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Home My WebLink AboutGPA 06-09; Muroya Subdivision; General Plan Amendment (GPA) (15)I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I FIRST ANNUAL BIOLOGICAL MONITORING REPORT for the MUROYA UPLANDS MITIGATION PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA A.KA. VISTA DEL MAR Prepared for: Taylor Morrison Services, Inc. IS Cushing Irvine, California 92618 Contact: April Tornillo Prepared by: DUDEK 605 Third Street Encinitas, California 92024 Tel. 760.942.5147 Contact: Paul Walsh, Landscape Architea #4446 Habitat Restoration Specialist NOVEMBER 2013 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page No. SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................. III 1.0 PROJECT INFORMATION .......•.................................................................................... 1 2.0 MONITORING SCHEDULE AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ....................... 9 2.1 Agency-Approved Performance Standards ............................................................. 9 3.0 BIOLOGICAL MONITORING ..................................................................................... 11 3 .I Monitoring Results/Data ....................................................................................... II 3.2 Monitoring Results Compared to Performance Standards ................................... 12 4.0 SUMMARY OF YEAR ONE MAINTENANCE AND REMEDIAL ACTIONS ........................................................................................ 15 5.0 MAINTENANCE AND REMEDIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YEAR TWO .........•.............................................................................................•.... 17 6.0 REFERENCES ..............•..............................................•................................................... 19 FIGURES I Regional Map ....................................................................................................................... 3 2 Vicinity Map ........................................................................................................................ 5 3 Mitigation Area Map and Photo Locations .......................................................................... ? 4 Site Photographs ................................................................................................................ 13 TABLES I 2 3 Monitoring Time line ............................................................................................................ 9 Performance Criteria by Year .............................................................................................. 9 Performance Criteria Compared to Actual Percent Cover (Year One) .............................. l2 DUDEK 5332-01 November 2013 First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK DUDEK ii 5332-01 November 2013 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California SUMMARY This report summarizes the first-year (October 2012-0ctober 2013) monitoring results for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project (Mitigation Project). The Mitigation Project was designed to mitigate for upland impacts associated with the construction of the Muroya (a.k.a. Vista del Mar) single-family housing project. The Mitigation Project is located in the City of Carlsbad, California, immediately west of Black Rail Road. The project was installed in accordance with the Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Muroya Property, City of Carlsbad, California, dated December 20 I I The first-year performance of the Mitigation Project was assessed utilizing qualitative data collected during biological monitoring visits conducted in January, February, April and October 2013. Results of the first-year monitoring indicate that habitat establishment has been good during Year One. Native cover ranged from 40--60% with an overall average estimated at 50%. Species diversity is good, with over I 5 different native species inventoried. Weed growth and cover was moderate to high during Year One. The maintenance contractor (HRS) performed routine weed control during Year One. The site was irrigated during the first year to help establish the native container plantings and hydro seed. The primary maintenance activities during Year One included weed control, seasonal irrigation system adjustments and removing trash and debris. The habitat fencing remains in place and in-tact. Erosion has not been observed in the mitigation areas. Trash accumulation during Year One was not significant and the contractor removed trash during routine maintenance visits. Illegal dumping in the mitigation area was not observed. The Year One performance standards have been met or exceeded and remedial actions are not necessary at this time. Quarterly maintenance visits that focus on timely weed control, seasonal irrigation system adjustments, and trash removal are recommended for year two. DUDEK iii 5332-01 November 2013 First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK DUDEK iv 5332-01 November 2013 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California 1.0 PROJECT INFORMATION The Vista Del Mar project located on the former Muroya property includes an approximately 10- acre residential development within the approximately 20-acre property (Figures 1-3). The property falls within the jurisdiction of the City of Carlsbad (City), is located in the southern portion of the City, and is subject to the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP) and California Coastal Commission regulations. Diegan coastal sage scrub (DCSS), southern mixed chaparral (SMX), and southern maritime chaparral (SMC) habitats occur within the project site. The federally listed threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila ca/ifornica californica) has been documented utilizing the native habitat areas on site. Mitigation for impacts to southern mixed chaparral and southern maritime chaparral were provided through land dedication and on-site habitat restoration. This report addresses the on-site restoration of 0.05 acre of southern mixed chaparral and 0.87 acre of southern maritime chaparral for a total of0.92 acre of on-site uplands mitigation. The project proponent is Taylor Morrison of California LLC, which is located at 15 Cushing Avenue, Irvine, California 92618. The contact person at Taylor Morrison is April Tornillo, phone: 949.341.1289. Dudek is serving as environmental consultant for the Mitigation Project. The representative for the project at Dudek is Paul Walsh (Habitat Restoration Specialist). Dudek's phone number is 760.479.4265. DUDEK 5332-01 November 2013 First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK DUDEK 2 5332-01 November 2013 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I --,, Pacific 0 c e a n. 0 5 DUDEK 5332 10 15 Miles Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project MEXICO FIGURE 1 Regional Map First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK DUDEK 4 5332-01 November 2013 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I DUDEK 5332 SOURCE: USGS 7.5-Mnute Senes Quadrangle. Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK DUDEK 6 5332-01 November 2013 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ------------------- DUDEK SOURCE .C! (;j a.. 1----------i 7608-01 Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project [Z] Muroya Project Preserve ~ HMP 20-Foot Buffer Proposed Chaparral Restoration Areas Q Southern Maritime Chaparral Q Southern Mixed Chaparral Development Area ---SDG&E Easement Vegetation Communities/Landcovers D AGR, Agriculture D BS, Baccharis Scrub D CSS, Coastal Sage Scrub D DEV, Developed Land D DH, Disturbed Habitat D LG, Leymus condensatus Grassland D ORN, Ornamental Planting D SMC, Southern Maritime Chaparral D SMX, Southern Mixed Chaparral 1-0 Photo Location Point and Direction FIGURE 3 Mitigation Area and Photo Locations Map ~ ~ L------L------------------------------------------------~ DUDEK' First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 8 5332-01 November 2013 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I g Report for the First Annual Biological Monitorin Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California 2.0 MONITORING SCHEDULE AND PER FORMANCESTANDARDS Table I shows a monitoring timeline for the five-year monitoring/reporting tasks completed to date. biological monitoring program and Year J F M A 2012 2013 M M 2014 2015 2016 2017 Table 1 Monitoring Timeline M J J M A s 0 N D s M R c s Completion of Site Preparation, Irrigation installation and Start of the Five-Ye ar Maintenance and Monitoring Period M R c D Biological Monitoring Pertormed Report Due/submitted Scheduled Completion ofthe Five-Year Maintenance and Monitoring Period Monitoring Work Completed to Date 2.1 Agency-Approved Performance Sta ndards Table 2 outlines the agency-approved performance standard s for each year. Percent Survival of Year Container Plants 1 90 2 80 3 80 4 80 5 80 Table 2 Performance Criteria by Coastal Sage Scru Year b Percent Native Cover Percen t Non-native Cover 30 < 20 40 < 15 50 < 10 60 <10 75 <5 Percent Survival Total percentage survival of all container plants. Percent Cover Total percent cover of all native plant species, including trees, shrubs D Current year . and herbs. DUDEK 9 Percent Invasive/Exotics 0 0 0 0 0 5332-01 November 2013 First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK DUDEK 10 5332-01 November 2013 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the • Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California 3.0 BIOLOGICAL MONITORING Biological monitoring is conducted quarterly each year. Visual estimates of percent native and weed species cover and dead plant counts are conducted during the fall quarter of each year. Line intercept transect data will be collected in during years 3-5 and tabulated. Monitoring data collected during Year One is summarized below. 3.1 Monitoring Results/Data Quarterly monitoring site visits included an assessment of plant and habitat health and vigor (or mortality), species presence, weed and invasive species control, an assessment ofthe soil moisture and watering schedule, boundary fencing/signage, erosion control, and the need for trash removal. Overall, the Mitigation Project is in good condition. Container plants throughout the site are establishing and the hydroseeding has germinated and is growing well in most areas. Native recruitment of coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis) and yerba buena (Eriodictyon californica) have been observed. Species diversity is high with over 15 native species tallied within the mitigation areas. Native plant species present on site include the following: coastal goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii), coyote brush, California sage scrub (Artemisia californica), deerweed (Lotus scoparius), black sage (Salvia mellifera) buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), sticky monkey flower, (Diplacus aurantiacus), costal cholla (Opuntia littoralis), wart-stem ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucusus), chamise, (Adensostoma fasciculata), lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia), Mojave yucca (Yucca Shidigera) and Nutall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa). Native cover was visually estimated in October 2013 and ranged from 40%-60% with an overall average of approximately 50%. Figure 4 includes representative photographs of the mitigation areas. A dead plant count was conducted in October 2013. The following container plants were tallied as dead: 6 Diplacus auranticus, 3 Xylosma bicolor, and 2 Yucca shidigera. Dudek does not recommend replacing these container plants at this time because more than 90% of the planted containers have survived and the site exceeded the performance standards for Year One. Weeds germination was heavy during Year One. The most prevalent weed species requiring control included black mustard (Brassica nigra), spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata), and goosefoot (Chenopodium spp.). Weed cover was visually estimated in October 2013 and ranged between 10-15%. HRS controlled weeds periodically during Year One with a combination of hand tools and spot spraying of herbicide. DUDEK 11 5332-01 November 2013 -------------------------------------. First Annual Biological Monitoripg Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California The irrigation system appeared to be in good working order and the site is currently being irrigated about once every 15 days. Soil moisture was adequate. No erosion problems were observed within the mitigation areas. The project boundary posts, fencing and signage appeared to be in good order. Trash accumulation was minimal and is removed during maintenance visits by HRS. 3.2 Monitoring Results Compared to Performance Standards I I I I I I Results of the Year one data indicate that the relative percent cover of native species, as well as the overall container plant mortality, exceeds the performance standards for Year One. Weed I cover was within the acceptable range (<20%) for Year One. Table3 I Performance Criteria Compared to Actual Percent Cover (Year One) Criteria Category Performance Criteria .• Actual Percent Cover Percent Container Survival ;, 90 97 Percent Native Cover ;, 30 50 Percent Weed Cover < 20 15 Minimal container plants deaths were noted in Year One. Container plant growth and hydroseed establishment have been good, and natural recruitment observed, therefore, replacement plantings are not necessary at this time. During the fall quarter monitoring visit, container plant mortality was limited to II container plants. Percent native cover was determined during Year one to be 50% (average) which exceeds the 30% goal for Year One. Weed cover was determined during Year one to range from approximately 10-15% cover which exceeds the performance goal ofless than 20% cover by weed species. DUDEK 12 5332-01 November 2013 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I DUDEK 53~2 I NOVEMBER"-• Photo Point 1 Photo Point 2 Photo Point 4 Photo Point 5 Annual Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project Photo Point 3 Note: See Figure 3 for Photo Point Locations FIGURE 4 Mitigation Site Photographs DUDEK First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 14 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 5332-01 November 2013 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California 4.0 SUMMARY OF YEAR ONE MAINTENANCE AND REMEDIAL ACTIONS Maintenance activities during the first year included weed control, irrigation system management and scheduling, and trash removal. Each of these maintenance items are discussed in more detail below: • Weed control efforts were performed approximately monthly during the first four months and every three months thereafter during the Year One. In general, weed growth was controlled by carefully spot spraying with herbicide or hand pulling. Weed cover in fall 2013 was estimated at 10-15% • The irrigation system was operated as-needed during the Year One to establish the native container plantings and hydroseeding. Currently the mitigation project is being irrigated approximately once every 15 days Irrigation is generally deep and infrequent. • The percent vegetative cover and species diversity was assessed during fall (October) 2013. The percent cover was visually estimated and ranged from 30--60%. Photos were taken of each mitigation area (Figure 4). Species diversity was estimated by listing all native species observed during the fall 2013 site visit. More than 15 different native species were tallied. • A dead plant count was conducted on fall 2013. The following container plants were tallied as dead: 6 Diplacus auranticus, 3 Xylosma bicolor, and 2 Yucca shidigera. The container plants were one-gallon size. Because seed germination and natural recruitment has been good and species diversity is high, replacement plants were not deemed necessary at this time. • Trash and debris were removed on a regular basis during Year One by HRS. Remedial work was not need during Year One. DUDEK 15 5332-01 November 2013 First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK DUDEK 16 5332-01 November 2013 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 5.0 First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California MAINTENANCE AND REMEDIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YEAR TWO Maintenance work during Year Two should include timely weed control that focuses on weed control prior to the weeds setting seed or producing significant green -waste/bio mass. The irrigation schedule should be adjusted during Year Two to coincide with local weather patterns and precipitation. The goal is to provide deep and infrequent irrigation and eventually taper the site off of irrigation by the end of Year Three. Trash should be removed during routine maintenance visits. Remedial actions are not needed at this time. DUDEK 17 5332-01 November 2013 First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK DUDEK 18 5332-01 November 2013 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California 6.0 REFERENCES Final Conceptual Upland Mitigation Plan for the Muroya Property, City of Carlsbad, California, December 20 II. DUDEK 19 5332-01 November 2013 First Annual Biological Monitoring Report for the Muroya Uplands Mitigation Project, Carlsbad, California INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK DUDEK 20 5332-01 November 2013 I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I