HomeMy WebLinkAbout3338B; AGUA HEDIONDA & CALAVERA CREEK DREDGING; LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN; 2007-03-02RECEIVED
MAR 052007
Cl OF CARLSBAD PLANNING DEPT
CITY OF CARLSBAD
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
for the
ROBERTSON RANCH
EAST VILLAGE
March 2, 2007
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
Prepared by: PLANNING SYSTEMS
1530 Faraday Ave.
Suite 100
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 931-0780
Approved by:
Preserve Steward • Date
City Date
CDFG Date
USFWS Date
•.
1.
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
- - TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................1
A. Purpose for Inclusion of the Preserve Area in the NM!'. ............... 1
B. Preserve Area History ............................................. 7
C. Purpose of this Management Plan ................................... 8
N. PRESERVE AREA DESCRIPTION ......................................... 9
- A. Geographical Setting ....................................... . ...... 9
Preserve Boundaries, Adjacent Land Use, Adjacent Preserve Areas 9
Geology, Soils, Climate and Hydrology .............................10
Cultural Features .......................................10
III. HABITAT AND SPECIES DESCRIPTION..................................11
A. Vegetation Communities, Habitats and Plant Species.................11
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub...................................11
Chamise Chaparral.........................................11
Riparian Habitat............................................11
Revegeta ted Habitats ....................................... 12 Other Areas to be Managed..................................13
Total Robertson Ranch OS Acreage Breakdown ................. .13
B. Animal Spec! es ............................................ . ...... 15
C. Species Covered by the HMP (Endangeredflhreatened Species........16
D. Edge Effects ...................................................... 19
East Village Open Space Preserve
Land Management Plan
March 2.2007
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
IV. MANAGEMENTGOALS.................................................20
A. Definitions of Terms Used in this Plan .............................. 20
B. Biological Elements: Goals ............20
1. Diegan coastal Sage Scrub Management.......................20
2. Riparian Habitat Management ...................... ......... 21 3. Roadrut/Vernal Pool Management ........................... 22
C. Public Use Elements: Goals .......................................23
Maintain the Property to Preserve its Biological Value..........23
Limit Public Access to Identified Trail Locations ...............23
Interface with the Master Homeowner's Association............23
Provide for Public Trails ....................................24
Provide for and Maintain Fencing of the Preserve ..............26
D. Facility Maintenance Element: Goals...............................26
E. Biological Monitoring Element.....................................27
General Avian Survey ......................................29
Pit-fall Trapping...........................................29
Sensitive Plant Species ......................................30
Vegetation Sampling.......................................30
Monitoring of the Roadruts/Vernal Pools......................30
Annual Report .............................................. 31
V. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SUMMARY.........................33
Operations and Maintenance.......................................33
Staff and Personnel Needs Summary ............................... 38
Management, Monitoring, Operations and Maintenance Budget.......38
VI. REFERENCES ...........................................................42
East Village Open Space Preserve Land Management Plan
March 2, 2007
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure b Regional Map ....................................................... .....2
Figure 2: HMP Core and Linkage Areas.............................................3
Figure 3: Aerial Photograph......................................................4
Figure 4: East Village Preserve Management Area..................................6
Figure 5: Sensitive Species Locations..............................................17
Figure 6: Trails and Fencing Plan .................................................. .25
East Village Opeu Space Preserve ffl Land Management Plan
March 2,2007
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Vegetation Breakdown - Existing Native (Within Preserve) .............. .... . 12
Table 2: Revegetated Vegetation Breakdown.......................................13
Table 3: Other Areas to be Managed Within the Preserve ............................ 13
Table 4: Non-Management Areas ..................................................13
Table 5: Robertson Ranch OS Breakdown Obligations..............................14
Table 6: Animal Species Observed within the Preserve...............................15
Table 7: Endangered/Threatened Species Occupying the Preserve ...................16
Table 8: Sensitive Animals Occupying the Preserve .......... . ....................... 16
Table 9: Sensitive Animals Potentially Occupying the Preserve......................18
Table 10: Sensitive Plants Occupying the Preserve................................. 18
Tablell: Public Trails ............................................................ 24
Table 12: Proposed Preserve Management Schedule ................................ 39
Table 13: Initial Capital Tasks and Costs............................................40
Table 14: Ongoing Tasks and Costs...............................................40
t. East Village Open Spare Preserve iv Land Management Plan
March 2,2007
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
DRAFT 3
ROBERTSON RANCH
EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose for Inclusion of the Preserve Area in the HMP
The Robertson Ranch Master Plan area is approximately 398 acres of planned development
located within the north-central area of the city of Carlsbad (Figure 1). Through the CEQA
review for the Robertson Ranch Master Plan project, the project was determined to result in
significant impacts to sensitive upland biological resources.
As mitigation for these impacts, the two Robertson Ranch landowners are obligated to set aside
for permanent conservation significant amounts of open space, including large tracts of native
and restored Diegan coastal sage scrub ("DCSS") habitat. This habitat conservation and
revegetation provides for a habitat corridor running diagonally through the Robertson Ranch site
from north-east to southwest, but also meanders throughout the hillsides of the property. This
habitat corridor is intended to comply with the core and linkage areas identified in the Carlsbad
Habitat Management Plan ("HIvIP") (Figure 2). An aerial photograph of the-subject Preserve area
in relation to Robertson Ranch is shown on Figure 3. As can be seen on Figure 3, adjacent land
uses to the East Village are the recently-constructed Calavera Hills residential uses to the north,
L open spaces to the east, the Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park to the south, and the future
development area of Robertson Ranch West Village (residential, commercial, community facilities
and open spaces) to the west.
J.
The Robertson Ranch is owned by two separate entities, as follows:
East Village - Calavera Hills U, LLC
West Village - Robertson Family Trust
This Robertson Ranch East Village Open Space Preserve Land Management Plan ("Plan")
constitutes the Preserve land management plan for the open spaces of the East Village only.
East Village Open Space Preserve
Land Management Plan
March 2,2007
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Figure 1
Regional Map
ROBERTSON RANCH
Carlsbad, California
Mafth12OQ7
0 1/2 1 2 Woo • 1
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Scilu in !r lei -.
SOURCE Habitat ttanagcmcnt Flan for Natural Communities in thu
City of Carlsbad (final approval November, 2004)
Figure 2
Core and Linkage Areas
ROBERTSON RANCH
Carlsbad, California
March 1, 2007
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ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
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OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
The East Village open spaces subject to this Plan are identified as the East Village Plan Preserve
fl Area ("Preserve") (Figure 4). This is the area affected by the requirements of this Plan. This Plan
Li is intended to provide guidance to the open space manager, to ensure the perpetual conservation
and maximization of the biological resource values of the Preserve. The property will be the
fl subject of a conservation easement deed granted by the property owner (Calavera Hills II, LLC)
Li to a qualified conservancy manager authorized to hold conservation easements under California
Civil Code §815 et seq.
L The Preserve is being conserved in accordance with the requirements of the City of Carlsbad
Habitat Management Plan ("HMP"), in concurrence with the City of Carlsbad, the US. Fish and
D Wildlife Service ("USFWS") and the California Department of Fish and Game ("CDFG"). The
primary goal of this habitat conservation is to protect the habitat of the federally listed coastal
fl California gnatcatcher, as well as other listed species and sensitive plant and wildlife species that
are covered under the Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan ("MMCI'"). A total of two (2)
U gnatcatchers have been observed to occupy the East Village Preserve area in the survey (2002) by
Merkel & Associates used to determine the Preserve areas. To confirm the presence of coastal
fl California gnatcatcher, a presence/absence survey shall be undertaken by the long-term U conservation management entity within 60 days of officially accepting the property.
The subject Preserve constitutes the implementation of the habitat conservation product
Li contemplated in the planning standards for the Robertson Ranch property identified in the
adopted I-MP. As such, in accordance with this HMP, the developer is required to identify and
fl endow a public or private natural land conservation management entity to manage this
U conserved area in perpetuity. Identifying the critical processes and elements that need
protection, and then planning, budgeting and funding for sustaining these processes and
elements in perpetuity is the essence of long-term land protection. This Plan provides a blueprint
for conservation management of the Preserve site.
The Preserve is presently owned by Calavera Hills IT, LLC except for the 3.2-acre off-site (West
L Village) revegetation obligation, which is owned by the Robertson Family Trust. The area within
open space will be the subject of a Conservation Easement, to be recorded in conjunction with the
U final map for City of Carlsbad CT 02-16. This is a requirement of the City of Carlsbad to help
achieve its obligation to protect and enhance wildlife values under the HMP and Implementing
Agreement. The subject open spaces shall remain in continued ownership of the existing
D owner(s) until they are transferred via fee title and/or easement to a master homeowner's
association (HOA) or via easement to a professional environmental management entity as
approved by the City of Carlsbad, USFWS and CDFG. Conservation management of the subject
D area are anticipated to be performed by Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) or other
comparable entity with equivalent experience and credentials acceptable to the USFWS, CDFG
and the City of Carlsbad.
U Execution of a management contract to provide for management of the Preserve open space must
- occur prior to approval of the final subdivision map for the East Village development. This
I management contract between the existing owner) and the management entity will also include
U provision of the appropriate endowment referenced in this Plan.
East Village Open Space Preserve 5 Land Management Plan
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Figure 4
East Village Open Space
Management Area
ROBERTSON RANCH
Carlsbad, California
LEGEND
- - Robertson Ranch Boundary Cabvera Creek corridor
j HMP Hardne Existing wetland restoration program
Open Space Bodarj
[ ' A SDG&E Easement Boundary 12,000 S.F. wetland restoration
i Protected Existinc Diegan Coastal * I SageSonib(OCSS)
Protected Existing Charnise Chaparral
NORTH o 1000' Restore existing tTatteDCSS
L JJ Protected Existing Rjarian Corridor
250' K—JU
SCALE:
500'
V = 500' 2.6 AC tuure wetlands restoration
Wetlands Restoration \\ Wonnative Grasslands
I [U Vernal Pools /1
UPLAND RESTORATION AREAS 1/
A 3.2 AC ofte DCSS
Reyegetafion (East
KAaiTATSUMMARYEA:VIJ..AGE) APPROX. Ac. NO. Modiftlion Area
Total exuthg 0 eger Goastall3W. Scrub (DCSS) 28.4 at
Total eiCMncbasra 1.7 ac
Tobd ex4ft RaranCcrridoc 6.1 ac
DSS)RIVEGTATlON AREA A 10280
(DCSS)REVEGTATION AREA A(OrFSrTE) 3.2 ac j
TOTAL (AREA A&OFFSITE) _... 13.4 xc
March I. 2007
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ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
C. Purpose of This Management Plan
This Plan has been prepared for five primary reasons.
The Plan guides management of habitats, species, and programs described herein to 1] achieve the City's obligation to protect and enhance wildlifi values under their HMP and
L. Implementing Agreement.
The Plan serves as a guide for appropriate public uses of the Preserve area.
The Plan serves as a descriptive inventory of fish, wildlife and native plant habitats, 1] which occur on or use this Preserve area.
The Plan provides an overview of the Preserve area's operation and maintenance, and
1] personnel requirements to implement management goals. It serves as a budget planning
aid for Preserve area budget preparation.
[] S. The Plan outlines HMP required annual work plans and reports for the Preserve area.
More specifically, the purpose of this Plan is to establish parameters for the long-term
fl management and protection of the biological resources of the Preserve. The Plan primarily
U includes areas which presently contain high-value DCSS resources and areas which will be
restored from agricultural lands to DCSS habitat over an approximate 5-year period. This Plan
U also includes a component for managing and monitoring riparian systems in the Preserve.
The intent is to assure that, through proper management, maintenance and monitoring, the
overall biological values will be protected from urban disturbances. Through implementation of Ll this Plan, it is anticipated that the open space area; (a) will persist and increase in value as viable
Gnatcatcher nesting habitat, (b) will become biologically integrated into the overall open space
network of the City of Carlsbad, (c) will remain consistent with the requirements of the HMP, (d)
Li will provide a wildlife movement corridor for HMP covered species, coyotes, and mesopredators,
and (e) will provide live-in habitat for HMP covered species that may occur on-site.
This document provides a management program to ensure an ecologically sustainable
conservation area, conserving both the diversity and function of the ecosystem through
U preservation of and adaptive management of the vegetation communities. This plan will outline
the resources and characteristics of the Preserve, and provide a brief overview of general tenets of
conservation biology for natural areas management as it applies to this area.
This Plan is consistent with the California Natural Communities Conservation Planning
("NCCP") Act and with the City of Carlsbad's Habitat Management Plan ("HMP") and the North
[j County Multiple Habitat Conservation Program ("MI-ICP"). It is expected that future
development activity within San Diego County will necessitate the mitigation of impacts to
endangered and sensitive species and biologically sensitive habitats through the preservation of
0 on-site lands which possess comparable habitat values. The biological values on-site, along with
the property's proximity to adjacent large areas of natural habitat and surrounding Preserves,
and its connectivity to the protected open space lands occupied by listed and sensitive species,
U led to its conservation.
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OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
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H. PRESERVE AREA DESCRIPTION
Geographical Setting
The Preserve is located in the City of Carlsbad, within the area of Robertson Ranch, approximately
2.5 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and lying east of El Camino Real and both east and west of
College Boulevard. The site's topography slopes from a high point (elev. 200 ft.) at the central-
north of the Preserve, to a low point (elev. 25 ft.) at the southwesterly frontage at the El Camino
Real and Cannon Road intersection. A portion of the area within the Preserve consists of historical
agricultural lands, which will undergo extensive DCSS revegetation. This revegetation program is
the subject of a separate plan. A Regional Map has been provided as Figure 1.
Preserve Area Boundaries, Adjacent Land Use, and Adjacent Preserve Areas
The boundaries of the Preserve are shown on Figure 2. Residential neighborhoods occur adjacent
to the property on the northern perimeter of the Preserve. Planned residential land uses are
clustered along the southern portion of the open spaces of this Preserve. College Boulevard
bisects the Preserve. Area to the east and north of College Boulevard is referred to as the
"panhandle" portion of the project site, also referred to as PA 23E. Existing easements on-site can
be seen on Figure 3.
The Preserve constitutes the eastern portion of Linkage Area B between Core #3 and Core #4 of
the Carlsbad HMP. As such, it is intended that this open space program is to be maintained as a
functional biological linkage between Preserve lands around Lake Calavera, Calavera Hills and
Preserved lands to the east, and the Robertson Ranch West Village habitat corridor and Agua
Hedionda Lagoon wetlands open spaces to the west. The Preserve is located within Local
Facilities Management Zone 14, the southern portion of which encompasses Robertson Ranch.
This area is presently dominated by agricultural fields, with scattered areas of Non-native
Grasslands ("NNG") and DCSS. It is the intent of this East Village Open Space Management Plan
to implement the program of habitat linkage through Zone 14 through implementation of the
conservation program described in this Plan. Linkage and Core Areas can be seen on Figure 2.
Revegetation of areas within the Preserve will be accomplished by the landowner in accordance
with the requirements of the Robertson Ranch East Village Upland Habitat Revegetation
(Extensive Habitat Creation) Program. Maintenance and monitoring of these revegetated areas
will be the responsibility of the landowner until the revegetated habitat is accepted as mature
pursuant to the Monitoring and Performance Standards of the above-referenced Program. Upon
USFWS and CDFG acceptance of the revegetated habitat, the conservancy manager will provide
ongoing management of these areas.
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OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
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- C. Geology, Soils, Climate and Hydrology
LJ The project site is located in the western portion of the Peninsular Ranges Geomorphic Province
of Southern California. The Peninsular Ranges are essentially a series of northwest-southeast
oriented fault blocks. The western portion of the Peninsular Ranges'generally consists of Upper
Cretaceous-, Tertiary-, and Quaternary-age sedimentary rocks.
1] The project site is underlain by the sedimentary layers of the Eocene-aged Santiago Formation
and undifferentiated Jurassic- to Cretaceous-age metavolcanic granitic (igneous) bedrock.
Human influences, recent weathering and erosion have produced Pleistocene-age terrace
deposits, colluvium, alluvium, Santiago formation, and igneous bedrock.
Temperatures on-site -average 58 degrees in January and 73 degrees in July with an average
[1 rainfall of about 10 inches.
Groundwater on the project site ranges from 6 to 14 feet below existing grades within the alluvial
materials. The presence of bedrock materials, with lower moisture content beneath the alluvium,
suggests that groundwater is generally perched within the alluvial section. Groundwater is also
encountered on-site at depths approximately 6 to 30 feet below grade, within the tributary
alluvium feeds, with the depth increasing as the alluvial deposits extend up into each tributary
drainage.
[ D. Cultural Features
A Cultural Resources Survey and Evaluation for the Proposed Robertson Ranch Project, dated
June 17, 2002, was prepared by Brian F. Smith and Associates. This cultural resources survey
concludes that three cultural sites exist within the Preserve area. Site SDI 5435 has been
evaluated for significance and identified as "Not Important". Site SDI 5416A is also identified as
"Not Important". SD! 5416B has been identified as "Important" and mitigation is identified as
"capping in open space". Site SD! 5416B is situation in the existing native CSS area of the
Preserve. Thus, since this Preserve does not allow for grading of this area, it is considered
capped in open space. No other known significant cultural/archeological sites occur on the
Preserve property.
College Blvd. crosses north-south through the Preserve and bisects it between the Panhandle
portion (on the east) and the westerly portion. An existing regional detention basin exists within
the southern portion of the Panhandle. An SDG&E electrical transmission line easement exists on
the western edge of the westerly portion of the Preserve. None of these improvements will be
managed by the Preserve Manager.
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ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
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III. HABITAT AND SPECIES DESCRIPTION
A. Vegetation Communities, Habitats and Plant Species
fl The Preserve contains a substantial existing stand of natural DCSS habitat interspersed with
some Chamise chaparral communities. Also, an existing ribbon of riparian habitat (sycamores
and southern willow scrub) exists along the banks of Calavera Creek. Other vegetation types-are non-sensitive. These areas are shown on Figure 2, quantified on Table 1, and described below.
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (DCSS)
Coastal sage scrub is a drought-deciduous community comprised of aromatic shrubs
with a diverse understory of annual and perennial herbs, per and annual grasses, [1 and grass-like plants. It supports a variety of sensitive plant species, and is the primary
habitat of the coastal California gnatcatcher (CAGN).
Characteristic shrub species of the on-site Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub include California
L.. Sagebrush (Artenzisia caljfon?ica), Flat-top Buckwheat (Eriogonuinfasciculatuin var.
foliolosuin), White Sage (Salvia apiana), Black Sage (Salvia nell4fra), San Diego
Monkeyflower (Munulus aurautiacus), and Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina). Also present
onsite are California Encelia (Encelia caljfornka), Broom Baccharis (Baccharis sarothroides),
and a scattering of Our Lord's Candle (Yucca Whippici).
U Chamise Chaparral QQ
I Chamise Chaparral, predominantly consisting of Chamise (Adenostomnfasciculatu;n), 1. occurs as isolated stands within the Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub near the northern
boundary of the Preserve. Understory development is poor. A few species, such as Soap
U Plant (hloro,gahim parvfolium) and BI-colored Everlasting (Gnaphaliuus bicolor, occupy • openings in this habitat.
U 3. Riparian
The Riparian Habitat is dominated by Western Sycamore (Platanus racesnosa) and mature
willows. It is situated on-site along Calavera Creek. Heavy adjacent farming activities
have resulted in an understory composed primarily of pioneering wetland weeds;
however, in the extreme northeast, beyond the agricultural area, a more pristine 11 woodland survives.
I East Village Open Space Preserve 11 Laud Management Plan
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ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
Table 1: Vegetation Breakdown — Existing Native (Within Preserve)
I, Vegetation Type Quality, Acreage'
Diegan coastal sage scrub (CSS) Good 28.4
Chamise Chaparral (CC) Good 1.7
Riparian Habitat (RA) (Existing Calavera Creek riparian Degraaed. Poor 6.1 corridor) Southern riparian forest, Sycamores, Southern understory. Mature
willow scrub 1 sycamores I __ TOTAL 36.2
4. Revegetated Habitats
In addition to the native vegetation resources identified above, areas of DCSS habitat
revegetation occur within the habitat corridor. This DCSS revegetation effort will be
initiated by the developer of the East Village residential property at the time that
development is commenced on the East Village. During the period in which this restored
DCSS is establishing, the owner(s) of the property will be responsible to perform the
necessary management, monitoring and maintenance. Upon completion of the
establishment period (typically five years) and acceptance by the Wildlife Agencies, the
revegetation area will be combined with the existing habitat area and transferred to the
management entity. At that time, ongoing maintenance and other obligations associated
with these areas will become the responsibility of the management entity. These
revegetated areas shall then be managed in accordance with the program for Existing"
DCSS in this Plan. The East Village CSS revegetation includes 10.2 acres of fallow
agricultural lands and restored slopes on the East Village, and also 3.2 acres of fallow
lands to be revegetated on the West Village. The revegetated CSS will not be impacted
by future development of the West Village. This West Village obligation is pursuant to
mitigation for previous Calavera Hills open space impacts. These areas are all shown on
Figure 2.
A single existing revegetated area presently exists within the Preserve. This is the
wetland/riparian revegetation area planted in 2004, as mitigation or the Calavera Hills
and College Blvd. and Cannon Road projects which were previously approved and
constructed. This existing wetland/riparian revegetation occurs over 8.3 acres in the
panhandle portion of the site. The City and the Calavera Hills developer are responsible
for management and maintenance of this area during the establishment period. This area
is under active management and monitoring and will be included in the Open Space
Management at the time that the specific wetland revegetation area is accepted as
completed by the City of Carlsbad. No other revegetation area presently exists on the
site.
The wetlands/riparian revegetation area could be increased by approximately 2.9 acres as
mitigation for wetlands and riparian impacts for other projects in the city. This area has
been observed by Merkel & Associates and they have concluded that the acreage is of the
proper grade, soils and hydrology that it could function as wetlands creation if a proper
creation program were employed. Any use of this additional 2.9 acres for wetlands
mitigation will necessitate the necessary review and approvals by the USPWS and CDFG.
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OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
Table 2! Reveeetation Veefatinn Breakdown - Air. Lands tn he 1LecInrd in Native
Re'egetation Type i Acreage
Initial (Extensive) CSS Revegetation (Area A) 10.2
Initial (Extensive) CSS Revegetation (Area A)
(On West Village property) 3.2
Wetland (Riparian) Revegetation - Calavera Hills 8.3
Future Wetland Revegetation - East Village (Potential) 2.9
TOTAL 24.6
5. Other Areas to be Managed
The Preserve includes two non-native areas that will be managed in conjunction with the
overall open space program.
Table • Other Areas In he Manaied within the Preserve
We, fati6hIry
Non-Native Grasslands 3.6
Community Trails 0.5
TOTAL 4.1
A regional public drainage facility, Detention Basin BJB, is located in the panhandle area
of the East Village. This facility, including access drive and associated accessory areas, is
maintained by the City of Carlsbad, and thus, will not be managed as part of this
Preserve.
Table 4: Non-Manaiement Areas
è • men rei
Detention Basin BIB 2.9
TOTAL . 2.9
6. Total Robertson Ranch OS Acreage Breakdown
For reference, the total Robertson Ranch open space acreage breakdown is as shown on
Table 5, below.
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I. ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Table flnherlann Ranrh oc Breakdown flbliaHnnc
•
East
Village
West
Village Total
Existing NatieVegttion (toi,econsez4dY -
Existing Coastal Sage Scrub 28.4 22.0 50.4
Existing Chamise Chaparral 1.7 0 1 1.7
Existing Riparian 6.1 2.5 8.6
SUB-TOTAL 36.2 24.5 60.7
Initial (Extensive) CSS Revegetation (Area A) 10.2 0 10.2
Initial (Extensive) CSS Revegetation (Area A)
(On West Village property)
3.2 0 3.2
Extensive CSS Revegetation on Habitat
Corridor slopes(AreaB)
0 5.6 5.6
Modest CSS Re-introduction in Habitat
Corridor (Area C)
0 17.0 17.0
Modest CSS Re-introduction with West
Village Grading
0 10.3 10.3
Wetland (Riparian) Revegetation - Calavera
Hills
8.3 0 8.3
West Village Wetland Revegetation 3.5 3.5
Future Wetland (Riparian) Revegetation -
East Village(Potential)
2.9 0 2.9
SUB-TOTAL 24.61 36.4 61.0
••• ...... :..
Non-Native Grasslands 3.6 4.1 7.7 Community Trails 0.5 0.5 1.0
SUB-TOTAL 4.1 4.6 8.7
Detention Basin BJB 2.9 0 2.9
Non-MànagementAr.a. .................:.::::;..::.
SUB-TOTAL 2.9 0 2.9
GRAND TOTAL 67.8 65.5 133.3
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OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
B. Animal Species
Table 6 lists all animal species directly observed on-site or having the potential to occur on-site
within the Preserve, and within the balance of Robertson Ranch, as identified in the Biological
Resources Report for the Robertson Agneh Project. Merkel & Associates, Inc., October 5, 2004.
Table Animal Sneciec Observed within the Preserve
Latin Name Common Name
Pseudacris regilla Pacific Treefrog
Sceloporus occidentalis Western Fence Lizard
Ua stansburiann Side-blotched Lizard
Aspidoscelis hijpenjthra Orange-throated Whiptail
Crotahis viridis Western Rattlesnake
Callipepla caljfornicn California Quail
Zenaida nacroura Mourning Dove
Aeronautes saxatalis White-throated Swift
Calypte costae Costa's Hummingbird
Tyrauuus vociferans Cassin's Kingbird
Psaltriparus suinimus Bushtit
Thryomanes bewickii Bewicks Wren
Chamneafiisciata Wrentit
Pipilo crissalis California Towhee
Toxostoma redivivum California Trasher
Passerina amoena Lazuli Bunting
Aimophila reficeps canescens Southern California Rufous-crowned Sparrow
Carpodacus mexicanus House Finch
Picoides nuttallii Nuttall's Woodpecker
Phoebe nigri cans Black Phoebe
Tyrannus verticalis Western Kingbird
Tachsjcineta bicolor Tree Swallow
Petrochelidon pijrrhonotn Cliff Swallow
Troglodytes aedon House Wren
Pheucticus nselanocephalus Black-headed Grosbeak
Dendroica petechia Yellow Warbler
Geothlijpis trichas Common Yellowthroat
Icteria virens Yellow-breasted Chat
Melospiza me!odin Song Sparrow
Passerina caerulea Blue Grosbeak
Carduelis ysaltria Lesser Goldfinch
East Village Open Space Preserve 15 Land Management Plan
March 2, 2007
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C. Species Covered by the HMP (Endangered/Threatened Species)
ii One (1) listed animal species (Coastal California Gnatcatcher) covered in the Carlsbad HMP
occupies the Preserve area. Two pairs of Gnatcatchers have been located within DCSS of the
Preserve during focused surveys. The Gnatcatcher is federally and state listed as a threatened•
species. Merkel & Associates, Inc., Geoffrey L. Rogers, conducted protocol surveys as authorized
under Endangered Species Act section 10(a)(1)(A) permit #801346-2 and California Department of
fl Fish and Game (CDFG) Memorandum of Understanding. Surveys were performed in accordance
with the current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) protocol (USFWS 1997). Surveys were
performed in May and June of 20D1.
.1 Table 7: Endangered/Threatened Species Occupying the Preserve
Latin Name Common Name Agency HMP MHCP
listed listed Vol.!!
listed
Polioptila cal jfornka calforuica Coastal California FT Yes Yes
1 gnatcatcher /SSC
Sensitive animal species also occupy the Preserve area. These species are listed in the following
9 table.
Table 8: Sensitive Animals Occupying the Preserve
Latin Name Common Name Agency
listed
HMP
listed
MHCP
Vol. II
listed
Cnernidophorus hyperthus beldingi Orange-throated
whiptail
SSC Yes Yes
Elanus leucurus White-tailed kite PP No No
Circus cyaneus Northern harrier
hawk
SSC No Yes
Accipiter cooperii Cooper's hawk SSC Yes Yes
Lanius ludovicinnus Loggerhead shrike SSC No No
Airnophila ruficeps cauescens So. Co. Rufous-
crowned sparrow
SSC No Yes
Anqhispiza belli bellE Bell's sage sparrow SSC No Yes
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Earl Village Open Space Preserve 16 Land Managenteizi Plan
March 2,2007
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sensitive Stcciec
Adotphta cab trnca r '
iwicus UUULUh
California Gtiai.&.ttvliei
0 Yellow-breasted Chat -
QI Yellow Warbler
ORoadrut/Vernal Pool
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Figure 5 NORTH Sensitive Species of
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ROBERTSON RANCH ____ 400' 800'
Carlsbad, California SCALE: 1' = 800'
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
Sensitive animal species potentially occupying the Preserve area:
Table 9: Sensitive Animals Potentially Occupying the Preserve
Latin Name Common Name Agency HMP MHCP
listed listed Vol. II
listed
Cnlyptecostae Costa's FP No No
Hummingbird
Picoides nuttailui Nuttall's PP No Yes
Woodpecker.
Vireo bellü pusilus Least Bell's Vireo Yes Yes
Erernophila alpestris actin California Horned SSC I No No
Lark
Toxastoma redivivun: California Thrasher FP No No
Dendroica petethia Yellow Warbler SSC No - No
Icteria virens Yellow-breasted Chat SSC Yes - Yes
Neofoma lcpida intermedia San Diego Desert SSC No Yes
Woodrat
Sensitive plant species also Occupying the Preserve area:
Table 10: Sensitive Plants Occupying the Preserve
Latin Name Common Name Agency NM? MHCP
listed listed Vol. II
listed
Adoiphin californica. California adoiphia CNPS No No
Dichondra occidentalis 1 Western dichondra CNI'S No No
Sensitivity Codes:
FT Federally Threatened
CE State Endangered
SSC State Species of Special Concern
FP State Fully protected species
CUPS California Native Plant Society listed
No "narrow endemic" plant or animal species listed in the HiviP or the MHCP Volume II have
been observed within the Preserve.
In order to facilitate movement of the above listed terrestrial wildlife and reduce the potential for
animal mortality from automobile traffic, a wildlife undercrossing has been provided under
College Boulevard between PA 23D and PA 23E. The landowner will provide fencing to direct
wildlife away from the roadway and into the undercrossing.
East Village Open Space Preserve 18 Lrnut Management Plan
Mardi 2, 2007
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D. Edge Effects
Li The Robertson Ranch East Village property is surrounded on the north and south by urban
development and the non-open space areas of the West Village will be developed with urban
fl uses in the near future. Habitat Preserves that are located at the interface of urban areas are
Li under regular threat of habitat deterioration and resulting species decline, otherwise known as
"edge effects". Maintaining the existing habitat quality is fundamental to the continued
biological health of the Preserve.
The most severe threat to preserving the existing quality of the Preserve is the invasion of
fl non-native plant species that have the ability to out-compete native species and change the
vegetation community structure and composition. This change can lead to a deterioration or
elimination of habitat quality and thus a decline of the sensitive plant and animal species rj normally found within the Preserve area.
Other threats include unauthorized uses such as off-road vehicle use, camping and other
fl recreational uses, feral or domestic animal occupation, non-native ants, and edgecondition
deterioration caused by impacts, including noise and light from adjacent urban owner uses.
Human impacts from recreational use tend to trample and disturb plants and the soil layer
I leading to habitat destruction and erosion. In high impact circumstances, habitat fragmentation
L and isolation can result in extirpation of species. Feral animals, particularly cats, can
dramatically impact native animal populations:
The most significant threats to the habitat within the Preserve include:
q Invasive species management
Trespassing
Illegal waste disposal
Li Historically, fire is naturally occurring disturbance in DCSS habitat, and animals and plants
within this habitat are to varying degrees adapted to persist in a mosaic of stands of vegetation in
U various stages of post-fire succession. However, within the Preserve, fire poses a greater threat to
the ecosystem than it did prehistorically. The relatively small size of the Preserve increases the
likelihood that a fire may affect the entire Preserve at once, resulting in local extirpation of many
U species. Fire affecting a significant portion of the Preserve is likely to result in decreased habitat
availability, thus decreased carrying capacity, and higher probability of local extirpation of
species by stochastic events.
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East Village Open Space Preserve 19 Land Management Plan
March 2,2007
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
IV. MANAGEMENT GOALS
Definitions of Terms Used in This Plan
Elements. An element refers to any biological unit, public use activity, or facility maintenance
program as defined below for which goals have been prepared and presented within this plan.
Biological Elements: These elements consist of species, habitats, or communities for which
specific management goals have been developed within this plan.
Public Use Elements: Public use elements are any recreational, scientific, or other use activity
appropriate to and compatible with the purpose for which this Preserve area is managed.
Facility Maintenance Element: This is a general-purpose element describing the maintenance and
administrative program, which helps, maintain orderly and beneficial management of the area.
Biological Coals:. A biological goal is the statement of intended long-range results of
management based upon the feasibility of maintaining, enhancing or restoring species
populations and/or habitat.
PUblic Use Coals: A public use goal is the statement of the desired type and level of public use
compatible with the biological element goals previously specified within the plan.
Area Specific Management Directives (ASMDs: ASMDs are the individual projects or work
elements that implement the goal and are useful in planning operation and maintenance budgets.
ASMDs are prioritized and described in detail in the annual work plans for each Preserve area.
Biological Elements: Coals
1. Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Management
Maintain and enhance DCSS to provide viable habitat for the California Gnatcatcher.
Coat: Protect DCSS from human impacts and encroachment and enhance health and
vigor of DCSS habitat community as necessary.
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Land Maiwgesnent Plan
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ASMD 1: Limit public use of Preserve area. Implement through fencing, signage
I and prohibition of trespass.
L ASMD 2: Control Jitter and unwanted materials. Implement through
establishment of patrols to control litter and unwanted materials through
fl regular maintenance.
Li ASM63: Provide for limited public use. Implement through limited public access
at identified public trails. Further limit access to these trails during
Gnatcatcher breeding season.
ti ASMD 4: Enhance DCSS vegetation in degraded areas. Implement through
program of native seed application and removal or suppression of
invasive flora.
ASMD 5: Monitor and manage all threats to the natural biology of the DCSS area.
Implement through program of restricting off-road vehicle use, LI precautionary fire avoidance, and limits of public encroachment.
Approximately 28.4 acres of existing DCSS vegetation will be preserved pursuant to the
fl requirements of the MHCP Conservation Analysis, the Carlsbad HMP, and the Li Implementing Agreement. In some areas of existing DCSS habitat, degradation of the
habitat is sufficient to warrant remedial planting and enhancement. Causes of habitat
Fl degradation include intensive weed removal, fire management damage, extreme
LI vandalism, natural processes that displace habitat, or other degradation of this
magnitude.
IL Enhancement as referenced in this plan is defined as the removal or suppression of exotic
and invasive plant species. Along with the removal of exotics, enhancement may also
fl involve native seed application. Enhancement is a very important management tool,
U particularly because existing non-native habitat will be allowed to remain in the Preserve
area. At this time, no introduction of any new plant or animal species is anticipated in
ii the Preserve.
2. Riparian Habitat Management
Maintain and enhance the existing Calavera Creek riparian habitat corridor.
Coal: Protect DCSS from human impacts and encroachment and enhance health and
vigor of DCSS habitat community as necessary.
[ ASMD 1: Enhance the riparian corridor vegetation. Implement through program
of removal of arundo donax, pampas grass and other invasive plants.
ASMD 2: Limit public access to the riparian corridor. Implement through an
El'
overall Preserve program of fencing, signage and prohibition of trespass.
• ASMD 3: Provide for limited public use. Implement through limited public access
at identified public trails.
ASMD 4: Monitor and manage all threats to the riparian corridor area. Implement
LI through program of restricting off-road vehicle use, precautionary fire
avoidance, and limits of public encroachment.
East Village Open Space Preserve 21 Land Ivianagenient Pin,,
March 2, 2007
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
[.1 - - The existing riparian habitat corridor along the sides of Calavera Creek will be preserved
in its existing state. Invasive species will be removed. Riparian habitat is known to be
the primary breeding habitat of the Cooper's hawk, Least Bell's vireo, and the Yellow-
Li breasted chat. In an effort to allow for quality future breeding habitat of these species on
the Preserve, the conservancy manager shall comply with all applicable conditions of fl coverage for HMP covered sensitive animal species, as identified in MHCP Volume II,
Li including the above-referenced three species.
fl Invasive species surveys will be conducted three times during the first year to assure L.i prompt identification and eradication of invasive species. In subsequent years the
invasive survey will be performed on an annual basis. Invasive species control will be
1] accomplished using a combination of manual removal and application of herbicide. This
- Plan assumes a zero tolerance for major invasive plants, including pampas grass and
arundo donax.
U The riparian corridor should be managed to minimize activities that would degrade the
habitats, or which would restrict the alteration or clearing of riparian vegetation, and
[I
encourage activities which would maintain hydrology and water quality in the corridor
• rip'arian habitat.
F1 3. RoadrutNernal Pool Management
Protect the roadrut/vernal pools from outside-influences and impacts.
Goal: Protect the roadrut/vernal pools from human impacts and encroachment.
ASMD 1: Limit public access to the vernal pool area. Implement through fencing,
signage and prohibition of trespass of the vernal pools.
ASMD 2: Control litter and unwanted materials. Implement through
establishment of patrols to control litter and unwanted materials through
regular maintenance.
Two roadrut/vernal pools are located along the western boundary of PA 23E, adjacent-to
the Calavera Hills neighborhood. The primary constituents of the pools are several
species common to many pools in the region: Dwarf Plantain (Pla,;tago elongate), Woolly
Marbles (Psilocarphus brevissiinus) and Water Tillaea (Crassula aquatica). No evidence of
sensitive vernal pool plants were observed during spring surveys. Vernal pool
hydrology is likely to be effected by summer runoff from the off-site, upslope
development. Changes in drainage patterns and the possible addition of fertilizer or
herbicide runoff from the upslope landscaping may transform pools into more
permanent wetlands or transform the vegetative components of the pools by favoring
invasive species. The Preserve manager shall work closely with the adjacent Calavera
Hills homeowners association and their landscape maintenance contractor to avoid
application of excess drainage, herbicides and pesticides upslope from the existing vernal
pools. Exotic plant invasion of the vernal pools shall be prevented through manual weed
removal, which will be conducted annually, or as necessary. If more rigorous methods
are needed, appropriate use of herbicides may be used as a last resort.
East Village Open Space Preserve 22 Land Management Plan
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C. Public Use Elements: Goals
1. Maintain the property to Preserve is Biological Value
The first and highest priority for the Preserve is the protection of the property and
enhancement of the natural biological resources, and as such, use of the property by the
public will have to be consistent with this primary goal. Therefore, public uses, as
F] described in detail below, are secondary priorities to the protection and enhancement of
Li the Preserve area. Public uses will be managed to be consistent with the primary goal of
protecting and enhancing biological resources within the HMP Preserve. All publicly
fl . accessible areas will be monitored regularly to ensure that public use does not degrade or
1 inhibit biological values.
1] Limit public access to identified Trail Locations
Trespassing will be controlled by fencing to physically limit access and through
.[I1 educational outreach to encourage the public to respect the Preserve boundaries. The
Preserve Manager will patrol the Preserve on a monthly basis to assure the fencing is
intact, that illegal immigrants have not occupied the reserve and to assure that waste is
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not disposed of onsite.
Fire suppression (fuel modification) areas will not be maintained or managed by the
Preserve manager. The HOA will maintain all fuel modification areas as required by the
Carlsbad Fire Department regulations.
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Interface with the Master Homeowner's Association
The Preserve is a significant amenity to the Robertson Ranch community. The provision
F] of information and education of the local residents of the value of the Preserve as open
U space and wildlife habitat will be essential to maintaining the current resource levels
found onsite. Without that local support, there will be an ongoing degradation through • ri misuse, vandalism, poaching and trash dumping. With an actively involved community
LI there will be hundreds of eyes and ears keeping a vigilant watch over the habitat. The
East Village HOA is responsible for public areas of the development. The association can
ii .be helpful in disseminating information regarding trail use and edge condition problems.
Li The Preserve manager must keep the HOA informed of activities occurring in the
Preserve area, particularly as these activities may affect the health or safety of residents.
Preserve management will include sending information brochures to the members of the
surrounding community, guided nature walks, and possible volunteer programs. Trail
9
head signs should be posted for visitor information.
The HOA will maintain all fire suppression areas on the property.
Detention Basin BIB, located within the southern portion of PA 23E will be maintained by
the City of Carlsbad Public Works Maintenance Department. This basin has been
excluded from the limits of the Preserve.
U East Village Open Space Preéerve . . . 23 Laud Management Plan
fl March 2, 2007
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OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
4. Provide for Public Trails
A number of official pedestrian trails are located within the Preserve area as shown on
Figure 6.
I Trails within the Preserve are location is areas which are already disturbed (agriculture
areas) or have been utilized by SDG&E for access to the electrical towers. Some minor
[1 improvements will be made to these trails so that they comply with City trail standards.
L.i However in no case will additional impacts to protected habitats occur. The trails will be
constructed pursuant to the requirements of the Robertson Ranch Master Plan. The trait
fl system is designed to tie into the proposed trail program on the Calavera Nature
Li• Preserve parcel to the northeast, and into the proposed Citywide Trails Systems to be
operated throughout the City. The trails within the Preserve will be maintained by the
City of Carlsbad and/or the East Village HOA. Trail management will be consistent with
Li the Recreation and Public Access measures identified in the MHCP Vol 1, and HMP
pages F-lI through F-14.
1- Two public trails affect the habitat corridor. The trails are approximately 8 feet in width,
with a compacted dirt surface. The manager shall create rules for pedestrian-only use of
fl these trails,, in an effort to minimize the impact of urban use on the Preserve. These are
official City-managed trails, which are part of the Citywide trail system. The location of
the trails is shown on Figure 6.
Table 11: Public Trails
Trail Length Width Double-use
by SDG&E
Managed By Side-Fencing
Trail A 100-ft. 8-ft. Yes City No
Trail B 550-ft. 8-ft. Yes City No
A single unofficial trail will be revegetated within the panhandle as shown on Figure 4.
Management and maintenance of the Preserve public trails shall include:
Litter control
Limited public use during the bird nesting season
Discouraging trespass into habitat areas off of the trail
Prohibition of equestrian uses
Trail surface maintenance including erosion control
6 Positing of signage, including rules of trail use
Lighting restrictions
Limitations on biking on trails
Establishment of patrols to monitor compliance with the regulations
SDG&E will maintain the access roads (also identified as Trait A and Trail B above) to the
electrical tower transmission facilities within PA 23D. SDG&E possesses easements for
public transmission facility maintenance access on these trails.
East Village Open Space Preserve 24 Land Management Plan
March 2,2007
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Trails, Fence and Wall Plan
ROBERTSON RANCH
Carlsbad, California
LEGEND
I I Communily Theme Wall
i...i ViewFence
I— — -1 Trails! Service Roads
Chain Link Fencing
l--ITrall Fence
lull lllFuelModificeionzone
Planning Areas
NORTH 0' 1200' VTN r- H I III 1 300' 600'
SCALE: 1= 600'
I —
Trail B
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As shown on Figure 6, the eastern-most trail is also utilized as SDG&E maintenance
access to the electrical transmission towers.
A handful of minor, unauthorized trails exist on the Preserve. Temporary fencing will
fl be placed across unauthorized trails to discourage their continued use. Additionally,
Li informational signage and kiosks will be utilized as necessary to inform trail users of the
importance of staying on the trail. Barriers and gates will be installed where necessary to
reduce the opportunity for access from off road vehicles.
If certain sections of trail pass through a zone of work the may threaten the public or the
success of the Preserve effort, a temporary dosing of the trail may be necessary. A
temporary sign must be posted describing the work maintenance effort, including the
date of trail re-opening. In order to avoid disruption of gnatcatcher breeding some trails
[] may be closed to public use during the Gaatcatcher breeding season if required by both
U the USFWS and the City of Carlsbad.
fl If trail users misuse sections of the trail, the Master HOA will be contacted to assist in
LI educating the public regarding proper resource use. Signage cautioning against
improper trail use should be placed at the point of damage.
S. Provide for and Maintain Fencing of the Preserve
I. All areas within the Preserve which result in a direct interface between urban
development and the Preserve areas will be fenced in order to discourage intrusion
between each. "Coyote Roller" fencing will be utilized to the degree feasible. These
fences will be erected by the developers of the adjacent urban lands and will be
maintained by the HOA. Fencing will be installed in locations as shown on Exhibit 3.
Additional fencing may be installed by the Preserve manager if necessary in order to
fl minimize conflicts between the urban environment and the Preserve.
Fencing around the vernal pool areas (located in PA 23E of the East Village) shall
be installed to prevent potential impacts from foot traffic and to prevent collection of any
flowering plants or tadpoles, particularly in light of the pools' location immediately
down slope from an offsite residential landscaped area.
A wildlife undercrossing is provided under College Boulevard. The landowner
Will construct approximately 350 linear feet of chain link fence along each side of College
Boulevard (700 feet total) in order to direct and guide wildlife to the wildlife
undercrossing under College Boulevard within the Preserve. The Preserve manager shall
maintain this chain link fencing.
D. Facility Maintenance Element- Goals
Lj The Preserve Manager shall maintain accurate business records on expenditures, staff
maintenance and other administrative duties, and shall maintain all equipment, vehicles, and
facilities in optimum working condition to maximize efficient use of operating expenses allocated
U to this area.
Ens! Village Open Space Preserve 26 Land Management Plan
March 2, 2007
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMEWF PLAN
E. Biological Monitoring Element
The natural communities that exist on-site appear stable in as much as they continue to persist,
but the composition and extent of existing habitat has been profoundly affected by past
agricultural practice and adjacent urban development. In recent years, residential development near the Preserve area has been particularly intense, and its ultimate affect on the ecology of these
natural habitats may not yet be fully evidenced.
L.i Coal: Determine the distribution and abundance of plants and animals found at the Preserve
and building a baseline database from this information to guide management practices.
LI ASMD 1: Conduct a baseline survey. Implement regular monitoring of specific
taxonomic groups to determine whether the site is functioning naturally
U or if the biological diversity of the site is being degraded or diminished.
Inventory and monitoring are used to track the condition of targeted habitats and populations
P relative to current ecological goals. Adaptive resource management (ARM) is a structured,
iterative process of optimal decision-making in the face of uncertainty, with an aim to reducing
uncertainty over time via system monitoring.
Li Habitats occurring in the Preserve will be native, revegetated, re-introduced and non-native
grassland. Native DCSS habitats will be Preserved and enhanced as indicated in this Plan.
El Revegetated and re-introduced DCSS habitats are proposed for the areas of the habitat corridor
U that have historically been utilized for agricultural operations. The ultimate Content of the habitat
corridor is anticipated to be a DCSS-dominated corridor, in accordance with the requirements of
fl the HMP.
The vegetation within the Preserve will be monitored the first year and then every five years
11 thereafter (or-more frequently if the Preserve Manager determines that more frequent monitoring
U is necessary). At five-year intervals, the Preserve manager, in cooperation with the USFWS, will
• re-examine the data of the relationship between vegetation variables and gnatcatcher habitat
U quality, to determine whether a change in management of the Preserve is warranted. If it is
• determined that vegetation communities have become very stable after several years of
monitoring, the frequency of vegetation sampling may be decreased along with the assessment of
U management strategy.
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March 2, 2007
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Goal: Reduce the threat of encroachment and impacts from human and other outside sources.
ASMD 1: Assess the occurrence and threat from human encroachment. Maintain
signage and perform trash removal. Control and reduce the opportunity
for human impacts to the natural environment.
ASMD 2: Assess the occurrence and threat from non-native plants and animals.
Perform exotic species removal.
1
ASMD 3: Monitor and manage all threats to the natural biology in a manner which
encourages the maintenance, enhancement and re-establishment of
natural habitats.
[I The Preserve area should be managed based on objectives that can be modified over time as L knowledge and experience dictate. The management recommendations proposed in this
document are based on assumptions that should be tested for specifics on the site. The still
developing urban environment nearby will increase pressure on existing habitats, at least for the
near term, and the management mission must have the ability to adapt, and potentially reallocate
1]
management resources as the Preserve situation evolves. The first two years of data gathering
should be applied to developing a baseline range of data. Subsequent data gathering will consist
U of monitoring and comparing against the baseline.
U Urbanization of the area will also fundamentally affect management practices employed. It is not
likely that a naturally occurring fire would be allowed to bum unchecked in the Preserve area.
Fire suppression maintenance will be implemented along development edges in consultation
fl with the Carlsbad Fire Department.
Goal: Ensure persistence of Gnatcatchers and wildlife movement
ASMD 1: Provide regular maintenance and monitoring of the Preserve to ensure
all applicable conditions for covered species on-site are met.
ASMD 2: Ensure the corridor functions for wildlife movement. This includes
ensuring that the wildlife underpasses, etc. are functional.
ASMD 3: Monitoring and management shall include sensitive species and
sensitive habitats.
1. This goal will be met with the following specific tasks.
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ROBERTSON RANCH LAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
General Avian Survey
Monitoring the avian community will provide information regarding how the threats,
such as habitat fragmentation and feral animals are impacting the Preserve. The
distribution, abundance and composition of the bird community found at the Preserve
will be determined using annual point counts. Permanent point count locations will be
established and monitored for three days in the spring. If declines are noted within the
community, or within individual species, then the monitoring emphasis will change to
nest searches and reproductive success determinations. These surveys shall be coupled
with predator base analyses such as track stations to determine cause and effect
correlations.
A primary goal of Preserve management is to maintain the population of California
gnatcatchers occupying the Preserve. The management entity will track population
trends of the gnatcatcher in the first 5 years to ascertain the baseline range of pairs that
are likely to persist on the site. Once a baseline range has been determined, management
of the site shall focus on maintaining the population within this range. Gnatcatcher
populations may fluctuate naturally with "natural' oscillations of resource levels. This
natural variability will eventually be determined and the target population size will be
managed to be within a nominal high and low range, rather than at a static level.
If it is determined that the population of gnatcatchers is appearing to fall permanently
below the baseline range, attempts will be made to determine the causes of the decline.
Potential causes for declines could be site specific in nature, such as cowbird parasitism,
or regional, such as low rainfall, resulting in a reduction in foraging materials.
Management actions, such as cowbird trapping, will be taken based on what is
determined to be the cause of gnatcatcher decline. If it-is determined that gnatcatcher
nest monitoring is necessary, this work will be conducted only by an individual who is
permitted through USFWS to conduct such monitoring.
Pit-fall Trapping
Reptiles, amphibian, invertebrate and small mammal populations are extremely
susceptible to the threats associated with habitat change. Approximately two pit fall
arrays will be established within the Preserve to monitor reptile, amphibian, invertebrate
and small mammal population and abundance. Each array will be opened for one 10 day
period every year. The value of data collected from the pitfalls will be evaluated over
time for their utility, and methods will evolve to maximize the collection of useful
information. Coupled with these pitfalls will be ant traps to monitor the composition
and abundance of ant populations which are known to have substantial impacts on'
reptile and ground nesting bird populations.
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OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
Sensitive Plant Species
1: Sensitive plant species monitoring and management will focus on population
distribution and abundance, and on evaluating and minirnizig the threats to these
species caused by human encroachment or habitat fragmentation. Populations of all
H sensitive plant species will be mapped during an initial baseline data gathering period of
two years. In successive years these populations will be confirmed as existing or not
found. Every five years, a new distribution map and population count will be generated.
Sensitive plant species that are determined to have low numbers, limited distribution, or
are particularly susceptible fragmentation and other anthropogenic sources will be
fl monitored or assessed annually.
Vegetation Sampling
U In order to detect changes in DCSS vegetation structure, species composition, and
percent cover, such as might result from succession or type conversion, vegetation
sampling will be conducted on the Preserve in the spring of the year. This sampling will
be conducted in the initial year and subsequently at two to three-year intervals. Within
the coastal sage scrub, 30 randomly placed permanent sampling points will be
n established. A grid consisting of 1 acre parcels will be superimposed on a map of the
U sage scrub vegetation community in the Preserve and numbered. Thirty squares will be
selected randomly using random number generator. The center of each square will be
the center of the point-center quadrant. Data will be gathered on the vegetation in the
U parcels.
r The data will be analyzed to describe the change in vegetation variables between the
L initial state and each subsequent sampling period. Because vegetation communities such
as coastal sage scrub and chaparral, dominated bywoody vegetation, are unlikely to
show pronounced changes from year to year, vegetation sampling will be conducted in
the initial year and at two to three-year intervals. At five-year intervals, the Preserve
manager, in cooperation with the USFWS, will re-examine current knowledge of the
relationship between vegetation variables and gnatcatcber habitat quality, to determine U whether a change in management of the Preserve is warranted. If it is determined that
vegetation communities have become very stable after several years of monitoring, the
frequency of vegetation sampling may be decreased along with the assessment of [I management strategy.
Monitoring of the Roadruts/Vernal Pools
Roadruts/ Vernal pools are located within PA 23E. The ecological and hydrological
function of the vernal pools will be evaluated during the baseline date collection phase of
Li this management plan. The need/potential for vernal pool enhancement will also be
evaluated at this time. Hydrology, function, plants and animals will be monitored
r annually during the hydrological phase of the vernal pools.
Goal: Provide regular documentation biological status and recommendations
J East Village Open Space Preserve
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March 2,2007
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST ViLLAGE
OPEN. SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
[I - ASMD 1: Provide annual Preserve management monitoring reports on the health
and vigor of the Preserve to ensure all applicable conditions for covered
I species On-site are met.
6. Annual Report
An annual summary report will be prepared and finalized by January 31s1 of any year for the
previous year's monitoring and maintenance. A copy will be kept in the permanent files of the
manager as well as provided to the City of Carlsbad Planning Dept.. the USFWS, and CDFG.
No standardized monitoring protocols or success criteria have been established by the USFWS or
CDFG for the NCCP Preserve areas. This Plan proposes what is considered a reasonable
monitoring scenario that allows for the analysis of multiple taxonomic groups, to assist a
Preserve manager in crafting measures of success, and in guiding appropriate management
[] decisions. The goal of the monitoring effort is to determine if populations are declining or
Li increasing, identification of the cause(s), and the implementation of an appropriate remedial
action if necessary.
Biological inventories and monitoring shall be consistent with MHCP Volume III protocols. The
initial monitoring program will be the baseline inventory and the monitoring program will be the
subsequent monitoring. Monitoring data shall be collected to address the monitoring questions
identified in MHP Volume UI for Wildlife corridors.
U The initial monitoring program will measure vegetation types occurring in the Preserve area, and
include a rare plant spring survey component. Additional rare plant surveys will be conducted
at other times of the year if there is a potential for non-spring blooming species to occur on-site.
A general avian survey will be performed in the spring along with a separate focused Coastal
California gnatcatcher survey. Pit-fall trapping will be utilized to monitor sensitive reptile
species. All covered species identified in the project EIR will be monitored. If during monitoring
fl visits a sensitive species not receiving focused survey attention is identified, that annual U management report will recommend survey measures to inventory the species.
[1 The data from the biotic surveys will be analyzed, mapped, described, and reported in annual
management reports which will be provided to the Wildlife Agency. All survey data will be
entered into a GIS database to facilitate data analysis and presentation of results. Management
U reports will include GIS data documenting the location of sensitive species, the boundaries
between habitat types and the expansion or contraction of habitat on the site.
The annual summary report will contain the following Information:
A summary of management actions taken during the report period;
Li • An analysis of the annual sensitive species surveys, plotted on site maps as appropriate,
as well as documentation and mapping within the project area. Other information
D relevant to the management of target species will also be documented in the annual
report. The report will analyze any of the sensitive species surveyed in that year,
describing the status of the populations' viability;
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CIS formatted maps indicating cumulative areas of exotics, trespass, dumping, fire, etc.
for the management period;
Discussion of any of the above mentioned management problems encountered within the
report period. The report shall describe any on-site measurs undertaken to remove L. exotic species the prior year, review the effectiveness of those actions or actions
performed in prior years, and identify measures (e.g., methods, locations; etc.) to be F] performed in the coming year.
Recommendations for changes in management for the following year. These
recommendations will be formatted as an addendum to the annual management report,
and will be finalized after being submitted to the appropriate agencies. The changes in
management could also include a recommended re-allocation of funds within the
established budget.
Photographs from the established photo points for the given report period and of any
significant management issues or biological observations;
The monitoring reports shall describe the existing conditions in the Preserve for that
11 particular year. It will identify wildlife use of the site, significant changes on the L property, and recommend remedial measures necessary;
I] • A list of names, titles, and companies who prepared the content of the annual report and
participated in the monitoring activities.
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OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANA CEMENT PL.4N
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V. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SUMMARY
A. Operations and Maintenance
During inspections in the first year of management, the site will be reviewed for any
Li unauthorized fences or other man-made structures that are potentially detrimental to wildlife or
Preserve purposes. Such features will be targeted for removal from the site.
LI As a result of the dose proximity of a significant number of residential neighborhoods, standard
site maintenance inspections are to occur in accordance with the previous table. In general,
D maintenance activities will be directed towards the following issues: trash dumping,
encroachments, increased use by the public for unauthorized trails or recreation (paintbalt, etc.),
preparation of an annual educational newsletter, and placing of signage, as necessary.
Specific management directives will include measures to reduce edge effects and minimize
disturbance, especially during the nesting period of the above listed sensitive bird.species,
ii between February 15 and August 30. A community flyer may be distributed as houses become U occupied and prior to the nesting period mentioned above in order to remind residents to avoid
trespassing, especially during that period. This proactive management should minimize the
amount of edge effects and disturbances within the designated open space. Monitoring of open
lJ space areas adjacent to residential areas will occur on all site visits to ensure that the Preserve is
not damaged by trash dumping, supplemental clearing of fire breaks, or unauthorized buffer
landscaping.
Specifically, management and maintenance site visit activities will consist of, but are not limited
fl to the following activities.
ASMD 1: Provide regular patrols for disturbances.
U Patrolling for signs of trespassing, dumping, vandalism, off-road vehicle use,
homeowner encroachment, and/or other disturbances by humans will occur during all
D site visits on the schedule identified in this Plan, as remedial measures will be provided
• in a timely manner to repair, reduce or eliminate current and future disturbances. This
may involve the placement, reparation, and/or replacement of signs, access control, and
[]barriers. In the event that general trespassing, transients or transient encampments are
• discovered on-site, the manager will note the location of the incident and report any such
activities to the appropriate law enforcement agency, if deemed necessary. in the event
[I of habitat alteration or human disturbances, the manager will evaluate the damage so as
to restore the native habitat at the responsible party's expense. Physical barriers to
trespass may be placed at strategic locations if trespassing, dumping or other activities
are determined by the manager to be a disturbance to the Preserve environment.
East Village Opei: Space Preserve 33 Land Management Pin,,
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ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
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ASMD 2: Provide regular trash removal
An initial major removal of trash shall be conducted immediately upon transfer of
management responsibilities to the manager. Thereafter, removal of trash will be on an
fl as -needed basis during every site visit in order to avoid the attraction of nuisance species
or artificial increases in the presence of species such as crows and ravens. Each year, one
specific site visit will be designated for the removal of accumulated trash and larger
fl debris due to the amount of public activity surrounding the Preserve. Debris shall be
Li collected from within the Preserve and properly disposed of as needed, but no less
frequently than once every year. Trash consists of all man-made materials, equipment, or
fl debris dumped, thrown, washed, blown-in or left within the Preserve. However,
- I pruning or clearing of any native vegetation will not be provided. Downed logs and leaf
litter provide valuable microhabitats for invertebrates, reptiles, small mammals, and
fl birds. In addition, the decomposition of deadwood and leaf litter is essential for the Li replenishment of soil nutrients and minerals.
[I Generally dead wood and leaf litter should remain undisturbed and in place on the site.
Clippings may be left on site, or removed as deemed undesirable by the revegetation
ecologist. All weed contaminated clippings must be removed from the property and
F] disposed of at a recognized disposal site.
ASMO I. Provide Community Outreach
Li Due to the site's location in an urban setting, the Preserve manager will distribute an
educational flyer to the surrounding property owners as the houses become occupied to r educate them about the importance and reason why the open space was set aside and
why it is important to control the use of the site by humans as well as domesticated
animals. The Preserve manager will sign the site with information that states that the site
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is an area of protected habitat and no trespassing is allowed.
The manager shall coordinate with the HOA to ensure that the HOA is aware of the
U requirements of this OS Management Plan and the Conservation Easement, the existence
of local, state, and federal permits affecting the Preserve and other information deemed
appropriate to maintaining the Conservation Values of the Preserve, as well as
U information about the conservancy management company.
ASMD 4: Provide Reporting and Photograph Documentation
The Preserve Manager shall prepare and provide annual reports to the City, USFWS and
CDFG. The manager will take photographs from locations established during baseline
fl surveys and will be used to illustrate site conditions or other uses relevant to site
management. Prints of all monitoring photographs will be kept in the permanent files of
the manager.
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March 2,2007
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
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ASMD 5: Provide Habitat Enhancement
Native habitats in the Preserve area will be weeded if it is determined that significant
displacement of native species is occurring or imminent. Inmost cases no remedial
fl planting will be required in areas that have been weeded. However, where weed Li removal has occurred in intensively infested areas, the loss of native habitat may be so
extensive that natives may not reoccupy the site without remedial planting. When weed
removal is anticipated to be extensive, the Preserve manager should have a program of
remedial planting ready to implement prior to initiating weed control activity. The
annual report should explain all weed removal and replanting activities, and the work
fl program for the following year should propose these types of activities for the following
Li year.
Non-native habitats existing in the Preserve area are subject to enhancement under
certain conditions. The manager is required to monitor and report the status of these
non-native habitats with the same level of analysis provided to native habitats. If it is
determined that colonizing of non-native species is occurring in adjacent native habitat,
the manager is required to develop a program to control the infestation in the next yearly
work plan. Control measures must be implemented within the following calendar year,
I timed seasonally as necessary to best control the infestation.
ASMD 6: Control Invasive Pests/Exotic Plant Species Control
U Invasive pests or diseases are not likely to become a problem requiring corrective action.
Mention of significant pest or disease problems should be included in annual reports. If
fl it is determined that a pest or disease is threatening the sustainability of a habitat or a Li sensitive species, the manager is required to develop, a program to control the infestation
in the next yearly work plan. Any use of biological or chemical controls must be
El approved by resource agencies prior to dispersal or application. Only in circumstances U of extreme plant duress should chemical controls be utilized, and then they must be
applied only by a California licensed applicator, in strict adherence to state and federal
U law.
The Preserve supports both native and non-native plant communities. Non-native plant
[J communities are not subject to revegetation requirements. Preserve management must
focus on both protection of native resources in an undisturbed state, and the containment
of nonnative resources. The Preserve manager must educate maintenance supervisor
and crew regarding where a weed is to be tolerated and where it must be removed.
Exotics control will be one of the ongoing and most Important responsibilities of the
U Preserve manager: Each year the manager shall assess the types of infestations observed,
and implement a plan to control the most threatening ones. The manager shall stay
abreast of current control practices, and seek to provide the least environmentally [] damaging control method available to provide adequate results. (The California Invasive
Plant Council (Cal-IPC) is a good information source). Of particular concern are species
that are highly invasive, and aggressively out-compete native plants.
East Village Open Space Preserve 35 Laud Management Plan
March 2, 2007
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
- In the first year of management, a list of all non-native species, with map, shall be
generated that specifies where weeds were located, whether the habitat is native or non-
native, what degree of infestation was observed, and rate what level of concern exists for
U that site.
fl Infestation of highly-invasive exotics, including pampas grass, artichoke thistle, acacia,
Li fennel, iceplant, castor bean, giant reed, tree tobacco, mustard and tamarisk shall be
targeted for early removal and continue to be controlled in the Preserve. Native habitats
[J
occurring adjacent to non-native habitats may require ongoing controls to prohibit the
- establishment of exotics. Some exotics infestation may be tolerated if it becomes
apparent that problem can not be effectively managed by the methods available to the
Preserve manager. The yearly management plans should describe this type of Li circumstance. if it is observed that a gradual loss of native habitat is occurring, the next
five year plan should propose opportunities for a permanent solution.
• Some exotic plants, including some highly invasive ones, can not be effectively controlled
except by the use of herbicides. No herbicides may be used unless approved by resource
U agencies prior to use. Herbicides should only be used when no other control will be
• effective in handling the type of problem encountered. The manager should err on the
side of caution when using herbicides. If herbicide use has left an area greater than fifty
square feet devoid of plant material, remedial planting of the disturbed area must be
accomplished.
U Weeds with shallow, sturdy root systems can be eradicated effectively by vigilant hand
pulling which removes the plant with roots attached. It is essential that these species be
pulled out and removed from the site on a regular basis before the seeds ripen and drop.
While this is labor intensive it does not require expensive herbicides and eliminates the
L problem of overspray.
Other species that have deep roots and/or rapid re-growth cannot be controlled using
manual methods alone. Examples of these weeds include giant reed, pampas grass and
salt cedar. Eradication of these weeds will require herbicide application either by
U spraying the entire plant or by cutting the plant and painting the severed stem with
herbicide.
U Typically the systemic herbicide Roundup is used for upland species while Rodeo lithe
herbicide licensed for use near wetland environments. Herbicides must be used
sparingly to minimize impact to non-target species and to control the overall cost of the
t] weed eradication program. The Preserve manager must determine when herbicide use is
appropriate based on safety, environmental constraints, degree of infestation, proximity
to native vegetation and permitted use of the herbicide. Only state licensed applicators
fl will be allowed to use herbicides onsite.
The manager shall conduct a weed eradication training session where weed removal
B . procedures are discussed prior to worker activity in the field. All maintenance personnel
involved in the weeding process must attend this start-up meeting. The manager must
designate a weed crew manager who will be the contact supervisor for weed removal
U .information.
East Village Open Space Preserve 36 Land Management Plan
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ROBERTSON RANCH LAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
Exotic plant invasion of the roadruts/vernal pools shall be prevented through manual
weed removal, which will be conducted annually, or as necessary. If more rigorous
methods are needed, appropriate use of herbicides or designed grazing may be used as a
last resort.
ASMD 7: The potential for wildfire shall be mimized.
Included within the developed portion of the site, and not located within the Preserve is
a fire suppression zone that satisfies Carlsbad Fire Department standards for protection
of residential and other urban structures and facilities. The fire suppression zone as
established is considered adequate to protect properties on the Preserve area edge.
Preserve areas are not subject to fire suppression maintenance of any kind. The East
Village HOA is responsible for managing fire suppression activities in the fire
[] suppression zones.
No fire management activities are proposed within the Preserve areas. Preserve area
ILL
boundaries will designated from the fire suppression zones. Markers will be used to
prevent vegetation thinning or fuel removal from occurring within the Preserve area. All
brush will be allowed to grow unchecked. Leaf litter and dead limbs and other biomass
will be allowed to remain undisturbed in place.
Existing utility easement roads will remain in place in Preserve areas. If a wildiand fire r were to approach the area, the fire department may utilize these utility access roads in an L effort to control the fire. Typical fire fighting techniques include: fire break clearing,
controlled back burning, and use of fire-retardant chemicals. If the Preserve area is
fl disturbed by fire, the Preserve manager's annual report should describe techniques
LI employed and specifically address any threats posed to the habitat by these techniques.
If permanent damage has occurred, the manager shall propose a remedial plan.
LI Upon the occurrence of a fire in the Preserve, the Preserve manager will notify the
wildlife agencies. The Preserve manager shall evaluate the potential for erosion in the
U fire-affected area, and promptly take appropriate measures to control erosion. The
Preserve manager will develop and implement a monitoring program to monitor natural
re-growth, and erosion, within the burned area for a period of at least two years. The
U monitoring program will provide for site visits on a regular basis, as determined by the
Preserve manager to be appropriate to the severity and size of the burn. If monitoring
observations indicate that allowing the habitat to re-grow without interference is
fl resulting in increased opportunity for invasion by exotic plants and/or increased
potential for type conversion, the Preserve management program will be modified to
reduce the potential for such invasion or type conversion. Measures may include
U increased exotic plant control, or revegetation with native plants, including hydroseeding
and/or planting with container stock.
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ASMD 8: Vandalism Control
Vandalism of planting, and/or other revegetation associated equipment shall be reported in
writing by the maintenance contractor and/or other owner's representatives to the owner
within 3 working days of discovery. Replacement of poorly performing or vandalized
equipment must be accomplished immediately to ensure proper plant growth. Plantings
damaged by lack of proper irrigation are the responsibility of the landscaping contractor,
even if vandalism is the cause. The landscaping contractor will be required to replace
planting-that die due to lack of proper irrigation.
ij ASMD 9: Erosion Control
Repair of significant erosion problems is the responsibility of the Preserve manager.
fl Erosion problems should be repaired when they are first noticed, and not allowed to
U become major problems. If significant damage has occurred remedial planting may be
required. The Preserve manager shall maintain and manage all manufactured slopes
within the Preserve and other man-made alterations on the property, including but not t limited to, slope stabilization, cleaning culverts, removing silt and debris, erosion control
and irrigation.
L B. Staff and Personnel Needs Summary
I I The subject Preserve management is not expected to necessitate any full-time personnel allocated
U specifically to this project. Management of the Preserve will however, necessitate part-time work
as follows; project management, plant ecologist, herpetologist, ornithologist, science director,
patrolling, clerical and office work, and maintenance and service workers.
C. Management, Monitoring, Operations and Maintenance Budget Summary
The first year of management shall include a major one-time effort to rehabilitate the Existing
DCSS area of the Plan area as necessary. This effort shall include trash removal, exotic species
[1 removal, closing of unauthorized trails, erosion control measures, installation of fences, repair of
damaged fences, installation of signs, and revegetation as determined by the manager. In
addition, on a routine basis, the Preserve manager shall visit the entire conservation area for a IJ review of its status in accordance with the following schedule. The numbers in Table 9 are drawn
from the CNLM Property Analysis Record (PAR) for the Preserve, which also includes estimates
of labor costs.
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An initial qualitative site assessment will be conducted on the property. In general, the tasks
included in this site visit type include, but are not limited to, a full site assessment that
fl determines the edge effects, trespass, and/or any other disturbances on or near the site, an
U evaluation of habitat conditions including all significant observations of plant and wildlife,
regular access control and trash removal among other maintenance activities, and photo
fl documentation of any significant observation including photographs taken from established
points, twice yearly. All other site visits are to incorporate these tasks into the specified site visit
procedures. This ensures more sustainable site conditions as the frequency of site visits will
fl reduce the amount of disturbances incurred due to the proximity of residents, recreational users
I .1 and other public entities. All of the management activities will be accomplished in accordance
with this approved management plan.
01- Table 12. Proposed Preserve Management Schedule -East Village
!P osep 'e- ..;::c .31Regul:. ar
I I time Effort Person-hours Nd
_______________________________________ .'. im ir o Property easement Finalize easements, update 20 acquisition, Plan up-date internal plans
Reporting GIS and CAD data reporting, 20 12.5
Annual report
Office administration Administration efforts, 20 12.5
Operations
Site Assessment Site assessment (edge effects; 0 40 brief bio-survey with focus on
sensitive species). Photo
• Documentation. Patrol for
trespass and encroachment. Spring Avian survey/Veg. Avifauna Inventory during 30 10 Assess.
LBV/CAGN Surveys Assess presence and extent of 90 30
biological resources
Year 1 -Quarterly
Year 2+-Annually
Herpatological survey Characterize reptile 106. 15 population levels
Habitat revegetation Exotic species removal, 40 30
revegetation
Vegetation/sensitive species 40 5 surveys
Community outreach, Trash, Trash and larger debris 40 12.5 Signs and Locks removal / Check and replace
signs / replace locks/fences Adaptive Management Determine attainment of 14 14
objectives and propose
corrective action
Contingencies Unexpected corrective actions 109 22 Total Person-hours per year . 529 203.5
East Village Open Space Preserve 39 Land Management Plan
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The CNLM Property Analysis Record (PAR) indicates that Initial Year start-up costs can be
summarized as follows:
9L
Table 13: Initial and Capital Tasks and Costs
Task Total Initial'Cost
Site Construction and Maintenance 3,704.15 Biotic Surveys 12,758.57 Habitat Maintenance 4,729.74 Public Services 6,669.89 General Maintenance 415.98 Reporting 4,380.59 Office Maintenance 3,146.89 Field Equipment 5,290.30 Operations 8,866.76 Contingency and Administration 18,186.49 TOTAL $68.149.36
Ongoing yearly costs are estimated in the PAR as follows:
Table 14: Ongoing Tasks and Costs
Task Total Yearly Cost
Site Construction and Maintenance 855.14 Biotic Surveys 2,711.11 Habitat Maintenance 1,576.58 Public Services 1,927.91 General Maintenance 138.66 Reporting 2,059.35 Office Maintenance 1,014.73 Field Equipment 1,314.12 Operations 509.07 Contingency and Administration 4,406.83 TOTAL 16,513.50
r The developer shall provide an amount sufficient to fund the initial Year I start up costs identified
in this Plan, spring avian surveys, habitat surveys, community outreach, reporting, office
administration and direct costs. This amount has been determined by the manager, and included
U as a line item in the Property Analysis Record (PAR) (see Appendix 1
- East Village PAR), to be approved by the USFWS. In addition, to ensure that long-term management of the subject open
spaces will be funded, an endowment fund shall be established by the developer which shall J finance the net perpetual annual costs of management of the Preserve pursuant to this Plan. The
East Village developer will fund this endowment in conjunction with the final subdivision and
grading associated with the East Village master tentative map.
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ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
The endowment funds shall be deposited in a secure investment paying a rate of interest
fl sufficient to generate the amount needed for annual maintenance expenses. Endowment funds I shall not be co-mingled with other funds, and the proceeds shall be used solely for the
management of the open spaces, in accordance with the applicable permit conditions. The
fl endowment principal must remain intact in perpetuity. The financing program for the balance
of the endowment will be full funding by the developer.
fl The status of the endowment will be included in every five year management plan, and yearly
budgets will be reported in every annual work plan.
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ROBERTSON RANCH LAST VILLAGE
OPEN SPACE PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMEWF PLAN
VI. REFERENCES
Center for Natural Lands Management, Property Analysis Record for Robertson Ranch East Village Stand
Alone. Oct. 22,'2006.
BRG Consulting, Inc., Final Program Environmental Impact Report for the Robertson Ranch Master Plan,
prepared for City of Carlsbad, April, 2006.
Merkel & Associates, Biological Resources Report for the Robertson Ranch Project, Oct. 5, 2004.
Planning Systems, Robertson Ranch East Village Upland Habitat Revegetation Program
- Extensive
Habitat Creation Prograim Oct. 26,2006.
East Village Open Space Preserve 42 Land Management Plan
March 2, 2007