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Home My WebLink AboutGPA 03-11; Shelley Property; General Plan Amendment (GPA)DOSSEY & Associates R~CEIVED c ' 200~ 8 A OW If~ OF~if,ti.~ 404 Encinitas Blvd #32 1 Encinitas, Calif. 92024 (760) 436-0908 Fax (760) 436-0971 Table of Contents Introduction........................................................................... I Site Description..................................................................... 1 Methods and Survey Limitations................................................ 4 Survey Results........................................................................ 5 Physical Characteristics...................................................... 5 Biological Resources...................................................... 5 Vegetation............................................................. 5 Wildlife................................................................ 6 Sensitive Species... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Jurisdictional Waters................................................ 10 Project Impacts......................................................................... II Project Mitigation...................................................................... I4 Figures & Tables Project Regional Location Map (Figure 1) ...................................... . USGS 1:24000 Site Map (Figure 2) ................................................ . Survey Times and Purpose (Table 1) ............................................ . Acreage Impacted by Proposed Project (Table 2) ................................ . Mitigation Requirements (Table 3) ................................................ .. Appendix 1 Floristic List ............................................................ .. Appendix 2 Sensitive species potentially extant at the Shelley Property ...... . Appendix 3 Site Photos ............................................................. .. Biological Resources Map (Figure 3) ............................................. .. 2 3 4 II 15 16 19 25 Map Pocket Int.roduction The Shelley property, located off Lone Jack Road near the end of Copper Crest Road in the southeast corner of the City of Carlsbad (Figures 1-2), is approximately 81.3 acres consisting of two adjacent parcels (APN 223-061-01 & 02). The purpose ofthis study is to update information from a previous biological resources report (Affinis, 1999) and evaluate the potential biological impacts of the current proposed project design. Additionally, this report discusses the proposed projecCs compatibility and compliance with the Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad (City of Carlsbad, I 999). The current project design proposes 49 residential units on approximately 26.6 acres of the property. Approximately 1.9 acres will be temporarily impacted by the project. Temporary impacts include all areas that will be returned to non-native grassland or natural habitat upon completion of the project. The temporary impacts include construction of a pipeline, desiltation basin and graded slopes east of the proposed residential units. A trail will also be kept on in the open space predominantly following existing dirt road. The trail and the temporarily impacted areas and the remaining approximately 54.7 acres of the property will be preserved as open space upon completion of the project. The site is located at the junction of the County of San Diego, the City of Encinitas and the City of Carlsbad. In part due to its location the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have identified the property as being important to the linkages of the regional preserve plan for north San Diego County. Site Description The most distinctive landmarks on the property are a set of San Diego Gas & Electric Co. power transmission lines and the associated maintenance road which run across the northern portion of the property, dividing the property into two unequal sections. The land south of the transmission lines is fenced and continues to be used to graze cattle, while the area north of the transmission lines is less disturbed. The site ranges in elevation from 365' AMSL to 690' AMSL, with the lowest area in the south central part of the property and the highest point in the northeastern comer of the property. The northern portion is on the lower slopes of an unnamed peak and the southern area slopes gently southward away from the peak. A drainage runs north to south through the southern portion. Along this drainage are some slopes with east and west aspects. A second drainage runs east to west through the northwestern comer of the property. The portion of the property north of the power line is about 20 percent of the total property, but contains the most sensitive biological habitat. Soils mapped on-site by Bowman (1973) include Exchequer rocky silty loam, San Miguel Exchequer rocky silty loarns and Auldy clay soils. The property can be accessed via a short gated dirt driveway at the northern end of Copper Crest Road. A second access route uses the San Diego Gas and Electric power line maintenance road. 1 DOSSEY & Assodatcs 404 Encinitas Blvd. #321 Encinitas, CA 92024 0, Regional Location in San Diego County FIGURE 1 DossEY & Assoclwtc.~ 404 Encinitas Blvd. #321 Encinitas, CA 92024 SHELLEY PROPERTY Rancho Santa Fe USGS 7 .5" Quadrangle !SCALE 1:240001 ~ ~ ~ H H I IFEETI FIGURE 2 Methods and Survey Limitations On Wednesday, May 9, 2001 Dossey & Associates biologists surveyed the approximately 81.3 acre site, traversing the entire site on foot. In the northern areas without fencing there are markers at the property corners. Habitat types were field checked and remapped as necessary (Figure 3, map pocket). All species observed during the survey were identified. Only species which would have been expected to be active at the time of the survey would have been visible. Prior to the survey, the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB, March 2001) was consulted to determine if there were any current reports of sensitive species not accounted for in the prior survey that had been identified in the vicinity. Prior to this writing the January 2002 CNDDB was consulted for the most current database information. A portion of the site was revisited on July 8, 2001 to look for Waters of the United States specifically where the proposed sewer line crosses a swale. At this time wetland vegetation was looked for as well as an ordinary high water mark for the drainage. A rare plant survey was conducted on May 10-12 2003 per the owners request. Table 1 Surveys Time and Purpose Date Time Weather Activity Firm Biologist 5-2003 May 10-12 Clear and Rare plant Survey Dossey & Rod Dossey Sunny Associates 5-2000 9:00-10:30 Clear and Updated Photos Dossey & Rod Dossey Sunny for reJ>Qrt Associates 7-8-2001 9:00-10:00 O:lol in the Identified sewer Dossey& Rod Dossey 70's crossing Associates alignment impacts 5-9-2001 9:00-3:30 Warm 80's General Dossey& Rod Dossey Biological Survey Associates June-August NIA N/A Mapped Affinis Mi.ke Busdosh 1999 jurisdictional & waters, identified Rod Dossey sand asters 7-14-1999 8:15-10:30 Coller 60's-3ra gnatcatcher Allin is Rod Dossey 70's Survey 7-7-1999 8:00-11:00 Sunny and 2nd Gnatcatcher Affinis Rod Dossey Warm 80's survey 6-30-1999 7:30-11:30 Sunny and Biological Survey Atlinis Marcia Gross Clear 70-SO's and 111 gnatcatcher &Rod Dossey survey 4 Survey Results Physical Characteristics The majority of the Shelley property was disturbed previously, ooth by over 30 years of continuous grazing by cattle, and by the Harmony Grove fire of 1996. Some intact coastal sage scrub habitat exists north of the power line road, and the dominant habitat in grazed areas is non-native grasslands. Rock outcrops scattered through much of the property provided some protection against gra.zing cattle to pockets of native plant species. To the east and west of the Shelley property is a gently sloping pair of undeveloped properties containing coastal sage scrub; the area to the south is developed with single family homes. North of the property is undeveloped and dominated by coastal sage scrub. Biological Resources Vegetation A total of75 plant species were identified on the property. These are listed in Appendix One. Overall the vegetation hasn't changed significantly or noticeably since the prior biological survey by Affmis in 1999. Of the three habitats mapped on the property, the most abundant is non-native grassland in cattle pasture areas. Non-native grassland is typically dominated by exotic annual grasses and forbs. This site is dominated by wild bromes (Bromus sp.), wild oats (Avena sp.), and black mustard (Brassica nigra). interspersed in the non-native grassland are occasional patches with a higher proportion of native grasses intermixed with the exotics. Non-native grasslands are considered a sensitive habitat requiring mitigation within the Habitat Management Plan for the Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad (CHMP). All coastal sage scrub found on the property is within the proposed open space area and will not be impacted. This is one of the habitats used by California gnatcatchers and is considered a sensitive habitat by the CHMP. The coastal sage scrub habitat is typically dominated by flat-topped buckwheat (Eriogonumfasciculatum), coastal sage (Artemisia califomica), and chaparral broom (Baccharis sarothroides). The coastal sage scrub habitat bas all of the above species, but in some areas along the northern drainage is dominated by bush mallow (Ma/ocothamnusfasciculatus). All sightings of the California gnatcatcbers have occurred in or adjacent to the coastal sage scrub on the property north of the SDG&E power lines. Disturbed coastal sage scrub is found in the SDG&E easement between the non-native grasslands and coastal sage scrub habitats in the northern portion of the property. Disturbed coastal sage scrub has many of the elements of coastal sage scrub, but also has evidence of disturbance such as wide spacing between plants and bare areas or exotic 5 species interspersed. The road is regularly graded, but has no vegetation growing on it. lt was probably historically coastal sage scrub so has been included with the disturbed coastal sage scrub classification on the maps. Wildlife Wildlife occurred throughout the property during both the recent and previous surveys. The species observed during both surveys are described below. Insects: A single butterfly (mourning cloak, Nymphalir antiopa) was observed during the 1999 surveys. It would be expected that most of the common coastal sage scrub and grassland insect fauna would use the habitats found on the property. Birds: Fifteen species of birds were observed during the 1999 survey and eleven species were observed in 2000, including: Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna). mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), bushtits (Psaltriparus minimus), white tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), raven (Corvus corax), western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), California quail (Ca/Jipepla californica), black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans), black headed grosbeak (Pheuticus melanocephalus), homed lark (Eremophila alpestris), white throated swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) and the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila ca/ifornica). The site is adjacent to several undeveloped properties and many common upland bird species would be expected to use the area, especially the northern portion of the property. Some additional common species, which could be expected to use the property, include the California towhee (Pipilo crissa/is), spotted towhee (Pipilo macu/ates), red tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and lesser goldfinch (Cardue/is psaltria). Reptiles and Amphibians: Two species of reptiles were observed during the 1999 survey and one different species was observed during the 2000 survey. The coast homed lizard (Phrynosma coronatum ssp. blainvillei, 1999), western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis, 2000) and the coast whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris, 1999) were observed. The coast homed lizard is further discussed under Sensitive Species. Common lizard and snake species expected to occur at this site would include: western Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis ssp. helleri), gopher snake (Pituophis me/anoleucus), side blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana). Some potential exists for the granite spiny lizard (Sceloporus orcuttz) to occur on the rock outcrops. Mammals: The only mammal observed during the 1999 survey was the California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi). The same species was observed during the 2000 survey, in 6 addition to the Audubon's cottontail (Sylvilagus auduboni). Southern mule deer (Odocoilus hemionusfoliginata), coyote (Canis /atrans), and many of the native rodents would all be expected to use the property at various times of the year, though none were observed during the surveys. Sensitive Species Sensitive species considered during surveys, which potentially could have occurred at the site, are summarized in Appendix 2. Species that were observed during the surveys are discussed below and CHMP Narrow Endemics have all been individually evaluated for occurrence at this site. CHMP Covered Species Rufous crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps): The Rufous crowned sparrow inhabits coastal sage scrub. In San Diego County it is particularly abundant in areas after recent bums and in areas with grassland coastal sage scrub intermixed. A single individual was observed resting on the northern fence during the 1999 surveys. No individuals were observed during the 200 I surveys. California gnatcatcher (Polioptila calijornica): The California gnatcatcher is typically found in coastal sage scrub habitat and other coastal scrub habitats. It is currently listed as Threatened by the USFWS. This species is known to occur on site. All sightings in 2002 and 1999 occurred in the intact areas of coastal sage scrub north of the power lines. There are probably at least two pairs of California gnatcatchers using portions of the northern area. San Diego homed lizard (Phrynosma coronatum ssp. blainville1): The San Diego horned lizard is found in large open areas with populations of harvester ants which are its primary source offood. These lizards occur in many types of habitat throughout the county. A single occurrence was observed on the site during the 1999 surveys. Carlsbad Narrow Endemics The Carlsbad HMP identifies fifteen plant and three animal species as being sufficiently rare and specialized in their habitat requirements to warrant designation as Narrow Endemics. Narrow Endemics receive protection measures when found outside the proposed preserved system. The following seventeen Narrow Endemics were evaluated for their occurrence on the Shelley property. One was observed on site the San Diego Goldenstar. San Diego thommint (A canthomintha illicifolia): Potentially could have occurred in the clay soils on the property but was not observed in the 1999 or 2001 surveys. The swveys were conducted in May when this species would be evident. This species is not expected to occur on site. 7 San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila): Most often found in dry lakebeds or along the periphery of large riparian or wetland areas. Neither of these habitats occurs on this property. This species is not expected to occur on site. Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandu/osa ssp. crassifo/ia): Potentially could have occurred on site, though is more often associated with chaparral type habitats. This is a perennial species and would have been evident at the time of the surveys. This species was not observed during either survey and is not expected to occur on site. Encinitas baccharis (Baccharis vanessae): Potentially could have occurred on site, though is more often associated with chaparral type habitats. This is a deciduous species, but would have been evident at the time of the surveys. This species was not observed during either survey and is not expected to occur on site. Thread leaved brodiaea (Brodiaeafilifolia): Potentially could have occurred on site, and typically occurs in habitats like those found on site. This species would have been evident at the time of the surveys. This species was not observed during either survey and is not expected to occur on site. Orcutt's brodiaea (Brodiaea orcuttii): Potentially could have occurred on site, and typically occurs in habitats like those found on site. This species would have been evident at the time of the surveys. This species was not observed during any survey and is not expected to occur on site. Orcutt's spineflower (Chorizanthe orcuttiana): Usually occurs in areas of sandstone soils. The soils at the two remaining known location of this species are dramatically different from the soils on the Shelley property. This species would not be expected to occur on site. Del Mar sand aster (Corethrogynefilaginifolia var. /inifolia): Potentially could have occurred on site. During the 1999 surveys several occurrences of sand asters were observed on site. Biologists returned to the site in August 1999 and determined that all individuals were of the common variety virgate cudweed aster ( Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. virgata.) Both of these varieties have been taxonomically synonymized as Lessingiafilaginifolia var.filaginifolia. The taxon previously described as Corethrogyne jilaginifolia var. linifolia is not expected to occur on site. Blochman's dudleya (Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae): Usually found in open clay soils, this species had some potential to occur on site, but there are no previously documented occurrences of this species in the vicinity of the property. It would have been observable at the time of the surveys, but wasn't observed. This species is not expected to occur on site. 8 San Diego button celery (Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii): This is a vernal pool species. Locally it is found in association with vernal pools. There are no vernal pools on site or in the vicinity of the property. This species is not expected to occur on site. Orcutt's golden bush (Hazardia orcuttii): This species would have been observable at the time of the surveys. Neither it nor its similar appearing relative, sawtooth goldenbush (Hazardia squarrosa) was observed during the surveys. San Diego goldenstar (Muilla clevelandii): Not observed during any of the previous surveys this species was observed during May 2003 rare plant survey. An estimated total of 1092 individuals were observed and mapped using a sub-meter GPS unit (Figure 3). 676 of these were observed north of the SDG&E powerlines. 416 were observed south of the powerlines. The project has been redesigned to avoid direct impacts all but 2 of these individuals. Little mousetail (Myosaurus minimus ssp. opus): This is a vernal pool species. Locally it is found in association with vernal pools. There are no vernal pools on site or in the vicinity of the property. This species is not expected to occur on site. Prostrate navarettia (Navarettiafossalis): This is a vernal pool species. Locally it is found in association with vernal pools. There are no vernal pools on site or in the vicinity of the property. This species is not expected to occur on site. Orcutt's grass (Orcuttia californica): This is a vernal pool species. Locally it is found in association with vernal pools. There are no vernal pools on site or in the vicinity of the property. This species is not expected to occur on site. Hennes copper (Lycaena hemtes): This butterfly is found in association with its host plant spiny redberry (Rhamnus crocea). Typically this species occurs in large stands of the host plant. There was no spiny redberry observed during the surveys in 1999 or 2000. This species is not expected to occur on site. Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus wootonit)-This is a vernal pool species. Locally it is found in association with vernal pools. There are no vernal pools on site or in the vicinity of the property. This species is not expected to occur on site. San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegoensis)-This is a vernal pool species. Locally it is found in association with vernal pools. There are no vernal pools on site or in the vicinity of the property. This species is not expected to occur ?n site. Other Sensitive Species These species are sometimes considered sensitive by agencies or organizations, but not considered in the CHMP. None are protected at thls time but may become so at a later date. 9 San Diego sagewort (Artemisia Palmeri): This species is found on the property along the east to west drainage. This species is considered sensitive by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) and is a list 2 rare plant. List 2 rare plants are rare in California but thought more common elsewhere. California adelphia (Adolphia californica) This species was observed in the central portion of the property. A single occurrence of about l 00 individuals occurred on the banks of the north south drainage. This species is considered sensitive by CNPS and is a list 2 rare plant. List 2 rare plants are rare in California but thought more common elsewhere. J urisdictional Waters A broken blue line stream is shown on United States Geological Survey maps as entering the property at the southern boundary and continuing for approximately 1000' northward onto the property where it ends. This section of stream as well as areas upstream were examined by Affinis in 1999, and found to have discernible banks in some areas and not in others. The overall length of the drainage was found to be 2400 feet with a mean width of 1.6 feet. At the time, 0.08 acre was determined to be the maximum potential amount of Jurisdictional Waters associated with this drainage. The proposed project intends to avoid this drainage entirely, except where a sewer line and trail are planned to be constructed across the drainage in the southern portion of the property. At the point of the proposed impacts there is no clear bed or bank for the stream (Photo 2, Appendix 2). It is a swale with some evidence of ephemeral surface flow; a few small ephemera] flow lines less than six inches deep, none more than a foot wide, can be found between the grasses. A few individuals of a single obligate wetland species, wrinkled rush (Juncus rugulosus) was found during the 2001 surveys, but not observed in 2002 within the swale, but there is clearly not a preponderance of hydrophytic vegetation. Since the Affinis report the US Supreme Court Ruling in the SW ANCC case has changed how Jurisdictional Waters are assessed. Isolated waters are no longer considered Jurisdictional Waters. South of the property, on the downstream end, this section of drainage has been cut off from any surface water attachment to any existing drainages there may have been a historical attachment, but that is no longer evident. The drainage is a large swale without distinguishable banks at the southern edge of the property, though there is some evidence of ephemeral surface flow, but this swale abruptly ends approximately 20-30 feet south of the property where the elevation increases slightly and there is no evidence of surface flow between that point and a man-made channel about 200 feet south of the tenninus of the drainage. Based on this interruption of flow the drainage has been isolated from any adjacent Jurisdictional Waters. Due to the property's isolation and the SW ANCC decision this drainage would no longer qualify as Jurisdictional Waters of the United States. 10 A second drainage across the northern portion of the property runs east to west and is Jurisdictional Waters of the United States. The proposed project doesn't intend to impact this drainage. The CDFG has jurisdiction over areas which support riparian vegetation even as in this case they lack a bed or channel with banks. Only wrinkled rush is a wetland/riparian species occurring at this site and covers less than 1 0 percent of the area to be impacted in the swale. The wrinkled rush was not observed during a visit to the site in 2002 or 2003. Project Impacts Habitat Three types of habitat occur on the property, but only one is found within the project footprint. Acreages are provided in Table 2 below. The project as currently proposed would cause permanent impacts to 26.6 acres of non-native grassland. The permanent impacts would be caused by the construction of the homes and roads. A trail will also be built primarily along existing dirt roads in the open space. This trail would also serve as a maintenance road for the newly constructed sewer pipeline. The trail will be cover roughly 1.9 acres of the property. A third kind of impact is to a 12,000 square foot (20' x 600') strip of non-native grassland for construction of a sewer pipeline. The trail system above this pipeline will serve the dual purpose as access for pipeline maintenance. The project would also cause temporary impacts of two kinds. There would be 1.7 acres of required grading beyond the constructed lots which would be revegetated and returned to habitat. A second temporary impact is the construction of a desiltation swale in the southeast comer of the property. The swale would be a permanent structure made out of natural material of about 200'x 40' in size. It is designed to slow, clean and desilt the run-off from portions of the project. The swale is compatible with the open space as it would be entirely of earthen construction beyond the initial outlet. The swale would be planted with native grasses and possible riparian species as well, if it is sufficiently wet. The basin could provide higher quality habitat for the preserve area as well as a source of moisture All of the temporary impacts would be adjacent to or within the proposed preserve area These impacts after revegetation would become part of the open space preserve. These impacts would involve grading, excavating or installing then revegetating the area and/or passively allowing the site to return to its current habitat. 11 Table 2. Acreage I ed b p mpact >y ropose dP . rOjeCt Habitat Acres on Acres of Acres of Property Permanent Temporary Impact Impact Coastal Sage 13.9 0.0 0.0 Scrub (CSS) Disturbed 6.2 0.0 0.0 Coastal Sage Scrub Non-Native 61.2 26.6 1.9 Grassland Total 81.3 26.6 1.9 \Ul All values have been rounded to the nearest l/10 acre Species Percent of Habitat on Site Permanently Impacted 0.0% 0.0 43.5 25.9 Some covered species may be impacted by the project. The project will comply with all requirements of the CHMP and mitigate for these impacts per the plan. No significant impacts would result if the project complies with the requirements of the CHMP, and mitigates as described below under Project Mitigation. Narrow Endemics Only one narrow endemic, San Diego Goldenstar, was found on the property, the project was subsequently redesigned to minimize impacts to the San Diego Goldenstars. Direct impacts will impact an estimated two out of 1092 individuals observed in 2003. Some populations will remain within the fire management zone for the project. Cwrent circumstances wouldn't require any clearing for fire protection within those areas where the San Diego Goldenstar occurs. The brush management portion below provides mitigation guidelines should the circumstance change and fir clearing is needed near the San Diego Goldenstars. Jurisdictional Waters No Jurisdictional Waters of the US will be impacted by this project. Notification to the CDFG would be required due to the past presence of wrinkled rush. Due to the site being disturbed and the impacts to the drainage being minimal, there would not be any anticipated significant impacts from the proposed action. Indirect Impacts The following indirect impacts have been evaluated within the context of the CHMP. Brush Management The areas requiring zone one and two brush management are entirely within the development footprint. Thinning of shrubbery (zone 3) brush management will be 12 required in some areas. Currently though there is no area of zone three brush management which has any shrubs, and certainly not enough density to warrant thinning therefore no impacts are anticipated from zone three management. Should zone three brush management become necessary in the future the thinning will need to be done with a biological monitor and without disturbing the ground, so as to protect the San Diego goldenstar populations on the property. No additional impacts from brush management are anticipated. Drainage and Erosion Temporary impact areas within the preserve will be revegetated with native plants to reduce/prevent erosion problems. This includes graded slopes and the swale for desiltation. This is compatible with the CHMP and no significant impacts are anticipated. Landscaping The temporary impact areas from grading will be revegetated with appropriate San Diego County native plant species. The sewer line impacts will be passively restored to non- native grasslands, and the desiltation basin will be a combination of appropriate upland habitat and wetland species. These areas adjacent will be incorporated into the preserve. No significant impacts are anticipated. Lighting All street lighting adjacent to the preserve will be from low pressure sodium sources and, to whatever extent possible without compromising safety, directed away from the preserve area. This is compatible with the CHMP and no significant impacts are expected. Fencing All fencing within the preserve will need to be dismantled and removed. The boundary of the preserved area should be fenced and an open public access point could be provided in the north along the SDG&E easement. This will limit access and reduce overall impacts from neighbors and pets without preventing passive enjoyment of the preserve area. This is compatible with the CHMP and a positive impact is anticipated. Signage It is recommended that general signage be provided at the public access point noting that the area is a preserve and explaining the rules of CHMP preserve areas. A board where land managers can post notices regarding the preserve should be placed at a public access point. This is required by the CHMP and will benefit the preserve. A positive impact is anticipated. 13 Exotic Species Use of native species is recommended for landscaping in those areas adjacent to the preserve, and invasive exotics should be excluded from all other project landscaping plans. Residents should be provided a list of exotic species not to plant in their yards. The CHMP List could be used, or another list acceptable to the City of Carlsbad. Information about and awareness of this issue would ultimately become the responsibility of the preserve manager. This is compatible with the CHMP and no significant impacts are anticipated. Noise No construction activities with noise in excess of 60 db should occur within 300 feet of the coastal sage scrub from March 15 to September 15. If activities occur with sound levels exceeding 60 db, measures should be taken to reduce the sound to less than 60 db at the edge of the coastal sage scrub habitat. This is compatible with the CHMP and no significant impacts are anticipated. The planned rock crushing activities required for grading are proposed to be done in the vicinity of lot 40. Roughly 800' from any coastal sage scrub habitat. The sound study from Pacific Noise Control states, that at 50' the noise produced by the rock crusher will be an estimated 82 Decibels. An additional 750' buffer occurs before any habitat will be reached, so there will be no anticipated effects from the rock crushing at the site during construction. The proposed blasting at the site should be done outside the breeding season if it is within 300' of the Gnatcatcaher habitat. Blasting doesn't never reaches the sustained 60 DB/hour threshold, but the above measure of blasting near habitat outside the breeding season, should be taken as precautionary. Project Mitigation The project will place the balance of the property not being developed into open space as part of the preserved areas in the CHMP. The preserved acreages significantly exceed the required mitigation levels for the projects impacts (Table 3). 14 Table 3 M.. R 1tu~ation equuements Habitat/Tier Temporary Permanent Mitigation Ratio Mitigation Acreage Impacts Impacts WithinMHPA Required Preserved (Acreage required) Coastal 0.0 0.0 2:1 (O.o) 0.0 13.9 Sage Scrub Disturbed 0.0 0.0 2: l (0.0) 0.0 6.2 Coastal Sage Scrub Non-Native 1.9 26.6 0.5:1 13.3 32.7 (34.6 Grassland after temporary impacts revegetated) Total l.9 26.6 N/A 13.3 52.8(54.7 after temporary impacts are revegetated) ,,h All values have been rounded to the nearest 1110 acre Equivalency Assessment A hard line adjustment is needed for this project The project has gone to great lengths to redesign the project since the original hard line was established, with the result that the current project impacts only 26.6 acres pennanently and 1.9 acres temporarily. The original design impacted 28.3 acres permanently and 3 acres temporarily. Upon completion there will be more space available for corridors and opens space than the original design. These modification to the hard line will Result in a biologically more friendly design for the project than what was previously proposed. So the project is proposing to alter the hardline to accommodate the new design. In figure three the existing hard line area is shown in pink, the proposed permanent impact areas (new hardline) is shown in blue. This project is proposing to revise the red line to the blue line in order to accommodate the better biological design. A sewer line will also be installed below the trail easement in the southern portion of the property as well. Allowing for this design will improve the overall biology and better protect the biological resources at the site. 15 Appendix l Floristic List Plant species observed during the 2001 sw-vey of the Shelley property. Scientific Name Family Common Name Habitat Cheilanthes newberryi Pteridaceae Fern NNG (D. Eaton) Domin Rhus lntegrifolia (Nutt.) Anacardiaceae Lemonade berry NNG Brewer & S. Watson Malosma Iaurino (Nutt.) Anacardiaceae Laurel leafed NNG, CSS Abrams sumac Daucus pus ill us Michaux Apiaceae Wild carrot NNG Foenicu/um vulgare Miller Apiaceae Fennel Anise NNG Sanicu/a arguta Apiaceae Sanicle NNG J. Coulter & Rose Artemisia palmeri Asteraceae San Diego Northern sage wort drainage Fi/azo californica (Nutt.) Asteraceae Herba impia NNG Hemizonia fasciculate (DC.) Asteraceae Tar plant NNG, DCSS Torrey & Gray Hypochaeris stlabra L. Asteraceae Smooth eat's ear NNG Artemisia cali[ornica Less. Asteraceae Coastal sage CSS, DCSS Centaurea melitensis L. Asteraceae Tocalote NNG Cynara cardunculus L. Asteraceae Artichoke thistle NNG Ence/ia califomica Nutt. Asteraceae Coast sunflower css Hedypnois cretica Asteraceae NNG (L.) Dwn. -Cours lsocoma menziesii Asteraceae Coast NNG, DCSS (Hook&Am.) goldenbush G. Nesom Lessingiafilaginifolia (Hook & Asteraceae Sand aster NNG,DCSS Am.) M.A. Lane var. fi/agin ifolia Stephanomeria virgata Benth. Asteraceae Eight o'clock, NNG Sticky twiggy plant Taraxacum o{ficianale Wi_gg. Asteraceae Dandelion NNG Cryptantha sp. Boraginaceae Popcorn flower NNG Brassica nigra (1.) Koch Brassicaceae Black mustard NNG Lepidium sp. Brassicaceae Peppergrass NNG Si/ene gallica L. Caryophyllaceae Windmill pink NNG Spergula arvensis L. Caryophyllaceae Stickwort, NNG ssp. arvensis Starwort A triplex argentea Nutt. Chenopodiaceae Silverscale DCSS 16 Scientific Name Family Common Name Habitat Calystegia Convolvulaceae Morning glory NNG macrostegia (E. Greene) Brummitt Crassu/a connata Crassulaceae Pygmy weed NNG, CSS (Ruiz Lopez & Pavon) A. Berger Marah macrocarpus Cucurbi taceae Wild cucumber css (E. Greene) E. Greene Chamaesyce Euphorbiaceae Rattlesnake weed NNG, DCSS albomarginata (Wheeler) Koutnik Eremocarpus Euphorbiaceae Turkey mullein, NNG setigerus Doveweed (Hook) Benth. Euphorbia Euphorbiaceae Chinese caps NNG crenulata Engelm. Lathyrus sp. Fabaceae Sweetp_ea NNG Lotus hamatus E. Fabaceae Rock outcrops Greene Lotus scoparius Fabaceae Deerweed NNG,DCSS (Nutt.) Ottley Lupinus bico/or Fabaceae Lupine NNG Lindley Melilotus indica (L.) Fabaceae Yellow sweetclover NNG All. Erodium cicutarium Geraniaceae Red stemnmed NNG (L.) filaree L'Her. Erodium botrys Geraniaceae Filaree NNG (Cav.) Bertol. Phace/ia cicutaria Hydrophyllaceae Caterpillar phacelia NNG E. Greene Ma/ocothamnus Malvaceae Bush mallow css fasciculatus (Torrey& Gray) E. Greene 17 Scientific Name Family Common Name Habitat Sida/cea malvaejlora (DC.) Malvaceae Checker mallow NNG Benth Mirabilis ca/ifornica A. Gray Nyctaginaceae Wishbone plant Rock outcrops, CSS Oxalis albicans Kunth. Oxalidaceae NNG Eschscholzia cali/ornica Cham. Papaveraceae California poppy NNG Plantago erecta E. Morris Plantaginaceae Dot seed plantain css Eriogonum fasciculatum Bcnth. Polygonaceae Flat-topped css buckwheat Pterostegia drymarioides Polygonaceae Granny's hairnet css Fischer & C. Meyer Rumex hymenosep_eJ2alus Torrey Polvgonaceae Wild rhubarb NNG Anagalis arvensis L. Primulaceae Scarlet NNG pimpernel Adolphia californica S. Watson Rhamnaceae California NNG adolphia Gallium sp. Rubiaceae Bedstraw NNG. CSS Solanum parishii A.A. Heller Solanaceae Nightshade css Antirrhinum nutta/lianum Scrophulariaceae Nuttall's css Benth. snapdraEon Castilleja exserta (A.A. Heller) Scrophulariaceae Owl's clover NNG Chuang and Heckard Sisyrinchium bellum S. Watson Iridaceae Blue eyed grass NNG Chlorgalum parviflorum Liliaceae Soap plant NNG S. Watson Juncus rugu/osus Engehn. Juncaceae Wrinkled rush Southern drainage Bloomeria crocea Liliaceae Goldenstar NNG Calochortus splendens Benth. Liliaceae Mariposa lily NNG Dichelostemma capitatum Alph. Liliaceae Blue dicks NNG Wood Avenasp. Poaceae Wild oats NNG Bromus madritensis L. Poaceae Foxtail chess NNG ssp. rubens (L.) Husnot Bromus hordeaceus L. Poaceae Soft chess NNG Bromussp. Poaceae Brome NNG La marc/cia au rea (L.) Moench Poaceae Goldentop NNG Lolium multi/lorum Lam. Poaceae Italian ryegrass NNG Nassella sp. Poaceae Needle grass NNG Shaded species are exotic species. Most scientific nomenclature is based upon the Jepson Manual. 18 Appendix 2 Sensitive Species Potentially extant on the Shelley property. Species Latin Name Status• Habitat Survey Notes Time Rufous Aimophila Fed: SOC Coastal sage Year round Seen during Crowned ruficeps State: sse scrub and the 1999 Sparrow HMP: other low field Covered growing surveys on scrub lands site. Coastal Brunneicapillus Fed: SOC Scrub and Year round No habitat Cactus cousei State: sse chaparral for this Wren HMP: with large species None stands of occurs on cactus site. California Polioptila Fed: Coastal sage Year round Observed Gnatcatcher ca/ifomica Threatened scrub, on site State: sse sometimes during both MHCP: southern the 1999 Covered maritime and 2001 chaparral surveys. and Always maritime observed succulent north of the scrub power lines in the CSS. Orange Cnemidophorus Fed: SOC Many low Spring and Wasn't Throated hyperythrus State: sse elevation Sum. observed Whiptail MHCP: scrub and during the Covered chaparral 1999 or habitats 2000 surveys; potential does exist for it to occur on site. San Diego Phrynosma Fed: SOC Many native Spring A single Homed corona tum State: sse habitats, adult was Lizard blainvillei MHCP: usually in observed Potentially association during the Covered with 1999 harvester survey. ants 19 Species Latin Name Status* Habitat Survey Notes Time Encinitas Baccharis Fed: Southern Spring-Not Baccharis vanessae Threatened mixed or Fall observed, State: southern no Endangered maritime appropriate MHCP: chaparral habitat on Narrow with sandy site. Endemic soils Wart-Ceanothus ~ed: SOC Southern Year round Not Stemmed verrucossus State: None maritime observed on Lilac MHCP: chaparral, site; would Covered sometimes have been southern easily mixed observable. chaparral Sea-Dahlia Coreopsis Fed: None Coastal Spring None maritima State: None bluff areas observed on MHCP: site, would None have been apparent during the survey. Del Mar Corethrogyne Fed: None Sandy soils Late Sum. Not Sand Aster filaginifolia var. State: None from observed on linifolia MHCP: Carlsbad site (see Now lumped Narrow south to La text). with other sand Endemic Jolla asters as Lessingia filaf;!ini[olia Summer Comarostaphylis Fed: SOC Southern Year round Not Holly diversiloba State: None mixed observed on MHCP: chaparral site; would Covered have been easily observable. Orcutt's Hazardia Fed: SOC Known Sum. Not golden bush orcuttia State: None from only observed MHCP: one U.S. Narrow location in Endemic Encinitas 21 Species Latin Name Status* Habitat Survey Notes Time California Adolphia Fed: None Coastal Year Observed on Adolphia ca/ifornica State: None Sage and round site MHCP: Chaparral None areas Thread Brodiaea filifolia Fed: Diablo and May Not observed leaved Threatened other clay on site and brodiaea State: soils, often would have Endangered intermixed been visible. MHCP: with exotics (see text). Narrow Endemic Orcutt's Brodiaea orcutti Fed: SOC Clay soils May Not observed brodiaea State: sse on site. MHCP: Narrow Endemic San Diego Muilla clevelandii Fed: None Native May Not observed Goldenstar State: None grasslands on site. MHCP: Narrow Endemic 23 Regulatory Status Designations Federal Endangered: Species is listed as Endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and protected by the Endangered Species Act. Threatened: Species is listed as Threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and protected by the Endangered Species Act. Species of Concern (SOC): Species is considered to be declining or otherwise may require listing in the future. US Fish and Wildlife Service is either trying to gain additional information about these species or monitor current trends. Proposed Threatened or Endangered: Species has been proposed for listing by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, but hasn't been formally listed yet. These species are to be treated as if they were listed. Endangered: Species is listed as Endangered by the California Department ofFish and Game (CDFG), and protected by the State of California Endangered Species Act. Threatened: Species is listed as Threatened by the California Department ofFish and Game (CDFG), and protected by the State of California Endangered Species Act. Species of Special Concern: Species is considered to be declining or otherwise may require listing in the future. California Department of Fish and Game is either trying to gain additional information about species, or monitor current trends. Habitat Manangemcnt Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad (A subarea of the MHCP) The City of Carlsbad has entered an agreement with both the CDFG and US Fish and Wildlife Service with regard to how some species in Carlsbad are to be managed. Narrow Endemic: Species with specific habitat requirements that are sufficiently rare to need special protections wherever they occur. Covered: Species for which the management provided by the Habitat Management 24 Not Covered: Plan is considered adequate to protect the species, and as long as the guidelines are followed such species would be expected to persist, within the Habitat Management Plan. Species for which the management provided by the Habitat Management Plan is not believed sufficient to allow them to persist or there isn't enough information about the species to know how it will respond to the management of the Habitat Management Plan. Proposed Covered: Species which will be covered by the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan only if the management through the larger Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan is determined sufficient to protect the species. 25 Appendix 3 Site Photos 26 Shelley Property 2002 Photo #1 Notes View of the property from the southwest comer View of the point where the sewer line will cross the north -south drainage. Shelley Property M 2002 Photo 3 Notes View from the southeast corner looking at the grazed area View of the grazed areas from the northeastern corner of the grazed areas. Shelley Proper1y M 2002 Photo 5 Notes View of coastal sage scrub north of the power · View looking south of property line at end of the drainage. Bibliography Bond, Suzanne I. 1977. An Annotated List of the Mammals of San Diego County, California. Transactions of the San Diego Society ofNatural History. Bowman, Roy H. et al. 1973. Soil Survey: San Diego Area, California. USDA Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service. United States. California Department ofFish and Game. March 2001. California Natural Diversity Database. California Department of Fish and Game_Sacramento, CA City of San Diego. 2000. Guidelines for Conducting Biological Surveys. San Diego, CA City of San Diego. 2000. Significance Determination Guidelines Under California Environmental Quality Act; Biological Resources, Page 11 revised November, 2000. San Diego, CA City of San Diego. 2000. Land Development Code, Biology Guidelines, June 6, 2000; Adopted by Resolution No. R-293254-1 Heywood, V.H. 1993. Flowering Plants of the World. Oxford University Press. New York. NY Hickman, James C. 1993. The Jepson Manual. University of California Press. Berkeley and Los Angeles, California. National Geographic Society. 1999. Field Guide to the Birds of North America. The National Geographic Society. Washington D.C. Reiser, Craig H. 1994 Rare Plants of San Diego County. Imperial Beach. Aquafir Press Skinner, Mark & Pavlik, Bruce. 1994. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. The California Native Plant Society. Sacremento, California 5lh edition Stebbins, Robert C. 1985. Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Company. New York, NY Unitt, Phil. 1984. The Birds of San Diego County. San Diego Natural History Museum. San Diego, CA 30