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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 97-15; Lohf Property; Tentative Map (CT) (11)I I I I I 11 ^ \ BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORT ?V AND IMPACT ANALYSIS FOR THE DOVE LANE PROPERTY • CITY OF CARLSBAD " SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA I • Prepared for: _ WESTERN PACIFIC HOUSING I 2385 Camino Vida Roble, Suite 107 Carlsbad, CA 92009 Contact: Scot Sandstrom (760) 929-1600 Prepared by: DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 605 Third Street Encinitas, California 92024 • Contact: Anita M. Hay worth, Ph.D. (760) 942-5147 I I * 5 September 1997 Revised 5 May 1998 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page SUMMARY OF PROJECT FINDINGS iv 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 2.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS 1 2.1 Literature Review 1 2.2 Field Reconnaissance 1 2.2.1 Resource Mapping 1 2.2.2 Flora 2 2.2.3 Fauna 2 2.2.4 Sensitive Biological Resources 2 3.0 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 3 3.1 Site Description 3 4.0 RESULTS 6 4.1 Botany - Plant Communities and Floral Diversity 6 4.1.1 Southern Mixed Chaparral 6 4.1.2 Southern Maritime Chaparral 6 4.1.3 Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest 8 4.1.4 Eucalyptus Woodland 9 4.1.5 Disturbed/Developed Habitat 9 4.1.6 Floral Diversity 9 4.2 Zoology - Wildlife Diversity 9 4.2.1 Birds 9 4.2.2 Reptiles and Amphibians 10 4.2.3 Mammals 10 4.3 Sensitive Biological Resources 10 4.3.1 Sensitive Plant Species 10 4.3.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species 13 4.3.3 Sensitive Habitats 15 4.3.4 Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages 15 4.4 Regional Resource Planning Context 15 5.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS 16 5.1 Explanation of Determination of Significance 18 5.2 Impacts to Plant Communities 18 5.3 Impacts to Sensitive Plant Species 20 5.4 Impacts to Sensitive Animal Species 20 5.5 Summary of Significant Direct and Indirect Impacts 21 ii I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Section Page 6.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES 21 6.1 Subregional Planning Context 21 6.2 Mitigation Measures 22 7.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 22 8.0 LITERATURE CITED 22 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Regional Map 4 Figure 2 Vicinity Map 5 Figure 3 Biological Resources Map 7 Figure 4 Biological Resources Map With Proposed Grading 17 LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Acreages by Habitat Type 6 Table 2 Impact and Open Space Acreage for the Dove Lane Property 19 LIST OF APPENDICES A. Vascular Plant Species Observed on the Project Site B. Wildlife Species Observed or Detected on the Project Site C. Species Sensitivity Categories 111 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property SUMMARY OF FINDINGS The Dove Lane property is an approximately 36.6-acre parcel situated within Zone 21 of the City of Carlsbad in the western portion of San Diego County, California. The property is located west of El Camino Real, south of Camino Vida Roble, east of the Aviara development and north of Aviara Parkway. The property is surrounded by agriculture, open space/native habitat and some areas of residential development. Topographically, most of the site is relatively flat and has been in agricultural/greenhouse use and contains three residences. The elevations onsite vary from about 160 to 300 feet above mean sea level. Most of the southwestern portion of the site is represented by slopes leading to two drainages containing oak riparian habitat. The slopes within the southwestern corner are primarily composed of chaparral vegetation and most of the area surrounding the property is also chaparral. Based on species composition and general physiognomy, five plant communities or habitat types were identified onsite: southern mixed chaparral (1.2 acres), southern maritime chaparral (5.9 acres), southern coast live oak riparian forest (0.4 acres), eucalyptus woodland (0.5 acres), and disturbed/developed habitat (28.6 acres). One species of plant listed as endangered by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and proposed for listing as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was detected onsite: Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolid). Four additional plant species considered sensitive by various resource agencies also were observed: summer-holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia), Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa), and ashy spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens). An isolated coast live oak (Quercus agrifolid) is located in the central portion of the property, separate from the southern coast live oak riparian forest. One animal species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by the USFWS or CDFG was observed onsite: California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californicd). No other species formerly recognized as a Category 2 candidates for listing by the USFWS or recognized as sensitive by resource agencies were observed. No animal species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by the USFWS or CDFG were observed onsite. The vast majority of the site supports disturbed/developed habitat which would not be considered sensitive by the resource agencies. However, native communities onsite, including southern maritime chaparral and coast live oak riparian forest, are considered sensitive. IV I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Dove Lane property is an approximately 36.6-acre parcel situated within Zone 21 of the City of Carlsbad in the western portion of San Diego County, California. The property is located west of El Camino Real, south of Camino Vida Roble, east of the Aviara development and north of Aviara Parkway. The property is surrounded by agriculture, open space/native habitat and some areas of residential development. Biological surveys of the property were conducted in August, 1997, to assess the existing conditions of the biological resources. The surveys augmented the existing data base accumulated through previous survey work (e.g., SANDAG 1994). The purposes of this report are to describe the biological character of the site in terms of vegetation, flora, wildlife, and wildlife habitats; and analyze the biological significance of the site in view of federal, state, and local laws and policies. 2.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS Data regarding biological resources present on the project site were obtained through a review of pertinent literature and through field reconnaissance; both are described in detail below. 2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW Sensitive biological resources present or potentially present onsite were identified through a literature search using the following sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1989, 1990,1991, 1993), California Department of Fish and Game (1980, 1986, 1987), California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants (Skinner and Pavlik 1994), Murphy (1990), and the vegetation and sensitive species mapping performed for the North County Wildlife Forum's Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (SANDAG 1994). General information regarding wildlife species present hi the region was obtained from Unitt (1984) for birds, Bond (1977) for mammals, and Stebbins (1985) for reptiles and amphibians. 2.2 FIELD RECONNAISSANCE Biological surveys of the property were conducted by Dudek and Associates, Inc., biologist Anita M. Hayworth, Ph.D., during August, 1997. All surveys were conducted by foot; the entire property was surveyed and inventoried for biotic components. 2.2.1 Resource Mapping Plant communities were mapped in the field directly onto a clear acetate on a 200-scale (1"=200') aerial photograph of the area from Aerial Fotobank, flown 18 January 1997. Vegetation boundaries and locations of sensitive species were transferred onto a 200-scale topographic map of the site from Hunsaker and Associates. To further verify the vegetation mapping prepared in the field, a survey crew (Hunsaker and Associates) worked with the I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property biologist to accurately identify the boundaries of the habitat using GPS. The GPS data points were then transferred to GIS and overlain on the aerial photograph mapping. These boundaries and locations were digitized by DUDEK GIS technician Martie demons using the ArcCadd system at DUDEK. Plant community classifications used in this report follow Holland (1986), with modifications to accommodate the lack of conformity of the observed communities to those of Holland. Locations of rare or sensitive plant and wildlife species also were mapped, and the numbers present were estimated. 2.2.2 Flora All plant species encountered during the field surveys were identified and recorded. Those species that could not be identified immediately were brought into the laboratory for further investigation. Latin and common names of plants follow the Jepson Manual (Hickman 1993). Where not listed in Hickman (1993), common names are taken from Beauchamp (1986) or Abrams (1923). A list of plant species observed on the property is presented in Appendix A. 2.2.3 Fauna Wildlife species detected during field surveys by sight, calls, tracks, scat, or other sign were recorded. Binoculars (10 x 50 power) were used to aid in the identification of observed animals. Records from previous biological studies and accounts from local residents also were consulted. In addition to species actually observed, expected wildlife use of the site was determined by known habitat preferences of local species and knowledge of their relative distributions in the area. A list of wildlife species observed or detected onsite is presented in Appendix B. Latin and common names of animals follow Stebbins (1985) for reptiles and amphibians, American Ornithologists' Union (1983, 1989) for birds, Jones et al. (1992) for mammals. 2.2.4 Sensitive Biological Resources Sensitive biological resources are those defined as follows: (1) species that have been given special recognition by federal, state, or local conservation agencies and organizations due to limited, declining, or threatened population sizes; (2) species and habitat types recognized by local and regional resource agencies as sensitive; (3) habitat areas or plant communities that are unique, are of relatively limited distribution, or are of particular value to wildlife; and 4) wildlife corridors and habitat linkages. During the field surveys a special effort was made to examine more thoroughly those areas suspected to support sensitive resources. Considerably more time was spent in the chaparral vegetation and in drainages onsite. Assessment of the property to support the quino checkerspot I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino), a federally listed endangered species, were conducted currently with the biological mapping and inventory of the property. Biological mapping and species inventory were conducted by a biologist who possesses a valid section 10(a)(l)(A) recovery permit for the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californicd) and quino checkerspot butterfly. 3.0 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 3.1 SITE DESCRIPTION The Dove Lane property is a 36.6-acre property situated within Zone 21 of the City of Carlsbad in western San Diego County, California (Figure 1). It is bordered to the south by the Aviara residential development and open space, and to the north, west, and east by undeveloped areas, most of which contain native vegetation. The property lies approximately 3 miles east of Interstate Highway 5 and about 1.3 miles north of La Costa Avenue, and 0.2 mile west of El Camino Real. It is in the northeastern corner of the USGS 7.5 minute Encinitas quadrangle, Section 26, T.12S., R.4W. (Figure 2). Topographically, most of the site is relatively flat, has been in agricultural/greenhouse use, and contains three residences. The elevations onsite vary from about 160 to 300 feet above mean sea level. Most of the southwestern portion of the site is represented by slopes leading to two drainages containing oak riparian habitat. The slopes within the southwestern corner are primarily composed of chaparral vegetation and most of the area surrounding the property is also chaparral. Two drainages converge to form an unnamed tributary of Batiquitos Lagoon, and traverse the southern half of the site in a roughly southwest direction. The drainage supports somewhat well developed oak riparian forest that extends offsite to the southwest but terminates at the Aviara Development. According to Bowman (1973), the following soils are present onsite: Huerhuero loam (HrD2), and Loamy alluvial land-Huerhuero complex (LvF3). Soils of the Huerhuero series consist of moderately well drained loams that have a clay subsoil. These soils developed in sandy marine sediments. Huerhuero loam (HrD2) occurs on 9 to 15 percent slopes. Because of moderate sheet erosion, the soil has an effective rooting depth of 20 to 40 inches. Loamy alluvial land consists of somewhat poorly drained, very deep, very dark brown to black silt loams and sandy loams. Areas of this land were formerly wet meadows that were subsequently drained by head cutting of gullies. The gullies eventually formed drainage ditches and thus lowered the water table. The loamy alluvial land-Huerhuero complex occurs on 9 to 50 percent slopes and occurs on old coastal ridges. The landscape is one of strongly sloping to steep, severely eroded soils and alluvial fill along drainageways. Orange County 1" = 8 Miles Tijuana Dove Lane - Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Regional Map FIGURE SOURCE: USGS 7.5 Minute Series, Encinitas Quadrangle = 2000' Dove Lane • Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Vicinity Map I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property 4.0 RESULTS OF SURVEY 4.1 BOTANY - PLANT COMMUNITIES AND FLORAL DIVERSITY Based on species composition and general physiognomy, five plant communities or habitat types were identified onsite: southern mixed chaparral (1.2 acres), southern maritime chaparral (5.9 acres), southern coast live oak riparian forest (0.4 acres), eucalyptus woodland (0.5 acres), and disturbed/developed habitat (28.6 acres). These habitat types are described below, their acreages are presented in Table 1, and their spatial distribution is presented in Figure 3. TABLE 1 ACREAGES BY HABITAT TYPE Southern Mixed Chaparral 1.2 acres Southern Maritime Chaparral 5.9 acres Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest 0.4 acres Eucalyptus Woodland 0.5 acres Disturbed/developed Habitat 28.6 acres TOTAL 36.6 acres 4.1.1 Southern Mixed Chaparral Southern mixed chaparral is a drought- and fire-adapted community of woody shrubs, 1.5-3.0 meters tall, frequently forming dense, impenetrable stands. It develops primarily on mesic north-facing slopes and in canyons, and is characterized by crown- or stump-sprouting species that regenerate following burns or other ecological catastrophes. This association is typically a mixture of chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor), ceanothus (Ceanothus sp.), Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosd), laurel sumac (Malosma laurind), and black sage. A small amount of southern mixed chaparral occurs onsite along the eastern, northern, and western edges of the property. Much of the area mapped as southern mixed chaparral onsite is dominated by chamise. There are also scattered individuals of mission manzanita, laurel sumac, chamise, black sage (Salvia melliferd), and California sagebrush (Artemisia californicd). A total of 1.2 acres of southern mixed chaparral is present onsite. BASE TOPO/GRADING SOURCE: Hunsaker it Associates, 1998 Vegetation Types: SMC Southern Maritime Chaparral SMXI Southern Mixed Chaparral ORF Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest EW | Eucalyptus Woodland Disturbed HabitatDH Sensitive Animal Species: CAGN California gnatcatcher Sensitive Plant Species: Ag Arctostaphylos glandulosa Cd Comarostaphylis diversifolia Qa Quercus agrifolia Qd Quercus dumosa NOTE: Numbers indicate individual plant counts at that location. 200 Scale In Feet Dove Lane • Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Biological Resources Map I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property 4.1.2 Southern Maritime Chaparral Southern maritime chaparral is similar to southern mixed chaparral but is restricted to coastal localities within the fog belt and typically develops on sandstone soils. This community is characterized by several shrubs of limited distribution, including Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa var. crassifolia), wart-stemmed ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucosus), coast spicebush (Cneoridium dumoswri), and Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa). Other shrubs encountered frequently in this community are chamise, lemonadeberry, laurel sumac, toyon, and summer-holly. There is some question regarding the definition of this community, and considerable disagreement exists among those who map plant communities. For purposes of this study, any mixed chaparral community that had Del Mar manzanita as one of the shrub components was included in this category. Patches of chaparral in which Nuttall's scrub oak occurs, contained no other species characteristic of this community and did not occupy sandstone soils; hence, these were considered southern mixed chaparral. Likewise, although scrub oak is considered characteristic of southern maritime chaparral, the presence of scrub oak alone was not considered diagnostic for this community. Within the property, the full complement of southern maritime chaparral species is found in this community. Southern maritime chaparral, 5.9 acres, has a limited distribution on the property; it is restricted to the southwestern portion of the study area. Southern maritime chaparral is recognized as a sensitive plant community owing to its limited distribution and depleted nature. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently reviewed a proposal to list as endangered six plant species characteristic of this community; among these, Del Mar manzanita and Del Mar Mesa sand-aster were proposed as endangered. 4.1.3 Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest Southern coast live oak riparian forest is an open to locally dense evergreen sclerophyllous riparian woodland dominated by coast live oak (Quercus agrifolid). According to Holland (1986) it is richer in herbs and poorer in understory shrubs than other riparian communities. It typically occurs in bottomlands and outer floodplains along larger streams, on fine grained, rich alluvium. Onsite this community is represented by two bands of coast live oak, a total of 0.4 acre, with scattered individuals of arroyo willow, and an understory that includes poison-oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), California rose (Rosa califomicd), mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), and several annuals. Riparian habitats such as southern coast live oak riparian forest and southern willow scrub represent high quality wildlife habitat, providing structural diversity and water during much of the year. They are important sites of primary productivity and play a vital role in nutrient I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property recycling and maintenance of water quality. Many species of animals that are resident in adjacent scrub habitat forage in riparian areas during the drier times of the year. 4.1.4 Eucalyptus Woodland Although not recognized as a native plant community by Holland (1986), eucalyptus woodland is a distinct vegetation type that is fairly widespread in southern California. It typically consists of monotypic stands of introduced, Australian eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus spp.). The understory is either depauperate or lacking owing to shade and the possible allelopathic (toxic) properties of the eucalyptus leaf litter. Although eucalyptus woodlands are of limited value to most native plants and animals, they frequently provide nesting and perching sites for some local raptors. Three stands of eucalyptus, totaling 0.5 acre, are located on the property. 4.1.5 Disturbed/Developed Habitat Disturbed habitat refers to areas that lack vegetation entirely. These areas generally are the result of severe or repeated mechanical perturbation. Developed land refers to areas that include homes, yards, ornamental landscaping, corrals, and other highly modified lands that support structures, land use, or vegetation associated with dwellings. Within the property, disturbed/developed habitat includes dirt roads, trails, plowed land, residential dwellings and outbuildings, and ornamental landscape. A total of 28.6 acres of disturbed/developed habitat is present onsite. 4.1.6 Floral Diversity A total of 67 species of vascular plants - 44 native species (66 percent) and 23 non-native (34 percent) - was recorded from the site (Appendix A). 4.2 ZOOLOGY - WILDLIFE DIVERSITY 4.2.1 Birds Twenty-two (22) species of birds were observed during the recent survey work (see Appendix B). The avifauna is comprised of a moderately diverse assemblage of species associated with coastal sage scrub and chaparral. The most commonly observed species include California quail (Callipepla californicd), mourning dove (Zenaida macrourd), Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna}, common raven (Corvus corax), wrentit (Chamaea fasciatd), California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivuni), rufous-sided towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), and California towhee (Pipilo crissalis). I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property 4.2.2 Reptiles and Amphibians Two species of reptiles were observed onsite, including side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiand) and Great Basin fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis). Other reptiles common in the area and likely to occur onsite include southern alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus webbii), coastal western whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus), San Diego horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronata blainvillei), orange-throated whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus), gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus), northern red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber rubef), and common kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus). No amphibians were observed onsite. 4.2.3 Mammals Four species of mammals were recorded from the site, including cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus sp.), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), woodrat (Neotoma sp.), coyote (Canis latrans). Other mammal species likely to be present include striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginicd), and raccoon (Procyon lotor). 4.3 SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES The following resources are discussed in this section: (1) plant and animal species present in the project vicinity that are given special recognition by federal, state, or local conservation agencies and organizations owing to declining, limited, or threatened populations, that are the results, in most cases, of habitat reduction; and (2) habitat areas that are unique, are of relatively limited distribution, or are of particular value to wildlife. Sources used for determination of sensitive biological resources are as follows: wildlife — U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS 1989, 1991), California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG 1980, 1986), Remsen (1978), Everett (1979), McGurty (1980), and Murphy (1990); plants - USFWS (1990, 1993), CDFG (1987), and Skinner and Pavlik (1994); and habitats ~ Holland (1986). 4.3.1 Sensitive Plant Species One species of plant listed as endangered by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and proposed for listing as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was detected onsite: Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolid). Four additional plant species considered sensitive by various resource agencies also were observed: summer-holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolid), Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosd), and ashy spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens}. One regionally sensitive plant species, coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), was observed outside of the area mapped as southern coast live oak riparian forest and within the disturbed habitat area in the central portion of the property. Although this species is not listed by the resource agencies as sensitive, it is considered of concern with the jurisdictions. These species are discussed below and their locations are illustrated in the 10 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property biological resources map (Figure 3). The listing authorities and explanation of listing categories are presented in Appendix C. Although the USFWS recently eliminated its Category 2 candidate (C2) status, these are retained below because C2 species currently are under further review. Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia - Del Mar manzanita USFWS: Endangered CDFG: None CNPS: List IB, 3-3-2 Del Mar manzanita represents the coastal form of San Diego County's common burl-forming manzanita, and it is one of several sensitive plants that are indicators of the unique and depleted southern maritime chaparral habitat. In his recent treatment of Arctostaphylos in the Jepson Manual (Hickman 1993), Wells considers ssp. crassifolia as a valid taxon representing those populations in coastal San Diego County and adjacent northern Baja California. On the Dove Lane property, Del Mar manzanita typically occurs in small localized patches within southern maritime chaparral. It is concentrated in the southwestern portions of the property. Approximately 20 individuals are present in the subarea. Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia - summer-holly USFWS: former Category 2 candidate CDFG: None CNPS: List IB, 2-2-2 Summer-holly is a large shrub generally occurring on north-facing canyons and slopes and in sandy washes in chaparral and foothill habitats below 700 m (2,300 ft) in scattered locations from the Pacific coast in San Diego County south into Baja California. Reported localities in the County include San Marcos Mountains, Mount Whitney, Rancho Santa Fe, Gonzales Canyon, Encinitas, Mount Soledad, Penasquitos Canyon, Del Mar Heights, Iron Mountain, canyons of Mission Valley, Jamul Valley, and Otay Mountain (Beauchamp 1986). A single individual of summer-holly was observed along the southern property boundary within the southern maritime chaparral habitat. Owing to the steep topography and dense vegetation, access to the general area is poor. Consequently, a few other individuals of this species may be present in the general area and were undetected. 11 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property Quercus agrifolia - coast live oak USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: None The coast live oak is a moderately large evergreen tree with deep green foliage, trunk with smooth or with broad checked ridges, with a broad-headed appearance. It generally occurs in valleys and on slopes in coastal areas below about 1200 m, from Sonoma County to San Diego County. It may occur in closed canopy riparian woodlands and is an indicator of southern oak woodland. Typically, presence of single, isolated individuals of this species are not mapped. A single tree does not comprise the function and value of habitat such as southern live oak riparian forest or live oak woodland. A single tree does not provide the resources required to support wildlife species that typically rely on oak dominated habitats. However, the jurisdiction expressed concern regarding impacts to the isolated tree, thus, it was mapped and is discussed in this report. Quercus dumosa - Nuttall's scrub oak USFWS: former Category 2 candidate CDFG: None CNPS: List IB, 2-3-2 It was proposed (Hickman 1993) that the common, widespread species formerly known as scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) actually represents two closely related species — Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) and "interior" scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolid). Although interior scrub oak is widely distributed throughout southern California in chaparral habitats, Nuttall's scrub oak is restricted to the narrow coastal strip, and hence, has been severely affected by development. This species was one of eight native plants included in a "southern maritime chaparral listing package" circulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1993. Nuttall's scrub oak occurs as scattered individuals within the southern mixed and southern maritime chaparral habitats onsite. A total of three individuals were observed and it is likely that more individuals are present within the dense vegetation in the southwestern corner of the property. Selaginella cinerascens - ashy spike-moss USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 4, 1-2-1 This tiny, prostrate, whitish gray, moss-like plant occurs in San Diego County and adjacent northwestern Baja California, Mexico. In San Diego County it ranges from about Camp 12 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property Pendleton south to the international border. It is relatively abundant in coastal areas, occurring on flat mesas below 300 m that are prime locations for housing. Development of these areas has caused massive reduction of the habitat of the ashy spike-moss. This plant is one of the most common understory plants in coastal sage scrub and coastal chaparral communities, but has a restricted geographical range in southern California. Ashy spike-moss is common throughout much of the southern maritime chaparral onsite. 4.3.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species One animal species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by the USFWS or CDFG was observed onsite: California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). This species is discussed below and locations mapped on Figure 3. No other species formerly recognized as the former Category 2 candidates for listing by the USFWS or recognized as sensitive by resource agencies were observed. One other species currently under great concern by the resources agencies is the quino checkerspot butterfly. Currently almost every property undergoing consideration for development requires addressing the likelihood of presence of the butterfly. This species is discussed below. The listing authorities and explanation of listing categories are presented in Appendix C. Polioptila californica - California gnatcatcher USFWS: Threatened CDFG: Species of Special Concern The California gnatcatcher is a small gray non-migratory bird with black tail markings. During the breeding season the male has a distinct black cap. Gnatcatchers eat insects and build a small, cup-shaped nest of plant material, animal hair, and spider webs. A pair of gnatcatchers typically forage over 5 to 20 acres during the breeding season and more widely at the end of spring. The present known range of the California gnatcatcher extends from the Palos Verdes Peninsula of Los Angeles County south through Orange, western Riverside, and San Diego counties, into northern Baja California, Mexico. The gnatcatcher is a near obligate resident of coastal sage scrub and inland sage scrub communities. Individuals of this species generally are found at elevations below 900 feet in San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties, and below 1600 feet in Riverside County (Atwood 1990). Based on recent resource mapping for subregional management plans (e.g., MSCP, MHCP, Orange County NCCPs), it is estimated that there are 3,000-3,500 pairs in California. Focused surveys were not conducted for the California gnatcatcher due to the absence of their preferred habitat: coastal sage scrub. However, a female and one or two fledgling gnatcatchers were observed onsite within the southern maritime chaparral habitat at the southwestern corner of the property (Figure 3). The gnatcatcher has been recorded from adjacent property to the east 13 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property (SANDAG, 1994) and is known to occur within the Zone 21 area, thus it is not surprising to observe gnatcatchers within native habitat. During the late summer to fall seasons, gnatcatchers tend to be more nomadic in their habits and the young of the year disperse through whatever habitat is available. Thus the species may be observed in any number of habitats that are atypical for them. Additionally, during the later part of the season when the coastal sage is drier, the gnatcatcher may forage in areas that are moister and that may contain more insect prey. Thus the observation of the California gnatcatcher on the property within southern maritime chaparral habitat, a habitat with which they are not typically associated, is not surprising and does not necessarily indicate that they are occupying it for breeding purposes. Euphydryas editha quino - quino checkerspot butterfly USFWS: Endangered CDFG: None The quino checkerspot is the southernmost subspecies of the wide ranging, polytypic species known as Edith's checkerspot (E. editha}. It formerly occurred throughout southern California from Orange (Orsak 1977) and western Riverside counties south to Baja California, Mexico (Brown, Real & Faulkner 1992). By 1977, Orsak (1977) reported that it was locally extinct in Orange County; and by 1990 it appeared to be extinct in coastal San Diego County. Many of the former localities of this species still support high quality, undisturbed vegetation; hence, the reasons for its precipitous decline are unknown. It is likely that the unique metapopulation dynamics of this species combined with habitat fragmentation as the result of development and the drought years of the mid-1980s effectively eliminated it from the western portion of San Diego County. The habitat assessment of the property determines whether the project site contains habitat components and features appropriate to support the quino checkerspot. The butterfly is associated with low elevation meadow habitats or clearings characterized by clay soils or cryptogamic plants and may occur in sparsely vegetated chaparral, coastal sage scrub, or oak woodlands. Other habitat features include the presence of host plants [dwarf plantain (Plantago erecta) or owls-clover (Castilleja exserta)], nectar plants [popcorn flower (Cryptantha sp.), goldfields (Lasthenia sp.), fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia), chia (Salvia columbariae), or other spring annuals] located in sparsely vegetated areas, and hilltops and ridgelines. The Dove Lane property is characterized by disturbed habitat in the form of agriculture usage and existing residences. The development envelope is almost exclusively restricted to the currently disturbed habitat and includes very small amounts of native habitat. Thus very little impact to potential habitat would occur. In addition, there are no hilltops or ridges present on the site; the property is relatively level. No clay soils are present; the soils are dominated by sandstone based formations. No foodplant and very little nectar source is available. The nectar source is located within areas designated for open space. Finally, the native habitat present 14 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property onsite is characterized as very dense chaparral and oak forest, thus no potential habitat is available onsite. Based on the lack of any of the habitat features or components required to support the quino checkerspot butterfly, no survey during the flight period would be required. 4.3.3 Sensitive Habitats Sensitive habitats are those that are considered rare within the region, support sensitive plant and/or wildlife species, or function as corridors for wildlife movement. Habitat types found onsite that are considered sensitive include southern maritime chaparral and southern coast live oak riparian forest. 4.3.4 Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages Wildlife corridors are linear features that connect large patches of natural open space and provide avenues for the immigration and emigration of animals. Wildlife corridors contribute to population viability in several ways: (1) they assure the continual exchange of genes between populations which helps maintain genetic diversity; (2) they provide access to adjacent habitat areas representing additional territory for foraging and mating; (3) they allow for a greater carrying capacity; and (4) they provide routes for colonization of habitat lands following local populations extinctions or habitat recovery from ecological catastrophes (e.g., fires). Habitat linkages are patches of native habitat that function to join two larger patches of habitat. They serve as connections between habitat patches and help reduce the adverse affects of habitat fragmentation. Although individual animals may not move through a habitat linkage, the linkage does represent a potential route for gene flow and long-term dispersal. Habitat linkages may serve as both habitat and avenues of gene flow for small animals such as reptiles and amphibians. Habitat linkages may be represented by continuous patches of habitat or by nearby habitat "islands" that function as "stepping stones" for dispersal. No habitat linkages/wildlife corridors extend through the site, however, a patch of habitat extends onto the site at the southwestern corner that is an extension of native habitat that is present further west. 4.4 REGIONAL RESOURCE PLANNING CONTEXT In San Diego County, three major, coordinated conservation planning efforts currently are in progress with the long-term goal of identifying a system of preserves that will protect native habitat lands and their associated biota. The three efforts are (1) the City of San Diego's Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP), administered by the Metropolitan Wastewater Department, focused on biological resource planning for the southwestern one-fourth of the County; (2) the San Diego Association of Government's (SANDAG) Multiple Habitat 15 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property Conservation Program (MHCP), funded by a consortium of jurisdictions in northern San Diego County known as the North County Wildlife Forum, focusing on the northwestern one-fourth of the County; and (3) the County of San Diego Open Space Plan, which focuses on the portion of the County east of the MSCP and MHCP study areas. The ultimate goal of these plans is the establishment of biological reserve areas in conformance with the State of California's Natural Community Conservation Program (NCCP). These programs are moving forward under the regulatory influence of the 4(d) Rule pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, which allows for the interim loss of 5% of existing coastal sage scrub until the preserves (NCCPs) are formalized. In this context, the Dove Lane property lies within the City of Carlsbad Focus Planning Area of the MHCP and is within Preserve Planning Area 4 of the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP). The property is located within a Biological Core and Linkage Area that has been designated to receive 50 to 60 percent conservation. The patch of native habitat onsite is an extension of offsite habitat that has been identified as receiving 90 percent conservation or that is considered part of a Biological Core and Linkage Area where percent conservation has not yet been determined. The Biological Core and Linkage Area represents the envelope within which a future biological preserve area will be more accurately defined. Core Areas were defined as "concentrations of sensitive biological resources whose loss could not be mitigated elsewhere." The most important biological feature of the Dove Lane property is the patch of southern maritime chaparral habitat located at the southwestern corner of the site. Although the patch of habitat does not form a corridor or linkage of habitat from one area to another within the region, the patch is an extension of existing native habitat offsite and contains plant species that are sensitive or listed as endangered. 5.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS This section addresses potential impacts to biological resources that would result from implementation of the proposed project, and provides analyses of significance for each potential impact. Impacts were quantified by overlaying the limits of project grading on the biological resources map of the site (Figure 4). For purposes of this assessment, all biological resources within the limits of grading for development are considered 100 percent lost. Impacts to biological resources can be direct - resulting from the permanent removal of habitat, or indirect - resulting from changes in land use adjacent to natural habitat (e.g., increased light, noise, and urban runoff, interruption of wildlife movement, etc.). Both of these types of impacts and their levels of significance are discussed in this section. 16 BASE TOPO/GRAOING SOURCE: Hunsoker & Associates, 1998 -I Vegetation Types: I SMC I Southern Maritime Chaparral SMXl Southern Mixed Chaparral ORF Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest EW Eucalyptus Woodland DH Disturbed Habitat Sensitive Animal Species: CAGN California gnatcatcher Sensitive Plant Species: Ag Arctostaphylos glandulosa Cd Comarostaphylis divers/folia Qa Quercus agrifolia Qd Quercus dumosa NOTE: Numbers indicate individual plant counts at that location. Proposed Limits of Residential Grading Proposed Limits of Poinsettia Lane Grading 200 Scale In Feet Dove Lane - Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Biological Resources Map With Proposed Grading I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property I 5.1 EXPLANATION OF DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE • For this section, the following criteria are used to determine the significance of an impact: Substantial effect on a rare or endangered species plant or animal or habitat of I that species is considered a significant impact. Substantial interference with the movement of any resident or migratory fish or • wildlife species is considered a significant impact. Substantial reduction of habitat for fish, wildlife, or plants is considered a • significant impact. 5.2 IMPACTS TO PLANT COMMUNITIES Direct Impacts I Implementation of the proposed project would result in the direct loss of 29.6 acres (see Table 2), including impacts to the following habitat types: I — 1.2 acre of southern mixed chaparral — less than significant M — 0.4 acres of southern maritime chaparral — significant 0.0 acre of southern coast live oak riparian forest - less than significant | 0.5 acre of eucalyptus woodland - less than significant • — 27.4 acres of disturbed/developed habitat — less than significant. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property TABLE 2 IMPACT AND OPEN SPACE ACREAGE FOR THE DOVE LANE PROPERTY Southern Mixed Chaparral Southern Maritime Chaparral Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest Eucalyptus Woodland Disturbed/developed Habitat TOTAL Direct Impact 1.2 acres 0.4 acres 0.0 acres 0.5 acres 27.4 acres 29.5 acres Open Space 0.0 acre 5.5 acres 0.4 acre 0.0 acre 1.2 acres 7.1 acres In general, the proposed plan results in the preservation of 7.1 acres (19.4 percent), 5.9 acres of which are native habitats, hi natural open space, including 100 percent (0.4 acre) of oak riparian forest and 93 percent (5.5 acres) of southern maritime chaparral. The location and configuration of the open space lands are conducive to their long-term viability - they are large, concentrated blocks of habitat linked with off site natural habitat. Indirect Impacts Indirect impacts from the proposed development include the following: — Reduction in carrying capacity of adjacent native habitats as a result of noise and lighting associated with development. — Inadvertent potential increase of feral rat, cat, and other small predator populations in native habitats adjacent to proposed development areas. These impacts probably are most severe within the first 50 feet of development. Because the first 50 feet already is considered 100 percent impacted from the brush management zones, and indirect impacts from these sources are minimal beyond 50 feet, these impacts are consider less than significant. Nonetheless certain measures should be implemented to inhibit additional indirect impacts. These are discussed below under mitigation. 19 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property 5.3 IMPACTS TO SENSITIVE PLANTS Direct Impacts Implementation of the proposed project would result in the direct loss of the following sensitive plant species: - No loss of summer holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia) - less than significant — No loss of Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa var. crassifolius) - less than significant - Approximately 1 individual of Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosd) - less than significant - Approximately 7 percent of ashy spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens) - less than significant. - One individual of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) - less than significant. Although both Nuttall's scrub oak and ashy spike-moss will be directly affected by the proposed project, the impact is considered less than significant due to the overall low status and small amount of each of these plant species affected. Additionally, it is expected that additional amounts of each of these plant species are present within the area designated as open space. Although the impact to the one live oak is less than significant, due to the concern expressed by the jurisdiction regarding the impact, mitigation is required.I Indirect Impacts • Indirect impacts may result in the intrusion of non-native plant species within the first 50 feet of the proposed development. However, due to the density of the habitat and high percent cover I by native plant species, this intrusion will probably be negligible. These indirect impacts are considered less than significant. • 5.4 IMPACTS TO SENSITIVE ANIMALS Direct Impacts No impacts would occur to sensitive animal species. The California gnatcatcher female and juvenile(s) that were observed onsite within the southern maritime chaparral most likely are not residents of the immediate area due to the lack of their preferred habitat. Because of the time 20 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property of year that the survey took place (late summer), it is likely that the birds were dispersing or roaming within the vicinity. Coastal sage scrub habitat is located nearby both to the east and west and a gnatcatcher location has been recorded nearby within habitat to the east (SANDAG, 1994). No impacts are expected to occur to the California gnatcatcher. Indirect Impacts Indirect impacts may result in the reduction of the carrying capacity of the southern maritime chaparral plant community, however, the patch of habitat onsite is connected to additional habitat offsite. These indirect impacts are considered less than significant. 5.5 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS The following impacts associated with implementation of the proposed development plan are considered significant: a) Loss of 0.4 acre of southern maritime chaparral. The following impact is not regarded significant but requires mitigation based on input from the jurisdiction: a) Loss of one individual of coast live oak. 6.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES The mitigation measures presented below are based on the analysis outlined above. The only impacts that require mitigation are the loss of southern maritime chaparral and coast live oak. 6.1 SUBREGIONAL PLANNING CONTEXT In a regional context, the sensitive biological resources present of the Dove Lane property are regionally important due to the limited distribution of southern maritime chaparral habitat and the connectivity of the southern maritime chaparral habitat onsite with additional habitat offsite. Although the project results in the loss of 0.4 acres of southern maritime chaparral, the project contributes to the preservation of resources and the ultimate development of the subregional preserve system by contributing 5.5 acres of southern maritime chaparral, 24 individuals of Del Mar manzanita, scrub oak, summer holly, and ashy spike-moss to open space. Such contributions reduce the financial burden associated with land acquisition which represents the greatest barrier to successful implementation of subregional biological resource preserve systems. 21 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property The Dove Lane property is located within Preserve Planning Area 4 of the Carlsbad HMP which has been designated for 50 to 60 percent preservation by the MHCP and is subject to the project- level conservation requirements outlined within the Carlsbad HMP. On a overall project-level basis, the property is proposed to receive 19 percent preservation, with the native habitats onsite proposed to receive approximately 79 percent preservation, which exceeds the goals set by the MHCP. The proposed project meets the project-level conservation requirements outlined by the Carlsbad HMP: the project does not preclude the functioning of preserve linkages due to the lack of such linkages within the property (the project preserves the existing habitat onsite that connects to a large patch of habitat off site); over 50 percent (actually 93 percent) of the southern maritime chaparral is preserved; there is no net loss of the coast live oak riparian forest habitat; the project has been designed to avoid and minimize impacts to sensitive habitats and species. Thus, the proposed project is consistent with the Carlsbad HMP. 6.2 MITIGATION MEASURES The project design mitigates direct impacts to southern maritime chaparral and the sensitive plant species that occur within this habitat. Included in the project design is the granting of an open space easement over 93 percent (5.5 acres) of the southern maritime chaparral on the Dove Lane property. This is greater than the 2:1 mitigation ratio that is typically required by the resource agencies for the impact of southern maritime chaparral. The open space easement also includes the preservation of 100 percent (24 individuals) of the Del Mar manzanita occurring onsite. This is also greater than the 2:1 mitigation ratio that is typically required by the resource agencies for the impact of Del Mar manzanita. Although the impact to the one isolated coast live oak is not considered significant, it requires mitigation based on input from the resource agencies. The mitigation is recommended to be replacement of the one tree at a 10:1 ratio. Thus ten live oaks should be planted within open space areas. Suitable areas are available within the designated open space in the northwest and southwest corners. Currently disturbed or open areas are available and the conditions are suitable for planting of the oaks. 7.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This report was prepared by DUDEK biologist Anita M. Hayworth, Ph.D. Graphics were provided by Martie A. demons; Tonette S. Foster provided word processing assistance. 8.0 LITERATURE CITED Abrams, L. 1923. Illustrated flora of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. 22 I • Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property I American Ornithologists' Union. 1983. The Check-list of North American Birds, 6th edition. Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas. • American Ornithologists' Union. 1989. Thirty-seventh Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-List of North American Birds. The Auk 106:532-538. • Atwood, J. L. 1990. Status review of the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californicd). Unpublished technical report, Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, Massachusetts. 79 I pp. Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater Press, I National City, California. 241 pp. I I I Bond, S.I. 1977. An annotated list of the mammals of San Diego County, California. Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist. 18: 229-248.I _ Bowman, R. H. 1973. Soil Survey, San Diego Area, California, Part 1. United States • Department of the Agriculture. 104 pp. + appendices. Bury, B. 1971. Status report on California's threatened amphibians and reptiles. California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Administrative Report #72-2.I I California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1980. At the Crossroads: A Report on the Status of California's Endangered and Rare Fish and Wildlife. State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento. California. | California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1986. Endangered, Rare, and Threatened Animals of California. State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento, California. • California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1987. Designated Endangered or Rare Plants. Summary list from Section 1904 Fish and Game Code (Native Plant Protection • Act). State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento, California. Everett, W. T. 1979. Sensitive, threatened and declining bird species of San Diego County. • San Diego Audubon Society Sketches 29:2-3. Grinnell, J. and A. Miller. 1944. The distribution of the birds of California. Pacific Coast • Avifauna 27: 1-608. Hickman, J. C. 1993. The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley. 1400 pp. 23 I • Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property 8 Holland, R. F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California. Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game. 156 • PP- Jones, J. K., Jr., D. C. Carter, H. H. Genoways, R. S. Hoffman, and D. W. Rice. 1992. • Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Texas Tech University, no. 143. • McGurty, B. M. 1980. Survey and status of endangered and threatened species of reptiles • natively occurring in San Diego, California. San Diego Herpetological Society. • Munz, P. 1974. A flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley, • California. 1086 pp. I I I I I I I Remsen, J. V. 1978. Bird species of special concern hi California: An annotated list of declining or vulnerable bird species. Administrative Report No. 78-1. Nongame Wildlife Investigations, Wildlife Management Branch, California Department of Fish and Game. SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments). 1994. Vegetation and sensitive species maps prepared for the North County Wildlife Forum. I Skinner, M. W. and B. M. Pavlik. 1994. California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Special Publication No. 1 (5th Edition), California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 338 pp. | Smith, J. P., Jr., and K. Berg. 1988. California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Special Publication No. 1 (4th Edition), • California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 168 pp. Stebbins, R. C. 1985. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin • Co., Boston, Mass. Stewart, G. R. 1971. Rare, endangered, and depleted amphibians and reptiles in California. • Herpetology 5:29-35. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1989. Federal Register, Part 4, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal Notice of Review. 50 CFR Part 17. Department of the Interior. 24 I I Biology Report for the Dove Lane Property I United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1990. Federal Register, Part 4, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Plant Taxa for Listing as Endangered or • Threatened Species, Notice of Review. 50 CFR Part 17. Department of the Interior. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1991. Federal Register, Part 8, EndangeredIand Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal Candidate Review for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species, Proposed Rule. 50 CFR Part 17. Department of the Interior. • United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1993. Federal Register, Part 8, Endangered • and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Plant Taxa for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species. 50 CFR Part 17. Vol. 58. No. 188. Department of the Interior. Unitt, P. A. 1984. Birds of San Diego County. Memoir 13, San Diego Society of Natural History. 287 pp. I I I I I I I I I I I I Wiggins, I. L. 1980. A flora of Baja California. Stanford University Press. 1025 pp. Willet, G. 1933. Revised list of birds of southwestern California. Pacific Coast Avifauna 21:1-204. 25 APPENDICES I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX A VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED ON THE PROJECT SITE SELAGINELLALES SELAGINELLACEAE - SPIKE-MOSS FAMILY Selaginella cinerascens - ashy spike-moss ANGIOSPERMAE (DICOTYLEDONES) AIZOACEAE - CARPET-WEED FAMILY * Carpodbrotus edulis - Hottentot-fig ANACARDIACEAE - SUMAC FAMILY Malosma laurina - laurel sumac Rhus integrifolia - lemonadeberry Toxicodendron diversilobum - poison-oak APIACEAE - CARROT FAMILY * Foeniculum vulgare - sweet fennel ASCLEPIADACEAE - MILKWEED FAMILY Asclepias fascicularis - narrow-leaf milkweed ASTERACEAE - SUNFLOWER FAMILY Ambrosia psilostachya - western ragweed Artemisia californica - coastal sagebrush Artemisia douglasiana - mugwort Baccharis pilularis - coyotebush * Carduus pycnocephalus - Italian thistle * Centaurea melitensis - tocalote Cirsium occidentale - California thistle Eriophyllum confertiflorum - golden-yarrow Gnaphalium canescens - everlasting Hazardia squarrosus - saw-toothed goldenbush Hemizonia fasciculata - fascicled tarweed Heterotheca grandiflora - telegraph weed Isocoma menziesii - coastal goldenbush * Lactuca serriola - prickly lettuce BORAGINACEAE - BORAGE FAMILY Cryptantha intermedia - common popcorn flower I I I I I I I I I I CONVOLVULACEAE - MORNING-GLORY FAMILY Calystegia macrostegia - morning-glory I CUCURBITACEAE - GOURD FAMILY Marah macrocarpa - manroot | ERICACEAE - HEATH FAMILY Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia - Del Mar Manzanita • Comarostaphylis diversifolia - summer-holly I I I I I I APPENDIX A (continued) BRASSICACEAE - MUSTARD FAMILY * Brassica nigra - black mustard * Raphanus sativus - wild radish CACTACEAE - CACTUS FAMILY Opuntia littoralis - coast prickly-pear CAPPARACEAE - CAPER FAMILY Isomeris arborea - bladder-pod CAPRIFOLIACEAE - HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY Sambucus mexicanus - Mexican elderberry CHENOPODIACEAE - GOOSEFOOT FAMILY * Salsola tragus - Russian-thistle CISTACEAE - ROCK-ROSE FAMILY Helianthemum scoparium - rush-rose Xylococcus bicolor - mission manzanita EUPHORBIACEAE - EUPHORB FAMILY Ricinus communis - castor-bean FABACEAE - PEA FAMILY * Acacia melanoxylon - blackwood acacia * Acacia baileyana - acacia Lotus scoparius - deerweed FAGACEAE - OAK FAMILY Quercus dwnosa - Nuttall's scrub oak Quercus agrifolia - coast live oak I I APPENDIX A (continued) I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I LAMIACEAE - MINT FAMILY * Marrubium vulgare - horehound Salvia mellifera - black sage MALVACEAE - MALLOW FAMILY Malacothamnus fasciculatus - bush mallow MYRTACEAE - MYRTLE FAMILY * Eucalyptus sp. - eucalyptus PINACEAE - PINE FAMILY * Pinus sp. - ornamental pine POLYGONACEAE - BUCKWHEAT FAMILY Eriogonum fasciculatum - flat-top buckwheat * Rumex crispus - curly dock PREMULACEAE - PRIMROSE FAMILY * Anagallis arvensis - scarlet pimpernel RHAMNACEAE - BUCKTHORN FAMILY Adolphia californica - California adolphia ROSACEAE - ROSE FAMILY Adenostoma fasciculata - chamise Heteromeles arbutifolia - toyon I SALICACEAE - WILLOW FAMILY Salix lasiolepis - arroyo willow SAURURACEAE - LIZARD-TAIL FAMILY Anemopsis californica - yerba mansa SCROPHULARIACEAE - FIGWORT FAMILY Mimulus aurantiacus - bush monkeyflower SOLANACEAE - NIGHTSHADE FAMILY * Nicotiana glauca - tree tobacco * Solanum douglasii - Douglas' nightshade I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX A (continued) ANGIOSPERMAE (MONOCOTYLEDONES) LELIACEAE - LILY FAMILY Bloomeria crocea - common golden-stars Chlorogalum parviflorum - small-flowered soap-plant Yucca schidigera - Mojave yucca POACEAE - GRASS FAMILY * Avena barbata - slender wild oat * Bromus diandrus - ripgut grass * Bromus hordeaceus - soft chess * Bromus madritensis var. rubens - red brome * Cortaderia dioica - pampas grass * Cynodon dactylon - Bermuda grass Leymus condensatus - giant ryegrass Melica imperfecta - coast range melic signifies introduced (non-native) species I I APPENDIX B • WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED OR DETECTED ON THE PROJECT SITE • TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATES • REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS I IGUANIDAE - IGUANID LIZARDS Scleroporus occidentalis - Great Basin fence lizard — Ufa stansburiana - side-blotched lizard • BIRDS I ACCIPITRIDAE - HAWKS Buteo jamaicensis - red-tailed hawk I PHASIANIDAE - PHEASANTS & QUAILS Callipepla californica - California quail COLUMBD3AE - PIGEONS & DOVES Zenaida macroura - mourning dove TROCHILIDAE - HUMMINGBIRDS Calypte anna - Anna's hummingbird I I I PICIDAE - WOODPECKERS Colaptes auratus - northern flicker Picoides nuttallii - Nuttall's woodpecker • TYRANNIDAE - TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Sayornis nigricans - black phoebe • Tyrannus verticalis - western kingbird CORVIDAE - JAYS & CROWS Aphelocoma coerulescens - scrub jay Corvus corax - common raven Corvus brachyrhynchos - American crow I I _ AEGITHALIDAE - BUSHTITS I Psaltriparus minimus - bushtit I I I APPENDIX B (continued) I I TROGLODYTEDAE - WRENS Thryomanes bewickii - Bewick's wren MUSCICAPIDAE - KINGLETS, GNATCATCHERS, THRUSHES & BABBLERS Polioptila californica - Calii Chamaea fasciata - wrentit Toxostoma redivivum - California thrasher Mimus polyglottos - northern mockingbird • Polioptila californica - California gnatcatcher • MIMIDAE - THRASHERS • EMBERIZIDAE - WOOD WARBLERS, TANAGERS, BUNTINGS & BLACKBIRDS Pipilo erythrophthalmus - rufous-sided towhee • Pipilo crissalis - California towhee Melospiza melodia - song sparrow | FRINGILLIDAE - FINCHES Carpodacus mexicanus - house finch • Carduelis psaltria - lesser goldfinch - MAMMALS LEPORIDAE - HARES & RABBITS • Sylvilagus sp. - cottontail rabbit SCIURH)AE - SQUIRRELS • Spermophilus beecheyi - California ground squirrel CRICETIDAE - NEW WORLD RATS & MICE • Neotoma sp. - woodrat CANIDAE - WOLVES & FOXES • Canis latrans - coyote I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX C SPECIES SENSITIVITY CATEGORIES Federal (1993) Endangered. Taxa threatened throughout all or a significant portion of their range. Threatened. Taxa likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Category 1. Taxa for which the USFWS currently has on file substantial information on biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support the appropriateness of proposing to list them as endangered or threatened species. Category 2. Taxa for which information now in possession of the USFWS indicates that proposing to list them as endangered or threatened is appropriate but for which substantial data on biological vulnerability and threat(s) are not known or on file to support the immediate preparation of rules. Category 3. Taxa that were once considered for listing as endangered or threatened, but are currently not receiving such consideration. These taxa are included in one of the following three subcategories. Subcategory 3A: Taxa presumed to be extinct. Subcategory 3B: Taxa whose names do not meet the Endangered Species Act's legal definition of species. Subcategory 3C: Taxa now considered to be more widespread that originally thought. Note: The taxa in Categories 1 and 2 are candidates for possible addition to the list of endangered and threatened species. The USFWS encourages their consideration in environmental planning. State of California (1990) Endangered. Taxa which are in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of their range due to one or more causes including loss of habitat, change in habitat, over exploitation, predation, competition, or disease (Section 2062 of the Fish and Game Code). Threatened. Taxa which, although not presently threatened with extinction, are likely to become endangered species in the foreseeable future (Section 2067 of the Fish and Game Code). I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX C Rare. Taxa which, although not presently threatened with extinction, are present hi such small numbers throughout their range that they may become endangered if the present environment worsens (Section 1901 of the Fish and Game Code). Candidate. Taxa which the Fish and Game Commission has formally noticed as being under review by the Department in addition to the list of threatened and endangered species. California Native Plant Society (1994) Lists 1A: Presumed Extinct in California IB: Rare or Endangered in California and Elsewhere 2: Rare or Endangered in California, More Common Elsewhere 3: Need More Information 4: Plants of Limited Distribution Note: Plants on CNPS list IB meet California Department of Fish and Game Criteria for Rare or Endangered listing. R-E-D code R (Rarity) 1- Rare, but found in sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough that the potential for extinction or extirpation is low at this tune. 2- Occurrence confined to several populations or to one extended population. 3- Occurrence limited to one or a few highly restricted populations, or present in such small numbers that it is seldom reported. E (Endangerment) 1- Not endangered 2- Endangered hi a portion of its range 3- Endangered throughout its range D (Distribution) 1- More or less widespread outside of California 2- Rare outside California 3- Endemic to California