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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLCPA 02-03; Zone 19 Park; Local Coastal Program Amendment (LCPA) (5). June 11,2002 U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service Attention: John Martin 2730 Loker Avenue West Carlsbad, CA 92008 SUBJECT: LCPA 02-03MP 177@D)/CUP 01-22/HDP 01-07/CDP 01-31 - ZONE 19 PARK Pursuant to our previous conversations, I am enclosing copies of the latest biological information requested on this project. You had requested additional biological information on two subjects (potential impacts to Del Mar manzanita and potential impacts to gnatcatchers from the buttress fill work). We hope that, on the basis of these documents, you will be able to give us the written concurrence necessary to satisfy the Coastal Commission on two items. The first is that the small take of habitat (.03 acre of coastal sage scrub for the buttress fill work) qualifies for a de minimis exemption. The second is that the open space corridor on the site has been established in consultation with CDFGRJSFWS and meets NCCPMMP requirements. The first package included is a letter and exhibit regarding the Del Mar manzanita. These documents demonstrate that the single Del Mar manzanita plant on the site will not be impacted by the proposed park development. The biologist's letter recommends that a physical barrier be constructed between the construction activities and the Del Mar manzanita plant prior to project implementation. This recommendation has already been included as a mitigation measure in the original environmental documentation (provided to you previously). The second package included is a copy of the gnatcatcher survey exhibit and a report on the findings. As you will see, the biologist's report states that no gnatcatchers were observed or heard within the buttress fill area. The report concludes that the project will not have any direct impacts on gnatcatchers. The original environmental documentation included a mitigation measure requiring all lighting to be designed to reduce light spillage and to be oriented toward the active use areas to minimize any potential for light spillage into the sensitive resource areas and other surrounding uses. The proposed park will, of course, be subject to the grading restrictions necessary to prevent any indirect impacts to gnatcatchers. The Coastal Development Permit will contain a condition prohibiting grading of the site during the gnatcatcher breeding season (from February 1st to September 15th). We believe these conditions adequately address any potential for indirect impacts. We hope that, on the basis of this additional information, you will be able to provide the written concurrence we need. With the biologist's opinion that there will be no direct impacts to gnatcatchers and the mitigation measures and conditions already applied to the project, we hope you will be able to offer your concurrence that the .03-acre take is de minimis. The HMP hardlines have been developed in consultation with CDFGRJSFWS, and this project is consistent with the HMP with the exception of the encroachment into preserve area for storm water management and slope stabilization. The biologist has indicated that the buttress fill work will have no direct impacts and conditions/mitigation measures have been applied which should prevent indirect impacts from this activity. The park has been designed to provide the minimum range and amount of activities necessary for a community park (i.e., only one 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 (760) 602-4600 FAX (760) 602-8559 www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us .~. - ~ ~ ~ - - LCPA 02-03MP 177(DD)/CW -22/HDP 01-07/CDP 01-31 - ZONE 19 PARh .. June 1 1,2002 Page 2 soccer field, only one baseball diamond, etc.). We believe that the project as designed meets all requirements of the NCCP program and hope that you will be able to concur. Please call me at (760) 602-462 1 if you have any questions. Sincerely, EiAINE BLACKBURN Senior Planner EB:cr C: Don Rideout Gary Wayne File " .