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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCUP 12-11; Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Visitors Center; Conditional Use Permit (CUP) (3)BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT AND IMPACT ANALYSIS for the BRUSH MANAGEMENT OF THE VISITOR'S CENTER AT THE BATIQUITOS LAGOON City of Carlsbad, California Prepared for: Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation do Mr. Fred Sandquist P.O. Box 130491 Carlsbad, California 92613 Prepared by: DUDEK 605 Third Street Encinitas, California 92024 Tel. 760.942.5147 An/to M. Hayworth, PhD, Senior Biologist MARCH 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page No. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Ill 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 2.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS 3 2.1 Literature Review 3 2.2 Field Reconnaissance 3 2.2.1 Resource Mapping 3 2.2.2 Flora 4 2.2.3 Fauna 4 2.2.4 Sensitive Biological Resources 4 2.3 Survey Limitations 4 3.0 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 5 3.1 Site Description 5 4.0 RESULTS OF SURVEY 11 4.1 Botany - Plant Communities and Floral Diversity 11 5.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS 15 6.0 MITIGATION MEASURES 21 7.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 25 8.0 LITERATURE CITED 27 APPENDICES A Plant Species Observed on Site B Wildlife Species Observed on Site C Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan D WRP Community Wetland Restoration Grant Program Application E Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 7826 DUDEK i March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) Page No. FIGURES 1 Regional Map 7 2 Vicinity Map 9 3 Vegetation Map 13 4 Vegetation Communities and Boundary Adjustment Area for the Proposed Mitigation Site 23 TABLES 1 Survey Dates and Conditions 3 2 Existing Plant Communities/Land Covers at the Visitor's Center within the Batiquitos Lagoon Study Area 11 3 Proposed Permanent Impacts to Existing Plant Communities and Land Covers (Acres) 16 4 Existing Plant Communities/Land Covers on the Mitigation Site for the Visitor's Center at Batiquitos Lagoon Mitigation Site 22 7826 DUDEK ii March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California SUMMARY OF FINDINGS The approximately 0.39-acre study area for the Batiquitos Lagoon Visitor's Center brush management activity is located within the City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, Califomia. Based on species composition and plant physiognomy, three plant communities or land covers are present on the site: coastal sage scrub (0.15 acres), developed lands (0.13 acre), and omamental plantings (0.11 acre). No plant species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or the Califomia Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) were detected in the study area. One state- or federally listed endangered or threatened animal species is likely to be present: the federally listed threatened coastal Califomia gnatcatcher {Polioptila californica californica). The proposed project is to remove or selectively cut individual plants within 0.25 acre of the study area. A total of 0.09 acre of coastal sage scrub will be permanently impacted. Mitigation for the impacts to sensitive biological resources includes replacement of the impacted coastal sage scmb habitat to result in no net loss (2:1 ratio). The area affected by the bmsh management, including the visitor's center also needs to be removed from the City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP) hardline preserve. Replacement of this acreage is also required. A mitigation site is proposed that is along the north shore of Batiquitos Lagoon. Restoration is planned for the area and it currently is not within the HMP hardline preserve but is proposed to be adjusted to be in the preserve. This site will provide all of the mitigation needs for the Visitor's Center bmsh management activity. 7826 DUDEK iii March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK iv March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California 1.0 INTRODUCTION The proposed project is to provide bmsh management zones adjacent to the Visitor's Center at Batiquitos Lagoon (Lagoon). The purpose of this activity is to provide protection for the stmctures. The brush management zones are located within a study area a maximum of 75 feet from the Visitor's Center building. The study area encompasses a total of 0.39 acre within the Lagoon inclusive of the Visitor Center. The study area falls within the jurisdiction of the City of Carlsbad (City) and is located in the southem portion of the City and is also subject to the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP; Carlsbad 2004) and the Califomia Coastal Commission regulations. Biological surveys of the property were conducted by Dudek in June and July 2013 in order to provide current information on the existing conditions of the biological resources on the site. Visits to potential mitigation areas where conducted in August and October 2013. Bmsh management for the Visitor's Center at the Lagoon will include both Zone 1 and Zone 2. Zone 1 is non-irrigated that starts at the Visitor's Center stmcture envelope and extends for 30 feet. All vegetation will be removed within 15 feet of the structure. From 15-30 feet, select specimen native plants may remain but must be separated by 6 feet. Plants may not exceed 48 inches. No tree crowns will be allowed within 10 feet of the stmcture. Along the west side of the Visitor's Center along the fence, all plant material will be removed along the fence and brow ditch. Zone 2 is non-irrigated and extends from 30-60 feet. Within Zone 2, a mosaic will be create with the existing plant material by removal of dead plants and other plants as necessary. The purposes of this report are to describe the biological character of the study area in terms of vegetation, flora, wildlife, and wildlife habitats; analyze the biological significance of the site considering federal, state, and local laws and policies; provide an analysis of direct effects based on the proposed bmsh management; and provide mitigation measures that fully compensate for significant impacts. 7826 DUDEK 1 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 2 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California 2.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS Data regarding biological resources present on the study area were obtained through a review of pertinent literature and through field reconnaissance; both of which are described in detail below. 2.1 Literature Review Sensitive biological resources present or potentially present within the study area were identified through a literature search using the following sources: City of Carlsbad (Carlsbad 2004) and SANDAG (2001). General information regarding wildlife species present in the region was obtained from Unitt (2004) for birds. Hall (1981) and Ingles (1965) for mammals, Stebbins (2003) for reptiles and amphibians, and Emmel and Emmel (1973) for butterflies. 2.2 Field Reconnaissance Biological surveys of the study area, including vegetation mapping and wildlife and plant species identification were conducted by Dudek biologists Kevin M. Shaw and Anita M. Hayworth Ph.D. (Table 1). Surveys were conducted by foot and the entire study area was surveyed and inventoried for biotic components. Table 1 Survey Dates and Conditions Date Survey* Persbhiiel ; Temperature Wind Sky Time 6/3/2013 v, w Kevin Shaw 68°F 0-1 mph overcast 0800-1000 7/2/2013 v, W, P Anita Hayworth 62°F 1-3 mph overcast 0730-0830 8/28/2013 v, W, P- m itig ation site Anita Hayworth 74°F 0-1 mph clear 1200-1300 10/16/2013 V,W, P- mitigation site Anita Hayworth 68°F 1-3 mph clear 1400-1500 'Survey Key: V = Vegetation Mapping W = Wildlife survey P = Plant survey 2.2.1 Resource Mapping Vegetation communities were mapped in the field directly onto an aerial photograph of the study area at 100-scale (1 inch = 100 feet). The vegetation boundaries were digitized by Dudek geographic information system (GIS) technician Randy Deodat using the ArcCAD system. Plant community classifications used in this report follow Holland (1986). DUDEK 7826 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California 2.2.2 Flora All plant species encountered during the field surveys were identified and recorded. Those species that could not be identified on site were brought into the laboratory for further investigation. Latin and common names of plants follow the Jepson Manual (Hickman 1993). A list of plant species observed on the property during the surveys is presented in Appendix A. 2.2.3 Fauna Wildlife species detected during field surveys by sight or calls were recorded. Latin and common names of animals follow Crother (2008) for reptiles and amphibians, American Omithologists' Union (2013) for birds, Wilson and Reeder (2005) for mammals, and NABA (2001) for butterflies. A list of wildlife species observed in the study area is presented in Appendix B. 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. 2.3 Survey Limitations Limitations of the surveys include a diumal bias, and the absence of focused trapping for mammals and reptiles. Surveys were conducted during the daytime to maximize visibility for the detection of plants and most animals especially bird species. In contrast, daytime surveys usually result in few observations of mammals, many of which may be active at night. In addition, many species of reptiles and amphibians are secretive in their habits and are difficult to observe using standard meandering transects. 7826 DUDEK 4 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California 3.0 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 3.1 Site Description The approximately 0.39-acre study area is located within the City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, Califomia. The study area is physically located along the north side of Batiquitos Lagoon, east of Gabbiano Lane and south of the development area along Batiquitos Drive (Figure 1). The property is situated within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute Encinitas quadrangle, T12S, R5W; Section 33 (Figure 2). Approximately 0.06 acre of the study area is composed of the existing Visitor's Center and associated outdoor activity areas. The remaining area is undeveloped and dominated by native vegetation. Surrounding land use is currently developed as single-family residential homes. The topography on site consists of a relatively flat area including the Visitor's Center and surrounding study area. 7826 DUDEK 5 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 6 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 8 March 2014 DUDEK 7825 FIGURE 2 Vicinity Map Batiquitos Lacjoon Visitors Center Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 10 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California 4.0 RESULTS OF SURVEY 4.1 Botany - Plant Communities and Floral Diversity Based on species composition and general physiognomy, three plant communities/land cover types were identified within the study area: coastal sage scrub, developed land, and omamental plantings. The plant communities/land covers are shown in Figure 3 and tabulated in Table 2. Table 2 Existing Plant Communities/Land Covers at the Visitor's Center within the Batiquitos Lagoon Study Area Plant Commuhlty^Lmd Cwei^V Acreage Group C Coastal Sage Scrub 0.15 Other Lands Developed 0.13 Omamental Plantings 0.11 Total 0.39 Wildlife and plant species observed during the site visits include nine species of birds and ten species of plants. The species lists are provided in Appendix A and B. Coastal Sage Scrub Coastal sage scrub is a native plant community composed of a variety of soft, low, aromatic shmbs, characteristically dominated by drought-deciduous species such as Califomia sagebrush (Artemisia californica), flat-top buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and sages (Salvia spp.); with scattered evergreen shrubs, including lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), and toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia). It typically develops on south-facing slopes and other xeric situations. Coastal sage scrub is located northeast of the Visitor's Center. It is relatively diverse and dense. A total of 0.15 acre of coastal sage scrub was mapped within the study area. Developed Lands Developed land is a land cover type which includes areas where vegetation growth is prevented by an existing structure or material, such as a building or road. Areas mapped as developed land 7826 DUDEK 11 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California on the project site include the Visitor's Center and the maintained path along the north side of Batiquitos Lagoon. A total of 0.13 acre of developed land was mapped within the study area. Ornamental Plantings Omamental plantings within the study area are mostly dominated by Eucalyptus. There were 0.11 acre of omamental plantings mapped within the study area. Special-Status Plants No plant species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by USFWS or the Califomia CDFG were detected in the study area. Special-Status Wildlife One state- or federally listed endangered or threatened animal species is likely present within the area but was not detected during the visits: the federally listed threatened coastal Califomia gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica). The species mapping for the HMP indicate presence of the species within the vicinity (Carlsbad 2004). Regional Planning Context The City of Carlsbad HMP is a comprehensive, citywide conservation program whose purpose is to identify and preserve sensitive biological resources within the City while allowing for additional development consistent with the City's General Plan and Growth Management Plan. Specific biological objectives of the HMP are to conserve the full range of vegetation types remaining in the City, with a focus on protecting rare and sensitive habitats and species. The study area is located within the Local Facilities Management Zone 19 and is designated as a Hardline Conservation area in the HMP. It is located in the westem portion of Core 8 and contains significant amounts of maritime succulent scrub, saltmarsh, and southem maritime chaparral as well as patches of coastal sage scrub. Batiquitos Lagoon is an estuarine system with a fringe of wetland and upland habitats surrounded by development. 7826 DUDEK 12 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 14 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California 5.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS This section addresses direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts to biological resources that would result from implementation of the proposed project. Direct impacts were quantified by overlaying the proposed brush management impact limits on the biological resources map of the site. For purposes of this assessment, all biological resources within the areas to be cleared were considered directly impacted. Indirect impacts primarily result from adverse "edge effects" as either short-term indirect impacts related to maintenance activities or long-term, chronic indirect impacts associated with proximity of human activity. During maintenance activities, indirect impacts may include dust and noise which could temporarily dismpt habitat and species vitality and maintenance-related runoff However, all project work will be subject to the typical restrictions and requirements that address erosion, runoff, and water quality, including the federal Clean Water Act and National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Cumulative impacts refer to incremental individual environmental effects over the long-term implementation of the project when considered together with other impacts from other projects in the area. These impacts taken individually may be minor, but collectively significant as they occur over a period of time. Explanation of Findings of Significance Impacts to sensitive habitats, sensitive plants, and sensitive wildlife species must be quantified and analyzed to determine whether such impacts are significant under the Califomia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA Guidelines section 15064(b) states that an ironclad definition of "significant" effect is not possible because the significance of an activity may vary with the setting. Appendix G of the Guidelines, however, does provide "examples of consequences which may be deemed to be a significant effect on the environment" (Guidelines section 15064[e]). These effects include substantial effects on rare or endangered species of animal or plant or the habitat of the species. Guidelines section 15065(a) is also helpful in defining whether a project may have "a significant effect on the environment." Under that section, a proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment if the project has the potential to: (1) substantially degrade the quality of the environment; (2) substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species; (3) cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining levels; (4) threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community; (5) reduce the number 7826 DUDEK 15 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal; or (6) eliminate important examples of the major period of Califomia history or prehistory. The evaluation of whether or not an impact to a particular biological resource is significant must consider both the resource itself and the role of that resource in a regional context. Substantial impacts are those that contribute to, or result in, permanent loss of an important resource, such as a population of a rare plant or animal. The severity of an impact is the primary determinant of whether or not that impact can be mitigated to a level below significant. Direct Impacts Vegetation Communities The bmsh management zone established adjacent to the Visitor's Center will be kept mostly clear of vegetation and, therefore, is considered a direct impact (Table 3). Due to the impact to sensitive native habitat (0.09 acre), the direct impact is significant and will require mitigation. Mitigation for impacts to the coastal sage scrub requires 2:1 mitigation with 1:1 to be preservation of habitat and 1:1 to be replacement of habitat. Removal of the bmsh management area and Visitor's Center (0.25 acre, which includes coastal sage scmb, developed land, and omamental plantings) from the HMP preserve is a significant impact. See the section on Regional Resource Planning Context - Compliance Review below. Table 3 Proposed Permanent Impacts to Existing Plant Communities and Land Covers (Acres) ' Plant Community/'Land Cover; Existing Acreagf in Stiidy Area , Zone,1 Brush . Management Zone 2 Brush Management Total Impact Group C Coastal Sage Scrub 0.15 0.02 0.07 0.09 Of/jer Lands Developed (Visitor's Center and existing trail/road) 0.13 0.09 0.00 0.09 Omamental Plantings 0.11 0.03 0.04 0.07 Total 0.39 0.14 0.11 0.25 DUDEK 16 7826 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management ofthe Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California Indirect Impacts Vegetation Communities Indirect impacts to vegetation communities primarily would result from adverse "edge effects." During construction of the project, edge effects may include dust which could disrupt plant vitality in the short term and/or construction-related soil erosion and runoff. However, it is assumed that typical construction practices, including dust control, erosion control, and water quality protection measures, will be implemented and will reduce these effects. Long-term indirect impacts on vegetation communities may result due to maintenance activities such as the trampling of vegetation by humans during project implementation and invasion of exotics due to soil disturbance. However, the City HMP includes adjacency standards to avoid and minimize impacts to sensitive vegetation communities within conservation areas that are adjacent to developed areas. Adjacency standards addressed in the City HMP include fire management, erosion control, landscaping restrictions, fencing, signs and lighting, and predator and exotic species control and are discussed in detail below. Implementation of these adjacency standards are expected to reduce indirect impacts to vegetation communities to a level below significant. Sensitive Plant Species Most of the indirect impacts to vegetation communities cited above can also affect sensitive plants off site. During construction of the project, indirect effects may include dust which could disrupt plant vitality in the short term and/or construction-related soil erosion and drainage runoff. However, it is assumed that typical construction practices, including dust and erosion control and water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs), will be implemented and will reduce these effects. Long-term edge effects could include possible trampling of individual plants during maintenance activities. Implementation of the adjacency standards addressed in the City HMP (fire management, erosion control, landscaping restrictions, fencing, signs and lighting, and predator and exotic species control) are expected to reduce indirect impacts to sensitive plants to a level below significant. Sensitive Wildlife Species Most of the indirect impacts to vegetation communities and sensitive plants cited above can also affect sensitive wildlife. In addition, wildlife may be indirectly affected in the short-term and long-term by noise, which can dismpt normal activities. Also, adverse indirect impacts to vegetation communities, such as trampling of vegetation, can cause degradation of habitat quality. Implementation of the adjacency standards addressed in the City HMP (fire 7826 DUDEK 17 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California management, erosion control, landscaping restrictions, fencing, signs and lighting, and predator and exotic species control) are expected to reduce indirect impacts to sensitive wildlife to a level below significant. Indirect impacts to nesting Califomia gnatcatchers will also be avoided by avoiding clearing of vegetation from February 15 through August 30. Adjacency Standards In order to prevent negative effects of the proposed brush management activity to the conserved habitat area, the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation proposes to comply with the adjacency standards that have been outlined in the HMP. Fire Management Fire management has been addressed for the project through the designation of the Brush Management Zones as shown in Figure 3. The project has identified potential fuel reduction zones. The zone will be established using hand clearing and trimming of the vegetation. No prescribed buming is recommended for the open space area due to the small size of the preserved area. All brush management areas are incorporated within the development boundaries and have been evaluated as impacts for the proposed project. Erosion Control Erosion control, for some areas of the City, is needed where there are erodible soils, steep slopes, soils with low water-holding capacity, sparse to no vegetation, and hydrologic condition of the soils. This erosion potential is naturally occurring and is a feature of this region and lends to the beauty of the natural landscape. Because vegetation will remain within the bmsh management zones but will be cut to a specified height, erosion is not expected to occur. Areas designated as Bmsh Management Zones will be hand cleared rather than bare surface graded. Landscaping Restrictions Landscape practices may be of concem where landscaping is in conflict with the management and maintenance of open space areas. No landscaping or planting is anticipated with the proposed brush management activity. Fencing. Signs, and Lighting Currently there is no fencing within the open space area. In order to prevent entry into the open space by people and pets, signs will be provided at intermittent intervals to alert the users of the 7826 DUDEK 18 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California sensitive nature of the open space area. No lighting is proposed for the areas adjacent to the open space. Lighting that may potentially intrude into the open space area will be shielded or directed away from the open space area. Predator and Exotic Species Control Similar to the issue described above for landscaping, there are concems related to non-native species when native areas are adjacent to development areas. Because the brush management will not contribute to the presence of urban mesopredators and non-native species, this adjacency issue is not a concem. Cumulative Impacts Cumulative impacts to sensitive upland habitat, sensitive plant species and sensitive wildlife species within the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) Subarea would occur through the proposed project, in the absence of the implementation of the HMP, and specifically the adjacent preserve system. However, implementation of the HMP provides mitigation for these cumulative impacts because the plan has anticipated region-wide impacts and has adopted a preserve system that mitigates for these impacts. The proposed project is consistent with the guidelines set forth within the MHCP and City HMP. Therefore, there will be no significant cumulative impacts to sensitive uplands, sensitive plant species, and sensitive wildlife species. Regional Resource Planning Context - Compliance Review The City of Carlsbad is a member of the North County MHCP and has adopted an HMP (Carlsbad 2004). The MHCP is a comprehensive, multiple jurisdictional planning tool designed to create, manage, and monitor an ecosystem preserve in northwestem San Diego County (SANDAG 2001). The study area is entirely within the hardline preserve of the HMP. Bmsh management zones and developed land uses are not an allowed use within the HMP preserve hardline areas. Thus the bmsh management and Visitor's Center within the 0.25 acre of coastal sage scrub and omamental planting area including the Visitor's center will need to be removed by preparation of equivalency findings. The area mapped as developed includes the Visitor's Center and existing trail/road which were existing conditions within the HMP preserve. Replacement of the 0.25 acre should be accomplished by designating as preserve other equivalent value area that is outside of the preserve. 7826 DUDEK 19 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 20 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California 6.0 MITIGATION MEASURES The following plant communities are not considered sensitive and do not require mitigation: omamental plantings and developed lands. The following habitat type is considered sensitive and requires mitigation: coastal sage scrub. In accordance with the HMP, coastal sage scrub mitigation includes preservation of existing habitat (1:1 ratio) and restorafion of habitat (1:1 ratio) so that there is no net loss of coastal sage scrub habitat within the coastal zone. Thus the total mitigation required for the direct impact to 0.09 acre coastal sage scrub is 0.18 acre with 0.09 acre preservation and 0.09 acre restoration. The coastal sage scrub mitigation area is provided on Park Hyatt property that is already encumbered with a Coastal Commission Deed Restriction thus it is protected from future development. The mitigation for the impact due to removal of acreage from the hardline HMP preserve will be accomplished through the replacement of equal or better habitat within the coastal zone to result in no net loss of the coastal sage scrub habitat or the HMP preserve. The total replacement acreage shall be 0.25 acre of equal or better habitat which is equal to the total project impact area. The replacement acreage is provided on Park Hyatt property that is already encumbered with a Coastal Commission Deed Restriction thus it is protected from future development. The proposed mitigation exceeds the requirements outlined above. The mitigation area is located east of the Visitor's Center approximately 5,000 feet. The area is a total of 4.32 acres and is composed of a mixture of native and non-native vegetation (Figure 4; Table 4). Much.joffJ^^n-native vegetation is proposed to be restored to native vegetation and funding has been provided and the restoration project approved (Appendices C and D). The site is currently outside of the HMP hardline but is proposed to be adjusted to be inside the preserve and thus there will be net gain of HMP Preserve. The Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon (Dudek 2014; Appendix E) presents the proposed mitigation for the preservation, restoration and replacement of HMP preserve. With the restoration of at least 0.09 acre of coastal sage scrub, the preservation of at least 0.09 acre coastal sage scrub and the designation of the entire 4.32 acre area as new HMP Preserve lands, all mitigation requirements are met. The acreage that provides the no net loss of coastal sage scmb is the restoration of areas of eucalyptus woodland to coastal sage scrub (0.56 acre). The acreage that provides preservation mitigation of coastal sage scrub for the direct impact is 0.28 acre. Finally, the acreage that provides the replacement of HMP lands is 3.48 acres as shown on Figure 4. Appendices C and D provide a description of the restoration methods and the source of funding. Appendix E provides the site specific planting and restoration as well as the detail for species for restoration. 7826 DUDEK 21 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California Table 4 Existing Plant Communities/Land Covers on the Mitigation Site for the Visitor's Center at Batiquitos Lagoon Mitigation Site Plant Community/Land Cover Acreage Group A Coastal Salt Marsh 0.11 Group B Disturbed Native Grassland/Coastal Sage scrub 1.18 Group C Coastal Sage Scrub 0.28 Disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub 0.13 Of/ier Lands Developed 0.53 Disturbed Lands 0.12 Omamental Plantings 0.11 Total 4.32 Other Mitigation Measures or Requirements In order to avoid impacting breeding and nesting birds in accordance to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a breeding/nesting bird survey shall be conducted prior to bmsh management activities if they are to occur during the nesting season (Febmary 15-August 31). Nests that are detected within the proposed impact areas will be avoided until nesting is completed. A buffer zone of 500 feet will be established around any identified nests in coordination with the monitoring biologist. In order to avoid impacts to nesting Califomia gnatcatchers, although not detected could be within the vicinity, a pre-construction survey will be conducted. If the gnatcatcher is determined to be nesting on site, in order to avoid impacts to them, no vegetation removal will take place during the breeding season, Febmary 15-August 30. DUDEK 22 7826 March 2014 Proposed Addition to HMP Preserve Vegetation Communities ! J CSS, Coastal Sage Scrub I ^ DEV. Developed I I DH, Disturbed Habitat I I EUC, Eucalyptus Wtoodland I Salt marsh. Salt marsh I I dCSS. Disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub I I dVGL/dCSS. Disturbed Native grassland and Coastal Sage Scrub HMP Preserve Boundary I Preservation of CSS as Mitigation for Direct Impacts I Replacement HMP Mitigation Restoration to CSS FIGURE 4 Vegetation Communities and Boundary Adjustment Area for the Proposed IVIitigation Site Batiquitos Lagoon Visitors Center Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 24 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California 7.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The biological technical report was prepared by Anita M. Hayworth, PhD; word processing was provided by Lindsey Messner; graphics and GIS were provided by Randy Deodat. Field studies were provided by Kevin Shaw and Anita Hayworth. DUDEK 25 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 26 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California 8.0 LITERATURE CITED AOU (American Ornithologists' Union). 2013. Check-List of North American Birds: List of lite 2,078 Bird Species Known From the AOU Check-List Area. Accessed online February 2012. http://www.aou.org/checklist/north/full.php. Carlsbad, City of. 2004. Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad. December 1999 Finalized in 2004. Crother, B.I. 2008. Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America North of Mexico, with Comments Regarding Confidence in our Understanding. 6th ed. Herpetological Circular No. 37. Ed. J.J. Moriarty. Shoreview, Minnesota: Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Emmel, T.C. and J.F. Emmel. 1973. T/ze Butterflies of Southern California. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Science Series 26:1-148. Hall, E.R. 1981. The Mammals of North America, Second Edifion. John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY. 1181 pp. Hickman, J.C. 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of Califomia Press, Berkeley. 1,400 pp. Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California. Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game. 156 pp. Ingles, L.G. 1965. Mammals of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford. 506 pp. NABA (North American Butterfly Association). 2001. "Checklist of North American Butterflies Occurring North of Mexico." Adapted from North American Butterfly Association (NABA) Checklist & English Names of North American Butterflies, eds. B. Cassie, J. Glassberg, A. Swengel, and G. Tudor. 2nd ed. Morristown, New Jersey: NABA. Accessed June 9, 2009. http://www.naba.org/pubs/enames2.html San Diego Association of Govemments (SANDAG). 2001. Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan. Stebbins, R.C. 2003. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. 7826 DUDEK 27 March 2014 Biological Resources Technical Report and Impact Analysis for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon, City of Carlsbad, California Unitt, P. 2004. San Diego County Bird Atlas. San Diego, California: San Diego Natural History Museum. Wilson, D.E., and D.M. Reeder, eds. 2005. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. 3rd ed. Baltimore, Maryland: Johns Hopkins University Press. 7826 DUDEK 28 March 2014 APPENDIX A Plant Species Observed on Site APPENDIXA Plant Species Observed on Site ANGIOSPERMAE (DICOTYLEDONES) ANGIOSPERMS (DICOTS) ANACARDIACEAE- SUMAC FAMILY Rhus integrifolia - lemonadeberry ASTERACEAE- SUNFLOWER FAMILY Artemisia californica — Califomia sagebrush Baccharis pilularis — chaparral broom, coyote brush Encelia californica - California encelia Isocoma menziesii ssp. menziesii - spreading goldenbush CACTACEAE- CACTUS FAMILY Opuntia littoralis - coastal prickly-pear LAMIACEAE- MINT FAMILY Salvia mellifera - black sage /l/Fi?7:4C£'^.£:-EUCALYPTUS FAMILY Eucalyptus lehmannii - bushy yate Eucalyptus spp. - eucalyptus species POLYGONACEAE- BUCKWHEAT FAMILY Eriogonum fasciculatum var. foliolosum - Califomia buckwheat 7826 DUDEK A-1 March 2014 APPENDIX A (Continued) INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK A-2 March 2014 APPENDIX B Wildlife Species Observed on Site APPENDIX B Wildlife Species Observed on Site BIRDS TROCHILIDAE- HUMMINGBIRDS Calypte anna - Anna's hummingbird AEGITHALIDAE- BUSHTITS Psaltriparus minimus — bushtit TIMALIIDAE- LAUGHINGTHRUSH AND WRENTIT Chamaea fasciata - wrentit MIMIDAE- THRASHERS Mimus polyglottos - northem mockingbird EMBERIZIDAE- BUNTINGS AND SPARROWS Melospiza melodia — song sparrow Pipilo crissalis - Califomia towhee Pipilo maculatus - spotted towhee FRINGILLIDAE- FINCHES Carpodacus mexicanus — house finch Carduelis psaltria - lesser goldfinch 7826 DUDEK B-1 March 2014 APPENDIX B Continued INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK B-2 March 2014 APPENDIX C Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared By Brad Burkfiart For Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Post Office Box 130491 Carlsbad, California 92009 .September 1999 Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan September 1999 Burkhart Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation 1 Prepared by Brad TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION 4 • 1.1 Project Purpose 1.2 Project Location 4 • 5 I 2.0 EXISITING CONDITIONS 7 • 2.1 Native Cover Types 2.2 Non-Native Cover Types 7 11 3.0 INVASIVE EXOTICS SPECIES MANAGEMENT & HABITAT RESTORATION 13 - 3.1 Invasive Species Eradication & Management Strategies 3.2 Revegetation Strategies 13 I 19 4.0 TRAILS DESIGNATION 30 1 4.1 Westem Train End To Old Gate Posts 4.2 Trail From Old Gate Posts To Golf Course 4.3 Trail Past Golf Course 4.4 Trail From Golf Course To Murphy Property 4.5 Trail From Murphy Through Mitsuuchi Property 4.6 Upslope Sewer line Access To Arenal Road 4.7 SDG&E Power Pole Access 31 - 31 I 32 • 32 32 1 33 • 33 5.0 HABITAT RESTORATION 33 • 6.0 PLAN PHASING 34 1 7.0 REFERENCES 35 LIST OF FIGURES 1 REGIONAL LOCATION OF PROJECT 2 STUDY AREA SHOWING FIGURE LOCATIONS 6 • 8 I The remaining figures are included in tabbed sections at the back of the plan including: • Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 2 Prepared by Brad H Burkhart H BATIOUITOS LAGOON RESTORATION PLAN PHASE 1-NORTH SHORE EXISTING VEGETATATION SHEETS 3 1-5 SECTION 4 AVIARA INLET SECTION 5 GOLF COURSE SECTION 6 LEAST TERN SECTION 7 EL CAMINO SECTION BATIOUITOS LAGOON RESTORATION PLAN PHASE 1-NORTH SHORE RESTORATION PLAN SHEETS 8 1-5 SECTION 9 AVIARA INLET SECTION 10 GOLF COURSE SECTION 11 LEAST TERN SECTION 12 EL CAMINO SECTION LIST OF RESTORATION PLANT PALETTES 1 SALT MARSH EDGE CONTAINER PLANTS 22 2 SALT MARSH ENHANCEMENT CONTAINER PLANTS 22 3 TRAIL RESTORATION COASTAL SAGE SCRUB CONTAINER PLANT PALETTE 24 4 DISTURBED COASTAL SAGE SCRUB CONTAINER PLANT PALETTE 24 5 COASTAL SAGE SCRUB SEED PALETTE 25 6 RIPARIAN WOODLAND CONTAINER PLANT PALETTE 26 7 RIPARIAN WOODLAND SEED PALETTE 26 Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 3 Prepared by Brad Burkhart 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PROJECT PURPOSE The intent of this plan is to focus on measures designed to restore and enhance wetland and upland habitats found along the north edge of Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad, Califomia which have been degraded through previous use prior to its designation as a permanent open space owned by the State of Califomia Lands Commission and managed under authority of the Califomia Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). CDFG has supported the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF) and its members in assuming responsibility for restoration activities within the open space except for restoration efforts still associated with the lagoon dredging effort which remain the responsibility of the City of Long Beach. This plan will focus on three areas of restoration activities: 1. The eradication and future management of invasive exotic plant species which degrade wildlife habitat quality. 2. The designation of permanent trail locations and consistent trail widths. 3. The revegetation of areas of exotics removal and previous disturbance with appropriate native plant species. The plan is intended as a guide for future action by the BLF and as such anticipates funding may limit restoration effbrts. For this reason, the goals listed above are shown in their order of implementation priority and a separate phasing section is included at the end of the plan. The first priority should be the elimination of the most invasive of the exotic plant species combined with clearly defining permanent trail locations and use widths for users. In concert with both these efforts native habitat restoration must be implemented so that the bare areas left by exotics removals and abandoned trails can be defended against future reestablishment of exotic species and/or fiirther human destruction of existing native plant cover. Secondarily, native plant restoration can be used to increase rarer habitat types found within the project area such as Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 4 Prepared by Brad Burkhart freshwater wetlands and coastal sage scrub. The long-term goal of vegetation management should be to enhance and expand upon the quantity and quality of the native habitat types found at the lagoon. This plan expands upon ideas specified at a general plan level in the Batiquitos Lagoon Public Trail Program Conceptual Planning Study completed in 1997 (Planning Systems 1997). This plan designated general opportunities for restoration throughout the open space. The present plan focuses on the northwest shoreline of the lagoon extending from Interstate Highway 5 on the West to El Camino Real on the East where the greatest amount of human use opportunities occur. 1.2 PROJECT LOCATION Batiquitos Lagoon is located on the central coastal plain of San Diego County, between the cities of Carlsbad and Encinitas. The lagoon is approximately a quarter mile wide and 2.5 miles long and runs from the ocean on the west to El Camino Real on the east. The lagoon open space is bounded on its south side by La Costa Avenue and its north by the Aviara housing development and golfcourse. There are two additional private property owners at the northeast comer of the project: Murphy and Mitsuuchi. Finally, the State of Califomia manages a large parcel at the northeastem comer of the open space through Caltrans rather than through the CDFG. The area of focus for the current study mns along the north shore of the lagoon from Interstate 5 on the west to El Camino on the east (See Figures 1 and 2). Although there are open space areas that extend from the private lots at Aviara south to the lagoon open space boundary, the northem boundary of the current plan will be defined by the permanent open space easement limit controlled by the CDFG. In addition recommendations will be made for the Mitsuuchi property in anticipation of its being included in the open space in the future. Since the inclusion of the Murphy parcel is uncertain at this time and access is barred by the owner, this parcel was not evaluated as part of the current study. Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 5 Prepared by Brad Burkhart LOMA' BEC Regional Location of Project FIGURE 1 I 2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS In order to assess restoration needs within the study area, an exotic species occurrence and disturbance evaluation map was prepared using a 200 scale aerial photo of the site followed-up by additional field verification. Vegetation covers were mapped over a previous AutoCAD mapping prepared as part of the Batiquitos Lagoon Public Trail Program Conceptual Planning Study. The study area is divided up into five map sheets (Figures 3-7 at the back of this plan). Existing data layers in the AutoCAD file were used to locate physical features, utility easements, and property lines. Where the open space edge is fenced (e.g. along the Aviara Golf Course) this is indicated on the map figures. 2.1 NATIVE COVER TYPES For the purposes of this study eight native vegetation cover types are identified: open water, intertidal mudflats, salt marsh, brackish marsh, freshwater marsh, riparian woodland, coastal sage scrub, and baccharis scmb. All these cover types except open water and mudflat are mapped with different symbol types on Figures 3-7. Only the boundary is shown between open water and mudflat cover since neither of these is of concem to the restoration plan. For the same reasons, no attempt was made to map intertidal mudflats found within salt marsh cover. Additional designations are made for disturbed coastal sage scrub and disturbed salt marsh to indicate covers with significantly degraded habitat value due to the invasion of non-native species or ground disturbance activities. When appropriate, individual species which dominate disturbed coastal sage scrub are indicated (e.g. Coastal Goldenbush or non-native grass dominated covers). These vegetation cover types represent a simplified form of those used by Holland (Holland 1986). Typical dominant species for each cover type are described in detail below: Open Water This cover type consists of all areas of open water. Because this is a coastal lagoon, water in these areas is strongly influenced by tidal influx and tends to be half way between freshwater and ocean water in its salinity levels. This habitat type supports many tidal basin marine fish and cmstacean species which are used as food by coastal bird species flying over, floating on, and Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 7 Prepared by Brad Burkhart wading in the water. Because all the freshwater drainages entering the lagoon are heavily vegetated, there are no open freshwater areas. CL CAMINO SKTION BATIQUITOS LAGOON RESTORATION PLAN CAR13BAD. CAUFORNIA PHASE I MO awn NORTH SHORf KEY FIGURE 2 This cover type lies between the open water habitat and the salt marsh cover at the lower edges of tidal retreat. It is high enough to be revealed for extended periods at low tide but not long enough to maintain a vegetation cover. Such areas are important foraging habitat for coastal shore feeding bird species. There are also bare areas within the salt marsh itself which will not support vegetation cover because of their high salinity levels. These are called salt pannes rather than mudflats. Salt Marsh This vegetation cover type is dominated by highly salt tolerant plant species which experience regular fidal inundation. Cover is dense and generally does not grow higher than 12-18 inches in height. This cover type is usually divided into high, mid, and low marsh areas depending on the length and frequency of tidal inundation (high marsh areas being only infrequently wetted at the highest tide levels and low marsh areas being inundated on a daily basis). Typical salt marsh species found at the lagoon are mid marsh species including: Fleshy Jaumea (Jaumea carnosa). Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan September 1999 Burkhart Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation 8 Prepared by Brad Woody Glasswort, (Salicornia virginica). Parish's Glasswort (Salicornia subterminalis), and Alkali Heath (Frankenia salina). Low and high marsh species largely disappeared from the lagoon due to past development impacts. As a result, the diversity of species found in the salt marsh cover is not as high as those found in more diverse salt marshes at other locations within the County. This is partially due to the absence of any low marsh or high marsh covers but also due to the paucity of species in the mid-marsh cover as well. Recently, Pacific Cordgrass (Spartina foliosa) has been introduced through the mitigation efforts associated with the lagoon dredging to create low marsh cover. Salt marsh cover is rarely invaded by non-native species since few non-native species can tolerate the high salinity levels found in its soils. As a result, salt marsh cover within the study area is the least weedy of all the vegetative cover types mapped. Myopomm (Myoporum laetum). Tamarisk (Tamarix sp.), and Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloweana) are among the few exotic invaders which can tolerate the tidal inundation and saline levels of this habitat type. Brackish Marsh This cover type is dominated by perennial emergent herbaceous monocots ranging up to six feet in height. Cover is usually complete and dense. Species typically found at the lagoon include: Tule (Scirpus acutus var occidentalis), OIney's Bulrush (Scirpus americanus), Cat-Tail (Typha spp.), and Prairie Bulrush (Scirpus robustus). This cover type is found exclusively in the highly saline and tidally influenced areas of tidal lagoons at the interface between freshwater drainage entries the tidal basins. The species found in this habitat type are generally more tolerant of saline water conditions then other freshwater species but less tolerant of these conditions then low salt marsh monocot emergents such as Pacific Cordgrass. Freshwater Marsh Freshwater marsh is similar to brackish marsh in its cover and species composition characteristics. It differs from brackish marsh in that the salinity levels of the water in which this cover type grows are considerably lower that those found in the tidally influenced brackish marsh. As a result, additional less salt tolerant marsh species are also found including: Spike Rushes (Eleocharis spp.) and Sedges (Carex spp). At the lagoon this habitat type is mostly Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 9 Prepared by Brad Burkhart dominated by Cat-Tail whereas the brackish marsh areas have more Scirpus species. Riparian Woodland This vegetation cover is dominated by a dense, broadleaf, and winter-deciduous low tree/shmb cover whose species often spread clonally. Canopy cover reaches a mature height of from 7- 20 feet. Ecologically, it is usually sustainable where the watertable remains from 0 to 3 feet below the surface. At the lagoon this cover type is dominated by Arroyo Willow (Salix lasiolepsis) and Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) with some Sandbar Willow (Salix exigua) found occasionally. Although mildly salt tolerant, species typical of this cover type are usually less salt tolerant than those of brackish marsh. Coastal Sage Scrub This is a low soft-woody vegetation cover composed mainly of subshrubs which typically remain below 3 feet in height. These shmbs actively grow during the wet winter and spring seasons and go dormant, often losing some or all of their leaves, during the dry summer months. At the lagoon this vegetation cover is dominated by Califomia Sagebrush (Artemisia californica ) and Califomia Encelia (Encelia californica ) with an admixture of other succulent and evergreen species including Cholla Cactus (Opuntia prolifera), Califomia Desert Thom (Lycium californica), and Lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), and Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina.). Some areas are dominated by more disturbance oriented species such as Coastal Goldenbush. There is often a significant cover of non-native grasses in the more disturbed portions of this habitat type. Baccharis Scrub This cover type is not usually recognized (Holland 1996) since it is an early serai stage cover which often transitions in later years to other cover types. It is dominated by Coyote Bush (Baccharis pilularis ssp. consanguinea a 5-6 foot high drought tolerant shrub. Areas dominated by this cover have the potential to transition to either saltmarsh, coastal sage, or non-native grassland cover as these shrubs senesce; but such areas may also continue to regenerate as Coyote Bush cover if surface conditions (open bare earth required) permit the continuing Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 10 Prepared by Brad Burkhart germination and establishment of their seed. 2.2 NON-NATIVE COVER TYPES Significant portions of the coastal sage scrub and freshwater wetland covers in the study area have been invaded by non-native plant species and/or remain bare due to previous human impacts. Most saline wetland cover types have only minor components of non-native cover because there are few non-native species which tolerate high salinity. The species which are most important to eradicate and/or manage are mapped in Figures 3-7. The occurrence of individual invasive exotic tree/shrub species within native cover areas is noted by using individual symbols for Palms (including Washingtonia robusta and Phoenix canariensis), Tamrisk, Myoporum, Giant Reed (Arundo donax), Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthefolius), Canary Island Pine (Pinus canariensis), Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus). Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) and Pampas Grass (where single plants are mapable). Additional cover types completely dominated by single non-native species are given their own cover designations including: Eucalyptus Woodland, Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). Pampas Grass, and Castor Bean (Ricinis communis). The symbols for these cover types use a cross hatched symbol (except for Eucalyptus woodland) similar to disturbed native covers to indicate they are the result of past disturbance activities. Disturbed areas which are largely bare, often because of compaction from past human disturbance, are mapped as a separate cover category as are asphalt covered roadways. Included within this category is the Califomia least tem nesting pad at the northeastem comer of the study area which is annually grubbed to produce the bare ground desired for nesting by this endangered bird species. A brief description of each of the non-native cover types is provided below: Eucalyptus Woodland This cover type dominates the upper slopes along the north edge of the lagoon and extends into the open space easements of the adjacent Aviara housing development. It is dominated by a 50- 60 foot high canopy composed of Eucalyptus (probably Eucalyptus cladocaylx) which appears to have been seeded into former coastal sage scrub cover. Because of the shading effect of the canopy and the alkalinizing effect of the tree duff, in many areas little if any groundcover now exists under this canopy. In more open stands of Eucalyptus, remnant patches of coastal sage Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 11 Prepared by Brad Burkhart scrub persist dominated Califomia Sage Bmsh, Flat-top Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and Cholla Cactus. The only native species which tolerates the more deeply shaded canopy areas of Eucalyptus woodland is Lemonadeberry which often sprouts at the base of trunks where its seed has been drop by birds. The steeper slope areas where this cover type occurs are nearly bare of any understory cover, even duff. Fennel Areas mapped with this cover type are dominated by this invasive exotic species. In some cases there may be understory cover but usually it is non-native in composition (e.g. grasses). Pampas Grass Pampas Grass areas are partially or wholly dominated by this species. Pampas Grass is a very persistent species where it establishes and creates such complete cover that usually no other species can compete with it once it establishes. Areas where the number of Pampas Grass plants are so dense that their numbers can only be estimated are mapped as this cover type. To the degree feasible the numbers of individual plants are estimated and noted on the figure areas to help in estimating the costs for removal. In some areas mapped with this cover type individual Pampas Grass may be interspersed with adjacent native cover. Where individual plants were easily mapped they are noted as individual circle symbols on the site maps. Castor Bean There is only one area of major infestation of this species on Figure 4. In this area there are numerous 6 to 8 foot tall mature plants growing ranging from 4 to 8 feet apart. No attempt was made to estimate numbers of individual plants in this area. Giant Rggd • An individual symbol is used to denote the occurrence of this species; however it is decribed here because the species occurs in continuous patches of cover where the symbols are located. Since these patches are completely covered with this invasive exotic species, no attempt is made to estimate the number of stalks. Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 12 Prepared by Brad Burkhart 3.0 INVASIVE EXOTICS SPECIES MANAGEMENT & HABITAT RESTORATION The goal of this plan is to manage the habitats found within the study area back to the highest wildlife habitat quality levels achievable within the budget of the BLF. Because resources will necessarily limit the actions taken to this end, priorities must be set. The most important task to begin with is developing a program for the eradication of the worst invasive exotic plant species currently degrading habitat quality. The last section of this report mapped the exotic species which need to be targeted for removal. This section will provide eradication and management strategies for them. Since all the invasive exotic species found in the study area depend on open bare earth for their initial establishment, the second part of this section will propose specific revegetation strategies for areas of exotics removal and existing bare earth areas which invite reinvasion. 3.1 INVASIVE SPECIES ERADICATION & MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Approaches to the eradication and management of the invasive exotic species mapped in the study area are discussed in detail below. While herbicides are recommended as a part of this process, these recommendations are general and assume that final applications of such products will be performed by a Registered Pest Control Applicator under the review of a Pest Control Adviser. EugalyptMS Woodland The Eucalyptus woodlands found in the project study area are for the most part too large in extent and have degraded native cover too severely in their understory to be feasible to restore to native cover within the expected budget framework for restoration. These groves provide some habitat values as nesting and perching areas for raptors and some shore bird species and also are appreciated by local residents for their aesthetic value. However, because they have the lowest Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 13 Prepared by Brad Burkhart habitat value for native animal species of the vegetative covers, they should be managed to in a manner which minimizes their spread and gradually diminishes their occurrence in the fiiture. The best way to accomplish this goal is to initially remove all sapling trees less than 6 inches in diameter at breast height. Such trees can either be cut down and their stumps herbicide treated to assure they do not resprout or they may be girdled and killed in place with the use of a systemic herbicide applied to the girdled area of the truck. A systemic herbicide must be used or else the root crowns will resprout from cut trees creating brush clumps. Cut trunks could be left on site for use as trail borders or to block access to restoration areas; but, cut foliage should be removed, since it tends to alkalize the soil where it lies prevenfing native regenerafion. In addition, seed from cut branches may germinate if not removed from the site. Besides eliminating all smaller trees, isolated large trees from between groves would be removed to minimize the creation of new groves. It is further recommended that at two locations within the study area existing groves of Eucalyptus which occur along drainage channels be removed in order to expand riparian woodland habitat. Such expansion is desirable since this cover type is now very limited within the site. Finally, annual follow-up programs to eradicate new Eucalyptus seedlings will be needed. Seedling germination will be most likely to occur in areas which are moister within the vicinity of existing trees or trees that have been recently killed. For this reason overhead irrigation should not be used to establish revegetation plantings near existing Eucalyptus trees unless funds are available to completely remove germinating Eucalyptus seedlings. By eliminating small trees only larger trees persist and over time these trees senesce hopefully to be replaced by desirable cover types. The only exception to this general strategy for Eucalyptus woodland management is the area near the present pump station at the west end of the project. Here several species of Eucalyptus trees have been planted to screen this rather unsightly facility from the view of passers by. Here the Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 14 Prepared by Brad Burkhart mid-height Bushy Yate (Eucalyptus lehmannii) should be left in place and all other Eucalyptus species removed. If fiiture funds allow, additional lemonadeberry should be planted along the fence line of this facility to further enhance its screening. Such plants would be drip irrigated until fence height Pampas Grass Pampas Grass is probably the widest spread and most detrimental weed species presently found in the study area. It is a perennial grass species imported originally from South America. It spreads quickly by means of wind blown seed which readily germinates on areas of bare ground. It is particularly competitive on the types of highly alkaline soils found in coastal lagoon areas. Pampas Grass occurs both inside and outside the lagoon open space area; therefore, its complete eradication within the open space is unlikely in the near fiiture. However, it can be largely eradicated and managed to relatively low levels within the open space if proper management procedures are followed. These procedures consist ofthe following: • Eradicate all existing clumps of Pampas Grass using an approach which first cuts and removes the leaves and flower heads as close as possible to the boles of existing clumps. All debris should be disposed of offsite to assure seed is not dispersed to new areas. • Immediately after foliage removal, each clump should be sprayed with an aquatic approved herbicide such as Rodeo® during the active growing season from March to August. Clumps may need to be resprayed a second or third time at 1-3 month intervals to assure kill is complete. • An altemative approach would be to herbicide treat plants without first cutting foliage and then allow them to die and degrade in place over time. This approach saves the cost of foliage removal and disposal; but, it is less effective and precise in its application. • Finally, follow-up spraying for new seedlings performed on an annual basis is essential to eradicate newly germinating seedlings from seed blown into the site. If seedlings are small enough they can be hand pulled. Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 15 Prepared by Brad Burkhart Actual spraying must be done by licensed personnel; however, the cutting and removal of foliage/seed heads and the hand pulling of new seedlings can also be done by volunteers. In the eastem part of the study area within the area managed by Caltrans along El Camino Real, it appears Caltrans has already killed most of the clumps of this species occurring there. However, no top growth was removed during this work. These clumps are identified by an "X" on Figure 7. They should have their dead top growth removed to the degree feasible to permit the reinvasion of native species in the areas formerly shaded by the plant canopy. Although it is desirable to remove the root crowns of Pampas Grass as well as kill the clump, this is usually difficult to accomplish without using mechanical equipment which can damage adjacent native vegetation in the process. However, in some areas (e.g, on parts of the Mitsuuchi property where few natives occur adjacent to Pampas Grass clumps, such an approach may be feasible. Fennel & Castor Bean Fennel and Castor Bean should be controlled in the same manner as Pampas Grass using initial cutting and removal of stalks and seed heads followed by herbicide spraying during the active growing season. Because this species produces prolific seed nutlets, care should be taken to remove flower heads before seed set. Also, because seed is relatively long-lived, annual follow- up treatment is necessary particularly in areas of heavy infestation. Hand pulling of seedlings is also feasible in areas of lesser infestation but is usually not cost effective in heavily infested areas. Giant Reed Giant Reed should be eradicated in the same manner as Pampas Grass. Particular care needs to be taken to remove the cut stalks from the site since they are the main means for the spread of this species to other areas where they can root when they lie in contact with moist soil. An additional problem with Giant Reed is that the plant's rhizomes crowd the ground surface so thoroughly that nothing else will grow where they occur even if they are dead. These rhizome Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 16 Prepared by Brad Burkhart mats are very resistant to breakdown; so, unless they are mechanically or manually removed, nothing will grow where they persist. One technique that works well for breaking them up is to rip areas where they occur to a depth of 12 inches to break up the mats. Another approach is to utilize them as a type of mulch for container plantings in their midst. With this approach planting holes are augured through the mats to a depth of 4 feet, rhizomes are removed from the backfill, and container plants are planted in the backfllled holes. The remaining rhizomes then prevent the germination of other non-desirable species near the container plants and help conserve moisture. This approach can be implemented at a relatively low impact level to desirable adjacent native vegetation by using a two man power auger carried to the site rather than transported by vehicle. For Giant Reed clumps found near trail edges where mechanical equipment access is not likely to damage existing vegetation, it is desirable to remove entire plants with their rhizomes and eliminate the need for herbicides except as a follow-up treatment. In general there are only limited patches of Giant Reed occurring within the study area and most of these occur near trail edges. It is expected that a combination of mechanical removal combined with herbicide follow-up treatments should be sufficient to eradicate this species from the site. Rhizome ripping may also be needed for some patches. Annual follow-up spraying or hand removals are also required to control any reinvasions from higher in the water shed. Palms It is recommended that all palm trees be eradicated since none are native to the project site. The smallest trees (under 10 feet in height) should be eradicated first and then the larger trees addressed. There are two species of palms that occur within the study site: Mexican Fan Palms and Canary Island Date Palms. Both species spread their seed by means of annual spring fiooding events which float waterbome seed to new locations. The Canary Island Palm is the larger of the two species and can develop a canopy of over 40 feet and a height of 30-50 feet. Mexican Fan Palms tend to develop in a more linear fashion and, although eventually growing just as tall or taller than the Canary Island Palms, have crowns of only 5-8 feet in diameter. Palms are monocots therefore they lack the more developed plant tissues found in broadleaf Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 17 Prepared by Brad Burkhart trees. As a result, they can be killed by merely cutting off their tops-and treating the cut tips with an appropriate herbicide. Palm trunks can then be left in place to serve as perches and homes for wildlife until they naturally decay. In instances where palms are surrounded by desirable native vegetafion, this is the recommended method for eliminafing them. In situations where they occur near trails and less subject to damaging desirable cover if felled, they can be felled in place. In either case, all cut palm fronds and seed fronds should be removed from the site since they degrade too slowly to allow for natural recovery. Felled palm trunks can also be used to line paths or form barriers to revegetation areas. An additional possibility exists for palm eradication, namely transplantation. This approach could provide additional funds for other restoration efforts. Palms transplant relatively easily and although most tree companies will not pay to collect plants off properties where they are not grown, the Canary Island Palms found on site are so highly prized by landscapers that they will pay upwards of $10,000 to secure individual specimen trees. There are a number of such trees found on site many of which are easily accessible to tree transplant equipment. (Note: The majority of the easily accessible and transplantable Canary Island Date Palms are located only the trail edge passing through the Mitsuuchi site.) Thus the sale of these trees could generate potential fiinds for additional restoration. Care needs to be taken to assure that wetland covers are not degraded during the transplantation process. The Califomia Department of Fish and Game site supervisor should be notified prior to any transplantation efforts to assure compliance with agency regulations. Tamarisk. Mvoporum. «& Brazilian Pepper. Bottlebrush. and Other Exotic Broadleaf Tree/Shrub Species It is also recommended that all other non-native tree/shrub species be eradicated from the study area using techniques similar to those for Giant Reed (cut them down, remove the trimmings, and treat the stumps with systemic herbicides. The major species of exotic tree and shrub species are identified by symbol in Figures 3-7. Other minor species (including some ground cover species) which occur sporadically throughout the site should also be targeted to the degree feasible for removal. These species are listed below. General use systemic herbicides like Rodeo® may not Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 18 Prepared by Brad Burkhart 1 I I I work against the more resilient of these species (e.g. Brazilian pepper). However, other products like Garlon® have proven effective for their control. Additional Exotic Species Targeted for Removal Red Apple Apentia cordifolid\ Ice Plant Carpobrotus edulis Artichoke Thistle Cynara cardunculus Australian Saltbush Atriplex semibaccata Bee Clover Melilotus spp. Omamental Tobacco Nicotiana glauca Acacia Acacia spp. Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica 3.2 REVEGETATION STRATEGIES In addition, to eradicating exotic plant species from the project site a program of restoration plantings should be initiated. Restoration planting will assure openings left by non-native removals and previously disturbed areas of the site (which currently do not support vegetation due to soil compaction or continuing human impact) are filled with desirable native species. Restoration plantings may also include the reintroduction of previously present species (e.g. missing salt marsh species), expanding the presence of species which currently have limited distribution (e.g. Lycium californica), and increasing the cover of rarer habitat types (e.g. riparian woodlands and coastal sage scrub). Restoration strategies will include some or all of the following activities: Ripping Abandoned Trail Areas In areas where plant regeneration is unable to take place because of highly compacted soils, it will be necessary to relieve surface compaction before revegetation can hope to be effective. To accomplish this task, a ripping fork which penetrates to a depth of 8 inches should be pulled by tractor or backhoe through the compacted area prior to replanting. Smaller bobcat size vehicles or even hand cultivafion may be necessary for narrower trail areas. The best time to rip soils is during the wet season after the soil has been softened by winter rains. However, it is important not to let soils get too wet since clay soils can become too gummy to pull the ripping fork Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 19 Prepared by Brad Burkhart through when they are fully saturated. Ripping abandoned trails also serves the fiirther purpose of discouraging reuse. No attempt should be made to level off the hills and valleys left in the soil surface after ripping since these help trap moisture and thus support the establishment of new plantings. Erosion Control In some areas of the study site trails have been wom on steep hillsides and because they have no vegetation cover to slow downhill runoff, they are prone to soil erosion leading to gullying. Ripping may slow this process but it may be necessary to install additional erosion control measures to hold surface soils in place until revegetation plantings can stabilize the soil surface. A number of techniques are available to accomplish this purpose. 1. Nurse crop species like 'Zorro' fescue (Vulpia myuros) may be seeded until slower growing perennials establish. A rate of about 2 pounds of seed per acre is usually adequate to stabilize a site until native seedlings take hold. 2. Cross path drainage channels, which direct mnoff to the vegetated sides of a pathway rather than down it, decrease mnoff speed and its potential for surface erosion. Hand dug trenches, logs held in place by stakes, silt fencing, or straw wattles held in place by stakes are all good means for accomplishing this purpose. Wooden stairs on permanent trails can also be used for this purpose. Runoff channels are directed down slope at a 2-5 % grade and placed from 5 to 20 feet apart depending on the steepness of grade. All of these techniques can be left in place once installed except silt fencing, which because it is made of polyethylene will not break down and so must be physically removed from the site after erosion is controlled. However, silt fencing does have the added advantage of physically blocking entry to abandoned path areas, however, logs or degradable wood stakes can accomplish a similar purpose. 3. In very steep areas of erosion, erosion control matting may be necessary to achieve stability. Such mats are staked to the soil surface and provide additional resistance to soil erosion. Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 20 Prepared by Brad Burkhart I I I Restoration seeding and container planting can take place under and through such cover. Since such mats are expensive to install, they should only be used in the most severe situations. Natural fiber erosion fabrics should be used not plastic ones in order to blend them into the natural environment. Jute, straw, and coir (coconut fiber), the most commonly used natural fiber mats will also degrade as restoration plantings establish. Replanting Native Species From Seed or Container Plants The two major methods for replanting native species are container planfings and seed. To a limited degree cuttings can also be used in wetland areas if planted at the right times of year, but they are dependent on high soil moisture levels for their survival. In general, container planting provides the highest guarantee for success. It should always be used for species which germinate poorly from seed (e.g. lemonadeberry). One gallon size plants are usually the most successful since smaller sized plantings are often out competed by weeds. For all species, propagules collected as close as possible to the site but no further north than Orange County and always in coastal areas should be used to obtain plants that will be well adapted to site conditions. Below are provided planting palettes for the three major habitat types in need of restoration at this project: saltmarsh edge, coastal sage scrub, and riparian woodland. The areas where these palettes are recommended for installafion are shown on Figures 8-12 at the back of this plan. Saltmarsh edge This revegetafion type will generally be used in areas where the trail passes along existing saltmarsh (usually on the south side of the trail in the study area) and there is a need to narrow the trail and/or revegetate disturbed areas beside it (Plant Palette No. 1). It is also recommended for at least one situation where a trail through existing salt marsh is to be abandoned. Because saltmarsh species generally spread quickly to adjacent suitable habitat, this revegetation palette will only be recommended for areas where active revegetation is necessary to prevent continuing disturbance. Salt marsh cover is best regenerated from I-gallon container plantings so no seed palette is provided. Glassworts can also be established from 4"pots or cuttings if kept moist during the establishment period. Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 21 Prepared by Brad Burkhart Restoration Plant Palette No. 1 Salt Marsh Edge Container Plants Scienfific Name Common Name Size Spacing Pits./Acre % Cover O.C. Distichlis spicata Frankenia salina Jaumea camosa Juncus acutus Salt Grass Alkali Heath Jaumea Spiny Rush 1-gal ./4-inch pot 1-gal ./4-inch pot 1-gal ./4-inch pot/flat 1-gal ./4-inch pot Total: 10404 75 2 ft. 694 5 2 ft. 2081 15 2 ft. 307 3 ft. 13486 100 Salt marsh enhancement species Califomia Cordgrass is currently being reintroduced to lagoon salt marsh as part of the wetland mitigation project being conducted by the Port of Long Beach at the lagoon. While this species was not found in the lagoon at the time of the dredging effort, it is a typical member of most lagoon ecosystems in the County. Several other saltmarsh species fall into this category and may be worthy of reintroduction (if approved by CDFG) or population enhancement (if already present in limited numbers). These species are shown in Plant Palette No. 2 below. Restoration Plant Palette No. 2 Salt Marsh Enhancement Container Plants Scientific Name Common Name Size Spacing O.C. Cover Type Limonium ca. var. mex. Suaeda taxifolia Batis marifima Monanthochloe littoralis Ca. Marsh Rosemary Wooly Sea Blight American Saltwort Salt-cedar 1-gal./4-inch pot 2 ft. mid-high marsh l-gal./4-inch pot 2ft high marsh l-gal./4-inch pot 2ft mid-low marsh l-gal./4-inch pot/flat 2ft high marsh Coastal sage scrub The main need for coastal sage scmb restoration planting during the early stages of lagoon management will be to narrow trails which are now wider than required and restore abandoned trail areas. For these areas a limited but fast growing mix of container plantings will be recommended often combined with a non-irrigated seed mix containing nurse crop species for Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan September 1999 Burkhart Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation 22 Prepared by Brad surface stabilization. The secondary task of revegetating the extensive areas of disturbed coastal sage scmb found along the development edge of this project is probably best accomplished with a program of annual container plantings which are within the BLF's monetary budgets and maintenance capabilities. In general coastal sage scrub will not reestablish well from seed in disturbed covers because coastal sage scmb seedlings do not compete well against non-natives. Therefore, a container planting palette is provided which aims at revegetating 35 percent of any disturbed area selected for revegetation in any given year (Plant Palette No.3). The recommendation would be to replant these areas for 34 years and then move on to a new section for restoration. If higher levels of initial cover are affordable then the restoration process can be shortened by raising the total percent cover aimed at while still keeping the same species proportions of cover. In areas of low native monocot cover, monocot specific herbicides such as Fusillade® or Poast® may be useful in controlling non-native grass competition during the container plant establishment period. For the restoration of the larger areas of disturbed coastal sage scmb found on the slopes along the development edge, a second container plant palette aimed at a 20 percent cover from container planted species is provided (Plant Palette No. 4). This palette also includes some of the rarer and less available species like Califomia Desert Thom found at this site. Such would need to be contract grown in order to be available at the time of planting. Except as an erosion backup for container plantings, the only areas where seeding may have a chance of working would be larger areas cleared of all weeds prior to seeding, ripped, seeded then irrigated until vegetation cover is established. For such areas a seed palette is provided below (Plant Palette No. 5). This seed mix could be effectively used in areas of the Murphy or Mitsuuchi property now void of native cover should they be incorporated into the open space easement. In these areas, a thorough program of preplanting eradication of native species Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 23 Prepared by Brad Burkhart (probably incorporating temporary irrigation and repeat herbicide treatments) would be required before seeding should even be attempted. Restoration Plant Palette No. 3 Trail Restoration Coastal Sage Scrub Container Plant Palette* Approx. % Overall Cover = 35% Spacing Scientific Name Common Name Size Plts./Acre % Cover O.C Artemisia californica Califomia Sagebmsh 1 gal./treepot 1396 65 3 Elymus condensatus Giant Wild Rye Grass 1 gal./treepot 107 5 3 Encelia califomica Califomia Encelia 1 gal./treepot 429 20 3 Isomeris arborea Bladderpod I gal./treepot 62 5 4 Rhus integrifolia Lemonadeberry 1 gal./treepot 27 ^ 6 Total: 2021 100 * Locations to be flagged in field prior to planting by Restoration Monitor. Restoration Plant Palette No. 4 Disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub Container Plant Palette** Approx. % Overall Cover = 20% Spacing Scientific Name Common Name Size Plts./Acre % Cover o. Artemisia califomica Califomia Sagebrush 1 gal./treepot 736 60 3 Elymus condensatus Giant Wild Rye Grass 1 gal./treepot 62 5 3 Encelia califomica Califomia Encelia 1 gal./treepot 185 15 3 Isomeris arborea Bladderpod 1 gal./treepot 61 5 3 Lycium califomica CA Desert Thom 1 gal./treepot 61 5 3 Opuntia prolifera Coastal Cholla I gal./treepot 61 5 3 Rhus integrifolia Lemonadeberry 1 gal./treepot 77 5 6 Total: 1183 100 Locations to be flagged in field prior to planting by Restoration Monitor. Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan September 1999 Burkhart Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation 24 Prepared by Brad Restoration Plant Palette No. 5 Coastal Sage Scrub Seed Palette Seed Pounds % Scientific Name Common Name Per Acre PLS Artemisia califomica Califomia Sagebrush 5 10 Encelia califomica Califomia Encelia 4 24 Eriogonum fasciculatum Flat-top Buckwheat 6 9 Eriophyllum confertifolium Golden Yarrow 1 18 Isocoma menziesii Coastal Goldenbush 4 8 Lotus scoparius Deerweed 5 54 Lupinus bicolor Pigmy-leaf Lupine 2 78 Vulpia myuros 'Zorro' Fescue _2 70 Total Pounds Seed Per Acre: 38 Note: Vulpia myuros is a non-persistent non-native nurse crop species which will not persist on site. Hydromulch @2000 lbs. per acre (to be applied only in situations accessible by truck and greater than a quarter acre in extent. These coastal sage scrub plant palettes reflect general plant compositions found at the site, the BLF may wish to make modifications to these compositions for localized areas of cover. Such changes should be based on more detailed transect studies of undisturbed areas of cover presently found at the site. Such studies could be carried out by BLF volunteers with the intent of providing both a working knowledge botanical sampling methodology as well as hands on experience with revegetation design. Such work should always be supervised and reviewed by an experienced revegetation biologist before implementation in the field to assure its practicality. Riparian woodland There is very little riparian woodland in need of active restoration within the study area; however, at one location there is a Eucalyptus forest which covers a recently created drainage from the adjacent Aviara development. Since riparian woodland is very limited at present within the study site, it is recommended the Eucalyptus be removed from within 50 feet either side of this drainage and that it be actively revegetated with riparian woodland species. The plant Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 25 Prepared by Brad Burkhart palettes for this planting are number 5 and 6 provided below. Before wetland renovation takes place all planned activities should be reviewed with the Califomia Department of Fish and Game manager for the site to assure that all wetland regulations are complied with during the process. Restoration Plant Palette No. 6 Riparian Woodland Container Plant Palette*** (To be used no further than 4 feet from the existing stream channel water table) Spacing Scientific Name Common Name Size Plts./Acre % Cover O.C. Baccharis salicifolia Mulefat 1-gal 231 15 6 ft. Rosa califomica Califomia Rose 1-gal 69 2 4 ft. Sambucus mexicana Mexican Elderberry 1-gal 13 1 6 ft. Salix lasiolepsis Arroyo Willow 1-gal 879 57 6 ft. Salix exigua Sandbar Willow 1-gal 385 21 6 ft. Total: 1577 100 Planting acreage to be determined by revegetation biologist at time of Eucalyptus removal. Restoration Plant Palette No. 7 Riparian Woodland Seed Palette**** Scientific Name Common Name Pounds Per Acre % PLS Anemopsis califomica Artemisia douglasiana Cotula coronopifolia Juncus acutus Yerba Mansa Douglas Wormwort Brass Buttons Spiny Rush 2 3 1 1 27 5 24 36 Total Pounds Seed Per Acre: **** seed to be hand applied under direction of revegetation biologist Note: Cotula coronopifolia is a non-native nurse crop species which will not persist onsite. Sources for Restoration Plantings Seed and propagule materials should be secured from known sources as close to the site as possible. Sources no further north than Orange County and no more than 4 miles inland from the Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan September 1999 Burkhart Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation 26 Prepared by Brad coast should be used. A specialized native plant nursery or seed supplier should be used to grow or secure seed to assure that correct species are provided in a healthy condition. Planting Techniques For Restoration Plantings Seed for restoration may either be sown by hand or by hydroseeded. The ground should be ripped or raked before seeding to break up surface crusts. If sown by hand the seed should be raked into the ground surface again after seeding to assure adequate contact of the seed with the ground surface. Hydroseeding should only be used in areas accessible by hydroseed tmck where there will be no damage to native vegetation cover caused by access. In general, hydroseeding will be more expensive per acre than hand seeding and therefore should be reserved for seeding areas greater than an acre in size or for steeper slopes which are difficult to access by hand seeding. Container plants should be planted in a hole twice the size of the plant rootball. Both the hole and the rootball should be thoroughly wetted before planting. Any root mats which have formed at the bottom or sides of the rootball should be scored before planting takes place. Backfill should be native soil minus any rocks larger than one inch in diameter. Slow release fertilizer should be placed below the soil surface but no deeper than 3 inches since it needs both moisture and relatively high soil temperatures to perform effectively. The crown of the plant should be set 1-2 inches above grade after planting to avoid the accumulation of water which could causes crown rot. After planting, the plant should be watered in a final time. Seeding and container planting efforts should generally take place from November to March unless supplemental irrigation is available in which case the container planting season can be extended to any time of year. Supervision bv a Oualified Revegetation Specialist The restoration effort should be supervised by an experienced revegetation specialist. Container plant and seed order preparation, nursery ordering, final layouts of container plants in the field, and modifications to restoration planting palettes should all be monitored by someone with a Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 27 Prepared by Brad Burkhart thorough knowledge ofthe establishment ecology of the proposed restoration species as well as extensive knowledge of their production or collection. Volunteers or even licensed landscape contractors do not have the requisite knowledge to assure that restoration plantings will be successfully installed and maintained; although, they can provide the labor if properly supervised. The revegetation monitor should also review any donations of plant materials provided for restoration purposes to determine whether they are appropriate for planting at the site. There is a strong tendency when donations are involved to accept site inappropriate natives because they are free which at best won't succeed and at worst hold the potential for invading and outcompeting desirable native species much like weeds. In addifion, the planting of non-site specific natives serves to confuse the public about the compositions of natural vegetation covers thereby diluting their understanding of the ecology of the area. Fertilizing Restoration Plantings The use of supplementary fertilization is recommended only for container plantings. Osmocote 18-6-12 slow release fertilizer pellets should be added at the rate of 1 teaspoon per plant at the time of planting to the backflll mix. Any broadcast surface applications of fertilizer invite non- native weed invasions. Coastal sage scrub cover in particular is subject to weed invasions where broadcast fertilization is used; however, fertilizing individual container plants gives them a competitive growing advantage over nearby weeds without such nutrients when they are first establishing. Mulching Restoration Plantings Weed control, particularly for the first two seasons after planting, is critical to the survival and growth of plantings. The exception to this mle is the salt marsh and emergent marsh covers where salinity and inundation exclude the invasion of most weeds. Wood chip mulches are effective for weed control around new container plantings. They also conserve available soil moisture. Place a 4 inch deep by 2 foot diameter ring of wood chip mulch around new container plantings when planted and then replaced it a year later. Chipper mulch should be free of weed Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 28 Prepared by Brad Burkhart seeds (especially grass clippings), pine needles/cones. Eucalyptus seed heads, and palm fronds. Supplemental Irrigation of New Native Plantings While restoration plantings can be installed in the winter after the ground has been wetted by seasonal rains, natural rainfall is usually not dependable enough to assure plant germination and establishment. Restoration plantings will always establish more dependably with supplemental irrigation extending at least through the first growing season. Such irrigation can be provided in one of three ways: Hand applied from watering truck The simplest way to water plants within many parts of the study area will be to use a water tmck with a hose attachment. Such a setup can water new plantings within 200 feet of the all vehicle accessible trails. However, the use of a conventional water truck requires hiring a contractor. An altemative approach, manageable by volunteers, is to buy a large plastic water tank with a hose attachment which would sit in the back of a pickup truck and be filled at a water source nearby. From an overhead or drip irrigation line attached to a permanent water source Probably the best way to assure restoration planting survival is the installation of a temporary irrigation system to restoration areas. There are several potential sources of water for such a system within or adjacent to the project. At the west end, it is likely water could be obtained either from the pump station facility or from City of Carlsbad mainlines in the adjacent residential development. In the middle of the project, there is potential for hooking up with the golf course irrigation system which borders the open space boundary. At the eastem project end there appears to be the remnants of a revegetation irrigation system near the catchbasin. Old irrigation heads and lines remain in the underbrush here. The BLF may wish to consider installing a 2-3 inch main water supply line along the trail edge in the westem part of the study area from which supplementary irrigation of restoration plantings could be performed either from hose bibbs and/or from overhead or drip laterals. Battery operated valves are now available which could also operate temporarily irrigated areas until they are established. Such a line should be buried at least 12 inches below grade to avoid damage by vandalism. Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 29 Prepared by Brad Burkhart Using DriWater® A recently developed commercial product called DriWater® could be used to establish container plantings. This product is a colloidal gel which comes in a flexible plastic tube. A rigid plastic tube is buried next to each new container planting at the time of planting and then the bottom is cut off the gel tube and it is inserted. Bacterial action breaks down the gel and releases water for plant establishment. Each tube provides up to 3 months of supplemental irrigation for each container plant. The rigid tubes can be inserted in the wet season and then the gel tubes inserted when the soils dry out in late spring. Two to three tubes of gel at a cost of approximately $1.50 per tube would be needed to take each container plant through its first summer after planting. In most cases this should be sufficient to assure its survival. Because this is a new product there may be a possibility of getting the company to donate some for demonstration purposes. 4.0 TRAILS DESIGNATION A critical task for improving habitat quality within the study site is eliminating non-essential trails which unnecessarily degrade native covers. In addition, in most instances trails are wider than required. A standard trial width of 10 feet has been previously designated for all trails in the open space. However, trail width should be narrowed to 4-6 feet on steeper slope access routes to prevent slope erosion. In areas where the sewerline right-of way does not follow the trail alignment non-removable bollards should be used to prevent unauthorized vehicular access. Movable bollards should also be used at the trail entryways at the east and west ends of the project to prevent non-authorized vehicular entry. Keys to these bollards should only be provided to the utility companies (for areas they require access) and authorized open space personnel maintaining or providing code enforcement to the area. Vehicular tum arounds should be maintained at both ends of locations where the sewerline diverges from the open space so that sewer maintenance tmcks can tumaround once their work is completed. Such tum arounds are proposed at the westem and eastem ends of the golf course and at the Murphy/Mitsuuchi property boundary (unless access over the Murphy Property is approved). Figures 3-7 shows the recommended permanent trail alignment outlined in black. Existing trails which are Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 30 Prepared by Brad Burkhart recommended to be abandoned and revegetated are not outlined. The final and abandoned trail alignments shown in this plant should be reviewed with both the CDFG site manager and private easement owners before any trail modification work begins. Below is a detailed discussion of trail recommendations: 4.1 WESTERN TRAIL END TO OLD GATE POSTS The trail in this area has had the most disturbance of any section of the trail and is much wider than needed. It should be narrowed to the 10 foot vehicular access width since it lies in the sewer right-of-way and remaining adjacent disturbed areas revegetated. The first section of this trail is paved to the pump station but no further paving should take place. Removable bollards should be installed at the end of the paved road area to prevent unauthorized vehicular access. One uphill trail in this section is shown to be closed and revegetated. The alignment of the trail leading west off Gabbiano Lane from the desiltation basin should be finalized and narrowed to the recommended 10 foot maximum width. 4.2 TRAIL FROM OLD GATE POSTS TO GOLF COURSE Where the trail that runs west from the old gate posts to the edge of the Aviara Golf Course (Figures 3 and 4), it continues to run over the sewerline right-of-way. It should be narrowed to the recommended 10 feet width. A tum around should be established at the uphill trail leading to open space parking shown on Figure 4 and another set of bollards installed here to prevent sewerline maintenance personnel from accessing the areas east of this location to the eastem end of the golf course. The uphill trail should be widened to 10 feet for the first 20 feet for the maintenance truck to tum around; however the remaining portions of this steeper down hill trail should be narrowed to 6 feet or less. Erosion control measures may be needed on this downhill trail to stabilize it. Several other side trails leading off the main trail in trail before the parking lot trail should be eliminated and revegetated. Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 31 Prepared by Brad Burkhart 4.3 TRAIL PAST GOLF COURSE On Figure 4 where the sewerline diverges into the golf course trail use bollards should be used to limit access to only emergency vehicles and pedestrians until it again coincides with the sewer right-of-way shown on Figure 5 at the eastem end of the golf course. In addition, several non- essential side trails should be eliminated and revegetated. Most of this trail section will require widening to achieve the recommended 10 foot trail width. 4.4 TRAIL FROM GOLF COURSE TO MURPHY PROPERTY Where the trail retums to the sewerline alignment at the eastem end of the golf course (near the headwall stmcture), normal vehicular maintenance use should again be permitted. The trail should be maintained at the recommended 10 foot width through this section. If in the fiiture the trail is extended through the Murphy property, it should follow the sewerline alignment. Along this portion ofthe route the trail right-of-way access route running upslope to the may need to be widened, if permanent access is not obtained through the Murphy property, to allow for vehicular access to maintain the sewerline and the least tem island. A vehicular tumaround with bollards is recommended at the eastem end of the golf course near the head wall structure in order to limit trail use beyond this point to pedestrians emergency vehicles only. 4.5 TRAIL FROM MURPHY THROUGH MITSUUCHI PROPERTY From the boundary with the Murphy property east the present trail alignment no longer coincides with the sewerline alignment. And, while a portion of it does parallel the alignment on the eastem part of Figure 6 and the westem part of Figure 7, this right-of way has already partially revegetated with coastal sage scrub cover. Since manhole access is easily maintained from the existing trail, it is recommended that the trail remain where it is and be maintained at the recommended 10 foot width. Initial access to the site at the eastem end should take place off the bottom of the paved road leading down to the desiltation basin. Bollards should limit vehicular access to only approved vehicles beyond this point. A 10 foot wide tum around should also be Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 32 Prepared by Brad Burkhart maintained on the westem edge of the Mitsuuchi property until such time as trail access is extended westward over the Murphy property. 4.6 UPSLOPE SEWERLINE ACCESS TO ARENAL ROAD Where the sewerline runs upslope to Arenal Road on Figure 7 there is a highly erosion prone access road which should be revegetated. Only that portion of the road which runs off Arenal Road to the first manhole west of the road edge should be maintained for maintenance access. The remaining sewerline easement access should be shifted to take place off the desiltation basin access ramp by way of the main trail designated for pedestrian access. This trail should be widened or narrowed as required to the recommended 10 foot width which will accommodate vehicular access. Of the trails leading off the main trail to the saltmarsh only one should be maintained. The other should be blocked and allowed to revegetate naturally. No vehicular access should be permitted on these trails into the marsh. 4.7 SDG&E POWERPOLE ACCESS The access road to the powerline poles at the northwest comer of Figure 7 should also be simplified and/or eliminated if possible since they were very crudely constructed over very steep terrain and are creating unacceptable levels of erosion and habitat disturbance. It is recommended that the BLF or other appropriate authority enter into discussion with SDG & E to address this problem. For purposes of the current plan these roads will be shown only as disturbed areas with no recommendations for future revegetation. 5.0 HABITAT RESTORATION Active revegetation is essential in many areas of the project to defend abandoned trail areas and/or to revegetate areas of exotics removals. In addition, in several areas, additional cover enhancement plantings can potentially increase the amount of rarer habitats and species. Figures 8-12 at the back of this plan show recommendations for restoration within the study area based Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 33 Prepared by Brad Burkhart on these needs. These recommendations include which plant palettes should be used and whether supplemental watering will be needed to establish restoration plantings. The final section of the plan discusses phasing issues related to the implementation of these recommendations. 6.0 PLAN PHASING Because restoration resources are anticipated to be limited, phasing will be essential to the implementation of restoration measures. As already discussed, the restoration approach should have the following priorities: 1. The first priority should be the removal of all targeted invasive exotic plant species and the allotment of sufficient annual funds to control any reinvasion of these species. Of the various exotic species found at the site. Pampas Grass should be the first species targeted for control since it has the greatest capacity for spread. If possible control efforts for this species should be completed over the entire open space area. Secondly, palm and designated Eucalyptus trees should be removed. With both these plant groups the smaller trees should be removed first followed by the more labor and budget intensive removal of large trees. Smaller Eucalyptus trees designated for removal in the restoration plan include all trees below 6 inches in diameter at breast height. Palms below 10 feet in height should be removed first. The eradication of the other invasive exotics should take place after these three key species are under control. Additional efforts should also be made to control Pampas Grass and other wind seeded weed species on properties adjacent to the open space on all sides of the lagoon. Multi-year control efforts are essential to prevent the reinvasion of such species into the open space. 2. The second most important task is the designation of the primary trail system for the area and the revegetation of all trails no longer intended for use and areas where overly large trail widths need to be narrowed. Trail signage can be very helpful to this process; however, revegetation of abandoned trail areas should be give priority over signage if insufficient funds are available to do Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 34 Prepared by Brad Burkhart both. The erection of temporary barriers and fencing will almost certainly be required to defend abandoned trail areas until they are revegetated. Multiple cross trail fences may be required in some areas. Ripping abandoned trail areas prior to planting will also discourage their reuse. If choices need to be made between which areas of trail to restore first, it is recommended that the westem train sections leading up to the Murphy property be given priority since this is currently the most accessible part of the trail system. 3. The third most important task should be to create new riparian woodland habitat near the golf course drainage outlet by removing the Eucalyptus woodland and replanting the area with natives. 4. After these first three tasks are completed, then additional focus could be given to enhancing the diversity of disturbed coastal sage scmb within the site. This process is likely to be most expensive in areas dominated by non-native broadleaf species, so initial restoration efforts with container plants should take place either in non-native grass dominated scrubs or in smaller areas of broadleaf weed occurrence where hand control methods are likely to be successful. 5. A final restoration phase of this project could involve the reintroducfion of addifional salt marsh species within existing salt marsh covers. Such reintroductions would need to pass review with the CDFG before implementation to be successful. 7.0 REFERENCES Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of Califomia State of Califomia, The Resources Agency. Hickman, J.C, ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual-Higher Plants of Califomia. University of Califomia Press. 1400Pp. Planning Systems. 1997. Batiquitos Lagoon Public Trail Program-Conceptual Planning Study (Draft) prepared for the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 35 Prepared by Brad Burkhart BATIOUITOS LAGOON RESTORATION PLAN PHASE 1-NORTH SHORE EXISTING VEGETATATION SHEETS 3 1-5 SECTION 4 AVIARA INLET SECTION 5 GOLF COURSE SECTION 6 LEAST TERN SECTION 7 EL CAMINO SECTION Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation September 1999 36 Prepared by Brad Burkhart BATIQUITC33 lAGCON • 'V \ "Tie"' fBCf BATIQUIT05 LAGOON RESTORATION PLAN PHASF I - NOKTh StlOl^ CARLSBAD. CAUFORNIA ic*u < -m EXISTING VEGETATION COVERS • tuayrnavxaMo COKHHSMXaCKM CM.' UMBII KPf*JMt AOCOUWU temteo CO*3'M.SWC KRJB ai5tu»Mliu<9n irCUKrUiMKUCMa •Bnanrs «anviT TMomn rc* mtotH r J i (rnaMwvJ .• •- '.-r _ . _ 1 : D • © 15 SCCTION riGURES Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan September 1999 Burkhart Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation 37 Prepared by Brad EXISTING VEGITTATION COVERS BATIQUITOS i-AGOON I' - w aSSSr raa \, 5ATIQUITOS L«\GOON RESTORATION PLAN PM/sfiE 1 - NORTM SHORE CARLSBAD. CAUPORNiA SCAU r-20cr AVI/*J?A INirr SECTION FIGURE 4 SMI uMan RPMBWHiOaiUHS BKUXJSn uuati coairaeD uw»t oircwocAo AMMeraMiDtUTai Batiquitos Lagoon .Worth Shore Restoration Plan September 1999 Burkhart Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation 38 Prepared by Brad EXISTING VEGETATION COVERf BAllOUirOS DRIV/E cl9 MuoriAwm iwm ecaiixii BATIQUITOS LAGOON -—— • 5 V 1 MM«*C rSSlSr ma IWWCTVJI logout BATIQUITOS LAGOON RE5TOi?ATION PLAN PHASE I - NORTH SHORE CAKLSBAD. 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CAUPORNIA PHASE I - NORTH SHORE r OJCMlTTUaWXIOtMV coasMMSCSOiue 3<IIMMS" BimiMO ru>tws sans ns<una> vir uMsn iae!£2%u»Mv GOLF CLUB SECTION PGURf 10 _ Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan September 1999 Burkhart Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation 45 Prepared by Brad wttotrt^ *^o*^ oi (ia»LJ«4 raw^ •"^ rva «'> 5.*. 'J.tj'' «oa«or.l<.-r«etto Mo. 1. TM ' » rw« . No. I. OMrttMO KoMMMiOr No.4. Tivd.O' EC BATIQUrrOS LAGOON RESTORATION PLAN « ' '• CARLSBAD. CAUFORNIA ?Wf^t I - NORTH SHORf RESTORATION FLAN oasTiNC vTCTTATioj covoa MTUMSn nrMtMi woooiMi IKCOtUOS mjlMD soo» •a wnoc HMOter iHavojA.3 N LEAST TERN SECTION FIGURE I I Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan September 1999 Burkhart Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation 46 Prepared by Brad Batiquitos Lagoon North Shore Restoration Plan September 1999 Burkhart Prepared for Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation 47 Prepared by Brad APPENDIX D WRP Community Wetland Restoration Grant Program Application WRP COMMUNITY WETLAND RESTORATION GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION SUMMARY 1. Project Name: Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve (BLER) North Shore Restoration - Phase 1 2. Type of Project (check one): M Restoration/Enhancement • Planning • Acquisition 3. Project summary: The first Phase of a multi-phased wetland, riparian, and Coastal Sage habitat restoration program within Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Restoration includes replacing invasive eucalyptus trees with Torrey Pine and other more appropriate native California coastal trees to create better nesting habitat for native birds. 4. Location: County: San Diego Watershed: Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit, Batiquitos Lagoon 904.5 State Senate District number: 38 State Assembly District number: 74 Congressional District number: 49 5. Acreage: Total acreage of project area: 6.78 Acres Acres of existing (pre-project) wetland habitat: 1.75 Acres Acres of post-project wetland habitat: 1.75 Acres Feet of stream corridor (if applicable): 476 Feet 6. Community: Participants in this project are expected to include: 14 project leaders & subject area experts from the BLF, CDFW, a nursery plant expert; & a golf course superintendent; & 16 volunteers from the general public, local colleges & universities, BLF interns. Boy and Girl Scouts, & local business & church groups. 7. Budget Summary: Total project cost: $244,400 Amount requested from WRP: $23,300 8. Contact Information: Name: Fred C. Sandquist Organization: Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF) Address: P.O. Box 130491 Cadsbad, CA 92013-0491 Telephone: (760)918-2408 Email: sandquist2@earthlink.net 9. Proposal prepared by: Fred C. Sandquist Title: President Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve (BLER) North Shore Restoration - Phase I Site Description The project area is approximately 6.78 acres of wetland, riparian, and Coastal Sage habitat on both California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Parl< Hyatt - Aviara property (a five star local resort hotel and golfcourse complex) in Carlsbad, California (north San Diego County). Both property owners have given their approval for the project. The property has many invasive trees (e.g., eucalyptus. Tamarisk, palms, Brazilian pepper), plants (e.g., Pampas grass, fennel, Castor bean. Tree Tabaco, wild radish) and dead tree and plant material that needs removal. The Coastal Sage habitat restoration area is generally open and somewhat disturbed, but has a good covering of native grasses. In the lagoon wetland and bordering areas, there is 1.75 acres of disturbed habitat and a 476 foot small stream corridor, resulting from storm water runoff from the adjacent area, containing Cattails and Tamarisk. This wetland area has large swaths of salt marsh and mudflats, with a significant accumulation of trash. Project Description (See annotated project satellite Image Included in this application) The proposed project represents phase 1 of a multi-phased restoration program along the north shore of Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve (BLER). The BLF proposes a phased approach of small restoration projects to minimize wildlife nesting and plant life impacts, as well as to ensure the sustainabiiity of restored areas consistent with available resources. A key objective is to continue to build our already large and successful community-based volunteer resources to support our work. The proposed phase I project will also serve to further develop and refine our restoration model to ensure our continuing success on succeeding restoration projects. The proposed project consists of 6 tasks to restore habitat along a section of the North Shore of the (BLER) with a focus on native tree replacement of existing eucalyptus and palms to improve bird nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat, and wetland restoration adjacent to the lagoon itself. Harvesting of native seeds and plants is a key component to support and help sustain future restoration efforts. This project is to serve as a model for future invasive tree, plant and wetland restoration projects. Partnerships have been established with: Tree of Life Nursery; California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW); Park Hyatt - Aviara Golf Course Superintendent (a golf course and landscape educated specialist); and other subject area specialists. These partnerships have been established to ensure project success and help educate and train our volunteer corps. Habitat improvements will benefit native endangered bird species including: California least tern, western snowy plover, Belding's savannah sparrow, California gnatcatcher, northern harrier, and light-footed clapper rail. Community involvement, public education, and use of volunteers, especially local elementary/junior high schools, high schools and colleges will be used. The project will provide information, experience and serve as a model for more extensive restoration throughout the ecological reserve. Torrey Pine and other appropriate native trees are planned for nesting, roosting and foraging site improvements. See the attached list of tree, plant and wetland palettes that will be considered for use. Other appropriate pallets of native ground plants and grasses will be considered in the restoration. The project and future restoration phases will consist of six tasks: (1) Planning (Project team organization, training plan development, policy and procedures development, initial equipment and materials purchases, equipment and materials purchase, data collection procedure and documents (e.g., volunteer time sheets, log books, volunteer waivers), site-specific plant palette development, and project and resource scheduling)); (2) Public Outreach and Training (e.g., marketing and ongoing volunteer recruitment, volunteer training (e.g., data collection methodology, working in sensitive habitats, safety procedures, proper use of and training in the use of approved herbicides, working in teams and buddy system, first-aid considerations, use of trail vehicles and equipment, proper power tool usage)); (3) Site Preparation and Invasive Plant Treatment and Removal (e.g., actual site prep and invasive removal, herbicidal treatment, bio-mass removal, installation of appropriate irrigation systems, loading of dumpsters); (4) Habitat Restoration (e.g., actual installation oftrees, plants, and grasses, including initial watering, mulching, weeding); (5) habitat maintenance (ongoing tree and plant maintenance (e.g., weeding, watering, growth assessment and inspection, data collection, equipment and materials purchases, recording, and reporting); and (6) Reporting and Administrative (data recording and reporting, status report preparation, invoice preparation, copying and reproduction, final report preparation). In 2012, a formal relationship between the BLF and CDFW was established through a Memorandum of Agreement and negotiated annual work plan (note that the 2013 annual work plan is currently being negotiated and has not been approved by both parties). A copy of this MOA and work plan can be provided upon request. As a result of this project, habitat improvement for threatened and endangered species is expected and includes: California least tern, western snowy plover, Belding's savannah sparrow, California gnatcatcher, northern harrier, and light-footed clapper rail. Nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat improvement for other bird species is also expected. Project tasks for future restoration phases will reflect less time for task 1 (Planning), less time for task 2 (e.g., training time will be less, but still required for new volunteers and sustaining the regularly participating volunteer base and overlap of tasks), concurrent scheduling for tasks 3 through 5 (note that once and area has been planted or new trees and plants added, and task 5 (Habitat Maintenance) becomes an ongoing requirement for sustaining the restored area). The restoration cycle generally consists of site preparation during the Spring and Summer with managed caution for nesting birds, and planting during the late Fall and Winter to take advantage of the rainy season to reduce the need for watering. An irrigation system (some permanent to create watering quick-disconnect points; and most temporary) will be installed during year 1 and a portable watering system used as a supplement. The project will be able to begin 2 weeks following notice to proceed. Project work is planned to be completed with 12 months, with one additional month needed to summarize the project results and complete final invoicing. OJ 4 I I I I il..Mk«nMrt. policy ft prM.4u.M t.B. Praj.ci Mf«^ ft (Mm oi^mnUMitom, n at MHff^op .lu.ton Mnlrai ftoiVH.igyi nMngf.a. nMAodolagy. Mrtdns' nouiftng nMM awiOom, muk^ttng, wJIng OngolngRtMtnd plant nuuniMiann (• g ••••tfin0, wMaMnd, grm#i imv^cbori. data FR - RMI Prafvcf KaportlnenrM Key project team members include: Fred C. Sandquist, BLF President, will oversee this project and be the grant administrator (over 30+ years in project management and contracting with the federal government, the Navy, and the private sector. He is responsible for BLF grants and administering the CDFW/BLF MOA); Dr. Anne Spacie, BLF Scientific advisor (She is retired professor Emeritus, Marine Science from Purdue University); Mike Evans, Tree of Life Nursery 3 Owner and native plant expert; Dr. Robert Murphy, BLF Restoration and Trail Chairman; Warren Wong, CDFW BLER Reserve Manager and Environmental Specialist; John Ekoff, CDFG Ecological Reserve Biologist, Environmental Specialist; Dave Robertson, BLF Native Plant Garden Chairman; Paula Kirpalani, BLF Board Member, Publicity ChainA/oman, and restoration leader; San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy Biologist David Varner (administers of invasive plant removal program grant used by local non-profits and provides technical advice to CDFW and the BLF); and Kevin Kinenast, BLF Board Member and Park Hyatt - Aviara Certified Golf Course Superintendent and member of their Environmental Committee. The City of Carlsbad Habitat Plan Manager, Mike Grim, and Lagoons Coordinator, Steve Jantz, will be consulted as needed. During the project, other volunteers will be encouraged to take on more project responsibilities. Ecological Benefits The goals and objectives of this project are to: Improve nesting, roosfing, and foraging habitat for indigenous native birds, many of which are stressed or endangered; begin the process of replacing heavy infestation of non-native trees (e.g., eucalyptus, palms, Tamarisk) and plants (e.g., , Pampas Grass, Fennel) with appropriate native species (e.g..Torrey Pine, Artemisia, Golden bush, Lemonade berry); remove and green-waste recycle accumulated bio-mass; study tree and plant grov\/th to gain knowledge what works best in the BLER; Create an area for growing local trees and plants as a means to improve our restoration success rate by enabling the BLF to harvest local native seeds and plants for propagation elsewhere in subsequent restoration phases. This includes creating a seed bank for collecting and providing seeds for use within the BLER and for sharing in the San Diego County area; involving the public through an aggressive community outreacii program. A key source of project volunteers will be from local elementary and junior-high schools, high schools, and colleges and universities as well as families and military personnel. Interns from the BLF's internship program are expected to play a key leadership role. This also includes focusing on the science of our restoration efforts to continue to gain more expertise and on-the-ground experience; confinue to build, educate, train, and sustain our exisfing large base of Weed-wliacl<ers/Trail Maintenance volunteers for our restoration acfivifies. Community involvement / Education Element During the 2011 to 2012 fime period, the BLF confinued our highly popular Weed-wiiacking/Trail i\^aintenance program where members ofthe community, colleges, high schools, elementary schools, scoufing organizafions, corporations, and other groups can participate. We offer this program the 1^' and 3'^^ Saturday of every month, 12 months per year for at least 3 hours of work. Community service credit certificafion is provided. During this fime period, approximately 523 weed warriors performed over 1,627 hours of work. The process has been streamlined to make it easy to join in - simply show up! Over 4-40 cubic yard dumpsters were filled with removed bio-mass material for green-waste recycling. This highly successful program has, over the years, created a significant base of volunteers that we can count on. This cadre of volunteers will serve as a base for our proposed project. In 2011, we implemented a program to involve more high school and college students who were interested in environmental and marine sciences to become involved in our restorafion projects. This program was expanded to include a summer internship program. Our inifial program had 14 interns. Our program has since expanded into a year-round intern program so that students can work year-round while earning community service credit. This project hopes to involve our interns not only for their labor, but also for leadership as well. The BLF has a volunteer scheduler, marketing and publicity volunteers who will be employed to get ttie word out, and recruit and sustain our volunteer base in support of our project. Our publicity chair has and continues to work with the media to tell our story. A magazine, 92011 devoted a large part of their publicafion to the BLF and what we are doing for the community. We will use our website, social media, and other marketing tools to make sure the public is aware of our work and, specifically, this project should it be selected for funding. We also have booths at events line the Carlsbad Street Faire, Carlsbad Beacti Fest, Halloween on Elm Street, Carlsbad Lagoon Day, and other venues where we will promote our project. Applicant's Experience Restoration project experience includes: Ongoing Weed-wtiacl<ing/trail Maintenance Community-based Volunteer Program since 1997; current City of Carlsbad Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee restoration and property acquisition grants; San Diego Conservation Resources Network Restorafion Grant (Cholla Point (former Mitsuuchi Family Trust Property); successful California Coastal Conservancy grant acquisition of 18.2 acres of habitat at Bafiquitos Lagoon (former Mitsuuchi Family Trust Property) - now in the process of being restored; SCWRP Small Grant Go Wetlands! Restore for Tomon-ow Community-based Habitat Restorafion Project in 2003 - 2004; California Coastal Conservancy Batiquitos Lagoon Trail Enhancement Program, 1995 - 1999; West Basin Pampas Grass Eradicafion, 1999 +, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Hillman Properties. PROJECT BUDGET Table 1: Project Budget Broken Down by Task and Funding Source Project Task WRP BLF In- kind & Actual City of Carlsbad In-kind & Actual Park Hyatt- Aviara Resort In-kind & Actual SUBTOTAL TASK Park Hyatt- Aviara Resort In-kind & Actual Task 1 Project start-up & team organization, detailed project planning, Preparation of Project Plan, capital equipment purchases $7,800 $27,500 $35,300 Task 2 Site assessment, initial site cleanup, implementation of bluff-top erosion control measures, Capital Equipment Purchase, equipment rentals $1,700 $15,300 $17,000 Task 3 Restoration area preparation including invasive plant removal (two seasonal prep efforts) & trail/public access & control; Community Outreach $12,200 $74,900 $700 $1,600 $89,400 Task 4 - Restoration area planting $1,200 $83,900 $200 $85,300 Task 5 - Maintenance/v\/eeding/watering $13,700 $13,700 Task 6 - Project Monitoring, Data Collection & Reporting $400 $3,300 $1,800 TOTAL $23,300 $218,600 $900 $1,600 TOTAL $244,400 Budget Notes: Four personnel categories were used in preparing the budget. The rates were based on U.S. Department of Labor categories and appropriate rates. The rate for volunteers was based on IRS and State of California accepted rate for in-kind contributions. The in-kind personnel rates and hours by category for the proposed project are summarized below. Labor Hourly Taski Task 2 Task 3 Task 4 Task 5 Tasks Category Rate Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Project Manager $65 120 36 32 40 9 12 Biologist / Subject Area $65 120 36 256 320 72 12 Expert / Specialist Task $40 120 48 256 320 72 24 Manager Volunteer $21 240 360 1920 2400 216 24 BLF restoration volunteers work primarily the first and third Saturdays of every month, 12 months per year. Some focused restoration work with larger groups also work on arranged days, usually on a weekend. The average work party is 10 volunteers plus at least one leader (e.g.. Task Manager). For this project, a "Biologist / Subject Area Expert / Specialist" will be included to guide and instruct our work parties. Training by CDFW Environmental Specialists will also be involved due to the fact that some work will be on their property. The budget includes purchase of some tools and equipment that will be used for this project and future phases and in support of our ongoing restoration and trail work. Tools and equipment includes: landscape trailer (for use with our existing trail vehicle for moving tools, plant materials, and other materials throughout the reserve); 2 person gas powered earth auger (used for installing container plants and fencing); chain saw; Pulaski's; McLeod's; rototiller (for preparing hard surfaced areas for planting); and back-pack herbicidal sprayers. The budget also includes: temporary irrigation items; trees (e.g., Torrey Pine); container plants; plant seed; mulch; and herbicide and colorant. Rental of a tracked bobcat and 40 cubic yard, high-sided dumpsters were also included for green-waste recycling. In-kind donation for use of Park Hyatt - Aviara Hotel's equipment was also factored in (e.g., back-hoe, chipper, trencher and log splitter). Some support by two awarded multi-year grants from City of Carlsbad was applied. An overhead rate of 8% was used and California sales tax was also factored in where appropriate. If required, a detailed budget model can be provided. Native Tree Plant Palette** The signature restoration tree will be the Conifer Pinus torreyana (Torrey Pine). Approximately 15-24" Boxes. Other trees for considerafion and research to add variation to the habitat mix include C. forbesii (Tecate Cypress), Prunus: ilicifolia ssp. Ilicifolia (Hollyleaf cherry), Prunus ilicifolia ssp. Lyonii (Catalina Cherry), Quercus agrifolia ssp. Agrifolia (Coast Live Oak), Quercus chrysolepis (Canyon Live Oak), and Quercus dumosa (Nuttall's Scrub Oak). Disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub Container Plant Palette** (BLF Plant Palette 41 Approx. % Overall Cover = 20% Scientific Name Common Name Size Spacing Plts./Acre % Cover O.C. Artemisia califomica Elymus condensatus Encelia californica Isomeris arborea Lycium californica Opuntia prolifera Rhus integrifolia California Sagebrush Giant Wild Rye Grass California Encelia Bladderpod CA Desert Thorn Coastal Cholla Lemonadeberry 1 gal./treepot 736 60 3 1 gal./treepot 62 5 3 1 gal./treepot 185 15 3 1 gal./treepot 61 5 3 1 gal./treepot 61 5 3 1 gal./treepot 61 5 3 1 gal./treepot 77 5 6 Total: 1183 100 Disturbed Wetland / Salt Marsh / Mudflat Container Plant Palette** The following plants and others will be considered for the restoration project. Final selecfion will be made during the project planning and start-up task and in consultation with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) biologists/ecological specialists and project restoration specialists. Scientific Name Baccharis douglasti Baccharis pilularis consanguinea Distichlis spicata Epipacfis gigantean Frankenia grandifloria Jaumea carnosa Juncus acutus ssp, leopoldii Juncus leseurii Salicornia subterminale Salicornia virginica Scirpus californicus Scirpus marifimus Spartinia foliosa Suaeda californica Common Name Marsh Baccharis and Douglas Baccharis Coyote Brush and Bush Baccharis Saltgrass Stream Orchid Alkali Heath Jaumea Spiny Rush Salt Rush Pickleweed Pickleweed Califomia Bulrush Alkali Bulrush Cordgrass Speepweed and Sea-Blite (very rare) ** Locafions to be flagged in field prior to planfing. Batiquitos Lagoon Ecolo^cal Reserve (BLER) North Shore Restoration - Phase 1 Project Site San Dlego County, Carlsbad, California 92011 Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Resei^e (BLER) Nortli Sliore Restoration - Phase 1 Project Site CD state of Califomia - Natural Resources Aaencv EDMUND 6. BROWN JR.. Govemor CHARLTON H. BONHAM, DInctor DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE Soutii Coast Region 3883 Ruffin Road San Diego, CA 92123 www.wtldlife.ca.oov Marc:h 20, 2013 Fred Sandquist Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation P.O. Box 130491 Carlsbad, CA 92013-0491 Subject: Pennission to Access Batiquitos Lagoon Ecologicai Reserve in San Diego County Dear Mr. Sandquist: You and your agents at the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF) are hereby granted permission by the Califomia Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) to enter the State of Califomia (State) property known as Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Resen/e (BLER) for the purposes of planning and implementing the North Shore Trail Restoration—Phase I. The project area is on both Park Hyatt - Aviara and BLER. BLF is preparing a habitat restoration project grant application for submittal to the Community Wetland Restoration Grant Program ofthe Southem California Wetlands Recovery Project (SCWRP). The Department has expressed its support for this project and is looking fonward to its Implementation if the grant is approved. The Department resen/es the right to place restrictions on your project as needed or to terminate access at any time. Entry upon Department land by you and/or your agents for purposes stated herein shall constitute acceptance by you and/or your agents of all terms and conditions of this Letter of Permission. Terms and Conditions: 1) No take of any threatened or endangered species will occur as a result of this activity. Any activities that could potentially disrupt threatened or endangered species will t>e suspended immediateiy; 2) All attempts will be made to avoid disturbing wildlife and to minimize effects on riparian, wetland and other sensitive habitat areas during BLF's activities. Impacts to sensitive native plants will be avoided to the extent feasible; 3) This letter authorizes access between March 20, 2013 and December 31, 2014 only and only for the purposes described above. This letter does not authorize access to adjacent properties; 4) All volunteers and other entities accessing BLER will be required to sign in as agents of BLF prior to beginning wori<; 5) The State shall not be liable and BLF shall indemnify, hold harmless and at the option of the State, defend the State, its officers, agents, and employees against and for any and all ^^^^ Conserving CaCifomia's WiU^CifeSince 1870 10 Fred Sandquist March 20, 2013 Page 2 of 2 liability, claims, damages or injuries of any kind and from any cause, arising out of or connected in any way with the exercise of this letter of pennission; 6) Public safety agencies and the Department will be notified immediately in the case of an emergency; 7) A copy of this Letter of Permission shall accompany you during activities on-site and shall be made available to any Department staff upon request. If you have any further questions, please contact me at the letterhead address, or by telephone at (858) 627-3939 or by fax at (858) 467-4299. Please coordinate access with the Department's Representative, Mr Warren Wong at our San Dlego office, (858) 467-4249. We appreciate the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation's efforts to protect and enhance Batiquitos Lagoon and look forward to wori<ing with you to implement this project. Sincerely, Richard Burg Senior Environmental Scientist Lands Program Supervisor South Coast Region cc: Warden Cyndy Pourroy Lands Chron File 11 Page lof 2 Provisional Landowner Access Agreenunt Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF) P.O. Box 130491 Carlsbad, CA 92013-0491 Accesa/Entry Agrecmeat Batiquitos Ecological Reserve (BLER) North Shore Restoration - Phase 1 L PURPOSE The following agreement details requirements of both the landowner and the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF) regarding the Batiquitos Ecological Reserve (BLER) North Shore Restoration - Phase 1. Said property is located to the south of the Park Hyatt - Aviara Golf Course North Shore Trailhead, 7447 Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011. More specifically, the project area is south and east fiom this trailhead along the North Shore Trail, and south of the golf courses 18'' fairway. Tbe project area is on both Park Hyatt - Aviaia and State of California property managed by Califomia Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve (BLER). I, Park Hyatt - Aviara, heieinafier called "Landowner", am aware lhat a habitat restoration project grant appUcation bas been submitted to the Community Wetland Restoration Grant Program of tiie Southem Califomia Wetlands Recovery Project (SCTWRP). The project has been explained to me by the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF). I su{^rt the goals of tbe prqjecL n. ACCESS PERMISSION Landowner hereby grants the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF), their volunteers, contractors, agents, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and SCWRP representatives' permission to enter onto real property owned by the Landowner to perform pre-project evaluation. Access shall be limited to those portions of Landowner's real property where actual restoration work is proposed to be performed and those additional portions of real property that must t>e traversed to gain access to the work site. The applicant will contaa the Landowner at least 72 hours prior to any visit At no time will SCWRP representatives access the property without the applicant uidess expressively given permission by the Landowner. If the project giant is awarded, pennission is given to the applicant, their volunteers, contiactors, agents, CDFW, and SCWRP representadves to perform the work defined in the project proposal. m. DURATION OF NOTICE The term of this agreement shall commence upon signing of this Agreement and terminate on Decemt>er 31,2014 and may t>e extended upon written agreement by both parties. 12 Page 2 of 2 rv. LIABIUTIES Reasonable precautions will be exercised by Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF) to avoid damage to persons and prcnjrty. The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Landownp^djgEeeST^pay for reasonable damages {soximately caused by reason of the uses leAp t^je'^eement, except those caused by the gross negligence or intentional conduct of the Landowner Z. Sandquist Man President Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF) 13 APPENDIX E Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor ^s Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon CONCEPTUAL UPLAND MITIGATION PLAN for the BRUSH MANAGEMENT OF THE VISITOR'S CENTER AT THE BATIQUITOS LAGOON CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA Prepared for: Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation do Mr. Fred Sandquist P.O. Box 13049! Carlsbad, California 92613 Prepared by: DUDEK 605 Third Street Encinitas, California 92024 Tel. 760.942.5147 Contact Anita M. Hoyworth, PhD, Sen/or Biologist MARCH 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page No. LO INTRODUCTION 3 2.0 PROJECT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION 11 3.0 RESTORATION PURPOSE AND GOALS 17 4.0 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES 19 5.0 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 21 5.1 Site Preparation and Initial Weed Control 21 5.2 Planting Palette : 21 5.3 Planting Techniques 23 5.4 Hydroseed Application 23 5.5 Irrigation System and Schedule 23 5.6 Erosion Control 24 5.7 Preliminary Schedule 24 5.8 Time Lapse 25 6.0 5-YEAR MAINTENANCE PLAN 27 6.1 120-Day Installation Maintenance Period 27 6.2 5-Year Maintenance Period 27 6.3 Irrigation 28 6.4 Pest Management 28 6.5 Soil Fertility Management 29 6.6 Trash Removal 29 6.7 Access Control 29 7.0 MONITORING PROGRAM 31 7.1 Qualitative Monitoring 31 7.2 Quantitative Monitoring 31 7.3 Reporting 31 8.0 FINAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 33 8.1 Rationale for Expecting Success 33 8.2 Target Functions 33 8.3 Performance Standards 33 8.3.1 Success Criteria for Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Areas 34 7826 DUDEK i March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) Section Page No. 9.0 COMPLETION OF 5-YEAR PROGRAM 37 9.1 Notification of Completion 37 9.2 Contingency Measures 37 9.3 Long-Term Management 37 10.0 REFERENCES 39 FIGURES 1 Regional Map 5 2 Vicinity Map 7 3 Vegetation Map 9 4 Vegetation Communities and Boundary Adjustment Area for the Proposed Mitigation Site 13 TABLES 1 Proposed Pennanent Impacts to Existing Plant Communities and Land Covers (Acres) 11 2 Existing Plant Communities/Land Covers at the Park Hyatt Mitigation site for the Visitor's Center at Batiquitos Lagoon 12 3 Significant Direct Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Requirement (acres) 12 4 Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Container Plant Palette (0.09 acre) 22 5 Coastal Sage Scrub Revegetation Seed Mix (0.09 acre) 22 6 Mitigation Schedule 24 7826 DUDEK ii March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 1.0 INTRODUCTION The proposed project is to provide brush management zones adjacent to the Visitor's Center at Batiquitos Lagoon (Lagoon; Figures 1 and 2). The purpose of this activity is to provide protection for the structures. The brush management zones are located within a study area a maximum of 75 feet from the Visitor's Center building. The study area encompasses a total of 0.39 acre within the Lagoon inclusive of the Visitor Center. The study area falls within the jurisdiction of the City of Carlsbad (City) and is located in the southem portion of the City and is also subject to the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP; Carlsbad 2004) and the California Coastal Commission regulations. Biological surveys of the property were conducted by Dudek in June and July 2013 in order to provide current information on the existing conditions of the biological resources on the site. Visits to potential mitigation areas where conducted in August and October 2013. Brush management for the Visitor's Center at the Lagoon will include both Zone 1 and Zone 2. Zone 1 is non-irrigated that starts at the Visitor's Center structure envelope and extends for 30 feet (Figure 3). All vegetation will be removed within 15 feet of the structure. From 15-30 feet, select specimen native plants may remain but must be separated by 6 feet. Plants may not exceed 48 inches. No tree crowns will be allowed within 10 feet of the structure. Along the west side of the Visitor's Center along the fence, all plant material will be removed along the fence and brow ditch. Zone 2 is non-irrigated and extends from 30-60 feet. Within Zone 2, a mosaic will be create with the existing plant material by removal of dead plants and other plants as necessary. Three plant communities or land covers are present on the Visitor's Center site: coastal sage scrub (2.03 acres), omamental plantings (0.11 acre), and developed land (0.13 acre). The federally listed threatened coastal Califomia gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) has been documented within the vicinity and is likely to use the habitat within the project study area. A total of 0.09 acre of coastal sage scrub will be permanently impacted. Mitigation for the impacts to sensitive biological resources includes replacement of the impacted coastal sage scrub habitat to result in no net loss (2:1 ratio). The area affected by the brush management, including the visitor's center also needs to be removed from the City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP) hardline preserve. Replacement of this acreage is also required. A mitigation site is proposed that is along the north shore of Batiquitos Lagoon. Restoration is planned for the area and it currently is not within the HMP hardline preserve but is proposed to be adjusted to be in the preserve. This site will provide all of the mitigation needs for the Visitor's Center brush management activity. 7826 DUDEK 3 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon This document provides site-specific guidelines for habitat restoration associated with the project. This mitigation plan is designed to restore coastal sage scrub habitat that is suitable for use and occupation by a variety of plant and wildlife species. The restored habitat will provide cover and forage for coastal Califomia gnatcatcher, as well as other wildlife species. This habitat restoration plan is required to be reviewed and approved by the City prior to implementation. 7826 DUDEK 4 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 6 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 8 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 10 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 2.0 PROJECT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION The brush management zone established adjacent to the Visitor's Center will be kept mostly clear of vegetation and, therefore, is considered a direct impact (Table 1). Due to the impact to sensitive native habitat (0.09 acre), the direct impact is significant and will require mitigation. Mitigation for impacts to the coastal sage scrub requires 2:1 mitigation with 1:1 to be preservation of habitat and 1:1 to be replacement of habitat. Removal of the brush management area and Visitor's Center (0.25 acre, which includes coastal sage scrub, developed land, and omamental plantings) from the HMP preserve is a significant impact. See the section on Regional Resource Planning Context - Compliance Review below. Table 1 Proposed Permanent Impacts to Existing Plant Communities and Land Covers (Acres) Plant Community/Land Cover Existing Acreage in Study Area Zone l Brush Management Zone 2 Brush Management Total Impact Group C Coastal Sage Scrub 0.15 0.02 0.07 0.09 Other Lands Developed (Visitor's Center and existing trail/road) 0.13 0.09 0.00 0.09 Ornamental Plantings 0.11 0.03 0.04 0.07 Total 0.39 0.14 0.11 0.25 The following plant communities are not considered sensitive and do not require mitigation for direct impacts: omamental plantings and developed lands. The following habitat type is considered sensitive and requires mitigation: coastal sage scrub. In accordance with the HMP, coastal sage scrub mitigation includes preservation of existing habitat (1:1 ratio) and restoration of habitat (1:1 ratio) so that there is no net loss of coastal sage scrub habitat within the coastal zone. Thus the total mitigation required for the direct impact to 0.09 acre coastal sage scrub is 0.18 acre with 0.09 acre preservation and 0.09 acre restoration. The coastal sage scmb mitigation area is provided on Park Hyatt property that is already encumbered with a Coastal Commission Deed Restriction thus it is protected from future development. The vegetation communities and acreage are summarized in Table 2 and illustrated in Figure 4. Although more than is required, a total of 0.56 acre of Eucalyptus woodland will be restored to coastal sage scrub. The balance of the coastal sage scrub (0.28 acre) provides the mitigation for the preservation of coastal sage scrub and the balance of the site, 3.48 acres, provides the mitigation for the loss of HMP lands. DUDEK 11 7826 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon Table 2 Existing Plant Communities/Land Covers at the Park Hyatt Mitigation site for the Visitor's Center at Batiquitos Lagoon Plant Community/Land Cover Acreage Group A Coastal Salt Marsh 0.11 Group B Disturbed Native Grassland/Coastal Sage scrub 1.18 Group C Coastal Sage Scrub 0.28 Disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub 0.13 Other/.ands Developed 0.53 Disturbed Lands 0.12 Ornamental Plantings (Eucalyptus Woodland) 1.97 Total 4.32 Impacts and mitigation for the plant communities as a result of the proposed brush management are summarized in the following Table 3. The Califomia Coastal Commission, in the HMP, has required that there be no net loss of this sensitive plant community within the coastal zone. Thus, restoration, substantial enhancement, or creation must account for at least 1:1 of the mitigation. In addition, within the coastal zone, on-site mitigation by preservation is not allowed. Thus, the project proposes to conduct restoration of suitable disturbed, non-native, or other non-functional habitat within the coastal zone for all of the impacts. Table 3 Significant Direct Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Requirement (acres) f' inStuciyArea « i. Total Impacts . t' j fr6m Proposed Projld^ ^. . Mitigation Ratio .-. Mitigatjon . Requirement Coastal Sage Scrub 0.15 0 09 1:1 creation 1:1 presen/ation 0.09 creation 0.09 presen/ation DUDEK 12 7826 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK DUDEK 14 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon The mitigation for the direct impacts on coastal sage scrub will be accomplished through the restoration of currently non-native habitat within the Park Hyatt property. These areas currently do not fiinction as native habitat and have no native plant species present. A total of 0.56 acre of coastal sage scmb habitat will be restored. Within the Park Hyatt mitigation site, there is more than sufficient acreage of potential restoration areas to satisfy the mitigation requirement. A total of 4.32 acres of predominantly native habitat will be preserved within the Park Hyatt mitigation site. To avoid impacting breeding and nesting birds in accordance to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a breeding/nesting bird survey shall be conducted prior to construction activities if vegetation clearing, removal, or control (brush management) is slated to occur during the nesting season (February 15-August 31). Nests that are detected within proposed restoration areas will be avoided until nesting is completed and the young have fledged. A buffer zone of 500 feet will be established around any identified nests in coordination with the monitoring biologist. No constmction activities will occur within this buffer zone while the nest is active. 7826 DUDEK 15 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 16 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 3.0 RESTORATION PURPOSE AND GOALS The goal of the coastal sage scrub mitigation/restoration program is to offset project impacts to this vegetation community and restore areas on site that are currently disturbed, with little to no native vegetative cover, to high-quality, self-sustaining habitat that will provide forage and cover for a variety of native wildlife species including the coastal California gnatcatcher. This plan details how the currently disturbed areas that are located immediately adjacent to and/or within stands of existing native vegetation will be restored, maintained, and monitored. A secondary purpose and benefit of the restoration program is the removal of weeds and invasive species that currently provide a source of weed seeds to the generally undisturbed adjacent native vegetation. DUDEK 17 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 18 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 4.0 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES The project proponent is Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, which is located at P.O. Box 130491, Carlsbad, California, 92613. The contact person for the proponent is Mr. Fred Sandquist. The project proponent is responsible for the implementation, maintenance, monitoring, and success of the mitigation program. The project biologist/restoration specialist (restoration specialist) refers to a qualified individual with at least 5 years of experience performing successful restoration of upland habitat in the southern California region. The project restoration specialist shall be familiar with native plant and weed species and be trained in the area of controlling weeds within wildland areas. The project restoration specialist shall have a BS degree in restoration ecology, biology, botany, or a closely related field and will ensure the restoration effort is installed in accordance with this plan, the environmental permits and documents, and the final approved construction plans and specifications. The restoration specialist will perform installation and 5 years of monitoring and reporting duties as outlined herein. The restoration specialist will be under contract with the project proponent. The contractor refers to a person or entity that has a valid landscape contractor's license, Class C-27, and at least 5 years of experience performing native habitat restoration services in the Southern California region. The contractor shall be familiar with weeds and invasive species and have in-depth experience and training in controlling wildland weeds within sensitive habitat areas. The contractor shall have a Qualified Pesticide Applicator's License or have a Pesticide Applicators' Certificate issued by the Department of Pesticide Regulations. The contractor shall provide verification of experience and provide copies of licenses upon request. The restoration contractor will provide installation and maintenance services and be under contract with the project proponent/owner. A licensed applicator will be present on-site during all herbicide treatment activities. 7826 DUDEK 19 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 20 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 5.0 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN This section describes the strategy that will be utilized to achieve the restoration purpose and goals outlined in Section 3. Habitat restoration will be achieved through a systematic process that includes initially spraying or cutting all invasive species and weeds with the appropriate systemic herbicide, followed by clearing the site of all dead weeds, trash, and debris. Following the initial site "cleanup" and soil testing/amending, a temporary iirigation system will be installed and used initially to perform a 3- to 4-week grow-and-kill program. Following successful conclusion of the grow-and-kill program, the site will be planted with the appropriate native container stock and seeded with a native hydroseed mix. The seed mix will include native nurse crop species that will provide quick germination and assist in erosion control until the perennial vegetation becomes established. Plants and seeds will originate from local sources to the greatest extent feasible. Each component of the implementation plan is included in detail below. 5.1 Site Preparation and Initial Weed Control Site preparation includes clearing all weeds, non-native trees and shrubs, trash, and debris from the site using either small equipment or hand-held tools and tilling or ripping the soil surface to reduce compaction as determined by the restoration specialist. It should be noted that only equipment that can access the restoration areas without creating secondary impacts shall be allowed. In addition, if work is to be performed during the bird nesting season, only equipment that creates less than 60 decibels of noise will be permitted. Once the irrigation system has been installed, a grow-and-kill weed control program will be undertaken prior to planting and seeding. The mitigation/restoration areas will be irrigated for a minimum of 3 weeks, followed by herbicide treatment of any weeds that germinate. Additional cycles of irrigation and herbicide treatment may be required, depending on the results of weed seed germination, as recommended by the restoration specialist. Once the restoration areas have completed the grow-and-kill program, all weeds will be removed from the soil surface and disposed of at a local landfill or green waste composting facility. The site shall have bare mineral soil exposed that is free of weeds, trash/debris, and erosion features prior to beginning planting and seeding work. 5.2 Planting Palette The planting palettes and seed mix for the project have been selected to provide a similar composition of plants to what is growing naturally in the adjacent habitat areas. The existing natural areas are also expected to provide seed for natural recruitment into the restoration areas 7826 DUDEK 21 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon over the long-term, thus further increasing species richness and diversity. Plant palettes for the restoration areas are provided in Tables 4 and 5 as follows. The planting palette includes an approximate percentage composition to aid in determining the plant quantities needed. These assumptions are theoretical and actual cover at maturity may vary from these projections. The seed mix has been designed to provide erosion control until perennial native vegetation becomes established. The restoration locations are shown graphically on Figure 4. Table 4 Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Container Plant Palette (0.09 acre) ScjentificName Common Name Container Size Percental Composition Spacing (in feeO Quantity Artemisia calilornica California sagebrush 1gal. 25 5 175 Baccharis pilularis coyote bush lgal. 25 8 136 Eriogonum fasciculatum California buckwheat 1gal. 25 5 175 Salvia mellifera black sage lgal. 25 5 175 Total 100 — 661 Note: The percentage composition is an approximate target to base planting quantities on and not a specific requirement to detennine success. Table 5 Coastal Sage Scrub Revegetation Seed Mix (0.09 acre) i, IScjentific Name Common Name PLS Pounds per Ac|^l Artemisia californica Califomia sagebrush 9 4.0 Eriogonum fasciculatum Califomia buckwheat 7 6.0 Eriophyllum confertiflorum golden yarrow 26 2.0 Isocoma menziesii coastal goldenbush 8 1.0 Lotus scoparius deenweed 24 3.0 Mimulus aurantiacus bush monkey-flower 4 3.0 Nassella pulchra purple needlegrass 42 1.0 Salvia mellifera black sage 43 3.0 Total 31.0 Note: "Indicates nurse crop species. Hydroseed Slurry Mix Shall Consist ofthe Following per Acre: • 2,000 Pounds Virgin Wood Fiber Mulch • Green Marker Dye • *80 Pounds M- Binder or Approved Equal • Seed (as indicated above). * Binder to be incorporated only if installation to occur between the months of November and February DUDEK 22 7826 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 5.3 Planting Techniques Container stock shall be installed using standard horticulture practices. A hole two times the diameter of the rootball will be excavated to the depth of the rootball. Each hole will be filled with water and allowed to drain prior to plant installation. Each container plant rootball shall be lightly scarified prior to installation. Planting backfill shall be amended native soil per recommendations of the soils report. Each container plant will be caged to protect it from herbivory. Each container plant shall have a 6-inch-tall by 18-inch-diameter basin with a 3-inch-thick layer of shredded mulch to reduce weed growth and water evaporation. Care shall be taken to keep mulch off of the actual trunk of the plants to help avoid trunk rot. After installation, each plant shall be thoroughly irrigated to the depth of the rootball. 5.4 Hydroseed Application Once the container stock has been planted and all planting work approved the restoration areas will be hydroseeded with the seed mix shown in Table 4. The habitat restoration specialist shall monitor seeding work and be provided the seed tags to verify the seed mix meets the seed requirements herein and the project specifications. Seed tags shall be available to the City upon request. 5.5 Irrigation System and Schedule A temporary on-grade irrigation system using recycled water from Park Hyatt will be installed to perform the initial grow-and-kill program and to enhance seedling germination and establishment of both seed and container stock. The irrigation schedule will vary throughout the year based on weather conditions, precipitation, and seed/container plant needs. The irrigation schedule shall be determined in consultation between the habitat restoration specialist and landscape contractor. Irrigation shall be used to maximize plant survival, establishment, and healthy growth. During summer and fall, irrigation should be reduced so that the plants show some signs of water stress and dormancy, a normal condition that is typical for native scrub species during the late summer and fall seasons. Irrigation system operation shall be suspended in anticipation of rain events. The system shall be shut off in advance of predicted rain storms and kept off for as long as possible during the rainy season. A rain sensor, master valve, and flow sensor are recommended to be included in the irrigation design. Irrigation will be used during the rainy season if necessary to keep plants alive and healthy. 7826 DUDEK 23 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon The irrigation system will be operated to establish the restoration area plantings and will be tumed off once the plants are well established, which is anticipated to be by the end of the third year. The irrigation system will be removed once the restoration effort has been accepted as successful. 5.6 Erosion Control The container plants and hydroseed slurry (with quick-germinating nurse crop species) will provide erosion control. Where needed, straw wattles or fiber rolls will be installed at the bottom of sloped areas to serve as sediment control devices. The location of these applications will be determined by the habitat restoration specialist. The site will be reviewed for erosion problems by the habitat restorafion specialist during regular site visits to determine whether any further erosion or sediment control measures might be necessary. 5.7 Preliminary Schedule An outline of the anticipated project installation sequence and schedule is provided in Table 6. Container plants will be grown at a nursery for installation according to the proposed schedule and allowing for the necessary lead time for plant propagation from seed and cuttings. Weed control will occur prior to initial plant and seed installation as part of site preparation work. Container plant and seed installation is best performed between October and February in order to minimize plant mortality and maximize seed germination. The 5-year biological monitoring and maintenance period will commence upon successful completion of plant and seed installation (typically 120 days) and continues for 5 continuous years. Table 6 Mitigation Schedule Task Description Anticipated Work Period . Plant and seed ordering 6-9 months prior to anticipated installation Site preparation Late summer/fall of project impact year Irrigation installation Fall of project impact year Planting and seeding Fall/Winter/Spring of project impact year 5-Year Maintenance and Monitoring Program Upon successful installation for 5 years Note: Approximate to be adjusted based upon final development timing 7826 DUDEK 24 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 5.8 Time Lapse It is estimated that the initial site preparation and installation will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks. The irrigate grow-and-kill period is estimated to take 3 to 4 weeks. Initial site clearing and weed/trash removal will take approximately 3 to 5 days. Irrigation system installation is estimated to take 1 to 2 weeks, and planting and seeding will take approximately 1 week. Once installation is complete the length of time to develop high-quality habitat is largely dependent on a variety of factors including weather, precipitation, drought, the life cycle of the various plant species, herbivory, and weed competition. A longer time period may be required when any of the above factors is unusual. To help initially establish the intended plant species and to provide a hedge against drought conditions, the addition of a temporary irrigation system for the restorafion areas will ensure timely seed germination and seedling and container plant survival until they have become established and are capable of surviving without supplemental water. The anticipated increase in the survival rate resulting from supplemental watering will help the vegetation develop more rapidly than would be expected from a non-irrigated revegetation effort. It is anticipated that the herbaceous and semi-woody species will provide significant vegetative cover within 2 to 3 years. By the end of the 5-year period, there should be adequate cover by native woody, sub-woody, and herbaceous vegetation such that the site is resistant to invasion by weeds and invasive species; is self-supporting, i.e., does not require supplemental watering; and provides habitat for a variety of bird and other wildlife species, including the coastal Califomia gnatcatcher. 7826 DUDEK 25 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 26 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 6.0 5-YEAR MAINTENANCE PLAN This 5-Year Maintenance Plan provides direcfion for expected routine maintenance of the restoration areas to be conducted throughout the 5-year maintenance and monitoring period. This section provides a brief description of these activities. The 5-year maintenance period begins when the habitat restoration specialist certifies that the restoration installation has been completed in substantial conformance with the final conceptual plan and final restoration landscape construction documents (i.e., plans and specifications). The restoration areas will become self-sustaining over time, needing little or no maintenance once established. Maintenance activities will focus on ensuring the establishment of self- sustaining habitat. Maintenance activities shall include temporary irrigation to foster successful establishment and healthy growth, pest (weed) management, trash removal, and maintaining signage. 6.1 120-Day Installation Maintenance Period The landscape contractor shall complete a 120-day plant-establishment, maintenance and warranty period following completion of the restoration installations. Maintenance responsibilities are defined in Sections 6.3-6.7. The 120-day plant establishment, maintenance and warranty period shall include 100% survival of all container plants, successful germination of the hydroseed mix, and control of all weed species, as determined by the habitat restoration specialist. 6.2 5-Year Maintenance Period Following successful completion of the 120-day plant-establishment maintenance period, a landscape maintenance contractor with experience in southem California native upland habitat restoration shall maintain the restoration areas for the remainder of the 5-year maintenance period. Maintenance responsibilities are detailed in Sections 6.1-6.7. The restoration areas shall be irrigated for a period of 1 to 3 years, as determined by the habitat restoration specialist, in consultation with the landscape maintenance contractor. If necessary, corrective measures such as additional planting and seeding will be implemented, if recommended by the habitat restoration specialist, to bring the restoration areas into compliance with the performance standards. 7826 DUDEK 27 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 6.3 Irrigation The irrigation system will be used to germinate the hydroseeding and establish both seed and container plant material. The irrigation schedule shall be adjusted seasonally and as needed, based on weather conditions, by the maintenance contractor. The contractor will inspect the irrigation systems regularly and make any necessary repairs and adjustments as required for proper system operation and coverage. Plants growing near the sprinkler heads may be pruned to maintain adequate sprinkler coverage. Once the plants are well established the irrigation schedules will be reduced and/or terminated at the direction of the habitat restoration specialist. The irrigation systems will be capped and removed once the restoration has been accepted as successful. 6.4 Pest Management In general, little or no pest control is anticipated for the restoration areas except for weed control. The concepts of integrated pest management (IPM) will be used on this project. All weeds shall be controlled at least monthly during the installation and initial 120-day plant-establishment maintenance period and at least seasonally during the 5-year monitoring and maintenance period. All weeds shall be controlled before they set seed and before they attain a height of more than 12 inches. Weed debris and slash shall be promptly removed from the site and disposed of in a legal manner. Perennial species and those requiring root kill shall be carefully sprayed with the appropriate systemic herbicide. Other annual weeds shall be carefully removed using hand tools or carefully spot sprayed with herbicide. Herbicide use shall be pre-approved by the habitat restoration specialist and include a purple dye. Vertebrate pest control is not anticipated as part of this project, nor are insect pests expected to be severe enough to warrant control. If plant diseases become a problem during the plant establishment period, they can generally be controlled using cultural measures. Pest control will be conducted following all applicable laws, regulations, label directions, and safety precautions. Should the contractor require specific pest control recommendations, the contractor shall consult a licensed pest control adviser. The contractor shall provide reports of all pest control measures implemented at the site, including details of methods and materials used, including any pesticide applications. Copies of any written recommendations shall also be provided. 7826 DUDEK 28 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 6.5 Soil Fertility Management The addition of mineral soil amendments and fertilizers are not anticipated during the maintenance period. The habitat restoration specialist may recommend applications of fertilizer or amendments to help improve plant health and growth to meet the performance standards if a deficiency becomes apparent. 6.6 Trash Removal Trash shall be regularly removed from the restoration areas by the contractor during each maintenance visit and disposed of legally at an off-site location. Trash shall be removed as needed, but no less than quarterly. 6.7 Access Control Additional fencing or barriers will be installed if necessary to prevent off-road vehicle activity in the restoration areas. Signs will be posted and maintained around the perimeter of the restoration sites at key potential access points to discourage entry into the area. 7826 DUDEK 29 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 30 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 7.0 MONITORING PROGRAM The habitat restoration specialist shall monitor the restoration areas and prepare annual reports during the 5-year maintenance and monitoring period. Qualitative and quantitative monitoring will be performed, and annual reports will be prepared and submitted to the City. 7.1 Qualitative Monitoring The habitat restoration specialist shall visit the restoration areas monthly during the 120-day plant-establishment period and .quarterly for the remaining 5 years. Qualitative visual surveys of the restoration areas shall consist of site inspections to assess plant and seed growth and review maintenance work. The maintenance contractor shall be present during the qualitative surveys, if so directed by the habitat restoration specialist, to review maintenance activities, address specific maintenance needs, and discuss whether remedial measures are needed in order to meet performance standards. General observations, such as plant health, pest problems, erosion, trash dumping, and vandalism, will be noted. Maintenance needs will be documented and submitted to the contractor and the project owner. Recommended remedial measures will be presented to the project owner for approval prior to implementation. In addition, permanent photo viewpoints will be established in each mifigation/revegetation area so vegetation development may be documented throughout the 5-year maintenance-and- monitoring period. 7.2 Quantitative Monitoring Quantitative monitoring shall include conducting dead plant counts of container plant material each September and visually estimating native and weed cover during years 1 and 2. Transects will be established and utilized to collect cover data beginning in year 3. Due to the size and configuration of the restoration areas, the transects will be relatively short. It is anticipated that four short transects laid on in an "X" pattem will be needed. Transect data will be recorded onto field forms and include percentage cover by species, percentage bare ground, and notes on surface condition, e.g., rock, sand, vegetative detritus, etc., and overall species richness within the restoration area boundaries. 7.3 Reporting Annual monitoring reports will be prepared by the habitat restoration specialist to document the progress of the restoration effort, include tabulated transect data, compare results with performance standards, provide representative photographs, and make remedial recommendations, if necessary. The annual reports will be submitted to the City during the 5-year period. 7826 DUDEK 31 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 32 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 8.0 FINAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS The goal of the mitigation program is the restoration of native habitat that will provide high- quality coastal sage scrub and increase foraging and cover for coastal Califomia gnatcatcher and other wildlife species. In addition, it will reduce the amount of weeds present in the surrounding wildland areas. Performance standards have been established for each habitat type to define when the mitigation/restoration effort is judged to be successfiil and are outlined in Section 8.3. 8.1 Rationale for Expecting Success This plan proposes to restore native coastal sage scrub vegetation within existing disturbed areas that are bordered by native habitat. The restoration areas are currently a mixture of barren, compacted ground and/or heavily invaded with annual grasses, weeds, and invasive species. There are also significant stands of eucalyptus that are proposed to be removed. The soil within restoration area appears the same type as the adjacent habitat and will remain essentially undisturbed from the current condition. Soil texture, slope, and solar aspect are similar to other native habitat areas in the vicinity. The target vegetation type has been modeled after the adjacent native vegetation communities. Species will be arranged according to the micro-climate, aspect, and topography in which the species commonly occurs, so species composition will vary throughout the site. Linear or "com row" planting will be avoided. The plant layout will mimic that of the adjacent habitat to the extent possible. 8.2 Target Functions The primary function of the restored coastal sage scrub vegetafion is to provide high-quality vegetation similar to that which will be impacted and to provide native habitat for a variety of native plant and wildlife species and an environment that provides suitable forage and cover. To achieve the target functions and values of the proposed restoration program the plan will create a diverse association of plant species that are typical of local coastal sage scrub habitat. 8.3 Performance Standards Survival of all container plants and germination of the hydroseed mix is required for the restoration areas at the end of the 120-day plant-establishment period. All dead plants will be replaced and poorly germinated areas will be replanted before the end of the 120-day plant- establishment period if the habitat restoration specialist determines that plant mortality or seed germination progress are unacceptable. Performance standards for the habitat must be attained within the restoration areas at the end of each year of the 5-year maintenance and monitoring program following installation. The long- 7826 DUDEK 33 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon term performance standards are shown below for native vegetation cover, weed cover, species richness, and the overall survival rate of container plants per each habitat type. These standards are established to help measure the success of the restoration program. Natural recruitment by native species shall also be considered a sign of success and nearby naturally recruiting native seedlings of perennial species may be used to offset container plant losses. Should the habitat restoration specialist determine that any part of the restoration program is not meeting the yearly performance standards the habitat restoration specialist will recommend corrective measures to the owner. The corrective measures will be implemented during the following fall in order to bring the restoration program into compliance with the required performance standards as quickly as possible. These corrective measures may include, but not be limited to, decomapacting the soil, replanting failed areas with container stock of appropriate species, re-seeding, applying fertilizer or other soil amendments, or making adjustments to irrigation and maintenance practices, as recommended by the habitat restoration specialist. 8.3.1 Success Criteria for Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Areas First-Year Performance Standards • 90% survival of planted container stock • 30% native cover (by visual estimate) • No more than 20% non-native weed cover (by visual estimate) • No invasive species present, such as Pampas grass, artichoke thistle, fennel, tree tobacco, castor bean, salt cedar, etc. established in the mitigation/revegetation areas. Second-Year Performance Standards • 80% survival of planted container stock • 40% native cover (by visual estimate) • No more than 15% non-native weed cover (by visual estimate) • No invasive species present, such as Pampas grass, artichoke thistle, fennel, tree tobacco, castor bean, salt cedar, etc., established in the mitigation/revegetation areas. Third-Year Performance Standards • 80% survival of planted container stock • 50% native cover (by visual estimate) 7826 DUDEK 34 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon • No more than 10% non-native weed cover (by visual estimate) • No invasive species present, • Irrigation ceased at end of third year • Evidence of natural recruitment of native annual and perennial species. Fourth-Year Performance Standards • 80% survival of planted container stock • 60% native cover (by visual estimate) • No more than 10% non-native weed cover (by visual estimate) • No invasive species present • Survival of the restoration areas without irrigation • Evidence of natural recruitment of native annual and perennial species. Fifth-Year Performance Standards • 80% survival of planted container stock • 70% native cover (by visual estimate) • No more than 5% non-native weed cover (by visual estimate) • No invasive species present • Survival of the restoration areas without irrigation • Evidence of natural recruitment of native annual and perennial species. 7826 DUDEK 35 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 36 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 9.0 COMPLETION OF 5-YEAR PROGRAM 9.1 Notification of Completion Upon completion of 5 years of maintenance and monitoring and achievement of the final success criteria, the City will inspect the restoration site to ensure successful completion and give final approval, if appropriate. The habitat restoration specialist will then prepare a letter indicating that the project is complete and send it to the Wildlife Agencies for final sign-off. The letter shall indicate that the restoration areas are in substantial conformance with the performance standards. If the project does not meet the performance standards, the habitat restoration specialist will make recommendations to bring the project into compliance, and the maintenance-and- monitoring period will continue until the standards are met. 9.2 Contingency Measures Contingency measures will be implemented if the restoration program fails to meet the performance standards at the end of the 5-year monitoring period. Such measures may include planting additional container stock, applying additional seed, conducting additional pest control measures, and/or an evaluation and appropriate modification of the irrigation system. 9.3 Long-Term Management Long-term management of the adjacent open space areas will be consistent with the requirements of the Carlsbad HMP and the preserve management plan prepared for this property and approved by the City and Wildlife Agencies. Long-term management of the restoration areas will commence upon final acceptance by the Wildlife Agencies. 7826 DUDEK 37 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 38 March 2014 Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon 10.0 REFERENCES City of Carlsbad. 2004. Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan. December 1999, as Amended. Final Approval November 2004. 7826 DUDEK 39 March 2014 Final Conceptuai Upland Mitigation Plan for the Brush Management of the Visitor's Center at the Batiquitos Lagoon INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 7826 DUDEK 40 March 2014