HomeMy WebLinkAbout3184; CANNON ROAD WEST; ANNUAL REPORTS YEARS 1-5 WETLAND MITIGATION AREAS; 2003-09-01il
FIFTH YEAR ANNUAL REPORT 2003
Cannon Road Extension (Reaches I & 2)
1 Mitigation Areas
OE Permit Nos. 97-20130-TDC & 97-20131-TDC
CDFG Permit No. 5-044-97
USFWS Biological Opinion No. 1-6-97F-51
Coastal Commission Permit No. 6-97-11
;bad
:s-Engineering Department
rAvenue
92008-7314
scape Inc.
ck Lane
A 92029
Executive Summary
This report documents installation and fifth year monitoring for the Cannon Road
extension (Reaches I and 2) Wetland Mitigation Project. The City of Carlsbad
(City) is creating 6.34 acres of new wetlands at three mitigation sites (A, C and
D) to mitigate for the loss of 2.64 acres of lurisdictional wetlands lost to impacted
for project construction. The report period is from September 2002 to September
2003.
Section 1.0 reviews the project history and mitigation site locations
Section 2.0 provides the results of the 4k" and 5 t year of post-installation
monitoring
The horticultural and botanical monitoring results for the Fifth year of Site A and
the third year of Sites C, D and Extra Area A are covered this year. This section
also reviews the pampas grass eradication, brown-headed cowbird trapping and
least Bell's vireo monitoring programs required to take place in Macario Canyon
for five-years.
Section 3.0 compares the results of botanical monitoring against project
success standards
Section 4.0 makes remedial recommendations for next growing year
These recommendations are summarized below:
Site A: Macario Canyon
1. Discontinue exotic plant and weed control on N & S Macario Canyon
Mitigation.
Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre
Continue no irrigation again for the second year.
Continue weed control Picris & Brussica esp. as well as all other spp.
Site C: El Camino Real
1. Continue removing invasive exotic plant species from this site with a
particular focus on pampas grass, tamarisk and Picris
Site D: Kelly Drive
1. Discontinue removal ofto remove all new invasive exotic plant species
within 100 feet of the site borders with a particular focus on: palms,
pampas grass, bristly ox tongue, and sweet clover.
Native Landscape Inc. 2 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
Monitoring Recommendations
Continue semi-monthly monitoring and final biological monitoring on the
Site A Additional 0.25 Acre Area.
Continue maintenance at Site A 0.25 Acre Area.
Continue using the saltmarsh monitoring protocols.
Discontinue all maintenance and monitoring at Site A (N & S) and Site D
Continue maintenance and monitoring of Site C.
(
Native Landscape Inc. 3 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table of Contents
ExecutiveSummary ..............................................................................................2
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ................................................. 62.6
1.1 Project History ..................................................................................... 72-7
1.2 Project Location ..................................................................................727
1.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon................................................................72-7
1.2.2 Site C: El Camino Real .................................................................. 828
1.2.3 Site D: Kelly Road ........................................................................828
2.0 POST - INSTALLATION MONITORING ................................................828
2.1 METHODS .......................................................................................... 82-8
2.1.1 Monthly Progress Reports ............................................................828
2.1.2 Horticultural Monitoring ................................................................. 920
2.1.3 Botanical Monitoring .....................................................................920
2.2 HORTICULTURAL MONITORING RESULTS ................................10240
2.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon ............................................................ 10240
2.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 acres of Mitigation Planting ..................12242
2.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real ............................................................. 13242
2.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive.....................................................................14213
2.3 BOTANICAL MONITORING RESULTS ..........................................15244
2.3.1 Results Site A: Macario Canyon ...............................................15244
2.3.2 Results: Site A: Additional 0.25 Acres ......................................20248
2.3.3 Results Site C: El Carnino Real ................................................ 23220
2.3.4 Results Site D: Kelly Drive ........................................................ 28228
2.4 PAMPAS GRASS ERADICATION PROGRAM PROGRESS .......... 31226
2.5 LEAST BELL'S VIREO MONITORING RESULTS .......................... 32220
2.6 COWBIRD TRAPPING RESULTS ..................................................34220
3.0 DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF PROJECT SUCCESS STANDARDS
.........................................................................................35226
3.1 SUCCESS STANDARDS ............................................................... .35226
3.2 DISCUSSION ................................................................................... 37226
3.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon ........................................................... 37220
3.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area .............................................38220
'3.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real ............................................................. 39220
3.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive ..................................................................... 40220
3.2.5 Completion of 5-Year Pampas Grass Eradication Program .... ..41220
3.2.6 Completion of 5-Year Macario Canyon Least Bell's Vireo ........42220
Monitoring Program ................................................................... . ........ 42226
3.2.7 Completion of 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program
.........................................................................................42220
4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................42220
4.1 SITE A: MACARIO CANYON .......................................................... 42220
4.1.1 Continuing Removal of Invasive Exotics ................................... 42226
4.1.2 Buffer Zone Weed Control ............................................................ 42226
4.2 SITE A: ADDITIONAL 0.25 ACRE MITIGATION AREA .....................42226
Native Landscape Inc. 4 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
4.2.1 Continuing Irrigation Is Not Needed . 4226
4.3 SITE C: EL CAMINO REAL ............................................................. 42226
4.3.1 Continuing Removal of Invasive Exotics ................................... 42226
4.3.2 Irrigation Is No Longer Needed At This Site .............................42226
4.4 SITE D: KELLY DRIVE ...................................................................t2226
4.4.1 Invasive Exotic Species Control Along Site Borders ................. 43226
4.4.2 Irrigation Is No Longer Needed At This Site .............................43226
4.5 MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................... .....43226
4.5.1 Continued Use of Smaller Sampling Transects on 0.25-Acre Area
.............................................................................43226
LIST OF FIGURES
1 Location of Mitigation Sites 8A
2 Mitigation Site A 9A
3 Mitigation Site C IOA
4 . Mitigation Site D 11
List of Tables
Table 1, Revised Mitigation Acreage Summary ...............................................72.7
Table 2, Site A: Summary Tree Height Data ...............................................1624-5
Table 3, Site A: Additional Sycamore & Cottonwood Summary Height Data for
August20032001...................................................................................172-4-6
Table 4, Site A: Canopy Cover .................................................................... 182-4-7
Table 5, Site A: Tree/Shrub Density ............................................................ 1924-g
Table 6, Species Established at Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area .............22249
Table 7, Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area Summary Tree Height Data......2224-9
Table 8, Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area Canopy Cover ..........................23226
Table 9, Site A Additional 0.25 Acre Area Tree/Shrub Density ....................23226
Table 10, Species Established at Site C ......................................................25224
Table 11, Site C: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree Height Data .............. 27222
Table 12, Site C: Canopy Cover Growth .....................................................27222
Table 13, Site C: Tree/Shrub Density .......................................................... 2822
Table 14, Species Established at Site D ......................................................29224
Table 15, Site D: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree Height Data .............. 30226
Table 16, Site D: Canopy Cover Growth .....................................................30226
Table 17, Site D: Tree/Shrub Cover ............................................................. 31226
Table 18, Project Success Standards ..........................................................37226
Native Landscape Inc. 5 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
As mitigation for the lossimpacts to of-3.32-30 acres of jurisdictional wetlands
impacts (1.72 acres of permanent direct, 0.9 acres of indirect shading, and 0.68
acres of temporary direct) associated with the construction of the Cannon Road
Extension (Reaches 1 and 2) in Carlsbad, California, the City of Carlsbad (City)
is creating 6.43 acres of new wetlands (Tetra Tech 1997, 1998) on three
mitigation sites described below. This mitigation is designed to meet the
conditions set forth in the following permits and opinions:
Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)
Permits Nos'97-20130-TDC & 97-20131-TDC
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)
Streambed Alteration Permit No. 5-044-97, 5-045-97
California Coastal Commission (CCC)
Coastal Development Permit No. 65-044-97-11
Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS)
Biological Opinion No. 1-6-97-F-51
In addition, the Biological Opinion issued for the project and referenced in the
ACOE and CDFG permits require three additional mitigation efforts be
completed: 1) a 5-year least Bell's vireo (Viero bellii pusillus) monitoring program
in Macario Canyon, 2) a 5-year brown headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) trapping
program in Macario Canyon, and 5-year pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana)
eradication effort in 28 acres of existing riparian woodlands in Macario Canyon.
In addition, the City eradicated pampas grass in 6 additional acres in order to
complete eradication along the entire mitigation site edges in Macario Canyon.
The City designated 1.28 acres out of this additional effort under agreement with
the CDFG (Howard 1998) as mitigation at a 4:1 ratio for 0.32 acre of non-
jurisdictional Mulefat scrub (Mitigated Negative Declaration CDP 98-47) removed
during the construction of the Cannon Road Extension/El Camino Real
Intersection. The remaining 4.72 acres of eradication the City hopes to apply to
future City wetland mitigation needs.
Initially Burkhart Environmental Consulting (BEC) and Native Landscape Inc.
(Native Landscape) were hired by the City to monitor and maintain the new
wetland areas. This report reviews the installation work completed for each of
the mitigation areas between 1 January 1998 and 11 October 1999 and presents
an analysis of data collected to determine if the mitigations are progressing
adequately to meet the 5-year success standards set by permits. The report
focuses on the fifthfourth year of post-installation monitoring for Site A completed
in the late spring of 1998 and the forththicd year of post-installation monitoring for
Native Landscape Inc. 6 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Site C and D and the additional 0.25 acre area at Site A installed in the spring
and summer of 1999.
1.1 Project History
Mitigation acreage for this project was originally proposed for creation at only one
site in Macario Canyon (Site A). The remainder of the mitigation requirements
for the project was to be satisfied by a contribution to a long-term management
endowment for the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Open Space Preserve. However,
when the CCC would not accept the management contribution as appropriate
mitigation, the City proposed three additional wetland creation sites in the project
area (Sites B, C, and D). AfterHowever, after hydrological analysis was
completed for the Cannon Road Extension improvements, the project engineers
concluded it would not be possible to use Site B for mitigation acreage. The City
subsequently proposed relocating the Site (0.44 acres) to areas adjacent to each
of the other mitigation sites (BEC 1/28/99). This relocation was approved by the
resource agencies (Table 1).
Table 1, Revised Mitigation Acreage Summary
Original approved
Acreage
Final Installed
Acreage
Area A 4.10 4.35
Area B 0.44 0.00
Area C 1.30 1.45
Area D 0.50 0.54
Totals 6.34 6.34
Table 24, Revised Mitigation Acreage Summary
1.2 Project Location
The final mitigation sites (A, C, and D) are located in the City of Carlsbad within
the general vicinity of the road improvements that caused the original wetland
losses.
1.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon
Site A is located adjacent to the existing Macario Canyon drainage south of the
extension of Faraday Avenue to Cannon, referred to as the North and South
Mitigation Areas. The additional 0.25-acre mitigation area designed to
compensate for part of the loss of acreage at the eliminated Site B is a 10-foot
strip was planted on the eastern edge of the southern mitigation site in Macario
Canyon. The Macario Canyon drainage runs from Carlsbad Research Center
Business Park, through the future Veteran'sVertran's Memorial Park, under the
Cannon Road Bridge into Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The mitigation sites are
located in a 50 to 100 foot wide strip on the east side of the existing wetland
vegetation found in the drainage. The wetland creation sites along the drainage
are bordered to the east by an approximately 90 to 100 foot wide upland buffer
Native Landscape Inc. 7 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
- Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
strip that has been seeded with coastal sage scrub species (Figure 2).
1.2.2 Site C: El Camino Real
Site C is located about 300 feet northwest of the intersection of Cannon Road
with El Camino Real. It is divided into North and South Mitigation Areas by a
peninsula of existing riparian woodland and freshwater marsh. The southern
area was a former flood control berm about 40 feet wide running about 1,000 feet
in length parallel to the existing creek channel to the south. These berm soils
were removed to create grades acceptable for wetland creation. (Figure 3)
1.2.3 Site D: Kelly Road
Site D is at the west end of Kelly Street (off El Camino Real) where it intersects
with Park Drive. A drainage channel enters the Agua Hedionda Lagoon open
space at the southeast corner of the mitigation area and continues along its
southern border. The site itself was created after a long peninsula of fill materials
were removed to restore former wetland grades. The site is bordered on its
south side by existing willow woodland along the creek drainage and on its north
side by salt marsh (Figure 4).
2.0 POST - INSTALLATION MONITORING
Post-installation monitoring and maintenance for Macario Canyon Site A began
in May 1998, for Sites C and Din July 1999, and for the additional 0.25 acres
planted at Site A in August 1999. Monitoring is divided between regular
horticultural visits to assess landscape maintenance needs and the collection of
quantitative botanical data to determine progress towards permit success
standards. Because ilnstallation was finished half way through the first growing
season for the original Macario Canyon plantings. and for Permit conditions
require twice a year fec-botanical monitoring, was required under permit
conditions, Tthe City decided to perform the first monitoring for Site A at the end
of the growing season in August 1998 and the second annual monitoring in
August 1999. Although this schedule extended monitoring to an 18 month period
for the first year, it then set a schedule for data collection for all mitigation sites to
take place at end of the end of the maximum growth season each year for all
sites, since Friln 1999, monitoring frequency has beenwas changed to once
annually for the remainder of the project. This year's report provides the fifth
monitoring year of data for Site A and the forththird annual monitoring for Sites C,
D and the forth year for the additional 0.25 acres added to the Site A. The
following section discusses monitoring methods and results.
2.1 METHODS
2.1.1 Monthly Progress Reports
To document project progress during the first year, monthly progress reports
summarized site observations and gave recommendations for remedial
measures. These reports are kept on file at the City and Native Landscape Inc.-.
The first progress report was issued in May of 1998 when Valley Crest completed
Native Landscape Inc. 8 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
the Site A plant establishment period and Native Landscape Inc. began site
maintenance. After twelve months these reports have switched since April 1999
report frequency was changed to a bi-monthly format for the remainder of the 5-
year monitoring period. -
2.1.2 Horticultural Monitoring
Horticultural monitoring consists of regular visits to the site to review the
maintenance needs of the mitigation plantings. If required, remedial
maintenance recommendations are made to assure acceptable project progress.
Remedial measures are communicated directly to Native Landscape Inc. for
implementation in the field. Written communications are always used to assure
that accurate communication is achieved.
2.1.3 Botanical Monitoring
To collect botanical data on the progress of wetland habitat creation a series of --
25-meter (82 foot) line transects are set up at each mitigation site except for the
additional 0.25 acres of mitigation at Site A where four 10 meter transects are
used in order to obtain a better sampling of this linear site. Transects are located
evenly throughout the mitigation sites to evaluate all areas of planting as follows:
Mitigation Areas Transect Numbers
Site ASouth 1S-75
Site ANorth 1N-5N
Site A Additional 0.25 acre area 1A -4A
Site C Riparian Woodland 1C -2C
Site C Salt Marsh 3C
Site D Riparian Woodland I D
Site D Salt Marsh 2D
The number of transects vary depending on the acreage at each mitigation site
(transect numbers are provided under the results section for each site). Each
end of the transect is marked with a 6-foot metal T-post and then the compass
direction (based on magnetic north) recorded for future reference from a
designated primary end of the transect. Figures for each site show the location of
transects within the site with the primary end numbered. Along each of these line
transects three data collection activities are performed to assess progress toward
permit success standards. The three methodologies are detailed below. Riparian
woodland and salt marsh portions of sites are separated from one another since
they have very different species compositions, heights, and plant densities. In
Native Landscape Inc. 9 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
addition photographs are taken annually from the primary transect post facing in
the direction of the transect compass bearing and a specie's list is prepared
based on annual monitoring observations.
Canopy Cover
To assess the amount of riparian woodland canopy cover the line intercept
values for all tree and shrub species over 18-inches in height are measured for
each transect. Bare ground versus understory vegetative cover is also measured
for vegetation cover. In salt marsh areas the cover of salt marsh species, non-
native cover, and bare earth canopy cover categories are measured. No
separate understory measurements are made for salt marsh covers since it has
one canopy.
Tree heights
/ Within the 20 foot wide by 25 meteroh long belt transects used for measuring
riparian woodland canopy composition, the heights of all container planted &
naturalized trees are measured. With colonial species such as sandbar willow
(Salix exigua), all trees in the clump are used to determine average height.
Since few1 if any, trees orof large shrubs occur in salt marsh areas no height
measurements are taken in this cover type.
Composition of trees/shrubs
Within a 20 foot wide belt transect centered on each line riparian woodland
transect the number of tree/shrub species over 3 feet in height are counted by
species to determine canopy cover composition. Based on these counts,
overstory canopy cover compositions and density are determined. Density
values are provided as total trees per 82.5' x 20' belt transects (0.04 ac.) and
compared to last years results.
My previous comment regarding changing the density values from totals trees
per 0.33 acre to-a smaller area has not been addressed. It would appear using a
smaller sample area skews the results. If you are not going to be consistent with
past practice, an explanation as to how this is better needs to be provided.
For salt marsh areas counts were made of each perennial saltmarsh species. All
canopies have merged; therefore, plant species cover alone quantifies it as an
index of its success.
2.2 HORTICULTURAL MONITORING RESULTS
2.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon
Seeding-riparian & marsh areas J.
The dominant plant species since installation continues in year 54 to be
southwestern spiny rush (Juncus acutus ssp. IeopoIdii) followed by Douglas
Native Landscape Inc. 10 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
wormwort (Artemisia douglasiana), and western ragweed (Ambrosia
psiostachya). These three species formed the dominant understory cover in
most areas of both the North and South Areas. The annual Mexican tea
(Chenopodium ambrosicides) is mostly gone in the understory of the North
Mitigation Area.
Seeding-upland buffer zone
Coastal sage scrub species establishment remains somewhat sporadic in the
upland buffer zone. The highest area of cover development continued to be
adjacent to the North Mitigation Area where the surface weed seed bank had
been buried under fill from the excavation of the adjacent mitigation area, and
adjacent to the South Mitigation Area. In most of this area nearly mature coastal
sage scrub plants have now established including: coastal sagebrush (Artemisia
californica), black sage (Salvia mellifera), flat-top buckwheat (Eriogonum
fasciculatum), red monkey floAer (Diplacus puniceus), deerweed (Lotus
scoparius), and California sunflower (Encelia californica). Some stands have
become mature CSS habitat.
In the rest of the buffer zone running south from the North Mitigation Area
establishment of coastal sage scrub species is similarly patchy. These areas
remained dominated largely by annual weed species, which were present in the
seed bank at the time of installation. However, no further remedial activities are
required for the buffer zone under permit conditions.
Though coastal sage scrub species are only sporadic here it is interesting to note
that in 2002 and 2003 at least two California gnatcatchers were observed visually
and by their vocalizations during the biological monitoring of Site A.
Container Plants
There had been considerable loss of sandbar willow (Salix exigua) due to
herbivore damagethough many. Many formerly girdled Salix exigna have
resprouted fully. Salix lasiolepis losses occurred on the west portion of the two
southern area transects. -
No further Sycamore death occurred after the initial losses. Sycamore and
Cottonwood trees that remain have become very larae trees with wide canooies.
High soil salt levels may contribute to the continued slow growth in some small
areas. Fremont cottonwoods (Populus fremontii), which were also planted at this
site, appear to be thriving and more than make up for the loss of canopy
stratification resulting from the sycamore losses. Mexican elderberry (Sambucus
mexicana) and California blackberry (Rubus ursinus) also have lower levels of
container plant establishment than other species at the South Area for similar soil
related reasons.
Native Landscape Inc. 11 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Weeds
In most parts of the Mitigation Areas native understory dominates. There are
edge areas and more newly planted areas with weed problems. Weed control
has focused on White sweet clover (Melilotus a/ba), Bristly ox-tongue (Picris
echrodes), Cortadiera se//ouna, Tamarisk tree (Tamarix), Pampas grass, Field
mustard (Brass/ca rapa), and Blank mustard (Brass/ca nigra).
Watering
Irrigation of mitigation plantings was discontinued at this site at the end of the
summer of 1999, so the site has survived well without irrigation for three four
entire growing seasons. Any heads connected to laterals which are watering the
adjacent 0.25 acre additional planting area adjacent to the South Mitigation Area
have been capped off to assure this site meets its success standard of surviving
without irrigation over one growing season.
Vandalism
There was no vandalism 9f significance.
2.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 acres of Mitigation Planting
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in August 1999.--
this-This is the forththicd year's monitoring results. This begins its second season
without supplemental irrigation. In 2001 supplemental irrigation was approved in
July - October, until the rainy season began.
Seeding
Original hydro-seeding effort was not successful; however, Douglas wormwort
and western ragweed (Ambrosia psiostachya)L where established has a nearly
continuous understory cover. Both these species also invaded the planting strip
by means of runners from plants established in the adjacent main mitigation
area.
The giant wild rye grass (Leymus condensatus) and only some California
sunflower (Encelia ca/ifornica) have germinated here though they were part of
the seed mix. Giant wild rye grass successfully established from containers and
the California sunflower occurs nearby in the upland buffer zone.
Container plants
The container plantings have established well at this site. All were thriving by the
end of the secondforth monitoring year. The sandbar willow and.the mulefat
(Baccharis salicifolia) had some die back in the driest parts of the site (transects
IA & 3A). The two oaks that were planted are both growing having survived.
Weeds
Weeds have not been a significant problem in this mitigation area during the past
year. There were still some occurrences of bristly ox-tongue (Picris echioides),
Native Landscape Inc.
- 12 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
these are specifically targeted by Native Landscape.
Watering
The project has not been watered since 2001. Site was not watered in 2002and
2003.
Trash and vandalism
There has been no trash dumped in this site or any vandalism to its plantings
during this past year.
2.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in July 1999.
Séeding-riparian & marsh areas
The species hydroseeded at this site both in the saltmarsh and riparian woodland
areas established well and are dominating the groundcover.
Douglas wormwood comprised the dominant cover although there were small
occurrences of the San Diego sagewort (Artemisia pa/men).
Container plants
Container plantings showed excellent establishment at this site. The riparian
woodland area exhibited almost no loss of container plantings except a few when
the adjacent stream channel relocated itself across the site in the winter 2001.
These losses did little to deter overall canopy cover development and the riparian
woodland part of this site has continued to exceed its success criteria
Saltmarsh plantings continued to demonstrate excellent establishment and
growth with few losses. Woody glasswort (Salicornia virgin/ca), alkali-heath
(Frankenia sal/na), and saltgrass are well established. Freshwater
encrocachment is occurring as result of the river's shifted alignment. This
supplanting of saltmarsh species is shown by the increasing cover of cattail
(Typha) and nutgrass (Scirpus robu St us).
Weeds
There is noExotic weeds have not been a significant weed problem at this
Ssiteadjacent to mitigation sites especially in open areas. The main focus of
weeding has been the removal of bristly ox-tongue (P/cr/s echio/dec) near the
saltmarsh area.
Watering
There has been no irrigation at the site since 2000.
Trash and vandalism
There has been little trashlittle trash and debris dumped at this site. The main
incursion remains the pathway along the first third of the dike area, which is used
Native Landscape Inc. 13 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
as a pathway for workers to access a living site they maintain in the willows along
the adjacent stream channel. _There are open latrines in the area that pose
health and safety dangers.
Erosion
Heavy winter rains in February 2000 created significant stream flows in the
channel adjacent to the re-gradedgarded dike at a-this site. These stream flows
ran over the dike in three separate places. The first at a notch left in the grading
at the eastern end of the dike. The second through the existing erosion break in
the dike left from last year and the third midway between these two areas. After
the flooding had subsided it was found that the stream has now cut a new
channel which runs through the gully in the dike created in 2001 last season and
widened in 2002this year. This new channel then proceeds through the marsh.
area, which separates the two parts of this flooding/erosion.j- however, as noted
earlier, Ithe valve boxes in the saltmarsh parts of the site were flooded and their
tops washed off. It appears that this channel relocation has been beneficial to
the riparian woodlands located along the original to the south and to the
mitigation plantings. Some GPS reassessment is being done here to determine
the extent of hydrological change that has occurred.
This GPS Report will be furnished by LSA and incorporated into this document in
some fashion.
Should be included now
2.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in July 1999.
Seeding- riparian & marsh areas
All species hydro-seeded at this site, both in the saltmarsh and riparian woodland
& Coastal Sage Scrub areas, had established by the end of the first summer after
planting, and continuecontinued to thrive.
The riparian woodland areas shOwed only sparse seed establishment after initial
seeding. Only a few Douglas wormwood and an occasional San Diego sagewort
were observed. Many wetland volunteers have established on the site that were
not in the original seed mix.
Southwestern spiny rush germinated well at this site and now comprises a
Native Landscape Inc. 14 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
significant part of the cover. There are also scattered occurrences of fat hen
(A triplex trianqularis ssp. Hastata) on site.
The coastal sage scrub seed mix placed on the roadside slopes which border the
site performed quite well and all species germinated and established from seed
in the seed mix. California sagebrush and Coast Goldenbush werewas the most
significant germinators.germinator and Coast Goldenbrush.
Container plants
Container plantings showed excellent establishment at this site. The riparian
woodland area initially exhibited minor losses. Transect Dl has become mostly
enclosed within the canopy of riparianreparian tree species with an understory of
salt marsh.
Weeds
As with the previous years; exotic weeds have not been a significant problem.
Bristly ox-tongue and sweet white clover are very little problem this year. No
other exotic weed species have been a significant problem.
Watering
No watering of this site occurred in 2001, 2002, or 2003.
Trash and vandalism
There has been some notrash or debris dumped at this site. Some trash floats
into the site when the canal floods over its banks, but none occurred this winter.
Erosion
No significant erosion occurred in 20032002.
2.3 BOTANICAL MONITORING RESULTS
Formal botanical monitoring for Sites C and D and the additional 0.25 acres at
Site A began in 2000. The results for all mitigation sites are given in this section.
2.3.1 Results Site A: Macario Canyon
Species established
A full accounting of all species planted at this site is provided in Table 4 of the
first year annual report (BEC 1999).
Container plant survival
As with the 4th year monitoring survey, because growth standards have been
essentially met on both the North and South Mitigation Areas no formal container
plant survival count was undertaken this year. Black willow density actually
increased, while other Willow densities declined, especially the shallow-rooted
Salix exigua. This resulted in a few areasof the site lacking overstory cover.
Surviving trees are tall and vigorous, maintaining dominant willow cover over
Native Landscape Inc. 15 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
most of the site, which have outäompeted smaller trees within their canopy. The
only significant container plant lossesearly in the project's history were several of
the 15 gallon western sycamores planted along the edge of the South Mitigation
Area; however, the Fremont cottonwoods planted at this site appear to be more
than making up for the loss of canopy stratification resulting from sycamore
losses.
Tree heights
Tree height data results are presented by species in Table 2. This data is
average between North and South Areas.
Table 2, Site A: Summary Tree Height Data
Species
Plant Count Average Height (Feet).
2001 2002 2003 2001 2002 2003
Baccharis 260 333
salicifolia
339 6.9 8 8.3
Salix exigua 335 179 65 9.8 9 8.2
Salix gooddingii 94 80 57 18.7 . 20 21
Salix lasiolepis 65 57 35 17.2 18 16
Table 22, Site A: Summary Tree Height Data
The height of Salix gooddingii and Salix lasiolepis continued to increase this
year. Baccharis salicifolia and Salix exigua Recovered recovered from last years
decline, though not to former heights, they do meet the minimum height standard
for project success.
Native Landscape Inc. 16 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 3, Site A: Additional Sycamore & Cottonwood Summary Height Data
for August 2003
Platan
us
racem
Platanus racemosa
20032002
osa
Populus fremontii
20032001
South site North site South site North site
1240 214-9 51-4 20
120 1442 g 2523
191-7 1-5 2624
20 2825
201-5 1-2 3735
17 4-7 14
3020 4.5 22
3242 44 20
17
Totals
2003 Ave 200 Height
21.9
Combined 144 2002
190
Combined 17.1 2001
25
Combined 138 2000
137
Table 33, Site A: Additional Sycamore & Cottonwood Summary Height
Data for August 2001
This table has me confused - what happened to all the cottonwoods on the south
site. This table indicates there is only one left
In the text below - did one sycamore miraculously recover or was there an error
in the reporting in 2002?
Some pretty substantial cottonwoods that must have been doing well suddenly
declined in the last reporting year -were they girdled, did they get a disease?
Tree height results
Western Sycamore and Fremont cottonwood container plantings on the south
area continued to have mixed success. Western Sycamore that appears poorly
suited to the site, continued to decline from 14 surviving in 2001 to 10 in 2002
and only 112 noted in 2003. Those surviving on the North Mitigation Site are
substantial in height and breadth. Fremont cottonwood also had a decline in
Native Landscape Inc. 17 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
survival from 18 in 2001 to 13 in 2002 and only 93 in 2003. In the North
Mitigation Area Black willow (Salix gooddingil) forms a continuous tall canopy
and there is competition for sunlight. As a result many shorter trees of all
species have been shaded out in a normal progression of the maturation of this
Riparian woodland. Sycamore, cottonwood and Black willow have, become very
tall.
Canopy cover results
Canopy cover results for Site A are summarized in Table 4. Areas not covered
by overstory cover were 100% covered by understory species for all transects,
therefore no bare earth observations were recorded in the data set. The
understory cover is not measured or calculated separately. Tree cover increased
overall in both areas. Consistent with the results of tree heights, the changes in
cover values were more pronounced in the North Mitigation Area. Overall cover
exceeds its standard. Understory herbs successfully provided ground cover
wherever tree canopy was lacking composed mostly of spring rush and Western
ragweed. Transect S-5 is still inundated by freshwater marsh (cattails) along
10.5 meters of its length. The general trend of water ponding appears to be a
natural response to greater stream flow in the area though it does not appear to
affect any other portions of the site. It should be considered advantageous in
providing riparian diversity to the site at this time.
Transect
1999
Cover
2000
Cover
2001
Cover
2002
Cover
2003
Cover
SOUTH AREA
is 76.4 88.8 100 154 . 128
2S 60.8 82.4 83.2 124 92
3S 35.2 58.8 44.0 96 133
4S 68.8 80.0 75.6 143 135
5S 90.4 65.2 125.6 156 132
6S 34.8 86.8 70.4 111 125
7S 48.8 58.8 81.6 64 141
Average 59.3
Cover
74.4 82.8 121% 127%
NORTH AREA
iN 29.6 54.8 106 127 124
2N 75.2 88.0 96.4 119 130
3N 79.2 109.6 114.1 116 124
4N 99.6 154.8 148 125 132
5N 92.4 115.2 120 132 139
Average
Cover
75.2 104.5 116.7 '103 130
Combined 1 65.9 86.9 97.0 112
Native Landscape Inc. 18 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Average
Canopy
Cover
Table 84, Site A: Canopy Cover
Tree/shrub composition/density
Tree/shrub density data is summarized in Table 5. All woody tree and shrub
species above 3 feet in height were counted as occurring within transect
sampling areas. The density of all deeply rooted riparian trees Salix gooddingii
increased while the shallower rooted shrub Sambucus mexicana, Baccaharis
salicifolia, Salix exiguaexigna and Pluchea sericea declined.
The most significant decrease was for Sandbar willow (Salix exigua); many of
which have had the bark grazed off many of the small sucker stems. Some
thickets have died or are significantly thinned in density which had been heavily
grazed; however, many individuals have resprouted from the base. The slight
decrease in Salix lasiolepis density was due to some localized deaths. Animal
damage is considered a natural function of the habitat that should mediate itself
over time.
Trees have thinned where soil moisture is lacking from the initially high density of
planting. There were losses in density for Salix ex,gua and Salix lasiolepis
though they were not significant. Some of the areas may not hydrologically
adequate during extreme drought years.
Native Landscape Inc. 19 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Average Number of Plants per Belt Transect Sum of
total no.
plants in
belt
transects
2003
Average
percent
composition
Species
2000 NA
15.0
4
94
Q1
2000
2001 2002 2003
51.6
1999
NA
1998
Baccharis
salicifolia
7.6 51 51.6 28.9 37 41.2 389 85.0%
I
Plantanus
racemosa
0.0 0.1 NA NA NA NA NA NA
Populus
fremontll
1.1
-
1.0
-
NA
-
NA
-
NA
-
NA
-
NA
-
NA
-
Salix 13.3 38
exiqua
15 41.9 19.8 4.2 62 0
Sahx 9.6 13.3 9.6 qooddinqqii
9.9 8.8 4.0 63 23.0%
LLx
lasiolepis
8.9
-
9.3
-
9.1
-
8.1
-
6.3
-
4.0
-
40
-
9.2%
Sambucus
mexicana
0.3 0.0
-
0.2 0 0 0 0 0%
I otal I 46 trees per belt transect I 1108 trees/shrubs/acre
Table 55, Site A: Tree/Shrub Density
2.3.2 Results: Site A: Additional 0.25 Acres
Species established
Table 6 below shows species planted from seed and container plants at this
mitigation site and whether they are considered established at the site (X =
established). Of all species seeded on this site only the western ragweed and
the Douglas wormwood established from the seed mix. Alternatively, the giant
wild rye established from containers, so the only species not established was the
upland coastal Ence/ia californica, some of which established in the adjacent
Native Landscape Inc. 20 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
buffer zone from seed,
Native Landscape Inc. 21 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
From Seed
Ambrosia psilostachya X
Artemisia douglasiana X
Encelia californica No
Leymes condensatus No
From Containers
Baccharis salicifolia X
Leymus condensatus X
Quercus agrifolia X
Salix exigua X
Table 66, Species Established at Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Container plant survival
There was poor survival of some of the original containers of I Salix exigua and
Baccharis salicifolia at the higher areas of the site near transect 1 A & 3A..
Drought and herbivory this year has eliminated some stands of Salix exigua. The
damage from herbivory is a natural process, that is what habitat is for. Many
plants have resprouted even from the tops of older branches or at the bases of
the original planting.
Tree heights
Tree height data results are presented by species in Table 7. Except for the two
Coast live oak (both of which are surviving and continue to grow slowly), Mulefat
and Sandbar willow, are the only other woody plant species in this mitigation
area: The height of these of these two species showed progress durincafter
drought maintaining tree height above success standards.
Average container tree
height (ft)
Number Plants Counted
Species 2001 2002 2003 2001 2002 2003
Baccharis 6.6 9.2
salicifolia
7.6 25 12 24
Salix exigua 6.0 7.0 6.2 103 82 16
Quercus
agrifolia
tIONA 6.ONA 6.ONA 2NA 2NA 2NA
Table 77, Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area Summary Tree Height Data
Native Landscape Inc. 22 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Canopy cover
Canopy cover results are summarized in Table 8. Areas not covered by
overstory cover were almost 100% covered by understory species for all
transects, some bare earth is recorded in the data set. Canopy cover continued
to increase significantly, with the exception of Transects No. I where some die
back had occurred in the original plantings of Salix exigua and Baccharis
salicifolia.
Transect
Percentage of Cover
2001 2002 2003
IA 0% 0% 0%
2A 100% 100% 23%
3A 44% 66% 71%
4A 81% 112% 105%
Average Canopy 56.3%
Cover
69.5% 49.8%
Bare Earth Cover 0% 0% 9%
Table 88, Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area Canopy Cover
Tree/Shrub composition/density
Although there was a decrease in Salix exigua in some sections of this site,
Baccharis salicifolia showed an overall increase in density with many seedlings.
The reduced % composition of Salix exigua. is the result of bare ground
remaining mostly in transect A-i since both Salix exigua and Baccharis are
lacking there now.
Average Tree/Shrub Composition and Density
Species
Number of Plants Percent Comp
2001 2002 2003 2001 2002 2003
Baccharis salicifolia 25 12 24 20% 12.8% 43.0%
Salix exigua 103 82 16 80% 87.2% 16.0%
Total 128 94 40 100% 100% 59.0%
Table 99, Site A Additional 0.25 Acre Area Tree/Shrub Density
2.3.3 Results Site C: El Camino Real
Species established
Native Landscape Inc. 23 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 10 below shows the species planted from seed and container plants at this
mitigation site and whether they are considered established at the site (X =
established, ? = not detected to date). All species seeded or planted from
containers at the site had established by the end of the first monitoring season
except, possibly yerba mansa. This species, however, had invaded from adjacent
existing populations along the borders of the mitigation site.
Native Landscape Inc. 24 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Riparian Woodland Mix From Seed
Anemopis californica No
Artemisia douglasiana X
Artemisia pa/men X
Saltmarsh_Mix
Cotula coronopifolia X
Juncusacutus X
Artip/ex patu/a ssp. Hastata X
Riparian Woodland From Containers
Baccharis sa/icifolia X
Popu/us fremontii X
P/uchea senicea X
Sa/ix exigua X
Salix gooddingii X
Sa/ix Iasio/epis X
Salt-marsh
Baccharis salicifo/ia X
Frankenia sauna X
Juncusacutus X
Pluchea senicea X
Sa/icornia virgin/ca X
Distichlis spicata X
Scirpus robustus X
Table 4010, Species Established at Site C
Container plant survival
No container plants were observed dead as of-the forth year of monitoring at Site
C therefore no attempt was made to assess survival. As before, the taller Sa/ix
Iasio/epis is out competing Sa/ix exigua at this site by shading it out creating a tall
dense overstory. No replacement plantings have been required at this site since
dead plants were replaced at the end of the plant establishment period, or during
the second year of monitoring.
Tree heights
Riparian woodland tree height data results are presented by species in Tablel 1.
This data is only for the first two transects on this site (1A & I B) since these were
the only two transects in the riparian woodland part of the site. The height of all
species showed achievement of the project height goals by the end of this
Native Landscape Inc. 25 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
second season after planting.
Native Landscape Inc. 26 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Species
Average container Tree
Height (ft)
Number of Plants Counted
2001 2002 2003 2001 2002 2003
Baccharis salicifolia 7.0 7.0 7.0 18 19 21
Pluchea sericea 6.1 6.0 7.0 16 15 15
Salix exigua 10.0 10.0 14.0 31 6 10
Salix lasiolepis 12.0 20.0 22.0 41 59 63
Table 4411, Site C: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree Height Data
Canopy cover
Canopy cover results are summarized in Table 12. The riparian woodland cover
value for Site C is over 100%. Saltmarsh cover is quite high although freshwater
encroachment continues to decrease the dominance of halophytes.
Tree/shrub composition/density
Tree/shrub density data are summarized in Table 13. All woody tree and shrub
species in the riparian woodland part of the site above 3 feet in height were
counted asoccurring within the transect sampling area. All planted species were
counted in the narrower (1 meter wide) saltmarsh transect bands. Salix
lasiolepis expanded its density by shading out shorter shrubs. This has offset the
loss of Baccharis salicifolia and Salix exigua-. A total of 73 trees were detected
which is not significantly different than previous years.
Saltmarsh
Density, survival and cover of saltmarsh species continued to decline in cover.
Freshwater encroachment shows increases in non-halophytic species such as
Polypogon monspeliensis, Typha domingensis and Scirpus robustus though
native halophytes still dominate the site they have declined in cover and diversity.
The number of plants is impossible to determine since these groundcover plants
canopies have merged following the third growing season. This data is no longer
reported.
Percent Cover
Riparian Woodland
Transects
2001 2002 2003
1C 102% 82.4% 120%
2C 110% P 103% 100%
Saltmarsh_Transect
3C 130% 91.6% 71%
Native Landscape Inc. 27 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 4212, Site C: Canopy Cover Growth
Riparian Woodland
Species
Transects_IC&2C
No.
Plants
2001
No.
Plants
2002
No.
Plants
2003
%
Relative
Cover
2001
%
Relative
Cover
2002
%
Relative
Cover••
2003
Baccharis 0 19
salicifolia
124 0% 9.0% 0.02%%
Plucheasericea 0 15 15 0% 5.1% 13.2%
Salix exigua 31 6 10 43% 8.6% 16.8%
Salixlasiolepis 41 59 63 57% 65.0% 89.6%
Total 1 106 1 99 1 89409 1 100% 100% 119.62%%
Saltmarsh
Site C Transects 3C
No. Plants
2000
Species
No. Plants
2001
% Relative
Cover 2001
% Relative
Cover 2002
% Relative
Cover 2003
Baccharis sa/icifolia 1 0 0.6% 0% 0%
Distichlis spicata 56 56 36% 50.8% 88.0%
Juncusacutus 4 4 3.0% 3:2% 10.0%
Salicornia virginica 93 93 60% 23.9% 80.0%
Scirpusrobustus 0 3 2.0% 3.0% 16.0%
Ambrosia psiostachya 0 0 0% 0% 0%
Frankeniasalina 0 0 0% 0% 0%
Isocoma veneta 0 1 0% 0% 0%
Anemopsis californica 0 1 0% 0% 0%
Typhadomingensis 0 1 0% 1% 4.1%
Total 154 160 100% 100% 198.1%
Table 4313, Site C: Tree/Shrub Density
Do you need to show No. of plants for 2002 and 2003
2.3.4 Results Site D: Kelly Drive
Species established
Table 14 below shows the species planted from seed and container plants at this
mitigation site and whether they are considered established at the site (X =
Native Landscape Inc. 28 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
established, ? = not detected to date).
Container plant survival
Few container plants were observed dead by the end of the first year of
monitoring therefore no formal attempt was made to count them.
Tree heights
Tree height data results are presented by species in Table 15. The height of all
species showed completion of project height goals by the end of the second
growing season after planting.
Canopy cover
Canopy cover results are summarized in Table 16. Saltmarsh cover exceeds
project standards.
Riparian Woodland Mix From Seed
Anemopsis californica
Artemisia douglasiana X
Artemisia palmeri X
Saltmarsh_Mix
Cotula cornopifolia X
Juncusacutus X
Atriplex patula ssp. Hastata X
Coastal _Sagescrub_Mix
Artemisia californica X
Encelia californica No
Eriogonum fasciculaturn No
Isocoma veneta X
Vulpia microstachys X
Riparian Woodland From
Containers
Baccharis salicifolia X
Salix exigua X
Salix lasiolepsis X
Saltm ars h
Frankenia sauna X
Juncusacutus X
Salicornia virginica X
Native Landscape Inc. 29 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Coastal_Sagescrub
Ambrosia psilostachya X
Artemisia californica X
Isomeris arborea X
Quercus agrifolia X
Sambucus mexicana X
Table 4414, Species Established at Site D
Species
Average Container Tree Height (ft) Number of Plants Counted
2001 2002 2003 2001 2002 2003
Baccharis
salicifolia
4.8 6.0 8.0 5 94-
-
1
Salix exigua 7.1 9.0 14.09-3 62 6 106
Salix lasiolepis 14.6 17.0 2244.0 16 592
U7!U 1 lT rvv I m II. — • •sat 1n1.fl. . .t &.,. IIfl —.I
Site D: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree Height Data
Riparian Woodland
Transects
% Cover
2001
% Cover
2002
% Cover
2003
1 D - Tree/Shrub Cover 16 70 58
Understory Cover 25 30 7659
Saltmarsh
Transect
2D 139- 77 183
Bare Earth Cover 0.0 0.0 0.0
Table 4616, Site D: Canopy Cover Growth
Tree/shrub composition/cover
Tree/shrub density data are summarized in Table 17. All woody tree and shrub
species above 3 feet in height were counted as occurring within all riparian
woodland transect sampling areas. The density of Salix exigua hadhas
increased dramatically from the suckering of this species. Sandbar and arroyo
willow account for a significant amountmost of the-cover currently within the
Native Landscape Inc. 30 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
riparian woodland transect areaareas with arroyosandbar willow now having a
higher density than the sandbararroyo willow.
In saltmarsh areas woody glasswort account for 54% and spiny rush account for
an overstory with 100% vegetative cover. Since the establishment period the
original saltmarsh container plants have merged and are no longer
distinguishable. Survival has not apparently declined as measured by cover
rather than the number of plants. Lack of Pluchea in the 2002 and 2003 season
meant no overall decrease in cover though this annual is no indication of the
decline in perennial cover whichcover that remains' stable and vigorous. The
number of plants is impossible to determine since these groundcover plants
canopies have merged following the third growing season. 'This data is no longer
reported.
Riparian Woodland
Species
Site DTransectlD
Number of Plants %Comp
2001 2002 2003 2001 2002 2003
Baccharis salicifolia 5 6 1 6.0% 5.7% 5.0%
Salixexigua 62 6 6 74.7% 21.0% 21.6%
Salix lasiolepis 16 152 2 19.3% 3.8% 31.3% I Juncusacutis 0 8 8 0% 8.9% 17.2%
Salicornia virginica 0 18 NA 0% 18.7% 31.2%
Tota 11 37 40 17 100% 1 100% 106.3%
Saltmarsh
Species
Site D Transect 2D
% Relative Cover
2001 2002 2003
Baccharis salicifolia 0% 3.1% 0%
Juncusacutus 66.9% 73% 100%
Salicornia virginica 22.7% 22.8% 54%
Scirpus robustus 0% 0%' 0
Frankenia sauna 1.0% 1.5% 29.2%
Plucheaodorata 8.0% 0% 0
Isocoma veneta 0.6% 0% 0
Total 99.2% 77%% 183.2%
Table 417, Site D: Tree/Shrub Cover
2.4 PAMPAS GRASS ERADICATION PROGRAM PROGRESS
Native Landscape has completed Five years of pampas grass eradication in the
28-acre area of pre-existing riparian woodland and freshwater marsh west of the
Native Landscape Inc. 31 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
mitigation sites in Macario Canyon. As mentioned in the introduction, Native
Landscape has also performed similar eradication efforts on an additional 6
acres continuous with the Cannon Road eradication area. Of this additional
acreage, 1.28 acres is dedicated as mitigation for 0.32 acre of permanent
impacts to non-jurisdictional mulefat scrub associated with the El
Camino/Cannon Road Intersection development. This work has been carried out
very effectively and nearly all the original pampas grass plants are now
eradicated. There is still a minor problem with wind blown seed reinvading the
mitigation sites and the treated wetlands from populations outside the treatment
area at the south end of the drainage and along the western rim of the canyon, at
site A. These populations are slated to be included as part of the mitigation
obligations for the future golf course to be built in the canyon. The five-year
pampas grass eradication program is complete.
2.5 LEAST BELL'S VIREO MONITORING RESULTS
The USFWS Biological Opinion as part of this project's mitigation requires a 5-
year program of annual monitoring for the occurrence of least Bell's vireo in
Macario Canyon. This program has now been carried out for fivefouc years.
Detailed reports on the results of this program have been provided annually to
the USFWS (Varanus 1998a, Varanus 1999a, Varanus 2000a, Varanus 2001a,
Varanus 2002a). Additional information is also provided in these reports on the
occurrence of willow flycatcher (Empidonax trail/i). A summary of the results of
this program is provided below.
1998
Vireos were first observed on the site on April 15 and last seen at the site at the
end of July. Two pairs of vireo nested in Macario Canyon in 1998. Two transient
males were also observed. One of the vireo pairs located its territory west of the
North Mitigation Area riparian woodland edge. The second 'pair located its
territory on the north side of the future Cannon Road Extension bridge abutment
area at the north end of the canyon. The pair in the area of the bridge
constructed four nests but produced no fledglings. The pair nearer the North
Mitigation Area nested twice but also failed to fledge young. At least part of the
nesting failure for the first pair appears to be due to poor nest site selection.
1999
Vireos arrived considerably later in 1999 than 1998 and were not observed on
the site until May 1. A male and one fledging were still present at the site on
September 2 when the last surveys of the- season were conducted. Again this
year two pairs of vireo were observed nesting. Several additional transient males
were also seen in the area. One appeared to remain for the summer but did not
find a mate. One of the vireo pairs located its territory west of the North
Mitigation Area along the existing riparian woodland edge. The other pair located
further to the south on the west side of the riparian woodland edge and on the
opposite side of the drainage from the South Mitigation Area. The pair near the
North Mitigation Area nested once without success. It appeared that poor nest
Native Landscape Inc. 32 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
site selection was again to blame. The pair further south along the canyon, after
failing to fledge young from a first nest, successfully fledged two young from a
second nest.
2000
Vireos were first observed in the canyon this year on March 29th This was the
earliest they had arrived since the beginning of the monitoring program. A male
and one fledgihg were still present at the site on September 2nd when the last
surveys of the season were conducted. This year only one pair of vireos and a
second solitary male was observed living in the canyon during the nesting
season. This lone male bird never found a mate. The pair was not observed
building a nest until early May. They located their nest for the first time this year
within the middle of the North Mitigation Area and successfully fledged two
young. The North Mitigation Area was also used extensively for food gathering
activities as well this year. After the fledglings left the nest in late August they
continued to be observed in the Canyon until August 25l but were not observed
after that date even though daily monitoring was instituted on August 28th for one
week to allow final Cannon Road Bridge Construction to begin early this year
2001
Vireos were first observed in the canyon on march 31. There were a total of two
breeding pairs and one lone male observed in the study area. There were a total
of two nests constructed by one pair of vireos. Success at the second of the two
nests resulted in the fledging of two young. The reason for abandonment of the
first nest is unknown. There were no incidents of parasitism on the least Bell's
vireo in 2001. Both nests were located in the North Mitigation site where the
vegetation has rapidly grown tall and dense over the three-year period.
2002
The first Varanus observation of least Bell's vireo in Maáario Canyon in 2002
occurred on 20 March. Two vireo pairs were detected within the study area
during 2002. Varanus found three vireo nests during the 2002 season. Of the
three known Macario Canyon 2002 nests, two were successful (67% nest
success). Of the foUr eggs deposited in two nests, all four resulted in
successfully fledged young (100% fledging success). As in previous years,
foraging continued in north mitigation site.
Willow flycatcher observations
Willow flycatchers (Empidonax trailli) have been observed using riparian
woodlands in Macario Canyon for all years of monitoring but there is no known
nesting during these years.
The required five year least Bell's Vireo monitoring and voluntary SWWF
monitoring were completedconducted in 2002.
Native Landscape Inc. 33 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
2.6 COWBIRD TRAPPING RESULTS
The USFWS Biological Opinion as part of this project's mitigation requires a 5-
year annual trapping and euthanasia program for brown-headed cowbird. This
program has now been conducted for ffouc years. Detailed reports on the
results of this program have been provided annually to the USFWS (Varanus
1998b, Varanus 1999b, Varanus 2000b, Varanus 2001b, Varanus 2002b). A
summary of the results of his program is provided below.
1998
A total of five cowbird traps were set and monitored during the 1998-trapping
season, which began on March 20th A total of 78 cowbirds (27 male, 30 female,
and 21 juvenile) were euthanized during the trapping season.
1999
The cowbird-trapping program was shortened this .year to a 145-day trapping
program after approval by the USFWS. Traps were first opened on March 20th
and were closed on July 20th A total of 43 birds (28 male, 11 female, and 4
juvenile) were euthanized during the trapping season. No non-target bird
species were found dead in traps during 1999. These results appeared to
indicate an overall decrease in both total numbers of cowbirds in Macario
Canyon (since 78 birds were euthanized last year compared to 43 this year); but,
also an even greater decrease in cowbird breeding potential since 30 females
and 21 juveniles were captured last year compared with only 11 females and 4
juveniles this season. The cause for this dramatic decrease in numbers,
however, was not investigated and may be the result of any combination of
several factors including late nesting of many passerine species, changes in
nearby land use causing a decrease in the local population of cowbirds, changes
in cowbird foraging distribution, and overall decrease in passerine productivity.
While it is possible that eradication efforts in Macario Canyon may have helped
decrease cowbird numbers, there is insufficient scientific evidence to indicate the
cause of this phenomenon at this time.
2000
The cowbird trapping program continued to be 124-days this year. Traps were
again opened about March 15th and were closed by the end of July 25. A total of
81 birds (36 male, 20 female, and 25 juvenile) were euthanized during the
trapping season. Only 2 non-target bird species were found dead in traps during
2000 out of 205 captures (0.9%). Overall capture levels were similar to those for
1998 although there appears to be no clear reason why levels of captures fell last
year along Agua Hedionda Creek. Such a program could have accounted for the
decrease in captures last year.
2001
The cowbird trapping program period was from March 15 to July 17 for a total of
124 days. A total of 95 cowbirds were euthanized (17 female, 45 male, and 14
juvenile). These numbers include 25 bait birds. Overall the captures have
Native Landscape Inc. 34 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
declined slightly from 2000. Nest monitoring results indicate there was not nest
parasitism of LBVI in 2001 in Macario Canyon.
2002
In 2002 Varanus conducted the final year of cowbird trapping in Macario Canyon.
Between 15 March and 16 July 2002, we captured a total of 29 cowbirds, 23
adult males, 7 adult females, and 2 juveniles. Although cowbirds were detected
in the study area throughout the breeding season, no incidents of brown-headed
cowbird nest parasitism of least Bell's vireo were detected in Macario Canyon
during 2002. .
3.0 DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF PROJECT SUCCESS STANDARDS
3.1 SUCCESS STANDARDS.
The success standards established for this project are primarily derived from the
standards set in the Conceptual Wetlands Plan for Reaches 1 and 2 of the
Cannon Road Extension Project (Tetra Tech 1997). These standards are
referred to indirectly in all project permits by reference to the requirement to
execute fully all elements of the mitigation and monitoring plan.
The mitigation plan differs from the permits as regards to cover standards. Cover
success standards are designated slightly differently in project permits that
require a 90 percent standard for final cover at the end of 5-years and set a
three-year standard for 75% cover. The cover requirements designated in the
permits however appear to refer to overall surface cover not just canopy cover.
The present analysis defers to the permit requirements for cover but will interpret
final standards to include 75% overstory and 90% total vegetative cover.
In addition, both the USFWS Biological Opinion and the CDFG Permits require
that the habitat created be of vireo habitat quality (but do not set specific
standards for this except to say that it has been occupied by vireos). Finally the
CDFG permit specifies that newly created wetland vegetation must survive one
summer dry season without irrigation to be considered successful.
Generally, where a stricter standard applies this is the one that will be applied to
evaluate project success; however, in some cases where standards contradict
one another a choice is made for one standard over another (e.g. the dual
requirements in the original monitoring program for both 80 percent and 95
percent survival of tree plantings). These success standards are summarized in
Table 18.
Four additional conditions are designated in the Biological Opinion to be
completed before final project release:
1. Pampas grass must be eradicated for a five-year period from the 28 acres
6f existing riparian woodland running from the mouth of Macario Canyon
Native Landscape Inc. 35 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
to the southern end of the South Mitigation Area. - Completed in 2002
A five-year least bell's vireo monitoring program must be conducted
according to approved USFWS protocols and an annual report on this
effort provided to USFWS each year. - Completed in 2002
A five-year brown-headed cowbird-trapping program must be conducted in
Macario Canyon according to approved USFWS protocols and an annual
report.onthis effort provided to USWFS each year. - Completed in 2002
The completion of five-years of post-installation monitoring and
maintenance for all mitigation areas.
Native Landscape Inc. 36 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Species Establishment All species planted
Container Plant Survival 80%
Final Tree Height Standards
Fremont Cottonwood . 10 feet
Western Sycamore 9 feet
Arroyo & Black Willows 11 feet
Mulefat, Sandbar Willow, Mex. Elderberry, Arrow weed 6 feet
Final Riparian Woodland Canopy.Cover Standard
3-Years(This will also be 5-Year standard for canopy cover) 75%
5-Years(This includes all vegetative cover) 90%
Least Bell's Vireo Occupied Habitat
Completion of One Growing Season Without Irrigation
Completion of 5-Year 28-Acre Pampas Grass Eradication Program
Completion of 5-Year Least Bell's Vireo Monitoring Program
Completion of 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Monitoring Program
Completion of 5-Year Monitoring and Maintenance Program for all Sites.
Table 4818, Project Success Standards
3.2 DISCUSSION /
3.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon
Species establishment
This site met the success criteria in 1999.
Container plant survival
With the exception of Western Sycamore, Fremont Cottonwood and Salix exigua
all riparian tree species maintained a minimum of 80% survival, the standard
required for success. The combined results show the project has maintained the
final success standards, which were attained in 1999 and have maintained or
increased their average growth over a significant portion of the site. Mexican
elderberry was sampled within the transect areas in the North area. Since this is
a marginal species planted in low numbers and by field observation not well
adapted to the more saline South Area soils, it is not felt that the performance of
Native Landscape Inc. 37 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
this species is critical to the success of the mitigation effort.
Final canopy cover standard
Overall tree cover in both North and South Mitigation Areas continued to increase
averaging over 100% coverage on the transected areas. Some dry areas have
lower cover, since the cessation of watering those are however insignificant. This
meets the 5th year final cover standard even without considering the additional
cover contributed by understory ground cover species (which are nearly
continuous).
There are a few bare ground areas that occur at this site, though these are not
considered significant. Perennial species continued to dominate understory and
significant recruitment of Mulefat seedlings further indicates the future continued
improvement of the habitat. Understory cover remained robust this year even
without supplemental irrigation. Some understory species, such as Douglas
wormwort, and Juncus acutis continue to dominate.'
Vireo occupied- quality _habitat
There have been four three nests located in the North Mitigation Area, which
produced six four fledglings.
Completion of two growing seasons without irrigation
Since irrigation has been permanently withdrawn from this site since the end of
the 2000 growing season, it has continued to meet the criteria for success.
Conclusions
The Site A Mitigation Areas as a whole have met or exceeded all final growth and
species establishment standards set in project permits. In addition, these areas
have now maintained these growth standards without irrigation for three full
years. For threeA second successive years (2000, 2001, and 2002), Vireos
successfully nestedand foraged in the North Mitigation Area. this year. These
sites will need to continue to be monitored for the remainder of the 5-year
monitoring period to meet their final permit success criteria; but the City of
Carlsbad should be released from the bonded monies required by the CDFG to
be set aside by the City to guarantee their success.
3.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Species establishment
Table 6 shows all seeded species established except two; California sunflower
and giant wild rye grass; however, the wild rye grass established from container
plantings and the sunflower is established in the adjacent buffer zone. All
species planted from containers also established by the end of the first growing
season. The basic intent of species establishment of planted materials has been
met at this site.
Native Landscape Inc. 38 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Container plant survival
In spite of some dieback of Salix exigua and Baccharis salicifolia replacement
plantings are not recommended. The recruitment of Baccharis salicifolia in the
cleared area east of the 0.25 acre additional planting will suffice for recolonizing
the site if wet enough conditions prevail. Additional planting would only replace
these and necessitate resumption of irrigation.
Final tree height standards
Tree heights have reached the project standards as of 2001this year's monitoring I
even with a general decline due to drought and less watering of the site.
Final canopy cover standard S
Canopy cover continues to progress toward permit goals. During the forththird
year canopy cover was 49.869.5%. Transects IA and 2A both lagged. While
these areas are not yet a source of concern they will be monitored closely during
this next year to observe if they continue to improve.Decrease in canopy due to
herbivory caused by drought. This site is on the periphery of the habitat and
subject to herbivorv.
Vireo occupied quality habitat
There was no occupation of vireo on this site in 2002.
Completion of one growing season without irrigation
This is the third growing season without irrigation.
Conclusions
This site is well on its way to achievingThe site has achieved all final growth
standards set by project permits; however, there are several areas of slower
growth and tree loss which should be watched during the next year to assure
they continue to make healthy progress towards project goals.
3.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real
Species establishment
Table 10 shows that all seeded species established in the riparian woodland part
of this site except yerba mansa. However, yerba mansa is not considered critical
to understory development at this site and it has invaded the site from adjacent
populations along the edge of the saltmarsh part of this site. Table 10 also
shows that all seeded species established in saltmarsh areas at this site; brass
buttons have not persisted in high numbers. Nevertheless, Freshwater
encroachment continues to replace this salt marsh habitat.
Container plant survival
Total container plant loss levels are well within the 80% standard therefore the
site has met this success standard.
Native Landscape Inc. 39 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Final tree height standards
Riparian woodland tree heights, permit goals and success standards are listed in
Table 18.
No height data was gathered for the saltmarsh areas of this site since there are
only a few woody shrubs planted there and the predominant cover will be from
herbaceous saltmarsh species, which only reach 12-18 inches in height.
Final canopy cover standard
Canopy cover permit goals are shown in Table 18. Combined canopy cover for
riparian woodland area is over 100%. Combined overstory, which is required to
be 90% by the end of the 5-year monitoring period has been met in most riparian
woodland areas in addition to the establishment of an understory layer of
perennial herb species such as Douglas wormwood.
Combined canopy cover for saltmarsh areas was 134%. This is above the 90%
final cover set for canopy cover. This cover has a diverse mix of salt marsh
species dominated by salt grass and woody glasswort. This has all influenced
the growing but not yet significant? Not clear encroachment of Typha and other
freshwater species.
Vireo occupied habitat
It is believed it was the intent of the mitigation permits to produce vireo quality
habitat in Macario Canyon as a part of the final permit conditions for this site, but
that because of the small size of the sites outside Macario Canyon (C &D) that
vireo occupancy is not a required part of final permit expectations. As a result no
monitoring for vireo occupancy of either of these mitigation sites were required to
be performed or reported on.
Completion of on growing season without irrigation
Since irrigation has been withdrawn for threetwo growing season, it has now met
these criteria for success.
Conclusions
This site achieved all final growth standards set by project permits. The problem
of freshwater encroachment of the salt marsh restoration site should be
evaluated for its potential to diminish the area of saltmarsh habitat mitigation
standards. This riparian corridor has a dynamic character. As up stream
development continues, it is anticipated the amount of freshwater into Agua
Hedionda preserve will increase.
3.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive
Species establishment
Table 14 shows that all seeded species established in the riparian woodland
planting area at this site except yerba mansa. However, yerba mansa was not
Native Landscape Inc. 40 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
considered critical to understory development at this site.
Container plant survival
Total container plant loss levels are well within the 80% standard for this site;
therefore the site has met this success standard.
Final tree height standards
Riparian woodland tree height continues to progress toward permit goals during
the third forth year of monitoring. Mulefat (8 ft.) and sandbar willow has (9.3 ft.)
have has increased in height. Arroyo willow (11 ft.) has achieved its final growth
standard.
No height data was gathered for the saltmarsh areas of this site since there are
only a few woody shrubs in this area and the predominant cover will be from
herbaceous saltmarsh species, which only reach 12-18 inches in height.
Final canopy cover standard
Canopy cover continues to progress toward permit goals during the fifth year of
monitoring is shown in Table 16. Combined canopy cover for riparian woodland
areas was 117%. Since the final cover standard of 90% includes understory and
overstory coverage together, the final canopy cover standard has met success
standards
Average Canopy cover for saltmarsh areas was 183%. Cover standards of
native halophytes have not declined due to the invasion of non-? What non-
native species?native annual species.
Vireo occupied quality habitat
It is believed it was the intent of the mitigation permits to produce vireo quality
habitat in Macario Canyon as a part of the final permit conditions for this site, but
that because of the small size of the sites outside Macario Canyon (C &D) that
vireo occupancy is not a part of final permit expectations. As a result no
monitoring for vireo occupancy of either of these mitigation sites was performed
or reported on.
Completion of on growing season without irrigation
Since irrigation has been withdrawn for two-three_growing seasons, it has now
met these criteria for success.
Conclusions
As soon as the riparian cover achieves its minimum cover standards. This site
will have achieved all final growth standards set by project permits.
3.2.5 Completion of 5-Year Pampas Grass Eradication Program
Five years out of the five-year program have been successfully completed.
Native Landscape Inc. 41 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
3.2.6 Completion of 5-Year Macario Canyon Least Bell's Vireo
Monitoring Program
Five years out of the five-year program have been successfully completed.
3.2.7 Completion of 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program
Five years out of the five-year program have been successfully completed.
4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 SITE A: MACARIO CANYON
4.1.1 Continuing Removal of Invasive Exotics
It is recommended that this site is released from maintenance and monitoring.
4.1.2 Buffer Zone Weed Control
Since the northern end of the buffer zone coastal sage scrub seeding has
developed well, it is recommended that this area be released from any
maintenance or monitoring
4.2 SITE A: ADDITIONAL 0.25 ACRE MITIGATION AREA
4.2.1 Continuing Irrigation Is Not Needed
Since this site has only achieved about 49.8% cover it should be monitored to
observe if it continues to improve. It is recommended the site not be irrigated.
Some replacement plantings for losses to Salix exigua and Baccharis salicifolia
are not recommended. Pluchea sericea should be considered to substitute for
Baccharis salicifolia if natural recruitment of Baccharis salicifolia seedlings fails.
4.3 SITE C: EL CAMINO REAL
4.3.1 Continuing Removal of Invasive Exotics
.•••'.•__••, ..-_-.J
clover. There is no significant weed problem at this site. The main focus of
weeding should continue to be bristly ox-tongue (Picris echioides) near the salt
marsh area.
This should include the issue of the encroachment of freshwater marsh habitat.
4.3.2 Irrigation Is No Longer Needed At This Site
4.4 SITE D: KELLY DRIVE
Native Landscape Inc. 42 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
4.4.1 Invasive Exotic Species Control Along Site Borders
A continued effort should be made to remove all invasive exotic weed species
from within the site borders. Species of particular focus include palms, pampas
grass, tamarisk, bristly ox-tongue and white sweet clover. Weeds have not been
aproblem at this site.
4.4.2 Irrigation Is No Longer Needed At This Site
4.5 MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS
4.5.1 Continued Use of Smaller Sampling Transects on 0.25-Acre Area
As recommended last year, it is recommended that the use of four 10 meter line
transects continue for the Site A: 0.25 Acre Extra Mitigation Area planting next
year since this strip planting is repeating the same transects that were sampled
on years 1 through 4.
5th Annual Monitoring report
sion Wetland Mitigation Projects
'repared for city of Carlsbad, CA
Appendix A, Observed Plant Species List
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road Extension
Wetland Mitigation Sites
Understory Species Site A: Macario Canyon
Observed
Family- Non- Seeded YRI YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5 Scientific Name Native (S) Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Common Name (X) or 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 planted
(P)
ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS
Apiaceae- Carrot Family
Arrium graveolens X * * * * *
Common celery
Foeniculum vulgare X * * * * *
Sweet fennel
Asteraceae-Sunflower Family
Ambrosia acanthicarpa X * * *
Annual bur-sage
Ambrosia psilostachya S * * * * *
Western ragweed
Atremisia douglasiana S * * * * * *
Mugwort
Artemisia dracunculus S * *
Tarragon
* * *
Aster exilis * * * * *
Slim aster
Baccharis salicifolia p * * * * *
Mulefat
Conyzasp. X * * * * *
Cotulacoronopifolola X 5
Brass buttons
* * * * *
Euthamia occidentalis .
Goldenrod
* *
Gnaphalium luteo-album X * * * *
Lactuca sp. X * * * *
Wild lettuce
Pluchea odorata 5 * * * * *
-Saltmarsh fleabane
Pluchea sericea p * * * * *
Arrow weed
Picris echioides X * * * * * *
Bristly ox-tongue I
Native Landscape Inc. 44 5th Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Sonchus oleraceus X *
Sow thistle
* * *
Xanthium strumarium X * *
Spiny clotburr
* * *
Brassicacea - Mustard Family
Brassica raia
Field Mustard
*
Hirschfeldia incana *
Brassica nigra X
Black mustard
* * * *
Site A: Macarlo Canyon con't.
Coronopus didymus
Lesser wart-cress
X
Lepidium nitidum X
Shinning pepper grass
* *
Raphanus sativus X *
Radish
*
Caroyphyllaceae—Pink Family
Spergularia rubra X
Ruby sand spurrey
* * *
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot
Family
Chenipodium ambrosioides X
Mexican tea
* * * * * *
Chenipodium 5r. X * * * * *
Salicornia subterminalis p *
Parish's glasswort
* * *
Salicornia virginica p *
Woody glasswort
* * *
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Medicago polymorpha
California burciover
X * * * * * *
Melilotus alba X
White sweet clover
* * *
Fagaceae - Oak Family
Quercus agrifolia
Coast live oak
. X * * *
Frankenianceae
Frankenia salina P *
Alkali heath
* * * * *
Lythraceae - Loosestrife
Family
Ammania occinea X
Ammania
*
Lythrum hyssopifolia X
Hyssop loosestrife
* * * *
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Native Landscape Inc. 45 5th Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Abutilon sp. X *
Globe mallow
*
Malva parviflora X
Cheeseweed
* * * *
Onagraceae-Evening
Primrose Family
Epilobium adenocaulon * * * * *
Potulacaceae - Buckwheat
Family
Polyqonum arehastrum
Doorweed
* * * *
Rumexcrispus X *
Curly dock
* * * * *
Potulacaceae - Purslane
Family
Portulaca oleracea X
Common purslane
* * *
Rosaceae - Rose Family
Rosa californica
California rose
p * * * * * *
Rubus ursinus P
California blackberry
* * * * * *
Vitaceae- Grape Family
Vitis qirdiana p *
Desert grape
* * * * *
AGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
Cyperaceae - Cyperus Family
Cyperus sp. X *
sedge
* * * *
Scirpus robustus *
Nutgrass
* * * * *
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cortderia sellouana X
Pampas grass
* * * * *
Cynodon dactylon X *
Bermuda grass
* * * * *
Piptatherum milleacum *
Millet ricegrass
* * *
Pennesetum setaceum X
African fountain grass
* * *
Polypogon monspeliensis X
Annual beardgrass
* * * *
Setaria sp. X *
Bristlygrass
*
Vulpiamyuros X S
Rat-tail fescue
* * * *
Typhaceae - Cat- Tail Family
Native Landscape Inc. 46 5th Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
ea
YR2
Aug.
2001
YR3
Aug.
2002
YR4
Aug.
2003
YR5
Aug.
2004
* * * *
* * * *
* * * *
* * * *
* * *
*
* * * *
* * * *
* * * *
* * * *
5th Annual Monitoring report Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Typha dominciensis I I I * ~ * * *
Southern cattail
I I
Chenipodium sp. x * * * * *
Euphorbiaceae - Spurge
Family
Eurphorbiaceae peplus X
Petty spurge
* * * * *
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Medicaqo polymorpha X
California burclover
* * * * *
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Malva parviflora X
Cheeseweed
* * * * *
Polygonaceae - Buckwheat
Family
Polyqonum arehastrum
Doorweed
X *
Rumex crispus X
Curly dock
* *
Saururaceae - Lizard - Tail
Family
Anemopsis californica
Yerba mansa
*
AGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
Cyperaceae - Sedge Family
Scirpus californica
California bulrush
*
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cynodon dactylon X
Bermuda grass
* * * * *
Diqitaria sp. X
Crabgrass
*
Echinochloa crus-cialli X
Common barnyard grass
*
Leymus condensatus S, P *
Giant wild rye
* * * *
ual Monitoring report d Mitigation Projects City of Carlsbad, CA
Saltmarsh fleabane
Pluchea sericea p rw rw rw rw rw
Arrow weed
Picris echioides X sm sm/rw sm/rw sm/rw smlwr
Bristly ox-tongue
Sonchus oleraceus X sm sm sm sm sm
Sow thistle
Caroyphyllaceae—Pink
Family
Spergularia rubra X sm sm sm sm sm
Ruby sand spurrey
Chenopodiaceae -
Goosefoot
Family
Artiplex patula ssp. hastata S sm sm sm sm sm
Fat hen
Salicornia subterminalis sm
Parish's glasswort
P sm sm sm sm sm
Salicornia virginica
Woody glasswort
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Lotus cornuculatus X rw
Frankenianceae
Frankenia salina P sm sm sm sm sm
Alkali heath
Lythraceae - Loosestrife
Family
Lythrum hyssopifolia X sm sm/rw sm/rw sm/rw sm/rw
Hyssop loosestrife
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Marvella leprosa sm sm sm sm sm Alkali mallow
Plantaginaceae - Plantain
Family
Plantago major X sm/rw rw sm sm sm Common plantain
Polygonaceae - Buckwheat
Family
Rumex crispus X sm rw sm/rw sm/rw sm/rw
Curly dock
Sururaceae - Lizard - Tail
Family
Anemopsis californica S sm sm sm sm sm Yerba mansa
Angiosperms (Monocots)
Arecraceae - Palm Family
Washington robusta X p iw rw rw rw
Mexican fan palm
Cyperaceae - Cyperus
Family
Scirpus robustua p sm sm/rw sm/rw sm/rw sm/rw
Native Landscape Inc. 50 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Prairie bulrush
Juncaceae -Rush Family
Juncus acutus ssp. lepoldii p
Southwest spiny rush
sm sm sm sm sm
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cortderia sellouana X
Pampas grass
rw rw
Cynodon dactylon X
Bermuda grass
sm sm sm sm sm
Diqitaria sp. X
Crabgrass
sm
Distichlis subspicäta p
Saltgrass
sm sm sm sm sm
Typhaceae - Cat- Tail Family
Tyrha domincensis
Southern cattail
rw/sm rw/sm rw/sm
________
rw/sm rw/sm
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road Extension
Wetland Mitigation Sites
Understory Species
Observed
Site D: Kelly Drive
Family-
Scientific Name
Common Name
Non-
Native
(X)
Seeded
(S)
or
planted
YR 1
Aug.
2000
YR 2
Aug.
2001
(P)
YR 3
Aug.
2002
YR 4
Aug.
2003
YR 5
Aug.
2004
ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS)
Asteraceae-Sunflower Family
Ambrosia acanthicarpa X
Annual bur-sage
sm rw/sm
Aster exilis
Slim aster
sm sm sm sm
Ambrosia psilostachya p rw/sm
Western ragweed
rw rw IW rw
Artemisia californica
California sagebrush
slope slope slope slope slope
Artemisia douglasiana 5
Mugwort
rw/sm rw irw 1W rw
Artemisia palmerii S
San Diego sagewort
sm rw
Baccharis salicifolia p
Mulefat
rw/sm rw rw rw rw
Cotula coronopifoloia X S
Brass buttons
sm sm
Encelia californica slope slope slope slope slope
5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
California sunflower
lsocoma menziesii
Coast golden bush
slope slope slope slope slope
Pluchea odorata
Saltmarsh fleabane
sm sm sm sm sm
Picris echioides X
Bristly ox-tongue
sm smlrw sm/rw sm/rw sm/rw
Sonchus oleraceus X
Sow thistle
sm sm sm sm sm
Xanthium strumarium X
Spiny clotburr
sm rw/sm rw/sm rw/sm rw/sm
Azioaceae - Fig - Marigold
Family
Carpobrotus edulis X
Sea-fig
sm rw/sm sm sm sm
Boraginaceae - Borage
Family
Heliopium curvassavicum
Salt heliotrope
sm sm sm sm sm
Caroyphyllaceae—Pink Family
Spergularia rubra
Ruby sand spurrey
X sm sm sm sm sm
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot
Family
Artiplex patula ssp. hastata X S sm
Fat hen
sm
Chenipodium sp. x sm sm sm sm sm
Salicornia virgin ica p
Woody glasswort
sm sm sm sm sm
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Melilotus alba
White sweet clover
X. sm rw/sm
Frankeniaceae
Frankenia salina p
Alkali heath
sm sm sm sm sm
Lythraceae - Loosestrife
Family
Lythrum hyssopifolia X
Hyssop loosestrife
sm rw/sm rw rw rw
Juncaceae - Rush Family
Juncus acutus ssp. lepoldii S, P sm
Southwest spiny rush
sm sm sm sm
AGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
Cyperaceae -Cyperus Family
Cyperus sp. X
sedge
sm sm sm sm sm
Scirpus robustus
Prairie bulrush
sm sm sm/rw sm/rw sm/rw
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cortderia sellouana X
Pampas grass
sm rw/sm
Cynodon dactylon
Bermuda grass
X sm/rw rw/sm rw rw rw
Native Landscape Inc. 52 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Distichlis subspicata
Saltgrass
sm sm sm sm sm
Piptatherum milleacum sm
Millet ricegrass
Pennesetum setaceum X sm
African fountain grass
Polypoqon monspeliensis X
Annual beardgrass
sm sm sm sm sm
Setaria sp. X
Bristlygrass
sm
Vulpia myuros X
Rat-tail fescue
sm smlrw sm/rw smlrw
Typhaceae - Cat- Tail Family
_____
Typha dominciensis
Southern cattail
sm/nw rw rw rw rw
-c'y
mwi
- - £ ii •
M ifflA I
Iwf.:.:
I].........
--
Om—
Native Landscape Inc. 53 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
S
Artemisia dracunculus
Aster exilis
Slim aster
Baccharic caHcifolia
Conyza sri
Cotuta coronopifoloia - ________
Euthamia occidentalis
Goldenrod
Gnaphalium luteo album
Wild lettuce
PGhea-o4oata
Saltmarsh fleabane
Pluchea sericea
Arrow weed
Picric echioides
Bristly ox tongue
Sonchus oleraceus
Sow thistle
Xanthium strumarium
Spiny clotburr
Brassicacea - Mustard Family - _______
Brassica nigra
Coronopus didymus
Lesser wart cress
Lelidium nitidum
Shinning pepper grass
Raphanus sativus
Caroyphyllaceae—Rirth-FamiI
SperguIacia-ctbca - _______
Ruby cad-suce'
Chenopodiaccac Goosefoot
Native Landscape Inc. 54 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Coast live oak
Frankeniancepe
Frankenia salina
Alkali heath
Lythraceae Loosestrife
Ammaniaoeewea
Ammania
Lythrum hyssopifolia
Hyssop loocestrife
Malvaceae Mallow Family
Globe mallow
Malva parviflora
Cheeceweed
Onagraceae-Evening -
Primrose Family
Epilobium adenocaulon
Potulacaceac Buckwheat
Polycionum arehastrum - _______
Doorweed
Rumex cricpus
Curly deek
Potulacaceac Pursiano
Portulaca oleracea
Common purslane
Rosaceae - Rose Family
Rosa californica
California rose ________
California blackberry
Vitaceac Grape Family
Vitis cuirdiana
Native Landscape Inc. 55 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Vulpia myurps
Rat tail fescue
Typhaceae Cat- Tail-gamily
Typha dominqensis
Southern cattail
56 5th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
1 FOURTH YEAR ANNUAL REPORT 2002
I Cannon Road Extension (Reaches I & 2)
I
Wetland Mitigation Areas
U.S ACOE Permit Nos. 97-20130-TDC & 97-20131-TDC
I CDFG Permit No. 5-044-97
USFWS Biological Opinion No. 1-6-97F-51
Coastal Commission Permit No. 6-97-11
I .
R.ECE WED
I 12 2003
ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT
I
Prepared For: City of Carlsbad
I Public Works-Engineering Department
1635 Faraday Avenue
I ..
Carlsbad, CA 92008-73 14
Prepared By: Native Landscape Inc.
9746 Tamarack Lane I Escondido, CA 92029
I , 0
I
I
I
Executive Summary
I
This report documents installation and fourth year monitoring for the Cannon
Road extension (Reaches 1 and 2) Wetland Mitigation Project. The City of
Carlsbad (City) is creating 6.34 acres of new wetlands at three mitigation sites
I
(A, C and D) to mitigate for the loss of 2.64 acres of wetlands lost to project
construction. The report period is from October 2001 to September 2002.
Section 1.0 reviews the project history and mitigation site locations
Section 2.0 provides the results of the 3rd year of post-installation
monitoring
The horticultural and botanical monitoring results for the fourth year of Site A and
the third year of Sites C, D and Extra Area A are covered this year. This section
also reviews the pampas grass eradication, brown-headed cowbird trapping and
least Bell's vireo monitoring programs required to take place in Macario Canyon
for five-years.
Section 3.0 compares the results of botanical monitoring against project
success standards
Section 4.0 makes remedial recommendations for next growing year
These recommendations are summarized below:
Site A: Macario Canyon
1. Continue to implement exotic plant species weed control in the north part
of the buffer zone with a focus on pampas grass established there.
Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre
1. Discontinue irrigation again for the second year.
Site C: El Camino Real
Continue removing invasive exotic plant species from this site with a
particular focus on pampas grass and tamarisk.
Site D: Kelly Drive
1. Continue to remove all new invasive exotic plant species within 100 feet of
the site borders with a particular focus on: palms, pampas grass, bristly
ox-tongue, and sweet clover.
Native Landscape Inc. 2 41h Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Monitoring Recommendations
Continue using the smaller sampling transects on t
h
e
S
i
t
e
A
A
d
d
i
t
i
o
n
a
l
0.25 Acre Area.
Discontinue separate sampling of height for all 15-gal
l
o
n
s
y
c
a
m
o
r
e
s
a
n
d
cottonwoods.
Continue using the sattmarsh monitoring protocols.
Naiive Landscape Inc.
3 4th Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1,0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
6
1.1 PROJECT HISTORY
7
1.2 PROJECT LOCATION
7 1.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon
8 1.2.2 Site C: El Camino Real
8 1.2.3 Site D: Kelly Road
8
2.0 POST-INSTALLATION MONITORING
8
2.1 METHODS
9 2.1.1 Monthly Progress Reports
. 9 2.1.2 Horticultural Monitoring
9 2.1.3 Botanical Monitoring
10
2.2 HORTICULTURAL MONITORING RESUL
T
S
12 2.2.1 Site A: Macaria Caryon
12 2.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
14 2.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real
15 2.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive
16
2.3 BOTANICAL MONITORING RESULTS
7 2.3.1 Results Site A: Macaria Canyon
17 2.3.2 Results Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
23 2.3.3 Results Site C: El Camino Real
26 2.3.4 Results Site 0: Kelly Drive
31
2.4 PAMPAS GRASS ERADICATION PROG
R
A
M
P
R
O
G
R
E
S
S
35
2.5 LEAST BELL'S VIREO MONITORING RES
U
L
T
S
35
2.6 COWBIRD TRAPPING RESULTS
37
3.0 DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS OF PROJECT
S
U
C
C
E
S
S
S
T
A
N
T
A
R
D
S
3
8
Naive Landscape tic.
4 41h Armuat Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
3.1 SUCCESS STANDARDS 38
3.2 DISCUSSION 41
3.2.1 Site A: Macaria Canyon 41
3.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area 42
3.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real 44
3.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive 45
3.2.5 Completion of 5-year Pampas Grass Eradication 47
3.2.6 Completion of 5-year Least Bell's Vireo Monitoring 47
3.2.7 Completion of 5-year Brown-headed Cowbird trapping 47
4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 48
4.1 Site A: Macaria Canyon 48
4.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area 48
4.3 Site C: El Camino Real 48
4.4 Site D: Kelly Drive 48
4.5 MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS 49 5.0 REFERENCES 50,
LIST OF FIGURES
1 Location of Mitigation Sites . 8 A
2 Mitigation Site A * 9 A
3 Mitigation Site C 10A 4 Mitigation Site D 11 A
LISTS OF TABLES
1 Revised Mitigation Acreage Summary 7
2 Site A: Summary Tree Height Data 18
3 Site A: Additional Sycamore & Cottonwood Summary Height Data 19 4 Site A: Canopy Cover 21
5 Site A: Tree/Shrub Density 22 6 Species Established at Site A Additional 0.25 Acre Area 23 7 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area: Summary Tree Height Data 24 8 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area: Canopy Cover 25 9 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area: Tree/Shrub Density 26 10 Species Established at Site C . 27 11 Site C: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree .Height Data . 28 12 Site C. Canopy Cover
. 29 13 Site C: Tree/Shrub Density 30 14 Species Established at Site D 32
15 Site D: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree Heights Data 33 16 Site D. Canopy Cover Growth
. . 33 17 Site D. Tree/Shrub Density 34 18 Project Success Standards 40 19 Appendix A: Observed Plant Species 51 20 Appendix B: Transect Photos . 65
Native Landscape mc: . 5 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Etetision Welland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
As mitigation for the loss of 3.32 acres of jurisdictional wetland impacts (1.72
acres of permanent direct, 0.9 acres of indirect shading, and 0.68 acres of
temporary direct) associated with the construction of the Cannon Road Extension
(Reaches 1 and 2) in Carlsbad, California, the City of Carlsbad (City) is creating
6.43 acres of new wetlands (Tetra Tech 1997, 1998) on three mitigation sites
described below. This mitigation is designed to meet the conditions set forth in
the following permits and opinions:
Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)
Permits Nos. 97-20130-TDC & 97-20131-TDC
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)
Streambed Alteration Permit No. 5-044-97
California Coastal Commission (CCC)
Coastal Development Permit No. 5-044-97
Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS)
Biological Opinion No. 1-6-97-F-51
In addition, the Biological Opinion issued for the project and referenced in the
ACOE and CDFG permits require three additional mitigation efforts be
completed: 1) a 5-year least Bell's vireo (Viero bellii pusillus) monitoring program
in Macario Canyon, 2) a 5-year brown headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) trapping
program in Macario Canyon, and 5-year pampas grass (Cortaderia
selloana) eradication effort in 28 acres of existing riparian woodlands in
Macario Canyon. In addition, the City-eradicated pampas grass in 6 additional
acres in order to complete eradication along the entire mitigation site edges in
Macario Canyon. The City designated 1.28 acres out of this additional effort
under agreement with the CDFG (Howard 1998) as mitigation at a 4:1 ratio for
0.32 acre of non-jurisdictional Mulefat scrub removed during the construction of
the Cannon Road Extension/El Camino Real Intersection. The remaining 4:72 acres of eradication the City hopes to apply to future City wetland mitigation
needs.
Initially Burkhart Environmental Consulting (BEC) and Native Landscape Inc.
(Native Landscape) were hired by the City to monitor and maintain the new
wetland areas. This report reviews the installation work completed for each of
the mitigation areas between 1 January 1998 and 11 October 1999 and presents
an analysis of data collected to determine if the mitigations are progressing
adequately to meet the 5-year success standards set by permits. The report
focuses on the fourth year of post-installation monitoring for Site A completed in
the late spring of 1998 and the third year of post-installation monitoring for Site C
Native Landscape Inc. 6 41h Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
and D and the additional 0.25 acre area at Site A installed in the sp
r
i
n
g
a
n
d
summer of 1999.
1.1 Project History
Mitigation acreage for this project was originally proposed for cre
a
t
i
o
n
a
t
o
n
l
y
o
n
e
site in Macario Canyon (Site A). The remainder of the mitigation r
e
q
u
i
r
e
m
e
n
t
s
for the project was to be satisfied by a contribution to a long-term m
a
n
a
g
e
m
e
n
t
endowment for the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Open Space Preserv
e
.
H
o
w
e
v
e
r
,
when the CCC would not accept the management contribution as
a
p
p
r
o
p
r
i
a
t
e
mitigation, the City proposed three additional wetland creation sites i
n
t
h
e
p
r
o
j
e
c
t
area (Sites B, C, and D). However, after hydrological analysis was
c
o
m
p
l
e
t
e
d
f
o
r
the Cannon Road Extension improvements, the project engineers co
n
c
l
u
d
e
d
i
t
would not be possible to use Site B for mitigation acreage. The City
subsequently proposed relocating the Site (0.44 acres) to areas adja
c
e
n
t
t
o
e
a
c
h
of the other mitigation sites (BEC 1/28/99). This relocation was appro
v
e
d
b
y
t
h
e
resource agencies (Table 1).
Table I
Revised Mitigation Acreage Summary
Area A
Area B
Area C
Area D
TOTALS
Original Final
Approved Installed
Acreage Acreage
4.10 4.35
0.44 0.00
1.30 1.45
0.50 0.54
6.34 6.34
1.2 Project Location
I The final mitigation sites (A, C, and D) are located in the City of Carl
s
b
a
d
w
i
t
h
i
n
the general vicinity of the road improvements that caused the original
w
e
t
l
a
n
d
losses.
1.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon
I Site A is located adjacent to the existing Macario Canyon drainage so
u
t
h
o
f
t
h
e
extension of Faraday Avenue to Cannon the North and South Mitigat
i
o
n
A
r
e
a
s
.
I Native Landscape Inc.
7 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
The additional 0.25-acre mitigation area designed to comp
e
n
s
a
t
e
f
o
r
p
a
r
t
o
f
t
h
e
loss of acreage at the eliminated Site B was planted in a 10-f
o
o
t
s
t
r
i
p
o
n
t
h
e
eastern edge of the southern mitigation site in Macario Cany
o
n
.
T
h
e
M
a
c
a
r
i
o
Canyon drainage runs from Carlsbad Research Center Busin
e
s
s
P
a
r
k
,
t
h
r
o
u
g
h
the future Veteran's Memorial Park under the Cannon Road brid
g
e
i
n
t
o
A
g
u
a
Hedionda Lagoon. The mitigation sites are located in a 50 t
o
1
0
0
f
o
o
t
w
i
d
e
s
t
r
i
p
on the east side of the existing wetland vegetation found in t
h
e
d
r
a
i
n
a
g
e
.
T
h
e
wetland creation sites along the drainage are bordered to the ea
s
t
b
y
a
n
approximately 100 foot wide upland buffer strip that has bee
n
s
e
e
d
e
d
w
i
t
h
coastal sage scrub species (figure 2).
1.2.2 Site C: El Camino Real
Site C is located about 300 feet northwest of the intersection of
C
a
n
n
o
n
R
o
a
d
with El Camino Real. It is divided into North and South Mit
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
A
r
e
a
s
b
y
a
peninsula of existing riparian woodland and freshwater mars
h
.
T
h
e
s
o
u
t
h
e
r
n
area was a former flood control berm about 40 feet wide ru
n
n
i
n
g
a
b
o
u
t
1
,
0
0
0
f
e
e
t
in length parallel to the existing creek channel to the south. T
h
e
s
e
b
e
r
m
s
o
i
l
s
were removed to create grades acceptable for wetland creatio
n
.
(
F
i
g
u
r
e
3
)
1.2.3 Site D: Kelly Road
Site D is at the west end of Kelly Street (off El Camino Real) w
h
e
r
e
i
t
i
n
t
e
r
s
e
c
t
s
with Park Drive. A drainage channel enters the Agua Hedionda
L
a
g
o
o
n
o
p
e
n
space at the southeast corner of the mitigation area and continu
e
s
a
l
o
n
g
i
t
s
southern border. The site itself was created after a long pen
i
n
s
u
l
a
o
f
f
i
l
l
m
a
t
e
r
i
a
l
s
we removed to restore former wetland grades. The site is b
o
r
d
e
r
e
d
o
n
i
t
s
s
o
u
t
h
side by existing willow woodland along the creek drainage and
o
n
i
t
s
n
o
r
t
h
s
i
d
e
by salt marsh (figure 4).
2.0 POST - INSTALLATION MONITORING
Post-installation monitoring and maintenance for Macario C
a
n
y
o
n
S
i
t
e
A
b
e
g
a
n
in May 1998, for Sites C and D in July 1999, and for the addi
t
i
o
n
a
l
0
.
2
5
a
c
r
e
s
planted at Site A in August 1999. Monitoring is divided betwee
n
r
e
g
u
l
a
r
horticultural visits to assess landscape maintenance needs and
t
h
e
c
o
l
l
e
c
t
i
o
n
o
f
quantitative botanical data to determine progress towards per
m
i
t
s
u
c
c
e
s
s
standards. Because installation was finished half way throug
h
t
h
e
f
i
r
s
t
g
r
o
w
i
n
g
season for the original Macario Canyon plantings and for twice
a
y
e
a
r
b
o
t
a
n
i
c
a
l
monitoring was required under permit conditions, the City deci
d
e
d
t
o
p
e
r
f
o
r
m
t
h
e
first monitoring for Site A at the end of the growing season
i
n
A
u
g
u
s
t
1
9
9
8
a
n
d
the second annual monitoring in August 1999. Although thi
s
s
c
h
e
d
u
l
e
e
x
t
e
n
d
e
d
monitoring to an 18 month period for the first year, it then
s
e
t
a
s
c
h
e
d
u
l
e
f
o
r
d
a
t
a
collection for all mitigation sites to take place at end of the
e
n
d
o
f
t
h
e
m
a
x
i
m
u
m
growth season each year for all sites, since monitoring frequ
e
n
c
y
h
a
s
b
e
e
n
I Native Landscape Inc.
I
4th Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension \Vet!and Mitigation Projects Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I changed to once annually for the remainder of the project. This year's report
provides the fourth monitoring year of data for Site A and the third annual
monitoring for Sites C, D and the additional. 25 acres added to the Site A. Th
e
I following section discusses monitoring methods and results.
1 2.1 METHODS
2.1.1 Monthly Progress Reports
To document project progress during the first year, monthly progress reports
I summarized site observations and gave recommendations for remedial
measures. These reports are kept on file at the City and Native Landscape In
c
.
.
The first progress report was issued in May of 1998 when Valley Crest compl
e
t
e
d
I the Site A plant establishment period and Native Landscape Inc. began site
maintenance. After twelve months these reports have switched since April 1999 to a bi-monthly format for the remainder of the 5-year monitoring period.
2.1.2 Horticultural Monitoring
I Horticultural monitoring consists of regular visits to the site to review the
maintenance needs of the mitigation plantings. If required, remedial
-
I maintenance recommendations are made to assure acceptable project progress.
Remedial measures are communicated directly to Native Landscape Inc. for
implementation in the field. Written communications are always used to assure
that accurate communication is achi eved.
I
I
I
Li
I Native Landscape Inc. 9 41h Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA I
I 2.1.3 Botanical Monitoring
To collect botanical data on the progress of wetland habitat creation a series of
25-meter (82 foot) line transects are set up at each mitigation site except for the I additional 0.25 acres of mitigation at Site A where four 10 meter transects are
used in order to obtain a better sampling of this linear site. Transects are located
I evenly throughout the mitigation sites to evaluate all areas of planting as follows:
Mitigation Areas Transect Numbers
I Site A South 1S -7S
I Site ANorth
Site A Additional 0.25 acre area 1A -4A
I Site C Riparian Woodland 1 C'- 2C
I Site C Salt Marsh 3C
Site D Riparian Woodland 1 D I Site D Salt Marsh 2D
I The number of transects vary depending on the acreage at each mitigation site
(transect numbers are provided under the results section for each site). Each
end of the transect is marked with a 6-foot metal T-post and then the compass
direction (based on magnetic north) recorded for future reference from a
designated primary end of the transect. Figures for each site show the location of
I
. transects within the site with the primary end numbered. Along each of these line
transects three data collection activities are performed to assess progress toward
permit success standards. The three methodologies are detailed below. Riparian
woodland and salt marsh portions of sites are separated from one another since I they have very different species compositions, heights, and plant densities. In addition photographs are taken annually from the primary transect post facing in
the direction of the transect compass bearing and a species list is prepared I based on annual monitoring observations.
I
I Native Landscape Inc. 10 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Li
I
Canopy Cover
To assess the amount of riparian woodland canopy cover the line intercept
values for all tree and shrub species over 18-inches in height are measured for
each transect. Bare ground versus under story vegetative cover is also
measured for vegetation cover. In salt marsh areas the cover of salt marsh
species, non-native cover, and bare earth canopy cover categories are
measured. No separate under story measurements are made for salt marsh
covers since it has one canopy.
Tree heights
Within the 20 foot belt transects used for measuring riparian woodland canopy
composition, the heights of all container planted & naturalized trees are
measured. With colonial species such as sandbar willow (Sal ix exigua) all trees in the clump are used to determine average height.
Since few if any trees of large shrubs occur in salt marsh areas no height
measurements are taken in this cover type.
Composition of trees/shrubs
I transect
Within a 20 foot wide belt transect centered on each line riparian woodland
the number of tree/shrub species over 3 feet in height are counted by
species to determine canopy cover composition. Based on these counts,
I
overstory canopy cover compositions and density are determined. Density
values are provided as total trees 0.33 acre and compared to last year's results
as x number of plants per belt transect. As before no attempt has been made to
make detailed quantitative assessments of groundcover species density
compositions.
-
For salt marsh areas, where plant densities are much higher, a 1-meter band
with one of its edges on the transect, is used to calculate plant densities. Counts
were made of the numbers of each perennial saltmarsh species rooted within this
band. All canopies have merged, therefore, cover alone quantifies it as an index
of its success.
I
I
I
I
Native Landscape Inc. H 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projc1s
Prepared for City or Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
2.2 HORTICULTURAL MONITORING RESULTS
2.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon
Seeding-riparian & marsh areas
The dominant plant species the installation continues in
y
e
a
r
f
o
u
r
t
o
b
e
southwestern spiny rush ( Juncus acutus ssp. Leopoldii), Douglas wormwort (Artemisia douglasiana) and western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya). These three species formed the dominant understory cover in most areas of both the North and South Areas.
Seeding-upland buffer zone
Coastal sage scrub species establishment remains so
m
e
w
h
a
t
s
p
o
r
a
d
i
c
i
n
t
h
e
upland buffer zone. The highest area of cover develop
m
e
n
t
c
o
n
t
i
n
u
e
d
t
o
b
e
adjacent to the North Mitigation Area where the surface
w
e
e
d
s
e
e
d
b
a
n
k
h
a
d
been buried under fill from the excavation of the adj
a
c
e
n
t
m
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
a
r
e
a
,
a
n
d
adjacent to the South Mitigation Area. In most of this
a
r
e
a
n
e
a
r
l
y
m
a
t
u
r
e
c
o
a
s
t
a
l
sage scrub plants have now established including: coa
s
t
a
l
s
a
g
e
b
r
u
s
h
(Artemisia californica), black sage (Salvia mellifera), flat-top buckwheat (Erogonum fasciculatum), red mon
k
e
y
f
l
o
w
e
r
(
D
i
p
l
a
c
u
s
puniceus), deerweed (Lotus scoparius), and Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
s
u
n
f
l
o
w
e
r
(Encelia californica).
In the rest of the buffer zone running south from the
N
o
r
t
h
M
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
A
r
e
a
t
h
e
r
e
continued to be only sporadic estabishment of coast
a
l
s
a
g
e
s
c
r
u
b
s
p
e
c
i
e
s
.
These areas remained dominated largely by annual
w
e
e
d
s
p
e
c
i
e
s
,
w
h
i
c
h
w
e
r
e
present in the seed bank at the time of installation.
H
o
w
e
v
e
r
,
n
o
f
u
r
t
h
e
r
r
e
m
e
d
i
a
l
activities are required for the buffer zone under perm
i
t
c
o
n
d
i
t
i
o
n
s
.
Though coastal sage scrub species are only sporadic
j
u
s
t
o
u
t
s
i
d
e
o
f
t
h
e
n
o
r
t
h
I
end of the site it is interesting to note that at least two
C
a
l
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
g
n
a
t
c
a
t
h
e
r
s
were observed visually and by their vocalizations dur
i
n
g
t
h
e
b
i
o
l
o
g
i
c
a
l
m
o
n
i
t
o
r
i
n
g
'
of Site A.
I ,
I
I Native Landscape Inc. 12 41h Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA I
Container Plants
The prolific number of sucker stems of sandbar willow (Salix e
x
i
g
u
a
)
w
e
r
e
h
e
a
v
i
l
y
utilized during this exceptionally dry year by herbivores. M
a
n
y
s
t
e
m
s
h
a
d
s
o
m
e
or all bark removed by gnawing. These willow thickets have b
e
e
n
t
h
i
n
n
e
d
t
o
a
lower density as a'resuit.
Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) continues to exce
e
d
a
l
l
o
t
h
e
r
t
r
e
e
species in its rate and height of growth, followed by Black
w
i
l
l
o
w
(
S
a
l
i
x
gooddingii). In general tree height now matches the existing
m
a
t
u
r
e
r
i
p
a
r
i
a
n
forest.
Weeds
There are edge areas and more newly planted areas with we
e
d
p
r
o
b
l
e
m
s
.
W
e
e
d
control has focused on White sweet clover (Mel i lotus
a
l
b
a
)
,
B
r
i
s
t
l
y
ox-tongue (Picris echrodes), Cortadiera
s
e
l
l
o
u
n
a
,
T
a
m
a
r
i
s
k
tree(Tamarix) and Pampas grass.
Watering
Irrigation of mitigation plantings was discontinued at this si
t
e
a
t
t
h
e
e
n
d
o
f
t
h
e
summer of 1999, so the site has survived well without irrig
a
t
i
o
n
f
o
r
t
h
r
e
e
g
r
o
w
i
n
g
seasons. Any heads connected to laterals which are waterin
g
t
h
e
a
d
j
a
c
e
n
t
0
.
2
5
acre additional planting area adjacent to the South Mitigatio
n
A
r
e
a
r
e
m
a
i
n
capped off to assure this site meets its success standard of s
u
r
v
i
v
i
n
g
w
i
t
h
o
u
t
irrigation over one growing season.
Vandalism
There was no vandalism of significance.
ii
I Native Landscape Inc.
13 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Eiension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
2.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 acres of Mitigation Planting
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in August 1999;
this is the third year's monitoring results. This begins its first season without
supplemental irrigation. In 2001 supplemental irrigation was approved in July -
October, until the rainy season began.
Seeding
Douglas wormwort and western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya)are
established creating a nearly continuous understory cover. Both these species
also invaded the planting strip by means of runners from plants established in the
adjacent main mitigation area so it is difficult to distinguish between seedlings.
Neither the giant wild rye grass (Leymus condensatus) nor the California
sunflower has germinated here though they were part of the seed mix. Giant wild
rye grass successfully established from containers and the California sunflower
occurs nearby in the upland buffer zone.
Container plants
The container plantings have established well at this site. The Sandbar willow
has been most heavily impacted in this newest planting where most of the sucker
stems have been gnawed by herbivory.
Weeds
Weeds have not been a significant problem in this mitigation area during the past
year. There were still some occurrences of bristly ox-tongue (Picris
echioides), these are specifically targeted by Native Landscape.
Watering
The site has-been regularly watered (except during rainy season) as of July 2001
until October 2001 to assure strong plant establishment and growth. This site
was not watered in 2002. Drought stressed areas are now doing well without the
additional water.
Trash and vandalism
There has been no trash dumped in this site or any vandalism to its plantings
during this past year.
Native Landscape Inc. 14 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
2.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in July 1999.
Seeding-riparian & marsh areas
Tree canopy has shaded out most of the previously dense ground cover except
where some open patches admit sunlight.
These ground cover species that occupy the riparian planting includes:
(Ambrosia psilostachya) western ragweed, (Artemisia douglasiana) Douglas
wormwood, (Artemisia palmeri) Palmer's sagewort and (Juncus acutus)
Southwest Spiny rush.
Container plants
Container plantings showed excellent establishment at this site. The riparian
woodland area exhibited almost no loss of container plantings except a few when
the adjacent stream channel relocated itself across the site in winter 2001.
These losses did little to deter overall canopy cover development and the riparian
woodland part of this site has made substantial progress towards its success
goals this year and has achieved the height standards.
Saltmarsh plantings continued to demonstrate excellent establishment and
growth with few losses. Woody glasswort (Salicornia virginica), alkali-
heath (Frankenia sauna), and saltgrass are well established. Freshwater
encrocachment is occurring as result of the river's shifted alignment. This is
shown by the increasing cover of cattail (Typha), nutgrass (Scirpus
robustus), and Polypogon monopelien.
Weeds
No significant weed problems. Pampas outside of the mitigation site that was
previously removed continued to be treated or was not observed.
Watering
There has been no irrigation at the site since 2000
Trash and vandalism
There has been some trash and debris dumped at this site. The main potential•
for vandalism remains the pathway along the first third of the dike area, which is
used as a pathway for workers to access a living site they maintain in the willows
along the adjacent stream channel. There are open latrines in the area that pose
Native Landscape Inc, 15 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Li
health and safety dangers.
Erosion
Heavy winter rains in February 2000 created significant strea
m
f
l
o
w
s
i
n
t
h
e
channel adjacent to the regraded dike at this site. These strea
m
f
l
o
w
s
r
a
n
o
v
e
r
the dike area in three separate places. The first at a notch left i
n
t
h
e
g
r
a
d
i
n
g
a
t
the eastern end of the dike. The second through the existing
e
r
o
s
i
o
n
b
r
e
a
k
i
n
t
h
e
dike left from 2000 and the third midway between these tw
o
a
r
e
a
s
.
A
f
t
e
r
t
h
e
flooding had subsided it was found that the stream has now c
u
t
a
n
e
w
c
h
a
n
n
e
l
which runs through the gully in the dike created in 2000 and wid
e
n
e
d
i
n
2
0
0
1
.
This new channel then proceeds through the marsh area, w
h
i
c
h
s
e
p
a
r
a
t
e
s
t
h
e
two parts of this flooding/erosion; however, as noted earlier, t
h
e
v
a
l
v
e
b
o
x
e
s
i
n
the saitmarsh parts of the site were flooded and their tops wa
s
h
e
d
o
f
f
.
T
h
e
location of the freshwater channel and its flow has been relativ
e
l
y
s
t
a
b
l
e
i
n
2
0
0
2
with no affect on any of the riparian plantings at site C.
2.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive
The establishment period for this mitigation area was compl
e
t
e
d
i
n
J
u
l
y
1
9
9
9
.
Seeding- riparian & marsh areas
In general the species hydroseeded at this site, both in the salt
m
a
r
s
h
a
n
d
riparian woodland areas, had established by the end of th
e
f
i
r
s
t
s
u
m
m
e
r
a
f
t
e
r
planting, and continue to thrive. Many wetland volunteers are s
h
o
w
i
n
g
u
p
o
n
s
i
t
e
that were not in the original seed mix.
Southwestern spiny rush germinated well at this site and no
w
c
o
m
p
r
o
m
i
s
e
s
a
significant part of the ground cover including covering a hist
o
r
i
c
t
r
a
i
l
.
T
h
e
r
e
a
r
e
also scattered occurrences of a native herb called Spearscale
o
r
f
a
t
h
e
n
(Atriplex patula ssp. Hastata)Onsite.
The coastal sage scrub seed mix placed on the roadside sl
o
p
e
s
w
h
i
c
h
b
o
r
d
e
r
t
h
e
site performed quite well and all species germinated and es
t
a
b
l
i
s
h
e
d
f
r
o
m
s
e
e
d
in the seed mix. California sagebrush was the most signific
a
n
t
g
e
r
m
i
n
a
t
o
r
a
n
d
Coast Goldenbrush (Isocoma menziesii).
Container plants
Container plantings showed excellent establishment at this site
.
T
h
e
r
i
p
a
r
i
a
n
woodland (salix exigua) area has recovered its minor loss
e
s
d
u
e
t
o
g
r
a
z
i
n
g
a
n
d
the willow canopy is now establishing the site. Transect D
l
h
a
s
r
e
c
o
v
e
r
e
d
f
r
o
m
its initial loss due to the soil compac'ion and all initial and r
e
p
l
a
c
e
m
e
n
t
p
l
a
n
t
i
n
g
s
Native Landscape Inc. 16 4th Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigatioti Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
11,
I
I
I
I
continue to spread and dominate the site.
Weeds
Bristly ox-tongue was controlled at some parts of this site though is w
a
s
n
o
t
a
s
extensive as during previous years.
Watering
No watering of this site occurred in 2001.
Trash and vandalism
Trash has not been a significant problem in 2002.
Erosion
No significant erosion occurred in 2002.
2.3 BOTANICAL MONITORING RESULTS
Formal botanical monitoring for Sites C and D and the additional
0
.
2
5
a
c
r
e
s
a
t
Site A began in 2000. The results for all mitigation sites are given i
n
t
h
i
s
s
e
c
t
i
o
n
.
2.3.1 Results Site A: Macario Canyon
Species established
A full accounting of all species planted at this site is provided in Tab
l
e
4
o
f
t
h
e
first year annual report (BEC 1999).
Container nlant survival
Because growth standards have been essentially met on both the No
r
t
h
a
n
d
South Mitigation Areas no formal container plant survival count was u
n
d
e
r
t
a
k
e
n
this year. Surviving trees are tall and vigorous, maintaining dominan
t
w
i
l
l
o
w
cover over most of the site, which have outcompeted smaller trees wi
t
h
i
n
t
h
e
i
r
canopy. There were container plant losses in 2000 where several of t
h
e
1
5
gallon western sycamores planted along the edge of the South Mitigati
o
n
A
r
e
a
were lost; however, the Fremont cottonwoods planted at this site mad
e
u
p
f
o
r
t
h
e
loss of canopy stratification resulting from sycamore losses.
Native Landscape Inc. 17 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Exlertsion Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Tree heights
Tree height data results are presented by species in Table 2. This data is
average between North and South Areas.
Table 2
Site A: Summary Tree Height Data
Species 2001 plant 2002 plant 2001 average 2002 average Count Count Height (feet) Height (feet) Baccharis 260 333 6.9 8 salicifolia
Salix exigua 335 179 9.8 9 Salix 94 80 18.7 20 gooddingi i
Salix 65 57 17.2 18
lasiolepis
The height of Salix gooddingii and Salix lasiolepis continued to
increase this year. Baccharis salicifolia and Salix exigua again
declined slightly in height due to the generally dry conditions and herbivory on
the higher parts of the site particularly in the South Mitigation Area.
Table 3
Site A: Additional Sycamore & Cottonwood
Summary Height Data for August 2001
Platanus racemosa
2002 .
Populus fremontii
2001 South
site
North
site
South site North site
10 19 14 20 20 12 8 23 12 17 15 ' 24
7 20 25
15 12 35 17 17 20 15 12 . 14
Native Landscape Inc. 18 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
¼
Totals
Combined 14.4 I 19.0 2002 I
Combined 17.1 I 25 2001 I
Combined I 13.8 13.7 2000 I
Tree height results
Western Sycamore and Fremont cottonwood container plantings continued to
have mixed success. Western Sycamore that appears poorly suited to the site,
continued to decline from 14 surviving in 2001 to 10 in 2002. Those surviving on
the North Mitigation Site gain in height and especially in breadth. Fremont
cottonwood also had a decline in survival from 18 in 2001 to 13 in 2002. In
contrast to the Sycamore there was significant growth in all surviving
cottonwoods. This was particularly true in the North Mitigation Area where Black
willow (Salix gooddingii) now forms a continuous tall canopy and there is
competition for sunlight. As a result many shorter trees of all species have been
shaded out in a normal progression of the maturation of this Riparian woodland.
Canopy cover results
Canopy cover results for Site A are summarized in Table 4. Areas not covered
by overstory cover were 100% covered by understory species for all transects,
therefore no bare earth observations were recorded in the data set. The
understory cover is not measured or calculated separately. Tree cover increased
overall in both areas to almost 100%. Consistent with the results of tree heights,
the changes in cover values were more pronounced in the North Mitigation Area.
There was a slight general decline in tree cover along the upper edge of certain
South area transects (6S, 4S, 3S, 1 S). None of these declines were overall
significantly adverse, with overall cover still exceeding its standard. Understory
herbs successfully provided ground cover wherever tree canopy was locking
composed mostly of spring rush and Western ragweed. Transect S-5 has
become inundated by freshwater marsh (cattails) along 10.5 meters of its length.
The general trend if water ponding appears to be a natural response to greater
stream flow in the area though it does not appear to affect any other portions of
the site. It should be considered advantageous in providing riparian diversity to
the site at this time.
Native Landscape Inc. 19 4th .Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Uj
I
n
Ii
Table 4
Site A: Canopy Cover
Transect 1999
Cover
2000
Cover
2001
Cover
2002
Cover
SOUTH AREA
IS 76.4 88.8 100 154
2S 60.8 82.4 83.2 124
3S 35.2 58.8 44.0 96
4S 68.8 80.0 75.6 143
5S 90.4 65.2 125.6 156
6S 34.8 86.8 70.4 111
7S 48.8 1 58.8 1 81.6 64
Average 5.3
Cover
74.4 82.8 121%
NDREA RTH
IN 29.6 54.8 106 127
2N 75.2 88.0 96.4 119
3N 79.2 109.6 114.1 116
4N 99.6 154.8 148 125
SN 92.4 115.2 120 132
Average 75.2
Cover
104.5 116.7 103
Carbined
Average
Canopy
65.9
Cover
86.9 97.0 112
Tree/shrub composition/density
Tree/shrub density data is summarized in Table 5. All woody tree and shrub
species above 3 feet in height were counted as occurring within transect
sampling areas. The density of all deeply rooted riparian trees was maintained
or increased while the shallower rooted shrub Sambucus mexicana,
Baccaharis salicifolia and Pluchea sericea declined due to natural
death and to drought.
Native Landscape Inc. 20 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
The most significant increase was for Sandbar will
o
w
(
S
a
l
i
x
e
x
i
g
u
a
)
w
h
i
c
h
through spreading by suckers, more than doubled its
n
u
m
b
e
r
o
f
s
t
e
m
s
/
b
e
l
t
(from15 to 42). Originally planted material is not unifor
m
l
y
d
i
s
t
i
n
g
u
i
s
h
a
b
l
e
f
r
o
m
the new vegetatively generated trees. This willow
s
p
e
c
i
e
s
h
a
s
b
e
e
n
v
e
r
y
h
e
a
v
i
l
y
grazed during this protracted dry weather. Animals
h
a
v
e
g
r
a
z
e
d
t
h
e
b
a
r
k
o
f
f
many of the small sucker stems. Some thickets have
d
i
e
d
o
r
a
r
e
s
i
g
n
i
f
i
c
a
n
t
l
y
thinned in density. The slight decrease in Salix lasiolepis density was due to some localized deaths. Animal damage is con
s
i
d
e
r
e
d
a
n
a
t
u
r
a
l
f
u
n
c
t
i
o
n
o
f
t
h
e
habitat that should mediate itself over time.
The carrying capacity of the site is becoming evident
n
o
w
t
h
a
t
s
u
p
p
l
e
m
e
n
t
a
l
irrigation has been discontinued. Trees have thinned
w
h
e
r
e
s
o
i
l
m
o
i
s
t
u
r
e
i
s
lacking from the initially high density of planting. Loss
e
s
i
n
d
e
n
s
i
t
y
w
e
r
e
significant for Salix exigua & S. lasiolepis though migh
t
b
e
e
x
p
e
c
t
e
d
i
n
s
o
m
e
areas that are not hydrologically adequate. Some of th
e
s
e
a
r
e
a
s
c
o
u
l
d
b
e
replanted to Arrow weed (Pluchea sericea) whi
c
h
i
s
s
o
m
e
w
h
a
t
m
o
r
e
d
r
o
u
g
h
t
adapted. The success of understory plantings at cont
r
o
l
l
i
n
g
w
e
e
d
e
n
c
r
o
a
c
h
m
e
n
t
is a good condition for the eventual invasion of nativ
e
r
i
p
a
r
i
a
n
t
r
e
e
s
p
e
c
i
e
s
w
h
e
n
wetter seasons prevail naturally or by resuming irriga
t
i
o
n
o
n
a
d
j
a
c
e
n
t
p
r
o
p
e
r
t
y
.
Table 5
Site A: Tree/Shrub Density
Species Average no. Average no. Sum of total Average percent plants per plants per belt no. plants in composition belt transect transect belt transects 2001 2002 2002 Baccharis 28.9 37 333 33.4% salicifolia
Plantanus NA NA NA NA racemosa
Populus NA NA NA NA fremontii
Salix exigua 41.9 19.8 179 42.7% Salix gooddinggii 9.9 8.8 80 15.6% Salix lasiolepis 8.1 6.3 57
- 15.9% Sambucus 0 0 0 0% niexicana
Total 90.8 trees per belt transect
- 272 trees/acre
I
I Native Landscape Inc.
21 4th Ajanttal Monitot-ing report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA U
I
I
I
I
I]
I
I
2.3.2 Results: Site A: Additional 0.25 Acres
Species established
Table 6 below shows species planted from seed and container plants at this
mitigation site and whether they are considered established at the site (X
= established. In addition, Appendix A gives a complete species list of all
understory species observed during the botanical monitoring. Of all species
seeded on this site only the western ragweed and the Douglas wormwood
established from the seed mix. Alternatively, the giant wild rye established from
containers, so the only species not established was the upland coastal encelia,
which established in the adjacent buffer zone from seed.
Table 6
Species Established at Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre
Area
From Seed
Ambrosia psilostachya
Artemisia douglasiana
X
X Encelia californica no
Leymes condensatus no
From Containers
Baccharis salicifolia X
Leymus condensatus X
Quercus agrifolia X
Salix exigua X
- Container plant survival
There was poor survival of some of the original containers of Salix exigua
and Baccharis salici fol ia at the higher areas of the site near transect 1A
& 3A. The surviving trees rebounded with additional irrigation but had not re-
grown in all areas enough to meet last year's results or to recogonize from
adjacent plantings in the case of Salix exigua. Drought and herbivory this year ' has retarded the spread of Salix exigua. The damage from herbivory is a
natural process, that is what habitat is for. It should equalize itself without further
plantings.
I Native Landscape Inc. 22 41h Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA I
Tree heights
Tree height data results are presented by species in Table 7. Except for the one
Coast live oak, Mulefat and Sandbar willow are the only other woody plant
species in this mitigation area. The height of these two species showed progress
toward maintaining project heightgoals. Growth has continued in spite of the
current drought. This is more important since the drought and generally dry
conditions of the site have not reduced heights below standards.
Table 7
Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Summary Tree Height Data
Species Average Average No. No.
container tree container tree Plants Plants
height (ft) height (ft) counted counted
2001 2002 2001 2002
Baccharis 6.6 9.2 25 12
salicifolia
Salix exigua 6.0 7.0 103 82
Quercus . NA NA NA NA
agrifolia
CanoDv cover
Canopy cover results are summarized in Table 8. Areas not covered by
overstory cover were almost 100% covered by understory species for all
transects, therefore no bare earth observations were recorded in the data set.
Canopy cover continued to increase significantly, with the exception of Transects
No. 1 and 3 where some die back had occurred in the original plantings of Sal ix
exigua and Baccharis salicifolia.
Native Landscape Inc. 23 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 8
Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Canopy Cover
-01
Transect Percentage of Cover
2001
Percentage of Cover
2002
1A 0% 0%
2A 100% 100%
3A 44% 66%
4A 81% 112%
Average Canopy Cover 56.3% 69.5%
Bare Earth Cover 0% 0%
Tree/Shrub composition/density
Although there were decreases in both Baccharis salicifolia and Salix
exigua in some sections of this site both showed an overall increase in density
though the percentage composition of Baccharis sal i ci fol i. a declined.
Table 9
Site A Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Tree/Shrub Density
Average Tree/Shrub Composition and Density 2001
Species No. Plants
2001
No. Plants
2002
% Comp 2001 % Comp 2002
Baccharis 25
salicifolia
12 20% 12.8%
Salix exigua 103 82 80% 87.2%
Total 128 94 100% 100%
Results Site C: El Camino Real
Species established
Native Landscape Inc. 24 41h Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
Table 10 below shows the species planted from seed and container p
l
a
n
t
s
a
t
t
h
i
s
mitigation site and whether they are considered established at the site
(
X
established,? = not detected to date). All species seeded or planted from
containers at the site had established by the end of the first mon
i
t
o
r
i
n
g
s
e
a
s
o
n
except possibly yerba mansa. This species, however, had invaded from adjacent existing populations along the borders of the mitigation site.
Table 10
Species Established at Site C
From Seed Riparian Woodland Mix
Anemopis californica no Artemisia douglasiana X Artemisia palmeri X
Saltmarsh Mix
Cotula coronopifolia X Juncus acutus X Atriplex patula ssp. Hastata X
From Containers
Riparian Woodland
Baccharis salicifolia X Populus fremontii X Pluchea sericea X Salix exigua X Salix gooddingii X Salix lasiolepis X
Native Landscape Inc.
25 4th Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Saltmarsh
Baccharis salicifolia X Frankeiiia sauna X Juncus acutus X Pluchea sericea X Salicornia suberminalis x Distichlis spicata X Scirpus robustus x
Container plant survival
No container plants were observed dead as of the third year of
m
o
n
i
t
o
r
i
n
g
a
t
S
i
t
e
C therefore no formal attempt was made to assess survival. Salix l
o
s
i
o
l
e
p
i
s
i
s
out competing Salix exigua at this site by shading it out. No replace
m
e
n
t
plantings have been required at this site since dead plants were
r
e
p
l
a
c
e
d
a
t
t
h
e
end of the plant establishment period, or during the second year
o
f
m
o
n
i
t
o
r
i
n
g
.
Tree heights
Riparian woodland tree height data results are presented by speci
e
s
i
n
T
a
b
l
e
l
1
.
This data is only for the first two transects on this site (1A & 1 B) si
n
c
e
t
h
e
s
e
w
e
r
e
the only two transects in the riparian woodland part of the site. The
h
e
i
g
h
t
o
f
a
l
l
species showed achievement of the project height goals by the end
o
f
t
h
i
s
second season after planting.
Table 11
Site C: Summary Riparian Woodlan
d
T
r
e
e
H
e
i
g
h
t
D
a
t
a
Species Average container Average container No. No. Tree Height (ft) Tree Height (ft) Plants Plants 2001 2002 Counted Counted
2001 2002 Baccharis 7.0 7.0 18 19 salicifolia
Pluchea sericea 6.1 6.0 16 15 Salix exigua 10.0 10.0 31 6 Salix 12.0 20.0 41 59 lasiolepis
Native Landscape Inc. 26 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Canopy cover
Canopy cover results are summarized in Table 12. The riparian woodland cover
value for Site Cis over 100%. Saltmarsh cover is quite high although freshwater
encroachment continues to decrease the dominance of halophytes.
Tree/shrub composition/density
Tree/shrub density data are summarized in Table 13. All woody tree and shrub
species in the riparian woodland part of the site above 3 feet in height were
counted as occurring within the transect sampling area. All planted species were
counted in the narrower (1 meter wide) saltmarsh transect bands. Salix
exigua and Salix lasiolepis expanded their density by suckering and by
new recruitment of seedlings. This has offset the loss of Baccharis
salicifolia, which was not detected in the cover, transect. A total of 72 trees
were detected in these 2001 transects, not significantly different than 74.5 with
losses especially to Salix exigua resulting in 65 trees in 2002.
I
I
I
I
Sal tmarsh
Density, survival and cover of saltmarsh species continued to decline in cover.
Freshwater encroachment shows increases in non-halophytic species such as
Polypogon monspeliensis, Typha dorningensis and Scirpus robustus.
The number of plants is impossible to determine since these groundcover plants
canopies have merged. This data is no longer reported.
Table 12
Site C: Canopy Cover Growth
Riparian Woodland
Transects
Percent of Cover
2001
Percent of Cover
2002
1C 102% 82.4%
2C 110% 103%
Saltmarsh_Transect
3C 130% 91.6%
Average Cover 106% 91.6%
I Native Landscape Inc. 27 41h .Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
I
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I'
I
I
I
Table 13
Site C: Tree/Shrub Density
Riparian Woodland
Species
Transects IC & 2C
No. Plants
2001
No. Plants
-2002
% Relative
Cover 2001
% Relative
Cover 2002
Baccharis 0
salicifolia
19 0% 9.0%
Pluchea sericea 0 15 0% 5.1%
Salix exigua 31 1 6 43% 8.6%
Salix lasiolepis 41 59 57% 65.0%
Total 106 99 100% 100%
Saltmarsh
Species
Site C Transects 3C
No. Plants
2000
No. Plants
2001
% Relative
Cover 2001
% Relative
Cover 2002
Baccharis 1
salicifolia
0 0% 0%
Distichlis 56
subpicata
56 36% 50.8%
Juncus acutus 4 4 3.0% 3.2%
Salicornia 93
virginica
93 60% 23.9%
Scirpus robustus 0 3 2.0% 3.0%
Ambrosia 0
psilostachya
0 0% 0%
Frankenia sauna 0 0 - 0% 0%
Isocoma veneta 0 1 0% 0%
Anemopsis 0
cal ifornica
1 0% 0%
Typhadomingensis 0 1 0%
Total 154 + 160 100% 100%
The plant count for 2002 as noted earlier is no longer reported due to the
merging of the species.
. 41h Annual Monitoring report Native Landscape Inc. 28 Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
2.3.4 Results Site D: Kelly Drive
Species established
Table 14 below shows the species planted from seed and container plants at this
mitigation site and whether they are considered established at the site (X = established, ? = not detected to date).
Container Diant survival
As at the additional 0.25 acre Area planted at Site A, few container plants were
observed dead by the end of the first year of monitoring therefore no formal
attempt was made to count them.
Tree heights
Tree height data results are presented by species in Table 15. The height of all
species showed completion of project height goals by the end of the second
growing season after planting.
Canopy cover
Canopy cover results are summarized in Table 16. Saltmarsh cover exceeds
project standards.
Table 14
Species Established at Site D
From Seed
Riparian Woodland Mix
Anemopsis californica ?
Artemisia douglasiana X
Artemisia palmeri X
Saltmarsh Mix
Cotula cornopifolia X
Juncus acutus X
Atriplex patula ssp. Hastata X
Coastal Sagescrub Mix
Artemesia californica X
Encelia californica no
Eriogonum fasciculatum no
Isocoma veneta X
Vulpia microstachys X
Native Landscape Inc. 29 41h Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
From Containers Riparian Woodland
Baccharis salicifolia X Salix exigua X Salix lasiolepsis
X Saitma rsh
Frankenia sauna X Juncus acutus X Sacornia subterminalis X Coastal Saqescrub
Ambrosia psilostachya
X Artemisia californica
, X Isomeris arborea X Quercus agrifolia X Sambucus mexicana X
Table 15 Site D: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree H
e
i
g
h
t
D
a
t
a
Species Average Average No. Plants No. Plants Container Container Counted Counted Tree Height Tree Height. 2001 2002 (Ft.) 2001 (Ft.) 2002
Baccharis 48 6.0 5 9 salicifolia
Salix exigua 7.1 9.0 62 6 Salix lasiolepis 14.6 1 17.0 16 59
Table 16
Site D: Canopy Cover Growth,
Riparian Woodland
Transects
% Cover
2001
% Cover
2002 1D 16 70 Native Landscape Inc.
30 4th Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Pro
jects Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Understory Cover 25 30
Sal tma rs h
Transect
2D 139 77 Bare Earth Cover 0.0 0.0
Tree/shrub composition/cover
Tree/shrub density data are summarized in Table 17. All woody tree and shrub
species above 3 feet in height were counted as occurring within all riparian
woodland transect sampling areas. Though the density of Salix exigua has
increased dramatically from the suckering of this species, this tendency is
promoted by the browsing of deer. Sandbar and arroyo willow account for most
of the cover within the riparian woodland transect areas with sandbar willow
having a higher density (75% compared to 16%) for the arroyo willow.
In saltmarsh areas woody glasswort account for 23% and spiny rush account for
73% of the vegetative cover. Since the establishment period the original
saltmarsh container plants have merged and are no longer distinguishable.
Survival has not apparently declined as measured by cover rather than the
number of plants. Lack of Pluchea in the 2002 season meant an overall
decrease in cover though this annual is no indication of the decline in perennial
cover which remains stable and vigUrous.
Table 17
Site 0: Tree/Shrub Cover
Riparian Woodland
Species
Site D Transect 1 D
No. Plants 1
2001
No. Plants
2002
% Comp
2001
% Comp
2002 Baccharis 5 salicifolia
6 6.0% 5.7%
Salix exigua 62 62 74.7% 21.0% Salix lasiolepis 16 15 19.3% 3.8% Juncus acutis 0 8 0% 8.9% Salicornia 0 virginica
18 0% 18.7%
Total 37 109 100% 100%
I
I
I
Native Landscape Inc. 31 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City 01 Carlsbad, CA
Ii
I
I
1
I
I
E]
Ll
Sattmarsh
Species
Site D Transect 2D
-
% Relative Cover
2001
% Relative Cover
2002
Baccharis
salicifolia
0% 3.1%
Juncus acutus 66.9% 73%
Salicornia
virginica
22.7% 22.8%
Scirpus robustus 0% 0%
Frankenia sauna 1.0% 1.5%
Pluchea odorata 8.0% 0%
Isocorna veneta 0.6% 0%
Total 99.2% 77%%
2.4 PAMPAS GRASS ERADICATION PROGRAM PROGRESS
Native Landscape has completed five years of pampas grass eradication in the
28-acre area of pre-existing riparian woodland and freshwater marsh west of the
mitigation sites in Macario Canyon. As mentioned in the introduction, Native
Landscape has also performed similar eradication efforts on an additional 6
acres continuous with the Cannon Road eradication area. Of this additional
acreage, 1.28 acres is dedicated as mitigation for 0.32 acre of permanent
impacts to non-jurisdictional mulefat scrub associated with the El
Camino/Cannon Road Intersection development. This work has been carried out
very effectively and nearly all the original pampas grass plants are now
eradicated. There is still a minor problem with wind blown seed reinvading the
mitigation sites and the treated wetlands from populations outside the treatment
area at the south end of the drainage and along the western rim of the canyon, at
site A. These populations are slated to be included as part of the mitigation
obligations for the future golf course to be built in the canyon. The five-year
pampas grass eradication program is complete.
Native Landscape Inc. 32 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I 2.5 LEAST BELL'S VIREO MONITORING RESULTS
The USFWS Biological Opinion as part of this project's mitigation requires a 5-
year program of annual monitoring for the occurrence of least Bell's vireo in
Macaria Canyon. This program has now been carried out for four years.
I Detailed reports on the results of this program have been provided annually to
the USFWS (Varanus 1998a, Varanus 1999a, Varanus 2000a, Varanus 2001 a).
Additional information is also provided in these reports on the occurrence of
willow flycatcher (Empidonax tral 11±). A summary of the results of this 1 program is provided below.
1998
Vireos were first observed on the site on April 15 and last seen at the site at the
end of July. Two pairs of vireo nested in Macaria Canyon in 1998. Two transient
males were also observed. One of the vireo pairs located its territory west of the
North Mitigation Area riparian woodland edge. The second pair located its
territory on the north side of the future Cannon Road Extension bridge abutment
area at the north end of the canyon. The pair in the area of the bridge
constructed four nests but produced no fledglings. The pair nearer the North
Mitigation Area nested twice but also failed to fledge young. At least part of the
nesting failure for the first pair appears to be due to poor nest site selection.
1999
Vireos arrived considerably later in 1999 than 1998 and were not observed on
the site until May 1. A male and one fledging were still present at the site on
September 2 when the last surveys of the season were conducted. Again this
year two pairs of vireo were observed nesting. Several additional transient males
were also seen in the area. One appeared to remain for the summer but did not
find a mate. One of the vireo pairs located its territory west of the North
Mitigation Area along the existing riparian woodland edge. The other pair located
further to the south on the west side of the riparian woodland edge and on the
opposite side of the drainage from the South Mitigation Area. The pair near the
North Mitigation Area nested once without success. It appeared that poor nest
site selection was again to blame. The pair further south along the canyon, after
failing to fledge young from a first nest, successfully fledged two young from a
second nest.
Native Landscape Inc. 33 4th Airnual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Weiland .'vliligalion Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
HI
I
Vireos were first observed in the canyon this year on
M
a
r
c
h
29th This was the earliest they had arrived since the beginning of the
m
o
n
i
t
o
r
i
n
g
p
r
o
g
r
a
m
.
A
m
a
l
e
and one fledging were still present at the site on Sept
e
m
b
e
r
2nd when the last surveys of the season were conducted. This year only
o
n
e
p
a
i
r
o
f
v
i
r
e
o
s
a
n
d
a
second solitary male was observed living in the ca
n
y
o
n
d
u
r
i
n
g
t
h
e
n
e
s
t
i
n
g
season. This lone male bird never found a mate. T
h
e
p
a
i
r
w
a
s
n
o
t
o
b
s
e
r
v
e
d
building a nest until early May. They located their ne
s
t
f
o
r
t
h
e
f
i
r
s
t
t
i
m
e
t
h
i
s
y
e
a
r
within the middle of the North Mitigation Area and su
c
c
e
s
s
f
u
l
l
y
f
l
e
d
g
e
d
t
w
o
young. The North Mitigation Area was also used extens
i
v
e
l
y
f
o
r
f
o
o
d
g
a
t
h
e
r
i
n
g
activities as well this year. After the fledglings left the n
e
s
t
i
n
l
a
t
e
A
u
g
u
s
t
t
h
e
y
continued to be observed in the Canyon until Augu
s
t
25th but were not observed after that date even though daily monitoring was institut
e
d
o
n
A
u
g
u
s
t
28th for one week to allow final Cannon Road Bridge Constructi
o
n
t
o
b
e
g
i
n
e
a
r
l
y
t
h
i
s
y
e
a
r
.
2001
There were a total of two nests constructed by one p
a
i
r
o
f
v
i
r
e
o
s
.
S
u
c
c
e
s
s
a
t
t
h
e
second of the two nests resulted in the fledging of t
w
o
y
o
u
n
g
.
T
h
e
r
e
a
s
o
n
f
o
r
abandonment of the first nest is unknown. There were
n
o
i
n
c
i
d
e
n
t
s
o
f
p
a
r
a
s
i
t
i
s
m
on the least Bell's vireo in 2001. Both nests were locat
e
d
i
n
t
h
e
N
o
r
t
h
M
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
site where the vegetation has rapidly grown tall and den
s
e
o
v
e
r
t
h
e
t
h
r
e
e
-
y
e
a
r
period.
2002
The first Varanus observation of least Bell's vireo in
M
a
r
c
a
r
i
o
C
a
n
y
o
n
i
n
2
0
0
2
occurred on March 201h Two vireo pairs were detected within the study area during 2002. Varanus found three vireo nests during th
e
2
0
0
2
s
e
a
s
o
n
.
O
g
t
h
e
three known Macario Canyon 2002 nests, two were
s
u
c
c
e
s
s
f
u
l
(
6
7
%
n
e
s
t
success). Of the four eggs deposited in the two nes
t
s
,
a
l
l
f
o
u
r
r
e
s
u
l
t
e
d
i
n
successfully fledged young (100% fledging succes
s
)
.
A
s
i
n
p
r
e
v
i
o
u
s
y
e
a
r
s
foraging continued in the north mitigation site.
Willow flycatcher observations
Willow flycatchers (Empidonax trailli) have been obse
r
v
e
d
u
s
i
n
g
r
i
p
a
r
i
a
n
woodlands in Macario Canyon for all years of monitorin
g
b
u
t
t
h
e
r
e
i
s
n
o
k
n
o
w
n
nesting during these years. The required five-year lea
s
t
B
e
l
l
'
s
v
i
r
e
o
m
o
n
i
t
o
r
i
n
g
and voluntary SW\NF monitoring were concluded i
n
2
0
0
2
.
Native Landscape Inc.
34 4th Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
Li
I
I
I
I
I
2.6 COWBIRD TRAPPING RESULTS
The USFWS Biological Opinion as part of this project's mitigation require
s
a
5
-
year annual trapping and euthanasia program for brown-headed cowbird.
T
h
i
s
program has now been conducted for four years. Detailed reports on the re
s
u
l
t
s
of this program have been provided annually to the USFWS (Varanus 1998b,
Varanus 1999b, Varanus 2000b, Varanus 2001 b). A summary of the results of
his program is provided below.
1998
A total of five cowbird traps were set and monitored during the 1998-trap
p
i
n
g
season, which began on March 201h• A total of 78 cowbirds (27 male, 30 female, and 21 juvenile) were euthanized during the trapping season.
1999
The cowbird-trapping program was shortened this year to a 145-day trapping
program after approval by the USFWS. Traps were first opened on March 20th
and were closed on July 20th A total of 43 birds (28 male, 11 female, and 4
juvenile) were euthanized during the trapping season. No non-target bird
species were found dead in traps during 1999. These results appeared
t
o
indicate an overall decrease in both total numbers of cowbirds in Macario
Canyon (since 78 birds were euthanized last year compared to 43 this ye
a
r
)
;
b
u
t
,
also an even greater decrease in cowbird breeding potential since 30 female
s
and 21 juveniles were captured last year compared with only 11 females and
4
juveniles this season. The cause for this dramatic decrease in numbers,
however, was not investigated and may be the result of any combination
o
f
several factors including late nesting of many passerine species, changes i
n
nearby land use causing a decrease in the local population of cowbirds, c
h
a
n
g
e
s
in cowbird foraging distribution, and overall decrease in passerine producti
v
i
t
y
.
While it is possible that eradication efforts in Macaria Canyon may have hel
p
e
d
decrease cowbird numbers, there is insufficient scientific evidence to indicate t
h
e
cause of this phenomenon at this time.
2000
The cowbird trapping program continued to be 124-days this year. Traps w
e
r
e
again opened about March 15th and were closed by the end of July 25. A total of 81 birds (36 male, 20 female, and 25 juvenile) were euthanized during the
trapping season. Only 2 non-target bird species were found dead in trap
s
d
u
r
i
n
g
2000 out of 205 captures (0.9%). Overall capture levels were similar to t
h
o
s
e
f
o
r
1998 although there appears to be no clear reason why levels of captures
f
e
l
l
l
a
s
t
year along Agua Hedionda Creek. Such a program could have accounte
d
f
o
r
t
h
e
decrease in captures last year.
Native Landscape Inc. 35 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Exiension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
2001
The cowbird trapping program period was from March 15 to July 17 for a total of
124 days. A total of 95 cowbirds were euthanized (17 female, 45 male, and 14
juvenile). These numbers include 25 bait birds. Overall the captures have
declined slightly from 2000. Nest monitoring results indicate there was not nest
parasitism of LBVI in 2001 in Macario Canyon.
3.0 DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
PROJECT SUCCESS STANDARDS
3.1 SUCCESS STANDARDS
The success standards established for this project are primarily derived from the
standards set in the Conceptual Wetlands Plan for Reaches 1 and 2 of the
Cannon Road Extension Project (Tetra Tech 1997). These standards are
referred to indirectly in all project permits by reference to the requirement to
execute fully all elements of the mitigation and monitoring plan.
The mitigation plan differs from the permits as regards to cover standards. Covert success standards are designated slightly differently in project permits that
require a 90 percent standard for final cover at the end of 5-years and set a
three-year standard for 75% cover. The cover requirements designated in the
permits however appear to refer to overall surface cover not just canopy cover.
The present analysis defers to the permit requirements for cover but will interpret
final standards to include 75% overstory and 90% total vegetative cover.
Native Landscape Inc. 36 4th AiBlual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad. CA
I
In addition, both the USFWS Biological Opinion and the CDFG Permits require
I that the habitat created be of vireo habitat quality (but do not set specific
standards for this except to say that it has been occupied by vireos). Finally the
CDFG permit specifies that newly created wetland vegetation must survive one
I summer dry season without irrigation to be considered successful.
Generally, where a stricter standard applies this is the one that will be applied to
I evaluate project success, however, in some cases where standards contradict
one another a choice is made for one standard over another (e.g. the dual
requirements in the original monitoring program for both 80 percent and 95
1 percent survival of tree plantings). These success standards are summarized in
Table 18.
Four additional conditions are designated in the Biological Opinion to be
completed before final project release:
Pampas grass must be eradicated for a five-year period from the 28 acres
of existing riparian woodland running from the mouth of Macaria Canyon
to the southern end of the South Mitigation Area completed in 2002.
A five-year least bell's vireo monitoring program must be conducted
according to approved USFWS protocols and an annual report on this
effort provided to USFWS completed in 2002.
A five-year brown-headed cowbird-trapping program must be conducted in
Macario Canyon according to approved USFWS protocols and an annual
report on this effort provided to USWFS completed in 2002.
The completion of five-years of post-installation monitoring and
maintenance for all mitigation areas with one year remaining.
Table 18
Project Success Standards
Species Establishment
Container Plant Survival
Final Tree Height Standards
Fremont cottonwood
Native Landscape Inc.
. 37
All species planted
80%
10 feet
41h Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Western Sycamore 9 feet
Arroyo & Black Willows 11 feet
Mulefat, Sandbar Willow, Mex. Elderberry, Arrow weed 6 feet
Final Riparian Woodland Canopy Cover Standard
3-Years(This will also be 5-Year standard for canopy cover) 75%
5-Years(This includes all vegetative cover) 90%
Least Bell's Vireo Occupied Habitat
Completion of One Growing Season Without Irrigation
Completion of 5-Year 28-Acre Pampas Grass Eradication Program
Completion of 5-Year Least Bell's Vireo Monitoring Program
Completion of 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Monitoring Program
Completion of 5-Year Monitoring and Maintenance Program for all Sites.
3.2 DISCUSSION
3.2.1 Site A
Species establishment
This site met the success criteria in 1999.
Container plant survival
With the exception of Western Sycamore and Fremont Cottonwood all riparian
tree species maintained a minimum of 80% survival, the standard required for
success. Western Sycamore continued to decline mostly in the Southern
Mitigation Area. The combined results show the project has maintained the final
success standards for all species, which were attained in 1999 and have
maintained or increased their average growth over last year. There continued to
be no Mexican elderberry sampled within the transect areas in the South area.
Since this is a marginal species planted in low numbers and by field observation
not well adapted to the more saline South Area soils, it is not felt that the
performance of this species is critical to the success of the mitigation effort.
Native Landscape Inc. 38 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. E\lension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City or Carlsbad, CA
Final canopy cover standard
Overall tree cover in both North and South Mitigation Are
a
s
c
o
n
t
i
n
u
e
d
t
o
i
n
c
r
e
a
s
e
averaging over 100% coverage on the transected areas. So
m
e
d
r
y
a
r
e
a
s
h
a
v
e
lower cover since the cessation of watering those are ho
w
e
v
e
r
i
n
s
i
g
n
i
f
i
c
a
n
t
.
T
h
i
s
meets the 5th year final cover standard even without considering the addi
t
i
o
n
a
l
cover contributed by understory ground cover species (which
a
r
e
n
e
a
r
l
y
continuous).
I There are a few bare ground areas that occur at this site, th
o
u
g
h
t
h
e
s
e
a
r
e
n
o
t
considered significant. Perennial species continued to domi
n
a
t
e
u
n
d
e
r
s
t
o
r
y
I cover. Understory cover remained robust this year even with
o
u
t
s
u
p
p
l
e
m
e
n
t
a
l
irrigation. Some understory species, such as Douglas worm
w
o
r
t
,
a
n
d
J
u
n
c
u
s
acutis continue to dominate.
I Vireo occupied habitat
There have been three nests located in the North Mitigatio
n
A
r
e
a
,
w
h
i
c
h
produced four fledglings. I
Completion of two growing seasons without irrigation
Since irrigation has been permanently withdrawn from thi
s
s
i
t
e
s
i
n
c
e
t
h
e
e
n
d
o
f
I
the 2000 growing season, it has continued to meet the criteria for
s
u
c
c
e
s
s
.
Conclusions
I The Site A Mitigation Areas as a whole have met or exceede
d
a
l
l
f
i
n
a
l
g
r
o
w
t
h
a
n
d
species establishment standards set in project permits.
In addition, these areas have now maintained these growth standards without irri
g
a
t
i
o
n
f
o
r
t
w
o
f
u
l
l
y
e
a
r
s
.
I A second successive Vireos successfully nested in the North
M
i
t
i
g
a
t
i
o
n
A
r
e
a
t
h
i
s
year. These sites will need to continue to be monitored f
o
r
t
h
e
r
e
m
a
i
n
d
e
r
o
f
t
h
e
' 5-year monitoring period to meet their final permit succe
s
s
c
r
i
t
e
r
i
a
;
b
u
t
t
h
e
C
i
t
y
o
f
Carlsbad should be released from the bonded monies req
u
i
r
e
d
b
y
t
h
e
C
D
F
G
t
o
be set aside.by the City to guarantee their success.
3.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
I Species establishment
I Table 6 shows all seeded species established except two; Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
s
u
n
f
l
o
w
e
r
and giant wild rye grass; however, the rye grass establis
h
e
d
f
r
o
m
c
o
n
t
a
i
n
e
r
plantings and the sunflower is established in the adjacent
b
u
f
f
e
r
z
o
n
e
.
A
l
l
Native Landscape Inc.
39 4th Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA I
species planted from containers also established by the end of the first growing
season. The basic intent of species establishment of planted materials has
b
e
e
n
met at this site.
Container plant survival
Container plants have reached the project standards as of 2002.
Final tree height standards
Tree heights have reached the project standards as of 2001 monitoring even wi
t
h
a general decline due to drought and no watering of the site.
Final canopy cover standard
Canopy cover continues to progress toward permit goals. During the third y
e
a
r
canopy cover was 69.5%. Transects 1A and 3A both lagged. While these are
a
s
are not yet a source of concern they will need to be monitored closely during t
h
i
s
next year to assure that they continue to improve.
Vireo occupied habitat
There was no occupation of vireo on this site in 2002.
Completion of one growing season without irrigation
The site was not watered last season.
Conclusions
This site is well on its way to achieving all final growth standards set by proj
e
c
t
permits; however, there are several areas of slower growth and tree loss
w
h
i
c
h
should be watched during the next year to assure they continue to make hea
l
t
h
y
progress towards project goals.
3.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real
Species establishment
Native Landscape Inc. 40 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extensioh Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 10 shows that all seeded species established in the riparian woodland part
of this site except yerb mansa. However, yerba mansa is not considered critical
to understory development at this site and it has invaded the site from adjacent
populations along the edge of the saltmarsh part of this site. Nevertheless,
Freshwater encrouchment continues to replace this salt marsh habitat.
Container plant survival
Total container plant loss levels are well within the 80% standard therefore the
site has met this success standard.
Final tree height standards
Riparian woodland tree height progress toward permit goals as compared with
the standards of Table 18.
No height data was gathered for the saltmarsh areas of this site since there are
only a few woody shrubs planted there and the predominant cover will be from
herbaceous saltmarsh species, which only reach 12-18 inches in height.
Final canopy cover standard
Canopy cover progress toward permit goals during the third year of monitoring is
shown in Table 18. Combined average canopy cover for riparian woodland
areas is 93%. Combined overstory and understory cover, which is required to be
90% by the end of the 5-year monitoring period has been met in most riparian
woodland areas because of the establishment of a healthy understory layer of
perennial herb species such as Douglas wormwood.
Combined average canopy cover for saltmarsh areas was 91.6%. This is above
the 90% final cover set for canopy cover. This cover has a diverse mix of salt
marsh species dominated by salt grass and woody glasswort. This year results
appear to indicate the site should still be considered successful at this time,
especially since there is no remaining bare earth cover.
Vireo occupied habitat
It is believed it was the intent of the mitigation permits to produce vireo quality
habitat in Macario Canyon as a part of the final permit conditions for this site, but
that because of the small size of the sites outside Macario Canyon (C &D) that
vireo occupancy is not a required part of final permit expectations. As a result no
monitoring for vireo occupancy of either of these mitigation sites will be
performed or reported on.
Native Landscape Inc. 41 - 401 Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
Completion of on growing season without irrigation
I Since irrigation has been withdrawn for two growing season, it has now met
these criteria for success.
I Conclusions
-
This site achieved all final growth standards set by project permits. The problem
I of freshwater encroachment of the salt marsh restoration site should be
evaluated for its potential to diminish the area of saltmarsh habitat mitigation
standards. This riparian corridor has a dynamic character. As up stream
I development continues, it is anticipated that the amount of fresh water into Agua
Hedionda preserve will increase.
I.
I
.1 3.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive
- Species establishment
Table 14 shows that all seeded species established in the riparian woodland
planting area at this site except yerba mansa. However, yerba mansa was not 1 considered critical to understory development at this site.
I Container plant survival
Total container plant loss levels are well within the 80% standard for this site;
I therefore the site has met this success standard.
Final tree height standards
I Riparian woodland tree height continues to progress toward permit goals during
the third year of monitoring. Mulefat (7 ft.) and sandbar willow (10 ft.) have
I increased in height. Arroyo willow (20 ft.) has achieved its final growth standard
of 11 feet.
I No height data was gathered for the saltmarsh areas of this site since there are
only a few woody shrubs in this area and the predominant cover will be from
I
herbaceous saltmarsh species, which only reach 12-18 inches in height.
Final canopy cover standard
I Native Landscape Inc. 42 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
Canopy cover continues to progress toward permit goals during the second year
of monitoring is shown in Table 16. Combined average canopy cover for riparian
I woodland areas was 70%, up significantly from last year. Since the final cover
standard of 90% includes understory and overstory cover together this situation
should be monitored closely to see whether remedial actions are necessary. As
I soon as the riparian cover achieves its minimum cover standards. This site will
have achieved all final growth standards set by project permits.
I. Average Canopy cover for saltmarsh areas was 77%. Cover standards have
declined, but only due to the fluxuaton of native annual species.
I Vireo occuoied habitat
It is believed it was the intent of the mitigation permits to produce vireo quality
habitat in Macario Canyon as a part of the final permit conditions for this site, but
that because of the small size of the sites outside Macario Canyon (C &D) that
vireo occupancy is not a part of final permit expectations. As a result no
monitoring for vireo occupancy of either of these mitigation sites will be
performed or reported on.
Completion of on growing season without irrigation
Since irrigation has been withdrawn for two growing seasons, it has now met
these criteria for success.
3.2.5 Completion of 5-Year Pampas Grass Eradication Program
Five years out of the five-year program have been successfully completed.
I 3.2.6 Completion of 5-Year Macario Canyon Least Bell's Vireo
Monitoring Program
Five years out of the five-year program have been successfully completed.
I 3.2.7 Completion of 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program
Five years out of the five-year program have been successfully completed.
I
Li
Native Landscape Inc. 43 4th Annual Monitoring report
Cation Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
I
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
1
4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 SITE A: MACARIO CANYON
4.1.1 Continuing Removal of Invasive Exotics
It is recommended continuing attention be given to this site to assure all new
I
invading exotic species are eradicated before they reach seed stage in this si
t
e
.
The two most important species to focus on should be pampas grass and
tamarisk.
4.1.2 Buffer Zone Weed Control
I
Since the northern end of the buffer zone coastal sage scrub seeding has
developed well, it is recommended that invasive exotic species which have
- invaded this area adjacent to the mitigation area be removed, including tree
I
tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), bristly ox-tongue, white sweet clover and cockleburr.
Until this area is planted with native shrub there will remain in these open are
a
s
a
I
weed problem and potential vector area.
4.2 SITE A: ADDITIONAL 0.25 ACRE MITIGATION AREA
IRV 4.2.1 Continuing Irrigation As Needed For One More Year
Native Landscape Inc. 44 4th Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
The site has only achieved about 69.5% cover and continues to improve in spite
of the 2001 die back and 200-2003 drought. It is however recommended the site
only be minimally irrigated through one more growing season before irrigation is
terminated.
Some replacement plantings for losses to Sal ix exigua and Baccharis
salicifolia are recommended, only if there is an average, or better than
average, rainfall through February of 2003. Pluchea sericea should be
considered to substitute for Bacchari s salici folia.
4.3 SITE C: EL CAM INO REAL
4.3.1 Continuing Removal of Invasive Exotics
It is recommended continuing attention be given to assure all new invading exotic
species are eradicated before they reach seed stage in this site. The focus of
control should be pampas grass, tamarisk, bristly ox-tongue and white sweet
clover. This should include the issue of the encroachment of freshwater marsh
habitat.
4.3.2 Irrigation Is No Longer Needed At This Site
4.4 SITE D: KELLY DRIVE
4.4.1 Invasive Exotic Species Control Along Site Borders
A continued effort should be made to remove all invasive exotic weed species
from within the site borders. Species of particular focus include palms, pampas
grass, tamarisk, bristly ox-tongue and white sweet clover.
4.4.2 Irrigation Is No Longer Needed At This Site
4.5 MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS
4.5.1 Continued Use of Smaller Sampling Transects on 0.25-Acre Area
As recommended last year, it is recommended that the use of four 10 meter line
transects continue for the Site A: 0.25 Acre Extra Mitigation Area planting next
year since this strip planting is repeating the same transects that were sampled
on years 1 and 2.
4.5.2 Continued Separate Sampling of Height of All Sycamores and
Cottonwoods
,71 Native Landscape Inc. 45 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
I Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
I
I,
I
I
I
I]
I
Ti
Li
It is recommended the height measurement of all 15-gallon Western Sycamore
and Fremont Cottonwood not be measured again. Those that survived have
already achieved the project standards for height. Any replanti.ng should
however be tracked through the end of the monitoring period.
4.5.3 Continued Use of Saitmarsh Monitoring Protocols
It is recommended that the saltmarEh areas of Sites C and D continue to be
cover sampled using the narrower 1-meter wide sampling band protocols used
this year and last year.
APPENDIX A
OBSERVED PLANT SPECIES LIST
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road Extension
Wetland Mitigation Sites
Understory Species Site A: Maca rio Canyon
Observed
Family- Non- Seeded YRI YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5
Scientific Name Native (S) Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug.
Common Name (X) or 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 planted
(P)
ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS
Apiaceae- Carrot Family
Aprium graveolens X * * * *
Common celery
Foeniculum vulgare X * * * * *
Sweet fennel
Asteraceae-Sunflower Family
Native Landscape Inc. 46 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Ambrosia acanthicarpa X *
Annual bur-sage
*
Ambrosia psilostachya S Western ragweed
* * * * *
Atremisia douQlasiana S * *
Mugwort
* * *
Artemisia dracunculus S * *
Tarragon
* *
Aster exilis *
Slim aster
* * * *
Baccharis salicifolia p *
Mulefat
* * * *
Conyzasp. X * * *
Cotula coronopifoloia X S *
Brass buttons
* * *
Euthamia occidentalis X
Goldenrod
* *
Gnaphalium luteo-album X * * *
Lactuca sp. X Wild lettuce
* * *
Pluchea odorata S Saltmarsh fleabane
* * * *
Pluchea sericea p
Arrow weed
* * * *
Picns echioides X *
Bristly ox-tongue
* * * *
Sonchus oleraceus X *
Sow thistle
* *
Xanthium strumarium X *
Spiny clotburr
* * *
Brassicacea - Mustard Family
Brassica nigra
Black mustard
X * * *
Site A: Macario Canyon con't.
Coronopus didymus X Lesser wart-cress
*
Lepidium nitidum X Shinning pepper grass
*
Raphanus sativus X
/ Radish
*
Caroyphyllaceae—Pink Family
Spergularia rubra X Ruby sand spurrey
* *
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot -
Family
Chenipodium ambrosioides X * *
Mexican tea
* * *
Chenipodium sp. x * * * *
Salicornia subterminalis P *
Parish's glasswort
* *
Native Landscape Inc.
. 47 41h Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Ex-tension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
SalicorniavirQinica p * Woody glasswort
* *
Fabaceae — Pea Family
Medicaqo polymorpha X * California burclover
* * * *
Melilotus alba X White sweet clover
* *
Fagaceae - Oak Family
Quercus agrifolia X Coast live oak
* *
Frankenianceae
Frankenia sauna p * Alkali heath
* * *
Lythraceae - Loosestrife
Family
Ammania occinea X * Ammania
Lythrum hyssopifolia X Hyssop loosestrife
* * V *
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Abutilon sp. X * Globe mallow
*
Malva parviflora X * Cheeseweed
* *
Onagraceae-Even ing
Primrose Family
Epilobium adenocaulon
* * * * Potulacaceae - Buckwheat
Family
*
Polycjonum arehastrum X * Doorweed
*
Rumexcrispus X * Curly dock
* * * *
Potulacaceae - Purslane
Family
Portulaca oleracea X Common purslane
* * *
Rosaceae - Rose Family
Rosa californica p * California rose
* * * *
Rubus ursinus P California blackberry
* * * * *
Vitaceae- Grape Family
Vitisgirdiana p * Desert grape
* * * *
AGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
Cyperaceae - Cyperus Family
Cyperus sp.
sedge X * * *
V *
Scirpus robust us
* Nutgrass
* * * *
Native Landscape Inc.
48 41h AnilSial Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
1
I
I
I
I
I
[11
I
I
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cortderia sellouana X Pampas grass
* * * *
Cynodon dactylon X * Bermuda grass
* * * *
Piitatherum milleacum * Millet ricegrass
* *
Pennesetum setaceum X * African fountain grass
*
Polypoqon monspeliensis X * Annual beardgrass
* *
Setaria s. X * Bristlygrass
*
Vulpia myuros X Rat-tail fescue
S
Typhaceae - Cat- Tail Family
Typha domingensis * Southern cattail
* * * *
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road Extension
Wetland Mitigation Sites Site A Extra .25 Acre Area Understory Species
Observed
Family- Non- Seeded YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5 Scientific Name Native (S) Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Common Name (X) or 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 planted
(P)
ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS
Asteraceae-Sunflower Family
Ambrosia psilostachya S * Western ragweed
* *
Atremisia douçlasiana S * * * Mugwort
Aster exilis * * * Slim aster
Baccharis salicifolia p * * * Mulefat
Conyza sp. X * * *
Encelia californica S * * California sunflower
Hedypnois cretica X Crete hedyonois
' Native Landscape Inc.
49 4th Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA I
I
I
H
I
I
I
I
Pluchea odorata
Saltmarsh fleabane
* * *
Picris echioides X
Bristly ox-tongue
* * *
Sonchus oleraceus X Sow thistle
* * *
Brassicacea - Mustard Family
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot
Family
Chenipodium sp. X * * *
Euphorbiaceae - Spurge
Family
Eurphorbiaceae peplus X *
Petty spurge
* *
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Medicago polymorpha X *
California burclover
* *
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Malva parviflora X
Cheeseweed
* * *
Polygonaceae - Buckwheat
Family
Polygonum arehastrum X *
Doorweed
Rumex crispus X
Curly dock
* *
Saururaceae - Lizard -Tail
Family
Anemopsis californica
Yerba mansa
*
AGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
Cyperaceae - Sedge Family
Scirpus californica
California bulrush
*
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cynodon dactylon X
Bermuda grass
* * *
Digitaria sp. X
Crabgrass
*
Echinochloa crus-galli X *
Common barnyard grass
Leymus condensatus S, P Giant wild rye
* * *
Native Landscape Inc. 50 4th Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I.
I
Native Landscape Inc. 5 1 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road
Extension Site C: El Camino Real
Wetland Mitigation
Sites
Understory Species
Observed
Family- Non- Seeded YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5 Scientific Name Native (S) Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Common Name (X) or 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 planted
(P)
ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS)
Apiaceae- Carrot Family
Foeniculum vulgare X s rw rw IW Sweet fennel
Asteraceae-S unf lower
Family
Atremisia palmerii s sm/ri'.' rw rw
San Diego sagewort
Aster exilis 5 sm/rw rw sm
Slim aster
.
Baccharis salicifolia p rw rw rw
Mulefat
Cotula coronopifoloia X s sm sm sm Brass buttons
Jaumea carnosa x sum sm sm Fleshy jaumea
Pluchea odorata sm sm sm
Saltmarsh fleabane
Pluchea sericea p rw rw rw
Arrow weed
Picris echioides X sm Sm/rw Sm/r
Bristly ox-tongue W Sonchus oleraceus X sm sm sm Sow thistle
Caroyphyllaceae—Pink
Family
Srergularia rubra X sm sm sm Ruby sand spurrey
Chenopodiaceae -
Goosefoot
Family
Artiplex patula ssp. hastata S sm
Fat hen
sm sm
Salicornia subterminalis sm
Parish's glasswort
P sm sm sm Salicornia virginica
Woody glasswort
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Native Landscape Inc. 52 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
Lotus cornuculatus X 1W
Frankenianceae
Frankenia sauna p
Alkali heath
sm sm sm
Lythraceae - Loosestrife
Family
Lythrum hyssopifolia X Hyssop loosestrife
sm sm/rw sm/rw
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Marvella leprosa
Alkali mallow
sm sm sm
Plantaginaceae - Plantain
Family
Plantago major X
Common plantain
sm/rw iw 1W
Polygonaceae - Buckwheat
Family
Rumex crispus X
Curly dock
sm rw rw
Sururaceae - Lizard - Tail
Family
Anemopsis californica s sm
Yerba mansa
sm sm
Angiosperms (Monocots)
Are craceae - Palm Family
Washington robusta X p
Mexican fan palm
rw
Cyperaceae - Cyperus
Family
Scirpus robustua p
Prairie bulrush
sm sm/rw smliw
Juncaceae - Rush Family
Juncus acutus ssp. lepoldii p sm
Southwest spiny rush
sm sm
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cortderia sellouana X Pampas grass
rw 1W
Cynodon dactylon X
Bermuda grass
sm sm sm
Digitaria sp. X
Crabgrass
sm
Distichlis subspicata p
Saltgrass
sm sm sm
Typhaceae - Cat- Tail Family
Typha domingensis
Southern cattail
rw/sm rw/sm rw/sm
53 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Native Landscape Inc.
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road Extension
Wetland Mitigation Sites Site D: Kelly Drive
Understory Species
Observed
Family- Non- Seeded YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5 Scientific Name Native (S) Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Common Name (X) or 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 planted
(P)
ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS)
Asteraceae-Sunflower Family
Ambrosia acanthicarpa X sm
Annual bur-sage
rw/sm
Aster exilis sm sm sm
Slim aster
Ambrosia psilostachya p rw/sm
Western ragweed
rw rw
Artemisia californica slope slope slope
California sagebrush
Artemisia douQlasiana S rw/sm
Mugwort
rw 1W
Artemisia palmerii S sm rw
San Diego sagewort
Baccharis salicifolia p rw/sm rw rw
Mulefat
Cotula coronopifoloia X S sm sm Brass buttons
Encelia californica slope slope slope
California sunflower
Isocoma menziesii slope slope slope
Coast golden bush
Pluchea odorata sm sm sm Saltmarsh fleabane
Picris echioides X sm sm/rw sm/rw
Bristly ox-tongue
Sonchus oleraceus X sm sm sm Sow thistle
Xanthium strumarium X sm rw/sm rw/sm
Spiny clotburr
Azioaceae - Fig - Marigold
-Family
Carpobrotus edulis X sm rw/sm rw/sm
Sea-fig
Boraginaceae - Borage
Family
Heliopium curvassavicum sm Salt heliotrope
sm sm
Caroyphyllaceae—Pink Family
Spergularia rubra X sm sm sm Ruby sand spurrey
Native Landscape Inc. 54 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot
Family
Artiplex patuka ssp. hastata X S sm
Fat hen
sm
Chenipodium sp. X sm sm sm
Salicornia virginica p
Woody glasswort
sm sm sm
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Melilotus alba X
White sweet clover
sm rw/sm
Frankeniaceae
Frankenia sauna p
Alkali heath
sm sm sm
Lythraceae - Loosestrife
Family
Lythrum hyssopifolia X Hyssop loosestrife
sm rw/sm rw/sm
Juncaceae - Rush Family
Juncus acutus ssp. lepoldii s, P sm
Southwest spiny rush
sm sm
AGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
Cyperaceae - Cyperus Family
Cyperus sp. X
sedge
sm sm sm
Scirpus robustus
Prairie bulrush
sm sm sm
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cortderia sellouana X
Pampas grass
sm rw/sm rw/sm
Cynodon dactylon X
Bermuda grass
sm/rw rw/sm rw/sm
Distichils subspicata
Saltgrass
sm sm sm
Piptatherum milleacum sm
Millet ricegrass
Pennesetum setaceum X sm
African fountain grass
PolypoQon monspeliensis X sm sm sm
*
Annual beardgrass
Setaria sp. X
Bristlygrass
sm
Vulpia myuros X Rat-tail fescue
sm sm/rw
Typhaceae - Cat- Tail Family
Typha domincuensis
Southern cattail
sm/rw rw rw
Native Landscape Inc. 55 4th Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Piepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I j
-;-. • .'.". ••
• ',-
••:
Ir
lk
is 0
.'t,
': ,
d:•...:I
2--
ux
4 J
116.
J5
/ ..
.-. *i!:);./ .•,$'# '
- .j..
- . - :1 •
"r4AsJ'- P
*9
_t1•1 •..4-lJ I -
T.
4
-
'- - -
'
9
-
•
- - •-• -:::'-.;
----.:--- - -- - ' -•-;._- -.--.•-.-.--
--
- :' •.itE)I 'ji -
41)j ,--
- - - -f---.-
_-
r-
-'-. ;••. .--- •-.
-
-
I
-
-
:
K
-
-'
/•'•,. •• •;-.
: • .••
t_ ':
(
1TV
',•'•. \1 _j
/'•"'
\ iJ
/
.,,•.•
I' •
-4•: I A; 4
.1/1 •4' -,
•i • i..(.43-
/ I
3.i
I r
••••4• •-••, 4 41; . ..
V: ill All
I
7!4!j
TWO, 6
;
•-.-•, •- -• c•--. •.- • -
,--... ••
-
- - I
- - -
- - , 4 ; •.: • - - - _•_••. 1
- I /
• •-• • • •
r •••••''•;g,' r
I ,iy'
j
,'•
- ,y
III I
4
p R~-wl
II le
It
fff
14
1
/
'
'.• 11: _-.•:• çTy
••) ,•i'. - , •*I/__
-
-
-
.-L t - •.•••-•••---'•• ••••
I ell
J
-9 -
::---
_;-
-
/ f-' -,•---.'-,, 'ç,1I E0 -
-
71
-
THIRD YEAR ANNUAL REPORT 2001
Cannon Road Extension (Reaches I & 2)
Wetland Mitigation Areas
U.S ACOE Permit Nos. 97-20130-TDC & 97-20131-TDC
CDFG Permit No. 5-044-97
USFWS Biological Opinion No. 1-6-97F-51
Coastal Commission Permit No. 6-97-11
Prepared For: City of Carlsbad
Public Works-Engineering Department
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008-73 14
Prepared By: Native Landscape Inc.
9746 Tamarack Lane
Escondido, CA 92029
I
I
I Executive Summary
I .This report documents installation and third year monitoring for the Cannon Road
extension (Reaches 1 and 2) Wetland Mitigation Project. The City of Carlsbad
(City) is creating 6.34 acres of new wetlands at three mitigation sites (A, C and
I D) to mitigate for the loss of 2.64 acres of wetlands lost to project construction.
The report period is from October 2000 to October 2001.
Section 1.0 reviews the project history and mitigation site locations
Section 2.0 provides the results of the 3rd year of post-installation
monitoring
The horticultural and botanical monitoring results for the third year of Site A and
the second year of Sites C, D and Extra Area A are covered this year. This
section also reviews the pampas grass eradication, brown-headed cowbird
trapping and least Bell's vireo monitoring programs required to take place in
Macario Canyon for five-years.
Section 3.0 compares the results of botanical monitoring against project
success standards
Section 4.0 makes remedial recommendations for next growing year
These recommendations are summarized below:
Site A: Macarlo Canyon
1. Continue to implement exotic plant species weed control in the north part
of the buffer zone with a focus on tall tree tobacco established there.
Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre
1. Continue irrigation as needed for one more year.
I Site C: El Camino Real
1. Continue removing invasive exotic plant species from this site with a
particular focus on pampas grass and tamarisk.
I Site D: Kelly Drive
1. Continue to remove all new invasive exotic plant species within 100 feet of
I the site borders with a particular focus on: palms, pampas grass, and
bristly ox-tongue.
Native Landscape Inc. 2 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
Monitoring Recommendations
Continue using the smaller sampling transects on the Site A Additional
0.25 Acre Area.
Continue separate sampling of height for all 15-gallon sycamores and
cottonwoods.
Continue using the saltmarsh monitoring protocols initiated last year.
Native Landscape Inc. 3 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUNG 6
1.1 PROJECT HISTORY 7
1.2 PROJECT LOCATION 7
1.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon 8
1.2.2 Site C: El Camino Real 8
1.2.3 Site D: Kelly Road 8
2.0 POST-INSTALLATION MONITORING 8
2.1 METHODS 9
2.1.1 Monthly Progress Reports 9
2.1.2 Horticultural Monitoring 9
2.1.3 Botanical Monitoring 10
2.2 HORTICULTURAL MONITORING RESULTS 12
2.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon 12
2.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area 14
2.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real 15
2.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive 16
2.3 BOTANICAL MONITORING RESULTS 7
2.3.1 Results Site A: Macario Canyon 17
2.3.2 Results Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area 23
2.3.3 Results Site C: El Camino Real 26
2.3.4 Results Site D: Kelly Drive 31
2.4 PAMPAS GRASS ERADICATION PROGRAM PROGRESS 35
2.5 LEAST BELL'S VIREO MONITORING RESULTS 35
2.6 COWBIRD TRAPPING RESULTS 37
3.0 DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS OF PROJECT SUCCESS STANTARDS 38
3.1 SUCCESS STANDARDS 38
Native Landscape Inc. 4 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
3.2 DISCUSSION 41
3.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon 41
3.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area 42
3.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real 44
3.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive 45
3.2.5 Completion of 5-year Pampas Grass Eradication 47
3.2.6 Completion of 5-year Least Bell's Vireo Monitoring 47
3.2.7 Completion of 5-year Brown-headed Cowbird trapping 47
4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 48
4.1 Site A: Macario Canyon 48
4.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area 48
4.3 Site C: El Camino Real 48
4.4 Site D: Kelly Drive 48
4.5 MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS 49
5.0 REFERENCES 50
LIST OF FIGURES
1 Location of Mitigation Sites 8 A
2 Mitigation Site A 9 A
3 Mitigation Site C 10A
4 Mitigation Site D 11 A
LISTS OF TABLES
I i Revised Mitigation Acreage Summary 7
2 Site A: Summary Tree Height Data 18
3 Site A: Additional Sycamore & Cottonwood Summary Height Data 19
I 4 Site A: Canopy Cover 21
5 Site A: Tree/Shrub Density 22
6 Species Established at Site A Additional 0.25 Acre Area 23
I 7 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area: Summary Tree Height Data 24
8 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area: Canopy Cover 25
9 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area: Tree/Shrub Density 26
I 10 Species Established at Site C 27
11 Site C: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree Height Data 28
12 Site C: Canopy Cover 29 ' 13 Site C: Tree/Shrub Density 30
14 Species Established at Site D 32
15 Site D: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree Heights Data 33
I 16 Site D: Canopy Cover Growth 33
17 Site D: Tree/Shrub Density 34
18 Project Success Standards 40
I 19 Appendix A: Observed Plant Species 51
20 Appendix B: Transect Photos 65
F1
I
Native Landscape Inc. 5 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
As mitigation for the loss of 3.32 acres of jurisdictional wetland impacts (1.72
acres of permanent direct, 0.9 acres of indirect shading, and 0.68 acres of
temporary direct) associated with the construction of the Cannon Road Extension
(Reaches 1 and 2) in Carlsbad, California, the City of Carlsbad (City) is creating
6.43 acres of new wetlands (Tetra Tech 1997, 1998) on three mitigation sites
described below. This mitigation is designed to meet the conditions set forth in
the following permits and opinions:
Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)
Permits Nos. 97-20130-TDC & 97-20131-TDC
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)
Streambed Alteration Permit No. 5-044-97
California Coastal Commission (CCC)
Coastal Development Permit No. 5-044-97
Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS)
Biological Opinion No. 1-6-97-F-51
In addition, the Biological Opinion issued for the project and referenced in the
ACOE and CDFG permits require three additional mitigation efforts be
completed: 1) a 5-year least Bell's vireo (Viero bellii pusillus) monitoring program
in Macario Canyon, 2) a 5-year brown headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) trapping
program in Macario Canyon, and 5-year pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana)
eradication effort in 28 acres of existing riparian woodlands in Macario Canyon.
In addition, the City eradicated pampas grass in 6 additional acres in order to
complete eradication along the entire mitigation site edges in Macario Canyon.
The City designated 1.28 acres out of this additional effort under agreement with
the CDFG (Howard 1998) as mitigation at a 4:1 ratio for 0.32 acre of non-
jurisdictional Muléfat scrub removed during the construction of the Cannon Road
Extension/El Camino Real Intersection. The remaining 4.72 acres of eradication
the City hopes to apply to future City wetland mitigation needs.
Initially Burkhart Environmental Consulting (BEC) and Native Landscape Inc.
(Native Landscape) were hired by the City to monitor and maintain the new
wetland areas. This report reviews the installation work completed for each of
the mitigation areas between 1 January 1998 and 11 October 1999 and presents
an analysis of data collected to determine if the mitigations are progressing
adequately to meet the 5-year success standards set by permits. The report
focuses on the third year of post-installation monitoring for Site A completed in
Native Landscape Inc. 6 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
the late spring of 1998 and the second year of post-installation monitoring for Site
C and D and the additional 0.25 acre area at Site A installed in the spring and
summer of 1999.
1.1 Project History
Mitigation acreage for this project was originally proposed for creation at only one
site in Macario Canyon (Site A). The remainder of the mitigation requirements
for the project was to be satisfied by a contribution to a long-term management
endowment for the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Open Space Preserve. However,
when the CCC would not accept the management contribution as appropriate
mitigation, the City proposed three additional wetland creation sites in the project
area (Sites B, C, and D). However, after hydrological analysis was completed for
the Cannon Road Extension improvements, the project engineers concluded it
would not be possible to use Site B for mitigation acreage. The City
subsequently proposed relocating the Site (0.44 acres) to areas adjacent to each
of the other mitigation sites (BEC 1/28/99). This relocation was approved by the
resource agencies (Table 1).
Table I
Revised Mitigation Acreage Summary
Original Final
Approved Installed
Acreage Acreage
Area A
Area B
Area C
Area D
TOTALS
4.10 4.35
0.44 0.00
1.30 1.45
0.50 0.54
6.34 6.34
1.2 Project Location
The final mitigation sites (A, C, and D) are located in the City of Carlsbad within
the general vicinity of the road improvements that caused the original wetland
losses.
Native Landscape Inc. 7 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
1.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon
Site A is located adjacent to the existing Macario Canyon drainage south of the
proposed extension of Faraday Avenue to Cannon the North and South
Mitigation Areas. The additional 0.25-acre mitigation area designed to
compensate for part of the loss of acreage at the eliminated Site B was planted in
a 10-foot strip on the eastern edge of the southern mitigation site in Macario
Canyon. The Macario Canyon drainage runs from the present terminus of
Faraday Avenue northward beyond the new bridge being constructed for Cannon
Road and into Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The mitigation sites are located in a 50
to 100 foot wide strip on the east side of the existing wetland vegetation found in
the drainage. The wetland creation sites along the drainage are bordered to the
east by an approximately 100 foot wide upland buffer strip that has been seeded
with coastal sage scrub species (figure2).
1.2.2 Site C: El Camino Real
Site C is located about 300 feet northwest of the proposed new intersection of
Cannon Road with El Camino Real. It is divided into North and South Mitigation
Areas by a peninsula of existing riparian woodland and freshwater marsh. The
southern area was a former flood control berm about 40 feet wide running about
1,000 feet in length parallel to the existing creek channel to the south. These
berm souls were removed to create grades acceptable for wetland creation.
(Fig ure3)
1.23 Site 0: Kelly Road
Site D is at the west end of Kelly Street (off El Camino Real) where it intersects
with Park Drive. A drainage channel enters the Agua Hedionda Lagoon open
space the southeast corner of the mitigation area and continues along its
southern border. The site itself was created after a long peninsula of fill materials
we removed to restore former wetland grades. The site is bordered on its south
side by existing willow woodland along the creek drainage and on its north side
by salt marsh (figure 4).
2.0 POST - INSTALLATION MONITORING
Post-installation monitoring and maintenance for Macario Canyon Site A began
in May 1999, for Sites C and D in July 1999, and for the additional 0.25 acres
planted at Site A in August 1999. Monitoring is divided between regular
horticultural visits to assess landscape maintenance needs and the collection of
quantitative botanical data to determine progress towards permit success
Native Landscape Inc. 8 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
I standards. Because installation was finished half way through the first growing
season for the original Macario Canyon plantings and for twice a year botanical
monitoring was required under permit conditions, the City decided to perform the I first monitoring for Site A at the end of the growing season in August 1998 and
the second annual monitoring in August 1999. Although this schedule extended
I monitoring to an 18 month period for the first year, it then set a schedule for data
collection for all mitigation sites to take place at end of the end of the maximum
growth season each year for all sites, since monitoring frequency has been
I changed to once annually for the remainder of the project. This year's report
provides the third monitoring year of data for Site A and the second annual
monitoring for Sites C, D and the additional). 25 acres added to the Site A. The
I following section discusses monitoring methods and results.
1 2.1 METHODS
I . 2.1.1 Monthly Progress Reports
To document project progress during the first year, monthly progress reports
summarized site observations and gave recommendations for remedial I measures. These reports are kept on file at the City and Native Landscape Inc..
The first progress report was issued in May of 1998 when Valley Crest completed
the Site A plant establishment period and Native Landscape Inc. began site I maintenance. After twelve months these reports have switched since April 1999
to a bi-monthly format for the remainder of the 5-year monitoring period.
I
2.1.2 Horticultural Monitoring
I ' Horticultural monitoring consists of regular visits to the site to review the
maintenance needs of the mitigation plantings. If required, remedial
I maintenance recommendations are made to assure acceptable project progress.
Remedial measures are communicated directly to Native Landscape Inc. for
implementation in the field. Written communications are always used to assure
that accurate communication is achieved.
I
I
LI
I Native Landscape Inc. 9 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
I
2.1.3 Botanical Monitoring
I To collect botanical data on the progress of wetland habitat creation a series of
25-meter (82 foot) line transects are set up at each mitigation site except for the
additional 0.25 acres of mitigation at Site A where four 10 meter transects are
I used in order to obtain a better sampling of this linear site. Transects are located
evenly throughout the mitigation sites to evaluate all areas of planting as follows:
I Mitigation Areas Transect Numbers
Site South 1S-7S
I Site ANorth
I Site A Additional 0.25 acre area 1A - 4A
Site C Riparian Woodland 1C -2C
I Site C Salt Marsh 3C
I . Site D Riparian Woodland 1 D
I
Site D Salt Marsh 2D
The number of transects of transects vary depending on the acreage at each
I
mitigation site (transect numbers are provided under the results section for each
site). Each end of the transect is marked with a 6-foot metal T-post and then the
compass direction (based on magnetic north) recorded for future reference from
I
a designated primary end of the transect. Figures for each site show the location
of transects within the site with the primary end numbered. Along each of these
line transects three data collection activities are preformed to assess progress
toward permit success standards. The three methodologies are detailed below.
I Riparian woodland and salt marsh portions of sites are separated from one
another since they have very different species compositions, heights, and plant
densities. In addition photographs are taken annually from the primary transect I post facing in the direction of the transect compass bearing and a species list is
prepared based on annual monitoring observations.
I
I Native Landscape Inc. 10 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
Canopy Cover
To assess the amount of riparian woodland canopy cover the line intercept
values for all tree and shrub species over 18-inches in height are measured for
each transect. Bare ground versus under story vegetative cover is also
measured for vegetation cover is also measured for vegetation below 18 inches
in height. In salt marsh areas the cover of salt marsh species, non-native cover,
and bare earth canopy cover categories are measured. No separate under story
measurements are made for salt marsh covers since they have one canopy.
Tree heights
Within the 20 foot belt transects used for measuring riparian woodland canopy
composition, the heights of all container planted trees are measured. With
colonial species such as sandbar willow (Salix exigua), all trees in the clump are used to determine average height.
Since few if any trees of large shrubs occur in salt marsh areas no height
measurements are taken in this cover type.
Composition of trees/shrubs
Within a 20 foot wide belt transect centered on each line riparian woodland
transect the number of tree/shrub species over 3 feet in height are counted by
species to determine canopy cover composition. Based on these counts,
overstory canopy cover compositions and density are determined. Density
values are provided as total trees 0.33 acre and compared to last year's results
as x number of plants per belt transect. As before no attempt has been made to
make detailed quantitative assessments of groundcover species density
compositions.
For salt marsh areas, where plant densities are much higher, a 1-meter band
with one of its edges on the transect is used to calculate plant densities. Counts
are made of the numbers of each perennial saltmarsh species rooted within this
band. Saltgrasss (Distich/is subpicata), a rhizomatous plant has merged to form
a continuous groundcover. Cover alone quantifies it.
I Native Landscape Inc.
I
11 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
2.2 HORTICULTURAL MONITORING RESULTS
2.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon
Seeding-riparian & marsh areas
The dominant species this first year were southwestern spiny rush (Juncus
acutus ssp. Leopold/i), Douglas wormwort (Artem/s/a douglasiana), and western
ragweed (Ambrosia psiostachya). These three species formed the dominant
understory cover in most areas of both the North and South Areas. The annual
Mexican tea (Chenopod/um ambrosioides) has begun to decline in the
understory of the North Mitigation Area. Since most understory species are not
very shade tolerant, it is expected understory will be minimal once the overstory
matures.
Seeding-upland buffer zone
I
Coastal sage scrub species establishment remains somewhat sporadic in the
upland buffer zone. The highest area of cover development continued to be
adjacent to the North Mitigation Area where the surface weed seed bank had
I
been buried under fill from the excavation of the adjacent mitigation area, and
adjacent to the South Mitigation Area. In most of this area nearly mature coastal
sage scrub plants have now established including: coastal sagebrush (Artemisia
I
californica), black sage (Salvia mellifera), flat-top buckwheat (Erogonum
fasciculatum), red monkey flower (Diplacus puniceus), deerweed (Lotus
scoparius), and California sunflower (Encelia cal/fornica).
In the rest of the buffer zone running south from the North Mitigation Area there
continued to be only sporadic establishment of coastal sage scrub species.
These areas remained dominated largely by annual weed species, which were
present in the seed bank at the time of installation. However, no further remedial
activities are required for the buffer zone under permit conditions.
Native Landscape Inc. 12 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
Container Plants
As with the previous report, container plant health remained at virtually the same
high levels during this monitoring period a existed last year. The only significant
container plant losses this year were several of the 15-gallon western sycamores
(P/atanus racemosa) planted along the edges of the South Mitigation Area.
While a formal analysis was not undertaken, it is suspected that high soil salt
levels may contribute to the loss of these plants and the continued slow growth of
others. This species does not appear to be well adapted to these soil conditions;
however, the Fremont cottonwoods (Populus fremonti,) which were also planted
At this site appear to be thriving and more than make up for the loss of canopy
stratification resulting from the sycamore losses. Mexican elderberry (Sambucus
mexicana) and California blackberry (Rubus ursinus) also have lower levels of
container plant establishment than other species at the South Area for similar soil
related reasons. South Area surface soils have accumulated salts from former
and current agricultural irrigation. The North Area does not have these
conditions because surface soils were removed to lower grades prior to plant
installation.
Weeds
In most parts of the Mitigation Areas native understory dominates. There are
edge areas and more newly planted areas with weed problems. Weed control
has focused on White sweet clover (Melilotus a/ba), Bristly ox-tongue (Picris
echrodes), Cortadiera sellouna, Tamarisk tree(Tamarix and Pampas grass.
Watering
Irrigation of mitigation plantings was discontinued at this site at the end of the
summer of 1999, so the site has survived well without irrigation for an entire
growing season without additional irrigation. Any heads connected to laterals
which are watering the adjacent 0.25 acre additional planting area adjacent to the
South Mitigation Area have been capped off to assure this site meets its success
standard of surviving without irrigation over one growing season.
Vandalism
There was no vandalism of significance.
Native Landscape Inc. 13 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
2.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 acres of Mitigation Planting
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in August 1999;
this is the second year's monitoring results.
Seeding
Douglas wormwort and western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya)are established
creating a nearly continuous understory cover. Both these species also invaded
the planting strip by means of runners from plants established in the adjacent
main mitigation area so it is difficult to distinguish between seedlings.
Neither the giant wild rye grass (Leymus condensatus) nor the California
sunflower has germinated here though they were part of the seed mix. Giant wild
rye grass successfully established from containers and the California sunflower
occurs nearby in the upland buffer zone.
Container plants
The container plantings have established well at this site. With the exception of
one California live oak (Quercus agrifolia), all were thriving by the end of the third
monitoring year continues mostly to appear well on the way to meet project
height and cover standards. The sandbar willow and the mulefat (Baccharis
salicifolia) had some die back in the driest parts of the site (transects 1A & 3A).
The two oaks that were planted are both growing and healthy. The other two
oaks that were planted are both healthy.
Weeds
Weeds have not been significant a problem in this mitigation area during the past
year. There were still some initial occurrences of bristly ox-tongue (Picris
echioides), these are specifically targeted by Native Landscape.
Watering
The site has been regularly watered (except during rainy season) as of July 2001
to assure strong plant establishment and growth.
Trash and vandalism
There has been no trash dumped in this site or any vandalism to its plantings
during this past year.
Native Landscape Inc. 14 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
2.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in July 1999.
Seeding-riparian & marsh areas
I In general, the species hydroseeded at this site both in the saltmarsh and
riparian woodland areas established well and dominated the groundcover by the
end of this first summer after planting.
Douglas wormwood comprised the dominant cover although there were small
occurrences of the San Diego sagewort (Artemisia pa/men).
Southwestern spiny rush spread well at this site and already comprises a
significant part of final cover.
Container plants
Container plantings showed excellent establishment at this site. The riparian
woodland area exhibited almost no loss of container plantings except a few when
the adjacent stream channel relocated itself across the site this past winter 2001.
These losses did little to deter overall canopy cover development and the riparian
woodland part of this site has made substantial progress towards its success
goals this year.
Saltmarsh plantings continued to demonstrate excellent establishment and
growth with few losses. Woody glasswort (Salicornia virginica), aldali-heath
(Frankenia sauna), and saltgrass are well established. Freshwater
encrocachment is occurring as result of the river's shifted alignment. This is
shown by the increasing cover of cattail (Typha) and nutgrass (Scirpus robustus).
Weeds
Exotic weeds have been a significant problem adjacent to mitigation sites
especially in open areas. The main focus of weeding has been the removal of
bristly ox-tongue (Picris echioides) near the saltmarsh area.
Watering
There has been no irrigation at the site in 2001.
Native Landscape Inc. 15 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I Trash and vandalism
There has been some trash and debris dumped at this site. The main potential
for vandalism remains the pathway along the first third of the dike area, which is
used as a pathway for workers to access a living site they maintain in the willows
along the adjacent stream channel. Some latrine areas are a particular problem
there.
Erosion
Heavy winter rains in February 2000 created significant stream flows in the
channel adjacent to the regarded dike a this site. These stream flows ran over
the dike in three separate places. The first at a notch left in the grading at the
eastern end of the dike. The second through the existing erosion break in the
dike left from last year and the third midway between these two areas. After the
flooding had subsided it was found that the stream has now cut a new channel
which runs through the gully in the dike created last season and widened this
year. This new channel then proceeds through the marsh area, which separates
the two parts of this flooding/erosion; however, as noted earlier, the valve boxes
in the saltmarsh parts of the site were flooded and their tops washed off. It is not
yet known whether this channel relocation will effect survival of riparian
woodlands located along the original to the south but it is beneficial to the
mitigation plantings.
2.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in July 1999.
Seeding- riparian & marsh areas
In general the species hydroseeded at this site both in the saltmarsh and riparian
woodland areas had established by the end of the first summer after planting,
and continues to thrive.
The riparian woodland areas showed only sparse seed establishment perhaps
because of irrigation scheduling problems experienced after initial seeding. Only
a few Douglas wormwood and an occasional San Diego sagewort were
observed.
Native Landscape Inc. 16 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
' Southwestern spiny rush has also germinated well at this site and promises to
compose an even more significant part of final cover here than at Site C when
these seedlings mature. There are also scattered occurrences of fat hen
(Atrip/ex pat u/a ssp. Hastato) on site.
The coastal sage scrub seed mix placed on the roadside slopes which border the
I site performed quite well and all species germinated and established from seed
in the seed mix. California sagebrush was the most significant germinator and
Coast Goldenbrush.
I Container plants
I Container plantings showed excellent establishment at this site. The riparian
woodland area exhibited minor losses due to deer grazing. Transect Dl suffered
significant cover loss, though all initial and replacement plantings continue to
spread and dominate the site. There may also be a problem with soil compaction
in one part of the area, which was formerly constructed as an old dike along the
creek. I
I 2.3 BOTANICAL MONITORING RESULTS
Formal botanical monitoring for Sites C and D and the additional 0.25 acres at
I Site A began in 2000. The results for all mitigation sites are given in this section.
2.3.1 Results Site A: Macario Canyon
Species established
A full accounting of all species planted at this site is provided in Table 4 of the
first year annual report (BEC 1999).
I Container plant survival
Because growth standards have been essentially met on both the North and
South Mitigation Areas no formal container plant survival count was undertaken I this year. The only significant container plant losses this year were several of the
15 gallon western sycamores planted along the edge of the South Mitigation
Area; however, the Fremont cottonwoods planted at this site appear to be more I than making up for the loss of canopy stratification resulting from sycamore
losses.
I
I Native Landscape Inc. 17 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
U
I
I Tree heights
Tree height data results are presented by species in Table 2. This data is
I average between North and South Areas. Because the data sets for Western
sycamore and Fremont cottonwood are small within the transect areas, a
separate tally is made each year of all 15-gallon plantings to provide a
I representative annual growth sampling for these species. This data is shown in
Table 3.
Table 2
Site A: Summary Tree Height Data
Species 2000 plant
Count
2001 plant
Count
2000 average
Height (feet)
2001 average
Height (feet)
Baccharis salicifOlia 188 260 8.3 6.9
Salix exigua 132 335 10.5 9.8
Salix gooddingii 115 94 16.1 18.7
Salix lasiolepis 83 65 13.1 17.2
The height of Salix gooddingii and Salix lasiolepis continued to increase this I year. Baccharis salicifolia and Salix exigua declined slightly in height due to the
generally dry conditions on the higher parts of the site particularly in the South
Mitigation Area. It is also because there are more plants from seed and the I average height has decreased because of the willow from seed has increased
overall density.
1
1
I
I
Native Landscape Inc. 18 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
1
I
I
Table 3
Site A: Additional Sycamore & Cottonwood
Summary Height Data for August 2001
Platanus racemosa
2001
Populus fremontli
2001
South site North site South site North site
18 20 16 38
10 30 11 36
14 18 17 27
12 23 8 27
10 18 6 30
12 20 15
23 9 .
12 6
14
10
15
12
7
Totals
Number
trees 2001
6. 8 13 . 5
Number
trees 2000
17 10 23 14
Average
height (ft.)
2001
12.7 20.5 11.2 31.6
Average
height (ft.)
2000
12.2 16.5 11.9 16.7
Combined
2001 17.1 25
Combined
2000 13.8 13.7
Native Landscape Inc.
. 19 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Tree height
Western Sycamore and Fremont cottonwood container plantings continued to
have mixed success. Western Sycamore that appears poorly suited to the site,
continued to decline from 27 surviving in 2000 to 14 in 2001. Those surviving on
the North Mitigation Site gain in height and especially in breadth. Fremont
cottonwood also had a decline in survival from 37 in 2000 to 19 in 2001. In
contrast to the Sycamore there was significant growth in all surviving
cottonwoods, which almost doubled in height. This was particularly true in the
North Mitigation Area where Black willow (Salix gooddingi,) now forms a
continuous tall canopy and there is competition for sunlight. As a result many
shorter trees of all species have been shaded out in a normal progression of the
maturation of this Riparian woodland.
Canopy cover
Canopy cover results for Site A are summarized in Table 4. Areas not covered
by overstory cover were 100% covered by understory species for all transects,
therefore no tare earth observations were recorded in the data set. The
understory cover is not measured separately. Tree cover increased overall in
both areas to almost 100%. Consistent with the results of tree heights, the
changes in cover values were more pronounced in the North Mitigation Area.
There was a slight general decline in tree cover along the upper edge of certain
South area transects (6S, 4S, 3S, iS). None of these declines were overall
significantly adverse, with overall cover still exceeding its standard. Understory
herbs successfully provided ground cover wherever tree canopy was locking
composed mostly of spring rush and Western ragweed.
Native Landscape Inc. 20 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City Of Carlsbad, CA
Table 4
Site A: Canopy Cover
Transect 1999
%Cover
2000
%Cover
2001
%Cover
SOUTH AREA
IS 76.4 88.8 100
2S 60.8 82.4 83.2
3S 35.2 58.8 44.0
4S 68.8 80.0 75.6
5S 90.4 65.2 125.6
6S 34.8 1 86.8 70.4
7S 48.8 58.8 81.6
Average Cover 1 59.3 1 74.4 1 82.8
NORTH AREA
IN 29.6 54.8 106
2N 75.2 88.0 96.4
3N 79.2 109.6 114.1
4N 99.6 154.8 148
SN 92.4 115.2 120
Average Cover 75.2 104.5 116.7
Combined Average 65.9
Canopy Cover
86.9 97.0
I Tree/ shrub composition/density
Tree/shrub density data is summarized in Table 5. All woody tree and shrub
I species above 3 feet in height were counted as occurring within transect
sampling areas. The density of all deeply rooted ripariantrees was maintained
or increased while the shallower rooted shrub (Sambucus mexicana, Baccaharis
I salicifolia and Pluchea sericea) declined due to carrying capacity of native death
and some due to drought. The belt transects were measured as a continuous belt
transect. In a continuous belt transect we measure all plants which includes
I overlap between different individual plants, therefore it is normal in the native
plant communities to show more than 100% coverage.
I The most significant increase was for Sandbar willow (Salix exigua) which
through spreading by suckers, more than doubled its number of stems/belt
I (from15 to 42). Originally planted material is not uniformly distinguishable from
Native Landscape Inc. 21 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I the new vegetatively generated trees. The slight decrease in Salix lasiolepis
density was due to some localized deaths.
I
I
The carrying capacity of the site is becoming evident now that supplemental
I irrigation has been discontinued. Trees have thinned where soil moisture is
lacking from the initially high density of planting. Losses in density were
significant for Baccharis salicifolia though might be expected in some areas that
I are not hydrologically adequate. Some of these areas could be replanted to
Arrow weed (Piuchea sericea) which is somewhat more drought adapted. The
success of understory plantings at controlling weed encroachment is a good
I condition for the eventual invasion of native riparian tree species when wetter
seasons prevail naturally or by resuming irrigation on adjacent property.
I
Table 5
Site A: Tree/Shrub Density
Species Average no.
plants per
belt transect
2000
Average no.
plants per belt
transect
2001
Sum of total
no. plants in
belt transects
2001
Average percent
composition
Baccharissalicifolia 516 28.9 260 33.4%
Plantanus racemosa NA NA 8 12.9%
Populus fremontil NA NA 10 11.0%
Salixexigua 15.0 41.9 335 42.7% Salixgooddinggii 9.6 9.9 49 . 15.6%
Sa/ix lasiolepis 9.1 8.1 65 15.9%
Sambucusmexicana 0.2 0 0 0%
Total 90.8 trees per belt transect 272 trees/acre
Native Landscape Inc. 22 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad. CA
2.3.2 Results: Site A: Additional 0.25 Acres
I Species established
Table 6 below shows species planted from seed and container plants at this
I mitigation site and whether they are considered established at the site (X =
established,? = not detected to date). In addition, Appendix A gives a complete
species list of all understory species observed during the botanical monitoring.
Of all species seeded on this site only the western ragweed and the Douglas
wormwood established from the seed mix. Alternatively, the giant wild rye
established from containers, so the only species not established was the upland
I coastal encelia, which established in the adjacent buffer zone from seed.
I
I Table
I Species Established at Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre
Area
I From Seed
Ambrosia psilostachys X
Artemisia douglasiana X
Encelia californica no
I
Leymes condensatus no
From Containers
Baccharis salicifolia
• Leymus condensatus X
Quercus agrifolia X I .
Salix exigua X
I Native Landscape Inc. 23 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
Container plant survival
There was poor survival of some of the original containers of Salix exigua and Baccharis salicifolia at the higher areas of the site near transect 1A & 3A. The
surviving trees rebounded with additional irrigation but had not re-grown in all
areas enough to meet last year's results or to recogonize from adjacent plantings
in the case of. Drought may have stimulated the spread of Salix exigua.
Tree heights
Tree height data results are presented by species in Table 7. Except for the two
Coast live oak, Mulefat and Sandbar willow the only other woody plant species in
this mitigation area. The height of these of these two species showed progress
toward maintaining project height goals. Growth to data on average exceeds 6
feet for both species. This is more important since the drought and generally dry
conditions of the site did not reduce heights below standards.
Table 7
Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Summary Tree Height Data
Species Average Average No. No. Plants
container tree container tree Plants counted
height (ft) height (ft) counted 2001
2000 2001 2000 Baccharis salicifolia 6.1 6.6 25 25 Salix exigua 6.2 6.0 32 103 Quercus agrifolia NA 6.0 NA 2
I
I
I
Native Landscape Inc. 24 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
CanoDv cover
Canopy cover results are summarized in Table 8. Areas not covered by
overstory cover were almost 100% covered by understory species for all
transects, therefore no bare earth observations were recorded in the data set.
Canopy cover continued to increase significantly, with the exception of Transects
No. 1 and 3 where some die back had occurred in the original plantings of Salix
exigua and Baccharis salicifolia.
Table 8
Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Canopy Cover
Transect Percentage of Cover
2000
Percentage of Cover
2001
1A 35% 0%
2A 82% 100%
3A 39% 44%
4A 65% 81%
Average Canopy Cover 55.3% 56.3%
Bare Earth Cover 0% 0%
Tree/Shrub composition/densitj
Although there were decreases in both Baccharis salicifolia and Salix exigua in
some sections of this site both showed an overall increase in density through the
percentage composition of Baccharis salicifolia declined.
Native Landscape Inc. 25 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 9
Site A Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Tree/Shrub Density
Average Tree/Shrub Composition and Density 2001
Species No. Plants
2000
No. Plants
2001
% Càmpo
2000
% Comp 2001
Baccharis 8
salicifolia
25 34.4% 20%
Salixexigua 15 103 65.6% 80%
Total 23 128 100%1 100%
Results Site C: El Camino Real
Species established
Table 10 below shows the species planted from seed and container plants at this
mitigation site and whether they are considered established at the site (X =
established, ? = not detected to date). All species seeded or planted from
containers at the site had established by the end of the first monitoring season
except possibly yerba mansa. This species, however, had invaded from adjacent
existing populations along the borders of the mitigation site.
Native Landscape Inc. 26 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I .
I
Table 10
Species Established at Site C
From Seed
Riparian Woodland Mix
Anemopis californica no
Artemisia douglasiana X
Artemisia palmeri X
Saltmarsh Mix
Contula coronopifolia X
Juncus acutus X
Artiplex patula ssp. Hastate X
From Containers
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Native Landscape Inc.
Riparian Woodland
Baccharis salicifolia X
Po pu/us fremontii X
Pluchea seryicea X
Salix exigua . X
Salix gooddingii X
Salix /asio/epis . X
Saltmarsh
Baccharis salicifo/ia X
Frankenia sa/ina X
Juncus acutus X
Pluchea sericea
. X
Salicornia suberminalis x
Distich/is sub picata x
Scirpus robustus X
27 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Container plant survival
No container plants were observed dead as of the second year of monitoring at
Site C therefore no formal attempt was made to assess survival. No replacement
plantings were ever required at this site after dead plants were replaced at the
end of the plant establishment period, or during the second year of monitoring.
Tree heights
Riparian woodland tree height data results are presented by species in Tablel 1.
This data is only for the first two transects on this site (1A & 1 B) since these were
the only two transects in the riparian woodland part of the site. The height of all
species showed achievement of the project height goals by the end of this
second season after planting.
Table 11
Site C: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree Height Data
Species Average container
Tree Height (ft)
2000
Average container
Tree Height (ft)
2001
No.
Plants
Counted
2000
No.
Plants
Counted
2001
Baccharis salicifolia 6.3 7.0 19 18
Pluchea sericea 5.8 6.1 13 16
Salixexigua 8.1 10.0 38 31
Salix lasiolepis 7.6 12.0 43 41
Canopy cover
Canopy cover results are summarized in Table 12. The riparian woodland cover
value for Site C is over 100%. Saltmarsh cover is quite high although freshwater
encroachment may continue to decrease the dominance of halophytes.
Ii
I Native Landscape Inc.
I
28 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
I Tree/shrub
I Tree/shrub density data are summarized in Table 13. All woody tree and shrub
species in the riparian woodland part of the site above 3 feet in height were
counted as occurring within the transect sampling area. All planted species were
I counted in the narrower (1 meter wide) saltmarsh transect bands. Salix exigua
and Salix lasiolepis expanded their density by suckering and by new recruitment
of seedlings. This has offset the loss of Baccharis salicifolia, which was not
I detected in the cover, transect. A total of 72 trees were detected in these 2001
transects, not significantly different than 74.5 for 2000.
I
I
I
Saltmarsh
Density, survival and cover of saltmarsh species continued to exceed the project
standards. Freshwater encroachment does show minor increases in non-
halophytic species such as Anemopsis californica, Typha domingensis and
Scirpus robustus.
Table 12
Site C: Canopy Cover Growth
Riparian Woodland
Transects
Percent of Cover
2000
Percent of Cover
2001
1C 50.4% 102%
2C 79.2% 110%
Average Cover 64.8% 106%
Average bare earth cover 4% 0%
Saltmarsh_Transect
3C 94.8% 130%
Average Cover 94.8% 130%
Average Bare Earth Cover 13.2% 0%
I Native Landscape Inc.
I
29 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Table 13
Site C: Tree/Shrub Density
Riparian Woodland
Species
Transects IC & 2C
No. Plants
2000
No. Plants
2001
% Complete
2000
% Complete
2001
Baccharis salicifolia 95 0 12.7% 0%
Plucheasericea 55 0 7.4% 0%
Salixexigua 19.5 31 26.2% 43%
Salixlasiolepis 40 41 1 53.7% 57%
Total 74.5 72 1 100% 11 100%
Saltmarsh
Species
Site C Transects 3C
No. Plants
2000
No. Plants
2001
% Complete
2000
% Complete
2001
Baccharis salicifolia 1 0 0.6% 0%
Distich/is subpicata 56 56 36.4% 36%
Juncusacutus 4 4 2.6% 3.0%
Salicornia virginica 93 93 60.4% 60%
Scirpus robust us 0 3 0% 2.0%
Ambrosia psiostachya 0 0 0% 0%
Frankenia sauna 0 0 0% 0%
Isocoma veneta 0 1 0% 0%
Anemopsis californica 0 1 0% 0%
Typhadomingensis 0 1 0% 0%
Total 1 154 160 100% 100%
Native Landscape Inc.
- 30 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
I 2.3.4 Results Site D: Kelly Drive
I Species established
I Table 14 below shows the species planted from seed and container plants at this
mitigation site and whether they are considered established at the site (X =
established, ? = not detected to date).
Container plant survival
As at the additional 0.25 acre Area planted at Site A, hardly any container plants
were observed dead by the end of the first year of monitoring therefore no formal
attempt was made to count them. This year 2001 there were offsetting losses of
Baccharis salicifolia and an increase in Salix exigua.
Tree heights
Tree height data results are presented by species in Table 15. The height of all
species showed completion of project height goals by the end of the second
growing season after planting.
Canopy cover
Canopy cover results are summarized in Table 16. There is still a significant
amount of bare earth found in this part of the site, with only 16% tree cover.
Deer browse has been very heavy on the inside part of this protected area of tree
cover, reducing the cover and density of Salix exigua and somewhat of the spiny
rush. Saltmarsh cover exceeds project standards at 139%.
Native Landscape Inc. 31 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
Table 14
Species Established at Site D
From Seed
Riparian Woodland Mix
Anemopsis californica ?
Artemisia douglasiana X
Artemisia pa/men X
Saltmarsh Mix
Cotula cornopifolia X
Juncus acutus X
Atriplex patula ssp. Hastata X
Coastal Saqescrub Mix
Artemesia californica - X
Encelia californica no
Eriogonum fasciculatum no
Isocoma venetua X
Vulpia microstachys X
From Containers
Riparian Woodland
Baccharis salicifolia X
Salix exigua X
Salix lasiolepsis . X
Saltmarsh
Frankenia sauna x
Juncus acutus X
Salicornia subterminalis X
Coastal Saqescrub
Ambrosia psilostachya X
Artemisia califonnica X
Isomenis arborea X
Quercus agnifolia X
Sambucus mexicana X
Native Landscape Inc. 32 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 15
Site D: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree Height Data
Species Average Average No. Plants No. Plants
Container Container Tree Counted Counted
Tree Height Height (Ft.) 2000 2001
(Ft.) 2000 2001
Baccharis salicifolia 6.8 1 4.8 1 5
Salixexigua 5.8 7.1 19 62
Salixlasiolepis 8.2 14.6 16 16
Table 16
Site D: Canopy Cover Growth
Riparian Woodland
Transects
% Cover
2000
% Cover
2001
1D 50.8 16
Understory Cover 24.4 25
Sa Itma rsh
Transect
2D 71.0 139
Bare Earth Cover 0.0 0.0
Tree/shrub composition/density
Tree/shrub density data are summarized in Table 17. All woody tree and shrub
species above 3 feet in height were counted as occurring within all riparian
woodland transect sampling areas. Though the density of Salix exigua has
increased dramatically from the suckering of this species, this tendency is
promoted by the browsing of deer. Sandbar and arroyo willow account for most
of the cover within the riparian woodland transect areas with sandbar willow
having a slightly higher density (75% compared to 16%) for the arroyo willow. In
saltmarsh areas woody glasswort account for 32% and spiny rush account for
92% of the vegetative cover. Since the establishment period the original
saltmarsh container plants have merged and are no longer distinguishable.
Survival has not apparently declined as measured by cover rather than the
number of plants.
Native Landscape Inc. 33 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
Table 17
Site D: Tree/Shrub Density
Riparian Woodland
Species
Site D Transect I D
No. Plants
2000
No. Plants
2001
% Comp
2000
% Comp
2001
Baccharis salicifolia 0 5 0% 6.0%
Salixexigua 20 62 54.1% 74.7%
Salix lasiolepis 17 16 45.9% 19.3%
Total 37 83 100% 100%
Sa ltm a rs h
Species
Site D Transect 21)
% Comp
2000
% Comp
2001
Baccharis salicifolia 0.2% 0%
Juncusacutus 38.4% 66.9%
Salicornia virginica 37.0% 22.7%
Scirpus robust us 11.3% 0%
Ambrosia psilostachya 1.4% 70.0%
Frankeniasalina 11.6% 1.0%
Plucheaodorata 0% 8.0%
Isocoma veneta 0% 0.6%
Total 100% 169.2%
Native Landscape Inc. 34 . 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
2.4 PAMPAS GRASS ERADICATION PROGRAM PROGRESS
Native Landscape has completed four years of pampas grass eradication in the
28-acre area of pre-existing riparian woodland and freshwater marsh west of the
mitigation sites in Macario Canyon. As mentioned in the introduction, Native
I Landscape has also performed similar eradication efforts on an additional 6
acres continuous with the Cannon Road eradication area. Of this additional
acreage, 1.28 acres is dedicated as mitigation for 0.32 acre of permanent
I impacts to non-jurisdictional mulefat scrub associated with the El
Camino/Cannon Road Intersection development. This work has been carried out
very effectively and nearly all the original pampas grass plants are now
I eradicated. There is still a minor problem with wind blown seed reinvading the
mitigation sites and the treated wetlands from populations outside the treatment
area at the south end of the drainage and along the western rim of the canyon.
I These populations are slated to be included as part of the mitigation obligations
for the future golf course to be built in the canyon. It is hoped that these efforts
will be completed before the present eradication program is terminated to assure I complete control of this species within the drainage.
I 2.5 LEAST BELL'S VIREO MONITORING RESULTS
I The USFWS Biological Opinion as part of this project's mitigation requires a 5-
year program of annual monitoring for the occurrence of least Bell's vireo in
Macario Canyon. This program has now been carried out for four years.
I Detailed reports on the results of this program have been provided annually to
the USFWS (Varanus 1998a, Varanus 1999a, Varanus 2000a, Varanus 2001a).
Additional information is also provided in these reports on the occurrence of
I willow flycatcher (Empidonax trail/i). A summary of the results of this program is
provided below.
I 1998
Vireos were first observed on the site on April 15 and last seen at the site at the
I end of July. Two pairs of vireo nested in Macario Canyon in 1998. Two transient
males were also observed. One of the vireo pairs located its territory west of the
North Mitigation Area riparian woodland edge. The second pair located its
I territory on the north side of the future Cannon Road Extension bridge abutment
area at the north end of the canyon. The pair in the area of the bridge
I
constructed four nests but produced no fledglings. The pair nearer the North
Mitigation Area nested twice but also failed to fledge young. At least part of the
nesting failure for the first pair appears to be due to poor nest site selection.
I Native Landscape Inc. 35 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
1999
Vireos arrived considerably later in 1999 than 1998 and were not observed on
the site until May 1. A male and one fledging were still present at the site on
September 2 when the last surveys of the season were conducted. Again this
year two pairs of vireo were observed nesting. Several additional transient males
were also seen in the area. One appeared to remain for the summer but did not
find a mate. One of the vireo pairs located its territory west of the North
Mitigation Area along the existing riparian woodland edge. The other pair located
further to the south on the west side of the riparian woodland edge and on the
opposite side of the drainage from the South Mitigation Area. The pair near the
North Mitigation Area nested once without success. It appeared that poor nest
site selection was again to blame. The pair further south along the canyon, after
failing to fledge young from a first nest, successfully fledged two young form a
second nest.
2000
Vireos were first observed in the canyon this year on March 29th This was the
earliest they had arrived since the beginning of the monitoring program. A male
and one fledging were still present at the site on September 2nd when the last
surveys of the season were conducted. This year only one pair of vireos and a
second solitary male was observed living in the canyon during the nesting
season. This lone male bird never found a mate. The pair was not observed
building a nest until early May. They located their nest for the first time this year
within the middle of the North Mitigation Area and successfully fledged two
young. The North Mitigation Area was also used extensively for food gathering
activities as well this year. After the fledglings left the nest in late August they
continued to be observed in the Canyon until August 25th but were not observed
after that date even though daily monitoring was instituted on August 281h for one
week to allow final Cannon Road Bridge Construction to begin early this year.
2001
There were a total of two nests constructed by one pair of vireos. Success at the
second of the two nests resulted in the fledging of two young. The reason for
abandonment of the first nest is unknown. There were no ipcidents of parasitism
on the least Bell's vireo in 2001. Both nests were located in the North Mitigation
site where the vegetation has rapidly grown tall and dense over the three-year
period.
Native Landscape Inc. 36 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Willow flycatcher observations
Willow flycatchers (Empidonax trailli) have been observed using riparian
woodlands in Macario Canyon for all years of monitoring but there is no known
nesting during these years.
2.6 COWBIRD TRAPPING RESULTS
The USFWS Biological Opinion as part of this project's mitigation requires a 5-
year annual trapping and euthanasia program for brown-headed cowbird. This
program has now been conducted for four years. Detailed reports on the results
of this program have been provided annually to the USFWS (Varanus 1998b,
Varanus 1999b, Varanus 2000b, Varanus 2001b). A summary of the results of
his program is provided below.
1998
A total of five cowbird traps were set and monitored during the 1998-trapping
season, which began on March 20th• A total of 78 cowbirds (27 male, 30 female,
and 21 juvenile) were euthanized during the trapping season.
1999
The cowbird-trapping program was shortened this year to a 145-day trapping
program after approval by the USFWS. Traps were first opened on March 20th
and were closed on July 20th A total of 43 birds (28 male, 11 female, and 4
juvenile) were euthanized during the trapping season. No non-target bird
species were found dead in traps during 1999. These results appeared to
indicate an overall decrease in both total numbers of cowbirds in Macario
Canyon (since 78 birds were euthanized last year compared to 43 this year); but,
also an even greater decrease in cowbird breeding potential since 30 females
and 21 juveniles were captured last year compared with only 11 females and 4
juveniles this season. The cause for this dramatic decrease in numbers,
however, was not investigated and may be the result of any combination of
several factors including late nesting of many passerine species, changes in
nearby land use causing a decrease in the local population of cowbirds, changes
in cowbird foraging distribution, and overall decrease in passerine productivity.
While it is possible that eradication efforts in Macario Canyon may have helped
decrease cowbird numbers, there is insufficient scientific evidence to indicate the
cause of this phenomenon at this time.
Native Landscape Inc. 37 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
2000
The cowbird trapping program continued to be 124-days this year. Traps were
again opened about March 15th and were closed by the end of July 25. A total of
81 birds (36 male, 20 female, and 25 juvenile) were euthanized during the
trapping season. Only 2 non-target bird species were found dead in traps during
2000 out of 205 captures (0.9%). Overall capture levels were similar to those for
1998 although there appears to be no clear reason why levels of captures fell last
year along Agua Hedionda Creek. Such a program could have accounted for the
decrease in captures last year.
- 2001
I The cowbird trapping program period was from March 15 to July 17 for a total of
124 days. A total of 95 cowbirds were euthanized (17 female, 45 male, and 14
juvenile). These numbers include 25 bait birds. Overall the captures have
I declined slightly from 2000. Nest monitoring results indicate there was not nest
parasitism of LBVI in 2001 in Macario Canyon.
3.0 DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
I . PROJECT SUCCESS STANDARDS
- 3.1 SUCCESS. STANDARDS
- The success standards established for this project are primarily derived from the
standards set in the Conceptual Wetlands Plan for Reaches I and 2 of the
I Cannon Road Extension Project (Tetra Tech 1997). These standards are
referred to indirectly in all project permits by reference to the requirement to
I execute fully all elements of the mitigation and monitoring plan.
The mitigation plan differs from the permits as regards to cover standards. Cover
I success standards are designated slightly differently in project permits that
require a 90 percent standard for final cover at the end of 5-years and set a
three-year standard for 75% cover. The cover requirements designated in the
I permits however appear to refer to overall surface cover not just canopy cover.
The present analysis defers to the permit requirements for cover but will interpret
final standards to include 75% overstory and 90% total vegetative cover.
I Native Landscape inc. 38 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
El
In addition, both the USFWS Biological Opinion and the CDFG Permits require
that the habitat created be of vireo habitat quality (but do not set specific
standards for this except to say that it is occupied by vireos). Finally the CDFG
permit specifies that newly created wetland vegetation must survive one summer
dry season without irrigation to be considered successful.
' Generally, where a stricter standard applies this is the one that will be applied to
evaluate project success; however, in some cases where standards contradict
one another a choice is made for one standard over another (e.g. the dual
I requirements in the original monitoring program for both 80 percent and 95
percent survival of tree plantings). These success standards are summarized in
Table 18.
I Four additional conditions are designated in the Biological Opinion to be
before final project release:
I
completed
Pampas grass must be eradicated for a five-year period from the 28 acres
of existing riparian woodland running from the mouth of Macario Canyon
I to the southern end of the South Mitigation Area.
A five-year least bell's vireo monitoring program must be conducted I according to approved USFWS protocols and an annual report on this
effort provided to USFWS each year.
A five-year brown-headed cowbird-trapping program must be conducted in
Macario Canyon according to approved USFWS protocols and an annual
report on this effort provided to USWFS each year.
The completion of five-years of post-installation monitoring and
maintenance for all mitigation areas.
I
Native Landscape Inc. 39 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 18
Project Success Standards
Species Establishment All species planted
Container Plant Survival 80%
Final Tree Height Standards
Fremont Cottonwood 10 feet
Western Sycamore 9 feet
Arroyo & Black Willows 11 feet
Mulefat, Sandbar Willow, Mex. Elderberry, Arrow weed 6 feet
Final Riparian Woodland Canopy Cover Standard
3-Years(This will also be 5-Year standard for canopy cover) 75%
5-Years(This includes all vegetative cover) 90%
Least Bell's Vireo Occupied Habitat
Completion of One Growing Season Without Irrigation
Completion of 5-Year 28-Acre Pampas Grass Eradication Program
Completion of 5-Year Least Bell's Vireo Monitoring Program
Completion of 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Monitoring Program
Completion of 5-Year Monitoring and Maintenance Program for all Sites.
Native Landscape Inc. 40 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
3.2 DISCUSSION
3.2.1 Site A
Species establishment
This site met the success criteria in 1999.
Container plant survival
With the exception of Western Sycamore and Fremont Cottonwood all riparian
tree species maintained a minimum of 80% survival, the standard required for
success. Western Sycamore continued to decline mostly in the Southern
Mitigation Area. The combined results show the project has maintained the final
success standards for all species, which were attained in 1999 and have
maintained or increased their average growth over last year. There continued to
be no Mexican elderberry sampled within the transect areas in the South area.
Since this is a marginal species planted in low numbers and by field observation
not well adapted to the more saline South Area soils, it is not felt that the
performance of this species is critical to the success of the mitigation effort.
Final canopy cover standard
Overall tree cover in both North and South Mitigation Areas continued to increase I averaging nearly 100% coverage on the transected areas. Some dry areas have
lower cover since the cessation of watering those are however insignificant. This
meets the 5th year final cover standard even without considering the additional I cover contributed by understory ground cover species (which are nearly
continuous).
No bare ground areas remain at this site. Perennial species continued to
dominate understory cover. Understory cover remained robust this year even
without supplemental irrigation. Some understory species, such as Douglas
wormwort, and Juncus acutis continue to dominate.
1
I
E
I
Native Landscape Inc. 41 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
LII
1
Vireo occupied habitat
There were two nests located in the North Mitigation Area, which produced two
fledglings.
Completion of two growing seasons without irrigation
Since irrigation has been permanently withdrawn from this site since the end of
the 2000 growing season, it has continued to meet the criteria for success.
Conclusions
The Site A Mitigation Areas as a whole have met or exceeded all final growth and
species establishment standards set in project permits. In addition, these areas
have now maintained these growth standards without irrigation for two full years.
Vireos successfully nested in the North Mitigation Area again this year. These
sites will need to continue to be monitored for the remainder of the 5-year
monitoring period to meet their final permit success criteria; but the should be
released from the bonded monies required by the CDFG to be set aside by the
City to guarantee their success.
3.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Species establishment
Table 6 shows all seeded species established except two; California sunflower
and giant wild rye grass; however, the rye grass established from container
plantings and the sunflower is established in the adjacent buffer zone. All
species planted from containers also established by the end of the first growing
season. The basic intent of species establishment of planted materials has been
met at this site.
Container plant survival
Due to some dieback of Salix exigua and Baccharis salicifolia some replacement
I plantings should be installed. Supplementation of Pluchea sericea for Baccharis
salicifolia is recommended.
I
Native Landscape Inc. 42 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
I Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
Final tree height standards
Tree heights have reached the project standards as of this year's monitoring
even with a general decline due to drought and less watering of the site.
Final canopy cover standard
Canopy cover continues to progress toward permit goals. During the second
year canopy cover was 56.3%. Transects 1A and 3A both lagged. While these
areas are not yet a source of concern they will need to be monitored closely
during this next year to assure that they continue to improve.
Vireo occupied habitat
There was no occupation of vireo on this site in 2001.
Completion of one growing season without irrigation
Since this site continued to be irrigated this past season, it has not yet met the
requirement of one year without supplemental irrigation.
Conclusions
This site is well on its way to achieving all final growth standards set by project
permits; however, there are several areas of slower growth and tree loss which
should be watched during the next year to assure they continue to make healthy
progress towards project goals.
I
Native Landscape Inc. 43 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
I 3.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real
S Species establishment
Table 10 shows that all seeded species established in the riparian woodland part
I of this site except yerb mansa. However, yerba mansa is not considered critical
to understory development at this site and it has invaded the site from adjacent
populations along the edge of the saltmarsh part of this site. The regarded dike
I area is probably not moist enough to support the establishment of this species
from seed. Table 10 also shows that all seeded species established in saltmarsh
areas at this site; however, it is not expected brass buttons will persist in high
I numbers once more dominate perennial saltmarsh species reach their mature
spreads. Fred Sproul concludes that the basic intent of species establishment
for planted materials has been met at this site.
I Container plant survival
Total container plant loss levels are well within the 80% standard therefore the
site has met this success standard.
I Final tree height standards
Riparian woodland tree height progress toward permit goals as compared with
the standards of Table 18.
No height data was gathered for the saltmarsh areas of this site since there are
I only a few woody shrubs planted there and the predominant cover will be from
herbaceous saltmarsh species, which only reach 12-18 inches in height.
I Final canopy cover standard
Canopy cover progress toward permit goals during the first year of monitoring is
I .shown in Table 18. Combined average canopy cover for riparian woodland
areas is 106%. Combined overstory and understory cover, which is required to
be 90% by the end of the 5-year monitoring period has been met in most riparian
I woodland areas because of the establishment of a healthy understory layer of
perennial herb species such as Douglas wormwood.
I
I
I Native Landscape Inc. 44 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
LI
I Combined average canopy cover for saltmarsh areas was 130%. This is above
the 90% final cover set for canopy cover. This cover hasa diverse mix of salt
U marsh species dominated by salt grass and woody glasswort. This year results
appear to indicate the site should be considered successful at this time,
especially since there is no remaining bare earth cover.
I Vireo occupied habitat
I It is believed it was the intent of the mitigation permits to produce vireo quality
habitat in Macario Canyon as a part of the final permit conditions for this site, but
that because of the small size of the sites outside Macario Canyon (C &D) that
I vireo occupancy is not a part of final permit expectations. As a result no
monitoring for vireo occupancy of either of these mitigation sites will be
performed or reported on.
Completion of on growing season without irrigation
I . Since irrigation has been withdrawn for one growing season, it has now met
these criteria for success.
I Conclusions
This site achieved all final growth standards set by project permits. The problem
I of freshwater encroachment of the salt marsh restoration site should be
evaluated for its potential to diminish the area of saltmarsh habitat mitigation
I
standards.
3.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive
I Species establishment
Table 14 shows that all seeded species established in the riparian woodland
I planting area at this site except yerba mansa. However, yerba mansa was not
considered critical to understory development at this site.
I Container plant survival
I Total container plant loss levels are well within the 80% standard for this site;
therefore the site has met this success standard.
I
I Native Landscape Inc. 45 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I Final tree height standards
I Riparian woodland tree height continues to progress toward permit goals during
the second year of monitoring. Mulefat (4.8 ft.) has declined though sandbar
willow has (7.1 ft.) surpassed its growth standard. Arroyo willow(14.6 ft.) has
I achieved its final growth standard of 11 feet.
No height data was gathered for the saltmarsh areas of this site since there are
I only a few woody shrubs in this area and the predominant cover will be from
herbaceous saltmarsh species, which only reach 12-18 inches in height.
I Final canopy cover standard
Canopy cover continues to progress toward permit goals during the second year
I of monitoring is shown in Table 16. Combined average canopy cover for riparian
woodland areas was 16%, down significantly from last year's 50.8%. There is a
continuing high amount of bare earth in the understory (25%). Since the final
I cover standard of 90% includes understory and overstory cover together this
situation should be monitored closely to see whether remedial actions are
I
necessary. -.
Average canopy cover for saltmarsh areas was 13.9%. This year's cover is
above the 75% final cover set for third year canopy cover and also suggests that
meeting the 90% cover standard set for year 5 has been met.
I
Vireo occupied habitat
It is believed it was the intent of the mitigation permits to produce vireo quality
I
habitat in Macario Canyon as a part of the final permit conditions for this site, but
that because of the small size of the sites outside Macario Canyon (C &D) that
vireo occupancy is not a part of final permit expectations. As a result no
monitoring for vireo occupancy of either of these mitigation sites will be
I performed or reported on.
I
Completion of on growing season without irrigation
Since irrigation has been withdrawn for one growing season, it has now met
these criteria for success.
I
I . Native Landscape Inc. 46 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
I
Conclusions
As soon as the riparian cover achieves its minimum cover standards. This site
will have achieved all final growth standards set by project permits.
3.2.5 Completion of 5-Year Pampas Grass Eradication Program
Four years out of the five-year program have been successfully completed.
3.2.6 Completion of 5-Year Macario Canyon Least Bell's Vireo
Monitoring Program
Four years out of the five-year program have been successfully completed.
3.2.7 Completion of 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program
Four years out of the five-year program have been successfully completed.
Native Landscape Inc. 47 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
I
4.1 SITE A: MACARIO CANYON
4.1.1 Continuing Removal of Invasive Exotics
I It is recommended continuing attention be given to this site to assure all new
invading exotic species are eradicated before they reach seed stage in this site.
The two most important species to focus on should be pampas grass and
I
4.1.2 Buffer Zone Weed Control
I Since the northern end of the buffer zone coastal sage scrub seeding has
developed well, it is recommended that invasive exotic species which have
I invaded this area adjacent to the mitigation area be removed, including tree
tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), bristly ox-tongue, white sweet clover and cockleburr.
I Until this area is planted with native shrub there will remain in these open areas a
weed problem and potential vector area.
I 4.2 SITE A: ADDITIONAL 0.25 ACRE MITIGATION AREA
I
4.2.1 Continuing Irrigation As Needed For One More Year
Because this site has only achieved about 74% of its fourth year canopy cover ' goal and because some parts of the site have achieved less than 50% of this
goal, it is recommended the site be irrigated through one more growing season
before irrigation is terminated.
Some replacement plantings for losses to Salix exigua and Baccharis salicifolia
are recommended. Pluchea sericea should be considered to substitute for
Baccharis salicifolia.
I
I Native Landscape Inc. 48 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I 4.3 SITE C: EL CAMINO REAL
I 4.3.1 Continuing Removal of Invasive Exotics
It is recommended continuing attention be given to assure all new invading exotic
I species are eradicated before they reach seed stage in this site. The focus of
control should be pampas grass, tamarisk, bristly ox-tongue and, white sweet
clover. This should include the issue of the encroachment of freshwater marsh
I habitat.
4.3.2 Irrigation Is No Longer Needed At This Site
I 4.4 SITE D: KELLY DRIVE
I 4.4.1 Invasive Exotic Species Control Along Site Borders
A continued effort should be made to remove all invasive exotic weed species
I from within the site borders. Species of particular focus include palms, pampas
grass, tamarisk, bristly ox-tongue and white sweet clover.
4.4.2 Irrigation Is No Longer Needed At This Site
4.5 MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS
I 4.5.1 Continued Use of Smaller Sampling Transects on 0.25-Acre Area
I As recommended last year, it is recommended that the use of four 10 meter line
transects continue for the Site A: 0.25 Acre Extra Mitigation Area planting next
I on
year since this strip planting is repeating the same transects that were sampled
years 1 and 2.
4.5.2 Continued Separate Sampling of Height of All Sycamores and
Cottonwoods
I
It is recommended the height measurement of all 15-gallon Western Sycamore
and Fremont Cottonwood not be measured again. Those that survived have
already achieved the project standards for height. Any replanting should
however be tracked through the end of the monitoring period.
I Native Landscape Inc. 49 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
4.5.3 Continued Use of Saltmarsh Monitoring Protocols
It is recommended that the saltmarsh areas of Sites C and 0 continue to be
cover sampled using the narrower 1-meter wide sampling band protocols
used this year and last year.
Native Landscape Inc. 50 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
5.0 REFERENCES
Beauchamp, R.M. 1986. A Flora of San Diego County. Sweetwater River Press. 241pp.
BEC 1998-00. Monthly and Bi-monthly (after 4/1/99) Project Progress Reports: Cannon Road Extension
Mitigation Project. Report Nos. 1-22.
BEC. 1999. First Year Annual Report-Cannon Road Extension (Reaches 1&2) Wetland Mitigation Areas. Prepared
for City of Carlsbad-Engineering Department
California Coastal Commission. 1998. Coastal Commission Permit No. 6-97-11 and subsequent amendments.
California Department of Fish and Game. 1997. Streambed Alteration Permit No. 5-044-97 and subsequent
amendments.
Hickman, J.C., ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual-Higher Plants of California. University of California Press. 1400pp.
Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California, State of
California, The Resources Agency Department of Fish and Game.
Howard, S. 1998. Letter to William Tippets of California Department of Fish and Game regarding Mitigated
Negative Declaration for the El Camino Real Widening Project.
Tetra Tech, Inc. 1997. Conceptual Wetlands Mitigation Plan for Cannon Road Extension Project (Reaches 1 and
2). Prepared for the City of Carlsbad. January.
Tetra Tech, Inc. 1998. Addendum to Conceptual Wetlands Mitigation Plan for Cannon Road Extension Project
(Reaches 1 and 2). Prepared for the City of Carlsbad. February.
United States Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District. 1997. Department of the Army 404 Clean Water Act
Permit Nos. 97-20130-TCD and 97-20131-TCD and subsequent amendments.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1997. Biological Opinion No. 1-6-97-F-51: Biological Opinion on the
Cannon Road (Reaches 1 and 2) and subsequent amendments.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 1998-a. First Annual Report-1998: Least Bell's Vireo and Willow Flycatcher
Surveys and Monitoring, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsbad,
San Diego County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 1998-b. First Annual Report-1998: 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping
Program, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsbad, San Diego
County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 1999-a. Second Annual Report-1999: Least Bell's Vireo and Willow Flycatcher
Surveys and Monitoring, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsbad,
San Diego County, Ca4fornia,City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 1999-b. Second Annual Report-1999: 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping
Program, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsbad, San Diego
County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 2000-a. Third Annual Report-2000: Least Bell's Vireo and Willow Flycatcher
Surveys and Monitoring, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsba4
San Diego County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 2000-b. Third Annual Report-2000: 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping
Program, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsbad, San Diego
County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 of Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
APPENDIX A
OBSERVED PLANT SPECIES LIST
Native Landscape Inc. 5 1 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road Extension
Wetland Mitigation Sites
Understory Species Site A: MaCarlo Canyon
Observed
Family- Non- Seeded YRI YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5
Scientific Name Native (S) Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug.
Common Name (X) or 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
planted
(P)
ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS
Apiaceae- Carrot Family
Aprium graveolens X * * *
Common celery
Foeniculum vulgare X * * * *
Sweet fennel
Asteraceae-Sunflower Family
Ambrosia acanthicarpa X * *
Annual bur-sage
Ambrosia psilostachya S * * * *
Western ragweed
Atremisia douglasiana S * * * *
Mugwort
Artemisia dracunculus S * * * *
Tarragon
Aster exilis * * * *
Slim aster
Baccharis salicifolia P * * * *
Mulefat
Conyza s. X * * *
Cotula coronopifoloia X S * * *
Brass buttons
Euthamia occidentalis X *
Goldenrod
Gnaphalium Iuteo-album X * *
Lactuca sp. X * *
Wild lettuce
Pluchea odorata S * * *
Saltmarsh fleabane
Pluchea sericea p * * *
Arrow weed
Picris echioides X * * * *
Bristly ox-tongue
Sonchus oleraceus X * *
Sow thistle
Xanthium strumarium. X
Spiny clotburr
Brassicacea - Mustard Family
Brassica nigra X * *
Native Landscape Inc. 52 3rd Annual Monitoring report Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects Prepared for city of Carlsbad, CA
I I Black mustard I I I I
Site A: Macario Cavon con't.
Coronopus didymus X
Lesser wart-cress
*
Lepidium nitidum X
Shinning pepper grass
*
Rap anus sativus X *
Radish
Caroyphyllaceae—Pink Family
Spergularia rubra X Ruby sand spurrey
*
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot
Family
Chenipodlum ambrosioides X * *
Mexican tea
* *
Chenipodium sp. X * * *
Salicornia subterminalis p *
Parish's glasswort
* *
Salicornia virginica p *
Woody glasswort
* *
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Medicago polymorpha X
California burclover
* * * *
Melilotus alba X White sweet clover
S *
Fagaceae - Oak Family
Quercus acirifolia
Coast live oak
X *
Frankenianceae
Frankenia sauna
Alkali heath
P
Lythraceae - Loosestrife
Family
Ammania occinea X *
Ammania
Lythrum hyssopifolia X
Hyssop loosestrife
*
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Abutilon sp. X *
Globe mallow
*
Malva parviflora X *
Cheeseweed
*
Onagraceae-Even ing
Primrose Family
Epilobium adenocaulon * * *
Potulacaceae - Buckwheat
Family
Polygonum arehastrum X *
Doorweed
*
Rumex crispus X *
Curly dock
* * *
I Native Landscape Inc. 53 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
Potulacaceae - Purslane
Family
Portulaca oleracea X
Common purslane
* * *
Rosaceae - Rose Family
Rosa californica p *
California rose
* * *
Rubus ursinus p
California blackberry
* * * *
Vitaceae- Grape Family
Vitis girdiana p *
Desert grape
* * *
AGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
Cyperaceae - Cyperus Family
Cyperus sp. X *
sedge
* *
Scirpus robustus *
Nutgrass
* * *
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cortderia sellouana X
Pampas grass
* * *
Cynodon dactylon X *
Bermuda grass
* * *
Piptatherum milleacum
Millet ricegrass
Pennesetum setaceum X
African fountain grass
*
Polypogon monspeliensis X
Annual beardgrass
* *
Setaria sp. X *
Bristlygrass
*
Vulpia myuros X S *
Rat-tail fescue
*
Typhaceae - Cat- Tail Family
Typha domingensis *
Southern cattail
* * *
Native Landscape Inc. 54 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road Extension
Wetland Mitigation Sites Site A Extra .25 Acre Area
Understory Species
Observed
Family- Non- Seeded YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5 Scientific Name Native (5) Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Common Name (X) or 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 planted
(P) ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS
Asteraceae-Sunflower Family
Ambrosia psilostachya S * *
Western ragweed Atremisia douglasiana S * *
Mugwort
Aster exilis * *
Slim aster Baccharis sallOifolia p * *
Mulefat
Conyza sp. X * *
Encelia californica S * *
California sunflower
Hedypnois cretica X * *
Crete hedyonois
Pluchea odorata * *
Saltmarsh fleabane
Picris echioides X * *
Bristly ox-tongue Sonchus oleraceus X * *
Sow thistle Brassicacea - Mustard Family
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot
Family
Chenipodium sp. x * *
Euphorbiaceae - Spurge
Family
Eurphorbiaceae peplus X *
Petty spurge
*
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Medicago polymorpha X * *
California burciover
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Malva parviflora X * *
Cheeseweed
Polygonaceae - Buckwheat
Family
Native Landscape Inc. 55 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
I
I
E
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Polygonum arehastrum X *
Doorweed
Rumex crispus X * *
Curly dock
Saururaceae - Lizard - Tail
Family
Anemopsis californica *
Yerba mansa
AGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
Cyperaceae - Sedge Family
Scirpus californica *
California bulrush
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cynodon dactylon X * *
Bermuda grass
Digitaria sp. X *
Crabgrass
Echinochloa crus-galli X *
Common barnyard grass
Leymus condensatus S, P * *
Giant wild rye
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Native Landscape Inc. 56 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road
Extension Site C: El Camino Real
Wetland Mitigation
Sites
Understory Species
Observed
Family- Non- Seeded YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5 Scientific Name Native (S) Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Common Name (X) or 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
planted
(P)
ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS)
Apiaceae- Carrot Family
Foeniculum vulgare X S rw rw
Sweet fennel
Asteraceae-Sunflower
Family
Atremisia palmeril S sm/rw 1W
San Diego sagewort
Aster exilis S sm/rw rw
Slim aster
Baccharis salicifolia p rw rw
Mu lef at
Cotula coronopifoloia X S sm sm
Brass buttons
Jaumea carnosa X sm sm
Fleshy jaumea
Pluchea odorata sm sm
Saltmarsh fleabane
Pluchea sericea P rw 1W
Arrow weed
Picris echioides X sm sm/rw
Bristly ox-tongue
Sonchus oleraceus X sm sm Sow thistle
Caroyphyllaceae-.Pink
Family
Spergularia rubra X sm sm Ruby sand spurrey
Chenopodiaceae -
Goosefoot
Family
Artiplex patula ssp. hastata S sm sm
Fat hen
Salicornia subterminalis sm
Parish's glasswort
P sm sm Salicornia_virginica I
Native Landscape Inc. 57 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Woody glasswort
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Lotus cornuculatus X rw
Frankenianceae
Frankenia sauna P
Alkali heath
sm sm
Lythraceae - Loosestrife
Family
Lythrum hyssopifolia X
Hyssop loosestrife
sm sm/rw
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Marvella leprosa
Alkali mallow
sm sm
Plantaginaceae - Plantain
Family
Plantago major X
Common plantain
sm/rw rw
Polygonaceae - Buckwheat
Family
Rumex crispus X
Curly dock
sm rw
Sururaceae - Lizard - Tail
Family
Anemopsis californica
Yerba mansa
S sm sm
Angiosperms (Monocots)
Arecraceae - Palm Family
Washington robusta X p
Mexican fan palm
rw
Cyperaceae - Cyperus
Family
Scirpus robustua
Prairie bulrush
P sm sm/rw
Juncaceae - Rush Family
Juncus acutus ssp. lepoldii p Southwest spiny rush
sm sm
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cortderia sellouana X
Pampas grass
rw rw
Cynodon dactylon X
Bermuda grass
sm sm
Digitaria sp. X
Crabgrass
sm
Distichlis subspicata p
Saltgrass
sm sm
Typhaceae - Cat- Tail Family
Typha domingensis
Southern cattail
rw/sm rw/sm
I Native Landscape Inc. 58 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road Extension
Wetland Mitigation Sites Site 0: Kelly Drive
Understory Species
Observed
Family- Non- Seeded YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5 Scientific Name Native (S) Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Common Name (X) or 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 planted
(P) ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS)
Asteraceae-Sunflower Family
Ambrosia acanthicarpa X sm rw/sm
Annual bur-sage
Aster exilis sm sm
Slim aster Ambrosia psilostachya p rw/sm rw
Western ragweed Artemisia californica slope slope
California sagebrush
Artemisia douglasiana 5 rw/sm rw
Mugwort Artemisia palmerii s sm lW
San Diego sagewort
Baccharis salicifolia p rw/sm rw
Mulefat
Cotula coronopifoloia X 5 sm sm
Brass buttons Encelia californica slope slope
California sunflower
lsocoma menziesii slope slope
Coast golden bush
Pluchea odorata sm sm
Saltmarsh fleabane Picris echioides X sm sm/rw
Bristly ox-tongue
Sonchus oleraceus X sm sm
Sow thistle
Native Landscape Inc. 59 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
Xanthium strumarium X
Spiny clotburr
sm rw/sm
Azioaceae - Fig - Marigold
Family
Carpobrotus edulis X
Sea-fig
sm rw/sm
Boraginaceae - Borage
Family
Heliopium curvassavicum sm
Salt heliotrope
sm
Caroyphyllaceae—Pink Family
Spergularia rubra X
Ruby sand spurrey
sm sm
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot
Family
Artiplex patuka ssp. hastata X S
Fat hen
sm sm
Chenipodium sp. X sm sm
Salicornia virginica p
Woody glasswort
sm sm
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Melilotus alba X
White sweet clover
sm rw/sm
Fran ken iaceae
Frankenia sauna p
Alkali heath
sm sm
Lythraceae - Loosestrife
Family
Lythrum hyssopifolia X
Hyssop loosestrife
sm rw/sm
Juncaceae - Rush Family
Juncus acutus ssp. lepoldii 5, p
Southwest spiny rush
sm sm
AGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
Cyperaceae - Cyperus Family
Cyperus sp. X sm
sedge
sm
Scirpus robustus
Prairie bulrush
sm sm,
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cortderia sellouana X
Pampas grass
sm rw/sm
Cynodon dactylon x
Bermuda grass
sm/rw rw/sm
Distichlis subspicata
Saltgrass
sm sm
Piptatherum milleacum
Millet ricegrass
sm
Pennesetum setaceum X
African fountain grass
sm
Polypogon monspeliensis X
Annual beardgrass
sm sm
Setaria sp. X sm
Native Landscape Inc. 60 3rd Annual Monitoring report
Canon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
APPENDIX B
TRANSECT PHOTOS
1...;, •-
':• ''•- •.J3• ;
/ b
":J d
r
I.-;J2ro.. — - - -
S '1
5
, • IH
* If N
4
'• ;'-c
r
' •'- r h '-
lrl •'
ZP'rL\
w I
?a
it "IT
i44' jt i I1 4 saki
\4;
i 1t't. 4Ia . ,
L •'• ' ,
l_f! '5--..,
it 'V -
-
- . •0 ' , 0' -- _
5•'
- I''I,' pr• •
.'• .j'.7-
11S I RNA
L NA
r
io
PI
S
I;
Mll
L
- z; r I' -
I J_ •
/
I r
jL
_•_:
I
our
I
I
SECOND YEAR ANNUAL REPORT
Cannon Road Extension(Reaches 1 & 2)
Wetland Mitigation Areas
U.S. ACOE Permit Nos 97-20130-TCD & 97-20131-TCD
CDFG Permit No. 5044-97
USFWS Bioldgical Opinion No 1-6-97-F-51
Coastal Conussion Permit No.6-97-.1 1
Prepared For City of Carlsbad
Public Works-Engineering Department
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314
Prepared By: Brad Burkhart
Burkhart Environmental Consulting
S P.O.B.420358
San Diego, CA 92142
EC Final November 2000
Executive Summary
This report documents installation and second year monitoring for the Cannon Road Extension
(Reaches 1 and 2) Wetland Mitigation Project. The City of Carlsbad (City) is creating 6.34 acres
of new wetlands at three mitigation sites (A, C, and D) to mitigate for the loss of 2.64 acres of
wetlands lost to project construction. The report period is from August 1999 to August 2000.
Section 1.0 reviews the project history and mitigation site loctions
Section 2.0 provides the results of the second year of post-installation monitoring. Starting
this year monitoring was conducted only once during the growing season as approved by the
permitting agencies. The horticulutral and botanical monitoring results for the second year of
Site A and the first year of Sites C, D, and Extra Area A are covered this year. This section also
reviews the pampas grass eradication, brown headed cowbird trapping, and least Bell's vireo
monitoring programs required to take place in Macano Canyon for five years.
Section 3.0 compares the results of botanical monitoring against project success standards.
These results show the project has achieved remarkable results, with Site A having met all final
performance standards after only 30 months and the other Sites having also achieved many of
their final height and canopy cover goals after only 12 months. The chart at the end of this
section provides a summary of the performance standards that have been met to date.
Section 4.0 makes remedial recommendations next growing year. These recommendations
are summarized below:
Site A Marcario Canyon
Release Bond Monies held by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Continue removing invasive exotic plant species at this site with a particular focus on
pampas grass and tamarisk.
Coordinate with the new golf course project to prevent habitat impacts to mitigation areas.
Implement exotic plant species weed control in the north part of the buffer zone with a focus
on tall tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) established there.
Remulch and fertilize the female cottonwoods at this site.
Site A Additional .25 Acre
Continue irrigation as needed for one more year.
Remulch and fertilize the two oak trees planted at this site.
Site C: El Camino Real
Continue removing invasive exotic plant species from this site with a particular focus on
pampas grass and tamarisk.
Continue irrigation as needed for one more year.
Site D: Kelly Drive
Continue irrigation as needed for one more year.
Remove all new invasive exotic plant species within 100 feet of the site borders with a
particular focus on: palms, pampas grass, and tamarisk.
Monitoring Recommendations
Continue using the smaller sampling transects on the Site A Additional 0.25 Acre Area.
Continue separate sampling of height for all 15-gallon sycamores and cottonwoods.
Continue using the saltmarsh monitoring protocols initiated this year.
Achievement of Performance Standards
No. Standard Site
= Standard Achieved NA=not applicable A Added A C D
1. All Container or Seeded Species Established
2. 80% Survival of Container Plants
3. Tree Height Standards
Fremont Cottonwood
Western Sycamore
Arroyo Willows
Black Willow
Sandbar Willow
Mulefat
Arrow Weed
Mexican elderberry
10 ft.
9 ft.
11 ft.
11 ft.
6 ft.
6ft.
6 ft.
6 ft.
0
0
0
0
0
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
7.6 ft.
NA
5.8 ft.
NA
NA
NA
8.2 ft.
NA
5.8 ft.
40
NA
NA
4.
-
Canopy Cover Standard
75% at 3 Years riparian woodland
75% at 3 Years saltmarsh
90% at 5 Years riparian woodland
90% at 5 Years saltmarsh I
0
NA
NA
55.3%
NA
NA
56.4% • 50.8%
71.0%
5. lone Growing Season Without Irrigation
6. Least Bell's Vireo Occupied Habitat • NA NA NA
7. 5-Year Pampas Grass Eradication Program Yr 3
8. 5-Year Least Bell's Vireo Monitoring Program Yr 3
9. 5-Year Cowbird Trapping Program Yr 3
10. 5-year Monitoring and Maintenance Program Yr 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
1.1 PROJECT I-II STORY 2
1.2 PROJECT LOCATION 2
1.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon 3
1.2.2 Site C:E Camino Real 3
1.2.3 Site D: Kelly Street 3
2.0 POST-INSTALLATION MONITORING 10
2.1 METHODS 10
2.1.1 Monthly Progress Reports 10
2.1.2 Horticultural Monitoring 10
2.1.3 Botanical Monitoring 11
2.2 HORTICULTURAL MONITORING RESULTS 12
2.2.1 Site A: Macano Canyon 12
2.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area 15
2.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real 16
2.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive 19
2.3 BOTANICAL MONITORING RESULTS 21
2.3.1 Results Site A: Macano Canyon 21
2.3.2 Results Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area 27
2.3.3 Results Site C: El Camino Real 30
2.3.4 Results Site D: Kelly Drive 35
2.4 PAMPAS GRASS ERADICATION PROGRAM PROGRESS 39
2.5 LEAST BELL'S VIREO MONITORING RESULTS 39
2.6 COWBIRD TRAPPING RESULTS 40
3.0 DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS OF PROJECT SUCCESS STANDARDS 42
3.1 SUCCESS STANDARDS 42
3.2 DISCUSSION 44
3.2.1 SiteA 44
3.2.2 Site A: Additional .25 Acre Area 50
3.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real 53
3.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive 57
3.2.5 Completion of 5-Year Pampas Grass Eradication Program 61
3.2.6 Completion of 5-Year Least Bell's Vireo, Monitoring Program 61
3.2.7 Completion of 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program 61
1
4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 62
4.1 SITE A: MACARIO CANYON 62
4. 1.1 Release Bond Money 62
4.1.2 Continuing Removal of Invasive Exotics 62
4.1.3 Coordinate With Golf Course Project to Prevent Habitat Impacts 62
4.1.4 Buffer Zone Weed Control 62
4.1.5 Remuich and FertilizeFemale Cottonwoods 62
4.2 SITE A: ADDITIONAL 0.25 ACRE AREA 63
4.2.1 Continuing Irrigation As Needed for One More Year 63
4.2.2 Remuich and Fertilize Oaks 63
4.3 SITE C: EL CAMINO REAL 63
4.3.1 Continuing Eradication of Invasive Exotics 63
4.3.2 Continuing Irrigation As Needed for One More Year 63
4.4 SITED: KELLY DRIVE 63
4.4.1 Continuing Irrigation As Needed for One More Year 63
4.4.2 Invasive Species Control Along Site Borders 63
4.5 RESULTS OF 1999 MONITORING CHANGE RECOMMENDATIONS 64
4.5.1 Continued Use of Smaller Sampling Transects on 0.25 Acre Area 64
4.5.2 Continued Separate Sampling Height of All Sycamores
and Cottonwoods 64
4.5.3 Continued Use of Saltmarsh Monitoring Protocols 64
5.0 REFERENCES
LIST OF FIGURES
1 Location of Mitigation Sites 4
2 Mitigation Site 5
3 Mitigation Site C 7
4 Mitigation Site 9
5 Site A: South Mitigation Area Mean Container Tree Heights 2000 45
6 Site A: North Mitigation Area Mean Container Tree Heights 2000 45
7 Site A: Combined Mean Container Tree Heights 2000 47
8 Site A: Mean Percent Canopy Cover Development 47
9 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area Mean Container Tree Heights 2000 51
10 Site C: El Camino Real Mean Container Tree Heights 2000 55
11 Site D: Kelly Drive Mean Container Tree Heights 2000 59
11
LIST OF TABLES
1 Revised Mitigation Acreage Summary 2
2 Site A: Summary Tree Height Data August 2000 22
3 Site A: Additional Sycamore & Cottonwood Summary Height Data for 2000 23
4 Site A: Canopy Cover August 2000 25
5 Site A: Tree/Shrub Density August 2000 26
6 Species Established at Site A Additional 0.25 Acre Area August 2000 28
7 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area: Summary Tree Height Data August 2000 29
8 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area: Canopy Cover August 2000 29
9 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area: Tree/Shrub Density August 2000 30
10 Species Established at Site C August 2000 31
11 Site C: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree Height Data August 2000 32
12 Site C: Canopy Cover August 2000 33
13 Site C: Tree/Shrub Density August 2000 34
14 Species Established at Site D August 2000 36
15 Site D: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree Height Data August 2000 36
16 Site D: Canopy Cover Growth August 2000 37
17 Site D: Tree/Shrub Density August 2000 38
18 Project Success Standards 43
APPENDICES
A OBSERVED PLANT SPECIES LIST
Site A
Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Site C
Site
B TRANSECT PHOTOS
Site A
Site A Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Site C
Site
Appendices only included with the following copies of report: City of Carlsbad 1-Unbound Original
City of Carlsbad 1-Bound Copy
ACOE
CDFG
USFWS
m
THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK
iv
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
As mitigation for the loss of 3.32 acres of jurisdictional wetland impacts (1.74 acres of permanent
direct, 0.9 acres of indirect shading, and 0.68 acres of temporary direct) associated with the
construction of the Cannon Road Extension (Reaches 1 and 2) in Carlsbad, California, the City of
Carlsbad (City) is creating 6.34 acres of new wetlands (Tetra Tech 1997,1998) on three mitigation
sites shown in Figure 1 and described in more detail below. This mitigation is designed to meet
the conditions set forth in the following permits and opinions:
Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)
Permits Nos. 97-20130-TCD & 97-20131-TCD
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)
Streambed Alteration Permit No. 5-044-97
California Coastal Commission (CCC)
Coastal Development Permit No. 6-97-11
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Biological Opinion No. 1-6-97-F-51
In addition, the Biological Opinion issued for the project and referenced in the ACOE and CDFG
permits require three additional mitigation efforts be completed: 1) a 5-year least Bell's vireo (Vireo
bellii pusillus) monitoring program in Macario Canyon, 2) a 5-year brown headed cowbird
(Molothrus ater) trapping program in Macario Canyon, and a 5-year pampas grass (Cortaderia
selloweana) eradication effort in 28 acres of existing riparian woodlands in Macario Canyon. In
addition, the City eradicated pampas grass in 6 additional acres in order to complete eradication
along the entire mitigation site edges in Macario Canyon. The City designated 1.28 acres out of
this additional effort under an agreement with the CDFG (Howard. 1998) as mitigation at a 4:1 ratio
for 0.32 acre of non-jurisdictional mulefat scrub removed during the construction of the Cannon
Road Extension/El Camino Real Intersection. The remaining 4.72 acres of eradication the City
hopes to apply to future City wetland mitigation needs.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting (BEC) and Native Landscape, Inc. (Native Landscape) were
hired by the City to monitor and maintain the new wetland areas. This report reviews the
installation work completed for each of the mitigation areas between 1 January 1998 and 11
October 1999 and presents an analysis of data collected to determine if the mitigations are
progressing adequately to meet the 5-year success standards set by permits. The report focuses on
the second year of post-installation monitoring for Site A completed in the late spring of 1998 and
the first year of post-installation monitoring for Sites C and D and the additional 0.25 acre area at
Site A installed in the spring and summer of 1999. To simplify reporting requirements, annual
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 ' 1 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
reports will be issued at the end of the growing season (September-October) each year and will
include an analysis of all three mitigation sites. Because of this scheduling, the first year annual
reports for each of the sites will be approximately 15 months after initial planting rather than 12.
1.1 PROJECT HISTORY
Mitigation acreage for this project. was originally proposed for creation at only one site in Macano
Canyon (Site A). The remainder of the mitigation requirements for the project were to be satisfied
by a contribution to a long-term management endowment for the Aqua Hedionda Lagoon Open
Space Preserve (See Site A on Figure 1 & Tetra Tech 1997). However, when the CCC would not
accept the management contribution as appropriate mitigation, the City proposed three additional
wetland creation sites in the project area (Sites B, C, D on Figure 1 & Tetra Tech 1998).
However, after hydrological analysis was completed for the Cannon Road Extension
improvements, the project engineers concluded it would not be possible to use Site B for mitigation
acreage. The City subsequently proposed relocating the Site B acreage (0.44 acres) to areas
adjacent to each of the other mitigation sites (BEC 1/28/99). This relocation was approved by the
resource agencies (Table 1).
Table 1
Revised Mitigation Acreage Summary
Area A
Area B
Area C
Area D
TOTALS
Original Final
Approved Installed
Acreage Acreage
4.10 4.35
0.44 0.00
1.30 1.45
0.50 0.54
6.34 6.34
1.2 PROJECT LOCATION
The final mitigation sites (A, C, and D) are located in the City of Carlsbad within the general
vicinity of the road improvements that caused the original wetland losses (Figure 1).
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 2 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
a
AQUA
HEDIONDA LAGOON
00
MA CARlO
AREA D
EA C AREA B (ELIMINATED)
"WETLAND
— RES TORA TION SITES
MITIQA TION SITES
NORTH WETLAND
CREA TION SITE
AREA A SOUTH WETLAND
REAT!ON SITE
'128 ACRES PAMPAS
BROWN HEADED
COWBIRD TRAPPING
-p.
OTT Or OCWSIOE
tM
KINIri
AP
NOT TO
CALE
CITY Or VISTA
CITY OF SAN
WARcOS
PAcIFlC OCCAN
OTT OF ENCNTAS
+~iB
FIGURE
Location of Mitigation Sites
EC
4
1.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon
Site A is located adjacent to the existing Macario Canyon drainage south of the proposed extension
of Faraday Avenue to Cannon the North and South Mitigation Areas. The Additional 0.25 acre
mitigation area designed to compensate for part of the loss of acreage at the eliminated Site B was
planted in a 10 foot wide by 1,089 foot long strip on the eastern edge of the southern mitigation
site in Macario Canyon. The Macario Canyon drainage runs from the present terminus of Faraday
Avenue northward beyond the new bridge being constructed for Cannon Road and into Agua
Hedionda Lagoon. The mitigation sites are located in a 50 to 100 foot wide strip on the east side of
the existing wetland vegetation found in the drainage. The wetland creation sites along the
drainage are bordered to the east by an approximately 100 foot wide upland buffer strip that has
been seeded with coastal sage scrub species (Figure 2).
1.2.2 Site C: El Camino Real
Site C is located about 300 feet northwest of the proposed new intersection of Cannon Road with
El Camino Real. It is divided into north and South Mitigation Areas by a peninsula of existing
riparian woodland and freshwater marsh. The southern area was a former flood control berm
about 40 feet wide running about 1,000 feet in length parallel to the existing creek channel to the
south. These berm soils were removed to create grades acceptable for wetland creation. The
northern part of the site also required the removal of fill soils to create grades acceptable for new
wetland creation (Figure 3).
1.2.3 Site D: Kelly Street
Site D is at the west end of Kelly Street (off El Camino Real) where it intersects with Park Drive.
A drainage channel enters the Agua Hedionda Lagoon open space at the southeast corner of the
mitigation area and continues along its southern border. The site itself was created after a long
peninsula of fill materials was removed to restore former wetland grades. The site is bordered on
its south side by existing willow woodland along the creek drainage and on its north side by
saltmarsh (Figure 4).
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 3 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Original Wetland Mijgation Area
. .
Extra 0.25 Acre Mitigation Area I I I I I I I
. . ... Upland Buffer Zone •
Existing Riparian Woodland
Vegetation Transect Locations
V Site Protection—Fence
North Wetland Mitigation Site.
0.25 acre
tore
part of ab
Area
S
_ • • •_jg_
• S
-
.
t EC
South Wetland Mitigation Area
Mitigation Site A
North
Scale: 1:87 Ft.
FIGURE
1.2
I
..
5
Wetland Mitigation Area (riparian woodland)
Wetland Mitigation Area (salt marsh)
Existing Wetlands 111 liii
Planted Part of Sewer Access Road
Sewer Man Holes M. H. 0
1 cj VegetationTransect Locations
I:
0••.
North
I Scale: 1:87 Ft.
F I G U R E
Mitigation Site C
I 3
Existing Riparian Woodland
Coastal Sage Scrub Slope Planting
Site Protection Fence X
Culvert
4
%-W0
LA0 1
Scale:. 1:80 Ft.
Wetland Mitigation Area (riparian woodland)
WetlanduMitigation Area (saitmarsh)
F I G U R E
Mitigation Site D .
"EB E ____
2.0 POST-INSTALLATION MONITORING
Post-installation monitoring and maintenance for Macario Canyon Site A began in May 1999, for
Sites C and D in July 1999, and for the additional 0.25 acres planted at Site A in August, 1999.
Monitoring is divided between regular horticultural visits to assess landscape maintenance needs
and the collection of quantitative botanical data to determine progress towards permit success
standards. Because installation was finished half way through the first growing season for the
original Macario Canyon plantings and for twice a year botanical monitoring was required under
permit conditions, the City decided (based on BEC's recommendations) to perform the first
monitoring for Site A at the end of the growing season in August 1998 and the second annual
monitoring in August 1999. Although this schedule extended monitoring to an 18 month period
for the first year, it then set a schedule for data collection for all mitigation sites to take place at end
of the end of the maximum growth season each year for all sites, since monitoring frequency has
been changed to once annually for the remainder of the project. Thus this year's report provides
the second monitoring year of data for Site A and the first annual monitoring for Sites C, D, and
the additional 0.25 acres added to the Site A. The following section discusses monitoring methods
and results.
2.1 METHODS
2.1.1 Monthly Progress Reports
To document project progress during the first year, monthly progress reports summarized site
observations and gave recommendations for remedial measures. These reports are kept on file at
the City (BEC 1998-00). The first progress report was issued in May of 1998 when Valley Crest
completed the Site A plant establishment period and Native Landscape began site maintenance.
After twelve months these reports have switched since April 1999 to a bi-monthly format for the
remainder of the 5-year monitoring period.
2.1.2 Horticultural Monitoring
Horticultural monitoring consists of regular visits to the site to review the maintenance needs of the
mitigation plantings. If required, remedial maintenance recommendations are made to assure
acceptable project progress. Remedial measures are communicated directly from BEC to Native
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 . 10 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Landscape for implementation in the field Usually written communications are used to assure
accurate communication is achieved.
2.1.3 Botanical Monitoring
To collect botanical data on the progress of wetland habitat creation a series of 25-meter (82 foot)
line transects are set up at each mitigation site except for the additional 0.25 acres of mitigation at
Site A where four 10 meter transects are used in order to obtain a better sampling of this linear site.
Transects are located evenly throughout the mitigation sites to evaluate all areas of planting as
follows:
Mitigation Areas Transect Numbers
Site A South: IS -7S
Site A North: IN— 5N
Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area IA -4A (10 meter transects)
Site C Riparian Woodland: IC -2C
Site C Saltmarsh: 3C
Site D Riparian Woodland: 1D
Site D Saltmarsh: 2D
The number of transects vary depending on the acreage at each mitigation site (transect numbers are
provided under the results section for each site). Each end of the transect is marked with a 6-foot
metal T-post and then the compass direction (based on magnetic north) recorded for future
reference from a designated primary end of the transect. Figures for each site show the location of
transects within the site with the primary end numbered. Along each of these line transects three
data collection activities are performed to assess progress toward permit success standards. The
three methodologies are detailed below. Riparian woodland and saltmarsh portions of sites are
separated from one another since they have very different species compositions, heights, and plant
densities. In addition photographs are taken annually from the primary transect post facing in the
direction of the transect compass bearing and a species list is prepared based on annual monitoring
observations (Appendices A & B).
canopy cover
To assess the amount of riparian woodland canopy cover the line intercept values for all tree and
shrub species over 18-inches in height are measured for each transect. Bare ground versus
understory vegetative cover is also measured for vegetation below 18 inches in height.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 11 Prepared for Ctty of Carlsbad, CA
In saltmarsh areas the cover of saltmarsh species, non-native cover, and bare earth canopy cover
categories are measured. No separate understory measurements are made for saltmarsh covers
since they have little canopy stratification.
tree heights
Within the 20 foot belt transects used for measuring riparian woodland canopy composition, the
heights of all container planted trees are measured. With clonal species such as sandbar willow
(Salix exigua), the tallest trunk in the clump is used to determine height.
Since few if any trees or large shrubs occur in saltmarsh areas no height measurements are taken in
this cover type.
composition of trees/shrubs
Within a 20 foot wide belt transect centered on each line riparian woodland transect the number of
tree/shrub species over 3 feet in height are counted by species to determine canopy cover
composition. Based on these counts, overstory canopy cover compositions and density are
determined. Density values are provided in both plants per square yard and plants per square meter
in the final analysis. No attempt has been made to make detailed quantitative assessments of
groundcover species density compositions since understory cover typically forms only a minor
component (consisting of less than 10 percent vegetative cover) in mature riparian woodlands.
For saltmarsh areas, where plant densities are much higher, a 1-meter band with one of its edges
on the transect is used to calculate plant densities. Counts are made of the numbers of each
perennial saltmarsh species rooted within this band. Since saltgrass (Distichlis subspicata) is a
prolific clonal species, only one plant is counted for each square foot in which it is found.
2.2 HORTICULTURAL MONITORING RESULTS
2.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon
seeding-riparian & marsh areas
In general, the species hydroseeded at this site are now established and dominate the understory
groundcover. It is still not clear whether either California bulrush (Scirpus caljfornicus) in the
Marsh Seed Mix or yerba mansa (Anemopsis calfornica) in the Riparian Woodland Seed Mix ever
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 12 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
established from seed; however, this knowledge is of little import since both species established
from container plantings. The dominant species this first year were southwestern spiny rush
(Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii), Douglas wormwort (Artemisia douglasiana), and western ragweed
(Ambrosia psilostachya). These three species formed the dominant understory cover in most areas
of both the North and South Areas. On the moister North Mitigation Area some of the Douglas
wormwood grew as high as 5 feet tall. The annual Mexican tea (Chenopodium ambrosioides) also
continued to play a prominent role in the understory of the North Mitigation Area where it
dominated some areas of understory even though it was weeded out last year. Nurse crop annuals
like Zorro fescue (Festuca megalura) were present last year but are no longer present at either site
this year. Since most understory species are not very shade tolerant, it is expected understory will
be minimal once the overstory matures.
seeding-upland buffer zone
Coastal sage scrub species establishment continued to be somewhat sporadic in the upland buffer
zone. The highest area of cover development continued to be adjacent to the North Mitigation Area
where the surfce weed seed bank had been buried under fill from the excavation of the adjacent
mitigation area. In most of this area nearly mature coastal sage scrub plants have now established
including: coastal sagebrush (Artemisia caljfornica), black sage (Salvia mellifera), flat-top
buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), red monkey flower (Diplacus puniceus), deerweed (Lotus
scoparius), and California sunflower (Encelia catjfornica). The 20 foot wide strip of the buffer
zone which borders the mitigation area and which had to be reseeded late in the spring because of
police access activities last year, continued to have poor establishment of native seedlings. In
addition, equipment access for boring watertable investigation holes associated with the future golf
course mitigation areas disturbed several 30 foot diameter areas which were not reseeded.
In the rest of the buffer zone running south from the North Mitigation Area there continued to be
only sporadic establishment of coastal sage scrub species. These areas remained dominated largely•
by annual weed species which were present in the seed bank at the time of installation. However,
no further remedial activities are required for the buffer zone under permit conditions.
container plants
Container plant health remained at virtually the same high levels during this monitoring period as
existed last year. Because growth standards have been essentially met on both the North and
South Mitigation Areas no formal container plant survival count was undertaken this year. Last
year's losses were under half a percent The only significant container plant losses this year were
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 13 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
several of the 15-gallon western sycamores (Platanus racemosa) planted along the edges of the
South Mitigation Area. While a formal analysis was not undertaken, it is suspected that high soil
salt levels were to blame for the loss of these plants and the continued slow growth of others. This
species does not appear to be well adapted to these soil conditions; however, the Fremont
cottonwoods (Populus fremontii) which were also planted at this site appear to be thriving and
more than make up for the loss of canopy stratification resulting from the sycamore losses.
Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) and California blackberry (Rubus ursinus) also have
lower levels of container plant establishment than other species at the South Area for similar soil
related reasons. South Area surface soils probably accumulated salts from former agricultural
irrigation runoff combined with evapotranspiration over time. The North Area does not have these
conditions because surface soils were removed to lower grades prior to plant installation.
weeds
The focus of the maintenance contract after installation was weed control around container
plantings. BEC recommended that Valley Crest create an 18-inch in diameter vegetation free zone
around each container plant before they were signed off on their establishment period maintenance
responsibilities. Once Native Landscape took over long-term maintenance, they decided the best
way to maintain this bare zone was to apply a 3-inch thick wood chip mulch around all plantings.
This approach proved very effective. Native Landscape renewed the mulch in the spring of 1999
to carry the plants through their,second growing season. The only additional mulching done this
past year was around the smallest stature western sycamore and Fremont cottonwood trees. BEC
flagged these trees for additional mulching in the spring of 2000 to assure they continued to
compete well with the prolific willow canopy cover already established at the two mitigation areas.
Understory weed control ceased to be an issue during this past year because it no longer deterred
understory growth and understory natives were well established. The 'only species which
continued to be watched and eradicated regularly was pampas grass which continued to establish
sporadically at both mitigation areas from seed blown in from surrounding sites. However, the
establishment of this species was minimal and BEC flagged less than 15 total plants for removal by
Native Landscape during this past monitoring year at this site.
watering
Irrigation of mitigation plantings has discontinued at this site at the end of the summer of 1999, so
the site has survived well without irrigation for an entire growing season without additional
irrigation. Any heads connected to laterals which are watering the adjacent 0.25 acre additional
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 14 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
planting area adjacent to the South Mitigation Area have been capped off to assure this site meets its
success standard of surviving without irrigation over one growing season.
vandalism
No vandalism occurred at the site during the installation period except that a transient trail continues
to exist through the middle of the North Area. Neither was there any significant accumulation of
trash on site during or after installation. The only area where disturbances continued to take place
without prior coordination with the biological monitor were in the upland buffer zone where a truck
was brought in by the City's golf course consultants to test for water table depth adjacent to the
mitigation areas. These disturbances were not repaired after the tests were completed.
erosion
During the past year, local precipitation was over half the normal average; however, during late
February there were several concentrated rainstorms which produced erosion. This erosion came
mainly from the recently regraded western slopes of the Faraday Road Extension being constructed
east of the site. These slopes had received hydroseeding but it did not germinate well. Heavy
rains then created surface runoff which was sufficient to overtop both the silt fence set up by the
road contractor and the one already established along the eastern edge of the buffer zone at this site.
The contractor was asked to repair his silt fences, however he was slow to respond, and a second
storm allowed additional runoff to enter the mitigation site. Fortunately, winter storms then
ceased for the season, erosion ceased, and the amount of erosion within the mitigation areas was
limited to several areas of the buffer zone and did not effect the wetland mitigation plantings. It is
anticipated that slope revegetation will be sufficient by next year to prevent the reoccurrence of this
problem.
2.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 acres of Mitigation Planting
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in August 1999.
seeding
Perhaps because this site was not planted until the early summer of 1999 and then watering was
not always consistent, few of the hydroseeded species established. However, the perennial
Douglas wormwort and western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya) which did establish had created
nearly continuous understory cover in about half of this strip by the end of the summer. Both
these species also invaded the planting strip by means of runners from plants established in the
adjacent main mitigation area so it is difficult to distinguish between seedlings and these clonal
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 15 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
plants. Neither the giant wild rye grass (Leymus condensatus) or the California sunflower have
germinated here though they were part of the seed mix. However, the giant wild rye grass
successfully established from containers and the California sunflower occurs nearby in the upland
buffer zone. Since most understory species are not very shade tolerant, it is expected understory
will be minimal once the overstory matures.
container plants
The container plantings have established well at this site. All except the California live oak
(Quercus agrzfolia) were thriving by the end of the second monitoring year and appear well on their
way to meeting project height and cover standards. The sandbar willow was beginning to produce
prodigious runners and the mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) and giant wild rye clumps were
beginning to fill out by the end of the growing season. Many of the willows had reached nearly
head height by summer's end. Only two oaks were planted and they are both putting on slow
growth, one at a moderate rate the other still struggling.
weeds
Weeds have not been a significant problem in this mitigation area during the past year. There were
some initial occurrences of bristly ox-tongue (Picris echioides) and sweet clover ( Melilotus spps.)
but these were quickly cleared by Native Landscape and since that time weeds have not provided
much competition for the planted species at this site.
watering
BEC has continued to recommend regular watering of this site through the year to assure strong
initial plant establishment and growth. There has been a continuing need to clear around the heads
from the main mitigation area which are used to irrigate this site to assure irrigation water reaches
all areas of the planting strip; however, the early problems with assuring adequate soil moisture to
the area were largely corrected this past year.
trash and vandalism
There has been no trash dumped in this site or any vandalism to its plantings during this past year.
2.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in July 1999.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 16 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
seeding-riparian & marsh areas
In general, the species hydroseeded at this site both in the saltmarsh and riparian woodland areas
established well and dominated the groundcover by the end of this first summer after planting.
In the riparian woodland areas Douglas wormwood composed the dominant cover although there
were occasional occurrences of the San Diego sagewort (Artemisia palmerii). It did not appear that
the yerba mansa ever established in the riparian woodland parts of this site probably, because it is
not damp enough for extended duration. However, it is invading portions of the saltmarsh areas
from adjacent existing populations.
The brass buttons (Cotula coronopfolia) seeded in the saltmarsh area became so prolific that it had
to be weeded out so that more desirable perennial saltmarsh species could establish. By summer's
end the site was largely dominated by such species. Southwestern spiny rush germinated well at
this site and promises to compose a significant part of final cover when the current seedlings
mature. There was also significant seedling cover from fat hen (Atriplex panda ssp. hastata) in the
salt marsh parts of the site although it is not clear whether these came in with the seed mix or
spread from adjacent salt marsh areas. P.
container plants
By and large container plantings showed excellent establishment at this site. The riparian
woodland area exhibited almost no loss of container plantings except a few plants lost to migrant
labor foot traffic along the tail through the site and a few plantings lost when the adjacent stream
channel relocated itself across the site this past winter 2000. But these losses did little to deter
overall canopy cover development and the riparian woodland part of this site has made substantial
progress towards its success goals this year with most willows over head height by summer's end.
Saltmarsh plantings also demonstrated excellent establishment and growth with few losses. The
only plantings which are having a little trouble in this part of this site are the mulefat plantings at its
southwest edge which are growing more slowly than similar plantings on the old dike probably
because of the higher salt content found in saltmarsh soils. Thus alkali rush (Scirpus robustus),
woody glasswort (Salicornia virginica), alkali-heath (Frankenia sauna), and saltgrass all were well
established and spreading by summer's end. The sewer easement road designed for cover with
saltgrass is now nearly continuously covered by this species.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting - 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 17 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
weeds
Exotic weeds have not been a significant problem at this mitigation site during the past year
especially in the riparian woodland areas. The main focus of weeding has been on the removal of
the planted brass buttons from the saltmarsh areas of the site. This annual species became so
prolific it threatened to out compete the more desirable perennial saltmarsh species. There was also
an invasion by bristly ox-tongue (Picris echioides spps.) in the saltmarsh area at the beginning of
summer 2000 as the brass buttons diminished in dominance. Native Landscape has done a good
job of minimizing competition from these weed species and as a result the more desirable species
have been able to put on good growth this year.
waterini
Irrigation has been continued at this site throughout the year except during a brief period in the
winter when a combination of slow growth during the short days of winter and sporadic rainfall
during February made it unnecessary. There were also minor problems getting the irrigation
restarted in the spring because site flooding in February washed the covers off the valve boxes in
the saltmarsh parts of the site and filled them with water. Since the valves are all battery operated,
it was not posib1e to reactivate them until the boxes were emptied of water and the batteries
replaced. One valve at the northeast corner of the saltmarsh planting area was raised above grade
to avoid this problem next year.
trash and vandalism
There has been almost no trash or debris dumped at this site. The main potential for vandalism
remains the pathway along the first third of the dike area which is used by immigrant farm workers
to access a living site they maintain in the willows along the adjacent stream channel. However,
Native Landscape spoke with several of these workers during the year and they have caused little if
any damage to mitigation site plantings since.
erosion
Heavy winter rains in February 2000 created significant stream flows in the channel adjacent to the
regraded dike at this site. These stream flows ran over the dike in three separate places. The first
at a notch left in the grading at the eastern end of the dike. The second through the existing erosion
break in the dike left from last year and the third midway between these two areas. After the
flooding had subsided it was found that the stream has now cut a new channel which runs through
the gully in the dike created last season and widened this year. This new channel then proceeds
through the marsh area which separates the two parts of this mitigation site. Fortunately, there
was no significant loss of planted vegetation due to this flooding/erosion; however, as noted
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 18 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
earlier, the valve boxes in the saltmarsh parts of the site were flooded and their tops washed off. It
is not yet known whether this channel relocation will effect survival of npanan woodlands located
along the original channel to the south but it is beneficial to the mitigation plantings.
2.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in July 1999.
seeding- riparian & marsh areas
In general the species hydroseeded at this site both in the saltmarsh and riparian woodland areas
had established by the end of the first summer after planting.
The riparian woodland areas showed only sparse seed establishment perhaps because of irrigation
scheduling problems experienced after initial seeding. Only a few Douglas wormwood and an
occasional San Diego sagewort were observed; however, few weeds established either. Although
seeded, no yerba mansa seedlings were seen at all. Nevertheless, because understory cover is
usually minimal in mature riparian woodland, this lack of initial understory development was not
considered critical to riparian woodland success at this site.
The brass buttons seeded in the saltmarsh area became so prolific that it had to be weeded out so
more desirable perennial saltmarsh species could establish. Southwestern spiny rush has also
germinated well at this site and promises to compose an even more significant part of final cover
here than at Site C when these seedlings mature. There are also scattered occurrences of fat hen on
site although it is not clear whether these came in with the seed mix or spread from adjacent salt
marsh areas.
The coastal sage scrub seed mix placed on the roadside slopes which border the site performed
quite well and all species germinated and established from seed in the seed mix. California
sagebrush was the most significant germinator and most plants had reached mature size by the
middle of summer 2000 and had been removed completely from irrigation.
container plants
By and large container plantings showed excellent establishment at this site. The riparian
woodland area exhibited minor losses of container plantings due to a problem with irrigation
coverage. This problem was corrected in June 2000. There may also be a problem with soil
compaction in one part of the area which was formerly constructed as an old dike along the creek.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 19 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Approximately a dozen new container willow plantings were added to this part of the site in July
2000 to replace dead plantings lostto these problems.
Saltmarsh plantings demonstrated excellent establishment and growth with few losses. A few
saltmarsh plantings were lost when the adjacent stream overflowed during the February storm
period. However, by midsummer bare areas left by this flooding appeared to be revegetating from
planted and volunteer saltmarsh species. With the removal of brass buttons from the site, the
woody glasswort and alkali-heath put on significant growth and showed good cover by summer's
end.
weeds
Exotic weeds have not been a significant problem in this mitigation area during the year. The focus
of weeding has been on the removal of the planted brass buttons which became so prolific they
threatened to out compete more desirable perennial saltmarsh species. Native Landscape has done
a good job of minimizing competition from the brass buttons and other weed species so that the
planted species have been able to put on reasonable growth this year.
watering
Irrigation has been continued at this site throughout the year except during a brief period in the
winter when a combination of slow growth during the short winter days and sporadic rainfall
during February made it unnecessary. There were also minor problems getting the irrigation
restarted at this site after the winter season when someone stole all the valve solenoids. Native
Landscape replaced all site valves to solve this problem and irrigation was restarted in mid-June.
trash and vandalism
There has been almost no trash or debris dumped at this site except a small amount which
continues to be thrown over the fencing along the road probably by children when parents pick
them up at the school across the street. The main vandalism this past year was the theft of the
valve solenoids which necessitated replacement of all irrigation valves at the site. The site
protective fence along the roadway bordering Park Drive is doing a good job keeping out unwanted
intruders.
erosion
Heavy winter rains in February 2000 created significant stream flows in the channel adjacent to this
site which overflowed through openings between the willows along its banks and flowed over and
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 20 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
through several parts of the saltmarsh planting areas. Although it appeared additional plantings
would be needed in some of the eroded areas, natural regeneration made it doubtful remedial
plantings would be needed by year end. BEC will continue to evaluate this situation and make
replanting recommendations if needed.
2.3 BOTANICAL MONITORING RESULTS
Since formal botanical monitoring for Sites C and D and the additional 0.25 acres at Site A began
this year, the results for all mitigation sites are given in this section. Although two monitorings
were required for the first year of Site A, the resource agencies have now agreed to require only
one annual monitoring for all mitigation sites. BEC will conduct this monitoring in August each
year near the end of the annual growing season. This will be the second annual monitoring report
for Site A and the first for all other sites. The data set for each site is presented and analyzed
separately in the results section below.
2.3.1 Results Site A: Macario Canyon
species established
Last year's evaluation showed that, except for yerba mansa and California bulrush, all species
seeded or planted from containers had established. These species continued to persist at the site
this past year. It still could not be determined whether yerba mansa or California bulrush had
established from seed but since both were planted and doing well from containers this was not
considered critical. A full accounting of all species planted at this site is provided in Table 4 of the
first year annual report (BEC 1999).
container plant survival
Container plant health remained at virtually the same high levels during this monitoring period as
existed last year. Because growth standards have been essentially met on both the North and
South Mitigation Areas no formal container plant survival count was undertaken this year. Last
year's losses were under half a percent (See Table 5 in BEC 1999). As mentioned earlier, the only
significant container plant losses this year were several of the 15-gallon western sycamores planted
along the edges of the South Mitigation Area; however, the Fremont cottonwoods planted at this
site appear to be more than making up for the loss of canopy stratification resulting from sycamore
losses (see tree heights below).
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 21 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
tree heights
Tree height data results are presented by species in Table 2. This data is divided between the north
and South Areas and then a combined value is derived. Because the data sets for Western
sycamore and Fremont cottonwood are unacceptably small within the transect areas, a separate tally
is made each year of all 15-gallon plantings to provide a representative annual growth sampling for
these species. This data is shown in Table 3. This tally does not include the growth of the smaller
1 and 5 gallon plantings (12 sycamore and 25 cottonwood).
Table 2
Site A: Summary Tree Height Data
August 2000
August 2000
Species Mean Container Tree Height (Ft.)
N Combined No. PIts.
Counted
Baccharis salicifolia 7.7 8.8 8.3 188
Platanus racemosa * * * *
Populusfremontii * * * *
Pluchea sericea 5.9 7.4 7.0 22
Salix exigua 10.1 11.2 10.5 132
Salixgooddingii 16.5 15.6 16.1 115
Salix lasiolepis 11.0 16.1 13.1 83
Sambucus mexicana No data 7.8 7.8 2
* data shown in Table 3
The height of all species continued to increase this year. All the taller riparian tree species
increased a minimum of 14% in height from last year and black willow (Salix gooddingii) by
nearly 30%. By August 2000, all arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepsis) had reached an average height
of 13.1 ft. This was 2 feet higher than last year's average or a nearly 20% increase. The tree like
black willow had reached an average height of 16.1 feet which was nearly 4 feet higher than last
year. The western sycamores, increased at a slower 14010 rate to 13.8 feet on average. Fremont
cottonwood increased from 11.8 feet on average to 13.7 feet. A 16% increase over last year's
average height.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 22 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 3
Site A: Additional Sycamore & Cottonwood
Summary Height Data for 2000
P:te
Augus12OOO
S N S N
9.5
17.0 17.0 18.0 28.0
14.2 16.8 11.0 15.0
13.5 21.0 14.0 23.0
10.0 15.5 7.4 1 8.9
14.0 1 15.0 16.0 16.0
11.0 18.3 9.0 7.0
13.0 13.6 11.0 23.0
14.6 14.0 12.0 21.6
13.6 16.0 15.9 19.0
13.0 17.6 6.7 22.0
10.4 16.4 15.0
9.0 12.2 15.0
8.0 10.9 11.6
8.0 18.0 9.2
12.4 15.4
13.5 9.6
12.7 8.0
13.0
8.9
12.2
10.0
9.0
I Ell g OHM .Sóitl qs
JiØ Ij 7f6 137
Riparian woody shrub species also showed healthy rates of continuing growth this year. The
sandbar willow (Salix hindsiana) had reached an average height of 10.5 feet, again almost 2 feet
higher than last year's average or just over a 20% increase. The desert arrow-weed (Pluchea
servicea) and mule fat both increased by about a foot in average height this year to 7.0 and 8.3 feet
respectively. This represented approximately a 15% increase in height for these species since last
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 23 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
summer. Finally, although the sample size is very small for Mexican elderberry, it also appeared
to show a similar rate of height growth for the year.
There continued to be significant growth differences between the South and North Areas with the
North Area showing significantly taller and denser trees and shrubs than the South Area. Except
for Western sycamore, the rate of height increase was about the same for both areas. Most of the
overall increase in Western sycamore height growth took place on the North Area while South Area
plants remained at relatively the same height as last year. Probably the reason growth rates are
evening out for most species is that they are approaching their mature size.
Only one transect area continued to be significantly below the combined average height; this was
the IN Transect at the southern end of the North Area. Height averages for the riparian woodland
trees and shrubs covering the IN Transect were 30-45% below the average growth rate for these
species except for mulefat which was only 12% below the average growth rate. However, the
above average growth on the rest of this area has more than made up for slower growth rates at its
southern end.
canopy cover
Canopy cover results for Site A are summarized in Table 4. Areas not covered by overstory cover
were 100% covered by understory species for all transects, therefore no bare earth observations
were recorded in the data set. The understory cover given in Table 4 is only for areas not covered
by overstory species. In addition, significant portions of the ground under overstory species are
also covered with dense understory growth. Overstory cover at the end of the first growing season
in August 1998 averaged 21.4% while overall at the end of August 1999 it averaged 65.9%. This
year average cover went to 90.3%. This was a 37% increase over last year. This is a slower rate
than the over 200% experienced last summer but still respectable.
Canopy cover differences between the North and South Areas increased slightly more this year
since South Area cover increased at a slightly slower rate (35%) than the North Area (38%). North
Area canopy cover actually reached an incredible 104.5% on average this year despite the under
performance of the IN transect with only 54.8 % average cover. This IN area is starting to catch
up slightly with the rest of the site since its rate of increase (85%) was nearly double the average
increase for the year. The highest cover transect was 4N which achieved almost 155% canopy
cover this year. The 3S, 5S, and 7S transect areas in the South Area also continued this year to
under perform the site and combined averages. Transect 5S in showed and especially large drop in
cover this year (from 90.4% last year to 65.2% this year). This drop appears to be associated with
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 24 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
the death of several mulefat which died along the transect this year. Significantly, since last year
the Transect 6S area picked up greatly in its rate of cover growth, exceeding the site average this
year and coming close to the overall average for both sites.
Table 4
Site A: Canopy Cover
August 2000
Transect 1999 2000
SOUTH AREA
is 76.4% 88.8%
2S 60.8% 82.4%
3S 35.2% 58.8%
4 S 68.8% 80.0%
5S 90.4% 65.2%
6S 34.8% 86.8%
7S 48.8% 58.8%
Mean Cover 593% 744%
NORTh AREA
IN 29.6% 54.8%
2N 75.2% 88.0%
3N 79.2% 109.6%
4N 99.6% 154.8%
SN 92.4% 115.2%
Mean Cover . . 75.2% 104.56/6
Combined Mean
Understory Cover:
tree/shrub composition/density
Tree/shrub density data is summarized in Table 5. All woody tree and shrub species above 3 feet
in height were counted as occurring within transect sampling areas. The exception to this rule was
the prolific clonal spread of sandbar willow, additional stems of this species were not counted
unless they occurred at least 4 feet from another plant. In contrast, for all other non-clonal species,
all plants over 3 feet in height were counted.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 25 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
0)
Table 5
Site A: Tree/Shrub Density
August 2000
Mean Tree/Shrub Composition and Density --
August 2000
Species South Site North Site Combined
No. Plants -. %
Comp
PlantsIyd2 Plants/rn' No.
Plants
%
Comp
Piants/yd2 Plants/m2 No:
Plants Comp
Plants/yd2
_________
Plants/m2
Baccharissa1icfolia 42.6 53.1% 0.23 0.28 64.2 65.4% 0.35 0.42 51.6 58.8% 0.28 0.34
Plafanus racemosa 0.0 0.0% 0.00 0.00 0.4 0.4% 0.00 0-00 0.2 0.2% 0.00 0.00
Populusfremonhii 0.6 0.7% 0.00 0.00 0.0 0.00/0 0.00 0.00 0.3 0.4% 0.00 0.00
Plucheasericea 1.6 2.0% 0.01 0.01 2.0 2.0% 0.01 0.01 1.8 2.0% 0.01 0.01
Salirexigua 18.1 22.6% 0.10 0.12 10.6 10.8% 0.06 0.07 15.0 1 17.1% 0.08 0.10
Salixgooddinggii 9.7 12.1% 0.05 0.06 9.4 9.60/6 0.05 0.06 9.6 10.9% 0.05 0.06
Salixiasiolepis 7.6 9.4% '0.04 0.05 11.2 11.4% 0.06 0.07 9.1 10.4% 0.05 0.06
Sam bucusme.xicana 0.0 0.00/0 0.00 0.00 0.4 0.4% 0.00 0.00 0.2 0.2% 0.00 0.00
Total: 80.2 100.0% 0.43 0.52 1 98.2 100.0%1 0.53 0.63 87.8 100.0% 0.47 0.57
The 1998 results showed an average of 0.20 plants per square yard while 1999 results showed
0.70 plants per square yard. The 2000 monitoring results showed a decrease to 0.47 plants per
square yard averaged over all transects. Nevertheless, since all species planted have mature spreads
of over 6 feet, these results support the high levels of canopy growth measured this year.
There continued to be differences between the South and North Areas (0.43 compared to 0.53 pIts.
per sq. yard) but to a lesser degree than in past years. It should be noted that in reviewing last
year's report a minor discrepancy was discovered in the density data set which showed the North
Area data being labeled as South and visa versa. Thus last year's South Area density should be
0.6 plants per square yard and the North Area density should be 0.8 plants per square yard. Using
this revised data set, North Area tree/shrub density dropped by 34010 this year while that of the
South Area dropped by only 28%. Thus the decreases in overall woody tree/shrub density were
greatest in the North Area. This change is probably best explained by the faster maturation of
canopy cover on the North Area which is shading out smaller less shade tolerate juvenile plants.
Looking at individual species in 2000, density continued to be fairly equally distributed between
the willows species (23% overall) and mulefat (28%). Mulefat continued to occur in much higher
numbers on average per transect (51.6) than the next highest density sandbar willow (15.0) but
these are not good numbers for comparison since all mulefat were counted as separate plants while
clumps of multi-stemmed sandbar willow were only counted as separate plants if they were at least
4 feet apart. These two species together composed over 75% of all plants counted. These
numbers were fairly close to last year's when over 80% of density came from these two species
but suggest that dominance by some of the taller growing willow species may be lowering
densities of mulefat which does not compete well in shaded understones. Thus we have started to
see the demise of the many mulefat seedlings, which invaded the site during 1999, as the site
canopy matures. The remaining shrub species composed only 2.2% of average plants counted per
transect in 2000.
2.3.2 Results: Site A: Additional 0.25 Acres
species established
Table 6 below shows species planted from seed and container plants at this mitigation site and
whether they are considered established at the site (X = established, ? = not detected to date). In
addition, Appendix A gives a complete species list of all understory species observed during the
botanical monitoring. Of all species seeded on this site only the western ragweed and the Douglas
wormwood established from the seed mix. Alternatively, the giant wild rye established from
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 27 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
containers, so the only species not established was the upland coastal encelia which established in
the adjacent buffer zone from seed.
Table 6
Species Established at Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre
Area
August 2000
From Seed
Ambrosia psilostachys X
Artemisia douglasiana X
Encelia calfornica no
Leymus condensatus no
From Containers
Baccharis salicjfolia X
Leymus condensatus X
Quercus agrifolia X
Salix exigua X
container plant survival
At the end of the plant establishment period for this site only 4% of the original plantings required
replacement. Since that time insufficient, plants have died to warrant further replacements. In
general, the clonal spread of sandbar willow at this site filled in any gaps left by dead or diseased
plantings. Because container plant losses were minor and were difficult to discern in the clonal
willow thickets, no attempt was made to formally count them. Less than 0.4% of all container
plants were found dead at this site when evaluated during June 1999 when dead plants were
replaced at the end of the plant establishment period. Thus nearly 99% of container plants survived
the first year after planting.
tree heights
Tree height data results are presented by species in Table 7. Because there are only two California
live oak at this site they were not consider a significant enough part of overall cover to measure and
so were not included in the results shown in Table 7. Mulefat and sandbar willow were the only
other woody plant species in this mitigation area. The height of these two species showed
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 28 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
significant progress toward project height goals by the end of the first growing season after
planting. Growth to date on average exceeds 6 feet for both species.
Table 7
Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Summary Tree Height Data
August 2000
August 2000
Species Mean Container Tree No. Pits.
Height (Ft..) Counted
Baccharis salicifolia 6.1 25
Salix exigua 6.2 Jt J
canopy cover
Canopy cover results are summarized in Table 8. Areas not covered by overstory cover were
almost 100% covered by understory species for all transects, therefore no bare earth observations
were recorded in the data set. Overstory cover at the end of the first growing season in August
2000 averaged 55.3% overall. Looking at subareas within the site, the No. 1 and 3 Transects were
about 10% below this mean cover while the other two transects were from 20-30% higher in
cover.
Table 8
Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Canopy Cover
August 2000
Transect - 2000 77%:Cover
1A 35
2A 82
3A 39
4A 65
Me an Canopy Cover: 55J%
Bare Earth Cover . 0%
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
Novertter 2000 29 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
tree/shrub composition/density
Tree/shrub density data are summarized in Table 9. All woody tree and shrub species above 3 feet
in height were counted as occurring within transect sampling areas. The exception to this rule was
that because of the prolific clonal spread of sandbar willow, additional plants of this species were
not counted unless they occurred at least 3 feet from another plant. In contrast, for mulefat, all
plants over 3 feet in height were counted. The results showed an overall average of 0.73 plants per
square yard. This is about the same as the density measured at the larger Site A at the end of its
first growing season (0.70). It is also slightly higher than the density found at Site A this year
(0.58). Since all species planted have mature spreads of over 6 feet, these results indicate a high
level of cover and suggest a high level of future canopy growth. Looking at individual species in
2000, sandbar willow accounted for the highest number of plants counted composing 65.6%.
Most of these plants were the result of early cloning by this species since there were no seedlings
observed. Mulefat composed the remaining 34.4% of canopy cover.
Table 9
Site A Additional 0.25 Acre Area
Tree/Shrub Density
August 2000
Mean Tree/Shrub Coiiipositión and'Density August2000
:Specië
•
ExtraAreaA:: '•. . .
No. Plants % Comp Plants/yd2 Plants/rn2
Bacchari.s salicifolia 7.8 34.4% 0.21 0.25
Platanus racemosa 0.0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Populus fremontii 0.0 0.00/0 0.00 0.00
Pluchea sericea 0.0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Salix exigua 14.8 65.6% 0.40 0.48
Salix gooddingii 0.0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Salix lasiolepis 0.0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Sambucus mexicana 0.0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Total 22.6 100.0%1 0.61 0.73
2.3.3 Results Site C: El Camino Real
species estabhished
Table 10 below shows the species planted from seed and container plants at this mitigation site and
whether they are considered established at the site (X = established, ? = not detected to date). In
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 30 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
addition, Appendix A gives a complete species list of all understory species observed during the
botanical monitoring. All species seeded or planted from containers at the site had established by
the end of the first monitoring season except possibly yerba mansa. This species, however, had
invaded from adjacent existing populations along the borders of the mitigation site.
Table 10
Species Established at Site C
August 2000
From Seed
Riparian Woodland Mix
Anemopsis cahfornica no
Artemisia douglasiana X
Artemisia palmerii X
Saltmarsh Mix
Cotula coronopfo1ia X
Juncus acutus X
Atriplexpatula ssp. hastata X
From Containers
Riparian Woodland
Baccharis salicjfolia X
Populusfremontii X
Pluchea servicea X
Salix exigua X
Salix gooddingii X
Salix lasiolepsis X
Saltmarsh
Baccharis salicfolia X
Frankenia sauna X
Juncus acutus X
Pluchea servicea X
Salicornia subterininalis X
Distichlis subspicata X
Scirpus robustus X
container plant survival
As at the additional 0.25 acre area planted at Site A, hardly any container plants were observed
dead by the end of the first year of monitoring at Site C therefore no formal attempt was made to
count them. The only plants lost were a few willows and mulefat planted along the edges of the
saltmarsh portion of the site which probably could not handle the high soil salinity found there.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 31 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
These areas were quickly filled in by spreading saltmarsh cover. No replacement plantings were
ever required at this site after dead plants were replaced at the end of the plant establishment period.
tree heights
Riparian woodland tree height data results are presented by species in Table 11. This data is only
for the first two transects on this site (1A & 1B) since these were the only two transects in the
riparian woodland part of the site. The height of all species showed significant progress toward
project height goals by the end of this first growing season after planting. By August 2000,
mulefat, and sandbar willow had already exceeded their final height standard of 6 feet, while the
desert arrow weed was almost there. The arroyo willow also had achieved about 70% of its final
height standard at 7.6 feet average height.
Table 11
Site C: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree Height Data
August 2000
Species. .
Mean• Container . Pits. .No.
Tree Height (Ft.) Counted
Baccharis salicifo/la 6.3 19
Pluchea sericea 5.8 13
Salix exigua 8.1 38
Salix lasiolepis 7.6 43
canopy cover
Canopy cover results are summarized in Table 12. Overstory cover at the end of the first growing
season in August 2000 averaged 56.4% in the riparian woodland part of the site and 94.8 in the
saltmarsh part of the site. Groundcover was also high with only 4010 bare earth cover in the
riparian woodland part and 13.2% in the saltmarsh part. The riparian woodland cover value for
Site C is just slightly below the 65.9% mean cover value measured for Site A at the end of its
second season of growth, so it appears this part of the site is progressing well towards its final
cover goals. Saltmarsh cover is quite high although visual observation of the site reveals there is
still substantial room for denser overstory growth which should emerge as the saltmarsh species
mature.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 32 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
tree/shrub composition/density
Tree/shrub density data are summarized in Table 13. All woody tree and shrub species in the
riparian woodland part of the site above 3 feet in height were counted as occurring within the
transect sampling area. All planted species were counted in the narrower (1 meter wide) saltmarsh
transect bands. The exception to this rule was sandbar willow where additional plants were not
counted unless they occurred at least 3 feet from another plant. The 2000 results show that in the
riparian woodland part of the site 0.41 plants occurred on average per square yard while in the
saltmarsh part of the site 5.09 plants per square yard were found. The riparian woodland value is
high when compared with the 0.20 density value found at Site A at the end of its first summer of
growth but considerably below the 0.70 value at the end of that sites second summer of growth.
Nevertheless, since all species planted have mature spreads of over 6 feet, these results indicate an
acceptable level of cover and suggest future canopy growth goals will be met.
In the saltmarsh part of the site the density of approximately 5 plants per square yard when most
species planted have mature spreads of at least two feet again seems adequate to meet final canopy
cover goals as these plants mature. .
Looking at individual species, the majority of density was from the willows species accounting for
nearly 80% of overall density. Mulefat contributed around 13% and desert arrow-weed about 7%.
Table 12
Site C: Canopy Cover Growth
August 2000
Riparian.Woódland... ..%Coier.
.___.TnècVs. .• ....
1C — 50.4
2C 79.2
Mean Cover.
.Men:BaieEth.Covéi.4:
Saltniàrsh: Transeët
3C 94.8
MéañCover
Mean_Bare__EárthCóvèr ..
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 33 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 13
Site C: Tree/Shrub Density
August 2000
Riparian Woodland
Species
•
Site C
Transects
1C&2C -
No.
Plants
%
romp
PIantstyd2 Plants/rn2
Baccharis salicilolia 9.5 12.7% 0.05 0.06
Platanus racemosa 0.0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Populusfremontii 0.0 0.00/0 0.00 0.00
Pluchea sericea 5.5 7.4% 0.03 0.04
Salix exigua 19.5 26.2% 0.11 0.13
Salix gooddingii 00 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Salix lasiolepis 40.0 53.7% 0.22 0.26
Sambucus mexicana 0.0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Total: 74.5 1100.0%. 0.41 0.49
Saltmarsh
Species
Transect 3C
No. %
-Plants,Comp..
Plants/yd2 Plants/rn2
Baccharis salicifolia 1 0.6% 0.03 0.04
Distichlis subspicata 56 36.4% 1.85 2.21
Juncusacutus 4 2.6% 0.13 0.16
Salicornia virginica 93 60.4% 3.07 3.68
Scirpus robustus 0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Ambrosia psilostachya 0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Frankenia Sauna 0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Total: 154 100.0% 5.08 1 6.09
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 34 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
2.3.4 Results Site D: Kelly Drive
species established
Table 14 below shows the species planted from seed and container plants at this mitigation site and
whether they are considered established at the site (X = established, ? = not detected to date). In
addition, Appendix A gives a complete understory species list observed during the botanical
monitoring. All species seeded or planted from containers had established by the end of the first
monitoring season except the yerba mansa in the wetland areas and the flat-top buckwheat and
California encelia in the coastal sage scrub slopes along the street side of the site.
container plant survival
As at the additional 0.25 acre Area planted at Site A, hardly any container plants were observed
dead by the end of the first year of monitoring therefore no formal attempt was made to count
them. The only plants lost were about a dozen willows planted in the old berm area along the edge
of the existing creek. These were replaced by Native Landscape at mid-summer before formal
monitoring activities occurred.
tree heights
Tree height data results are presented by species in Table .15. The height of all species showed
significant progress toward project height goals by the end of the first growing season after
planting. By August 2000, the mulefat (6.8 ft.) had exceeded its final 5-year height goal while the
sandbar willow (5.8 ft.) was very close to the 6 foot standard. Arroyo willow also had achieved
almost 75% of 5th year height standard.
canopy cover
Canopy cover results are summarized in Table 16. Overstory cover in the riparian woodland part of
the site at the end of the first growing season in August 2000 averaged 21.4% overall. This value
is the same as the value recorded for Site A at the end of its first growing season (1998). There is
still a significant amount of bare earth found in this part of the site (24.4%) since understory cover
has not developed well. Nevertheless, it appears overstory cover is developing adequately to meet
long-term goals.
Saltmarsh cover is much higher at 71%. This is near the 3 year cover standard of 75%. The
higher density of planting in these areas combined with the limitations to competition from weed
species created by saline soils probably explains this rapid rate of canopy cover growth.
Burkhart EnvinrnmentaI Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 35 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 14
Species Established at Site D
From Seed
RiDarian Woodland Mix
Anemopsis californica 7
Artemisia douglasiana X
Artemisia palmerii X
Saltmarsh Mix
Cotula coronopfolia X
Juncus acutus X
Atriplexpatula ssp. hastata X
Coastal Sagescrub Mix
Artemisia californica X
Encelia californica no
Enogonum fasciculatum no
Isocoma venetus X
Vulpia microstachys X
From Containers
Rivarian Woodland
Baccharis salicfo1ia X
Salix exigua X
Salix lasiolepsis X
Saltmarsh
Frankenia sauna X
Juncus acutus X
Salicornia subterminalis X
Coastal Sagescrub
Ambrosia psilostachya X
Artemisia californica X
Isomeris arborea X
Quercus agnfouia X
Sambucus mexicana X
Table 15
Site D: Summary Riparian Woodland Tree Height Data
August 2000
Species -. -.
Mean -Container No. Pits.
Tree Height (Ft.) Counted
Baccharis salicfolia 6.8 1
Salix exigua 5.8 19
Salix lasiolepis 8.2 16
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
36 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 16
Site D: Canopy Cover Growth
August 2000
Riparian Woodland
Transects
% Cover
1D 50.8
. Mean Cover
Understory Cover 24.4
Saltmarsh
:• Transect
2D 71.0
Mean Cover
Bire Earth Cover
.71.0
tree/shrub composition/densty
Tree/shrub density data are summarized in Table 17. All woody tree and shrub species above 3
feet in height were counted as occurring within all riparian woodland transect sampling areas. The
exception to this rule was that because of the prolific clonal spread of sandbar willow, additional
plants of this species were not counted unless they occurred at least 3 feet from another plant In
the saltmarsh areas all planted species were counted whether occurring from seed, plantings or
volunteers. The 2000 results showed an average of 0.20 plants per square yard for the riparian
woodland area and 13.63 plants per square yard for the saltmarsh area. Since all riparian
woodland species planted have mature spreads of over 6 feet, these results indicate an adequate
level of cover to meet future canopy growth goals. In the saltmarsh part of the site, the density
measured was over double that at Site C (5.09 plts./yd.sq.) which indicates it has more than
adequate densities to meet future canopy cover requirements.
Looking at individual species, sandbar and arroyo willow account for all the cover within the
riparian woodland transect areas with sandbar willow having a slightly higher density (54.1%
compared to 45.9%). Because the arroyo willow has only begun to mature while the sandbar
willow has already spread considerably by cloning, it is likely the arroyo willow will catch up to
the sandbar willow overall cover before the end of the monitoring program. In saltmarsh areas
woody glasswort and spiny rush account for the majority of cover (75.4%).
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 37 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 17
Site D: Tree/Shrub Density
August 2000
Riparian Woodland
Species Sit D •
..
Transect 1D .
No.
Plants
%
Comp
Plants/yd2 Plants/m2
Baccharis sa1icfolia 0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Platanus racemosa 0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Populus fremontii 0 1 0.00/0 0.00 0.00
Pluchea sericea 0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Salix exigua 20 54.1% 0.11 0.13
Salix gooddingii 0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Salix lasiolepis 17 45.9% 0.09 0.11
Sambucus mexicana 0 0.0% 0.00 0.00
Total:11 37 1100.0% 0.20 0.24
Saltmarsh
Species Site D. . ......
Transct.2D
No.
Plants
%
Comp
Plants/yd2 Plants/M2
Baccharis saliqfolia 1 0.2% 0.03 0.04
Juncus acutus 159 1 38.4% 5.20 6.28
Salicornia virginica 153 37.0% 5.06 6.05
Scirpus robustus 47 11.3% 1.55 1.86
Ambrosia psilostachya 6 1.4% 0.20 0.24
Frankenia Sauna 48 11.6% 1.59 1.90
Total: 1 414 1100.0%1 13.63 -T 16.37
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 38 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
2.4 PAMPAS GRASS ERADICATION PROGRAM PROGRESS
Native Landscape has completed three years of pampas grass eradication in the 28 acre area of pre-
existing riparian woodland and freshwater marsh west of the mitigation sites in Macario Canyon.
As mentioned in the introduction, Native Landscape has also performed similar eradication efforts
on an additional 6 acres continuous with the Cannon Road eradication area. Of this additional
acreage, 1.28 acres is dedicated as mitigation for 0.32 acre of permanent impacts to non-
jurisdictional mulefat scrub associated with the El Camino/Cannon Road Intersection development.
This work has been carried out very effectively and nearly all the original pampas grass plants are
now eradicated. There is still a minor problem with wind blown seed reinvading the mitigation
sites and the treated wetlands from populations outside the treatment area at the south end of the
drainage and along the western rim of the canyon. These populations are slated to be included as
part of the mitigation obligations for the future golf course to be built in the canyon. It is hoped
that these efforts will be completed before the present eradication program is terminated to assure
complete control of this species within the drainage.
2.5 LEAST BELL'S VIREO MONITORING RESULTS
A 5-year program of annual monitoring for the occurrence of least Bell's vireo in Macario Canyon
is required by the USFWS Biological Opinion as part of this project's mitigation. This program
has now been carried out for three years. Detailed reports on the results of this program has been
provided annually to the USFWS (Varanus 1998a, Varanus 1999a, Varanus 2000a). Additional
information is also provided in these reports on the occurrence of willow flycatcher (Empidonax
irailli). A summary of the results of this program is provided below.
1998
Vireos were first observed on the site on April 15 and last seen at the site at the end of July. Two
pairs of vireo nested in Macaro Canyon in 1998. Two transient males were also observed. One
of the vireo pairs located its territory west of the North Mitigation rea- riparian' woodland edge.
The second pair located its territory on the north side of the future Cannon Road Extensioti bridge
abutment area at the north end of the canyon. The pair in the area of the bridge constructed four
nests but produced no fledglings. The pair nearer the North Mitigation Area nested twice but also
failed to fledge young. At least part of the nesting failure for the first pair appears to be due to poor
nest site selection.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 39 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
1999
Vireos arrived considerably later in 1999 than 1998 and were not observed on the site until May 1.
A male and one fledging were still present at the site on September 2 when the last surveys of the
season were conducted. Again this year two pairs of vireo - were observed nesting. Several
additional transient males were also seen in the area. One appeared to remain for the summer but
did not find a mate. One of the vireo pairs located its territory west of the North Mitigation Area
along the existing riparian woodland edge. The other pair located further to the south on the west
side of the riparian woodland edge and on the opposite side of the drainage from the South
Mitigation Area. The pair near the North Mitigation Area nested once without success. It appeared
that poor nest site selection was again to blame. The pair further south along the canyon, after
failing to fledge young from a first nest, successfully fledged two young from a second nest.
2000
Vireos were first observed in the canyon this year on March 29th• This was the earliest they had
arrived since the beginning of the monitoring program. A male and one fledging were still present
at the site on September 2 when the last surveys of the season were conducted. This year only one
pair of vireos and a second solitary male were observed living in the canyon during the nesting
season. This lone male bird never found a mate. The pair was not observed building a nest until
early May. They located their nest for the first time this year within the middle of the North
Mitigation Area and successfully fledged two young. The North Mitigation Area was also used
extensively for food gathering activities as well this year. After the fledglings left the nest in late
August they continued to be observed in the Canyon until August 25'h but were not observed after
that date even though daily monitoring was instituted on August 28th for one week to allow final
Cannon Road Bridge Construction to begin early this year.
willow flycatcher observations
Willow flycatchers (Empidonax trailli) have been observed using riparian woodlands in Macario
Canyon for all years of monitoring but there is no known nesting during these years.
2.6 COWBIRD TRAPPING RESULTS
-A 5-year annual trapping and euthanasia program for brown-headed cowbird is required by the
USFWS Biological Opinion as part of this project's mitigation. This program has now been
conducted for three years. Detailed reports on the results of this program has been provided
annually to the USFWS (Varanus I998b, Varanus 1999b, Varanus 2000b). A summary of the
results of this program is provided below.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 40 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
1998
A total of five cowbird traps were set and monitored during the 1998 trapping season which began
on March 20 and ended on August 25. A total of 78 cowbirds (27 male, 30 female, and 21
juvenile) were euthanized during the trapping season.
1999
The cowbird trapping program was shortened this year to a 145 day trapping program after
approval by the USFWS. Traps were first opened on March 20 and were closed on July 20. A
total of 43 birds (28 male, 11 female, and 4 juvenile) were euthanized during the trapping season.
No non-target bird species were found dead in traps during 1999. These results appeared to
indicate an overall decrease in both total numbers of cowbirds in Macano Canyon (since 78 birds
were euthanized last year compared to 43 this year); but, also an even greater decrease in cowbird
breeding potential since 30 females and 21 juveniles were captured last year compared with only 11
females and 4 juveniles this season. The cause for this dramatic decrease in numbers, however,
was not investigated and may be the result of any combination of several factors including late
nesting of many passerine species, changes in nearby land use causing a decrease in the local
population of cowbirds, changes in cowbird foraging distribution, and overall decrease in
passerine productivity. While it is possible that eradication efforts in Macario Canyon may have
helped decrease cowbird numbers, there is insufficient scientific evidence to indicate the cause of
this phenomenon at this time.
2000
The cowbird trapping program continued to be 145 days this year. Traps were again opened about
March 15 and were closed by the end of August. A total of 81 birds (36 male, 20 female, and 25
juvenile) were euthanized during the trapping season. Only 2 non-target bird species were found
dead in traps during 2000 out of 205 captures (0.9%). Overall capture levels- were similar to those
for 1998 although there appears to be no clear reason why levels of captures fell last year except
for anecdotal evidence that another trapping program was conducted last year along Agua
Hedionda Creek. Such a program could have accounted for the decrease in captures last year.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 41 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
3.0 DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
PROJECT SUCCESS STANDARDS
3.1 SUCCESS STANDARDS
The success standards established for this project are primarily derived from the standards set in
the Conceptual Wetlands Mitigation Plan for Reaches 1 and 2 of the Cannon Road Extension
Project (Tetra Tech 1997). These standards are referred to indirectly in all project permits by
reference to the requirement to execute fully all elements of the mitigation and monitoring plan.
The mitigation plan differs from the permits as regards to cover standards. Cover success
standards are designated slightly differently in project permits that require a 90 percent standard for
final cover at the end of 5-years and set a three year standard for 75% cover. The cover
requirements designated in the permits however appear to refer to overall surface cover not just
canopy cover. The present analysis defers to the permit requirements for cover but will interpret
final standards to include 75% overstory and 90% total vegetative cover.
In addition, both the USFWS Biological Opinion and the CDFG Permits require that the habitat
created be of vireo habitat quality (but do not set specific standards for this except to say that it is
occupied by vireos). Finally the CDFG permit specifies that newly created wetland vegetation
must survive one summer dry season without irrigation to be considered successful.
Generally, where a stricter standard applies this is the one that will be applied to evaluate project
success; however, in some cases where standards contradict one another a choice is made for one
standard over another (e.g. the dual requirements in the original monitoring program for both 80
percent and 95 percent survival of tree plantings). These success standards are summarized in
Table 18.
Four additional conditions are designated in the Biological Opinion to be completed before final
project release:
1. Pampas grass must be eradicated for a five year period from the 28 acres of existing
riparian woodland running from the mouth of Macano Canyon to the southern end of
the South Mitigation Area.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Exiension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 42 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
A five year least Bell's vireo monitoring program must be conducted according to
approved USFWS protocols and an annual report on this effort provided to USFWS
each year.
A five year brown-headed cowbird trapping program must be conducted in Macario
canyon according to approved USFWS protocols and an annual report on this effort
provided to USFWS each year.
The completion of 5-years of post-installation monitoring and maintenance for all
mitigation areas.
Table 18
Project Success Standards
Species Establishment All species planted
Container Plant Survival 80%
Final Tree Height Standards
Fremont Cottonwood 10 feet
Western Sycamore . 9 feet
Taller Willows* 11 feet
Mulefat, Sandbar Willow, Mex. Elderberry, Arrow weed** 6 feet
Final Riparian Woodland Canopy Cover Standard
3-Years (This will also be 5-Year standard for canopy cover) 75%
5-Years (This includes all vegetative cover) 90%
Least Bell's Vireo Occupied Habitat
Completion of One Growing Season Without Irrigation
Completion of 5-Year 28: Acre Pampas Grass Eradication Program
Completion of 5-Year Least Bell's Vireo Monitoring Program
Completion of 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Monitoring Program
Completion of 5-year Monitoring and Maintenance Program for all Sites.
* These include arroyo willow and black willow
** Arrow weed was added to the plan after initial success standard preparation and is included in this category
since its growth is similar to sandbar willow.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 43 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
3.2 DISCUSSION
3.2.1 Site A
species establishment
This site met this success criteria last year and no species present last year went extinct during this
monitoring season.
container plant survival
Total container plant loss levels remained insignificant this year and were well below those needed
to meet the 80% survival standard required for final signoff.
final tree height standards
Tree height progress toward permit goals during the first year of monitoring is illustrated in
Figures 5, 6, and 7. Figures 5 and 6 show the performance breakdown between the South and
North Areas respectively while Figure 7 provides combined average performance over both areas.
The data for these figures is taken directly from the tables provided in the Results Section (Table 2)
with the heights for western sycamore and Fremont cottonwood from Table 3. The combined
results show the project has maintained the final success standards for all species which were
attained in 1999 and in fact all species (except Mexican elderberry which had an inadequate sample
size) have increased their average growth over last year.
Taking a closer look at the North and South Areas individually shows that the North Area has
continued to exceed all species height standards and, except for desert arrow-weed which fall only
a tenth of a foot short, the South Area now also meets or exceeds all height standards. There
continued to be no Mexican elderberry sampled within transect areas In the South. Since this is a
marginal species planted in low numbers and by field observation not well adapted to the more
saline South Area soils, it is not felt that the performance of this species is critical to the success of
the mitigation effort. In fact, the height performance for Mexican elderberry shown for the North
Area in Figure 7 is taken from only 2 plants.
final canopy cover standard
Canopy cover progress toward permit goals during the first year of monitoring is shown in Figure
8 (and Table 4). Combined average canopy cover for both sites was 90.3%. This meets the 5h
year final cover standard even without considering the additional cover contributed by understory
ground cover species (which are nearly continuous). The North Area actually achieved 104.5%
Burkhárt Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 44 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
I
.4.
V
Figure 5
Site A South Mitigation Area Mean Container Tree Heights 20.00,
DGrowth 1998
0 Growth 1999
Baccharis salicifolia c3 Growth 2000
a Goal
1 Platanus racemosa
V V j
Pluchea sericea
Populus fremonizi
Salix exzgua
- V 'V V Salix gooddzngg,z
- - - I i_i I V .4 •i Salix lasiolepis --
V,
: IV V •4 V4 V
4.
Sambucus mexicana V
V V J
V 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20' 22 24 4
V V V V
Height (Ft) V
V
V
V Figure 6
4
-V •VV - V
Site A North Mitigation Area Mean Container Tree Heights 2000
V - V V• V
Vt V VVV VV
V
V
Baccharis salicifolia
Platanus racemosa
- Pluchea sericea
Populusfremontii
Salix exigua V
V Salixgooddinggii.
V V V Salix lasiolepis
Sambucus mexicana
0 2 V
V V 6 8 10 V 12 14 16 -18 V
Height Ft V V V 4
* V V V V
. '
2 V V Burkhart Envimnmental Consulting V 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 45 Prepared for City of Carlsbad CA
V V 4 V
- Figure 7 -
-
Site A: Combined Mean Container Tree Heights 2000
0 Groh 1998
. 'D Groh 1999 Baccharis salzczj'olia I
. I o Growth 2000
-- _I -- E3 Goals
Platanus racemosa
Pluchea sericea
Populusfremontii
Salix exigua
__________________ I I -• _____ -
Salix gooddinggii -
saiixia;ioej;is
Sambucus mexicana I I . I •. - .
- I I. .- .• .-
0 2-, 4 .6 8 10 12 .14 16 18
Height (Ft)
I' Figure 8
Site A Mean Canopy Cover Development 2000 JP
-.4 Mean Percent Canopy Cove -
100%-
80W
.40%-
20%-
0%
-. . - -- -- 104.5°A
Combined Average Co - -
North Site Mean • - South Site Mean • 86.9°A
- 007— 0a
74.4°A
go
!
15.20/.
~Ooo 23.3°A ,••
20.1* - -
I' '
-. •
- •. _. .
'.•2 1998 • • 1999 - -2000
- - . -
- . • Year
-4
- - .-- ••-.#.._ -
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
- - Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000
-
• 47. -.
•.
.
-
Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK
canopy cover this year because it has overlapping canopies between the tree and shrub species
levels. The South Area overstory cover also nearly met the 5' year cover standard (90%) at 80.1%
cover. Adding in groundcover, this site also clearly met 5h year cover standards. Thus after two
years both sites have already met their 5-year canopy cover standards. The exception to this
generalization is the southern quarter of the North Area that presently still lags behind the rest of
the site in overall cover at 54.8% and the 3S and 7S transects parts of the South Area which both
achieved 58.8% cover. All lagging transect areas continued to show at least a 20% increase in
cover this year indicating they should meet 5-year cover standards by the end of the monitoring
program.
No bare ground areas remain at this site. Perennial species continue to dominate understory cover.
Understory cover remained robust this year even without supplemental irrigation. Some
understory species, such as Douglas wormwort, continue to be so prolific in the North Area that
they have reached heights of 5 to 6 feet in some places. These heights are well above normal for
this species and a more typical 2 to 3 foot high understory height is anticipated as overstory
shading increases.
vireo occupied habitat
This year saw the successful nesting use of the North Mitigation Area by a pair of vireos who
fledged two young. No vireo nesting was observed at the South Mitigation Area and the pair
which was using the older existing woodlands next to this area last year was replaced by only a
single male unable to find a mate this year.
completion of one growing season without irri2ation
Since irrigation has been permanently withdrawn from this site since the end of the last growing
season, it has now met this criteria for success.
conclusions
The Site A Mitigation areas as a whole have met or exceeded all final growth and species
establishment standards set in project permits. In addition, these areas have now maintained these
growth standards without irrigation for one full year. Vireos successfully nested in the North
Mitigation Area this year but not the South. These sites will need to continue to be monitored for
the remainder of the 5-year monitoring period to meet their final permit success criteria; but they
should be released from the bonded monies required by the CDFG to be set aside by the City to
guarantee their success.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 49 Prepared for Cfty of Carlsbad, CA
3.2.2 Site A: Additional 0.25 Acre Area
species establishment
Table 6 shows all seeded species established except two; California sunflower and giant wild rye
grass; however, the rye grass established from container plantings and the sunflower is established
in the adjacent buffer zone. All species planted from containers also established by the end of the
first growing season. BEC concludes that the basic intent of species establishment of planted
materials has been met at this site.
container plant survival
Total container plant loss levels are well within the 80% standard for this site; therefore the site has
met this success standard.
final tree height standards
Tree height progress toward permit goals during the first year of monitoring is illustrated in Figure
9. The data for this figure is taken directly from the table provided in the Results Section (Table 7.
The results show the project has reached or exceeded its final success standard of 6 feet for both
shrub species planted.
final canopy cover standard
Canopy cover progress toward permit goals during the first year of monitoring is shown in Table
8. Canopy cover was 55.3%. This is a little over 70% of the 75% third year cover set for canopy
cover. This rate of growth is a good indication that canopy cover will meet its final goals before
the end of the monitoring period. However, some areas lag behind. Transects 1A and 3A both
hovered below 40% in cover. While these areas are not yet a source of concern they will need to
be monitored closely during this next year to assure they catch up with the more prolific parts of
this site.
The final cover standard of 90% which includes understory cover has also nearly been met
although some areas have much sparser cover than others.
vireo occupied habitat
There has been no detected vireo nesting in this mitigation site to date although foraging of a single
male has been observed in the adjacent South Mitigation Area of Site A. It is unlikely because of
the narrow and edge nature of this site that the criteria for vireo use and occupation will be met;
therefore, the success of this area will be linked to the success of all the mitigation areas located
Burkhart Environmental Consulting -2nd Annual Monitoring Report
- Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 50 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
- . r- -
-7
4 ,, . '4 -- 7-. •
*'
I - 4 .: .'. •- 7 , 4 ,'
'.:,.'.: ..-.'-
7,.' '7.
7. _7
Figure 9,9
Site A Extra Area A 0 28 'Are
Height 2000
T
T
r
O Goh 2000 ,. ' '. •. .
-
9
.. -. ' .. ' . ', '4 I . '. I
fl Goals
. .
- Baccharis .a1ic;fo1ia .
Salix exzgua I
7 Height (Ft)
.4 9.
. .....
7: ' '7. . . . . . 7 ,. 7 . . .
j4. - "9 - 7 '- . - - ... ,• - : •. • •4 . 7 - 77 ,
9'4
4,
7
47' * • 4- '' -.• 7...
. •. .. 7- - . - . - - , 7 .. " . .- - '-... ,, '41' -,
-. 7 ."4' . . - • 1,,_
7.
4- . - . , - ft • . - -,
4 4
,,,
4 -1 - .
7 ,. . .7 . • .'
. 7 , '..;• 7 • 7. -..
.. .i . .7
4
4
77 7 .4
- . 4. ', _•4 . . . . .
-. - ' 'I• ' . 4' . .'
--
9 -. - 7 - f.
97
-,
• ' 4. .7, . . . 4 4 4 4.
7' . . . - -• . . 7 •7 •
1,.' - - 4.. 7 - '.4' 7 . . .• . .- 4
44
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
*44 ' .7- , ' - , . '•. . Cannon Rd. Extensiri-.Wetland -Mitigation'Projects .' -
November 2000 51 3, Prepared for City of Carlsbad CA
.1
i "' '•
-.7 - . 7
7 •9 7 7 7 . ,' • •' 7 .4, - - . • 4 t - - .7 • 44 .4 - 7 7- •7-' .4 . 4. - .
. 7'.- 7. -. 7.--- .7. .7 -74 4f . 7 9.7 .7 ,•4$7 - - - 4. ,94.
, 4-.
THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK
within Macario Canyon. On this basis the site has met this standard since the North Mitigation
Area was successfully used for nesting this year by a pair of vireos.
completion of one growing season without irrigation
Since this site continued to be irrigated this past season, it has not yet met the requirement of one
year without supplemental irrigation.
conclusions
This site is well on its way to achieving all final growth standards set by project permits;
however, there are several areas of slower growth which should be watched during the next year
to assure they continue to make healthy progress towards the third year cover standard of 75%.
3.2.3 Site C: El Camino Real
species establishment
Table 10 shows that all seeded species established in the riparian woodland part of this site except
yerba mansa. However, yerba mansa is not considered critical to understory development at this
site and it has invaded the site from adjacent populations along the edge of the saltmarsh part of this
site. The regraded dike area is probably not moist enough to support the establishment of this
species from seed. Table 10 also shows that all seeded species established in saltmarsh areas at this
site; however, it is not expected brass buttons will persist in high numbers once more dominant
perennial saltmarsh species reach their mature spreads. BEC concludes that the basic intent of
species establishment for planted materials has been met at this site.
container plant survival
Total container plant loss levels are well within the 80% standard; therefore BEC concludes the site
has met this success standard.
final tree height standards
Riparian woodland tree height progress toward permit goals during the first year of monitoring is
illustrated in Figure 10. The data for this figure is taken directly from the tables provided in the
Results Section (Table 11). The combined results show the riparian woodland part of this
mitigation site are well on their way to meeting the final success standards for all species. Mulefat
(6.3 ft.) and sandbar willow (8.1 ft.) have already met their final height standard and desert arrow-
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 53 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
weed (5.8 ft.) has nearly met the six foot standard for shrubs. Arroyo willow has met 70% of its
final height standard in this first year of growth. Based on this first year data this site should easily
exceed its 5-year height standards within two years.
No height data was gathered for the saltmarsh areas of this site since there are only a few woody
shrubs planted there and the predominant cover will be from herbaceous saltmarsh species which
only reach 12-18 inches in height.
final canopy cover standard
Canopy cover progress toward permit goals during the first year of monitoring is shown in Table
12. Combined average canopy cover for riparian woodland areas is 56.4%. This is short of the
75% final cover set for canopy cover; but, nearly as high as the second growing season data
measured for Site A in 1999 (65.9%). However, there is some variability in riparian woodland
cover at this site as is shown by the difference in Transect 1C cover at 50.4% and the Transect 2C
cover at 76%. The riparian woodland data show what is evident by visual observation namely that
the southeastern part of riparian woodlands, which have slightly higher elevations above the
watertable, are growing slower than the northwestern part. Combined overstory and understory
cover which is required to be 90% by the end of the 5-year monitoring period has been met in most
riparian woodland areas because of the establishment of a healthy understory layer of perennial
herb species such as Douglas wormwood.
Combined average canopy cover for salt marsh areas was 94.8%. This is above the 90% final
cover set for canopy cover. This cover has a healthy mix of saltmarsh species dominated by salt
grass and woody glasswort. Because salt marsh areas will not have a stratified understory and
overstory, this years results appear initially to indicate the site should be considered successful at
this time; however, there still exists above 10% bare earth cover (13.2%). So the existing cover
will need to close in more to meet the 5-year cover standard.
vireo occupied habitat
It is believed it was the intent of the mitigation permits to produce vireo quality habitat in Macario
Canyon as a part of the final permit conditions for this site, but that because of the small size of the
sites outside Macario Canyon (C & D) that vireo occupancy is not a part of final permit
expectations. As a result no monitoring for vireo occupancy of either of these mitigation sites will
be performed or reported on.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 54 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
*
Figure 10
Site C El Camino Real
Mean Container Tree Height 2000
- . -• . . * 0 Gro'vith 2000
I 1 I D Goal s
Baccharzs sahcifo/ia I i
•
I,, V
Pluchea sericea
- •_4 V
V_
- -
* V ,' *. .V .,
1 -
1- ' 4
4
4
Sali exigua
I . *•.. -'•. .
V ... -.-
V V. - V ./. VV/ * V .
r
I S61zi1azoIepis -k
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 '
He;ght (Ft)
V + V.,. V * • :. V' 'V.. * *
. -'--- V *-.:V V 4, 8 4
- -. •V
V -,
-'--' -.: V V *
1. V S.-. *
4 8
Bürkhart Environmental Consulting 0 . - 4* * 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
-. - Nôvéthber.2O00 - .. V -55 -' ' Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
V
4
8
THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK
- -, - -'-4 -
1
completion of one growin2 season without irri2ation
Since Site C continued to be irrigated this past season, it has not yet met the requirement of one
year without supplemental irrigation.
conclusions
This site has is well on its way to achieving all final growth standards set by project permits.
3.2.4 Site D: Kelly Drive
species establishment *
Table 14 shows that all seeded species established in the riparian woodland planting area at this site
except yerba mansa. However, yerba mansa is not considered critical to understory development
at this site.
Table 14 also shows that all seeded species established in saltmarsh areas at this site; however, it is
not expected that the brass buttons will persist in very high numbers once more dominant perennial
saltmarsh species reach their mature spreads.
These results indicate that the basic intent of species establishment of planted materials has been
met at this site.
container plant survival
Total container plant loss levels are well within the 80% standard for this site; therefore the site has
met this success standard.
final tree height standards
Riparian woodland tree height progress toward permit goals during the first year of monitoring is
illustrated in Figure 11. The data for this figure is taken directly from the tables provided in the
Results Section (Table 18). The combined results show the riparian woodland parts of this
mitigation site are well on their way to meeting the final success standards for all species. Mulefat
(6.8 ft.) has already exceeded the 5-year height standard and sandbar willow is close (5.8 ft.).
Arroyo willow (8.2 ft.) has achieved 75% of its final growth standard of 11 feet. Based on this
first year height data this site should easily exceed its 5 year height standards within two years.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 57 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
/
No height data was gathered for the saltmarsh areas of this site since there are only a few woody
shrubs planted in this area and the predominant cover will be from herbaceous saltmarsh species
which only reach 12-18 inches in height
final canopy cover standard
Canopy cover progress toward permit goals during the first year of monitoring is shown in Table
16. Combined average canopy cover for riparian woodland areas was 50.8%. This is short only
about 30% of the 75% third year cover set for canopy cover. The only problem with cover on this
site is the continuing high amount of bare earth in the understory (24.4%) due to the lack of
successful understory species establishment in the riparian woodland part of the site. Since the
final cover standard of 90% includes understory and overstory cover together this situation should
be monitored closely to see whether remedial seeding may be warranted over the next two growing
seasons.
Combined average canopy cover for salt marsh areas was 71.7%. This cover is dominated by
spiny rush and woody glasswort. The saltgrass which is so predominant at Site C was not planted
here. This year's cover is very close to achieving the 75% final cover set for third year canopy
cover and also suggests that meeting the 90% cover standard set for year 5 will be easily possible.
vireo occupied habitat
It is believed it was the intent of the mitigation area permits to produce vireo quality habitat in
Macano Canyon as a part of the final permit conditions for this site, but because of the small size
of the sites outside Macano Canyon (C & D) that vireo occupancy is not a part of final permit
expectations for success. As a result no monitoring for vireo occupancy of either of these
mitigation sites will be performed or reported on.
completion of one growing season without irrigation
Since this site continued to be irrigated this past season, it has not yet met the requirement of one
year without supplemental irrigation.
conclusions
This site is well on its way to achieving all final growth standards set by project permits.
Burkhait Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 58 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
3.2.5 Completion of 5-Year Pampas Grass Eradication Program
Three years out of the five-year program have been successfully completed.
3.2.6 Completion of 5-Year Macario Canyon Least Bell's Vireo
Monitoring Program
Three years out of the five year program have been successfully completed.
3.2.7 Completion of 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program
Three years out of the five year program have been successfully completed.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 61 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 SITE A: MACARIO CANYON
4.1.1 Release Bond Monies
Site A plantings have essentially achieved their final success standards. It is recommended the
monies allocated by the City of Carlsbad with the California Department of Fish and Game be
released for Site A.
1
4.1.2 Continuing Removal of Invasive Exotics
It is recommended continuing attention be given to this site to assure all new invading exotic
species are eradicated before they reach seed stage in this site. The two most important species to
focus control on should be pampas grass and tamarisk.
4.1.3 Coordinate With Golf Course Project to Prevent Habitat Impacts
Particular care should be taken this year to coordinate with the golfcourse project which the City
intends to install on either side of the Macario Canyon mitigation areas this coming year. This
coordination should assure that no unauthorized impacts occur to the mitigation areas or buffer
zone. Such impacts could include both direct impacts to habitat and indirect impacts to habitat
quality from soil erosion or high noise levels which might disturb vireo occupation or nesting in
the canyon.
4.1.4 Buffer Zone Weed Control
Since the northern end of the buffer zone coastal sage scrub seeding has developed well, it is
recommended that invasive exotic species which have invaded this area adjacent to the mitigation
area be removed, especially the tall tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) which have established there.
4.1.4 Remulch and Fertilize Female Cottonwoods
It is recommended that all five of the one gallon Fremont cottonwoods which were planted at this
site be remulched and fertilized this fall with 18-6-12 Osmocote fertilizer to help these smaller trees
compete with the faster growing willows and mulefat which surround them.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 62 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
4.2 SITE A: ADDITIONAL 0.25 ACRE MITIGATION AREA
4.2.1 Continuing Irrigation As Needed For One More Year
Because this site has only achieved about 74% of its third year canopy cover goal and because
some parts of the site have achieved less than 50% of this goal, it is recommended the site be
irrigated through one more growing season before irrigation is terminated.
4.2.2 Remulch and Fertilize Oaks
It is recommended that the two oak trees planted at this site be remuiched and fertilized with slow
release 18-6-12 Osmocote fertilizer this fall to promote their growth.
4.3 SITE C: EL CAMINO REAL
4.3.1 Continuing Removal of Invasive Exotics
It is recommended continuing attention be given to assure all new invading exotic species are
eradicated before they reach seed stage in this site. The two most important species to focus
control on should be pampas grass and tamarisk.
4.3.2 Continuing Irrigation As Needed For One More Year
Because the southeastern portion of the riparian woodland portion of the site lags behind the
canopy cover achieved by the rest of the riparian woodlands on this site, it is recommended that
only the southeast end of the old dike be irrigated next year. The saltmarsh portions of the site
should also be irrigated for one more year.
4.4 SITE D: KELLY DRIVE
4.4.1 Continuing Irrigation As Needed For One More Year
Because the riparian woodland portion of the site lags in overall cover development, it is
recommended this part of the site be regularly irrigated this next year. The saltmarsh portions of
the site should also be irrigated to a lesser degree for one more year to assure vigorous canopy
development.
4.4.2 Invasive Exotic Species Control Along Site Borders
A renewed effort should be made next year to remove all invasive exotic weed species from within
100 feet of the site borders. Species of particular focus include palms, pampas grass, and
tamarisk.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 63 Prepared for City of Catisbad, CA
4.5 MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS
4.5.1 Continued Use of Smaller Sampling Transects on 0.25 Acre Area
As recommended last year, it is recommended that the use of four 10 meter line transects continue
for the Site A: 0.25 Acre Extra Mitigation Area planting next year since this strip planting is better
sampled by four small transects as opposed to one large one.
4.5.2 Separate Sampling of Height of All Sycamores and Cottonwoods
It is recommended the height measurement of all 15-gallon Western sycamore and Fremont
cottonwood be used again next year as the basis for determining the height progress of these
species.
4.5.3 Continued Use of Saltmarsh Monitoring Protocols
It is recommended that the saltmarsh areas of Sites C and D continue to be cover sampled using the
narrower 1 meter wide sampling band protocols used this year. As for this year, saltmarsh data
would continue to be analyzed separately from the riparian woodland data on the sites where it is
found. It is further recommended that woody glasswort be sampled next year using the same
density protocol as was used this year for saltgrass (i.e. as present or absent in each square foot
sampled).
LI
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 64 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
5.0 REFERENCES
Beauchamp, R.M. 1986. A Flora of San Diego County. Sweetwater River Press. 241pp.
BEC 1998-00. Monthly and Bi-monthly (after 4/1/99) Project Progress Reports: Cannon Road Extension
Mitigation Project. Report Nos. 1-22.
BEC. 1999. First Year Annual Report-Cannon Road Extension (Reaches 1&2) Wetland Mitigation Areas. Prepared
for City of Carlsbad-Engineering Department
California Coastal Commission. 1998. Coastal Commission Permit No. 6-97-11 and subsequent amendments.
California Department of Fish and Game. 1997. Streambed Alteration Permit No. 5-044-97 and subsequent
amendments.
Hickman, J.C., ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual-Higher Plants of California. University of California Press. 1400pp.
Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California, State of
California, The Resources Agency Department of Fish and Game.
Howard, S. 1998. Letter to William Tippets of California Department of Fish and Game regarding Mitigated
Negative Declaration for the El Camino Real Widening Project.
Tetra Tech, Inc. 1997. Conceptual Wetlands Mitigation Plan for Cannon Road Extension Project (Reaches 1 and
2). Prepared for the City of Carlsbad. January.
Tetra Tech, Inc. 1998. Addendum to Conceptual Wetlands Mitigation Plan for Cannon Road Extension Project
(Reaches 1 and 2). Prepared for the City of Carlsbad. February.
United States Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District. 1997. Department of the Army 404 Clean Water Act
Permit Nos. 97-20130-TCD and 97-20131-TCD and subsequent amendments.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1997. Biological Opinion No. 1-6-97-F-51: Biological Opinion on the
Cannon Road (Reaches 1 and 2) and subsequent amendments.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 1998-a. First Annual Report-1998: Least Bell's Vireo and Willow Flycatcher
Surveys and Monitoring, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsbad
San Diego County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 1998-b. First Annual Report-1998: 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping
Program, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsbad, San Diego
County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 1999-a. Second Annual Report-1999: Least Bell's Vireo and Willow Flycatcher
Surveys and Monitoring, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsbad.
San Diego County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 1999-b. Second Annual Report-1999: 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping
Program, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsbad, San Diego
County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 2000-a. Third Annual Report-2000: Least Bell's Vireo and Willow Flycatcher
Surveys and Monitoring, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsbad,
San Diego County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 2000-b. Third Annual Report-2000: 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping
Program, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsbad, San Diego
County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 2nd Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
November 2000 65 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
APPENDIX A
OBSERVED PLANT SPECIES LIST
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road Extension
Wetland Mitigation Sites
Understory Species
Observed
Site A: Macario_Canyon.
non- seeded YR 1 YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5 native (S)
Family - (X)
Scientific Name,
or
planted Aug.
1998
Aug.
1999
Aug.
2000
Aug.
2001
Aug.
2003
Aug.
2003
Common Name (P)
ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS)
Apiaceae - Carrot Family
Apium 2raveolens x Common celery
Foemculum vulgare x .
Sweet fennel
Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
Ambrosia acanthi carpa X • Annual bur-sage
Ambrosia psilostachya S •
Western ragweed
Artemisia douglasiana S 0 • Mugwort
Aitemisia dracunculus S • 0 •
Tarragon
Aster exilis 0 0 .
Slim aster
Bacchaiis salicifolia p
Mulefat
Conyzasp. x . •
Cotula coronopifolia x S • Brass buttons
Gnaphalium luteo-album X •
Lactucasp. x Wild lettuce
Pluchea odorata S •
Saltmatsh fleabane
Pluchea sericea p 0 .
Arrow weed
Piciis echioides x Bristly ox-tongue
Sonchus oleraceus X
Sow thistle
Xanthium strumarium x Spiny clotburr
Brassicaceae - Mustard Family
Brassica mm x Black mustard
Site A: Macario Canyon con't
Coronopus didvmus X
Lesser wart-cress
Lepidiumnitidum x •
Shining peppergrass
Raphanus sativus x
Radish
Caroyphyllaceae - Pink Family
Spergulariarubra x •
Ruby _sand _spurrey
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot
Family
Chenipodium ambrosioides x • •
Mexican tea
Chempodium sp. x .
Salicornia subterminalis p .
Parish's glasswort
Salicomia virainica p . . .
Woody glasswort
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Medicao polymorpha X • •
California burciover
Melilotus indicus x
Yellow sweet clover
Frankeniaceae
Frankenia salina p
Alkali heath
Lythraceae - Loosestrife Family
Anunania coccinea x •
Ammania ________
hys Lythrum sopifolia x
Hyssop loosestrife
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Abutilon sp. x
Globe mallos
Malvaparviflora X •
Cheeseweed
Onagraceae-Evening Primrose
Family
Epiobium adenocaulon
Polygonaceae Buckwheat
Family
Polygonum arenastrum x •
Doorweed
Rwnex crispus x
Curly dock
Potulacaceae - Purslane Family
Portulaca oleracea x •
Common purslane
Rosaceae - Rose Family
Rosa californica p
California rose
Rubus ursinus p
California blackberry
Vitaceae - Grape Family
Vitis girdiana p
Desert grape
Site A: Macario Canyon con't
ANGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
Cyperaceae - Cyperus Family
Cyperussp. X
sedge
Scirpus robustus . •
Prairie Bulrush
Juncaceae - Rush Family
Juncus acutus ssp. lepoldii S
Southwest spiny rush
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cortaderia selloweana x •
Pampas grass __ ______ ______ ______ ______
Cynodon dactylon x •
Bermuda grass
Piptatherum milleacum .
Millet ricegrass
Pennesetum setaceum x
African fountain grass
Polypoeon monspeiensis x
Annual beardgrass
Setanasp. X
Bristlygrass
Vulpiamyuros X S
Rat-tail fescue
Typha domingensis
Typhaceae - Cat-Tail Family
r cattail
.
Southern
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road Extension
Wetland Mitigation Sites
Understory Species
Observed
Site A Extra .25 Acre Area
non- seeded YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5
native (S)
Family-
Scientific Name,
(X) or
planted Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug.
Common Name (P) 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS)
Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
Ambrosia psilostachya S •
Western ragweed
Artemisia douglasiana S
Mugwort
Aster exilis .
Slim aster
Bacchans salicifolia p
Mulefat
Conyzasp. x •
Encelia caliornica S •
California sunflower
Hedypnois cretica x •
Crete Hedypnois
Pluchea odorata .
Saltmarsh fleabane
Picris echioides X •
Bristly ox-tongue
Sonchus oleraceus X •
Sow thistle
Brassicaceae - Mustard Family
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot
Family
Chenipodium sp. x
Euphorbiaceae - Spurge
Family
Euphorbia peplus x
Petty Spurge
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Medicago polymorpha x .
California burclover
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Malva parviflora x •
Cheeseweed
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road Extension
Wetland Mitigation Sites
Understory Species
Observed
Site A Extra .25 Acre Area
non- seeded YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5
native (S)
Family-
Scientific planted
(X) or Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. A
Common Name (P) 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS)
Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
Ambrosia psilostachya S
Westernragweed
Artemisia douglasiana S •
Mugwort
Aster exilis
Slim aster
Baccharis salicifolia p
Mulefat
Conyzasp. x
Encelia caliomica S •
California sunflower
Hedypnois cretica X
Crete Hedypnois
Pluchea odorata
Saltmarsh fleabane
Picris echioides x •
Bristly ox-tongue
Sonchus oleraceus x
Sow thistle
Brassicaceae - Mustard Family
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot
Family
Chenipodium sp. x
Euphorbiaceae - Spurge
Family
Euphorbia peplus x
Petty Spurge
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Medicao polymorpha x •
California burciover
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Malva parviflora x .
Cheeseweed
Site A: Extra Area con't
Polygonaceae - Buckwheat
Family
Polygonum arenastrum X •
Doorweed
Rumex cnspus x •
Curly dock
Saururaceae - Lizard-Tail
Family
Anemopsis californica .
Yerba Mansa
ANGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
Cyperaceae - Sedge Family
Scirpus californicus .
California Bulrush
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cynodon dactylon x • Bermuda grass
Digitariasp. x • Crabgrass
Echinochloa crus-galli x Common Barnyard Grass
Leymus condensatus S P Giant Wild Ryegrass
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road Extension
Wetland Mitigation Sites
Understory Species
Observed
sm = observed in saltmarsh area
rw = riparian woodland area
Site C: El Camion Real
Family -
Scientific Name,
Common Name
non-
native
(X)
seeded
(S)
or
planted
(P)
YR 1
Aug.
2000
YR 2
Aug.
2001
YR 3
Aug.
2002
YR 4
Aug.
2003
YR 5
Aug.
2004
ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS)
Apiaceae - Carrot Family
Foeniculum vulare X S Sweet fennel
rw
Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
Artemisia douglasiana S Mugwort
sm./rw
Aitemisia palmerii S San Diego sagewort
sm/rw
Aster exilis
Slim aster
sm/rw
Bacchaiis salicifolia p
Mulefat
rw
Cotula coronopifolia X S
Brass buttons
sm
Jaumea caniosa. X
Fleshy jaumea
sm
Nuchea odorata
Saltmarsh fleabane
sm
Pluchea sericea p
Arrow weed
rw
Picris echioides X
Bristly ox-tongue
sm
Sonchus oleraceus X
Sow thistle
sm
Caroyphyllaceae - Pink Family
Sper2uIariarubra X
Ruby sand spurrey
sm
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot
Family
Atriplex patula ssp. hastata S
Fat hen
sm
Salicornia subterminalis
Parish's glasswort
sm
Salicomia virinica 1)
Wooly glasswort
sm
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Lotus comiculatus x rw
Frankeniaceae
Frankenia salina
Alkaliheath
p sm
______
Site C: El Camino Real con't
Lythraceae - Loosestrife Family
Lythrum hyssopifolia
Hyssop loosestrife
X sm
Malvaceae - Mallow Family
Mavella leprosa
Alkali mallow
sm
Plantaginaceae - Plantain Family
Plantao major X
Common plantain
sm/rw
Polygonaceae Buckwheat
Family
Rumex crispus X
Curly dock
sm
Saururaceae - Lizard-Tail Family
Anemposis califormca
Yerba mansa
S sm
ANGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
Arecraceae - Palm Family
Washintonia robusta P rw
Mexican fan palm
Cyperaceae - Cyperus Family
Scirpus
k
robustus p sm
Prairie Bulrush
Juncaceae - Rush Family
Juncus acutus ssp. lepoldii S, P
Southwest spiny rush
sm
Poacene - Grass Family
Cortaderia selloweana x
Pampas grass
rw
Cynodon dactylon
Bermuda grass
X sm
Diitanasp. X
Crabgrass
sm
Distichlis subspicata P
Saltgrass
sm
Typhaceae - Cat-Tail Family
Typha domingensis
Southern cattail I ______ ______ ______ ______
APPENDIX A
Cannon Road Extension
Wetland Mitigation Sites
Understory Species
Observed
sm = observed in saltmanh area Site D: Kelly Drive rw =observed in riparian woodland area
non- seeded YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5 native (S)
Family - (X) or Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Scientific Name, planted 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Common Name (P)
ANGIOSPERMS (DIOCOTS)
Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
Ambrosia acanthicarpa x sm
Annual bur-sage
Aster exilis sm
Slim aster
Ambrosia psilostachya p sm/rw
Western ragweed
Aitemisia califormca slope
California sagebrush
Artemisia dou2lasiana S sm/rw
Mugwort
Aitemisiapalinerii S sm
San Diego sagewort
Baccharis salicifolia p sm/rw
Mulefat
Cotula coronopifolia x S sm
Brass buttons
Encelia califomica slope
California sunflower
Isocoma menñesii slope
Coast golden bush
Pluchea odorata sm
Saltmarsh fleabane
Ptcns echioides x sm
Bristly ox-tongue
Sonchus oleraceus X sm
Sow thistle
Xanthium strumarium x sm
Spiny clotburr
Azioaceae - Fig-Marigold Family
Carpobrotus edulis X sm/rw
Sea-fig
Boraginaceae - Borage Family
Heliotropium curvassavicum sm
Salt heliotrope
Caroyphyllaceae - Pink Family
SperEulariarubra X sm
Ruby sand spurrey
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot
Family
Atnplex patula ssp. hastata X S sm
Fat hen
Site D: Kelly Drive con't
Chempodium sp. X sm
Salicomia virinica p
Wooly glasswort
sm
Fabaceae - Pea Family
Mehlotus indicus x
Yellow sweet clover
sm
Frankeniaceae
Frankeniasalina P
Alkali heath
sm
Lythraceae - Loosestrife Family
Lythrum hyssopifolia x
Hyssop loosestrife
sm
ANGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
Cyperaceae - Cyperus Family
Cyperussp. X
sedge
sm
Scirpus robustus
Prairie Bulrush
sm
Juncaceae - Rush Family
Juncus acutus ssp. lepoldii S , p
Southwest spiny rush
sm
Poaceae - Grass Family
Cortaderia selloweana x Pampas grass
sm
Cynodon dactylon X
Bermuda grass
sm/rw
Disiichlis subspicata
Saltgrass
sm
Piptathenim milleacum
Millet ricegzass __ ______
sm
______
Pennesetum setaceum x
African fountain grass
sm
Polypogon monspeliensis X
'Annual beardgrass
sm
Setanasp. X
Bristlygrass
sm
Vulpia myuros X
Rat-tail fescue
sm
1phaceae - Cat-Tail Family
Tvvha domingensis
Southern cattail
sm/rw
APPENDIX B
TRANSECT PHOTOS
Note copies included only with original copies of reports to City and Resource Agencies
FIRST YEAR ANNUAL REPORT
Cannon Road Extension(Reaches 1 & 2)
Wetland Mitigation. Areas
U.S.ACOE Permit Nos. 97-201304CD &97-2013.1-TCD
CDFG Permit No. 5-044-97
USFWS Biological Opinion No. 1-6-97-F-51.
Coastal Comission Permit No.6-9711
Prepared For: City of Carlsbad
Engineering Department
2075 Los Palñias'Drive
Carlsbad,'CA 92009-1576
Prepared By: Brad Burkhart & Fred Sproul
Burkhart Enviroiimental Consulting
P.O.B. 420358
San Diego, CA 92142
iL
EC October 1999
Executive Summary
This report documents installation and first year monitoring for the Cannon Road Extension
(Reaches 1 and 2) Wetland Mitigation Project. The City of Carlsbad (City) is creating 6.34 acres
of new wetlands at three mitigation sites (A, C, and D) to mitigate for the loss of 2.64 acres of
wetlands lost to project construction. The reprot covers the period from initial installation in
spring 1998 through the end of the second annual botanical monitoring in August 1999.
Sections 1.0 and 2.0 focus on project design and installation implementation. Initially,
mitigation sites added to satisfy resource agency requirements generated after initial plan
permitting are discussed. Secondly, changes to original landscape plans during construction are
documented. Installation was completed for the original mitigation Site A (including 0.8 acres
added just before installation) in May 1998. Sites C and D and another .25 acres of wetland
creation added to Site A were completed by May 1999. Only minor modifications were made to
initially permitted designs. Design changes were recommended by the revegetation monitor to
better adapt plans to site ecological conditions and respond to nursery availability problems.
Section 3.0 focuses on the results of the first year of post-installation monitoring. As
required, two annual data collections were conducted in August 1998 (3months after planting)
and August 1999 (15 months after planting). Section 3.0 also summarizes the results of the first
two years of pampas grass eradication, brown headed cowbird trapping, and least Bell's vireo
monitoring all of which are required to take place in Macario Canyon where Site A is located for
five years. Since installation of Sites C and D and the final .25 acre area added at Site A was not
completed until May 1998, this year's report only covers vegetation development at Site A. A
decision was made to complete the monitoring cycle at the end of the growing season each year
for all sites. For this reason, the first year of Site A monitoring extends over 15 months rather
than 12. This will also be the case next year for the additional mitigation sites. In, ensuing years
reports will cover a more typical 12 month period.
Section 4.0 analyzes the results of year one botanical monitoring at Site A. These results
show the project has achieved remarkable results, nearly meeting all final growth standards set
by permit conditions. It concludes site A should achieve all growth standards by the end of the
second year of monitoring. Below is a quick summary of these results versus the growth
standards set for project performance:
Project Growth Standards vs First Year Results at Site A
Standard: All Container or Seeded Species Established
Results: All species sown from seed and container were established at both mitigation
sites. Some annual nurse crop species have now disappeared.
Standard: 80% Survival of Container Plants
Results: Less than 0.5% of container plants were lost during the first year.
Tree Heipht Standards Results
Fremont Cottonwood 10 feet 11.8 feet
Western Sycamore 9 feet 12.1 feet
Arroyo Willows 11 feet 12.5 feet
Black Willow 11 feet 11.1 feet
Sandbar Willow 6 feet 8.7 feet
Mulefat 6 feet 7.2 feet
Arrow Weed 6 feet 6.0 feet
Mexican elderberry 6 feet insufficient data
Standard: 75% Canopy Cover at Three Years and 90% Overall
Vegetative Cover at 5 Years
Results: 65.9% average cover combined with nearly 100% vegetative cover.
Section 5.0 makes remedial recommendations for the next growing season. Because permit
conditions require these growth levels be maintained for one year without irrigation, it is
recommended irrigation be largely abandoned by the summer of 2000 at Site A, except for the
recently planted additional .25 acre area. A recommendation is also made for focused weed
control and mulching for plantings still subject to heavy competitive pressures. No specific
recommendations are given for Areas C, D, and the additional .25 Acre area at Site A since these
areas only commenced post-installation monitoring this summer. Finally, it is recommended that
only one rather than two annual botanical data collections to measure vegetation growth be
completed each year at the end of the growing season.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1
1.1 Project History 1
1.2 Project Location 2
1.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon 2
1.2.2 Site C: El Camino Real 2
1.2.3 Site D: Kelly Street 3
2.0 PROJECT INSTALLATION MONITORING 10
2.1 CHANGES TO ORIGINAL PLAN 10
2.1.1 Site A: Macario Canyon 10
2.1.2 Site C: El Camino Real 14
2.1.3 Site D: Kelly Drive 15
2.1.4 Site A: Additional .25 acre of Mitigation Planting 15
2.2 INSTALLATION 16
2.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon 16
2.2.2 Site C: El Camino Real 18
2.2.3 Site D: Kelly Drive 20
2.2.4 Site A: Additional .25 acre of Mitigation Planting 21
3.0 POST-INSTALLATION MONITORING PAI
3.1 METHODS 23
3.1.1 Monthly Progress Reports 23
3.1.2 Horticultural Monitoring 23
3.1.3 Botanical Monitoring . 24
3.2 HORTICULTURAL MONITORING RESULTS 25
3.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon 25
3.2.2 Site C: El Camino Real 28
3.2.3 Site D: Kelly Drive 28
3.2.4 Site A: Additional .25 acre of Mitigation Planting 28
3.3 BOTANICAL MONITORING RESULTS 28
3.3.1 Results: Site A Macario Canyon 28
3.3.2 Results: Site C, D, A: Additional .25 Acre 35
1
3.4 PAMPAS GRASS ERADICATION PROGRAM 37
3.5 LEAST BELL'S VIREO BIRD MONITORING &
COWBIRD TRAPPING 37
3.5.1 1998 Monitoring Season 37
3.5.2 1999 Monitoring Season 38
4.0 DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
PROJECT SUCCESS STANDARDS 39
4.1 SUCCESS STANDARDS 39
4.2 DISCUSSION 41
4.2.1 Site 41
4.2.2 Sites C, D, and extra area A 47
4.2.3 Completion of 5-Year Pampas Grass Eradication Program 47
4.2.4 Completion of 5-Year Least Bell's Vireo Monitoring Program 47
4.2.5 Completion of 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program 47
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 48
5.1 SITE A: MACAREO CANYON 48
5.1.1 Discontinue Irrigation Except on .25 Acre Area 48
5.1.2 Focus Weed control on Exotics and Clonal Understory Shrubs 48
5.1.3 Mulch and Weed 1-Gall6n Cottonwood Plantings 48
5.2 SITES C, D, AND EXTRA AREA A 48
5.3 MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS 49
5.3.1 Change in Monitoring Frequency 49
5.3.2 Use of Smaller Sampling Transects on .25 Acre Area 49
5.3.3 Sampling Height of All Sycamores and Cottonwoods 49
6.0 REFERENCES 50
U
LIST OF FIGURES
1 Location of Mitigation Sites 4
2. Mitigation Site A 5
3 Mitigation Site C 7
4 Mitigation Site 9
5 Mean Container Tree Heights: 1998, 1999 South Site 43
6 Mean Container Tree Heights: 1998, 1999 North Site 43
7 Mean Container Tree Heights: 1998, 1999 Combined 45
8 Mean Percent Cover 45
LIST OF TABLES
1 Revised Mitigation Acreage Summary 2
2 Modified Seed Mixes Applied to Site A 11
3 Site A Planting Substitutions 12
4 . Species Established at Site A 29
5 Number and Percent Container Plants Lost 30
6 Summary Tree Height Data 31
7 Additional Sycamore & Cottonwood Summary Height Data for 1999 32
8 Canopy Cover Growth 34
9 Tree/Shrub Density August 1998 and August 1999 36
10 Project Success Standards 40
APPENDICES
A OBSERVED PLANT SPECIES LIST
B TRANSECT PHOTOS
Only included with the following copies of report: City of Carlsbad 1-Unbound Original
City of Carlsbad 1-Bound Copy
ACOE
CDFG
USFWS
111
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND..
As mitigation for the loss of 2.64 acres of wetlands associated with the construction of the Cannon
Road Extension (Reaches 1 and 2) in Carlsbad, California, the City of Carlsbad (City) is creating
6.34 acres of new wetlands (Tetra Tech 1998) on three mitigation sites shown in Figure 1 and
described in more detail below. This mitigation is designed to meet the conditions set forth in the
following permits and opinions:
Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) Permits Nos. 97-20130-TCD & 97-20131-TCD
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) Streambed Alteration Permit No. 5-044-97
California Coastal Commission (CCC) Coastal Development Permit No. 6-97-11
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Biological Opinion No. 1-6-97-F-51
Burkhart Environmental Consulting (BEC) and Native Landscape, Inc. (Native Landscape) were
hired by the City to monitor and maintain the new wetland areas. This report reviews the
installation work completed for each of the mitigation areas between i January 1998 and 11
October 1999 and presents an analysis of data collected to determine if the mitigations are
progressing adequately to meet the 5-year success standards set by permits. The report focuses on
the first year of post-installation monitoring for Site A completed in the late spring of 1998. Since
Sites C and D were not installed until the spring of 1999, their first annual monitoring review will
be included as part of the Year 2 Annual Report for this project. To simplify reporting
requirements, annual reports will be issued at the end of the growing season (September-October)
each year and will include an analysis of all three mitigation sites. Because of this scheduling, the
first year annual reports for each of the sites will be approximately 15 months after initial planting
rather than 12.
1.1 PROJECT HISTORY
Mitigation acreage for this project was originally proposed for creation at only one site in Macario
Canyon (Site A). The remainder of the mitigation requirements for the project were to be satisfied
by a contribution to a long-term management endowment for the Aqua Hedionda Lagoon Open
Space Preserve (See Site A on Figure 1 & Tetra Tech 1997). However, when the CCC would not
accept the management contribution as appropriate mitigation, the City proposed three additional
wetland creation sites in the project area (Sites B, C, D on Figure 1 & Tetra Tech 1998).
However, after hydrological analysis was completed for the Cannon Road Extension
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 . 1 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
improvements, the project engineers concluded it would not be possible to use Site B for mitigation
acreage. The City subsequently proposed relocating the Site B acreage (0.44 acres) to areas
adjacent to each of the other mitigation sites (See Appendix A: BEC 1/28/99). This relocation was
approved by the resource agencies (Table 1).
Table 1
Revised Mitigation Acreage Summary
Area A
Area B
Area C
Area D
TOTALS
Original Final
Approved Installed
Acreage Acreage
4.10 4.35
0.44 0.00
1.30 1.45
0.50 0.54
6.34 6.34
1.2 PROJECT LOCATION
The final mitigation sites (A, C, and D) are located in the City of Carlsbad within the general
vicinity of the road improvements that caused the original wetland losses (Figure 1).
1.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon
Site A is located adjacent to the existing Macario Canyon drainage south of the proposed extension
of Faraday Avenue to Cannon Road. It is divided into two sites located at the northern end of the
canyon. The Macario Canyon drainage runs from the present terminus of Faraday Avenue
northward beyond the new bridge being constructed for Cannon Road and into Agua Hedionda
Lagoon. The mitigation sites are located in a 50 to100 foot wide strip on the east side of the
existing wetland vegetation found in the drainage. The wetland creation sites along the drainage
are bordered to the east by an approximately 100 foot wide upland buffer strip that has been seeded
with coastal sage scrub species (Figure 2).
1.2.2 Site C: El Camino Real
Site C is located about 300 feet northwest of the proposed new intersection of Cannon Road with
El Camino Real. It is divided into north and south areas by a peninsula of existing riparian
woodland and freshwater marsh. The southern area was a former flood control berm about 40 feet
wide running about 1,000 feet in length parallel to the existing creek channel to the south. These
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 2 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
berm soils were removed to create grades acceptable for wetland creation. The northern part of the
site also required the removal of fill soils to create grades acceptable for new wetland creation
(Figure 3).
1.2.3 Site D: Kelly Street
Site D lies at the west end of Kelly Street (off El Camino Real) where it intersects with Park Drive.
A drainage channel enters the Agua Hedionda Lagoon open space at the southeast corner of the
mitigation area and continues along its southern border. The site itself was created after a long
peninsula of fill materials was removed to restore former wetland grades. The site is bordered on
its south side by existing willow woodland along the creek drainage and on its north side by
saltmarsh (Figure4).
I!
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 3 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
a 0
HGXNWDPGAE
AREA C AREA B(ELIMINATED)
WETLAND
AREA D RES TORA TION SITES
0
AQUA MITIQA TION SITES
HEDIONDA MA CARlO CANYON NORTH WETLAND LAGOON BRIDGE / CREA TION SITE
AREA:,
A QUTH WETLAND
CREA TION SITE
N
28 ACRES PAMPAS 0 GRASS REMOVAL
M . 'BROWN HEADED 0 0 CO WBIRD TRAPPING
D
O
V
p ye
aiy 0, OCWISSOE
'MAP
0 NOT TO
CITY Or V5TA
TT OF MW
MARCOS
O P*ciric octAs
csv or £MCIN1TA3
FIGURE
Location of Mitigation Sites +~'EBEC 0
0
4
Wetland Mitigation Area
Existing Riparian Woodland 11111 I I
Coastal Sage Scrub Slope Planting
Site Protection Fence
Culvert
CD-
North
Scale: 1:80 Ft.
FIGURE
Mitigation Site D
tB E C _____
2.0 PROJECT INSTALLATION MONITORING
Installation monitoring began in January 1998 when the City hired a team headed by Native
Landscape to perform 5-year's of monitoring and maintenance on Site A located in Macario
Canyon. Native Landscape used BEC to perform biological monitoring services associated with
the permit requirements and Varanus Biological Services, Inc. (Varanus) to perform required least
Bell's vireo surveys and cowbird trapping. Later in May of 1999 when the City learned it would
need to expand its mitigation acreage to satisfy CCC requirements, mitigation Sites C and D were
added and Native Landscape's contract was amended to include monitoring and maintenance for
these additional sites. Valley Crest Landscape, Inc. (Valley Crest) and Hazard Construction
(Hazard) were initially hired to perform the grading and landscape installation work for the Site A
mitigation plans. They were also subsequently hired to perform these services for Sites C and D.
The City precontracted with Mockingbird Nursery (Mockingbird) for the container plant
production materials for the initial Macario Canyon plantings. Native Landscape was given
addendums to produce container plant materials for the additional plantings at Sites A, C, and D
and to install the additional 0.25 acres of plantings relocated to Site A from the abandoned Site B.
The remainder of Section 2 reviews installation work completed for the mitigation sites.
2.1 CHANGES TO ORIGINAL PLAN
2.1.1 Site A: Macario Canyon
BEC made a number of recommendations for changes to the landscape plans and specifications
before the project was bid by Valley Crest to better adapt these plans to site ecological conditions
and to clarify descrepencies which existed between the plans and the specifications. All plant
palette changes were approved by the USFWS representative for the project after review with BEC
(BEC 1/20/98). These changes are summarized below:
seeding
Seed mix compositions were changed for the Willow Woodland and Marsh area mixes to remove
California goldenrod (Solidago caljfornica), yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) and cattail
(Typha spp.). Western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachys) and spiny rush (Juncus acutus) were
added to the Willow Woodland Mix. The following changes were made in the upland buffer
seeding mix; toyon (Heteromeles arbutzfolia) reduced from 4 to 1 pound per acre, laurel sumac
(Malosma laurina) reduced from 4 to 2 pounds per acre, black sage (Salvia melt jfera) increased
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 10 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
from 1 to 4 pounds per acre. In addition, the purple needle grass (Nasella pulchra) seed in this mix
was specified to be deawned.
The upland buffer seeding was delayed until the winter rainy season since it was non-irrigated.
For several species seed treatments were specified to assure adequate germination of all seed. Pure
live seed (PLS) standards were also specified for all species to guarantee viable seed was applied
(Table 2).
Table 2
Modified Seed Mixes Applied To Site A
PLS Lbs./Acre
(%pure live seed = %seed viability X %punty)
Mix #1: Willow Woodland
Anemopsis californica 27 2
Ambrosia psilostachys 7 2
Artemisia douglasiana 5 2
Artemisia dracunculus 3 2
Cotula coronopifolia 24 1
Festuca megalura 72 3
Juncus acutus 36 2
Pluchea odorata (pupurascens) 21
Total: 16
Mix #2: Marsh
Artemisia douglasiana 5 2
Cotula coronopifolia 24 1
Juncus acutus 36 3
Scirpus califomica 73 5.
Total: 11
Mix #3: Upland Buffer
Artemisia californica 8 6
Enogonum fasciculatum 7 25
Enophyllum confertifolium 18 25
Heteromeles arbutifolia 38 1
Lotus scoparius 54 6
Mimulus puniceus 1 2
Rhus (Malosma) laurina 57 2
Salvia mellifera 35 4
Lasthenia chrysostoma 30 1
Stipa pulchra 42
Total: 78
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 11 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
container plants
The planting depth for willow and mulefat plant crowns was changed to "at grade" rather than 6
inches below grade.
Mulching was specified for all Western sycamore (Platanus racemosa) and Fremont cottonwood
(Populusfremontii) plantings. Staking was specified to be on an as needed basis only.
Osmocote (18-6-12) slow release fertilizer applications and Agriform (20-10-5) slow release
planting tabs were specified for all container plantings. (Note: during actual planting for testing
comparison BEC had Valley Crest replace Osmocote® with two types of Reforestation
Technologies slow release fertilizer packets ("Booster Pak" 18-6-6-green packet & "Bio Pak" 16-6-)
plus minors-red packet)). These products were substituted for Osmocote in two 100 foot wide bands
at the southern end of the south site. Slow release tree tabs were used in all planting holes to make
the experimental areas comparable with the Osmocote areas. Growth results for these areas this
past year are compared in Section 3.2.1.
Due to lack of availability several species changes were made in the final plant order for Site A
(Table 3).
Table 3
Site A Planting Substitutions
Substitute all 1-gallon Frankenia salina for 4-inch size Frankenia salina
Substitute all 1-gallon Scirpus californica for Typha latifolia
Substitute all 1-gallon Scirpus californica for 4-inch size Scirpus Ca.
Substitute all 1-gallon Rosa californica for Ribes indecorum
Substitute all 1-gallon Pulchea servicea for Hymenoclea monogyra
Add 10 1-gallon Populous fremonlii female clone
(To be hand spotted by the biological monitor)
Add 31 1-gallon Pulchea servicea
Delete all 1-gallon Pulchea odorata from the saltmarsh palette
& Substitute the following:
10 1-gallon Anemopsis californica
10 1-gallon Frankenia salina
20 17gallon Salicornia subterminalis
The final list of plants delivered to the site is detailed in the BEC memorandum of April 10, 1998
(BEC 4/10/98). This list includes container plants for the additional 0.8 acre of wetland creation
added to the north site due to additional mitigation requirements requested by the permitting
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 12 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
agencies (see Figure 2). BEC specified these additional plantings in a memo written on March 12,
1998 (BEC 3/12/98). These memoranda are found in Appendix B of this report.
environmental and silt fences
Because there was a high likelihood of site siltation caused by erosion from the upland agricultural
areas bordering the mitigation sites to the east, it was decided to combine the environmental and silt
fencing into one fence line along the eastern boundary of the upland buffer zone. No silt fencing
was considered necessary between existing wetlands and mitigation sites.
weed removals
Valley Crest was instructed to include the removal of approximately 25 large pampas grass
(Cortaderia selloweana) from the southern mitigation site left by the site grader in their work bid.
project schedule
Project installation scheduling was delayed in 1998 due to a number of factors including an
unusually wet winter, delay in finalizing Valley Crest's contract, and the addition of 0.8 acres to
the northern part of Site A. Due to these delays the Fish and Wildlife Service allowed for the
installation schedule to be extended beyond the originally specified March 15th deadline designed
to limit impacts to the least Bell's vireo. Based on monitoring reports sent to the USFWS daily by
the project biologist, grading was allowed to continue until vireo arrived. It was finished on April 7
approximately one week before the first vireo was observed on April 15. Planting and irrigation
work was allowed to continue after vireo arrival because it was not believed noisy enough to
discourage vireo use of the adjacent wetlands.
guarantees and length of maintenance period
The plant establishment period was set at 90 days after the monitor's approval of initial installation.
plantings for additional 0.8 acres of mitigation
Due to increased impacts associated with project construction, the City was required to add
additional mitigation acreage to the original plan proposed for Macario Canyon. This acreage was
partially accommodated in Macario Canyon by widening the north mitigation site and associated
buffer area. An additional 0.8 acres of wetland plantings were added to this site. Plans for these
areas were initially presented to the resource agencies in conceptual form and then the City
Engineering staff developed final construction plans. Based on the plant palettes provided in these
plans, BEC created an expanded container plant list which included the original Macario area plus
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 13 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
the additional plantings (BEC 3/12/98). No major changes were made to the plant palette for the
additional planting area except those already accepted for the original site discussed above.
2.1.2 Site C: El Camino Real
grading changes
During removal of the old berm at Site C it became evident that the original contour base map
provided by the engineer was not correct. The elevations on both sides of the berm were not the
same; there was instead a drop of 5 to 6 feet from south to north across the berm. This drop was
greatest at the eastern end of the berm and did not exist at all at its western end. Although this
change in elevation was not significant enough to warrant a change in the planting design, it was
concluded there might be a problem with the existing channel changing course during heavy storm
events and flooding over the berm before revegetation plantings could establish. Therefore BEC
recommended the grading contractor construct a trough at the far eastern end of the berm to direct
any flood overflows to one area, thereby avoiding damage to the remainder of the plantings along
the berm. However, when flooding did occur, stream flow eroded the berm at a location
approximately 150 feet further west, where the stream channel curved to the south. When this
occurred an erosion gully developed to carry stream overflows. This gully was stabilized against
further widening by the use of sandbags but the stream was allowed to continue taking its course
through the new channel. A second minor erosion gully also developed at the far western end of
the berm which did not require stabilization since the change in grade from one side of the berm to
the other was minor.
irrigation changes
During installation several changes to the irrigation design were required. First, additional heads
were added to several lateral lines to assure complete coverage because the original base map used
for the plan was not accurate. The site is longer than shown on the plans. To accommodate these
changes, BEC eliminated several irrigation areas with double coverage on the site's eastern portion
to keep water demands within original design parameters.
The second major change to the original irrigation system layout was moving the source of supply
from south of the new Cannon Road Intersection on the west side of El Camino Real to north of
the site on the east side of El Camino Real. This change was necessary because road construction
work at the intersection would have created almost continuous disturbance where the line was to be
originally installed. A pressure-reducing valve was also added at the new connection point to keep
supply line pressures within design tolerances.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 14 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
sewerline access road relocation and reve2etation
During final development of Site C planting plans the sewerline which passes through the site's
eastern edge was found to have access needs which could not be accommodated within the existing
access easement if wetland mitigation credits were to be achieved. After negotiations with the
Carlsbad Water and Sewer District staff, it was agreed the existing access easement would be
moved to the north to accommodate the mitigation site. Because Site C had already been graded at
the time this problem was discovered, the City agreed to revegetate the already graded parts of this
access route with saltgrass (Distichlis subspicata) although it could not be counted as mitigation
credit. The Water District agreed to change the legal description of the access road easement to lie
outside the mitigation site.
container plants
The nursery originally contracted to provide saltgrass container plantings, Bee Valley Nursery,
was unable to deliver the plants ordered; so, a substitution order from Tree of Life Nursery using
liners and 1-gallon plants was assembled about two weeks before planting. This substitution
doubled the number of planted liners to compensate for their reduced size (BEC Memorandum
3/10/99).
Frost killed 157 arrow weed (Pluchea sericea) container plants being grown at Tree of Life
Nursery just prior to the initial delivery of plants to the site. These were replaced with 100 arrow
weed and 50 mulefat delivered later and planted during the plant establishment period.
Site D saltmarsh areas were larger than anticipated and Site C saltmarsh areas were smaller
therefore during final installation, 96 of the 2477 pickleweed (Salicornia subterminalis) and 85 of
the alkali heath (Frankenia sauna) designated for Site C were moved to Site D.
2.1.3 Site D: Kelly Drive
No significant changes were made to the landscape plans during installation at this site.
2.1.4 Site A: Additional 0.25 acre of Mitigation Planting
This 0.25 mitigation acreage was added last when the originally proposed Site B was rejected for
technical reasons. BEC created the plant palette for this area based on the original Site A palette
and irrigation was achieved by changing half throw heads at the site's south edge to full throw
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 15 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
spray patterns. The only change made to the original plans was replacement of mulefat for the
arrow weed plants killed by frost at the nursery.
2.2 INSTALLATION
2.2.1 Site A: Macario Canyon
exotics removals
As part of required permit work at Site A the City is required to eradicate pampas grass from a 28
acre area of existing riparian cover beginning at the mouth of Macario Canyon and extending to the
southern end of the south mitigation site. In addition 0.32 acres of additional pampas grass
removal was later added to project permit requirements to compensate for the loss of 0.32 acres of
mulefat scrub lost to the construction of a right hand turn lane on El Camino Real for the Cannon
Road Extension intersection. Although the majority of installation work was completed by Valley
Crest, this work was included by the City under Native Landscape's long-term maintenance
contract because it was anticipated that several years of control efforts would be required to
accomplish the task. Native Landscape began initial eradication efforts during the first part of
March 1998 by cutting and herbicide treating all existing clumps of this species. They. returned
again at two month intervals to respray reprouting clumps as necessary and by the end of 1998,
about 98 percent of all pampas grass appeared to have been killed. This work will continue for the
remaining 5-years of monitoring since it is expected that until this species is eliminated in the entire
drainage, it will continue to reinvade the site again from wind blown seed.
site arading
The majority of site grading work was completed in the fall of 1997 prior to the City contract
award for plant and irrigation installation. Because of wet surface conditions, the grading
operator's equipment got bogged down and, as a result, had to stop until the site dried out. Later,
the additional 0.8 acres of mitigation was added to the north site which required grading. As a
result, the City chose to have Hazard Construction, the general contractor over Valley Crest,
complete the grading in the spring of 1998. This work had to be delayed until the site dried out
sufficiently and contractual agreements were worked out. As a result, it was not possible to
complete the work by the March 15 deadline set to protect least Bell's vireo from noise impacts.
Therefore, the City obtained authorization to continue grading if they performed daily monitoring
until vireos were sighted. As it turned out, grading started March 19 but was completed on April 6
before the first vireo was observed April 15.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 16 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
irrU!ation installation
Prior to 1998 vireos had only been observed near the mouth of Macario Canyon adjacent to the
north site. Therefore, priority was placed on finishing irrigation installation at this site before vireo
arrived. As it turned out, irrigation was finished at this site approximately one week after vireo
arrival the third week of April. South site irrigation was then completed the next week. The only
modifications required were the addition of several irrigation heads at the ends of the north site
middle irrigation line to obtain adequate coverage
container planting
The City precontracted with Mockingbird Nursery to grow plant materials for Site A. Because
initial agreements with the resource agencies had required project success final standards be met
before road construction could begin (this requirement was later abandoned), the City had
contracted for about a third of container plantings to be grown in larger 5 and 15 gallon sizes.
Container plantings were initially inspected at the nursery by Valley Crest, BEC, and the City in
early January (BEC 1/7/98). The plantings needed for the additional 0.8 acres were subsequently
added to the original order as was a request for 13 1-gallon female Fremont cottonwood added to
assure the reproductive potential of this species (since all ordered plants were male clones). A
second inspection was performed for the final plant list in early April and BEC prepared a final list
of plants to be delivered to the site (BEC 4/10/98).
Container plants were shown on the construction documents as being laid out in template fashion,
therefore BEC laid out all plantings in the field to assure a proper ecological positioning. BEC
arranged species plantings by groups marked by colored flags to help Valley Crest quickly get the
plants to the correct locations in the field (BEC 4/14/98). As a result, container planting work
moved quickly and was completed for both sites by the last week in April.
At the end of the layout process, some container plantings remained from those originally
specified. BEC had these plants held for replacement plantings since they were not necessary to
achieve habitat objectives. A total of 282 1-gallon container plants were left: 128 sandbar willow
(Salix exigua), 20 arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepsis), 20 black willow (Salix gooddingii), 112
mulefat, and 2 Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana). The majority of these plants were later
used for replacement plantings.
seeding
Seeding for the mitigation sites proceeded immediately after container planting was completed and
was finished April 24th for the north site and May 1st for the south site.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1St Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 17 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
buffer zone seeding
The upland buffer zone running along the east side of the mitigation sites is not irrigated; therefore,
seeding was delayed to take advantage of winter rains for germination and completed by Native
Landscape after they took over long-term maintenance of the site. To prepare the site for seeding a
number of herbicide sprayings with Roundup Pro® were implemented to decrease the annual weed
seed bank in buffer zone soils. The site was also disced several times to knock down weeds.
Valley Crest sprayed and disced the site during the establishment period in the spring and Native
Landscape sprayed the site at mid-summer and then again just, before seeding in December.
Although these methods worked to kill existing weed cover, a substantial amount of dormant seed
remained in the topsoil. As a result, after seeding, numerous annual non-native weed species
sprouted. The majority of these weeds are broadleaf species and should be less competitive than
grasses with the seeded natives. Seeding took place in early January 1999 because little rainfall
had occurred earlier. Later in March, some remedial seeding was implemented at the north site
because soil disturbance and compaction had occurred during a police investigation of human
remains found there. This area were ripped and then reseeded with the original seed mix.
inspections
BEC prepared a final installation checklist for Valley Crest on May 5 and approved the start of the
90-day plant establishment period on May 8 (BEC 5/5/98, 5/8/98). BEC then wrote a letter to the
ACOE certifying proper installation of the project (BEC 5/8/98). At the end of the plant
establishment period, BEC inspected plantings and made a list of replacement plants and other
items to be completed before final signoff (BEC 7/23/98). BEC also carried out several other
interim inspections during the plant establishment period to assure proper maintenance measures
were implementd. Valley Crest was signed off of their plant establishment obligations and Native
Landscape took over the long-term maintenance of the mitigation site on August 6, 1998.
2.2.2 Site C: El Camino Real
site grubbing grading
BEC flagged the existing wetland boundaries of this site for grubbing and grading activities on
October 27, 1998. The site was grubbed and graded by Pahla Construction (Pahia). Most of the
organic materials left from these removals were removed from the site; however, the large
eucalyptus were left along the edge of the site boundary. Initial grading work on the old berm
revealed that there was not as much riprap along its south site as originally thought. Therefore soil
disposal became more of a problem than anticipated. Because of difficulty in finding a disposal
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 18 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
site, grading was not started again until December 14. Grading for this site was completed slightly
before Christmas 1998.
exotics removals
Although the mitigation site was thoroughly grubbed of weeds by Pahla during the grading and
grubbing process, not all adjacent invasive exotic weed infestations were eradicated. Also,
although the larger eucalyptus stumps were removed from the site, some of the smaller stumps
were not killed. Numerous pampas grass colonies remained to be eradicated within 100 feet of the
site. This work fell to Valley Crest once they obtained authorization to install the mitigation
landscaping. The work was largely completed by the end of January 1999; however, some
pampas grass and eucalyptus treated earlier had to be resprayed several times to kill them.
irrigation installation
Valley Crest began work on lateral line installation at this site in late January but was delayed
initially because seasonal rains made the soils too wet. A second delay occurred when the Water
District wanted to survey their sewerline passing under the eastern side of the site to determine if
remedial work would be required before planting work prevented further access to the line.
Thirdly, after much debate, it was decided the original point of connection on the west side of El
Camino Real would not work because it would not be possible to adequately protect it during
construction of the Cannon Road Intersection. After further debate, it was decided to relocate the
connection to the east side of El Camino Real bringing it under the road to the site through an
existing drainage culvert. Finally, there were problems obtaining meters for this site because the
contractor did not realize they had an outstanding balance for two months of their Macario Canyon
irrigation. Due to these issues, final irrigation installation was not completed until the middle of
March.
container planting
Container planting at the site took place in late March and early April after irrigation installation was
complete. Not all plants were planted at that time because some were not ready. The arrow weed
which was not ready was planted later in early May by Valley Crest; however, 47 of the 147 plants
specified had to be replaced by mulefat because the full order could not be grown. Since the
pickleweed and alkali heath had been salvaged so late in the season, they were also not ready at the
time of original planting. Because there was a desire to have Valley Crest complete their plant
maintenance period, it was decided to remove these plantings from Valley Crest's contract and
have Native Landscape install them after they took over long-term maintenance in August. These
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 19 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
plantings were finally installed by August 24 by Native Landscape. BEC was on hand for all
plantings to assure correct ecological positioning.
seeding
Seeding was completed on April 22, 1999 just after container planting.
inspections
BEC prepared a final installation check list for Valley Crest on April 23rd and approved the start of
the 90-day plant establishment period on April 30 (BEC 4/23/99, 4/30/99). At the end of the plant
establishment period BEC inspected all plantings and made a list of required replacement plants as
well as other items to be completed before final signoff. (BEC 7/8/99). BEC also carried out
several interim inspections during the plant establishment period to assure compliance with
required maintenance measures. Valley Crest was signed off of plant establishment obligations
and Native Landscape assumed long-term maintenance on July 26, 1999.
2.2.3 Site D: Kelly Drive
site grubbing and grading
BEC flagged the existing wetland boundaries of this site for grubbing and grading activities on
October 27, 1998. The site was grubbed and graded by Pahia. The organic materials left from
these removals were removed from the site. While initial grading work began on Site C in early
November and grubbing work was completed by the middle of November, soil disposal became
more of a problem than originally anticipated, considerably delaying the start of grading. The
Christmas break further delayed grading. As a result, grading was not finished until January 11,
1999. Fortunately, there had been little seasonal rainfall which could have further delayed grading
completion.
exotics removals
Although the mitigation site was thoroughly grubbed of weeds by Pahia during the grading and
grubbing process, not all adjacent invasive exotic weed infestations were completed. Pampas grass
colonies were not eradicated within 100 feet of the site. This work fell to Valley Crest once they
obtained authorization to install the mitigation landscaping. Valley Crest also was asked to remove
a large Mexican fan palm located near this site before proceeding with planting. This work was
largely completed by the end of January 1999; however, some of the pampas grass and eucalyptus
treated had to be resprayed several times to completely kill them.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 20 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
irri2ation installation
Valley Crest began work on lateral line installation at Site D in late January but was delayed
because seasonal rains made the soils too wet to work and the Water District wanted to survey their
sewerline passing under the site to determine if remedial work would be required before surface
planting work prevented further access. Finally, there were problems obtaining meters for this site
because the contractor did not realize they had an outstanding balance for the last two months of
their Macario Canyon irrigation. As a result of these problems, final irrigation installation was not
completed until the middle of March.
container planting
Container planting at the site took place in late March and early April after irrigation installation was
complete. Not all plants were planted at that time because they were not ready. The pickleweed
and alkali heath had been salvaged so late in the season, they were not ready at the time of original
planting. Because there was a desire to have Valley Crest complete their plant maintenance period,
it was decided to remove these plantings from Valley Crest's contract and have Native Landscape
installed them after they took over long-term maintenance for the site in August. These plantings
were finally installed by August 24. BEC was on hand for all plantings to assure correct ecological
positioning.
seeding
Seeding was completed on April 22, 1999 just after container planting.
inspections
BEC prepared a final installation checklist for Valley Crest on April 23rd and approved the start of
the 90-day plant establishment period on April 30 (BEC 4/23/99, 4/30/99). At the end of the plant
establishment period BEC inspected all plantings and made a list of required replacement plants as
well as other items to be completed before final signoff. (BEC 7/8/99). BEC also carried out
several interim inspections during the plant establishment period to assure proper compliance with
required maintenance measures. Valley Crest was signed off of plant establishment obligations
and Native Landscape took over the long-term maintenance on July 26, 1999.
2.2.4 Site A: Additional 0.25 acre of Mitigation Planting
site grubbing and ripping
Since the additional 0.25 acres of mitigation acreage installed at Site A had formerly served as an
access road to Site A before being converted to wetland creation, it had become compacted.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 21 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Therefore, the site was cleared of weeds and ripped prior to planting. This work was completed at
the time remedial seeding efforts took place for the police disturbance area of the buffer zone in
March. Additional minor weed control took place just before container planting work began in late
May.
irrigation installation
To irrigate the 10-foot wide mitigation planting strip, the existing edge heads were set to full circle
throw at the time of planting.
container planting
The container plants for the Site A addition were laid out by BEC on May 20, 1999 and plantings
were completed by May 23.
seeding
Seeding was completed with the specified hydroseed mix immediately after the completion of
container planting.
inspections
BEC prepared a final installation check list for Native Landscape in mid-May 1999 and approved
the start of the 90-day plant establishment period on May 23, 1999 (BEC Progress Report 6/6/99).
At the end of the plant establishment period, BEC inspected all plantings and made a list of
required replacement plants as well as other items to be completed before final signoff (BEC memo
8/12/99). BEC also carried out several interim inspections during the plant establishment period to
assure proper maintenance measures. Native Landscape was signed off of plant establishment
obligations on August 27, 1999 and then started the long-term maintenance of the mitigation site.
BEC wrote a letter to the ACOE at the end of August (BEC 8/27/99) certifying that all additional
mitigation acreage required by the resource agencies at sites C, D, and in Macario Canyon were
properly installed and beginning their first year of post-construction monitoring.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 22 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
3.0 POST-INSTALLATION MONITORING
Post-installation monitoring and maintenance for Macario Canyon Site A began in May 1999, for
Sites C and D in July 1999, and for the additional 0.25 acres planted at Site A in August, 1999.
Monitoring is divided between regular horticultural visits to assess landscape maintenance needs
and the collection of quantitative botanical data to determine progress towards permit success
standards. Because installation was finished half way through the first growing season for the
original Macario Canyon plantings and twice a year botanical monitoring was required under
permit conditions, the City decided (based on BEC's recommendations) to perform the first
monitoring for Site A at the end of the growing season in August 1998 and the second annual
monitoring in August 1999. Although this schedule extended monitoring to an 18 month period
for the first year, it then set a schedule for data collection to take place at end of the end of the
maximum growth season each year for all sites.
Because the City anticipates the resource agencies agreeing to once a year monitoring after this
year, the first annual monitoring for Sites C, D, and the additional 0.25 acres added to the Site A
edge are proposed to be conducted concurrently with the second annual Site A monitoring at the
end of summer 2000. The following section discusses monitoring methods and results.
3.1 METHODS
3.1.1 Monthly Progress Reports
To document project progress during the first year, monthly progress reports summarize site
observations and give recommendations for remedial measures. These reports are kept on file at
the City. The first progress report was issued in May of 1998 when Valley Crest completed the
Site A plant establishment period and Native Landscape began site maintenance. After twelve
months these reports switched in April 1999 to a bi-monthly format for the remainder of the 5-year
monitoring period.
3.1.2 Horticultural Monitoring
Horticultural monitoring consists of regular visits to the site to review the maintenance needs of the
mitigation plantings. If required, remedial maintenance recommendations are made to assure
acceptable project progress. Remedial measures are communicated directly from BEC to Native
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 23 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Landscape for implementation in the field. Where necessary written communications are used to
assure accurate communication is achieved.
3.1.3 Botanical Monitoring
To collect botanical data on the progress of wetland habitat creation a series of 25-meter (82 foot)
line transects are set up at each mitigation site. These transects are located evenly throughout the
site to evaluate all areas of planting. The number of transects vary depending on the acreage at
each mitigation site (transect numbers are provided under the results section for each site). Each
end of the transect is marked with a 6-foot metal T-post and then the compass direction (based on
magnetic north) recorded for future reference from a designated primary end of the transect.
Figures for each site show the location of transects within the site with the primary end numbered.
Along each of these line transects three data collection activities are performed to assess progress
toward permit success standards. The three methodologies are detailed below. In addition
photographs are taken annually from the primary transect post facing in the direction of the
compass bearing and a species list is prepared based on annual monitoring observations
(Appendices A & B).
tree heights
Within the same 20 foot belt transects used for measuring canopy composition, the heights of all
container planted trees are measured.
canopy cover
To assess the amount of canopy cover the line intercept values for all tree and shrub species over
18-inches in height are measured for each transect. Bare ground versus understory vegetative
cover is also measured for vegetation below 18 inches in height.
composition of trees/shrubs
Within a 20 foot wide belt transect centered on each line transect the number of tree/shrub species
over 3 feet in height are counted by species to determine canopy cover composition. Based on
these counts, overstory canopy cover compositions and density are determined. Density values are
provided in both plants per square yard and plants per square meter in the final analysis. No
attempt has been made to make detailed quantitative assessments of groundcover species density
compositions since understory cover typically forms only a minor component (consisting of less
than 10 percent vegetative cover) in mature riparian woodlands.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 24 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
3.2 HORTICULTURAL MONITORING RESULTS
3.2.1 Site A: Macarlo Canyon
seeding-riparian & marsh areas
In general the species hydroseeded at this site are establishing very well and largely dominated the
groundcover bythe end of the first summer after planting. At that time, all species in both the
Willow Woodland and Marsh plant palettes were found on site except the California bulrush
(Scirpus californicus) in the Marsh palette and the yerba mansa (Anemopsis cahfornica) in the
Riparian Woodland Seed Mix. The dominant species this first year was brass buttons (Cotula
coronopifolia), which formed almost continuous cover in many areas of the south site, However
perennial Douglas wormwort (Artemisia douglasiana), spiny rush (Juncus acutus), and western
ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya) were well established throughout the site and formed the
dominant cover during the second summer as they matured and spread by rhizomes (i.e. Douglas
mugwort and western ragweed). Brass buttons continued to dominate many of the wetter areas of
the understory during the second growing season. Other nurse crop annuals like Zorro fescue
(Festuca megalura) were present the first summer but largely out competed by the second. It is
expected that as the overstory matures on this site the closing canopy will shade out the majority of
understory cover except in clearings since most are not highly shade tolerant.
seeding-upland buffer zone
Seed germination and establishment results have been somewhat mixed in the upland buffer zone.
In general, despite repeated herbicide spraying to control germinating weed species, the only area
with any substantial germination of coastal sage scrub seedlings at the end of the second growing
season was adjacent to the north mitigation site where the surface weed seed bank was buried
under fill from the excavation of the adjacent mitigation area. In other areas, the dormant weed
seed bank remained sufficient that, after seeding, a dense weed cover again germinated and largely
excluded seeded species establishment. The 1999 year was a substantially below normal rainfall,
which probably added to low germination and survival of native seeded species. The area
disturbed by police investigation activities along the eastern edge of the north mitigation area also
remained largely bare because the remedial ripping and reseeding conducted here was implemented
too late in the season to germinate under natural rainfall during the second growing season. No
further remedial activities are required for the buffer area under permit conditions, but it should be
interesting to see if additional seed germinates this coming winter. This is possible if we see a
return to normal levels of seasonal precipitation.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 25 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
container plants
Container plant health was very high during the monitoring period. An evaluation in May of 1999
determined how many container plants died since the end of the plant establishment period and is
shown in the botanical monitoring results section of this report (Section 4.0). It reveals only
0.5% container plant losses. Thus container plant losses during the first year of monitoring did
not significantly effect the overall maturation of vegetative cover on either the north or south site.
Species where losses were highest such as Mexican elderberry, Desert Grape (Vitis girdiana), or
California blackberry (Rubus ursinus) appeared to have problems adapting to site soil conditions
especially the high salt levels which appear to exist in the south area of the site. All but three of the
dead plants recorded were found at the south site. The north site does not have these conditions
because surface soils were removed to lower grades prior to plant installation. At the south site
surface soils probably accumulated salts from former irrigation runoff combined with
evapotranspiration over time.
weeds
The focus of the maintenance contract after installation was weed control around container
plantings. BEC recommended that Valley Crest create an 18-inch in diameter vegetation free zone
around each container plant before they were signed off on their establishment period maintenance
responsibilities. Once Native Landscape took over long-term maintenance, they decided the best
way to maintain this bare zone was to apply a 3-inch thick wood chip mulch around all plantings.
In addition, under about half of plantings they also applied the preemergent herbicide Ronstar@ to
kill resprouting weed species. This approach proved very effective. Native Landscape renewed
the mulch in the spring of 1999 to carry the plants through their second growing season.
Understory weed control during the establishment period largely consisted of removing volunteer
wild mustard (Brassica nigra), wild radish (Raphanus sativus), Mexican tea (Chenopodium
ambrosioides), and cocklebur (Xanthium stur,narium) volunteers. To a lesser degree these
species continued to occur once long-term maintenance began. However, weeds became
troublesome as the seeded species began dominating groundcover during the long-term
maintenance period. The seeded brass buttons dominated this understory by the end of the first
summer and formed a thick enough mat that new weed species found it difficult to invade the site.
Other seeded perennial species also established and began to dominate understory cover by the
second summer. In general, weed control has not been a major problem at either of the Macano
Canyon mitigation sites and the emphasis has shifted to controlling weed populations around the
site's wetland edges.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 26 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
watering
Irrigation of mitigation plantings has continued through the first two growing seasons to achieve
optimum early growth. In August 1998 BEC began monitoring water use at mitigation Site A to
tailor irrigation applications to site needs. Sites C & D monitoring began when they were installed
in 1999. In general the philosophy used to manage irrigation applications is to provide twice daily
watering during the plant establishment period to germinate seed and establish new container root
systems, continue regular irrigation (1 to 3 days a week) through the first year of growth, and then
begin tapering off water use during the second and third years so that areas will meet their success
requirement for one full year of growth without irrigation before final project signoff. During the
winter months, when evapotranspiration decreases dramatically and natural precipitation occurs,
irrigation is initially decreased then discontinued until drought conditions return. Thus water use
usually peaks in July-August during the hottest months and is least from January-March.
This approach was modified on Site A because the additional 0.25 acre area planted along the edge
of this site during the second growing season required high levels of establishment irrigation. So,
while the rest of Site A irrigation was being reduced, this area was actually being heavily watered
to establish the new, plantings. Initially, additional irrigation for this area was accomplishd by
adjusting heads along the eastern edge of the south site to full circle application. Later only the
newly planted area needed irrigation so heads were set to half throw.
experimental fertilization
Preliminary evaluation of the three different types of slow release fertilizers used at the south
mitigation site (see Section 2.1.1) showed no significant difference in overall container plant
growth patterns derived from any of these products based on visual evaluations. However, it
should be noted that the Reforestation Technologies products are higher prided per plant application
than the Osmocote; although there is more latitude for spillage with this product. Interestingly, the
tallest and most prolific trees occurred on the north site where only Osmocote was used; however
the south end of this site also had some of the smallest trees and least canopy cover.
trash and vandalism
No vandalism occurred at the site during the installation period except that a transient trail was
established through the middle of the north site. Neither was there any significant accumulation of
trash on site during or after installation. The only trash or vandalism problems have been
associated with the upland buffer zone. Just prior to seeding the upland buffer zone in January
1999, a large amount of black plastic which had been used for growing adjacent agricultural crops
blew into the site and had to be removed before seeding could take place. Later when a dead body
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 27 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
was found along the edge of the north mitigation area, police vehicles did considerable damage to
an area along the eastern edge of this site during their investigation. This disturbed area was ripped
and reseeded in March 1999.
3.2.2 Site C: El Camino Real
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in July 1999. July also marked
the beginning of the first year of post-installation monitoring. The first report on post-installation
performance for this area will be included with next year's annual report.
3.2.3 Site D: Kelly Drive
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in July 1999. July also marked
the beginning of the first year of post-installation monitoring. The first report on post-installation
performance for this area will be included with next year's annual report.
3.2.4 Site A: Additional 0.25 acres of Mitigation Planting
The establishment period for this mitigation area was completed in August 1999. August marked
the beginning of the first year of post-installation monitoring. The first report on post-installation
performance for this area will be included with next year's annual report.
3.3 BOTANICAL MONITORING RESULTS
Only the results for Site A are given in this section since formal botanical monitoring for Sites C
and D and the additional 0.25 acres planted at Site A will not begin until the year 2000. Two
monitonngs were required for the first year of Site A monitoring. Both data sets are analyzed and
compared in the results section below.
3.3.1 Results: Site A Macarlo Canyon
species established
Table 4 below shows the species planted from seed and container plants at this mitigation site and
whether they are considered established at the site (X = established, NA = not applied to this site, ?
= not detected to date). In addition, Appendix A gives a complete species list of all species
observed at each of the two botanical monitorings.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 28 Prepared for CIty of Carlsbad, CA
Table 4
Species Established at Site A
From Seed
North Site South Site
Anemopsis californica.
Ambrosia psilostachys X X
Artemisia douglasiana X X
Artemisia dracunculus X X
Cotula coronopifolia X X
Festuca megalura (nurse crop) X X
Juncus acutus X X
Pluchea odorata(pupurascens) X X
Scirpus californica
From Containers
North Site South Site
Anemopsis californica X X
Baccharis salicifolia X X
Frankemasalina* NA X
Juncus acutus X X
Platanus racemosa X X
Populus fremontii-male X X
Populus fremontii-female X X
Pluchea servicea X X
Rosa californica X X
Rubus ursinus X X
Salicornia subterminalis* NA . X
Salix exigua X X
Salix gooddingii X X
Salix lasiolepsis X X
Sambucus mexicana X X
Scirpus californicus* X X
Vitis girdiana X X
* only planted in small brackish marsh area of south site
container plant survival
Table 5 shows the total container plants observed dead at the end of the first year of monitoring.
Less than 0.5% of all container plants were found dead at this site when evaluated during June
1999. This meant that 99.5% of all container plants had survived the first year after planting.
Some individual species survival were lower (Mexican elderberry = 93%, California blackberry =
92%, desert grape = 95%) but still well within the 80% survival rate required for final success.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 29 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 5
Number & Per Cent Container Plants Lost
Site A May 1999
Species No.
Planted
Size No.
Dead
%
lost
Anemopsis californica 50 1-gal. 0 0.0
Baccharis salicifolia 1064 1-gal. 0 0.0
Baccharis salicifolia 244 5-gal. 0 0.0
Frankenia sauna 20 1-gal. 0 0.0
Juncus acutus 10 1-gal. 0 0.0
Platanus racemosa 35 15-gal. 0 0.0
Platanus racemosa 12 1-gal. 0 0.0
Populus fremontil 35 15-gal. 1 2.9
Populus fremontii- 12 1-gal. 0 0.0
male
Populus fremontil- 13 1-gal. 0 0.0
female
Pluchea servicea 80 1-gal. 0 0.0
Rosa californica 198 1-gal. 2 1.0
Rubus ursinus 88 1-gal. 7 8.0
Salicornia 60 1-gal. 0 0.0
subterminalis
Salix exigua 244 15-gal. 0 0.0
Salix exigua 840 1-gal. 0 0.0
Salix gooddingli 181 15-gal. 0 0.0
Salix gooddingii 671 1-gal. 4 0.6
Salix lasiolepsis 182 15-gal. 0 0.0
Salix lasiolepsis 702 1-gal. 1 0.1
Sambucus mexicana 144 1-gal. 10 6.9
Scirpus californicus 150 1-gal. 0 0.0
Vitis girdiana 40 1-gal. 2 5.0
TOTALS: 5075 25 0.5
tree heights
Tree height data results are presented by species in Table 6. This data is divided between the north
and south sites and then a combined value is derived. Because the data sets for Western Sycamore
and Fremont Cottonwood were unacceptably small within the areas sampled by transects (only 2
sycamores and 8 cottonwood were sampled), a separate tally was made during the August 1999
monitoring of all 15-gallon plantings of these species to provide a more representative sample of
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 30 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 6
Summary Tree Height Data
August 1998-August 1999
•
. August i998 '.. . August 1999
Species Mean .Mean.cOnta1nerTreeHeight (Ft)
S N Combined No Pits S N Combinec No Pits
-. .Cóutitéd: T Cóui ted .. .-
Baccharis salicifolia 3.9 4.1 4.0 68 6.6 7.7 7.2 127
Platanusracemosa * 8.1 8.1 2 0.0 10.3 10.3 1 2
Populus fremontii 64 * 6.4 7 8.6 0.0 8.6 8
Plucheasericea 3.2 3.5 3.4 10 4.1 6.6 60 16
Salixexigua 5.7 6.7 6.2 137 8.0 9.8 8.7 132
Salixgooddingii 66 6.7 6.6 112 12.0 13.2 12.5 109
Salixiasiolepis 5.8 6.6 6.2 102 9.1 13.7 11.1 108
Sambucus mexicana * * * 0 * 9.0 9.0 1
* no data
their growth during the monitoring period. The combined tally for both sites including trees both
inside and outside transect sampling areas is shown in Table 7. This tally did not include the
growth of the smaller 1 gallon plantings (12 sycamore and 25 cottonwood); however these
plantings do not contribute significantly to canopy cover.
The height of all species showed significant progress toward project height goals by the end of the
first growing season after planting. By August 1998, all willow species and Fremont cottonwood
had reached a mean height greater than 6 feet. The western sycamores, already quite large at the
time of planting were above 8 feet in growth at the end of this first summer; however, the sample
set used to derive this data was small (2 plants). Mulefat had reached a mean of almost 4 feet for
the two sites and arrow weed was near 3.5 feet. A significant height difference was 'already
beginning to show between the north and south planting areas with all mean heights on the north
site slightly above those for the south. The only species with no significant height measurements
from the transect data was Mexican elderberry. Since this is a marginally planted edge species
which has had trouble adapting to many areas of the site, it was
decided not to collect additional quantitative data for this species.
The second monitoring in 1999 showed dramatic increases in height from those of the previous
growing season for all species. Height increases averaged over both sites showed that Mulefat
Burkhart Environmental. Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 31 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Table 7
Additional Sycamore & Cottonwood
Summary Height Data for 1999
Platanus racemosa Populus fremontii
August 1999 August 1999
S N S N
15.0 13.0 13.0 14.8
11.0 13.1 12.0 15.8
14.0 10.2 TO 9.0
13.0 10.2 7.8 8.7
10.0 6.9 12.7 9.4
14.3 14.3 12.5 21.0
10.4 10.9 10.6 12.0
10.5 11.9 8.4 14.8
11.0 5.5 8.0 13.4
9.6 7.0 5.0 20.0
13.0 15.0 6.1 25.0
13.7 13.0 14.6 15.0
10.2 13.0 15.7 15.0
15.0 16.2 11.0 11.7
11.5 14.0 9.6
12.4 17.4 5.3
13.3 15.0 8.4
12.8 9.0
10.8 8.6
10.8 11.8
9.4 12.0
12.7
13.0 Combined Combined
Mean Height
(Ft.)
12.1
I
12.2 12.1
________
10.0 14.7 11.8
increased 80% to 7.2 feet, arrow weed increased 76% 6.0 feet, sandbar willow increased by
40% to 8.7 feet, black willow increased 89% to 12.5 feet, and arroyo willow increased 79% to
11.1 feet. Although only one Mexican elderberry was found within the transect areas, it had
reached 9 feet in height. Other elderberries were also observed outside transect areas on the north
site which had achieved similar good growth. However, the majority of elderberry do not appear
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 32 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
to have been well adapted to site conditions (particularly at the south site) and therefore this species
has only thrived in scattered pockets throughout the overall vegetation cover.
Since the data base was judged less than adequate for the larger tree species, the additional height
data collected in August 1999 for these species (Table 7) will be used to compare growth increases
for western sycamore and Fremont cottonwood. Based on this data, the western sycamore
increased 49% in height to 12.1 feet and Fremont cottonwood increased 84% in height to 11.8
feet. Several Fremont cottonwood were observed on the north site which had reached over 20 feet
in height with the highest being 25 feet. In contrast the highest cottonwood on the south site was
only 16 feet tall.
Once again the north site showed significantly greater increases in height than the south site
ranging from 0.1 to 4.7 feet greater growth per species. Arroyo willow showed the greatest
differential with 4.6 feet greater mean height growth on the north site versus the south.
canopy cover
Canopy cover results are summarized in Table 8. Areas not covered by overstory cover in transect
areas were almost 100% covered by understory species for all transects, therefore no bare earth
observations were recorded in the data set. Overstory cover at the end of the first growing season
in August 1998 averaged 21.4% overall. Similar to the height growth data, the north site already
had begun to show higher coverage than the south (23.3% compared to 20.1%).
The 1999 growing season showed dramatic increases in canopy cover similar to those shown by
height with total mean canopy cover increasing from 21.4% to 65.9%. This was a phenomenal
208% increase! The differences between the north and south sites continued to increase, although
performance on the south site was still very acceptable. The north site increased 223% to 75.2 %
canopy cover. The south site increased 195% to 59.3% mean canopy cover.
Looking at subareas within the site, the No. 1 and 6 South Transects were the lowest cover areas
on the south site during the first growing season averaging around 14.5% cover while other
transect areas averaged over 20%. During the second growing season these trends were modified
slightly as the Transect 1 South area increased at the rate of 423% to 76.4% while Transect 5 South
achieved the highest cover of any transect in this area at 90.4% after having average cover during
year one. Transect 2 South which was highest the first season had now dropped to fourth in
overall cover (60.8% cover) for south site transects.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 33 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
In contrast, Transects 3, 6, and 7 South are having the greatest difficulty increasing canopy cover
at the south site. The Transect 6 South area continues to be the area of lowest cover at 34.4%,
second only to 3 South (140% compared to 55%). Growth also slowed significantly in the 7 South
area (to 146%) such that it was second lowest in mean cover at 48.8%. Nevertheless, growth rates
continued to be robust on the south site overall ranging from a low of 55% to a high of 423% since
the first data collection in August of 1998.
Table 8
Canopy Cover Growth
August 1998-August 1999
Transect 1998 1999
% Cover % Cover
1 South 14.6% 76.4%
2 South 26.0% 60.8%
3 South 22.6% 35.2%
4 South 22.4% 68.8%
5 South 20.7% 90.4%
6 South 14.5% 34.8%
7 South 19.8% 48.8%
Mean Cover 20.1% 59.3%.
1 North 10.0% 29.6%
2 North 19.9% 75.2%
3 North 36.2% 79.2%
4 North 13.0% 99.6%
5 North 37.3% 92.4%
Mean Cover 23.3% 75.2%
Combined Mean
Canopy Cover
21.4% 65.9%
Understory Cover 78.6% 34.1%
The north site continued to show significantly greater canopy cover growth during the 1999
growing season than the south site. Of the five transects sampled, the four northern transects all
exceeded 75% mean cover at 75.2%, 79.2%, 99.6%, and 92.2% respectively. Growth rates on
these transects ranged from 148% on Transect 5 North to 666% on the adjacent Transect 4 North.
Overall cover on this site continued to be lowest on Transect 1 North which also had the lowest
cover of all transects measured at 29.6%. It appears this low growth rate was at least partially
Burkhart Environmental Consulting - 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 34 Prepared for City of Caiisbad, CA
related to an irrigation problem that wasn't detected and fixed until the end of the second growing
season.
tree/shrub composition/density
Tree/shrub density data are summarized in Table 9. In both years all woody tree and shrub
species above 3 feet in height were counted as occurring within transect sampling areas. The
exception to this rule was that in 1999 because of the prolific clonal spread of sandbar willow,
additional plants of this species were not counted unless they occurred at least 3 feet from another
plant. In contrast, for all other non-clonal species, all plants over 3 feet in height were counted.
The 1998 results showed an average of 0.2 plants per square yard while 1999 results showed a
250% increase to 0.7 plants per square yard. Since all species planted have mature spreads of over
6 feet, these results indicate a high level of cover and suggests a high level of future canopy
growth.
There were differences between the north and south sites. However, these differences were not as
great as those for height and canopy spread and actually ran contrary to the trends for these
factors. During 1998 both sites had 0.2 plants per square yard. During 1999 the south site was
slightly higher at 0.8 plant per square yard compared to 0.6 per square yard on the north site.
Looking at individual species in 1998, density was mostly distributed between the willows and
mulefat. Sandbar willow accounted for the highest number of plants counted composing 30.2%.
Most of these plants were the result of early cloning by this species since there were no seedlings
observed. Black willow and arroyo willow were next at 23.3% and 21.1% respectively. Mulefat
composed 17.8%. All other species composed less than 8% of plants counted.
During 1999 the species composition pattern changed slightly because of the large increase in
mulefat seedlings invading the site from adjacent stands. This year mulefat composed nearly 60%
of plants counted. In contrast sandbar willow decreased in total percent cover to 23.8%, although
its overall average number of plants per transect continued to increase through cloning from 12.8
to 30.8. Black and arroyo willow also decreased by percent composition but increased slightly by
average number of plants per transect. Because of the proliferation of the willow and mulefat
numbers, the remaining species composed only 2% of average plants counted per transect in 1999.
3.3.2 Results: Sites C, D, A: Additional 0.25 Acres
The first report on post-installation performance for these areas will be in next year's annual report.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA 35
Table 9
Tree/Shrub Density
August 1998 & August 1999
C) 0)
Tree/Shrub Composition and Density
August 1998
Species North South Combined
Avg. No.
Plants per
Transect
% Comp Plants/yd2 Plants/rn2 Avg. No.
Plants per
Transect
% Comp Plants/yd2 Plants/rn2 Avg. No.
Plants per
Transect
% Comp Plants/yd2 Plants/rn2
Baccharissalicifolia 7.6 18.1% 0.0, 0.0 7.4 17.3% 0.0 0.0 7.5 17.8% 0.0 0.0
Platanusracemosa 0.0 0.0% 0.0 0.0 1.0 2.3% 0.0 0.0 0.4 1.0% 0.0 0.0
Populusfremontii 1.1 2.7% 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0% 0.0 0.0 0.7 1.6% 0.0 0.0
Plucheasericea 1.1 2.7% 0.0 0.0 2.6 6.1% 0.0 0.0 1.8 4.1% 0.0 0.0
Salixexigua
Salixgooddinggii
13.3
9.6
31.7%
22.9%
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
12.0
1 10.2
28.0%
23.8%
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
12.8
9.8
30.2%
23.3%
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
Salixlasiolepis 8.9 21.2% 0.0 0.1 9.0 21.0% 0.0 0.1 8.9 21.1% 0.0 0.1
Sambucusmexicana 0.3 0.7% 0.0 0.0 0.6 1.4% 0.0 0.0 0.4 1.0% 0.0 0.0
Total: 41.9 100.0% 0.2 0.3 42.8 100.0% 0.2 0.3 42.3 100.0% 0.2 0.3
Tree/Shrub Composition and Density
August 1999
Species North South Combined
Avg. No.
Plants per
Transect
% Comp Plants/yd2 Plants/m7' Avg. No.
Plants per
Transect
% Comp Plants/yd2 Plants/M2 Avg. No.
Plants per
Transect
% Comp Plants/yd2 Plants/M2
Baccharissalicifolia 51.0 44.3% 0.3 0.3 109.2 72.7% 0.6 0.7 75.3 58.0% 0.4 0.5
Platanusracernosa
Populus fremontil
0.1
1.0
0.1%
0.9%
0.0
1 0.0
0.0
0.0
0.2
0.0
0.1%
0.0%
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.2
0.6
0.1%
0.4%
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Plucheasericea 2.4 2.1% 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.7% 0.0 0.0 1.8 1.4% 0.0 0.0
Saljxeugua 38.0 33.0% 0.2 0.2 20.8 13.8% 0.1 0.1 30.8 23.8% 0.2 0.2
Salixgooddinggii 13.3 11.5% 0.1 0.1 8.2 5.5% 0.0 0.1 11.2 8.6% 0.1 0.1
Salixlasiolepis
Sambucusmexicana
9.3
0.0
8.1%
0.0%
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.0
10.6
0.2
7.1%
0.1%
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.0
9.8
0.1
7.6%
0.1%
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.0
Total:1 115.1 1 100.0% 1 0.6 0.8 150.2 1 100.0% 1 0.8 1.0 129.8 100.0% 1 .7 0.9
3.4 PAMPAS GRASS ERADICATION PROGRAM
Native Landscape has completed two years of pampas grass eradication in the 28.32-acre area of
pre-existing riparian woodland and freshwater marsh west of the mitigation sites in Macarlo
Canyon. This work has been carried out very effectively and nearly all the original pampas grass
plants have now been eradicated. There is however still a problem with wind blown seed
reinvading the site from the populations at the south end of the drainage outside the control area as
well as additional populations along the western edge of the canyon. These populations are
supposed to be included as part of the mitigation obligations for the future golf course to be built in
the canyon. It is hoped that these efforts will be completed before the present eradication program
is terminated to assure complete control of this species within the drainage.
3.5 LEAST BELL'S VIREO BIRD MONITORING & COWBIRD TRAPPING
A 5-year program of annual monitoring for the occurrence of least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii
pusillus) in Macano Canyon combined with annual brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater)
trapping is required by the USFWS Biological Opinion as part of this project's mitigation. These
programs have now been carried out for two years. Detailed reports on the results of these
programs have been provided annually to the USFWS (Varanus 1998-a & b, Varanus 1999-a &
b). Additional information is also provided in these reports on the occurrence of willow flycatcher
(Empidonax trailli). A summary of the results of these programs are provided below.
3.5.1 1998 Monitoring Season
least Bell's vireo observations
Vireos were first observed on the site on April 15 and last seen at the site at the end of July. Two
pairs of vireo nested in Macano Canyon in 1998. Two transient males were also observed. One
of the vireo pairs located its territory west of the north mitigation site riparian woodland edge. The
second pair located its territory on the north side of the future Cannon Road Extension bridge
abutment area at the north end of the canyon. The pair in the area of the bridge constructed four
nests but produced no fledglings. The pair nearer the north mitigation site nested twice but also
failed to fledge young. At least part of the nesting failure for the first pair appears to be due to poor
nest site selection.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 37 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
cowbird trapping program results
A total of five cowbird traps were set and monitored during the 1998 trapping season which began
on March 20 and ended on August 25. A total of 78 cowbirds (27 male, 30 female, and 21
juvenile) were euthanized during the trapping season.
3.5.2 1999 Monitoring Season
least Bell's vireo observations
Vireos arrived considerably later in 999 than 1998 and were not observed on the site until May 1.
A male and one fledging were still present at the site on September 2 when the last surveys of the
season were conducted. Again this year two pairs of vireo were observed nesting. Several
additional transient males were also seen in the area. One appeared to remain for the summer but
did not find a mate. One of the vireo pairs located its territory west of the north mitigation site
along the existing riparian woodland edge. The other pair located further to the south on the west
side of the riparian woodland edge and on the opposite side of the drainage from the south
mitigation site. The pair near the north mitigation site nested once without success. It appeared that
poor nest site selection was again to blame. The pair further south along the canyon, after failing to
fledge young from a first nest, successfully fledged two juveniles from a second nest.
cowbird trapping program results
The cowbird trapping program was shortened this year to a 145 day trapping program after
approval by the USFWS. Traps were first opened on March 20 and were closed on July 20. A
total of 43 birds (28 male, 11 female, and 4 juvenile) were euthanized during the trapping season.
No non-target bird species were found dead in traps during 1999. These results appeared to
indicate an overall decrease in both total numbers of cowbirds in Macario Canyon (since 78 birds
were euthanized last year compared to 43 this year); but, also an even greater decrease in cowbird
breeding potential since 30 females and 21 juveniles were captured last year compared with only 11
females and 4 juveniles this season. The cause for this dramatic decrease in numbers, however,
was not investigated and may be the result of any combination of several factors including late
nesting of many passerine species, changes in nearby land use causing a decrease in the local
population of cowbirds, changes in cowbird foraging distribution, and overall decrease in
passerine productivity. While it is possible that eradication efforts in Macano Canyon may have
helped decrease cowbird numbers, there is insufficient scientific evidence to indicate the cause of
this phenomenon at this time.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 38 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
4.0 DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
PROJECT SUCCESS STANDARDS
4.1 SUCCESS STANDARDS
The success standards established for this project are primarily derived from the standards set in
the Conceptual Wetlands Mitigation Plan for Reaches 1 and 2 of the Cannon Road Extension
Project (Tetra Tech 1997). These standards are referred to indirectly in all project permits by
reference to the requirement to execute fully all elements of the mitigation and monitoring plan.
The mitigation plan differs from the permits as regards to cover standards. Cover success
standards are designated slightly differently in project permits that require a 90 percent standard for
final cover at the end of 5-years and set a three year standard for 75% cover. The cover
requirements designated in the permits however appear to refer to overall surface cover not just
canopy cover. The present analysis defers to the permit requirements for cover but will interpret
final standards to include 75% overstory and 90% total vegetative cover.
In addition, both the USFWS Biological Opinion and the CDFG Permits require that the habitat
created be of vireo habitat quality (but do not set specific standards for this except to say that it is
occupied by vireos). Finally the CDFG permit specifies that newly created wetland vegetation
must survive one summer dry season without irrigation to be considered successful.
Generally, where a stricter standard applies this is the one that will be applied to evaluate project
success; however, in some cases where standards contradict one another a choice is made for one
standard over another (e.g. the dual requirements in the original monitoring program for both 80
percent and 95 percent survival of tree plantings). These success standards are summarized in
Table 10.
Four additional conditions are designated in the Biological Opinion to be completed before final
project release:
1. Pampas grass must be eradicated for a five year period from the 28.32 acres of existing
riparian woodland running from the mouth of Macario Canyon to the southern end of
the south mitigation area.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 39 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
A five year least Bell's vireo monitoring program must be conducted according to
approved USFWS protocols and an annual report on this effort provided to USFWS
each year.
A five year brown-headed cowbird trapping program must be conducted in Macario
canyon according to approved USFWS protocols and an annual report on this effort
provided to USFWS each year.
The completion of 5-years of post-installation monitoring and maintenance for all
mitigation areas.
Table 10
Project Success Standards
Species Establishment All species planted
Container Plant Survival
Final Tree Height Standards
Fremont Cottonwood 10 feet
Western Sycamore 9 feet
Taller Willows* 11 feet
Mulefat, Sandbar Willow, Mex. Elderberry, Arrow weed** 6 feet
4. Final Riparian Woodland Canopy Cover Standard
3-Years (This will also be 5-Year standard for canopy cover) 75%
5-Years (This includes all vegetative cover) 90 %
Least Bell's Vireo Occupied Habitat
Completion of One Growing Season Without Irrigation
Completion of 5-Year 28.32 Acre Pampas Grass Eradication Program
Completion of 5-Year Least Bell's Vireo Monitoring Program
Completion of 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Monitoring Program
Completion of 5-year Monitoring and Maintenance Program for all Sites.
* These include arroyo willow and black willow
** Arrow weed was added to the plan after initial success standard preparation and is included in this category
since its growth is similar to sandbar willow.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 40 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
4.2 DISCUSSION
4.2.1 Site A
species establishment
Table 5 shows that all seeded species established except two; yerba santa (Anemopsis caljfornica)
and California bulrush (Scirpus ca1for72ica); however, these species established at the site from
container plantings. All species planted from containers also established at both north and south
areas by the end of the second growing season. Some seeded species will probably not persist
until the end of the 5-year monitoring program because they are annual species that are not highly
competitive against overstory and understory perennials. These nurse crop species should be
excluded from the final establishment criteria since they were only intended as a groundcover to
help control weed cover during the first growing season of the project. These species include
Zorro fescue, brass buttons, and perennial dragon sagewort (Artemisia dracunculus) which is not
well adapted to the site.
container plant survival
Total container plant loss levels are below 0.5 % (Table 5). These were well below those needed
to meet the 80% survival standard required for final signoff.
final tree height standards
Tree height progress toward permit goals during the first year of monitoring is illustrated in
Figures 5, 6, and 7. Figures 5 and 6 show the performance breakdown between the south and
north sites respectively while Figure 7 provides combined average performance over both sites.
The data for these figures is taken directly from the tables provided in the Results Section (Table 6)
with the heights for western sycamore and Fremont cottonwood from Table 7. The combined
results show the project has reached or exceeded its final success standards for all species.
Taking a closer look at the north and south sites individually shows that the north site has met or
exceeded all species height standards. South site data show that for most species height standards
have been met; however, several species still fall slightly short. Arroyo willow has reached an
average height of 9.1 feet on this site while the success standard is 11 feet. Arrow weed at 4.1
feet average height is still 2 feet short. Finally, there were no Mexican elderberry sampled within
transect areas on the south site so there is no growth indications shown for this species. Since this
is a marginal species planted in low numbers and by field observation not well adapted to the more
saline south site soils, it is not felt that the performance of this species is critical to the success of
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 41 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
the mitigation effort. In fact, the height performance for Mexican elderberry shown for the north
site in Figure 7 is taken from only 1 plant.
final riparian woodland canopy cover standard
Canopy cover progress toward permit goals during the first year of monitoring is shown in Figure
8. Combined average canopy cover for both sites was 65.9%. This is just short of the 75% final
cover set for canopy cover. The north site actually achieved 75.2% canopy cover while the south
site was closer to 60% at 59.9% canopy cover. Thus the north site has already met its 5-year
canopy cover standard while the south site should easily reach this point by the end of the next
growing season. The exception to this generalization is the southern quarter of the north site that
presently still lags behind the rest of the site in overall cover. Transect No. IN that sampled this
area only shows a little over 29% canopy cover. However, since the rest of this site has such
abundant overstory growth, the site still averages over 75% cover.
The final cover standard of 90% which includes understory cover has already been met on both
sites since no bare ground areas remain. But importantly, there has been a shift during the 1999
growing season from annual to perennial species in the understory cover. This understory cover
has become unusually robust under the current supplemental irrigation regime. Some understory
species, such as Douglas wormwort, are so prolific on the north site that they have reached shrubs
heights from 5 to 6 feet in some places. These heights are well above normal for this species so it
is expected these plants will decrease to a more typical 2 to 3 foot high understory height as
overstory shading increases and supplemental irrigation ceases.
vireo occupied habitat
Although there has been no detected vireo nesting in either mitigation site, there has been nesting
near both sites in the nparian woodlands which border their western edges. In addition, there has
been foraging activity observed for two seasons within the north site by the vireo pair that
attempted to nest nearby. In 1999 one pair foraged extensively in the north mitigation site and
located its second nest along the ecotone between the mitigation site and the older riparian habitat.
completion of one growing season without irrigation
Since Site A continued to be irrigated through its first two summers of growth, it has not yet met
the requirement of one year without supplemental irrigation. It is anticipated that irrigation will be
withdrawn from both sites this next summer if the additional 0.25 acre mitigation area plantings are
well established at that time. However, additional supplemental irrigation may be needed on this
area as well as the south end of the north site to assure canopy growth standards are achieved.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 42 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Mean Container Tree Heights: 1998,
SITE'. V V [iGrowth199SOUTH DGrowth 1999
- •V - V DGos
Bh,aIicIi aris
I
Platanus aaurnosaV
V V
Pluchea seneca 1
V Popuhsfremontii Cl
V
V' .-
Sahxac;gua --4i
V SalLcgooddinggii
V1V4:V,
S lix lassolepis
Sambunts meEcana
V
8 10 12 14
Heght(Ft)
• Figure 5 V
Site A South Mitigation Area Container Tree Height Growth for 1998-1999
V
Mean Container Tree Height: 1998, 1999
NORTH SITE 0 Growth 1998
flGmwth 1999
:V L VVVV V 0Gos
V Baechanis SQItCifOItO
NIf
V ;•
Pluchea senicea
i
Cl
Populusfremontri 11 V V
V
VV
VV.VV
Vii' VV V5
jV I - ________
Sahxexsgua II -i
Sahxgoodthnggu
V Salixlasolepis
V
Sambucusmenioa,,a-
10 12 14
Height (Fl) V
Figure 6 - V
V Site A North Mitigation Area Container Tree Height Growth for 1998-1999
V V Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual MonitOring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 43 Prepared for City of CarlsVbád, CA
V
V V.•VV,V C -b4 VV)• ' - -
THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK
.•:.. :,.. ........
1
.:.. •..
;::.,
Bacchan.g salicj/olia l
15
R!afanus,acemosn
Pluchea sericea
-
- -
Populusfremonns --
- ,. . . - -
Sa!ixexigua
• -:-.'-. ii
salixgooddingpo --
':1
iII
'I
IF -'---I
o
. I I I
2 4 6 8 10 12
Height (n)
Figure 7
Site A- Combined Mean Container Tree Height 1998-1999
Note: Height values in Figures 5,6,7 for Populus and Plantanus derived from 15-gallon plantings not transect data
Moan Percent Canopy Cover
75.2%
70%
60%
50%
r 40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
w-O"North te Me—
X00000 dh South sitc Mean
1998 - 1999
Year
Figure
Site A Mean Canopy Cover, DeveLopment 1998-19.99
Burkhart Environmental Consulting . . 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Canncin Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 45 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
1 a'
14
THUS PAGE LEFT BLANK
conclusions
The Macario Canyon Mitigation Sites have nearly achieved all final growth standards set in project
permits by the end of the first year of monitoring. There appear to be a few small subareas within
the two sites that need further remedial attention but if these areas continue to grow well and the
sites are removed from irrigation during the next growing season, they should meet all
performance standards by the next annual report. Vireos appear to continue to actively occupy the
canyon during their breeding season and are presently foraging within the north site.
4.2.2 Sites C, D, and extra area A
No success standards were analyzed this year for these sites since their post-installation monitoring
period did no begin until July (site C & Site D) and August (0.25 acre Site A area) of 1999
respectively. These sites will be discussed in the next annual report.
4.2.3 Completion of 5-Year Pampas Grass Eradication Program
Two years out of the five-year program have been successfully completed.
4.2.4. Completion of 5-Year Least Bell's Vireo Monitoring Program
Two years out of the five year program have been successfully completed.
4.2.5 Completion of 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program
Two years out of the five year program have been successfully completed.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 47 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 SITE A: MACARIO CANYON
Site A plantings have essentially achieved their final success standards except for surviving
through one summer season without supplemental irrigation. In addition, understory growth has
been so successful at these sites that little if any weeding is now required. The following
recommendations are made for this coming year.
5.1.1 Discontinue Irrigation Except on 0.25 Acre Area
Irrigation should be discontinued on both sites in September 1999 except that the southern portion
of the north site should continue to receive supplemental irrigation through the end of the year to
stimulate growth. Irrigation should also continue on the extra 0.25 acre mitigation planting area
along the eastern edge of the south site through next summer. Irrigation heads along this edge of
the south site should be adjusted to 180 degree arcs so that only the newly planted area continues to
be watered.
5.1.2 Focus Weed Control on Exotics and Clonal Understory Shrubs
Exotic weed control should continue with a focus on removing invasive exotics like pampas grass
which are still likely to establish by wind blown seed in the area. In addition, California rose
(Rosa caljfornica) and California blackberry plantings should continue to have other vegetation
cleared from their planted area to facilitate the development of single species clones.
5.1.3 Mulch and Weed 1-Gallon Cottonwood Plantings
All 1-gallon Fremont cottonwood should be remulched this coming year and all vegetation over 8
inches in height should be cleared away from these plantings to a distance of 3 feet in all directions.
5.2 SITES C, D, AND EXTRA AREA A
No recommendations are made for these areas in this year's report since post-installation
monitoring has only just begun; however, ongoing horticultural recommendations will be made
during next year to assure adequate progress is made towards meeting project success standards.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 48 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
5.3 MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS
5.3.1 Change in Monitoring Frequency
It is recommended that the original mitigation plan requirement for performing botanical data
collection twice a year be changed to once a year at the end of the growing season in August-
September. This approach has been successfully used on several other projects approved by the
permitting resource agencies in the past and there appears to be no good reason why twice a year
monitoring is necessary to assess this project's progress.
5.3.2 Use of Smaller Sampling Transects on 0.25 Acre Area
In addition, it is recommended that four 10 meter line transects be used to monitor the 0.25 acre
extra mitigation area planting next year since this strip planting would be better sampled by four
small transects as opposed to one large one. The current monitoring protocol would place only one
25 meter transect in this area and this is not considered adequate to assess cover.
5.3.3 Sampling Height of All Sycamores and Cottonwoods
It is recommended that the height measurement of all 15-gallon western sycamore and Fremont
cottonwood be used again next year as the basis for determining the height progress of these
species.
Ll
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 49 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
6.0 REFERENCES
Beauchamp, R.M. 1986. A Flora of San Diego County. Sweetwater River Press. 241pp.
BEC 1998-99. Monthly and Bi-monthly (after 4/1/99) Project Progress Reports: Cannon Road Extension
Mitigation Project. Report Nos. 1-14.
BEC. 1/7/98. Macario Canyon Project Memorandum: Review of project plants begin grown at Mockingbird
Nursery.
BEC. 1/20/98. Macario Canyon Project Memorandum: Revisions to plans and specifications.
BEC. 4/10/98. Macario Canyon Project Memorandum: Final list of plants delivered by Mockingbird Nursery.
BEC. 4/14/98. Macario Canyon Project Memorandum: List of flag colors for container plants
BEC. 5/5/98. Macario Canyon Project Memorandum: Final inspection list.
BEC. 5/8/98a. Macario Canyon Project Memorandum: installation approval and start of 90-day maintenance.
BEC. 5/8198b. Letter to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers certifying completion of initial mitigation plantings in
Macario Canyon.
BEC. 7/23/98. Macario Canyon Project Memorandum: Site review meeting on July 21 and 23.
BEC. 3/10/99. Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Sites C & D: Site C changes in container plant types
and quantities.
BEC. 4/23/99. Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Sites C & D: Final installation checkoff list.
BEC. 4/30/99. Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Sites C & D: Start of 90-day plant establishment
period.
BEC 6/6/99. Progress Report No. 13: Cannon Road Extension Mitigation Project.
BEC. 7/8/99. Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Sites C & D: Establishment period maintenance.
BEC. 8/12/99. Macario Canyon Site, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation: Final checklist for 0.25 extra
mitigation area in Macaric Canyon.
BEC. 8/27/99. Letter to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers certifying completion of all additional mitigation plantings
for the Cannon Road Extension Project.
California Coastal Commission. 1998. Coastal Commission Permit No. 6-97-11 and subsequent amendments.
California Department of Fish and Game. 1997. Streambed Alteration Permit No. 5-044-97 and subsequent
amendments.
Hickman, J.C., ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual-Higher Plants of California. University of California Press. 1400pp.
Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California, State of
California, The Resources Agency Department of Fish and Game.
Tetra Tech, Inc. 1997. Conceptual Wetlands Mitigation Plan for Cannon Road Extension Project (Reaches 1 and
2). Prepared for the City of Carlsbad. January.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 50 Prepared for City of Carlsbad, CA
Tetra Tech, Inc. 1998. Addendum to Conceptual Wetlands Mitigation Plan for Cannon Road Extension Project
(Reaches 1 and 2). Prepared for the City of Carlsbad. February.
United States Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District. 1997. Department of the Army 404 Clean Water Act
Permit Nos. 97-20130-TCD and 97-20131-TCD and subsequent amendments.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1997. Biological Opinion No. 1-6-97-F-51: Biological Opinion on the
Cannon Road (Reaches 1 and 2) and subsequent amendments.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 1998-a. First Annual Report-1998: Least Bell's Vireo and Willow Flycatcher
Surveys and Monitoring, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsba4
San Diego County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 1998-b. First Annual Report-1998: 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping
Program, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsbad, San Diego
County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 1999-a. Second Annual Report-1999: Least Bell's Vireo and Willow Flycatcher
Surveys and Monitoring, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsba4
San Diego County, California, City Project No. 3184. Report prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Varanus Biological Services, Inc. 1999-b. Second Annual Report-1999: 5-Year Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping
Program, Cannon Road Extension Wetland Mitigation Project, Macario Canyon, Carlsbad, San Diego
County, California, City Project No. 3184. Prepared for the City of Carlsbad, CA.
Burkhart Environmental Consulting 1st Annual Monitoring Report
Cannon Rd. Extension Wetland Mitigation Projects
October 1999 51 Prepared for City of Carisbad, CA
APPENDIX A
OBSERVED PLANT SPECIES LIST
APPENDIX B
TRANSECT PHOTOS
Note copies included only with original copies of reports to City and Resource Agencies
I • IllililililU V
— —MINE I ME - • s s —.
4
c
FOR RNMOM
*s
---- S — IS
1
i - i—
-
-
- 0
-MEN i I I
S
*BEC Project FIArea I!
Burkhart Environmchtal & Transect Locations
East Gate Mall
Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Project
South Slopes of Northwest
Corner Area
(container plants in 1.3 acre area)
Disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub
Area
(container plants in 1.28 acres of
grass openings in css)
Old Roadbed
(seed, irrigate 1/2,
container plants)
-Seed & Herbicide
Legend
HHHHHHI
Container Plantings
7
71
Irrigation
Incorporate Bark Mulch
Grass Opening on Slope
South of Existing Coastal
Sage Scrub Area
(container plants in .24 acre area)
I . -. I, •
Southwest Corner Container Planting Area Central Plateau
(seed, herbicide & add (more container plants) (seed, irrigate,
mulch to soil to 1/2 ac) container plants) \ ¶
Figure
Recommended Recommended .1999-2000 Remedial Measures
1~.BEC
33