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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 99-08; Spyglass II; Tentative Map (CT) (78)SEP—13-1999 11:27 AM P . 03 Paqfic Southwest Biological Services,Inc. Post Office Box 985, National City, California 91951-0985 • (619) 477*5333 • FAX (619) 477» REPORT OF A BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE CARLSBAD VILLAGE DRIVE AND EL CAMINO REAL PROPERTY CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA UTM;11-S 470,020mE; 3,670,150mN Prepared for Landis Industries, Inc. 23921 Live Oak Drive Mission Viejo, CA 92691 Telephone 949 455 1586 Facsimile 949 455 1587 Prepared by Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. Post Office Box 985 National City CA 91951-0985 Telephone 619 477 5333 Facsimile 619 477 5380 E-mail: bio@psbs.com 28 January 1999 Revised (19 April 1999) R. Mitchel Beauchamp, M. Sc., Preside: SEP-13-1999 11:28 ftM P. 04 PSBS #T472 REPORT OF A BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF CARLSBAD VILLAGE DRIVE AND EL CAMINO DRIVE PROPERTY CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA 28 January 1999 Revised (19 April 1999) SUMMARY General and focused biological surveys of the 10,19-acre site at the intersection of Carlsbad Village Drive and El Camino Real in Carlsbad, California, identified five vegetation communities: Diegan Sage Scrub, Chamise Chaparral, Native Grassland, Non-Native Grassland, and Ruderal (Disturbed) Areas. The site includes of a two, east-to-west running, rounded hills, moderately steep adjacent slopes with a small swale. The northwest corner of the property has been scraped and graded, One sensitive plant species, Western Dichondra (Dichondra accidentally), was observed during the survey. INTRODUCTION At the request of Landis Industries, Inc.. Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc., (Pacific Southwest) conducted a general biological survey and focused surveys for sensitive species on a 10.19-acre site located southeast of the intersection of Carlsbad Village Drive and El Camino Real in the City of Carlsbad, California. The purpose of the surveys was to inventory and evaluate the biological resources and to analyze impacts of residential development on the site. This report summarizes the findings of the surveys and provides an analysis of impacts to any sensitive resources. It is anticipated that the information herein will be available for public agency review. The proposed project consists of grading for and construction of single family homes and a two- lane paved access street. LOCATION The property is situated east of El Camino Real and south of Carlsbad Village Drive, in the northeast section of the City of Carlsbad, California. The map location of the site is in Township 11 South, Range 4 West of the San Bernardino Base and Meridian; USGS 7,5' San Luis Rey, California Quadrangle (UTM 11-S 470,020mE; 3,670,150mN) (Figure 1). Access to the site is via Carlsbad Village Drive. GENERAL PHYSIOGRAPHY Geologic strata for the general project area are mapped as Pleistocene marine and marine terrace deposits and Tertiary marine (Rogers 1965). Soils for the general project area are mapped as Diablo and Las Ftores Series (Bowman 1973). Diablo Series consists of well-drained, moderately deep to deep clays derived from soft, calcareous sandstone and shale. Las Flores 4/19/99 ~ ~ Pacific Southwest/Biological Services, Inc. SEP-13-1999 11:29 AM P. 05 PSBS #T472 These soils formed in material weathered from siliceous marine sandstones. Elevation ranges on the property from approximately 40 meters (130 feet) to 77 meters (250 feet) above mean sea level. The 10.19-acre parcel consists of a set of two east-to-west tending rounded hills and a small swale. The northwest corner of the property has been previously graded. Carlsbad Village Drive and residential housing are to the north. To the west is El Camino Real and residential housing with developed slopes. To the south and east are residential housing areas which abutt the property. Access to the property from the south is by Appian Road. Cut slopes exist along Carlsbad Village Drive and El Camino Real. A small wet area, with Cat-tails (Typha sp.) and Arroyo Willows (Salix laslolepis) has been created in the southeast comer of the graded area, apparently from irrigation runoff. Surface water was present at the time of the survey. Most of the remaining property has be mowed or weed-wacked to reduce fire hazard. An old trailer has been discarded on the southern most hilltop of the project site. SURVEY METHODS Prior to the field survey, Pacific Southwest conducted a search of the California Department of Fish and Game's (CDFG) Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) for the USGS San Luis Rey 7.5' Quadrangle, California, San Diego County and reviewed the North County Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) Plan (Consultant's Working Draft 1998). General zoological and botanical surveys, plus focused surveys for listed species, their habitat components and host plants were conducted by Pacific Southwest Biologist Doug Allen. The initial visits provided a general reconnaissance of the biological resources of the property, resulting in the determination that a focused survey for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californlcd), a species listed as Threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), was not required. Methods for the zoological survey consisted of walking slowly through the appropriate habitat while watching and listening for wildlife. "Pishing," a technique commonly used to attract the interest of passerines and draw them into view, Was also occasionally employed. Binoculars (10x40) were used to assist in the detection and identification of wildlife. Species presence was confirmed by visual observation and/or auditory detection, tracks, scats, bones, dens and burrows. On 13 January 1999, Mr. Allen conducted the field review of the subject parcel. His review included a general vegetation community and general fauna survey, including a focused survey for listed species, their habitat components and /or host plants, on the date and under the conditions indicated below. DATE 13 January 1999 PERSONNEL Doug Allen TIME 0830-1130 CONDITIONS 65-68T; Clear; SW @ 2-3 mph LIMITATIONS AND DEFINITIONS Species Nomenclature 4/19/99 Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. P. 06SEP-13-1999 11:29 AM PSBS #T472 ^ 4 The scientific nomenclature used in this report is from the following standard references: vascular plants (Beauchamp 1986, Hickman 1993; Munz 1974); vegetation communities (Holland 1986, Holland and Keil 1989, Hanes 1977); wildlife habitats (Mayer et al 1988); amphibians and reptiles (Jennings 1983, Stebbins 1966); birds (American Ornithologists' Union 1983, 1989); and mammals (Jameson and Peelers 1988, Jones etal. 1992, Ingles 1995). Biological Survey Limitations Complete biological inventories of large sites require a large number of field hours during different seasons as well as nocturnal sampling for some animal groups, such as small mammals. Depending on the season during which the field survey is conducted, amphibians, snakes, many mammals, owls and other nocturnal birds, and annual plants are groups AVhich can be difficult to inventory. The effects of drought may cause temporary shifts in the local distribution of species which may recolonize the site in question when more normal rainfall patterns resume. Conversely, precipitation above the usual, such as those frequently referred to as El Nifio events, may also bring about a temporary change in the normal distribution mosaic. Many groups of vertebrates are difficult to find during short-term field surveys. Some, such as migratory or nomadic birds, may be absent from the site while the field work is being conducted. Other species occur in low densities and are easily missed. However, through literature review, study of museum records, and knowledge of the habitat requirements and distribution patterns of individual species, the probability of a given species being present on a site can often be fairly accurately predicted. Focused surveys for target species groups, such as breeding birds or annual plants, are often required. Species which are declining or have naturally patchy patterns of distribution may not be present in areas of what appears to be a suitable habitat. Consequently, some habitats must be surveyed at the appropriate season to determine the status of certain species, It must be noted that due to the seasonal timing of the surveys, not all plant species present would be observed on the site. However, it is anticipated that all sensitive plants with a strong potential to occur on the site were identifiable during the period of the surveys. Vegetation Communities Vegetation habitats or communities are assemblages of plants species that usually coexist in the same area. The classification of vegetation communities is based upon the life form of the dominant species within that community and the associated flora. The nomenclature for vegetation communities follows Holland's Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California (1986). Vegetation Community Code Classifications used here conform to Holland. A map of the vegetation communities on the parcel is included (Figure 2). Descriptions of the vegetation communities and Holland's Element Code Number (HEC #) on the parcel are discussed below. Wildlife Habitats Wildlife habitats differ from vegetation communities in that a wildlife habitat may contain several vegetation communities which are similar in structure but different in the plant 4/19/99 Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. SEP-13-1999 11:30 ftM P. 07 PSBS #T472 5 species composition, location and soil substrate, This distinction becomes an important factor when assessing the sensitivity of a particular wildlife habitat. In addition, the interaction of various wildlife species occurs among many different wildlife habitats. This becomes more evident where these habitats overlap in areas known as ecotones. These ecotones support a combination of the species from two or more adjoining habitats which generally increases the number and diversity of species within these areas. Animals exhibit varying degrees of affinity for different habitat types, This affinity, whether obligate, partially obligate or facultative, may change seasonally as the subject's species prey base and/or habitat requirements change. Many animals have extremely specific habitat needs during their breeding cycle. Loss of an animal's specific breeding habitat type usually results in reproductive failure and concomitant population reductions. EXISTING CONDITIONS Dicgan Coastal Sage Scrub (IIEC # 32500) (0.16 acre) Coastal Sage Scrub (Sage Scrub) communities arc part of a complicated vegetational mosaic often involving grasslands, chaparral, coastal live oak woodlands and riparian woodlands. Species characteristic of Dicgan Sage Scrub include, but are not limited to, California Sagebrush (Artemisia californicd). Flat-top Buckwheat (Eriogonumfaxciculatum), Our Lord's Candle (Yucca -whippleii). Black Sage (Salvia mellifera) and White Sage (Salvia apiana). Deerweed • (Lotus acoparius) is another component but one that customarily diminishes following its initial post-fire dominance. The Diegan Sage Scrub on the project site is confined, due to mowing, to a very small drainage on the south-facing slope of the north hill (Figure 2). It is dominated by California Sagebrush and Monkey flower (Mimulus aurantiacus) and is of poor-to-fair quality. The areas near this drainage shows signs of resprouting Flat-top Buckwheat, California Encelia (Encelia californica). Coastal Wishbone Plant (Mirabilis califarnlcd), and Western Dichondra. Chamise Chaparral (TTEC # 37200) (0.16 acre) Chaparral is the dominant type of vegetation in coastal and montane southern California. Chaparral communities are shrub-dominated and characterized by woody, evergreen species with thick, heavily cutinized, sclcrophyllous, often broad, leaves. Chamise Chaparral is a chaparral dominated by Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum). Other species characteristic of Chamise Chaparral include, but are not limited to, Flat-top Buckwheat, Black Sage, and White Sage. The Chamise Chaparral on the site exists in the same small drainage as the Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (Figure 2), but is mostly confined to the upper portions of the west-facing slope of the drainage. It is of good quality. The bottom of the drainage is dominated by Coyote Bush (Baccharis pilularis). Several scattered Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntla llttoralis) also occur on the more south-facing slopes of this drainage. Perennial Grassland (HEC # 42110) (5.15 acre) Vegetation classified as grassland includes both areas dominated by native bunch grasses and previously disturbed areas dominated by non-native grasses and other annual species. Native Perennial Grassland is characterized by relatively sparse (less than 10%) to dense herbaceous 4/19/99 Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. P . 08 SEP-13-1999 11:31 ftM PSBS#T472 6 cover of the perennial, tussock-forming grass species, Purple Needlegrass (Nassellapulchrd). Perennial Grasslands usually occur on fine-textured (often clay) soils. Species characteristic of Perennial Grassland include, but are not limited to, Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium helium) and Blue Dicks (Dichelostema capttatum). The Perennial Grassland is the most prevalent vegetation type occurring on the property (Figure 2). It covers the ungraded slopes and parts of the hilltops. It is dominated by Needlegrass. Other native species observed within the Grassland include Blue-eyed Grass, scattered patches of California Encelia, California Wishbone Plant. Several other plant species include Cheeseweed (Malva parvifhra), Sow-thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), and Red-stem Filaree (Erodium dcutarium). Nonnative Grassland (UEC # 42200) (0.65 acre) Nonnative grassland generally occurs on fine-textured loam or clay soils. It is characterized by a dense to sparse cover of annual grasses. This vegetation type is a disturbance- related community. Species characteristic of normative Grassland include, but are not limited to, Wild Oat (Avena barbata, A. fatud), Red Brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), Ripgut Grass (Bromus diandrus), and Red-stem Filaree. The nonnative grassland is mostly confined lo the small swale between the two hills and large sections of the hilltops (Figure 2). A clump of Coyote Bush and a single large Mule Fat (Baccharis salicifolia) shrub occur at the west end of the swale. Rudcral (Disturbed) Habitat (HEC # 11300) (4.28 acre) A disturbed habitat includes any land on which the native vegetation has been significantly altered by agriculture, construction, or other land-clearing activities. A disturbed habitat is typically found in vacant lots, roadsides, construction staging areas or abandoned fields and is dominated by non-native annual species and perennial broad-leafed species. Disturbed areas typically consist of bare ground, or support non-native rudcral plant species and other non- native forbs and shrubs. More than 70% of the disturbed area should be bare ground or non- native ruderal plant species. The Disturbed Habitat exist as graded slopes and a small scraped area along Carlsbad Village Drive and El Camino Real. The slopes along Carlsbad Village Drive are planted with Eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus spp,), Acacias (Acacia spp.), and a ground cover to stabilize the slopes. Several native plants are scattered along the slopes. These include California Sage Brush, Flat-top Buckwheat, Decrweed, Goldenbush (I.vocoma menziesii), Lemonade-berry (Rhus inlegrifolid) and Toyon (Heteromeles arbulifolici). The area adjacent to the intersection of Carlsbad Village Drive and El Camino Real has been previously graded and is highly disturbed. It is mostly bare ground with a scattering of native and nonnative plants. These include Castor Bean (Ricinus communis\ Iceplant (Carpobrotux eduli$\ Wild Radish (Raphanus sativus), Curly Dock (Rumex cripus), Pigweed (Chenopodtum sp.), Bristly Ox-tongue (Picris echioides). Cocklebur (XantMum stnimarium), Flax-leaf Fleabane (Conyza bonariensis)., Telegraph Weed (Heterolheca grandiflora), Cheeseweed, and Goldenbush. In addition, there is a small wet area in the southeast corner of the graded section. It included standing water, Cat-tails, an Arroyo Willow and several small Tamarisk (Tamarix sp.). This DC Minimis system is due to broken irrigation pipes, 4719/99 ~ ~~ Pacific SouthwesiBiohgical Services, Inc. P. 09 PSBS #T472 FLORA Forty-six plant species were observed on the parcel during the survey; of these, 22 (49%) are not native to San Diego County (Appendix 1). One sensitive plant species, Western Dichondra (Dichondra occidentalis), was observed during the survey. The CNDDB search revealed several federal and state listed species or target plant species listed under the Conservation Plans, which are known from the general project area. These include the following: California Adolphia (Adolphia californica), San Diego Button- celery (Eryngium aristulatum var, parishii), San Diego Ambrosia (Ambrosiapumila), San Diego Thornmint (Acanthmintha ilicifvlia), Palmer's Grappinghook (Harpagonella palmer i), Blochman's Dudleys (Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae), Sticky Dudleya (Dudleya viscida), Del Mar Manzanita (Arctostaphylos granduhstt ssp. crassifolia), Thread-leaved Brodiaea (Brodiaeafillfotia), and Nuttall's Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa). Western Dichondra was formerly listed as a Federal Candidate C3c species and is listed as "List 4", R-E-D Code 1-2-1 species with the California Native Plant Society's (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (1994). CNPS List 4 species are plants of limited distribution and are uncommon, but are not presently rare or endangered. CNPS R-E-D Code stands for Rarity-Endangerment-Distribution with the numbers code indicating the degree of concern. Rl = Rare, but found in sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough that potential for extinction is low at this time; E2 = Endangered in a portion of its range, and Dl •• More or less widespread outside California. The Table below indicates the status of plants listed in the general area of the project area by the CNDDB. SPECIES Acanthomintha Utelfolia Adnlphia califamica Ambrosia pumila Arctostaphyloii grandvhsa tap. crassifolia Brodiaea fllifolla Eryngium arlstttlatum var. paftshii Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae Dudleya viscida Harpagonella palmer i — • __ Querctts dumosa 1 "— STATE STATUS CE - - " CE CB - - 1 ' ' ' ^ ,i FEDERAL STATUS PE i* FSC FE FT FE FSC FSC C2 (former) FSC CNPS STATUS IB-. 2-3-2 2-1-2-1 IB -3-3-2 IB -3-3-2 IB- 3-3-3 IB -2-3-2 IB -2,2-2 IB -3-2-3- , I., 2-1-2-1 IB -2-3-2 •^ Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. :32 ftM ' ............ ..... ' ........ " P. 10 PSBS #T472 California Adolphia is a shrub often intermixed with Coastal Sage Scrub, and valley and foothill grasslands, but occasionally occurs in peripheral Chaparral, particularly on hillsides near creeks. It is associated with San Miguel and Friant soils. These soil types do not occur on the project site. Although the site includes clay soils, California Adolphia was not observed during the survey. Del Mar Manzanita occurs on eroding sandstone and with relatively low-growing Southern Maritime Chaparral vegetation of the coastal regions. Only a very small amount of Chamise Chaparral occurs on site, Del Mar Manzanita was not observered within this area. San Diego Button-celery is associated with vernal pools and clay soils. Vernal pools do not occur on the property. San Diego Thornmint is often associated with clay or gabbro-derived soils. Thread-leaved Brodiaea is associated with vcrnaliy wet Grassland, mima mounds and vernal pools. With regards to NuttaH's Scrub Oak, San Diego Ambrosia, Palmer's Grappinghook. Blochman's Dudlcya, and Sticky Dudleya, although the property contains generally appropriate habitat and soil types, they were not observed on site during the survey. The area on site in which these plant species may possibly occur has been repeatedly mowed for fire control. Many of the shrubs have been cut down in the more accessible areas. Only one small drainage on the site contains large shrubs characteristic of Coastal Sage Scrub and Chamise Chaparral. FAUNA Twenty-three animal species were observed or detected on the parcel during the surveys (Appendix 2). These include sixteen bird species, live mammal species, one reptile species and one amphibian species. Two species of raptors, Red-tailed Hawk (Buleo jamaicensis) and Red- shouldered Hawk (Buleo Uneatus), were observed foraging over the property. No raptor nests were observed in the trees on the property. No sensitive animal species were observed during the surveys. The CNDDB search revealed several federal and state listed species or target species listed under the Conservation Plans, which are known from the general project vicinity. These include the following: White-tailed Kite (Elanus kucunts), Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Light-footed Clapper Rail (Raltus longirostris levipes), Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrines nivoxvs), California Least Tern (Sterna antillarum browni), Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax iraillii extimus), Coastal Cactus Wren (Campytorhynchvx brunneicapillus sandiegoense), Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californiea californica), Southern California Rufus-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruftceps canescenx), Holding's Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis heldingi), Least Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillux), Stephens' Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys stephensi), Tidewater Goby (Eucydogobius newberryi), California Brackishwater Snail, (Tryonia imitator), Western Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus hammodit), Arroyo Southwestern Toad (Bufa californicus), San Diego Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei), Orangethroat Whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperthrus beldtngi), and Northern Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalta ruber ruber). or, th * r ith Wil)°W K*™™ habitat> which ^es not occur H "• h!kS°Uthwestern Willow ^^cher also require dense willow thicket, for nesL and roostmg. These species would not nest on the site because of the lack of appropri^le IbL The Light-footed Clapper Rail, Western Snowy Plover and Cmarlne ^ ™ Pacific Souihwext Biological Services, Inc. :33 ftM ...... " ' ................... "" P. 1 1 PSBS0T472 on the site. The property does not have large enough areas of appropriate habitat to support the Coastal Cactus Wren, Coastal California Gnateatcher, Southern California Rufus-crowned Sparrow, and Belding's Savannah Sparrow. The White-tailed Kite and the Northern Harrier may possibly forage over the project site, but were not observed during the survey. The Stephens' Kangaroo Rat is generally assocated with valley and foothill grasslands and is not known to historically occur in the general area of the project. The Tidewater Goby and the California Brackishwater Snail require brackish water, which does not occur on site. The Western Spadefoot Toad is rarely found above ground. This species spend most of the year in underground burrows. Grasslands with shallow temporary pools are optimal habitats for this species. Breeding normally occurs from late winter to the end of March. The Arroyo Southwestern Toad is usually active at night but occasionally feed during the day. They require clear standing water near rivers with sandy banks, Willows, Cottonwoods and Sycamores in Valley-foothills and desert riparian habitats. Breeding season is primarily from March to July, sometimes to September. The Northern Red Diamond Rattlesnake is associated with rocky areas and dense vegetation. The property contains no appropriate habitat required for any of these species. The San Diego Honied Lizard and the Orangethroat Whiptail frequents open areas between shrubs, in sandy areas. Although the site contains a small area of appropriate habitat and is within the geographic distribution range, these species were not observed during the survey. RESOURCES/HABITAT EVALUATION The most prevalent habitat occurring on the property is Perennial Grassland. Perennial Grasslands are not considered sensitive as vegetation communities, however they provide open areas for ruptors and other MHCP animal species. Annual Grasslands also support a number of MHCP plant species. The repeated mowing of the site has removed most of the shrubs from the hillsides. Only a small urea of Coastal Sage Scrub and Chamise Chaparral exist in & small drainage. The small area of Coastal Sage Scrub/Chamise Chaparral adds little to the biological diversity of the site. This area is too small and isolated to support any long term resident large-sized animal species (i.e., Coyote (Canis latrans)) or species which require large foraging and/or breeding territories. However, this areas may possibly provide seasonal food and shelter for a limited resident population of small-sized wildlife species [i.e., Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus auduboni?) or Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus}]. The presence of Carlsbad Village Drive and El Camino Real, immediately adjacent to the site, with residential housing to the west, east, north and south limit the wildlife habitat value of the property This is particularly true for terrestrial animals moving into or out of the site. Avian species are much less affected than terrestrial species. The presence of raptors observed flying over the site indicates that these birds, at least, may occasionally utilize open areas of the property for foraging. Although the site has Eucalyptus trees planted on the cut slopes, no raptor 4/1 9/99 Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. SE1?-13-199>S> 11:34 AM - •• • - P. 12 PSBS 0T472 . 10 nest were observed in these trees. REGIONAL CONTEXT When evaluating the significance of the biological resources occurring within a site, it is necessary to determine their importance within the region or subregion as a whole. Although the parcel supports a small wet area with wetland species, this is a diminiumis system and is not subjected to any Federal or State Regulations. Residential housing adjoins the properly to the east and south. Carlsbad Village Drive and lil Camino Real border the property to the north and west. Across these two major thoroughfares is more residential housing. The property is an isolated "island" of undeveloped land and is not relevant for reserve planning. NATURAL COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PLANNING Each subregion under the Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) regulations needs to show interim protection for higher potential value Coastal Sage Scrub lands under the NCCP process. These guidelines would apply to evaluating Coastal Sage Scrub habitat in the absence of an adopted MHCP. The evaluation of the Coastal Sage Scrub on site follows the Southern California Coastal Sage Scrub NCCP Draft Conservation Guidelines (1993). 1) Natural Land: Is natural vegetation present? Yes, site has significant cover of natural vegetation (Perennial Grassland). 2) Coastal Sage Scrub: Is Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS) present? Yes, Although the area of CSS is less than 1000 square feet, it does supports primary or secondary cover of characteristic CSS plant species. 3) Large Size: Is CSS the most dense CSS in the subregion? No, site contains high level of disturbance and the CSS is small and very isolated. 4) Proximity; Is the land close the Higher Value District? No. 5) Landscape Linages: Is land located in corridor between Higher Value Districts? No, site is isolated from other CSS lands in the area. 6) Species Presence: Docs land support high density of target species? No. The NCCP Conservation Evaluation Policy determine the site as having lower potential value for long-term conservation. The NCCP policy regarding Coastal Sage areas having low value is allow development with adequate mitigation. Although Grasslands are not considered a sensitive vegetation community, they are important in preserve design. Grasslands are used as linkages between other areas of native vegetation. In addition, Grasslands provide foraging habitat for a number of MHCP target animal species and support a number of MHCP target plant species. Even though the Grassland 4/19/99 Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. SEf-13-1999 11:35 ftM PSBS #T472 _ _ LL * on site is isolated from other native vegetation, the City of Carlsbad may require some form of mitigation. EXPECTED BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS No final grading plan has been submitted to Pacific Southwest, therefore, no biological impacts can be assessed. However, base on an expired tentative map (17 lots) CT 89-26 City of Carlsbad (APN 167-090-69) approximately 95% of the Grassland will be impacted by development. A 0.9 acre open space was planned along Carlsbad Village Drive, The limited Dichondra populations on site would not be considered significant due to the low degree of rarity of the taxon and disturded nature of the site. The loss of 0,16 acre of Coastal Sage Scrub is not a signfient impact due to the disturbed nature of the site and the limited extent of the vegetation, 4/19/" Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. SEf?-13-lS>99 11:35 AM P. 14 PSBS #T472 __ ..._ 12 LITERATURE CITED American Ornithologists' Union. 1983. Checklist of North American Birds, 6th Edition. American Ornithologists' Union. American Ornithologists' Union. 1989. Thirty-seventh Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Checklist of North American Birds. Auk 106: 532-538. Bcauchamp, R. M. 1986. A Flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater River Press, National Cily, CA, 241 pp. Hancs, T. L. 1977. California Chaparral. In Terrestrial Vegetation of California. Ed. Barbour & Major. University of California Davis. Wiley-Interscience Publication. 1002pp. Hickman, James C., ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley. 1400 pp. Holland, Robert F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California Department of Fish and Game. Holland, V. L. & Keil, D. J. 1989. California vegetation. Biological Sciences Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California El Corral Publication. Ingles, L. G. 1995. Mammals of the Pacific Stales. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. Jameson, E.W., Jr. and Hans J. Peeters. 1988. California Mammals. University of California Press, Berkeley, California. Jennings, M. R. 1983. An Annotated Check List of the Amphibians and Reptiles of California. California Department of Fish and Game 69: 151-171. Jones, J. Knox, Jr., Robert S. Hoffmann, Dale W. Rice, Clyde Jones, Robert J. Baker, and Mark D. Engstrom. 1992. Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico, 1992. Occ. Papers The Museum of Texas Tech, Univ. Number 146, 23 pp. Mayer, Kenneth E. and William F. Laudenslayer, Jr., editors. 1988. A Guide to Wildlife Habitats of California, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Munz,P. A. 1974, A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley. 1086 p. Rogers. Thomas 11. 1973. Geological Map of California, Santa Ana Sheet. California Division of Mine and Geology, Sacramento, California. 4/19/99 Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. P. 15 SEP-13-1999 11:36 AM PSBS #T472 13 Skinner, M. W and B, M Pavlik (eds.). 1994, California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. CNPS Special Publ. No.l (fifth ed.) Stebbins, R, C. 1985. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Co,.Boston. 336p. 4/19/99 Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. S E'V= -13-1999 11:36 ft M P. 16 Figure 1. Project Vicinity Map USGS 7.5' San Luis Rey Quadrangle N O PteUle Southwfst Biological Sw COtn PS8SJT472 Figure 2. Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Resources Legend: OSS = Diegan Coastal Sage Scnib (32500) CC = Charnse Chaparral (37200) .!«•• Project Boundary DfS = Disturbed Habitat (11300} NNG = Non-native Grassland (42200) PG = Perennial Grassland (42110) Vta«talfan codas are teKd on »« San Diego Regional Hofcnd Code wI h* VD SE.^-13-1999 11:27 ftM P . 02 Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. Post Office Box 985, National City, California 91951-0985 • (619) 477-5333 • FAX (619) 477- '- I.andis Industries, Inc 23921 Live Oak Drive Mission Viejo CA 92691 Dear Mr. Wismer. 1 9 April 1 999 PSBS # T472 Re; Spyglass, Carlsbad A spring survey was performed on 16 April 1999 by myself to ascertain the presence or absence of two rare plants which had a potential for occurrence at the site due to the grassland and clay conditions. These plants, Thread-leaf Brodiaca (Brodiaea fill folia) and San Diego Thorn-mint (Acanihomintha ilicifolid) were not observed despite a thorough walk over of the site. The potential sites were severely infested with non-native grasses and forbs which has precluded the presence of these plants, if they ever had occurred there at all. This letter completes and is appended to our biological survey report of 28 January 1 999 Kindest regards, R Mitchel Beauchamp. M. Sc , President