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Home My WebLink About3676; PALOMAR AIRPORT RD AND EL CAMINO REAL TURN LANES; BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORT; 1999-11-24BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORT PALOMAR AIRPORT RoA1 AND EL CAMINO REAL TuRN LANES Carlsbad, California Prepared for: Berryman & Henigar, Inc. 11590 West Bermardo Court, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92127 Attention: Mark Risch Prepared by: Merkel & Associates, Inc. 3944 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite C 106 San Diego, CA 92123 Contact: Vanessa A. Lee Phone: (858) 560-5465 Fax: (858) 560-7779 November 24, 1999 aJ A David A. Mayer, SeBio1ogist Vanessa A. Le Pr ject Manager I Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 TABLE OF CONTENTS I SUMMARY..........................................................................................................................................................1 - INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 1 LOCATION.........................................................................................................................................................2 GENERALPHYSIOGRAPHY ...........................................................................................................................2 METHODS...........................................................................................................................................................2 BOTANICAL AND ZOOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS ..................................................................................................2 SurveyLimitations ........................................................................................................................................... 2 Scientific Nomenclature..................................................................................................................................4 WETLAND DELINEATION ............................................................................................................................... ......4 Vegetation................................................................................... ............................ .... ...................... .... .. .... ...4 gyHydrolo...................................................................................................................................................... soils............................................................................................................................................................... 5 JURISDICTION OF WETLANDS AND WATERWAYS ..................................................................................................5 US. Army Corps ofEngineers ........................................................................................................................ 5 California Department ofFish and Game .......................................................................................................6 RESULTS............................................................................................................................................................. 6 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES................................................................................................................................6 Southern Maritime Chaparral (0.09 acre).......................................................................................................8 Non-native Grassland (0.43 acre)...................................................................................................................8 ExoticPlantings (0.02 acre)............................................................................................................................8 Ruderal/Disturbed Lands (0.57 acre) ............................................................................................................... 8 WETLANDS AND JURISDICTIONAL NON-WETLAND RESOURCES .............................................................................8 Jurisdictional Non-wetland Waters of the U.S. (42.3)?) .................................................................................. 9 ZOOLOGICAL RESOURCES....................................................................................................................................9 Invertebrates...................................................................................................................................................9 Amphibians..................................................................................................................................................... 9 Reptiles..........................................................................................................................................................9 Birds............................................................................................................................................................ Jo Mammals...................................................................................................................................................... 10 WILDLIFE CORRIDORS.......................................................................................................................................10 SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ..................................................................................................................10 Sensitive Vegetation Communities Identified Within the Study Area...............................................................10 SouthernMaritime Chaparral.....................................................................................................................................10 Sensitive Plants Identified Within the Study Area ........................................................................................... 11 Sensitive Wildlife Identified Within the Study Area........................................................................................12 Sensitive Resources Potentially Occurring Within the Study Area..................................................................12 Plants ........................................................................................................................................................................12 Invertebrates..............................................................................................................................................................13 Reptiles.....................................................................................................................................................................13 Birds .........................................................................................................................................................................15 Mammals..................................................................................................................................................................17 DISCUSSION.....................................................................................................................................................19 IMPACTS TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ........................................................................................................... 19 HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR NATURAL COMMUNITIES IN THE CITY OF CARLSBAD ....................................20 RECOMMENDATIONS TO AVOID, REDUCE, OR MITIGATE IMPACTS ......................................................................20 GeneralRecommendations...........................................................................................................................20 Ivierkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 Palomar Airport 'Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 LITERATURECITED......................................................................................................................................22 LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1. SUMMARY OF VEGETATION WITHIN THE STUDY AREA ........................................................... 6 TABLE2. ACREAGE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................... 19 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1. PROJECT VICINITY MAP................................................................................................................3 FIGURE 2. VEGETATION AND SENSITIVE RESOURCES...............................................................................7 LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX 1. FLORAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED APPENDIX 2. FAUNAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED APPENDIX 3. WETLAND DATA FORM APPENDIX 4. PHOTOGRAPHS Merkel & Associates, Inc. 9 99-141-01 ii Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORT PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD AND EL CAIvllNo REAL TURN LANEs Carlsbad, California Merkel & Associates, Inc. November 24, 1999 SUMMARY Merkel & Associates, Inc. conducted a biological assessment and jurisdictional wetland delineation at the Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes project site, located in Carlsbad, California. The fieldwork was performed on November 4, 1999, and included a study area of two 500-foot long by 50-foot wide corridors located at the intersection of the two roadways. One corridor was located on the northern side of Palomar Airport Road; the other took place along the eastern side of El Camino Real. Development for each turn lane requires a construction corridor of approximately 450 feet in length by 20 feet in width. The investigation extended beyond the proposed construction area for both roadways in order to adequately assess the possible direct and indirect impacts of the proposed project to the immediate habitat. The jurisdictional wetland delineation was conducted in accordance with the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's (ACOE) Wetland Delineation Manual (ACOE 1987). Four vegetation communities were found within the study area, which included 0.09 acre of Southern Maritime Chaparral, 0.43 acre of Non-native Grassland, 0.02 acre of Exotic Plantings, and 0.57 acre of Ruderal/Disturbed Lands. Of these habitats found within the study area, Southern Maritime Chaparral is the only vegetation community that is considered a biologically sensitive habitat. Nuttall's Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa), a sensitive plant species, was the predominant component of the Southern Maritime Chaparral. Approximately 112 Nuttall's Scrub Oaks were found within the study area. No sensitive wildlife species were detected within the study area. Jurisdictional Non-wetland Waters of the U.S. (42.3 ft), which consisted of a one-foot wide drainage, was also found. The Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes project as currently proposed will not impact the sensitive habitat, sensitive plant species, or jurisdictional Non-wetland Waters of the U.S. found within the study area. Furthermore, with regard to the Habitat Management Plan (HN'fP) for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad (City of Carlsbad 1999), the project site does, not occur within an HMIP Focus Planning Area, the I-IMP preserve system, or the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program Core Area. General recommendations concerning project construction have been made to avoid incidental impacts to the native habitats. INTRODUCTION Merkel & Associates, Inc. (M&A) performed a biological investigation and jurisdictional wetland delineation for the Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes project, at the request of Berryman & Henigar, Inc. on behalf of the City of Carlsbad. The purpose of the work was to identify biological constraints for the proposed development. Iv1erkel&Associates, Inc. #99-141-01 I Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 The project consists of the expansions of the right westbound lane of Palomar Airport Road and the right northbound lane of El Camino Real. The purpose of the expansions is to create right-hand turn I lanes for both major roadways. Development for each turn lane requires a construction corridor of approximately 450 feet in length by 20 feet in width. LOCATION The proposed project is located at the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real, in U the City of Carlsbad. The site is located in unsectioned lands of the Agua Hedionda land grant in Township 11 South, Range 4 West of the San Bernardino Base and Meridian; USGS 7.5' San Luis Rey, California Quadrangle (Figure 1). GENERAL PHYSIOGRAPHY I Both the northern side of Palomar Airport Road and the eastern side of El Camino Real consist of relatively flat terrain with a few mild slopes. The maximum elevation is approximately 306 feet MSL, while the low elevation is approximately 286 feet MSL. The underlying surficial geology is I mapped as Eocene marine (Rogers 1965). The on-site soils are mapped as Las Flores loamy fine sand and Loamy alluvial land of the Huerhuero complex (Bowman 1973). Most of the Las Flores loamy fine sand is found along the eastern side of El Camino Real. These soils are moderately well I drained and have a sandy clay sub-soil. They are formed in material weathered from siliceous marine sandstone. The Loamy alluvial land of the Huerhuero complex is found mostly along the northern side of Palomar Airport Road. These soils are severely eroded and somewhat poorly I drained (Bowman 1973). METHODS I BOTANICAL AND ZooLoGIcAl. INVESTIGATIONS I . Merkel & Associates biologist Vanessa A. Lee conducted a biological investigation of the site on November 4, 1999 from 0940 to 1420 hours. Conditions in the morning were overcast with negligible winds and temperatures of approximately 60 Fahrenheit. In the afternoon, it was partly I sunny with a light breeze (3-5 mph). Temperatures increased to approximately 70 Fahrenheit. The study area included a 500-foot long by 50-foot wide corridor on both the northern side of Palomar Airport Road and the eastern side of El Camino Real (from their intersection). The investigation I extended beyond the area of potential effect for both roadways in order to adequately assess the possible direct and indirect impacts of the proposed project to the adjacent habitat. Vegetation communities and sensitive resources were plotted on topographic maps. All plant communities, soil types, and slope exposures were surveyed on-foot. Plant identifications were either resolved in the I field or later determined through verification of voucher specimens. Wildlife species were determined through direct observation (aided by binoculars), identification of songs, call notes, alarm calls, or through indirect sign (burrows, tracks, scat, etc.). The biological survey also focused on I detection of sensitive plant and animal species throughout the property. Appendices 1 and 2 provide a list of the plant and animal species observed. I Survey Limitations Thorough biological inventories require field studies performed during different seasons, as well as nocturnal sampling for some animal groups such as owls and small mammals. Depending on the Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 2 M&A# 99-141-01 Scale: 1" = 2000' El Camino Real & Palomar Airport Rd Figure Intersection Project Vicinity Map 1 USGS 7.5' Encinitas and San Luis Rey, CA Quadrangle Merkel & Associates, Inc. Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 season during which the field survey is conducted, amphibians, reptiles, migratory birds, some mammals, and annual plants can be difficult to inventory. Other species naturally occur in low densities and are easily missed. However, through a review of previous surveys, museum records, and other pertinent literature, as well as knowledge of the habitat requirements and distribution patterns of individual species, the probability of a given species being present on a site can be fairly accurately predicted. Focused surveys are often required for sensitive species, such as breeding birds or annual plants. Also, in many cases habitats must be surveyed at the proper season to determine the status of certain species. No small mammal trapping was performed as part of this investigation. In addition, no nocturnal investigations were performed. Focused surveys would be necessary to assess the presence/absence of a few sensitive animal species (see Recommendations section). While no spring botanical surveys were conducted, the footprint of the proposed development occurs in a predominantly disturbed habitat that has limited potential to retain ephemeral, sensitive spring annuals. Scientific Nomenclature I The scientific nomenclature used in this report is from the following standard references: vegetation and wildlife habitat, Holland (1986); flora, Skinner and Pavlik (CNPS) (1994) and Hickman et. a! (1993); rare plants, Reiser (1994); butterflies, Garth and Tilden (1986); birds, American I Ornithologists' Union (1983, 1989) and National Geographic Society (1999); reptiles, Collins (1990); and mammals, Jameson and Peeters (1988). I WETLAND DELINEATION M&A biologist Vanessa A. Lee conducted a jurisdictional wetland delineation on November 4, 1999. I Delineations of the site were performed using the routine on-site determination methods noted in the 1987 Army Corps of Engineers' Wetland Delineation Manual (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1987). In addition, the delineation effort was expanded to identify non-wetland waters under federal I jurisdiction and streambeds under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). Any wetland habitats and jurisdictional waterways found were plotted on a topographic map of the project site. Streambed widths were noted on the topographic map to provide true ' jurisdictional dimensions. Evidence supporting jurisdictional determinations was recorded on a wetland field data form and depicted in a photograph of the study area (Appendix 3 and 4, respectively). I The following text describes the three parameters used to determine the presence/absence of wetlands and non-wetland water streambeds occurring on the project site. Additional information on the overall delineation process and regulatory jurisdictions may be found in the federal delineation I manual (ACOE 1987), state and federal enacting legislation, or through guidance provided by judicial interpretation, solicitors' opinions, and regulatory guidance issued to District ACOE offices and CDFG field staff. Vegetation I Vegetation communities which met the criteria of wetland-associated vegetation were dominated by a preponderance (>50%) of species classified as obligate wetland plants (OBL), facultative wetland plants (FACW), or facultative plants (FAC) based on the National List of Plant Species that Occur I in Wetlands (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1991). Obligate wetland plants are defined as occurring Merkel & Associates, Inc. 4 99-141-01 4 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 almost always in wetlands (estimated probability >99%) under natural conditions. Facultative wetland plants are defined as occurring usually in wetlands (estimated probability 67% to 99%). Facultative plants are defined as having a similar likelihood of occurring in both wetlands and non- wetlands (estimated probability 33% to 67%). Areas defined as Non-wetland Waters of the.U.S. typically lacked vegetation or were dominated by annual upland species, but exhibited wetland hydrologic characteristics. Hydrology Hydrologic wetland indicators included both surficial characteristics (e.g., visual observation of surface flow, drainage patterns, watermarks, and drift lines) and sub-surficial characteristics (e.g., presence of free water in the test pit). Hydrologic indicators were also used to define non-wetland waters of the United States. The flow information for this project consisted of drainage patterns, water-stained vegetation, and localized erosion patterns. Soils To confirm the presence of hydric soils, soil test pits were excavated using a shovel. Soils taken from depths ranging from 6 to 12 inches were examined for physical and chemical evidence of hydric conditions. Excavated soils were evaluated using the chroma index from the Munsell Soil Color Charts (Munsell Color 1974); however, soil color was not used as the only indicator in the study area's mineral sandy soils. Additional indicators of hydric soils such as vertical streaking, high organic matter content in the surface horizon, mottling, and sulfidic odor were evaluated during the delineation. JURISDICTION OF WETLANDS AND WATERWAYS Wetlands and jurisdictional waters existing on the project site are regulated by one or both of the following: Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (ACOE 1987) regarding discharge of dredged or fill materials into the waters of the United States; and Sections 1600 el seq. of the California Fish & Game Code which regulates modifications to streambeds. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the ACOE has regulatory authority over the discharge of dredged or fill materials into the waters of the United States (1344 USC). The term "waters of the United States" is defined in 33 CFR Part 328 and includes: (1) all navigable waters (including all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide); (2) all interstate waters and wetlands; (3) all other waters such as intrastate lakes, rivers, streams, (including intermittent streams), mudflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds, the use, degradation or destruction of which could affect interstate or foreign commerce; (4) all impoundments of water mentioned above; (5) all tributaries to waters mentioned above; (6) the territorial seas; and (7) all wetlands adjacent to waters mentioned above. In the absence of wetlands, the limits of ACOE jurisdiction in non-tidal waters, such as intermittent streams, extend to the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) which is defined at 33 CFR 328.3(e) as: that line on the shore established by the fluctuation of water and indicated by physical characteristics such as clear, natural line impressed on the bank, shelving, Merkel & Associates,Inc. it 99-141-01 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 changes in the character of soil, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, the presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means that consider the characteristics of the surrounding areas. Wetlands are defined at 33 CFR 328.3(b) as "those areas that are inundated or saturated by surfaceor ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support ... a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions." California Department of Fish and Game The California Department of Fish & Game regulates alterations of "streambeds" through the development of a Streambed Alteration Agreemeht pursuant to Division 2, Chapter 6, Sections 1600- 1603 of the Fish and Game Code. An Agreement is required whenever a project would "divert, obstruct or change the natural flow or bed, channel or bank of any river, stream or lake designated by the Department." The breadth of areas subject to regulation by CDFG under Section 1600 are less clearly defined than those regulated by ACOE; however, in general, the policies are fairly consistent. It is clear that all rivers, streams, lakes and streambeds which may exhibit intermittent flows of water are covered by the California statutes. Section 1600 et seq. does not extend to isolated wetlands and waters such as small ponds not located on a drainage course, wet meadows, vernal pools, or tenajas as does federal jurisdiction. Furthermore, Department jurisdiction does not extend over tidal waters. However, Section 1600 et seq. jurisdiction extends overall riparian habitat supported by a river, stream, or lake regardless of the riparian area's federal wetland status. Unlike the ACOE process, the Streambed Alteration Agreement is not a discretionary permit, but rather an Agreement developed between an applicant and CDFG with mitigation, impact reduction, or avoidance measures. These measures are subject to acceptance by the applicant or may be countered with alternative measures. If an Agreement cannot be reached between CDFG and the applicant, a formal arbitration process is available. RESULTS VEGETATION COMMUNITIES Four distinct vegetation categories were observed within the study area: Southern Maritime I Chaparral, Non-native Grassland, Exotic Plantings, and Ruderal/Disturbed Lands (Figure 2). Each is discussed in some detail below. Table 1. Summary of Vegetation Within the Study Area Vegetation Community Area (acre) Southern Maritime Chaparral 0.09 (Palomar Airport Road) Non-native Grassland 0.43 (Palomar Airport Road) Exotic Plantings 0.02 (Palomar Airport Road) RuderaLIDisturbed Lands 0.57 (0.56 El Camino Real; 0.01 Palomar Airport Road) i4vlerke! & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 I I I I I Merkel & Associates, Inc. A 45 0 45 90 Feet Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes Figure Vegetation and Sensitive Resources 2 Existing Road Proposed Construction Southern Maritime Chaparral Non-native Grassland Exotic Plantings IJ Ruderal/Disturbed Lands Quercus dumosa Jurisdictional Non-wetland Waters of the U.S. DP Data Point PP Photo Point P NI Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes iVovember 24, /999 Southern Maritime Chaparral (0.09 acre) Southern Maritime Chaparral occurs beyond the proposed project corridor, northeast of the Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real intersection. The dominant plant species within this vegetation community is Nuttall's Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa). Approximately 112 Nuttall's Scrub Oaks occur within the study area; of which, none extend onto the proposed construction corridor. Due to the dense growth of this species, it was difficult to obtain an exact count of individual shrubs. Other shrubs present include Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutijolia), I Lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), and Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum). San Diego Honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicaia ssp. denudata) and Cudweed Aster (LessEn gia filaginifolia ssp. filaginfolia) are also found within this vegetation community. I This habitat contains specific characteristics that are indicative of Southern Maritime Chaparral, such as a predominance of Nuttall's Scrub Oak and presence of Cudweed Aster and sandstone soils. This I vegetation community is known to occur in the vicinity of the proposed project (City of Carlsbad 1999). I Non-native Grassland (0.43 acre) Non-native Grassland occurs along the northern side of Palomar Airport Road, and is also found I between stands of Southern Maritime Chaparral. This habitat consists primarily of Eurasian weedy species such as Soft Chess (Bromus hordeaceus), Red Brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), and Ripgut Grass (Bromus diandrus). Other species present included Short-pod Mustard (Hirschfeldia I incana), Tocalote (Centaurea melitensis), Fascicled Tarplant (Hemizonia fasciculata), and Bristly Ox-tongue (Picris echioides). These species are often associated with heavily disturbed terrain. Exotic Plantings (0.02 acre) The Exotic Plantings on-site consist of three Peruvian Peppertrees (Schinus molle) planted along Palomar Airport Road. Beneath the trees are other non-native herbaceous species such as Greater Periwinkle ( Vinca major) and Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia marilima). Ruderal/Disturbed Lands (0.57 acre) Most of the Ruderal/Disturbed Lands are found along the eastern side of El Camino Real. This habitat predominantly consists of bare ground and non-native ruderal plant species, such as Short- pod Mustard, Bristly Ox-tongue, Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and Prostrate Amaranth (Amaranthus blitoides). This habitat category also includes agricultural lands along El Camino Real that appear to be regularly disced. A few native species, such as Salt Heliotrope (Heliotropium curvassivicum) and Calaba.zilla (Cucurbitafoelidissima), occur within the agricultural lands. WETLANDS AND JURISDICTIONAL NON-WETLAND RESOURCES No jurisdictional wetland vegetation types were found during the recent investigation. However, jurisdictional Non-wetland Waters of the U.S. occur within the study area. The following text discusses this waterway with regard to hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 I Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 Jurisdictional Non-wetland Waters of the U.S. ('42. 3ft2) I A one-foot wide drainage runs along the northern side of Palomar Airport Road. Approximately 42.3 ft2 of Jurisdictional Non-wetland Waters of the U.S. are found within the study area; however, the drainage continues eastward, beyond the study area. These Non-wetland Waters do not extend into the proposed project construction corridor. This channel contains soils that exhibit reducing conditions, which are indictors of hydric soils. Hydrophytic vegetation occurs within the drainage as well. The wetland-associated plants consist of non-native, weedy species such as Annual Beard Grass (Polypogon monspeliensis) (FACW), Curly Dock (Rumex crispus) (FACW), and Bristly Ox-tongue (FAC). However, upland species including U Fennel, Red Brome, and Flat-top Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) are also found in the drainage. Because the wetland-associated plants do not exhibit more than 50% of the dominant species, the channel lacks the proper hydrophytic vegetation criteria to be considered a jurisdictional I wetland habitat. The Non-wetland Waters of the U.S. habitat found within the study area is jurisdictional under the I ACOE. They are also jurisdictional under the California Department of Fish and Game, since they qualify as a streambed. ZooLoGIcAl. RESOURCES Invertebrates Three species of butterflies were found during the recent survey. They were the Monarch (Danaus plexippus), Pigmy Blue (Brephidium exilEs), and Common White (Pontia protodice). Other species that were not found, but are common in habitats such as those found on-site include the Brown Elfin (Incisalia augustinus), Perplexing Hairstreak (Callophrys perplexa), Behr's Metalmark (Apodemia mormo virgulti), Sara Orangetip (Anthocharis sara), West Coast Lady (Vanessa anabel/a), Acmon Blue (Icaricia acmon), Mournful Duskywing (Erynnis tristis tristis), Buckeye (Junonia coenia), Cabbage White (Artogeia rapae), and California Ringlet (Coenonympha cal?fornica). Amphibians No amphibian species were found within the study area. However, regionally common species such as the Pacific Chorus Frog (Pseudacris regilla), California Toad (Bufo boreas halophilus), and Garden Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps major) could potentially be found on-site or in the vicinity. No sensitive amphibian species are expected due to the absence of suitable habitat for either the Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondii) or Arroyo Toad (Bufo microscaphus ca4fornicus). Reptiles No reptile species were detected during the course of the survey. However, lizard species including the Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), Side-blotched Lizard (Ula stanshuriana), and Southern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata) are regionally common, and are expected to occur on-site or in neighboring habitat. Snakes that are common in the region, such as the Gopher Snake (Pituophis ca1enfer), Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus), and Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) may also occur on-site. Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 Birds I Three species of birds were observed or detected during the survey. American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) were seen flying over the proposed project site, and a Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata) was heard calling from chaparral located near the I project corridor. Additional species such as the California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis), Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus), Bushtits (Psaltriparus minimus), and Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) were detected approximately 100 feet off-site. It is likely that these species also make use of the on-site habitat Other regionally common bird species that may be found on-site include the California Thrasher I (Toxosioma redivivum), California Quail (Callipepla ca4fornica), White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii), Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata), House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), and Black Phoebe (Sayornis I nigricans). Raptors such as the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus), and Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), may potentially forage over the Non-native Grasslands and Ruderal Lands on-site. Mammals Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) was the only mammal detected on-site during the survey. Other common mammals that are expected to occur include the Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis), Raccoon (Procyon lotor), Virginia Opossum (Dideiphis virginiana), Botta's Pocket Gopher (Thomomys bottae), California Vole (Microtus calfornicus), Western Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis), House Mouse (Mus musculus), and California Ground Squirrel (Sperm ophilus beecheyi). Additionally, species such as the Brush Rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani), Desert Woodrat (Neotoma lepida), Dusky-footed Woodrat (Neotoma fiscipes), and Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) have a high potential for occurring in the on-site or neighboring chaparral habitat. Although much of the area surrounding the project site has been subject to urbanization, Coyotes (Canis latrans) may still potentially be found in the vicinity. WILDLIFE CORRIDORS The proposed project is not expected to carry significant importance with regard to wildlife corridors and/or habitat linkages, since it is located along two major roadways and is bound by urbanization/development to the north and southwest. The proposed impact area is also relatively small in size, consisting of two separate areas that are each approximately 450 feet in length by 20 feet in width. Taking these factors into account, the project area is not considered to be part of a viable wildlife corridor. The Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad (City of Carlsbad 1999) also does not specify the project area as a significant wildlife corridor or linkage area. SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Sensitive Vegetation Communities Identified Within the Study Area Southern Maritime Chaparral Southern Maritime Chaparral has suffered large losses due to urban and agricultural development in coastal areas of San Diego County. The significance of this plant community is underscored by the M'erkel & Associates, Inc. # 994410/ 10 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes !Vovember 24, 1999 presence of a diverse flora, which includes several sensitive plant species. The small amount (0.09 acre) of habitat found within the study area is part of a larger, more diverse tract of Southern Maritime Chaparral. Any impacts to the chaparral within the study area would not likely affect the overall quality of the larger tract. Therefore, limited biological importance is attached to the small amount of Southern Maritime Chaparral found within the study area. Sensitive Plants Identified Within the Study Area Only one sensitive plant species occurs within the study area: NUTTALL'S SCRUB OAK [Quercus dumosa Nutt. in part] LISTING: CNPS List lB R-E-D Code 2-3-2 State/Fed. Status -- /Species of Concern. FAGACEAE Feb-Mar. Global Rank G2 State Rank Si. 1 DIsTRIBuTIoN: San Diego County, Orange County, Santa Barbara County; Baja California, Mexico HABITAT: Coastal chaparral with a relatively open canopy cover is the preferred habitat in flat terrain; on north-facing slopes this shrub may grow in dense stands. Chesterton fine sandy barns are mapped for the Miramar Naval Airbase population. It often has a rounded, almost "pruned" aspect that is quite different than the more erect growing Quercus berberidfo1ia. In addition, the leaves tend to be smaller, more spinose, and quite undulate. Associates: Ceanothus verrucosus, Xylococcus bicolor, Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. cras54f011a. KNOwN Sims: This coastal scrub oak occurs at a variety of locations, such as Point Loma and Torrey Pines State Park. Occasionally it occurs inland such as on the Miramar Naval Airbase where it grows in considerable numbers, in the hills at Camp Elliott, and on the northwestern slopes of Otay Mesa. A characteristic, low-growing colony is found on the peak east of Interstate 15 and south of Poway Road. Numerous populations are now isolated in the urban canyons of San Diego City neighborhoods north of Mission Valley such as Linda Vista and Clairemont (e.g., west of Mesa Junior College). This oak is locally common near Del Mar Heights Road and east of Torrey Pines High School, nearby south of Del Mar Road and east of El Camino Real, on the northern flanks of Soledad Mountain in La Jolla, as well as on north- facing slopes north of El Nido Road in Rancho Santa Fe. The largest population is within the Penasquitos Canyon Preserve where it is often a dominant shrub and occurs by the tens of thousands. Shrubs in the canyon south of Paseo del Lago in Carlsbad show some hybrid traits, while plants just west of I-S in San Elijo County Park clearly show intermediate traits with Q. berberidfolia. It is occasional on the northern slopes of Macario Canyon in Carlsbad. STATUS: Nuttall's Scrub Oak is substantially declining in San Diego County due to urban expansion along the coast. Taxonomic work is necessary to determine the frequency of intergradation between this species and the common Quercus herberidfolia. Obvious hybrids between the Coast Scrub Oak and Quercus engelmannii are found at a number of sites in coastal San Diego Merkel & Associates, Inc. 9 99-141-01 11 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 County. Sizeable portions of larger populations are recommended for protection. PROJECT SITE: The Southern Maritime Chaparral found within the Palomar Airport Road study area consists predominantly of Nuttall's Scrub Oak. An estimated 112 individuals are found within the study area; of which, none occur within the area of potential impact. Sensitive Wildlife Identified Within the Study Area No sensitive animal species were found during the recent survey. Sensitive Resources Potentially Occurring Within the Study Area Plants Sensitive plants include those listed by USFWS (1989), CDFG (1990), and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) (Smith and Berg 1988). Several sensitive plant species have been identified in the region that are usually associated with Southern Maritime Chaparral and sandstone substrates. These include Summer Holly (Comarostaphylis diversfolia ssp. divers Volia), Del Mar Man.zanita (Arciosiaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassfolia), California Adolphia (Adolphia calfornica), and Ashy Spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens). Each of these species has been documented to occur within the adjacent Southern Maritime Chaparral to the north (San Diego Association of Governments et at 1999). However, the Summer Holly, Del Mar Manzanita,'and California Adolphia were not found in the project corridor. These species are large shrubs and would have been detected if present on-site. A single Summer Holly was found during the recent survey; however, it was found outside of the study area (approximately 30 feet east of the Palomar Airport Road investigation area). Ashy Spike- moss is also not expected to occur within the study area. This species is typically limited to undisturbed soils, and the Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes site is subject to much foot traffic and other types of human disturbance. If Ashy Spike-moss were to occur, it would not be present in enough numbers to be considered biologically significant. Western Dichondra (Dichondra occidentalis) is also associated with Southern Maritime Chaparral. This plant is a perennial species and would have been detectable during the recent survey. Western Dichondra was not found within the study area, and is not expected to occur in enough numbers to warrant biological significance. Several plants are associated with clay sub-soils in the region. Sensitive species potentially present on clay soils within openings of chaparral include Palmer's Grapplinghook (Harpagonella palmeri), Small-flowered Microseris (Microseris douglassii var. plalycarpha), Small-flowered Morning Glory (Convolvulus simulans), and San Diego Thorn-mint (Acanihomintha ililcfo1ia). These species are difficult to detect during this time of year; however, they are not expected to occur within the study area. These plants are restricted to cracked clay soils, which were not found on-site. I Potentially present sensitive species such as Orcutt's Brodiaea (Brodiaea orcultii), Thread-leaved Brodiaea (Brodiaea fihifolia), San Diego Button Celery (Eryngium arisiulatum. ssp.. parishii), California Orcutt Grass (Orcuitia calfornica), and Little Mouse-tail (Myosurus minimus var. apits) I .are associated with vernal pools or vernally mesic areas. These species are not expected within the study area since the site lacks suitable habitat. I Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 12 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 Invertebrates QulNo CHIECKERSPOT BUTTERFLY (Euphydryas editha quino) LISTING: USFWS (1997) - Endangered (Date listed: January 16, 1997) DISTRIBUTION: Found among foothills and coastal mesas of western Riverside, Orange, and San Diego counties; south to northern Baja California, Mexico. HABITAT: Larva utilize native Plantago species such as Plantago erecta. Populations may also feed on, and utilize as larval hosts, plants in the family Scrophulariaceae. STATUS: Declining. Native habitats have been affected by local development and prolonged drought in southern California. The elimination of small, isolated colonies due to these factors adversely affects the entire subspecies through the loss of island patches between larger colonies that serve in dispersal. This also limits the ability to re-establish open patches of nearby habitat. PROJECT SITE: The site is not part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated Quino Checkerspot adult focused survey area (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1999). The site is abundant with Eurasian grasses and non-native, ruderal vegetation; therefore it is unlikely to contain large, high quality stands of Plantago erecta. This site is also subject to a great deal of human disturbance such as foot traffic and illegal dumping of trash. The Quino Checkerspot butterfly is not expected to occur on-site. Reptiles SAN DIEGo HORNED LIZARD (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei) LISTING: USFWS - Species of Concern CDFG - Species of Special Concern CDFG - Fully Protected DISTRIBUTION: Ranges from southern Kern County, southern Ventura County and the Los Angeles basin southward through Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties into northern Baja California, Mexico, at San Vicente. HABITAT: Chamise chaparral, sage scrub, montane forest, and grasslands are all utilized by this horned lizard. Distinctive scat filled with ant remains can be diagnostic even if these lizards are not observed. STATUS: Declining, primarily due to habitat destruction and habitat degradation. Pet collection has also contributed to their decline, as this species is easily collected. PROJECT SITE: The project area is small, disturbed, and adjacent to major roadways. This species is not expected to occur on-site. CORONADO SKINK (Eumeces ski itonianus interpari eta/is) LISTING: USFWS - Species of Concern CDFG - Species of Special Concern DISTRIBUTION: Found in northwest Baja California, Mexico including the Coronado Islands northward through coastal San Diego and Orange counties and into the Los Angeles region. Merkel &Associates, Inc. #99-141-0/ 13 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 HABITAT: Occurs in a variety of habitats including grasslands, sage scrub, and pine-oak forests. Often found beneath logs, leaf litter, and other surface debris. STATUS: The Coronado Skink has a limited range and much of its coastal habitat has been developed for urban uses. Nevertheless, it can still be locally common. PROJECT SITE: The skink has low potential to be present within the project area due to the state of disturbance of the site. However, if present, it would not be expected in such numbers to be considered biologically significant. ORANGE-THROATED WHIPTA1L (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi) LISTING: USFWS - Species of Concern CDFG - Species of Special Concern DISTRIBUTION: Limited in its California distribution, this lizard ranges northward to Corona Del Mar in Orange County and Colton in San Bernardino County, then southward to western Riverside County, San Diego County, and to Loreto in southern Baja California, Mexico. HABITAT: This lizard utilizes all areas of sage scrub, open chaparral, and peripheral edges of riparian zones and washes. Bare ground coverage may average from 10-40 percent, with soils generally well drained, and consisting of moderately deep to very deep, loose sandy barns (McGurty 981). Topography is generally level to mildly sloping, and the typical range of this species is from the immediate coast up to elevations of approximately 3400 feet. STATUS: This species is still relatively common in areas where good habitat occurs; however, vast areas of former habitat in the coastal lowlands have been converted to urban and agricultural development. PROJECT SITE: This lizard has low potential to occur-on-site. However, it is not expected to occur in numbers which would be considered biologically significant. COASTAL WESTERN WHIPTA.IL (Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus) LISTING: USFWS - Species of Concern DISTRIBUTION: This subspecies is found from Santa Barbara County southward through the northern two-thirds of Baja California, Mexico. HABITAT: Semi-open areas and sunny microhabitats in sage scrub, chaparral, open woodlands, peripheral edges of riparian zones and washes, as well as desert and other arid habitats are all utilized by this whiptail. STATUS: This species is relatively common in areas where good habitat occurs; however, vast areas of former habitat in the coastal lowlands have been converted to urban and agricultural development. PROJECT SITE: This lizard has low potential to occur on-site. However, presence in low numbers would not be considered biologically significant. CALiF0RNL& LEGLESS Lizia (Aniella nigra argentea) LISTING: USFWS - Species of Concern CDFG - Species of Special Concern DISTRIBUTION: This legless lizard ranges along coastal California from San Francisco south to northern Baja California. I Merkel &Associates, Inc. #99-141-01 14 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 HABITAT: This nocturnal lizard is seldom seen on the surface. It shows a preference for areas of leaf litter and loose soil along washes, beach sand dunes, open scrub and woodland, and sandy benches along alluvial fans. STATUS: Poorly understood, but apparently declining due to habitat loss. Use of pesticides on agricultural lands has reportedly decimated some populations. PROJECT SITE: Due to the small size, state of disturbance, and lack of suitable habitat on-site, the lizard is not expected to occur within the project area. SAN DiEGo RINGNECK SNAKE (Diadophis punctatus similis) LISTING: California Special Animal DISTRIBUTION: Spotty distribution. This ringneck snake is found in coastal San Diego County south to northern Baja California, Mexico. It occurs from sea level to 7000 feet. L. Klauber's field notes for San Diego County show concentrations of sightings along the immediate southern coast where much urban development now occurs, then from Mission Valley east to Dehesa and Barona, as well as at scattered locations in the mountains. HABITAT: Mesic habitats in chaparral, sage scrub, and oak woodlands, often with high numbers of boulders, are the preferred habitats of this small snake. STATUS: Presumed to be declining given the number of historical collections from locations that are now largely urban. PROJECT SITE: This snake is not expected to occur within the project area due to lack of suitable habitat. However, if present, it would not be considered biologically significant. Birds WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus) LISTING: CDFG - Special Animal CDFG - Fully Protected DISTRIBUTION: Central Valley and coastal California; extensions north into Oregon and south into northern Baja California, Mexico. Northeastern mainland Mexico populations often extend north into the United States. HABITAT: Grasslands, agricultural fields, and occasionally shrublands of California's coastal valleys and plains. Marshes and grassy bottomlands where large clumps of trees are adjacent to foraging habitat are favored sites for winter roosts. STATUS: The centers of abundance for these raptors in southern California are the coastal valleys and plains of San Diego, Orange, and western Riverside counties, which are the areas currently undergoing large-scale and rapid habitat conversion due to residential development. While historic population fluctuations have made their present status difficult to determine, the numbers of breeding individuals are thought to be declining locally, and wintering populations may be diminishing due to loss of winter foraging habitat and roost sites. PROJECT SITE: This species may potentially be found foraging over the ruderal and agricultural lands adjacent to El Camino Real, and over the Non-native Grasslands east of the project site along Palomar Airport Road. However, the Merkel & Associates, Inc. 9 99-141-01 15 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 two sites along the major roadways that make up the project area are expected to be too small to affect the foraging behavior of any potentially present raptor species. BURROWING OWL (Speolyto cunicularia) LISTING: USFWS (1998) - Species of Concern CDFG (1998) - Species of Special Concern DISTRIBUTION: Western United States. HABITAT: Open plains, grasslands, fields. STATUS: Declining due to conversion of grasslands and pasturelands to agriculture and urban development. PROJECT SITE: Burrowing Owls are known to occur on the Palomar Airport property (City of San Diego 1995), the Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course development (H. Weir, pers. comm.), and north of the project site, near Agua Hedionda Creek (San Diego Association of Governments et al. 1999). Although this species is known to occur in the vicinity of the proposed project, it is not expected to occur on-site due to the state of disturbance of the area. CALIFoRNL4 HORNED LARK (Eremophila alpeslris actia) LISTING: CDFG (1998) - Species of Special Concern DISTRIBUTION: Several subspecies of Horned Larks occur throughout North America. Although several other subspecies are reported to occur and may breed in San Diego County, Ea. actia is reported to be the most common on the coastal slope. HABITAT: Sandy shores, bare ground, grassland, open agricultural land, and open scrubland. STATUS: Common breeding resident, abundant migrant and winter visitor in southern California. PROJECT SITE: This species may potentially be found on the open agricultural land located east of El Camino Real; presence would not be considered biologically significant. S LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE (Lanius ludovicianus) LISTING: USFWS (1998) - Species of Concern CDFG (1998) - Species of Special Concern DISTRIBUTION: Occurs throughout the United States, south-central Canada and northern Mexico. The northern populations are migratory. HABITAT: Open country with scattered trees or other perch sites. STATUS: Apparently continuing to decline throughout its range (Graham 1990), possibly due to pesticides and/or other factors. Resident populations are augmented by an influx of wintering individuals in the fall. PROJECT SITE: Shrikes may potentially be found in the open terrain east of El Camino Real. However, this species presence would not warrant biological significance: Merkel &Associates, Inc. #99-141-01 16 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 COASTAL CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER (Polioplila californica californica) LISTING: USFWS - Threatened (Date listed: 25 March 1993) CDFG - Species of Special Concern DISTRIBUTION: Currently occurs in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange counties south to Baja California, Mexico. Has been largely extirpated from Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties. HABITAT: Diegan and Riversidian Sage Scrub. Also occurs in Maritime Succulent Scrub, and less commonly in open chaparral. STATUS: Seriously declining due to loss of habitat.. Between 85% and 90% of this species habitat has been lost to urban or agricultural development. It is almost extirpated from the counties of Ventura, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles. The population is estimated to be just under 5000 pairs (USFWS 1998). The California subspecies (P. c. californica) has a very narrow coastal range in Baja California, Mexico from the United States border south to the vicinity of El Rosario. San Diego County appears to be the center of abundance within the United States for this species. PROJECT SITE: California Gnatcatchers have been identified at twelve locations within the Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course property (Merkel & Associates 1997) just west of the current study area. Although Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub is not present on-site, and the Southern Maritime Chaparral on-site is not strongly suited for gnatcatchers, there is a limited potential for occurence. Presence of this species is most likely to be attributed to a dispersing juvenile, with particularly low potential for there to be a resident gnatcatcher pair in the immediate area (consisting of on-site chaparral and similar, adjacent habitat off-site). SouTHERN CALIFORNIA RuFous-cROwNiEDSpARRow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens) LISTING: USFWS - Species of Concern CDFG - Species of Special Concern DISTRIBUTION: Coastal southern California from Santa Barbara County south into Baja California, Mexico. HABITAT: Sparse, low scrub, or chaparral often mixed with grasses on rocky slopes. STATUS: Uncommon to common but localized resident. PROJECT SITE: This species may potentially occur within the on-site and adjacent chaparral; however, its presence would not be considered biologically significant. Mammals PACIFIC POCKET MOUSE (Perognathus longimembris pac/1cus) LISTING: USFWS - Endangered (1994) CDFG (1998) - Species of Special Concern DISTRIBUTION: Restricted to the coastal strip of southern California from the vicinity of the U.S/Mexico border northward to El Segundo, Los Angeles County (Williams 1986). HABITAT: Areas of fine, sandy substrate. I it'Ierke/ &Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 17 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 STATUS: Declining. Presumably has suffered considerable amounts of habitat loss due to urbanization of coastal areas. PROJECT SITE: The sandstone habitat within the study area has potential to support this species; however, it is not expected to occur within the project area due to the state of disturbance. NORTHWESTERN SAN DIEGO POCKET MOUSE (Chaetodipusfallaxfallax) LISTING: USFWS - Species of Concern CDFG - Species of Special Concern DISTRIBUTION: San Onofre north to Claremont, northeast to Banning, then south to Jacumba and on into Baja California to San Quentin, Mexico. HABITAT: Coastal sage scrub. STATUS: Unknown, possibly declining due to extensive urban and agricultural development. PROJECT SITE: There is low potential for the Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse to occur within the project area. However, its presence would not be considered biologically significant due to it being relatively common and widespread in the region. SAN DIEGO BLACK-TAILED JACKRABBIT (Lepus ca1fornicus benneitii) LISTING: USFWS (1998) - Species of Concern CDFG (1998) - Species of Special Concern DISTRIBUTION: Coastal population from Point Conception - Mount Piños east to Pasadena, western Anza-Borrego Desert, Jacumba south to San Quintmn Baja California, Mexico. HABITAT: Generally found in open or semi-open country. Thick chaparral and forested habitats are unsuitable. STATUS: Declining. PROJECT SITE: The San Diego Black-tailed Jackrabbit could potentially be found within open terrain located east of El Camino Real and within the Non-native Grassland along Palomar Airport Road. If this species were present, it would not be expected to occur in enough numbers to be considered biologically significant. SAN DIEGO DESERT WOODRAT (Neotoma lepida intermedia) LISTING: USFWS - Species of Concern CDFG - Species of Special Concern DISTRIBUTION: Coastal southern California and Baja California from San Luis Obispo south to San Bernardino Mountains, Redlands, and continuing south through Julian and Dulzura and on into Baja California, Mexico to the Sierra San Pedro Matir. HABITAT: Sage scrub and chaparral, often associated with rock outcrops and cactus stands. STATUS: Unknown, but believed to be declining due to loss of habitat. Merkel& Associates, Inc. #99-141-OJ . 18 I Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 PROJECT SITE: This species could potentially be found within the project area or the immediate vicinity; however, its presence would not be considered I biologically significant. I DISCUSSION IMPACTS TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES I Table 2 summarizes the existing and potential impact acreages for the vegetation communities (including the Non-wetland Waters) found within the study area. Table 2. Acreage Summary VEGETATION COMMUNITY (S Biologically significant) EXISTING (in IMPACTED _study _area) Southern Maritime Chaparral * 0.09 acre 0.00 acre Non-native Grassland 0.43 acre 0.14 acre Exotic Plantings 0.02 acre 0.02 acre Ruderal/Disturbed Lands 0.57 acre 0.17 acre Jurisdictional Non-wetland Waters of the U.S. 42.3 ft' 0.00 ft, I The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines define significant effect on the environment as "a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by the project including land, water, flora, fauna..." It is. I important to note that significance of a given activity is variable according to the setting. Resources generally considered significant include vegetation communities that support sensitive plant or animal species, and unique vegetation communities that are limited in distribution and have a critical I .ecological role. Habitats supporting species considered rare or threatened by the agencies, that enforce the California and Federal Endangered Species Act are also regarded as significant resources. I Impacts to special status habitats, or to highly sensitive plant or animal resources, either directly or indirectly from project-related construction or operation activities, would be significant, and mitigation would generally be required as outlined in the Habitat Management Plan for Natural I Communities in the City of Carlsbad (City of Carlsbad 1999). Impacts to the Non-wetland Waters would require a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and a California Fish and Game Code Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement. I The Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes project, as currently proposed, will not impact the sensitive habitat, sensitive plant species, or jurisdictional Non-wetland Waters of the U.S. found within the study area. U Non-native Grasslands, Exotic Plantings, and Ruderal/Disturbed Lands within the study site are not considered biologically sensitive habitat types. Although a few low sensitive species may potentially I occur within these habitats, they are not expected to be present in great enough numbers to be considered biologically significant. These habitats are widely distributed on a regional level and are not under immediate threat. Impacts to these habitats, although adverse, are not significant unless they occur within an important wildlife movement corridor or the Habitat Management Plan (HMP) I preserve system. As previously discussed, the proposed project site is not considered an important wildlife movement corridor. The site is also not a part of a I-IMP Focus Planning Area or I Merkel & Associates, Inc. 4 99-141-0/ 19 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November. 24, 199.9 conservation component. The HIVIP for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad will be discussed in further detail below. HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR NATURAL COMMUNITIES IN THE CITY OF CARLSBAD The purpose of the Habitat Management Plan for the Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad (April, 1999) is to provide a comprehensive, citywide, program to identify how the City, in cooperation with federal and state wildlife agencies, can preserve the diversity of habitat and protect sensitive biological resources within the city while allowing for additional development consistent with the City's General Plan and its Growth Management Plan (City of Carlsbad 1999). Based on existing distribution of vegetation communities and sensitive species, Focus Planning Areas were identified by the HMiP. These areas were further broken down into HIVIIP cores, linkages, and Special Resource Areas. The HMP cores are defined as, "larger, remaining blocks or cores of habitat capable of sustaining threatened, listed or sensitive species over time." The linkages ensure connectivity to HtvIIP cores within the City and to natural communities in adjoining jurisdictions and the region, while also preserving additional habitat. Finally, the Special Resource Areas are separate from the cores and linkage areas, and are defined as vernal pools, significant populations of listed plant species, and movement corridors for large mammals. The HiviP cores, linkages, and' Special Resource Areas served as a basis for biological planning for the establishment of the proposed preserve system (City of Carlsbad 1999). The conservation strategy of the HMiP is to establish a preserve system consisting of areas designated as existing hardline preserve areas (existing dedicated open space), proposed hardline preserve areas (proposed open space), and standards areas (planned open space). The strategy also includes participation in the conveyance of lands in the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) Core I Area. The preserve system is intended to provide adequate conservation for Hl\,IIP specified sensitive species (City of Carlsbad 1999). I According to the Habitat Management Plan, the Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes project does not occur within a HrvIP Focus Planning Area, the I-IMP preserve system, or the MBCP Core Area. I RECOMMENDATIONS TO AvoiD, REDUCE, OR MITIGATE IMPACTS I General Recommendations The following general recommendations for the project are provided to avoid incidental direct and I ' indirect impacts to native habitats:' Prior to'construction, orange construction fencing should be installed along the boundary of all construction areas that are adjacent to the Southern Maritime Chaparral and Non-wetland I Waters. Impacts would be limited to within the construction areas. Silt fencing should also be installed along the boundary of all construction areas that are I ' adjacent to the Southern Maritime Chaparral and Non-wetland Waters. This will minimize debris that may result from construction. I Ivferkel& Associates, Inc. #99-14/-O/ ' 20 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 A qualified biologist should be present to monitor the construction work adjacent to sensitive areas to ensure construction boundaries are adhered to and all recommendations are enacted. The monitoring biologist should also submit a post-construction biological report. This report would identify all incidental impacts incurred from the project, including any additional impacts not yet anticipated. Staging/storage areas for equipment and materials should be located outside the Southern Maritime Chaparral habitat and the area that contains Non-wetland Waters.. No equipment maintenance shall be done within or near any drainage where pollutants from the equipment may enter these areas under any flow. . No materials that could be deleterious to aquatic life should be placed in the drainage. Silty, turbid water should not be discharged into any drainage. Such water shall be settled, filtered, or otherwise clarified prior to discharge. Construction boundaries should be staked and flagged to indicate limits of disturbance. Construction crews should be made fully aware of these boundaries. Spoil, trash, or any debris should be removed off-site to an approved disposal facility. I Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 21 I Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 LITERATURE CITED American Ornithologists' Union. 1983. Checklist of North American Birds, 6th Edition. American Ornithologists' Union. I American Ornithologists' Union. 1989. Thirty-seventh Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Checklist of North American Birds. Auk 106: 532-538. I Bowman, R. H. 1973. Soil Survey, San Diego Area, California. U.S. Department Of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service And Forest Service, In Cooperation With The University Of California Agricultural Experimental Station, The United States Department Of The Interior, Bureau Of U Indian Affairs, The Department Of The Navy, United States Marine Corps, The Department Of Housing And Urban Development, And The County Of San Diego Planning Department. I December. California Department of Fish and Game: http://www.dfg.California.gov/whdab/cnddb.htm 1999. CDFG Natural Diversity Database Special Status Plants, Animals and Natural Communities of San Diego County. The City of Carlsbad. 1999. Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of I Carlsbad. April, 1999. Collins, Joseph T. 1990. Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American I Amphibians and Reptiles (3rd ed.). The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Herpetological Circular No. 19. Garth, John S., and J. W. Tilden. 1986. California Butterflies. University of California Press, Berkeley, California. California Natural History Guides 51. Hickman, James C., ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley. 1400pp. Holland, Robert F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California Department of Fish and Game. Jameson, E.W., Jr. and Hans J. Peeters. 1988. California Mammals. University of California Press, Berkeley, California. Merkel & Associates, Inc. 1997. Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course EIIR Biological Constraints Analysis. August 29, 1997. Munsell Color. 1974. Munsell Soil Color Charts. Macbeth, a Division of Koilmorgen Corporation, Baltimore, Maryland. S S National Geographic Society. 1999. Field Guide to the Birds of North America. Third Edition. Reiser, Craig H. Rare Plants of San Diego County. 1996 Edition. Aquafir Press. 196pp. Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 22 I Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 Rogers, Thomas H. 1965. Geologic Map of California, Santa Ana Sheet (fifth printing 1985). State of California, The Resources Agency Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology. San Diego Association of Governments, Ogden, and Dudek & Associates. 1999. Vegetation Communities with Sensitive Species and Vernal Pools. Multiple Habitat Conservation Program. January, 1999. Skinner, Mark W., and Pavlik, Bruce M. 1994. California's Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. California Native Plant Society. 338pp. I State of California The Resources Agency Department of Fish and Game Natural Diversity Data Base. 1998. Special Animals. March I State of California The Resources Agency Department of Fish and Game Natural Diversity Data Base. 1998. State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California. April I Stebbins, R. C. 1985. A Field.Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. 336p. I Unitt, P. 1984. The Birds of San Diego County. San Diego Society National History Memoir 13. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual: Appendix I C, Section 1; Region 0 - California. Technical Report Y-87-1. U.S. Army Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. U.S. Department of Agriculture - Soil Conservation Service. 1986. Hydric Soils of San Diego County. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1988. National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands: California (Region 0). Biological Report 88(26.10). May 1988. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1997. Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila calfomica cal4fornica) Presence/Absence Survey Guidelines February 28, 1997. 5 pp. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1999. Survey Protocol for the Endangered Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) for the 1999 Field Season. Weir, H. Dudek & Associates. Personal Communication. - Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 23 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 APPENDIX 1. FLORAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED Habitat Types: C = Southern Maritime Chaparral G = Non-native Grassland E = Exotic Plantings R = Ruderal/Disturbed Lands * denotes non-native plant taxa k. Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24,'1909 Scientific Name - Common Name Habitat DICOTYLEDONS Amaranthaceae - Amaranth Family *Amaranthus blitoides Anacardiaceae - Sumac Family Rhus integrfolia *Schinus molle Apiaceae - Carrot Family *Foeniculum vulgare Apocynaceae - Dogbane Family * Vinca major Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Artemisia ca1fornica Baccharis pilularis * Carduus pycnocephalus * Centaurea melitensis * Cirsium vulgare * Conyza canadensis Gnaphalium bicolor Hemizoniafasciculata Heterotheca grandflora Isocoma menziesii *Lactuca serriola Lessingiafi1aginfo1ia var. filaginfolia *Picris echioides Stephanomeria die gensis Boraginaceae - Borage Family Heliotropium curvassavicum Brassicaceae - Mustard Family *Hirschfeldia incana *Lobularia maritima Cactaceae - Cactus Family Opuntia littoralis Caprifoliaceae - Honeysuckle Family Lonicera subspicata var. denudata Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot Family *Atriplex semibaccata Prostrate Amaranth R Lemonadeberry C Peruvian Pepper Tree E Fennel R,G Greater Periwinkle E California Sagebrush C Coyote Brush C Italian Thistle C,R Tocalote G,R Bull Thistle C,R Horseweed G,R Bicolor Cudweed R Fascicled Tarplant G,R Telegraph Weed R Goldenbush C Wild Lettuce R Cudweed Aster C Bristly Ox-tongue G,R San Diego Wreath-Plant R Salt Heliotrope Is Short-pod Mustard G,R Sweet Alyssum E Coast Prickly-pear C San Diego Honeysuckle C Australian Saltbush Is Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 Scientific Name Common Name Habitat *Salsola tragus Russian Thistle R Cucurbitaceae - Gourd Family Cucurbitafoetidissima Calabazilla R Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family Chamaesycepolycarpa Small-seed Sandmat C,R Fabaceae - Pea Family Lotus scoparius Deerweed C Fagaceae - Oak Family Quercus dumosa Nuttall's Scrub Oak C Lamiaceae - Mint Family Salvia mellfera Black Sage C Malvaceae - Mallow Family Malacothamnus dens/lorus Many-flowered Bush Mallow C Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family Eriogonumfasciculatum var. fasciculatum Flat-top Buckwheat C *Rumex crispus Curly Dock R Rosaceae - Rose Family Adenostomafasciculatum Charnise C Heteromeles arbutfolia Toyon C Rubiaceae - Madder Family Galium nuttallii ssp. nuttallii Nuttall's Bedstraw C Solanaceae - Nightshade Family Datura wrightii Western Jimsonweed R MONOCOTYLEDONS Arecaceae - Palm Family *washingtonia robusta Thread Palm C Iridaceae - Iris Family Sisyrinchium bellum Blue-eyed-grass C Poaceae - Grass Family - *Bromus diandrus Ripgut Grass G,R *Bromus hordeaceus Soft Chess G *Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens Red Brome G,R Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 Scientific Name Common Name Habitat *Cynodon dactylon Bermuda Grass G,R *polypogon monspeliensis Annual Beard Grass G,R Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 APPENDIX 2. FAUNAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED Habitat. Types: C = Southern Maritime Chaparral G = Non-native Grassland E = Exotic Plantings R = RuderalfDisturbed Lands F = Flyover Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-0/ Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 Common Name Scientific Name Habitats BUTTERFLIES Pieridae (White, Orange-tip, and Sulfur Butterflies) Common White Pontiaprotodice Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies) Monarch Danaus plexippus Lycaenidae (Metalmark, Hairstreak, Copper, and Blue Butterflies) Pigmy Blue Brephidium exilis BIRDS Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna Corvidae (Jays, Magpies, and Crows) - American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Timalidae (Babblers) Wrentit Chamaeafasciata Aegithalidae (Bushtit) Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus Emberizidae (Warblers, Sparrows, Blackbirds and Relatives) Spotted Towhee Pip/lo maculatus California Towhee Pip/lo crissalis MAMMALS Leporidae (Rabbits and Hares) Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii G,R F ILI R. C (just off-site) F C C (just off-site) C (just off-site) C (just off-site) C,G,R Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 I Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 I - I.' I APPENDIX 3. Wetland Data Form Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 DATA FORM ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION (1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual) Project/Site: Palomar Airport Rd and El Camino Real Turn Lanes Date: November 4, 1999 Applicant/Owner: City of Carlsbad County: San Diego Investigator: Vanessa A. Lee State: California Do normal circumstances exist on the site? Z Yes D No Community ID: NWW Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Situation)? 0 Yes S No Transect ID: Is the area a potential Problem Area? 0 Yes S No Plot ID: 1 (If needed, explain on reverse.) I VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator 1. Picris echiodes H FAC 9, 2. polypogon monspeliensis H FACW 10. 3. Rurnex crispus H FACW 11. 4. Foeniculurn vulgare S FACU 12. 5. Brornus rubens H NI 13. 6. Eriogonurn fasciculaturn S .NI 14. 7. 15. 8. 16. Percentage of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW or FAC (excluding FAC-). 50% Remarks: Wetland associated plants do not exceed 50% of dominant species, and thus does not meet hydric vegetation criteria. I . — HYDROLOGY Recorded Data (Described in Remarks): Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Stream, Lake, or Tide Gauge Primary Indicators: Aerial Photographs . Inundated Li Other Saturated in Upper 12 inches No Recorded Data Available Li Water Marks Li Li Drift Lines Sediment Deposits Field Observations: Depth of Surface Water: NA (in.) Z Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Depth to free Water in Pit NA (in.) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Depth of Saturated Soil: NA (in.) Li Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12 Inches Li Water-Stained Leaves Li Local Soil Survey Data Li FAC-Neutral Test Other (Explain in Remarks) Remarks: Drainage pattern indicated by one-foot wide incised channel. SOILS Map Unit Name (Series and Phase): Las Flores loamy fine sand Taxonomy (Subgroup): Haplic Natrixeraif s - I Drainage Class: Moderately well drained Field Observations Confirm Mapped Type? Yes Z No Profile Description: Depth Matrix Color (inches) Horizon (Munsell Moist) . Mottle Colors Mottle (Munsell Moist) (Abundance/Contrast) Texture, Concretions, Structure, etc. 0-12 -- IOYR 5/3 7.5YR 5/8 706 Loamy sand Hydric Soil Indicators: Histosol Histic Epipedon Sulfidic Odor Aquic Moisture Regime Reducing Conditions Gleyed or Low-Chroma Colors fl fl fl Concretions High Organic Content in surface layer in Sandy Soils Organic Streaking in Sandy Soils Listed on Local Hydria Soils List Listed on National Hydric Soils List Other (Explain in Remarks) Remarks: Soils within a drainage with 79. mottle abundance. WETLAND DETERMINATION Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes Z No Hydric Soils Present? Yes Z No' E Is this Sampling Point Within a Wetland? Yes No Remarks: Jurisdictional Non-wetland Waters of the U.S. Approved by HQUSAUt i19.4 Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Turn Lanes November 24, 1999 rl APPENDIX 4. Photographs Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-141-01 Ph Grassland, and Exotic Plantings. \ Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real Tth-n Lanes November 24, 1999 Photo Point 2. Northward view along El Camino Mal. 1.1-.is rca consists ci kulcral/L)cSwrbcd Lands. Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 99-14 /-0