ag = Agricultural Fields RV = Riparian Vegetation
MC = Southern Mixed Chaparral SS = Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
O = Overhead
Abundance indicated by relative abundance:
a = abundant - 20+ d = uncommon - 3-5
b = common - 10=20 e = rare - 1 or 2
c = occasional - 5-10
Nomenclature from Jones, et al. 1982.
The discussion of wildlife observed is supplemented by those species expected to occur based
on previous studies.
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub. Common wildlife species observed in the sage scrub include
California quail (Callipepla califomica), wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), California towhee (Piplo
crissalis) and house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus). Most of these species were detected only
on the Emerald Ridge - West TM during the initial 1994 survey. However, California
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East 10
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I gnatcatchers (Polioptila California) were detected in the sage scrub on-site near the southern
boundary and off-site to the west during a survey in July of this year. California gnatcatchers
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were also detected northwest of the site as well as north of the residential development to the
east of the project site (Mooney -1994). Observations of the species also occurred within the
sage scrub off-site to the west during the 1991 REGON survey of the area. This species is
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regarded as sensitive and will be discussed hi more detail in the Sensitive Species section.
Audubon's cottontail (Sylvilagus auduboni) scat was also observed in the sage scrub.
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Various reptile species such as the orange-throated whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus) and
San Diego coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei) were not seen but would be
expected to occur in this community.I
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Wetland Vegetation. This community typically provides a structurally diverse habitat and
varied food supply for a number of wildlife species. Only a few bird species were observed,
including Cassin's kingbird (Tyrranus vociferans), bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus), northern
mockingbird (Mimuspolyglottos) and house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus).
Raptors. Several raptor species were detected flying overhead including turkey vulture
(Cathartes aura), black-shouldered kite (Elanus caeruleus), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus)
and American kestrel (Falco sparverius). They would be expected to forage over most of the
project site.
C. Sensitive Species
Plant and animal species are considered sensitive if they have been listed as such by federal or
state agencies, or one or more special interest groups such as the California Native Plant Society
(CNPS) (Skinner and Pavlik 1994). The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)
publishes separate comprehensive lists for plants and animals through the Natural Diversity Data
Base (CDFG 1995a and 1994). CDFG also publishes Rarefmd searches (1995b). These lists
include taxa officially listed by California or the Federal Government as Endangered,
Threatened, or Rare, and candidates for state or federal listing. Candidate Species are
considered either Category 1 or 2. Category 1 species are those taxa for which the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service (USF&WS) has sufficient biological information to support a proposal
to list as Endangered or Threatened. Category 2 species are those taxa for which existing
information may warrant listing, but substantial biological information to support a proposed rule
is lacking. These categories can be applied to both plants and animals. The animal list also
includes Fully Protected Species and Species of Special Concern.
The CNPS also provides a comprehensive listing of plant species. Their sensitivity evaluation
of a species is based on its rarity, endangerment, and distribution (Skinner and Pavlik 1994).
Number values are assigned to these categories which, when considered together, are the basis
for placement on one of four lists: List IB: Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in
California and Elsewhere; List 2: Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered hi California, But
More Common Elsewhere; List 3: Plants About Which We Need More Information - A Review
Biological Survey and Report torEmerald Ridge - bast 11
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List; and List 4: Plants of Limited Distribution - A Watch List. For the purposes of this report,
species on state or federal lists or CNPS Lists IB and 2 have been of prime consideration.
Plants
No Federally or State listed Threatened or Endangered plant species were observed during any
of the biological studies conducted on the site. While not seen during the present study, ashy
spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens) was reported observed off-site near the southeastern corner
of the property in sage scrub (RECON 1991). There is a high potential for this species to also
occur on-site. Ashy spike-moss is a CNPS List 4 species that is declining due to urban
expansion.
An additional twelve sensitive plant species have been reported in the vicinity (CDFG 1994).
There is a high potential for western dichondra (Dichondra occidentalis) to occur on-site. The
preferred habitats of this species are chaparral, sage scrub and post-burn habitats. Western
dichondra is a CNPS List 4 species that is slowly declining in coastal southern California.
The remainder of the sensitive plant species reported hi the vicinity have a low potential of
occurring on site. Habitat for some of the species does not occur on-site: Del Mar mesa sand-
aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolid), thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolid),
Nuttall's lotus (Lotus nuttallianus), San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia), and Del Mar
manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia). Others would have been detected if
present on-site: California adolphia (Adolphia californicd), Encinitas baccharis (Baccharis
vanessae), wart-stemmed ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucosus), summer holly (Comarostaphylis
diversifolia ssp. diversifolid), Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii) and San Diego barrel cactus
(Ferocactus viridescens).
Wildlife
Birds. The Audubon Society has provided sensitive bird listings on the national and local level.
The Blue List (Tate 1986) is a national listing of sensitive birds which is an early warning
system for sensitive birds. In addition to reporting on Federal action for the listed species, the
list separates the species into those of national concern (The Blue List) and those of local
concern.
The local Audubon Society published a list of sensitive bird species for San Diego County
(Everett 1979). This listing categorizes species as Threatened, Declining, or Sensitive.
Threatened status is accorded to those species or subspecies which have undergone dramatic,
non-cyclical, long-term population declines, to the point where the situation has reached the
critical level throughout their range. Declining status is given to species whose local breeding
populations have been steadily reduced, or in some cases extirpated. Sensitive species are those
for which declines have not been documented, but are regarded as such because of: (a) ex-
tremely localized or limited distribution, (b) sensitivity to disturbance, (c) actual or impending
destruction of essential habitat, or (d) lack of sufficient data on current or past status which
significantly increased the potential for serious reduction of a local population.
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East 12
Three sensitive bird species were observed during the surveys: turkey vulture, northern harrier,
and California gnatcatcher. The turkey vulture and northern harrier were observed flying
overhead and most likely forage over the agricultural fields on and adjacent to the site. The
turkey vulture is listed by Everett (1979) as declining and is considered sensitive by the Blue List
(Tate 1986). The northern harrier is also on the Blue List (Tate 1986) and is a State Species of
Special Concern.
The most publicized sensitive species inhabiting sage scrub is the California gnatcatcher
(gnatcatcher). The gnatcatcher is a State Species of Special Concern. In March 1993, the
USF&WS listed the gnatcatcher as a Threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
This action was reversed by the courts hi April 1994. However, the gnatcatcher was relisted
as a Federal Threatened species in June 1994. California gnatcatchers were detected in the sage
scrub on-site near the southern boundary and off-site to the west during a survey hi July of this
year. California gnatcatchers were also detected northwest of the site as well as north of the
residential development to the east during earlier surveys (Mooney 1994). Observations of the
gnatcatcher in sage scrub off-site to the west have also been reported hi previous biological
studies (RECON 1991, Mooney 1991).
The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularid) and/or burrows were not observed during any of the
surveys, but historically has been reported near Palomar Airport (Unitt 1984). The burrowing
owl is considered a State Species of Special Concern because of impacts to its habitat, grasslands
and agricultural lands, in the form of grazing and development. Burrowing owls typically use
burrows created by ground squirrels or other fossorial mammals, but may also use man-made
structures, such as cement culverts or openings beneath cement or asphalt pavement (CBOC
1993). The burrowing owl is not expected to occur on-site.
Reptiles and Amphibians. Analysis of sensitive reptiles and amphibians, beyond the state and
federal lists, is provided by the San Diego Herpetological Society (SDHS). This group has
published a listing of endangered and threatened reptile species of San Diego County (1980) and
a status report for indigenous amphibians (1980a). For reptiles, an endangered species is defined
to be one whose population and habitat distribution have been reduced to such a widespread
extent that the species is unable to reproduce at a normal rate and is imminently near extinction
throughout the majority of its remaining distribution in San Diego county. A threatened species
is defined to be one which has had significant population depletion and/or habitat destruction and
is potentially endangered but (is) presently reproducing at or near normal where it still occurs.
The amphibian report has similar endangered and threatened definitions, but also lists species
as undetermined and stable. Undetermined status has been assigned to those species for which
there is insufficient data available to draw any conclusions with regard to current distribution
and abundance in the San Diego county. Stable status was given to a species (or subspecies)
whose San Diego county population levels appear to be holding their own.
No sensitive reptiles or amphibians were observed during the surveys although the San Diego
coast horned lizard and the orange-throated whiptail would be expected to occur within the sage
scrub on-site, primarily the habitat near the southern boundary. Both of these species are listed
by the State as Species of Special Concern and as Category 2 Federal Candidate Species. The
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East . 13
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SDKS considers the San Diego homed lizard endangered and the orange-throated whiptail
threatened. Both species are threatened by habitat destruction and the San Diego horned lizard
is also threatened by commercial exploitation.
D. Sensitive Habitats
Sage Scrub. Sage scrub is a community that supports a wide range of native California plants
and wildlife, many of which are considered sensitive by various agencies and/or interest groups.
Sage scrub in southern California has been severely degraded by past urbanization. Conversion
to agriculture has severed connections among remnant habitat patches resulting in their increased
isolation. Connections among habitat patches are critical to the long-term survival of sage scrub
inhabiting species (CDFG and California Resources Agency 1993).
Wetland Vegetation. Riparian habitats, including wetland vegetation, occur adjacent to streams
and riverbeds where soil moisture is close to the surface. These habitats are considered sensitive
in San Diego County for their wildlife value and limited distribution in the region. In recent
years, their limited distribution has been further reduced by flood control projects, agriculture
and urban development.
Wetland habitats are protected by CDFG and often these habitats fall under the jurisdiction of
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act,
especially when major drainages are involved.
E. Habitat Evaluation
&The study site supports two native plant community, sage scrub and wetland habitat. Due to the
^relatively undisturbed state of the sage scrub on-site, the continuation of the habitat off-site to
the west, the presence of a Federally Threatened species (gnatcatcher), and the potential presence
of two sensitive reptile species (San Diego coast horned lizard and orange-throated whiptail), the
quality of the sage scrub adjacent to the southern boundary of the site would be regarded as
high. The habitat value for the two narrow strips of sage scrub near the eastern boundary would
be considered low because of the small size of the strips (a total of 0.50 acre, the isolation of
the two strips and their more disturbed nature.
Disturbance from the adjacent disced areas, occurrence of the on-site habitat in a narrow strip,
and the absence of typical riparian habitat wildlife diminishes the overall value of the on-site
wetland vegetation.
Aside from use as raptor foraging habitat, the disturbed area is of little value to wildlife due to
its disturbed nature. This is in part because the level of wildlife use corresponds with the
vegetation complexity and biomass, both of which are relatively low in this area. Non-native
species are also used to a lesser extent by native wildlife species.
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East 14
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V. IMPACT ANALYSIS
A. Assumptions and Assessment Guidelines
Impacts to the flora and fauna observed or expected at the site were determined to be significant
or insignificant based upon the sensitivity of the resource and the extent of the impact.
Resources are generally considered significant if they are limited in distribution and then-
ecological role is critical within a regional and local context. Habitats supporting species listed
as rare, endangered, or threatened by the agencies that enforce the California or Federal
Endangered Species Act are also regarded as significant resources. In addition, habitats meeting
the following criteria were also determined to be significant:
• Natural areas, communities, and habitats of plant and animal species that are
restricted in distribution.
• Habitat that is critical to species or a group of species for feeding, breeding,
resting, and migrating.
• Biological resources that are of scientific or educational interest because they
exhibit unusual physiological, social, or ecological characteristics.
• Buffer zones to protect significant resources.
• Corridors or areas that link significant wildlife habitats.
A significant impact to a sensitive resource may be direct, indirect, or cumulative. An impact
is regarded as direct when the primary effects of the project result hi loss of habitat that would
cause a reduction hi the density or diversity of biological resources within the region. The
magnitude of an indirect impact is the same as a direct impact, however, the impact occurs from
a secondary effect of the project. An impact is regarded as cumulative when the project impact
is not significant but the combined incremental impact of it and other projects hi the region is
significant.
The extent of the impact on the sensitive resource must also be considered hi determining the
significance of an impact. For certain highly sensitive resources (e.g., an endangered species)
any impact would be perceived as significant. Conversely, other resources which have a low
sensitivity (e.g., species with a large, locally stable population but may be declining elsewhere)
could sustain a relatively large area of impact or population loss and not result hi a significant
impact. Biological impacts are considered insignificant if the resource in question does not meet
the above criteria for sensitivity or the extent of impact is not considered significant.
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East 15
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B. Project Impacts
A summary of the impacts for the TM is presented in Table 3 and shown on Figures 4a and 4b
(see Map Pocket). This impact analysis assumes that any land not preserved within open space
will be impacted. Implementation of the Emerald Ridge - East project would impact 0.59 acre
of sage scrub (including 0.15 acre of disturbed sage scrub) and 19.17 acres of disturbed land for
a total of 19.76 acres.
Table 3. Emerald Ridge - East Impacts(1)
Habitats Existing Impacts Open Space
Sage Scrub
Wetland Vegetation
Drainage Channel
Disturbed
Total
1.47®
0.17
0.03
25.73
27.40
0.59(2)
0.00
0.00
19.17
19.76
0.88
0.17
0.03
6.56
7.64
(1) Measured in acres.
(2) Includes 0.15 acre of disturbed sage scrub.
The loss of disturbed land would not be considered a significant loss. Of the 0.59 acre of sage
scrub that would be impacted, 0.50 acre would occur in two small, narrowly vegetated strips
along the eastern border of the property. An additional 0.09 acre of sage scrub in the southern
portion of the site would be impacted. The loss of any sage scrub would be considered
significant.
Sensitive Plants. The potential loss of ashy spike-moss and western dichondra associated with
the loss of sage scrub would not be considered significant since approximately 66% of the sage
scrub will be preserved in open space.
Sensitive Animals. Any loss of the disturbed land would reduce the foraging habitat for the
turkey vulture and the northern harrier, however, this loss would not be considered significant.
With the loss of sage scrub would be a potential loss of habitat for the San Diego coast horned
lizard and the orange-throated whiptail. This would not be considered a significant loss since
approximately 66% of the sage scrub on-site will be preserved in open space.
Indirect impacts (e.g., construction noise) to the California gnatcatcher may occur during
construction adjacent to the sage scrub near the southern boundary, however, any indirect
impacts that may occur will be minimized by the mitigation measures described below.
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East 16
LEGEND
IIIIIIIIIHIlDiegan Coastal Sage Scrub
Disturbed Sage Scrub
] Disturbed
RiparianVegetation (RV)
Drainage Channel
California Gnatcatcher
Project
Boundary
Brian F. Mooney
Associates 200' 400'
Biological Impacts Map
Figure 4a
Emerald Ridge - East
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VI. MITIGATION MEASURES
A total of 7.64 acres of habitat would be placed in Open Space Lots 61, 62, and 63 (Table 3,
Figures 4a and 4b). Open Space Lot 61 would preserve 0. 17 acre of wetland vegetation within
the Encinas Creek channel and 4.81 acre of disturbed land. Open Space Lot 62 would preserve
0.88 acre of sage scrub and create a corridor to connect with habitat off-site to the south. This
open space lot would also preserve 0.03 acre of the drainage channel and 0.92 acre of disturbed
land. Open Space Lot 63 would include 0.83 acre of disturbed land that would be graded to a
2:1 slope and landscaped.
The proposed open space should be dedicated to the City of Carlsbad for preservation in
perpetuity. Grading, placement of structures, removal or addition of vegetation shall be
prohibited within the open space easement. Vegetation may be selectively removed upon written
order of the appropriate fire control authority for the purpose of reducing an identified fire
hazard. Exceptions for future utility easements may also be approved within the open space
easement, pursuant to City Council policies for such exceptions. Any unauthorized
encroachments into dedicated open space shall require mitigation in the form of in-kind habitat
restoration on-site.
A. Mitigation Program
The Emerald Ridge - East project will be responsible for placing 7.64 acres of existing land into
the proposed open space lots to include 0.88 acre of sage scrub, 0. 17 acre of wetland vegetation,
0.03 acre of drainage channel and 6.56 acres of disturbed land (Table 3, Figures 4a and 4b).'
A total of 0.68 acre would compensate for 0.59 acre of sage scrub impacted with implementation
of the project. Impacts to 0.50 acre of sage scrub that occurs in two strips along the eastern
property boundary will be mitigated at a 1:1 ratio (0.50 acre). A minimum ratio is
recommended due to the relatively small size of the habitat occurring hi two narrow strips (0.20
acre and 0.30 acre), the isolation of the strips from contiguous habitat, and the absence of any
State or Federal listed species. Impacts to an additional 0.09 acre of sage scrub hi the southern
portion of the property will be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio (0.18 acre). The habitat hi this area is
of higher quality than that of the two strips near the eastern boundary, is contiguous with sage
scrub off-site to the south, and a Federally listed species (gnatcatcher) has been detected in the
area. The impact, however, occurs in a narrow linear strip adjacent to the fallow field.
Impacts to 0.59 acre of sage scrub will be mitigated by the purchase of 0.68 acre of habitat that
is within a mitigation bank preserve, such as Carlsbad Highlands hi the City of Carlsbad (City)
or by creation of sage scrub within the 0.92 acre of disturbed habitat in the southeastern corner
of the property. Mitigating for sage scrub impacts by purchase in a mitigation bank will ensure
preservation of land within a large preserve area that meets the USF&WS Natural Community
Conservation Planning (NCCP) requirements.
Compliance with the City Habitat Management Plan for impacts to sage scrub will require
coordination with staff from the City and may include the preparation of a Habitat Loss Permit
Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East TS
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as a result of the loss of sage scrub. In addition, finalization of the mitigation plan may require
concurrence with staff from both the CDFG and the USF&WS NCCP programs.
Clearing and grubbing of sage scrub that will be impacted shall occur during the non-breeding
season (August 1 to February 28) for the gnatcatcher. In addition, possible construction noise
impacts to breeding gnatcatchers and other potential bird species should be avoided by
prohibiting heavy construction adjacent to sage scrub during the breeding season (March 1 to
July 31).
Construction activities (including vegetation clearing and grubbing) adjacent to sage scrub shall
be monitored by a biologist to avoid any intrusion into this habitat. These measures shall
include: marking the limits of construction conspicuously; a discussion by the biologist with the
construction superintendent regarding the sensitivity of these areas and the need to prevent any
impacts from occurring; site visits by the biologist to monitor compliance; and a monthly report
to be submitted to the developer and interested resource agencies.
VII. REFERENCES
Bailey, L.H.
1924 Manual of Cultivated Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York.
Beauchamp, R. Mitchel
1986 A Flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater River Press, National
City, California. 241 pp.
Binford, Laurence C.
1986 Checklist of California Birds - 1986. Western Birds 17:1-16.
Bowman, Roy H.
1973 Soil Survey of the San Diego Area, California. U.S.D.A.
California Burrowing Owl Consortium
1993 Burrowing Owl Survey Protocol and Mitigation Guidelines. April.
California Department of Fish and Game
1994 Special Animals. California Department of Fish and Game.
1995a Sensitive Plants List. California Department of Fish and Game.
1995b Database RareFind Report. California Department of Fish and Game.
California Department of Fish and Game and California Resources Agency
1993 Southern California Coastal Sage Scrub Natural Community Conservation
Planning Process Guidelines. November.
biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - East 19
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I DeBenedictis, Paul A.
• 1989 Comments on the Thirty-seventh Supplement to the Checklist of North American
Birds. American Birds 43(3):416-418.
Dudek and Associates, Inc.
1995 Wetland Delineation Study for the Hidden Valley Road Alignment for Sambi
I Seaside Heights, Kelly Property and Mar Vista. Prepared for Toyohara America,
Inc. January.
I Everett, William T.
1979 Threatened, Declining, and Sensitive Bird Species in San Diego County. Sketches
m 29(10):2-3.
Hickman, James C., ed.
1 1993 The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California Press.
Berkeley, California. 1400 pp.
•
Holland, R.F.
1986 Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California.
Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game.
• Jameson, E.W., Jr. and H.J. Peeters
1988 California Mammals. University of California Press, J^os Angeles, California.
™ Jennings, Mark R.
1983 Annotated Check List of the Amphibians and Reptiles of California. California
• Fish and Game 69(3):151-171.
Jones, J.K., D.C. Carter, H.H. Genoways, R.S. Hoffman, and D.W. Rice
I 1982 Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico. Occasional
Papers of the Museum Texas Tech University 80:1-22.
• Mooney, Brian F. Associates
1991 Biological Survey and Report for the Carlsbad Zone 20 SPA. Prepared for the
I City of Carlsbad. August.
1994 Biological Survey and Report for Hidden Valley Estates. Prepared for Kelly Trust
UDY 8-31-81. September.
1 1995 Biological Survey and Report for Emerald Ridge - West, CT 95-03/SDP 95-
06/HDP 95-06. Prepared for MS{ California LLC. August.
I Munz, Philip A.
1974 A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley, Los
Angeles. 1086 pp.
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• RECON
• 1991 Biological Constraints Analysis for Kelly Trust Property in Carlsbad, California.
Prepared for the Kelly Trust. November.
San Diego Herpetological Society
— 1980 Survey and Status of Endangered and Threatened Species of Reptiles Natively
I Occurring in San Diego County. San Diego Department of Agriculture.
1980a Status of the Indigenous Amphibians of San Diego County. San Diego County
• Department of Agriculture.
Skinner, Mark W. and Bruce M. Pavlik
1 1994 Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Special
Publication No. 1, Fifth Edition. February.
I Tate, James, Jr.
1986 The Blue List for 1986. American Birds 40(2):227-236.
Philip
1984 The Birds of San Diego County. San Diego Society of Natural History.
• Unitt, Philip
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