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LAND USE/COASTAL PLANNING
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE • LA3900
POLICY AND PROCESSING
ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION
EXCEL PALOMAR OAKS [FAIRFIELD] HOTEL SITE
BIOLOGY RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
4/25/12
1.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Planning Systems has prepared this biological resources technical report for the proposed Excel Hotel
Group Palomar Oaks (Fairfield) Hotel project, in Carlsbad, Califomia. This project proposes a hotel and
related parking lot and landscaping on a 2.49 acre site located on the south side of Palomar Oaks Way,
approximately 400 feet southeast of the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and Palomar Oaks Way. The
property is located in the center of the city limits, southwest of the McClellan-Palomar Airport. Most of
the site has been previously graded as a future development pad. The southem section of the property
contains a natural steeply sloping north-facing hillside. This southerly slope has not been previously
impacted by grading and is covered by natural vegetation.
The study area is located within the subarea plan boundary for the Habitat Management Plan for Natural
Communities in the City of Carlsbad (HMP). It lies within the central Carlsbad industrial corridor, in Local
Facilities Management Zone 5. The project is not located within the Carlsbad Coastal Zone.
Vegetation growth on the graded pad is primarily Non-native annual grasslands. The natural up-slope
located on the southern portion of the property is covered with mature Diegan coastal sage scrub/chaparral
vegetation. Mature, urban landscape street trees exist along the Palomar Oaks Way frontage of the site.
Two Coast live oak trees exist near the eastem side property line. The property frontage is fiilly improved
with curb, gutter and sidewalk, with mature shrubs and trees. Vegetation which will be impacted through
implementation of the project consists primarily of the disturbed non-native grassland and the two oak trees
existing on the development pad. A small amount of the lower portion of the rear (southerly) slope will be
impacted to provide for parking spaces for the proposed hotel site design. Mitigation will be required for
this impact. The majority of the rear slope will remain undisturbed and will be preserved as open space.
No federal or state jurisdictional wetlands or Waters of the U.S. will be impacted by the development.
This report concludes that significant impacts to sensitive habitats will occur as a result of the proposed
project. These significant impacts are a result of the small area of impacts to Coastal sage scmb/chaparral
and Disturbed southem mixed chaparral. Mitigation for these impacts is required pursuant to the
requirements of CEQA and the Carlsbad HMP in order to reduce these biological impacts to a level of
insignificance. Mitigation measures have been included which ensure the preservation of the balance of
the steep slopes and associated vegetation in a hardline conservation easement with long-term conservation
funding and management. Also, mitigation requires the payment of In-lieu mitigation fees for impacts to
non-sensitive vegetation, and on-site replacement of two Coastal live oak trees. Specific mitigation
measures relating to construction and development of the site are included at the end of this report.
2.0 INTRODUCTION
Planning Systems has prepared this biological resources technical report for the proposed Palomar Oaks
Hotel project. The report has been prepared at the request of Excel Hotel Group, who is preparing to file an
application for development permits for a hotel site plan on the property. The purpose of this report is to
1530 FARADAY AVENUE • SUITE 100 • CARLSBAD, CA 92008 • (760) 931-0780 • FAX (760) 931-5744 • info@planningsystems.net
document the existing biological conditions on and around the project site; identify potential impacts to
biological resources that could resuh from implementation of the proposed project; and recommend
measures to avoid, minimize and/or mitigate significant impacts consistent with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and applicable local, state and federal rules and regulations, including
the City ofCarlsbad HMP
2.1 Project Location
The proposed project mvolves development of a hotel and related site improvements including parking lot
and landscaping on a 2.49 acre site generally located on the south side of Palomar Oaks Way,
approxunately 400 feet southeast of the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and Palomar Oaks Way. See
Figure I; Location Map. The property is located within the Palomar Oaks Business Park section ofthe city
of Carlsbad, situated southwest of the McClellan-Palomar Airport.
2.2 Physical Characteristics of the Area
The study area is located within the hydrologic unit of the Encina Creek Watershed, approximately 2.5
miles upstream fi-om the Pacific Ocean. Regionally, the Encina Creek and its tributaries drain about 9
square miles from the foothills of Vista, into and through the central portion of Carlsbad, where it
ultimately discharges into the Pacific Ocean at Carlsbad State Beach.
The underlying surficial geology is mapped as Visalia series deep sandy loam on alluvial fans and
floodplain, 2 to 5 percent slope. This occurs on the fiat portions of the site. Loamy alluvial land-
Huerhuero complex, 9 to 50 percent slopes, severely eroded occurs on the southem slopes of the site. This
specific slope exceeds generally 40% gradient. Coastal sage scmb and chaparral grows on the steep slope.
The City of Carlsbad land use designation for the flat, previously graded portion of the site is Planned
Industrial. The steep southerly slope and adjacent offsite land uses are identified generally as open space.
Developed property and adjacent graded pads are zoned for planned mdustrial uses.
The property is accessed via a public street, Palomar Oaks Way, and contains full street frontage
improvements along its frontage. Properties to the east of the site contain existing industrial business park
office buildings, and related parking lots and landscape features. Properties to the west are graded pads
which are anticipated to accommodate future expansion of the industrial office park development in the
area. Property to the south involves a high, natural hillside slope, covered with native vegetation. Single
family homes exist further to the south at the top of the hillside slope.
2.3 Project Description
The project lies within Carlsbad Growth Management Local Facilities Management (LFMP) Zone 5. The
southerly section of the project is located within "Linkage F" of the Carlsbad HMP and as such must be
addressed as a contributor to the stepping-stone linkage of natural habitats in the area. See Figure 2; HMP
Core and Link Areas Map. None of the project site lies within designated critical habitat for any federal or
state-identified endangered species.
In compliance with HMP requirements, the project contains a delineated hardline, which demarcates any
future development area from conserved area. The hardline location was provided by the City of Carlsbad
Planning Department through their Mapping Division. The entire lower portion of the property has been
previously graded for a development pad, and is located within the development side of the hardline. This
graded pad is labeled as "Development Area" in the HMP and is thus not subject to LFMP Zone-specific
standards; however, the graded pad area is still subject to the Adjacency Standards as identified in the
HMP. The southem section of the property slopes steeply uphill and is covered by natural vegetation, and
is located on the conservation side of the hardline. The area on the conservation side of the hardline will be
required to be preserved and protected by long term management and monitoring of the open space.
Excel Hotels - Palomar Oaks Hotel Site
Biology Resources Technical Report
April 25,2012 Page 2
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December 2, 2011
Figure 1
Location Map
Excel Hotels - Palomar Oaks Way Property
Carlsbad, California
NORTH SCALE: 1" = 4000'
PLANNING
SYSTEMS c LAND USE/COASTAL PLANNING LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE POUCY AND PROCESSING ENVIHONMENTAL UITIGATION
1530 FARADAY AVENUE. SUITE 100, CARLSBAD. CA 92006
(760) 931-0760 FAX (760) 931-5744
Legend
Excel Hotels Property
HMP Core Area
Linkages
SOURCE: Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the
City ofCarlsbad (final approval November, 2004)
Figure 2
HMP Core & Link Areas
Excel Hotels - Palomar Oaks Way Property
Carlsbad, California
NORTH
m 1/2 2 miles
Scale in miles
December 2, 2011
JC-r AND PROCESSING ENVIRONMENTAL kITICATION
The proposed hotel and associated features will result in urban hotel development of the graded pad on the
site. Existing topography ofthe site ranges from a low elevation of 141 feet MSL along the Palomar Oaks
Way fi-ontage of the property, to 148 feet MSL at the rear of the graded pad, to 164 feet MSL at the high
point of the south property line. This south property line rises up only about 25-feet of the full 120-foot
vertical elevation increase of the entire slope, including offsite properties to the south. These offsite
properties include an offsite open space lot and residential homes at the top of the natural slope beyond.
The proposed project will result in an overall project area of impact of 2.11 acres. As mentioned, these
impacts are largely confined to the previously-graded portion of the site, and, with the exception of a small,
edge effect, avoid impacts to the native habitats.
The graded pad portion of the property is zoned for Planned Industrial land uses and the southerly slope
zoned for Open Space. The Carlsbad General Plan appears to designate the entire property for Planned
Industrial uses. This inconsistency will need to be resolved by the City of Carlsbad prior to development of
the property.
3.0 METHODS
The biological investigation performed for this project included a general biological survey of the property
for both plants and animals.
3.1 Background Literature
Existing literature pertaining to the project area was reviewed prior to the initiation of the field survey.
This literature review included; (1) a determination of the potential soils types onsite; (2) an investigation
of sensitive species with a potential to occur onsite, based on an analysis of the physical and biological
characteristics of the area, (3) review of Califomia Natural Diversity Database (CCNDDB) and the U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Services (USFWS) Geographical Information System (GIS) records for the project vicinity,
and (4) review of the Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad (HMP).
3.2 Field Survey Methods
Fieldwork was conducted on April 27, 2011 and on May 13, 2011 using an engineered base map with 1-
foot contour intervals and shrub massing, overlaid on a 2009 aerial photograph of the area. The entire
project area was traversed on foot. Off-site areas were also visually inspected from the property. Identified
vegetation resources were surveyed visually and documented for use in this assessment report for the
project. The vegetation types were classified according to the Holland (1986) and Oberbauer (2005)
classification systems. Significant and sensitive resources were identified and recorded on the field map. A
list of detectable flora and fauna species was recorded in a field notebook. Plant and animal identifications
were determined through du-ect observation.
4.0 QUANTIFICATION OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
4.1 Vegetation Communities
The subject property presently contains seven vegetation communities. As shown on Figure 3; Vegetation
Resources Map, the graded pad portion of the site contains Disturbed Non-native grasslands. Developed
land. Oak trees, and a small portion of Disturbed land. The disturbed land represents an SDGE access road
which travels offsite to the south for electrical transmission tower maintenance. The public street fi-ontage
at Palomar Oaks Way contains the Developed urban landscape trees. Other Developed land includes an
existing improved parking lot behind the neighboring property to the east. The rear slope contains Coastal
sage scrub/chaparral, Southem mixed chaparral, and Disturbed Southem mixed chaparral. A Plant List of
species observed on the site is included as Appendix A to this report.
Excel Hotels - Palomar Oaks Hotel Site
Biology Resources Technical Report
April 25,2012 Pages
4.1.1 Sensitive Habitats
Sensitive habitats identified within the Study Area are described as follows:
4.1.1.1 Coastal Sage Scrub-Chaparral (CSSC))
Coastal Sage Scrub-Chaparral is found on the majority of the southem slope of the site. This habitat
contains greater than 70% ground cover attributable to evergreen scleropyllous chaparral species and
drought-deciduous malacophyllous sage scrab species . Plants in this community found on the property
include Black sage (Salvia mellifera), Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), Lemonadeberry (Rhus
integrifolia), and Coast sagebrush (Artemisia californica).
4.1.1.2 Southern Mixed Chaparral (SMC)
Southem mixed chaparral is found on the westerly portion of the southem slope of the site. This
vegetation community has greater than 70% ground cover attributable to evergreen sclerophyllous
shrabs and drought-deciduous malacophyllous subshrabs with no single species contributmg greater
than 50% of the cover. Plants in this community include Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum). Laurel
sumac (Malusma laurina), Lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), Deerweed (Lotus scoparius), Coast live
oak (^Quercus agrifolia), Chaparral bushmallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus). Coast Monkey flower
{Mimulus aurantiacus var. puniceus), and Toyon {Heteromoles arbutifolia).
4.2.1.3 Disturbed Southern Mixed Chaparral (DSMC)
Disturbed Southem Mixed Chaparral is found in the central portion of the site at the very base of the
southerly hillside. This habitat is described as from 50% to 70% ground cover attributable to
evergreen sclerophyllous shrab species and drought-deciduous malacophyllous subshrabs with no
single species contributing greater than 50% of the cover. Plants found on the site within this
vegetation category are Westem poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), French broom (Genista
monspessulana). Chaparral bushmallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus), and Chamise (Adenostoma
fasciculatum).
4.1.2 Non-Sensitive Habitats
The previously-graded lower, flat area of the site is covered with non-sensitive vegetation. Non-sensitive
habitats identified withm the Study Area are as follows:
4.1.2.1 Disturbed Non-Native Grassland (DNNG)
From 20% to 40% cover of grasses and forbs of which greater than 2/3 of the cover is attributable to
non-native annual grasses. Characteristic species are Avena ssp. and Bromus madritensis. Evidence of
recent mechanical disturbance such as tilling or mowing. Plants found in this category are; Wild oats
(Avena fatua), Ripgut grass (Bromus diandrus), Red brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens). Tall
fescue hybrid (Festuca hbd.), Rabbitfoot grass (Polypogon monspeliensis). Wild cucumber (Marah
macrocarpus) and other similar grasses and endicots.
4.2 Animals
An animal survey was conducted by Planning Systems' biologists on the site on May 13, 2011. The
following is a summary ofthe findings. A wildlife list is included as Appendix B to this report.
Excel Hotels - Palomar Oaks Hotel Site
Biology Resources Technical Report
April 25,2012 Page 7
4.2.1 Invertebrates
The only butterfly species that was observed within the Study Area was the Cabbage White butterfly (Pieris
rapae). No other invertebrates were observed on the property during the survey period.
4.2.2 Amphibians
No amphibians were observed on the site. No amphibian calls were detected.
4.2.3 Reptiles
No reptiles were observed on the site. No reptile calls were detected.
4.2.4 Birds
Bird species observed within and around the Study Area are the Westem Scrab Jay (Aphelocoma
coerulescens), Arma's Hummingbird (Archilochus anna). Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamalcensis), Califomia
Quail (Callipepla californica). Lesser Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria), Housefinch (Carpodacus
mexicanus). Common Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Common Raven (Corvus corax). Common
Yellowlhroat (Geothlypis trichas). Cliff Swallow (Hirundo pyrrhonotd), Califomia Towhee (Pipilo
crissalis). Rufous-sided Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), Wilson's Warbler (Wilsoniapussila), Mouming
Dove (Zenaida macroura), Bewicks Wren (Thryomanes bewickii, Westem Kingbird (Tyranus verticalis).
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia). House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Northem Mockingbu-d (Mimus
polyglottos), Califomia Thrasher (Taxostoma redivivum) and the Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata).
4.2.5 Mammals
The Brash Rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani) and the Califomia Groimd Squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi)
were observed on the site. Evidence of Coyote (Canis latrans). Raccoon (Procyon lator) and Striped
Skunk (Mephitis mephitis). Squurel burrows were observed in several areas on the lower (graded pad)
portion of the site. No other evidence of mammals weas observed during the survey.
4.3 Sensitive Species
The Study Area was investigated for sensitive species or species of special status. The following are the
conclusions of the survey.
4.3.1 Sensitive Plants
No sensitive plants were observed during the May 2011 survey period. Inasmuch as the survey occurred
during the month of May, and the previous (2010-2011) winter had a higher than average level of
precipitation, it is expected that any sensitive plants would have been flowering, and/or otherwise visible.
The majority of the property is highly disturbed and regularly maintained.
4.3.2 Sensitive Animals
No sensitive animals were observed within or around the Study Area. A protocol field survey for the
Coastal Califomia Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) was performed and concluded that
"California Gnatcatcher was not detected on or adjoining the project site at any time during the protocol
field surveys. The property is thus considered "unoccupied" by this species." This Gnatcatcher survey
report is included as a separate appendix to this report.
Excel Hotels - Palomar Oaks Hotel Site
Biology Resources Technical Report
April 25,2012 Pages
4.4 Jurisdictional wetlands
No wetlands or riparian habitat or area otherwise jurisdictional delineation to the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Califomia Department of Fish and Game, and Califomia Coastal Commission occurs on the
property.
4.5 Wildlife Movement Corridors
The City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP) is an approved Natural Communities Conversation
Planning (NCCP) subarea plan, addressing potential impacts to native and sensitive species and habitats
while providing mitigation options that satisfy the requirements of the federal and state Endangered Species
Acts (ESA's). The primary objective of the HMP is to identify and maintain a comprehensive preserve
system that allows for the sustained existence of animals and plants at both the local and regional levels.
The HMP preserve is a network of large blocks with interconnecting linkages.
Pursuant to Figure 4 of the Carlsbad HMP, "Focus Planning Areas", a major portion of the southem
boundary of the project site is adjacent to the extreme north end of Linkage F which connects to Core Areas
6 and 8 of the HMP. In addition, pursuant to Figures 5 and 28 of the HMP, the southem boundary of the
project site is encumbered by and is adjacent to an "Existmg Hardline Conservation Area". The portion of
Linkage F connecting Core Areas 6 and 8 is a stepping-stone linkage identified as primarily for the benefit
of bu-ds. It is approximately one (1) mile long and consists of chaparral and coastal sage scrab vegetation
habitats.
The property is contains an adopted hardlme, which demarcates the boundary between future development
area and non-developed (conserved) area. The hardline location was provided by the City of Carlsbad
Planning Department through their Mapping Division. The hardline generally follows the westem half of
the southem property line and then angles southerly and generally follows the toe of existmg natural slope
on the eastem half of the property. As a result ofthe fact that a hardline exists on the property, the property
is subject to Adjacency Standards as identified in the HMP. The property is also subject to a requirement
to conserve habitat within the hardline area as permanent open space. As such, long term management and
monitoring of the open space will also be requued pursuant to the requirements of the HMP.
5.0 EVALUATION OF PROJECT IMPACTS
5.1 Thresholds of Significance
Califomia Envu-onmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines 815065 identifies a significant envu-onmental
impact as follows: ''A project may have a significant effect on the environment" if:
• "The project has the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment,
substantially reduce the habitat of a fish and wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to
drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the
number or restrict the range of an endangered, rare or threatened species, or eliminate important
examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. "
"The project has the potential to achieve short-term environmental goals to the disadvantage of
long-term environmental goals."
"The project has possible environmental effects which are individually limited but cumulatively
considerable."
Biological resources generally considered significant include: vegetation communities that support
sensitive fiora or fauna species; unique vegetation communities that are limited in distribution and have a
Excel Hotels - Palomar Oaks Hotel Site
Biology Resources Technical Report
April 25,2012 Page 9
critical ecological role; and habitats supportmg species considered rare, threatened, or endangered by the
agencies that enforce the Federal and Califomia Endangered Species Act.
It is important to note that the significance of a given activity is variable according to the environmental
setting.
For the purposes of this biological technical report, a significant biological resources impact has been
assessed if implementation of the proposed project would resuh in:
• Inconsistency with the adopted Carlsbad HMP;
• Impacts to property on the conservation side of the adopted hardline;
• Impacts to HMP Habitat Groups A-F;
• Any impacts to federally or state listed species, including impacts to occupied habitats; or
• Loss of a "significant population" of a sensitive species; where the loss would substantially reduce
the likelihood of the survival and recovery or restrict the range ofthe species.
Impacts to non-sensitive habitats are generally not considered significant. If, however, the densities of
sensitive species within the habitat were sufficiently high or the habitat functioned as an important wildlife
movement corridor, habitat linkage, or cracial foraging habitat, impacts could be considered significant.
Since non-sensitive habitats are frequently used for foragmg, etc., impacts to non-sensitive lands requires
fee mitigation pursuant to the requirements of the HMP.
5.2 Project Impacts to Vegetation Resources
The proposed project would result in impacts to both sensitive and non-sensitive habitats. Table 1
documents the impacts that would resuh from implementation of the project. These impact areas are
demonstrated graphically on Figure 4; Biological Impacts Map.
TABLE 1 - VEGETATION RESOURCES - IMPACTS
Plant Association Impact Total
(Ac.)
Property (Study
Area) Total
(Ac.)
Conserved Area
Total (Ac.)
Sensitive Habitats
Coastal sage scrab/chaparral 0.03 0.36 0.33
Southem mixed chaparral 0.03 0.03 0.00
Disturbed Southem mixed chaparral 0.05 0.05 0.00
SENSITIVE HABITATS TOTALS 0.11 0.44 0.33
Non-Sensitive Habitats
Oak trees 0.02 0.06 0.04
Disturbed Non-native grasslands 1.54 1.55 0.01
Developed 0.42 0.42 0.00
Disturbed Land 0.02 0.02 0.00
GRAND TOTAL 2.11 2.49 0.38
As indicated in Table 1, a total of 0.11 acres of sensitive habitats which will be impacted and a total of 0.33
acres preserved by the project. The impacts and preservation are broken down as follows:
Excel Hotels - Palomar Oaks Hotel Site
Biology Resources Technical Report
April 25,2012 Page 10
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5.2.1 Coastal sage scrub/chaparral (0.03 acre impact)
A narrow area of the periphery of the Coastal sage scrab/chaparral vegetation will be impacted by the
project; however this vegetation is not located within the hardline area. A total of 0.03 acres of Coastal
sage scrub/chaparral will be impacted by the project. A total of 0.33 acres of this vegetation type will
remam undisturbed.
5.2.2 Southem mixed chaparral (0.03 acre unpact)
A narrow area of the periphery of the Southem mixed chaparral vegetation will be impacted by the project.
This impact totals 0.01 acres. None of this vegetation type on site will remain undisturbed.
5.2.2 Disturbed Southem mixed chaparral (0.05 acre impact)
A narrow area of Disturbed Southem mixed chaparral vegetation will be impacted by the project. This
impact totals 0.05 acres. None of this vegetation type on site will remain undisturbed.
5.3 Impacts to Sensitive Species
5.3.1 Impacts to Sensitive Plants
No sensitive plants were identified on the site durmg the survey period. No Narrow Endemic species as
identified in Table 10 of the Carlsbad HMP were identified on the property. Thus, no impacts to sensitive
plants will resuh from implementation of the project.
5.3.2 Impacts to Sensitive Animals
No evidence of sensitive animals was observed within the Study Area. No Califomia gnatcatchers were
observed to inhabit the property or the adjacent areas. Thus, it is concluded that no impacts to sensitive
animals will result fi-om implementation of the project.
5.4 Significance of Impacts
The proposed project will result in significant biological impacts, as indicated below:
5.4.1 Duect Impacts
Impacts totaling 0.11 acres would be incurred to sensitive habitats includmg Coastal sage scrab/chaparral,
Southem mixed chaparral and Disturbed Southem mixed chaparral vegetation. All of these impacts take
place on the development-side of the hardline. Nonetheless, these impacts are significant and would
requued that project mitigation measures as listed within the Mitigation Measures section of this report
must be implemented to reduce impacts to a level below significance and achieve a no net loss of upland
vegetation fiinctions and values.
5.4.2 Indirect Impacts
Indirect impacts to the native habitats on the southerly [north-facing] slope could resuh from
implementation of the project. Thus, the project is subject to the HMP Adjacency Standards, discussed in
Section 5.7 below.
Excel Hotels - Palomar Oaks Hotel Site
Biology Resources Technical Report
April25,2012 Page 12
5.5 Impacts to Wildlife Movement Corridors
The project does not impact any vegetation within the adopted hardline. The proposed project conserves
0.33 acres of the native habitat on the subject site within the hardline. Thus, this habitat area will remain to
contribute a corridor for wildlife movement as requued by the HMP. As a resuh, the proposed project will
not significantly impact the wildlife corridor anticipated in the adopted HMP.
5.6 HMP Conservation Goals Compliance
The portion of the property within the hardline shall be the subject of permanent conservation pursuant to
the requirements of the HMP. In order to permanently conserve the property within the hardline, an open
space easement would be required which ensure permanent protection of the conserved area; and an
agreement will be required of the property owner which would require the removal of trash and debris, the
reporting of any encampments, and the allowance of authorized personnel to enter and perform invasive
species treatment and biological monitoring, of this conserved area.
With the satisfaction of these factors, the hardline area will be properly conserved in accordance with the
requirements of the HMP.
5.7 HMP Adjacency Standards Compliance
The HMP contains a number of Adjacency Standards that specifically apply to projects adjacent to sensitive
habitat. As this project is located in the Mello II Land Use and Implementation Plan segment of the City's
Local Coastal Program, it is subject to these policies. Mitigation measures are included in Section 8.0 of
this report.
1. Fire Management The project is proposing a minimum 60-foot fue suppression buffer zone
adjacent to the conserved open space slope. This fire suppression zone is located wholly outside
of the proposed hardlme open space area. No flammable stractures will be constracted within this
fire suppression zone. As a result the project does not result in impacts that would affect Fu-e
Management.
2. Erosion Control A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) shall be prepared and
followed through constraction and implementation of the proposed project. This SWPPP will
indicate that the project constraction activities will include appropriate temporary erosion and
sediment control protections so that all exposed soil in the area of the constraction will be
protected fi-om erosion. This will mclude sih fences, sandbags and straw mulch rolls being placed
around excavated trench spoils during the constraction period. Also, all storm drains and natural
drainages situated downstream from the constraction will be protected by linear sediment barriers
or similar erosion control devices. Weather monitoring will take place in order to avoid exposed
soils during times of heavy rainfall. The public street (Palomar Oaks Way) in front of the
constraction site will be swept and maintained regularly during the constraction period. The
project will provide on-site water quality treatment so as to avoid discharge of polluted water from
the site. The project will not direct any new siu-face drainage downstream.
3. Landscaping Restrictions. The landscape mix for the project shall avoid the use of invasive plants
in the rear of the project adjacent to the open space. The list of invasive plants shall be those
identified on List A and List B of the Califomia Exotic Plant Council's List of Exotic Plants of
Greatest Ecological Concem in Califomia, as of October, 1999, and updated if applicable. .
4. Fencing, Signs, and Lighting. The project will incorporate garden walls and retaining walls which
will provide a demarcation between the proposed parking lot and the hardline conservation area.
The project will provide signage which will advise the public that the hardline area is protected,
and that no trespassing into the area is allowed. Also, the project will provide low sodium,
downcast/fijlly shielded temporary (during constraction activifies if required) and permanent
lighting for the project.
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Biology Resources Technical Report
April 25,2012 Page 13
5. Predator and Exotic Species Control. The project will mitigate for permanent impacts to
biological resources, and thus will not affect the movement of any native resident or migratory
wildlife species, or wildlife corridors. The landscape mix for the project shall avoid the use of
invasive plants m the rear of the project adjacent to the open space. The list of invasive plants
shall be those identified on List A and List B ofthe Califomia Exotic Plant Coimcil's List of
Exotic Plants of Greatest Ecological Concem m Califomia.
5.8 Cumulative Impacts
The MHCP was designed to compensate for the loss of biological resources throughout the program's
region; therefore, projects that conform to the MHCP, as specified in the HMP, would not resuh m a
cumulatively considerable impact for those biological resources adequately covered by the program. The
aforementioned direct and induect impacts resulting from the proposed project should not be cumulatively
considerable if project mitigation measures are implemented to ensure conformance to the MHCP and the
HMP.
6.0 HMP REOUIRED PROJECT MITIGATION RATIOS
The HMP establishes the mitigation measures necessary to mitigate for project related unpacts to biological
resources. The adopted vehicle for establishing mitigation requuements is through applying of mitigation
ratios to areas of impact (measured m acres). HMP Table 11, Mitigation Ratios for Impacts to HMP
Habitats identifies approved mitigation ratios and methods for impacts to project associated habitats. This
table requires that the proposed impacts to Unoccupied Coastal sage scrab and Disturbed Southem mixed
chaparral be replaced [through preservation or creation] at a minimum 1:1 ratio. Further, non-sensitive
lands, mcluding Annual non-native grasslands and Disturbed and Developed lands shall be mifigated in the
form of payment of an In-lieu mitigation fee based on a City approved fee schedule.
The following tables identify and calculate the mhigation requued in order to reduce the biological impacts
to a level of insignificance.
TABLE 2 - HMP MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS
Vegetation Community HMP
Mitigation
HMP Table 11. Mitisation Ratios for Impacts to HMP
Habitats
Gnatcatcher -
Unoccupied Coastal sage
scrab
1:1 Group D: Mitigation for loss of unoccupied Coastal sage
scrab/chaparral shall be provided at a 1:1 ratio. Mitigation
can be through on-she conservation or payment of In-lieu
fee.
Southem mixed
chaparral/Disturbed
Southem mixed chaparral
1:1 Group D: Mitigafion for loss of Disturbed Southem mixed
chaparral shall be provided at a 1:1 ratio. Mitigation can be
through on-site conservation or payment of In-lieu fee.
Annual (non-native)
grassland
Fee Group E: Mitigation for loss of Annual (non-native
grassland shall be provided at a 0.5:1 ratio - payable through
In-lieu mitigation fee in an amount determined by the City
Coxmcil.
Disturbed, Developed
lands
Fee Group F. Developer shall pay a per acre in-lieu mitigation
fee in an amount determined by the City Council.
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Mitigation for impacts to HMP Group D, E and F categories shall be mitigated as follows:
Vegetation Community HMP
Category
Total
Project
Impacts
(Ac.)
HMP Ratio Total
Mitigation
Required
(Ac.)
Mitigation
Proposed
SENSITIVE
Unoccupied Coastal sage
scrab/chaparral and Southem
mixed chaparral and Disturbed
Southem mixed chaparral
D 0.11 1:1 0.11 0.33 ac.
preserved
onsite
NON-SENSITIVE
Annual (non-native) grassland E 1.54 0.5:1
Fee
0.77 HMP Fee
Disturbed, Developed lands F 0.44 1:1
Fee
0.44 HMP Fee
HMP Table category D will be mitigated through preservation onsite in excess of the minimum required
HMP mhigation ratios. Categories E and F shall be mhigation through payment of an applicable HMP Fee,
in an amount as adopted by the Carlsbad City Council.
7.0 COASTAL LIVE OAKS
Two mature Coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia) exist on the subject site near the westem property Ime.
The caliper of these two oaks is approximately 20" and 16" at breast height. The proposed hotel
development avoids impacting these two oaks and thus these two oaks will be preserved. Additionally, a
number (approximately 16 individuals of varying sizes (max. 20-feet in height) of Scrab oaks (Quercus
berberdifolia) exist on the property. Although the vegetation impacts table (Table 1) indicates 0.02 acres of
impacts to these two trees, this impact is a result of the method of analysis (aerial free canopy), and the
parking lot development under the exterior portions ofthe canopy. It is concluded that the development of
the project will not impact the health of the frees. Also, twelve (12) of these scrab oaks are located within
the CSS/Chap preserved area, and will not be disturbed by the development.
8.0 MITIGATION MEASURES
As indicated in this report, the proposed project will result in significant impacts to biological resources.
The following mitigation measures are necessary in order to reduce the biological impacts from the project
to a level of insignificance:
1. The project developer shall mhigate for the loss of 0.03 acre of Unoccupied Coastal sage
scrab/chaparral, 0.03 acre of Southem mixed chaparral and 0.05 acres of Disturbed Southem
mixed chaparral vegetation through the payment of the applicable In-lieu mitigation fees for 0.11
acres of Habhat Group D lands in the appropriate amount as determmed by the Carlsbad City
Council.
2. The project developer shall mitigate for impacts to Annual Non-native grasslands and Disturbed
and Developed lands (HMP Habhat Groups E and F, respectively) will be mhigated by payment of
the applicable In-lieu mitigation fees for 1.53 acres of Annual Non-native grasslands and 0.41
acres of Disturbed and Developed lands in the appropriate amount as determined by the Carlsbad
City Council.
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3. The project developer shall conserve the 0.33 acres of Coastal Sage Scrub/Chaparral and small
amount of Disturbed Non-native Grassland within the Hardline by the on-site preservation of 0.33
acres of Coastal sage scrub/chaparral. Since the conserved property is of such small area (0.33
acres), it is not anticipated that a conservancy will accept management obligations for the
property. Thus, the project developer shall ensure that the property is conserved m perpetuity by
the recordmg of an open space easement, and an agreement (which will ran with the land) will be
requhed of the property owner which would requfre the removal of frash and debris, the reporting
of any encampments, and the allowance of authorized personnel to enter and perform invasive
species freatment and biological monitoring, of this conserved area. No portion of the 60-foot fire
suppression buffer zone shall be situated within the newly-adopted hardline open space.
4. The landscape mix for the project shall avoid the use of mvasive plants m the rear of the project
adjacent to the open space. The list of invasive plants shall be those identified on List A and List
B of the Califomia Exotic Plant Council's List of Exotic Plants of Greatest Ecological Concem in
Califomia, as of October, 1999, and updated if applicable.
5. Prior to the commencement of any ground-disturbmg activities (i.e., clearing, grabbing, trenching,
gradmg) that occur between January 15 and September 15, a biological survey by a qualified
biologist shall be conducted of the project area. If active migratory bfrd nests are observed during
the constraction phase, a buffer area of adequate width, as determined by the monitormg biologist,
shall be established between the consfruction activities and the nest so that nesting activities are
not interrapted. To avoid potential impacts, frees shall be removed outside of the breeding season
of local raptor species (frees shall be removed between September 15 through January 15). Noise
attenuation and buffer (if requfred) shall remain in place until the consfruction activhies are
completed or the nest is no longer active. Implementation of this measure shall be verified by the
City.
6. Constraction noise created during the breeding season that could affect the breeding of bird
species associated with the adjacent natural habitat on the southerly slope shall be avoided. This
resfriction can be waived by the City, with concurrence from the Wildlife Agencies, upon
completion of a breeding/nesting bird survey of the area in accordance with the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act. A biological monitor of the constraction operation is requhed. If nests are present, no
loud consfruction (exceeding 60 dBA hourly average, adjusted for ambient noise levels, at the
nesting site) may take place within 500 feet of active nesting sites during the nesting/breeding
season (January 15 through September 15).
7. Constraction limhs will be delmeated with orange fencing, which will be maintamed imtil the
completion of all constraction activhies. All employees shall be insfructed that then- activities,
vehicles, equipment and constraction materials are resfricted to the proposed footprint, designated
staging areas, and routes of travel.
8. Constraction employees will limit their activities, vehicles, equipment and constraction materials
to the fenced project footprint.
9. Lighting for the project shall be shielded and/or directed away from the habitat on the southerly
slope. Low sodium, downcast and/or fully shielded lighting only shall be used. If nighttime
constraction lights are necessary, all lighting will be shielded and/or directed away from habitat.
10. A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) shall be prepared and followed through
constraction and implementation of the proposed project. This SWPPP will indicate that the
project constraction activities will include appropriate temporary erosion and sediment control
protections so that all exposed soil m the area of the constraction will be protected from' erosion.
This will include silt fences, sandbags and sfraw mulch rolls being placed around excavated french
spoils during the constraction period. Also, all storm drains and natural drainages situated
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downstream from the constraction will be protected by linear sediment barriers or similar erosion
confrol devices. Weather monhoruig will take place in order to avoid exposed soils during times
of heavy rainfall. The public street (Palomar Oaks Way) in front of the consfruction site will be
swept and maintained regularly during the constraction period. The project will provide on-site
water quality freatment so as to avoid discharge of polluted water from the site. The project will
not direct any new surface drainage downstream.
9.0 CONCLUSION
With the provision of and compliance with the above-referenced mitigation measures, it is concluded that
the project will mitigate the biological impacts resulting from the proposed project to a level of
msignificance.
10.0 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A Flora of San Diego Countv. Califomia. Sweetwater Press, National City,
Califomia.
City of Carlsbad, Final Envhonmental Impact Report Robertson Ranch Master Plan. April 2006.
City of Carlsbad, Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the Citv of Carlsbad. Final
Approval November, 2004.
City of Carlsbad Local Coastal Program. Adopted November 1987, Mello I Segment.
Hickman, J. C. 1993. The Jepson Manual. Higher Plants of Califomia. University of Califomia Press,
Berkeley, Califomia. 1400 pp. + 1 p. errata
Holland, Robert F. 1986. "Preliminary Vegetative Plant Communities of Califomia." Department of Fish
and game. Natural Heritage Section.
Merkel & Associates, Biological Resources Report for the Robertson Ranch Proiect. Oct. 5, 2004.
Munz, P. 1974. A Flora of Southem Califomia. University of Califomia Press. Berkeley, Califomia. 1086
pp.
Reiser Craig H. 1994. Rare Plants of San Diego County, Aqua fir Press. Imperial Beach, CA.
Scheldt, Vincent N., Report of a Field Survey for Coastal Califomia Gnatcatcher. Fafrfield Inn & Suhes
Proiect. May 2011.
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PLANT SPECIES LIST
Excel Hotel Property, Carlsbad, California
April 27,2011
CONIFERS
APPENDIX A
PINACEAE - PINE FAMILY
Pinus halepensis
ANGIOSPERMS: (MONOCOTS)
CYPERACEAE - SEDGE FAMILY
Cyperus involucratus
IRIDACEAE - IRIS FAMILY
Dietes bicolor
POACEAE - GRASS FAMILY
Avena fatua
Bromus diandrus
Bromus hordeaceus
Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens
Cortaderia selloana
Cynodon dactylon
Festuca hb.
Melica imperfecta
Nasella lepida
Nasella pulchra
Poa annua
Polypogon monspeliensis
Vulpia myuros
ANGIOSPERMS: fEUDICOTS)
ANACARDIACEAE - SUMAC FAMILY
Toxicodendron diversilobum
Malusma laurina
Rhus integrifolia
APIACEAE - CARROT FAMILY
Sanicula crassicaulis
Aleppo Pine
African umbrella plant
Fortnight lily
Wild oat
Ripgut grass
Soft chess
Red brome
Selloa pampas grass
Bermuda grass
Tall fescue hybrid
Coast-range melic
Foothill needle-grass
Purple needle-grass
Annual bluegrass
Rabbitfoot grass
Rattail fescue
Westem poison oak
Laurel sumac
Lemonadeberry
Pacific sanicle
ASTERACEAE - SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Achyrachaena mollis
Anthemis cotula
Artemisia californica
Baccharis pilularis
Baccharis salicifolia
Carduus pycnocephalus
Centaurea melitensis
Chamomilla suaveolens
Blow wives
Mayweed
Coast sagebrash
Coyote brash
Mulefat
Italian thistle
Tecalote
Pineapple weed
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Conyza canadensis
Encelia californica
Gnaphalium californicum
Gnaphalium luteo-album
Hemizonia fasciculata
Hedypnois cretica
Heterotheca grandiflora
Isocoma menziesii
Lactuca serriola
Picris echioides
Pseudognaphalium biolettii
Bicolor cudweed
Horseweed
Bush sunflower
Califomia everlasting
Everlasting Cudweed
Fascicled tarweed
Crete weed
Telegraph weed
Coast goldenbush
Prickly lettuce
Bristly ox-tongue
Bicolor cudweed
Sow thistle
BETULACEAE - BIRCH FAMILY
Alnus rhombifolia White Alder
(Note: Alnus rhombifolia planted as omamental, not naturally occurring as sited)
BRASSICACEAE - MUSTARD FAMILY
Brassica nigra
Hirschfeldia incana
Black mustard
Short-pod mustard
CAPRIFOLIACEAE - HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY
Lonicera subspicata Southem honeysuckle
CUCURBITACEAE - GOURD FAMILY
Marah macrocarpus Wild cucumber
EUPHORBIACEAE- - SPURGE FAMILY
Chamaesuce maculate Spotted spurge
FABACEAE - PEA FAMILY
Acacia sp.
Genista monspessulana
Lotus scoparius
Melilotus indica
Medicago polymorpha
Wattle
French broom
Deerweed
Sour clover
Califomia Burclover
FAGACEAE - BEECH FAMILY
Quercus agrifolia
Quercus berberdifolia
Coast live oak
Scrab oak
GERANIACEAE - GERANIUM FAMILY
Erodium botrys
Erodium cicutarium
Long-beaked filaree
Red-stemmed filaree
LAMIACEAE - MINT FAMILY
Salvia mellifera Black sage
MALVACEAE - MALLOW FAMILY
Malacothamnus fasciculatus
Malva parviflora
Chaparral bushmallow
Cheeseweed
MYRTACEAE - MYRTLE FAMILY
Eucalyptus sp. Gum
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ONAGRACEAE - EVENING PRIMROSE FAMILY
Epilobium ciliatum ssp. ciliatum
PODOCARPACEAE - PODOCARP FAMILY
Podocarpus gracilior
POLYGONACEAE - BUCKWHEAT FAMILY
Eriogonum fasciculatum
Rumex crispus
PORTULACACEAE - PURSLANE FAMILY
Claytonia perfoliata ssp. perfoliata
Anagallis arvensis
PHRYMACEAE - HOPSEED FAMILY
Mimulus aurantiacus var puniceus
ROSACEAE - ROSE FAMILY
Adenostoma fasciculatum
Heteromeles arbutifolia
RUBIACEAE - MADDER FAMILY
Galium angustifolium ssp. angustifolium
SALICACEAE - WILLOW FAMILY
Xylosma conges tum
Shiny xylosma
Willow herb
Fem pine
Califomia buckwheat
Curly dock
Mmer's-lettuce
Scarlet pimpemel
Coast Monkey fiower
Chamise
Toyon
Narrow-leaved bedsfraw
Arroyo willow
Shiny xylosma
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APPENDIX B
Wildlife Species Observed/Detected On/Or Adjacent to the
Excel Hotel Site
IVlay 13, 2011
INVERTEBRATES (Nomenclahire from Eriksen and Belk 1999; Milne and Milne 1980; Mattoni 1990;
and Opler and Wright 1999)
PIERIDAE - WHITES & SULPHURS
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMUfONNAME HABITAT ABUNDANCE EVIDENCE
OF
PRESENCE
Pieris rapae Cabbage white D/NNG S NP
AMPHIBIANS (Nomenclature from Crother 2001 and Crother et al. 2003)
None observed. No calls detected.
REPTILES (Nomenclature from Conant and Collins 1997)
None Observed or detected.
BIRDS (Nomenclature from American Omithologists Union 1998 and Unitt 2004)
Callipepla californica
californica
Califomia quail D/SMC C/Y V
COLUMBIDAE - PIGEONS & DOVES
Zenaida macroura
marginella
moumhig dove NNG/F C/Y o,v
TROCHILDAE - HUMMINGBIRDS
Calypte anna Anna's hummingbud F C/Y o,v
TYRANNIDAE - TYRANT FLYCATCHERS
Sayornis nigricans semiatra black phoebe NNG C o,v
Tyranus verticalis Westem kingbhd NNG F/Y o,v
CORVIDAE - CROWS, JAYS, & MAGPIES
Aphelocoma californica Westem scrab-jay SMC C/Y o,v Corvus brachyrhynchos
hesperis
American crow F C/Y o,v
Corvus corax common raven F C/Y o,v
AEGITHALIDAE - BUSHTIT
Psaltriparus minimus
minimus
bushth SMC C/Y o,v
TROGLODYTIDAE - WRENS
Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's wren D/SMC C/Y o,v
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TIMALIIDAE - BABBLERS
Chamaea fasciata henshawi wrenth CSS SMC C/Y o,v
EMBERIZIDAE - EMBERIZIDS
Melospiza melodia song sparrow D C/Y o,v Pipilo crissalis Califomia towhee NNG C/Y o,v
Passer domesticus house sparrow D/NNG/CSS C 0
FALCONIDAE - FALCONS
Falco sparverius American kesfrel NNG/CSS F o
FRINGILLIDAE - FINCHES
Carduelis psaltria
hesperophilus
lesser goldfinch SMC C/Y o,v
Carpodacus mexicanus
frontalis
house finch SMC C/Y o,v
MIMIDAE - MOCKINGBIRDS AND THRASHERS
Mimus polyglottos Northem mockingbfrd D/NNG C 0
Taxostoma redivivum Califomia thrasher SMC F O
STURNIDAE - STARLINGS
Sturnus vulgaris European starlmg D/NNG C 0
MAMMALS (Nomenclahire from Baker et al. 2003)
LEPORIDAE - RABBITS AND HARES
Sylvilagus bachmani brash rabbh D/NNG/SMC F 0
SCIURIDAE - SQUIRRELS
Otospermophilus beecheyi Califomia ground squirrel NNG/SMC C O
CANIDAE - CANIDS
Canis latrans coyote All F O/S
PROCYONIDAE - RACCOONS AND RELATIVES
Procyon lator raccoon All C T
MUSTELIDAE - WEASELS, BADGERS AND RELATIVES
Mephhis mephitis Sfriped skunk SMC/D/CSS F Scent
HABITAT CODES
RW = Riparian woodland
W = Woodland
D = Disturbed
NNG = Non-Native Grassland
EVIDENCE OF PRESENCE
0 = observed
V = vocalizations
S = scat
T = tracks
CSS = Coastal Sage Scrub
SMC = Southern-mixed chaparral
F= In flight
N = Not observed but expected.
ABUNDANCE/SEASONALITV CODES (based on Garrett and Dunn 1981)
C = Common to abundant; almost always encountered in proper habitat, usually in moderate to large numbers
F = Fairly common, typically encountered in proper habitat, though not in large numbers
S = Spring/summer resident, probable breeds onsite or in vicinity
Y = Year Round Resident
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APPENDIX C
PROTOCOL FIELD SURVEY
COASTAL CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER
Fairfield Inn & Suites Project
Carlsbad, CA
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REPORT OF AN FIELD SURVEY
FOR
Coastal California Gnatcatcher
(Polioptila californica californica)
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES PROJECT
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
Prepared for
Mr. Paul Klukas
Planning Systems
1530 Faraday Avenue, Suite 100
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Prepared by
Vincent N. Scheldt
Certified Biological Consultant
3158 Occidental Street
San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 457-3873
May 2011
Vincent N. Scheidt, MA
Biological Consultant
TE788133
INTRODUCTION
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Project ("Project") consists of the commercial development of an
approximately 2.49 acre vacant parcel located a short distance southeast of the Intersection of Palomar
Airport Road and Palomar Oaks Way in the City of Carlsbad, California (Figure 1). Project
improvements, including grading and construction, will result in changes in the existing land use on
the parcel. Most of the parcel was graded in the past in anticipation of development, and native
vegetation is restricted to the southern fringe of the property. The field surveys for this report were
focused on the areas of native vegetation plus an approximately 500-foot buffer to the south of the
project site itself
Because the Project site supports Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS), the property was surveyed for
the presence or absence of Coastal California Gnatcatcher {Polioptila californica californica), a
federally-listed Threatened Species, which is known to inhabit this habitat-type. The results of this
directed survey are presented in this report.
GOAL OF STUDY
The goal of the study is to survey the Project site and adjoining lands for the presence or absence of
California Gnatcatchers and locate any active nests of this species within the study area. Any other
sensitive species detected during the surveys would be documented. This directed study is being
provided pursuant to the current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) survey protocol for the Coastal
California Gnatcatcher {Polioptila californica californica) within NCCP-participating jurisdictions.
METHODS
Fieldwork associated with this study consisted of a series of three focused site reconnaissance
surveys completed on the following dates and under the following survey conditions:
Date Hours Weather Conditions
21 April 2011 06:30 - 8:45 overcast; temps in the mid 60°s to low 70°s, no wind
30 April 2011 8:30-10:00 overcast to clearing; light west wind; temps mid 60°s
12 May 2011 09:00-10:30 clear, temps mid to upper 60°s, light west wind
Field surveys were conducted by the author (VS), in possession of Federal 10 (a) (1) (a) Recovery
Permit #TE788133. The surveys were completed by slowly walking the entire property with visual
transects directed through areas of potential habitat which are located on the slopes to the south.
Specimens were visually searched for at all times, and playback calls of this species were broadcast
using a hand-held minicassette tape player to assist with the detection of specimens. Weather
conditions were conducive to gnatcatcher field surveying on each of the selected dates. Particular
attention was paid to areas where this species could potentially nest. Binoculars were used to aid in
observations. Nomenclature used in this report is taken from standard field references, including the
American Ornithological Union (AOU), and others.
RESULTS
California Gnatcatcher Habitat Assessment
As mentioned previously, the vast majority of the actual project site is graded and supports no California
Gnatcatcher habitat. However, the slopes to the south, some of which are onsite and all of which are part
of the City's "hardline" conservation area, support high-value CSS. However, some of these slope areas
are very dense and support taller, more mesophytic shrubs, such as Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) and
Lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia) along with various non-native ornamental shrubs including Acacia
(Acacia sp.) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.). These slope areas form only marginally-suitable
gnatcatcher habitat due to steepness, north-facing aspect, and vegetative structure. Other slope areas
support vegetation which is low and open, supporting more typical California Gnatcatcher habitat
indicators, including Flat-top Buckwheat {Eriogonum fasciculatum), California Sagebrush {Artemisia
californica) and Laurel Sumac {Malosma laurina). The project site is also contiguous with additional areas
of CSS to the south along a continuation of the slopes. With respect to gnatcatcher occupancy, the
quality of the onsite and adjoining offsite habitat is considered low to moderate, based on slope, aspect,
vegetative density, and edge effects from nearby development.
California Gnatcatcher Breedino Surveys
California Gnatcatcher was not detected on or adjoining the project site at any time during the protocol
field surveys. The property is thus considered "unoccupied" by this species. Gnatcatcher field survey
data are generally considered valid for one year from the end of the final survey.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The results of this study suggest that California Gnatcatcher is not resident on the Fairfield Inn &
Suites Project site. No specific avoidance or mitigation measures as they relate to this species are
recommended.
Figure 1. Regional Location - The Fairfield Inn & Suites Project Site:
Portion of the U.S.G.S. 7.5' Quadrangle Map
Table 1. Avifauna Detected - Fairfield Inn & Suites Project Site - Carlsbad
Scientific Name Common Name
Aphelocoma coerulescens Scrub Jay
Archilochus anna Anna's Hummingbird
Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed Hawk
Callipepla californica California Quail
Carduelis psaltria Lesser Goldfinch
Carpodacus mexicanus Housefinch
Chamaea fasciata Wrentit
Corvus brachyrhynchos Common Crow
Corvus corax Common Raven
Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowrthroat
Hirundo pyrrhonota Cliff Swallow
Mimus polyglottos Mockingbird
Pipilo crissalis California Towhee
Pipilo erythrophthalmus Rufous-sided Towhee
Psaltriparus minimus Bushtit
Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's Wren
Wilsonia pusilla Wilson's Warbler
Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove