HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDP 00-16; POINSETTIA LANE REACH E; BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORTS;I
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I AP 07'-01
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i BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORT
AND IMPACT ANALYSIS
I FOR TI1F POINSETTIA IAN[
ALIGNMENT REACH [
I CITY OF CARLSBAD
I SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
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I Prepared for:
I I1UNSAI(FR & ASSOCIATES
10179 Huennekens Street
I San Diego, CA 92121
Contact: Ray Martin
(858)-558-4500
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Prepared by:
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& ASSOCIATES, INC.
Professional Teams for Complex Projects
605 Third Street
I Encinitas, California 92024
Contact: Anita M. Hayworth, Ph.D.
(760) 942-5147
I June 2001
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I TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Section Pane
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS ...........................................iv
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...................................................1
1 2.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS ..............................1
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2.1 Literature Review ...............................................1
2.2 Field Reconnaissance ............................................2
2.2.1 Resource Mapping ........................................3
I 2.2.2 Flora .....................................................3
2.2.3 Fauna ...................................................3
1 2.2.4 Sensitive Biological Resources ................................4
2.2.5 Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation ...........................4
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3.0 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS ......................................5
3.1 Site Description .................................................5
I 3.2 Previous Environmental Analysis ..................................8
4.0 RESULTS OF SURVEY ..............................................9
I 4.1 Botany Plant Communities and. Floral Diversity .....................9
4. 1.1 Southern Maritime Chaparral ................................9
I 4.1.2 Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest ......................11
4.1.3 Southern Willow Scrub ...................................12
4.1.4 Disturbed Wetland .......................................13
I 4.1.5 Agriculture ..............................................13
4.1.6 Developed Land .........................................13
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4.1.7 Disturbed Habitat ........................................14
4.1.8 Floral Diversity ...........................................14
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.)
Section Pane
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4.2 Zoology - Wildlife Diversity .....................................14
4.2.1 Birds ....................................................14
4.2.2 Reptiles and Amphibians ..................................14
I 4.2.3 Mammals ..............................................15
4.3 Sensitive Biological Resources .....................................15
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4.3.1 Sensitive Plant Species ....................................15
4.3.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species ..................................17
4.3.3 Sensitive Habitats ........................................19
I 4.3.4 Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages ......................19
4.3.5 Delineation of Wetlands- and "Waters of the U.S." ..............20
I 4.5 Regional Resource Planning Context ..............................21
5.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS ................................22
I 5.1 Explanation of Determination of Significance .......................23
5.2 Impacts to Plant Communities ....................................23
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5.3
5.4
Impacts to Sensitive Plants .......................................25
Impacts to Sensitive Animals ....................................25
- 5.5 Jurisdictional Wetland/Waters Impacts .............................26
I 5.5.1 ACOE Impacts .............. ............................. 27
5.5.2 CDFG Impacts ............................................27
1 5.6
5.5.3 Regulatory Requirements .................................27
Summary of Significant Direct and Indirect Impacts ................... 28
I 6.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES ........................28
6.1 Subregional Planning Context .......................................29
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6.2
6.3
Mitigation Measures ............................................29
Methods to Reduce the Mitigation Requirement ....................34
7.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .............................................35
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8.0 LITERATURE CITED ...............................................35
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont)
.1 Pane
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LIST OF APPENDICES
Vascular Plant Species Observed on the Project Site
Wildlife Species Observed orDetected on the Project Site
Species Sensitivity Categories
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LIST OF FIIURFS
Figure 1 Regional Map ..................................................6
I Figure 2 Vicinity Map ..................................................7
Figure 3 Biological Resources Map with Proposed Limits of Grading ............10
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I LIST OF TABLES
I Table 1 Survey Dates, Times & Conditions ................................2
Table 2 Habitat Acreages-by Habitat Type - Poinsettia Lane- Reach E ..........11
Table 3 Impact Acreage for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment- Reach E ...........24 I Table 4 Potential Mitigation Requirements for Impacts to
Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species
I Resulting from Poinsettia Lane - Reach E ...........................30
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SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The proposed Poinsettia Lane Alignment, Reach E, located within Zone 21 is an
approximately 9.3-acre area that traverses the area from Aviara Phase 2 to the current eastern
terminus of the roadway at the western end of the Viadana development. The area is located
west of El Camino Real, south of Cassia Lane, east of the Aviara development and north of
Aviara Parkway. The area is surrounded by agriculture, open space/native habitat and some
areas of residential development. Topographically, most of the site consists of moderate to
steep slopes encompassing a major drainage, some gently sloping areas, and a detention or
desiltation basin. The elevations onsite vary from about 190 to 270 feet above mean sea level.
Most of the eastern portion of the survey area is represented by slopes leading to a drainage
containing oak riparian habitat. The slopes containing native habitat both at the east and
west ends of the alignment are primarily composed of chaparral vegetation. Based on species
composition and general physiognomy, seven plant communities or habitat types were
identified onsite within the limits of grading for the roadway alignment: southern maritime
chaparral (3.3 acres), southern coast live oak riparian forest (0.7 acres), southern willow
scrub (0.1 acre), disturbed wetland (0.2 acre), agriculture (4.1 acres), developed land (0.4 acre),
and disturbed habitat (0.5 acre).
One species of plant listed as endangered by the California Department of Fish and Game
(CDFG) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was detected onsite: Del Mar
manzanita (Arctostaphylosglandulosa ssp. crassifolia). Two additional plant species considered
sensitive by various resource agencies also were observed: Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus
dumosa) and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia).
I One animal species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by the USFWS or CDFG was
observed adjacent to the survey area: California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). One
I sensitive animal species was observed in the alignment: horned lark (Eremophila alpestris) and
two species were observed nearby: Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) and northern harrier
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(Circus cyaneus).
Much of the site supports agriculture/disturbed/developed habitat which would not be
I considered sensitive by the resource agencies. However, native communities onsite, including
southern maritime chaparral, and coast live oak riparian forest, southern willow scrub, and
disturbed wetland, are considered sensitive and impacts to these vegetation communities are
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regulated by the resource agencies.
I Based on the design of the proposed project, impacts to vegetation communities requiring
mitigation comprise 3.3 acres of southern maritime chaparral and 1.0 acre of wetland
habitats. Mitigation requirements include the offsite purchase of approximately 9.9 acres of
I southern maritime chaparral and the creation of approximately 3.0 acres of wetland habitat.
Mitigation also will be required for the impacts to individual oak trees at approximately 10:1
for oaks directly impacted, 5:1 for oaks impacted indirectly and 2:1 for impacts to snags.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Poinsettia Lane alignment located within Zone 21 is an approximately 9.3-acre area that
traverses the area from Aviara Phase 2 to El Camino Real, City of Carlsbad in the western
portion of San Diego County, California. The alignnent traverses approximately 1800 feet
of land from Aviara Phase 2 to the western boundary of the Viadana development. The
proposed alignment is located west of El Camino Real, south of Camino Vida Roble, east of
the Aviara development and north of Aviara Parkway. The area is surrounded by agriculture,
open space/native habitat and residential development. Biological surveys of the alignment
were conducted in March 1998, confirmed or modified in October and November 1999, and
verified by a recent site visit in November 2000. A resource agency visit and additional
mapping were conducted in May 2001. The purpose of these visits was to assess the existing
conditions of the biological resources. The surveys augmented the existing data base
accumulated through previous survey work (e.g., SANDAG 1994). This report describes the
biological character of the site in terms of vegetation, flora, wildlife, and wildlife habitats; and
analyzes the biological significance of the site in view of federal, state, and local laws and
policies.
2.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS
Data regarding biological resources present on the project site were obtained through a review
of pertinent literature and through field reconnaissance; both of which are described in detail
below.
2.1 Literature Review
Sensitive biological resources present or potentially present onsite were identified through a
literature search using the following sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1989, 1990,
19911 1993), California Department of Fish and Game (1980, 1986, 1987), California Native
Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants (Skinner and Pavlik 1994),
Murphy (1990), and the vegetation and sensitive species mapping performed for the North
County Wildlife Forum's Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (SANDAG 1994). General
information regarding wildlife species present in the tegion was obtained from Unitt (1984)
for birds, Bond (1977) for mammals, and Stebbins (1985) for reptiles and amphibians.
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2.2 Field Reconnaissance
Biological surveys of the property were conducted by Dudek and Associates, Inc. (DUDEK)
biologists Anita M. Hayworth, Ph.D. (AMH), Sherri Miller (SLM), and Howie Wier (HAW)
during March and June 1998. A wetland delineation was conducted by Sherri Miller in
March 1998 and by Vipul Joshi (VRJ) during October and November 1999 (see Table 1). All
surveys were conducted by foot; the entire property was surveyed and inventoried for biotic
components. A brief check on the conditions of the site was conducted in November 2000
by Anita Hayworth to confirm that the previous mapping represents the current conditions.
Additionally, a site visit was made by John Martin (USFWS) and Anita Hayworth in May
2001 to evaluate the need for focused surveys. Megan Enright (ME) conducted a final site
visit on May 2001 to GPS and map locations of oak trees.
TABLE 1
SURVEY DATES, TIMES & CONDITIONS
Date; Purpose Personnel Time Tëñip(F) Sky Wind (mph)
March 23, 1998; SLM 0900-1200 nla n!a nla
Vegetation mapping/ wetland
delineation
March 15, 1998; HAW 1000-1300 n!a nla nla
Rare plant survey
June 26, 1998; AMH 0700-1200 68-75 degrees clear 1-3 MPH
Wildlife survey
October 1999; VRJ n!a nla n!a n!a
Vegetation mapping! Wetland
Delineation
November 1999; VRJ n!a n!a n!a n!a
Vegetation mapping! Wetland
Delineation
November 29, 2000; AMH 0900.1000 63 degrees overcast 2-5 MPH
Verify site conditions
May 18, 2001 AMH w! John 0930-1130 warm sunny calm
Site overview Martin, USFWS
May 29, 30, 2001 ME 1500-1700 n!a n!a nla
oak tree mapping
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2.2.1 Resource Mapping
Plant communities were mapped in the field directly onto a clear acetate on a 200-scale
(1"=200') aerial photograph of the area from Aerial Fotobank, flown 18 January 1997.
Vegetation boundaries and locations of sensitive species were transferred onto a 200-scale
topographic map of the site from Hunsaker and Associates. These boundaries and locations
were digitized by DUDEK GIS technician Martie Clemons using the ArcCadd system at
DUDEK.
Plant community classifications used in this report follow Holland (1986), with modifications
to accommodate the lack of conformity of the observed communities to those of Holland.
Locations of rare or sensitive plant and wildlife species also were mapped, and the numbers
present were estimated.
2.2.2 Flora
All plant species encountered during the field surveys were identified and recorded. Those
species that could not be identified immediately were brought into the laboratory for further
investigation. Latin and common names of plants follow the Jepson Manual (Hickman
1993). Where not listed in Hickman (1993), common names are taken from Beauchamp
(1986) or Abrams (1923). A list of plant species observed on the property is presented in
Appendix A.
2.2.3 Fauna
I Wildlife species detected during field surveys by sight, calls, tracks, scat, or other sign were
recorded. Binoculars (10 x 50 power) were used to aid in the identification of observed
I animals. Records from previous biological studies and accounts from local residents also were
consulted. In addition to species actually observed, expected wildlife use of the site was
determined by known habitat preferences of local species and knowledge of their relative
I distributions in the area. A list of wildlife species observed or detected onsite is presented in
Appendix B.
I Latin and common names of animals follow Stebbins (1985) for reptiles and amphibians,
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American Ornithologists' Union (1983, 1989) for birds, Jones et al. (1992) for mammals.
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2.2.4 Sensitive Biological Resources
Sensitive biological resources are those defined as follows: (1) species that have been given
special recognition by federal, state, or local conservation agencies and organizations due to
limited, declining, or threatened population sizes; (2) species and habitat types recognized by
local and regional resource agencies as sensitive; (B) habitat areas or plant communities that
are unique, are of relatively limited distribution, or are of particular value to wildlife; and 4)
wildlife corridors and habitat linkages.
During the field surveys a special effort was made to examine more thoroughly those areas
suspected to support sensitive resources. Considerably more time was spent in the chaparral
vegetation and in drainages onsite. A formal wetland delineation was conducted of the major
drainage that the roadway will traverse. -
2.2.5 Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (1987) was used to
determine whether jurisdictional wetlands occurred within the study area. The manual
requires that positive indicators of hydric soils, wetland hydrology, and hydrophytic
vegetation all be present to classify an area as a jurisdictional wetland. Other "waters of the
United States," as defined by the ordinary high water mark of streams or drainages, also were
identified and mapped in the field.
Typically, where a predominance of hydrophytic vegetation is present, additional data on
soils and hydrology are collected, and a wetland data form is completed. To determine
whether specific plant communities meet the hydrophytic vegetation criterion, the dominant
species are listed along with their wetland indicator status from the National List of Plant
Species That Occur in Wetlands: Region 0 (Reed 1988). If 50% or more of the dominant plant
species at a specific site are categorized as obligate wetland, facultative wetland, or
facultative, as described in the list, the site is determined to meet the hydrophytic vegetation
criterion.
When determining whether hydric soils are present, a pit usually is dug to a depth of 16
inches. The texture, moisture content, and color of the soil are noted for each pit. The soil
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survey for San Diego County (Bowman 1973) was reviewed to determine mapped soil types.
The National List of Hydric Soils also was reviewed to determine if the mapped soil series
occurred on the list.
The definition applied by the CDFG to determine the presence of wetlands is less objective
than that of the ACOE. Per CDFG, wetlands are defined as "a body of water that flows at
least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks and supports fish
or other aquatic life." "This includes water courses having a surface or subsurface flow that
supports riparian vegetation." Any area that met these criteria also was identified and
mapped.
A jurisdictional delineation of 'Waters of the United States," including wetlands, under the
jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and California Department of Fish
and Game (CDFG) was conducted in March 1998 and October and November 1999 on all
areas of the site. The wetlands were delineated in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers 1987 Manual for the Delineation of Wetlands (TRY-87-1) and hydrology,
hydrophytic vegetation, and soils were examined at potential wetland sites. The dimensions
of non-wetland jurisdictional areas (i.e., incised channels with no wetland vegetation) were
transferred to the topographic base as linear features. The extent of wetland features was
determined in the field by pacing and aerial photo interpretation; these shapes were
transferred to the topographic base, and digitized into an ArcCAD file.
3.0 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
3.1 Site Description
The Poinsettia Lane alignment - Reach E is a 9.3-acre area situated within Zone 21 of the City
of Carlsbad in western San Diego County, California (Figure 1). The site is surrounded to the
south and north by undeveloped lands in the form of agriculture and native habitats and to
the east and west by the Viadana and Aviara residential developments, respectively. The area
lies approximately 3 miles east of Interstate Highway 5 and about 1.3 miles north of La Costa
Avenue, and 0.2 mile west of El Camino Real. It is in the northeastern corner of the USGS
7.5 minute Encinitas quadrangle, Sections 23 and 26, T.125., RAW. (Figure 2).
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------._--Poinsettia. Lane R each 'E'. Biological -ResourcesReport-&..lmpactAnalysis!!!!!
Regional Map L 1
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- ....-----.. Poinsettia-lane .Reach 'E' - Biological Resources Report &.lrnpact Analysis
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Topographically, most of the site consists of moderate to steep slopes with a major drainage,
a detention basin, and some agricultural/greenhouse use. The elevations onsite vary from
about 190 to 270 feet above mean sea level. Most of the eastern portion of the survey area
is represented by slopes leading to a drainage containing oak riparian habitat. The slopes
contain native habitat both east and north of the agriculture field located in the central
I portion of the survey area and are primarily composed of dense chaparral vegetation. The
drainage is an unnamed tributary to Batiquitos Lagoon, and traverses the southern portion
of the survey area in a roughly southwest direction. The drainage supports somewhat well
I developed oak riparian forest that extends offsite to the southwest but terminates at the
Aviara Development. The detention basin at the western end of the survey area appears to
be newly formed and contains a small amount of wetland vegetation.
According to Bowman (1973), the following soils are present onsite: Huerhuero loam
I (HrD2), Corralitos loamy sand (CsC), and Loamy alluvial .land-Huerhuero complex (LvF3).
I Soils of the Huerhuero series consist of moderately well drained barns that have a clay
subsoil. These soils developed in sandy marine sediments. Huerhuero loam (HrD2) occurs
on 9 to 15 percent slopes. Because of moderate sheet erosion, the soil has an effective rooting
I depth of 20 to 40 inches. Loamy alluvial land consists of somewhat poorly drained,, very
- deep, very dark brown to black silt loams and sandy loams. Areas of this land were formerly
I wet meadows that were subsequently drained by head cutting of gullies. The gullies
eventually formed drainage ditches and thus lowered the water table. The loamy alluvial
land-Huerhuero complex occurs on 9 to 50 percent slopes and occurs on old coastal ridges.
1 The landscape is one of strongly sloping to steek, severely eroded soils and alluvial fill along
drainageways. Corralitos loamy. sand (CsC) consists of somewhat excessively drained, very
I deep loamy sands that formed in alluvium derived from marine sandstone. The soil is
moderately sloping at 5 to 9 percent slope.
1 3.2 Previous Environmental Analysis
The alignment of Poinsettia Lane from the western edge of the Zone 20 Specific Plan to the
intersection with El Camino Real was addressed in the Program Environmental Impact
Report for the Zone 20 Specific Plan Project (Brian F. Mooney, December 1991). This ElK
addressed the approximate 4,200-foot stretch within Zone 20 as well as alternatives that
extend east into Zones 19 and 21. Poinsettia Lane Reach E was addressed as the future offsite
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extension from the Zone 20 SPA. Two alternative alignments ("A" and "B") were considered
by the City at the time. Alignment A includes the approximate current proposed location
of Reach E. Alignment B was located north of Alignment A, traversing Zone 21 almost in a
directly east-west orientation. The Zone 20 EIR addressed impacts to biological resources
from the two alignments. Although Alignment A approximates the proposed Reach E, it is
not exactly the same in that Reach E is slightly north of Alignment A, crossing the main
drainage approximately 200 to 300 feet upstream of the location addressed in the HR. The
EIR identifies impacts to sensitive habitats including coast live oak woodland and species
including Englemann oak, summer holly, and wart-stemmed ceanothus. The EIR also
identifies that a biological study be conducted for the specific roadway alignment. The EIR
addressed impacts in a programmatic manner. This report provides current survey
information on the refined and modified location of the alignment. Thus, impacts identified
in the Zone 20 EIR do not agree with the findings of the current study.
4.0 RESULTS OF SURVEY
4.1 Botany - Plant Communities and Floral Diversity
Based on species composition and general physiognomy, seven plant communities or habitat
types were identified onsite within the limits of grading for the roadway alignment:
southern maritime chaparral (3.3 acres), southern coast live oak riparian forest (0.7 acre),
I southern willow scrub (0.1 acre), disturbed wetland (0.2 acre), agriculture (4.1 acres),
developed land (0.4 acre), and disturbed habitat (0.5 acre).
I These habitat types are described below, their acreages are presented in Table 2, and their
spatial distribution is presented in Figure 3.
1 4.1.1 Southern Maritime Chaparral
I Southern maritime chaparral is similar to southern mixed chaparral but is restricted to coastal
localities within the fog belt and typically develops on sandstone soils. This community is
I characterized by several shrubs of limited distribution, including Del Mar manzanita
(Arctostaphylos glandulosa var. crassifolia), wart-stemmed ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucosus),
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coast spicebush (Cneoridium dumosum), and Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa). Other
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UUUICI II VYIIIUW Scrub
N0TE AIöwercas din front of a vegetation type
designator indicates that It is disturbed.
Sensitive Plant Species:
Ag Arctostaphylosglaizdu!osa
Cd Comazostaphylls dioers1o1ia
Qd Quercus dunzosa
Sc- &lagiizella cinerascens
NOTE: Numbers indicate individual
plant counts at that location.
BASE TOPO SOURCE: Hunsaker & Associates, December 2000
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
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jAGRI Agriculture LA Ag
A2 Ag3
LPv 1 Developed Land -- AgV /Qd
I DH1 Disturbed Habitat
Lw I Disturbed Wetland
SMC
LP1 Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest \\\)
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FS MC Southern Maritime Chaparral
- . /1' '- - - Ag3
Sensitive Animal Species: - /- ./,' "
CAGN California Gnatcatcher •
COHA Cooper's hawk --I •- S -
HOLA Horned lark ' : - -
NOHA Northern harrier -
• DSII Data Station
Oak Tree Survey • Limits of Grading
Quercus ag'i7oIia ____
£ Snag
0 160 I '-I
Scale in Feet
Poinsettia Lane - Reach 'E' Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis FIGURE
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I TABLE 2
HABITAT ACREAGES BY HABITAT TYPE - POINSETTIA LANE-REACH E
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shrubs encountered frequently in this community are chamise, lemonadeberry, laurel sumac, I toyon, and summer-holly. There is some question regarding the definition of this
community, and considerable disagreement exists among those who map plant communities.
For purposes of this study, any mixed chaparral community that had Del Mar manzanita as
one of the shrub components was included in this category.
Within the property, the full complement of southern maritime chaparral species is found in
this community. Southern maritime chaparral, 3.3. acres, is distributed in the southern and
eastern portion as well as the northwestern portion of this proposed alignment.
Southern maritime chaparral is recognized as a sensitive plant community owing to its I limited distribution, depleted nature, and the occurrence of sensitive and endangered plant
species within the community.
4.1.2 Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest
I Southern coast live oak riparian forest is an open to locally dense evergreen sclerophyllous
riparian woodland dominated by coast live oak (Quercus agrifcilia). According to Holland
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(1986) it is richer in herbs and poorer in understory shrubs than other riparian communities.
It typically occurs in bottomlands and outer floodplains along larger streams, on fine grained,
rich alluvium.
Onsite this community is represented by a band of coast live oak, a total of 0.7 acre, with
scattered individuals of arroyo willow, and an understory that includes poison-oak
(Toxicodendron diversilobum), California rose (Rosa californica), mugwort (Artemisia
douglasiana), and several annuals. Within the proposed alignment, there are approximately
10 individual oak trees that are four inches or greater in diameter at breast height (dbh).
Additionally, there are approximately four dead snags that range in height from 20 to 50 feet.
Riparian habitats such as southern coast live oak riparian forest and southern willow scrub
represent high quality wildlife habitat, providing structural diversity and water during much
of the year. They are important sites of primary productivity and play a vital role in nutrient
recycling and maintenance of water quality. Many species of animals that are resident in
adjacent scrub habitat forage in riparian areas during the drier times of the year. Southern
coast live oak riparian forests are considered wetland communities and as such are under the
jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Game, pursuant to Section 1601-1603
of the California Fish and Game Code, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, pursuant to
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
4.1.3 Southern Willow Scrub
Holland (1986) describes southern willow scrub as "dense, broadleafed, winter-deciduous
riparian thickets dominated by several species of [willows] Salix, with scattered emergent
[Fremont cottonwood] Populus freinontii and [western sycamore] Platanus racemosa." The
understory is usually depauperate owing to the dense canopy.
Within the survey area, a small amount of southern willow scrub is located at the western
end of the alignment. This habitat area appears to have developed in association with a
detention basin that was constructed either for the adjacent Aviara Phase II development or
the development entitlement for the onsite graded area. A stormdrain is located within this
detention basin. A small sparse development of willows has occurred in one portion of this
detention basin. Southern willow, scrub is considered a wetland community and as such is
under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Game, pursuant to Section
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1601-1603 of the California Fish and Game Code, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
4.1.4 Disturbed Wetland
An area in the northwest portion of the site was mapped as disturbed wetland based on soils,
hydrology and vegetation. Soils in the area are heavily and clearly mottled, indicating a
periodic water flow. The area is topographically low and appears to receive water from the
northeast and conducts it toward the southwest. Plant species include a variety of native and
exotic herbs, grasses and forbs such as salt grass (Distichlis spicata), wild radish (Raphanus
stltiva), rabbit's foot grass (Polypogon monspeliensis), cheeseweed (Malvella leprosa) , horseweed
(Con yza canadensis) and ryegrass (Loliurn sp.) along with planted annual sunflowers
(Helianthus spp.).
Disturbed wetlands are considered wetland communities and as such are under the
jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Game, pursuant to Section 1601-1603
of the California Fish and Game Code, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, pursuant to
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
4.1.5 Agriculture
Agriculture was mapped within the survey area where an ornamental plant nursery currently
operates. These lands contain primarily annual plants at various stages in their life cycles as
well as some areas that are recently plowed. Apart from planted, ornamental annual plants,
a few non-native opportunistic species occur in this area including: sea lavender (Lirnoniurn
sinua turn), tumbleweed (Salsola tragus), tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), Mexican tea
(Chenopodiurn ambroisiodes) and slender wild oat (Avena barbata). Areas mapped .as
agriculture also contain a system of dirt roads which appear to be regularly used and are
devoid of vegetation.
4.1.6 Developed Land
Developed land refers to highly modified land supporting structures, land use, or vegetation
associated with structures. Within the survey area, developed land is located at the western
end of the site and contains a graded area in association with adjacent development.
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4.1.7 Disturbed Habitat
Disturbed habitat refers to areas that lack vegetation entirely. These areas generally are the
result of severe or repeated mechanical perturbation. Within the survey area, disturbed
habitat includes dirt roads, trails, and ornamental landscape. A total of 0.5 acre of disturbed
habitat is present onsite.
4.1.8 Floral Diversity
A total of 67 species of vascular plants - 44 native species (66 percent) and 23 non-native (34
percent) - was recorded from the site (Appendix A).
4.2 Zoology - Wildlife Diversity
4.2.1 Birds
I Twenty-two (22) species of birds were observed during the recent survey work (see Appendix
B). The avifauna is comprised of a moderately diverse assemblage of species associated with
coastal sage scrub and chaparral. The most commonly observed species include California
I quail (Callipepla californica), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), Anna's hummingbird
(Calypte anna), common raven (Corvus corax) , wrentit (Chamaea fasciata); California thrasher
I (Toxostoma redivivum), spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus), and California towhee (Pipilo
crissalis).
I 4.2.2 Reptiles and Amphibians
I Two species of reptiles were observed onsite, including side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana)
and Great Basin fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis). Other reptiles common in the area and
likely to occur onsite include southern alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus webbii), I coastal western whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus), San Diego horned lizard
(Phrynosoma coronata blainvillei), orange-throated whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus), gopher
I snake (Pituophis melanoleucus), northern red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber ruber), and
common kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus). No amphibians were observed onsite.
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1 4.2.3 Mammals
I Four species of mammals were recorded from the site, including cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus
sp.), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), woodrat (Neotoma sp.), and coyote
(Canis latrans). Other mammal species likely to be present include striped skunk (Mephitis
I mephitis), Virginia opossum (Dideiphis virginica), and raccoon (Procyon lotor).
I 4.3 Sensitive Biological Resources
I The following resources are discussed in this section: (1) plant and animal species present in
the project vicinity that are given special recognition by federal, state, or local conservation
I agencies and organizations owing to declining, limited, or threatened populations, that are
the results, in most cases, of habitat reduction; and (2) habitat areas that are unique, are of
relatively limited distribution, or are of particular value to wildlife: Sources used for
I determination of sensitive biological resources are as follows: wildlife -- U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS 1989, 1991), California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG 1980,
I 1986), Remsen (1978), Everett (1979), McGurty (1980), and Murphy (1990); plants --
USFWS (1990, 1993), CDFG (1987), and Skinner and Pavlik (1994); and habitats --Holland
(1986).
4.3.1 Sensitive Plant Species
I One species of plant listed as endangered by the California Department of Fish and Game
(CDFG) and by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was detected within the proposed
I roadway alignment: Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia). Two
additional plant species considered sensitive by various resource agencies also were observed:
1 Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). These species are
discussed below and their locations are illustrated in the biological resources map (Figure 3).
The listing authorities and explanation of listing categories are presented in Appendix C.
I Although the USFWS recently eliminated its Category 2 candidate (0) status, these are
retained below because C2 species currently are under further review.
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Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia - Del Mar manzanita
USFWS: Endangered
CDFG: None
I CNPS: List 1B, 3-3-2
I Del Mar manzanita represents the coastal form of San Diego County's common burl-forming
manzanita, and it is one of several sensitive plants that are indicators of the unique and
depleted southern maritime chaparral habitat. In his recent treatment of Arctostaphylos in the I Jepson Manual (Hickman 1993), Wells considers ssp. crassifolia as a valid taxon representing
those populations in coastal San Diego County and adjacent northern Baja California.
Within the proposed alignment, Del Mar manzanita typically occurs in small localized
patches within southern maritime chaparral. It is concentrated in the area near the oak I riparian forest habitat. Approximately 20 individuals are present in the proposed alignment.
I Quercus dumosa - Nuttall's scrub oak
USFWS: former Category 2 candidate
CDFG: None
I CNPS: List 1B, 2-3-2
I Tt was proposed (Hickman 1993) that the common, widespread species formerly known as
scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) actually represents two closely related species -- Nuttall's scrub
oak (Quercus dumosa) and "interior" scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia). Although interior scrub 1 oak is widely distributed throughout southern California in chaparral habitats, Nuttall's scrub
oak is restricted to the narrow coastal strip, and hence, has been severely affected by
I development. This species was one of eight native plants included in a "southern maritime
chaparral listing package" circulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1993.
I Nuttall's scrub oak occurs as scattered individuals within the southern maritime chaparral
habitats onsite. Approximately 15 individuals were observed and it is likely that more
1 individuals are present within the dense vegetation.
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I Quercus agrifolia - coast live oak
USFWS: None
CDFG: None
I CNP: None
I Although the coat live oak is not provided a listing status by the resource agencies, impacts
to this species are regarded significant. The live oak provides nesting and foraging habitat for
many wildlife species. Its slow growth to maturation means replacement of the function of
I oak trees takes a long time.
I Onsite, a band of live oak riparian forest is located within the alignment. The trees located
within the impact area were mapped in May 2001. Approximately 10 live trees and 4 snags
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would be affected by the proposed roadway.
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4.3.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species
One animal species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by the USFWS or CDFG was
observed within the survey area: California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). One sensitive I animal species also was. observed: California horned lark (Eremoph i/a alpestris). Two
additional sensitive species were observed foraging in the areas adjacent to the survey area
I and are discussed below because they could easily forage onsite periodically. These species are
discussed below and the listing authorities and explanation of listing categories are presented
in Appendix C.
Polioptila californica - California gnatcatèher
I USFWS: Threatened
CDFG: Species of Special Concern
I The California gnatcatcher is a small gray non-migratory bird with black tail markings.
During the breeding season the male has a distinct black cap. Gnatcatchers eat insects and
I build a small, cup-shaped nest of plant material, animal hair, and spider webs. A pair of
gnatcatchers may forage over 5 to 20 acres during the breeding season and more widely at the
I end of spring. The present known range of the California gnatcatcher extends from the
Ventura County south through Orange, western Riverside, and San Diego counties, into
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.northern Baja California, Mexico. It is a near obligate resident of coastal sage scrub and
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inland sage scrub communities. Individuals of this species are generally found at elevations
below 900 feet in San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties, and below 1600 feet in
Riverside County (Atwood 1990), although there are numerous exceptions to these
elevational limits.
Adjacent to the alignment and within the survey area for the roadway, a pair of gnatcatchers
was observed foraging and calling. It is likely they breed nearby within the chaparral or
coastal sage scrub habitat that is located outside of the mapping area.
A protocol survey was not conducted for this species at this time. Prior to proceeding with
permitting for the project, a focused survey will be required to determine presence/absence.
Accipiter cooperii - Cooper's hawk
USFWS: None
CDFG: Species of Special Concern
Cooper's hawk ranges through most of California and is a common winter migrant in San
Diego County. In the County, Cooper's hawk breeds almost exclusively in oak woodland
habitats; in the winter they may be found in any woodland habitat (Unitt 1984).
Populations of this species have declined steadily throughout the state probably as a result
of habitat destruction, falconry, and pesticide abuse (Remsen 1979).
The Cooper's hawk was observed foraging onsite within the agriculture area. Due to the lack
of suitable nesting sites within the observation area, this species would not breed onsite but
may breed in the oak woodland habitat.
Circus cyaneus hudsonius - northern harrier
USFWS: None
CDFG: Species of Special Concern
The northern harrier ranges throughout California and may be encountered in grasslands,
open fields, and salt and freshwater marshes. Although breeding is restricted to marshes and
grasslands, it forages over a variety of habitat types including coastal sage scrub. According
to Unitt (1984), the northern harrier is an uncommon-to-fairly common migrant and winter
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visitor in San Diego County, and a rare and local summer resident. This species has declined
in southern California as a result of loss of foraging and nesting habitat.
The northern harrier was observed foraging over the agriculture fields in the eastern portion
of the agriculture field. Due to the overall lack of cover on the property, it is unlikely the
harrier could nest onsite.
Eremophila alpestris actia - California horned lark
USFWS: former Candidate (Category 2)
.CDFG: Species of Special Concern
The California horned lark is resident primarily in open, sparsely vegetated habitats such as
grasslands. Unitt (1984) indicates that this species is a common breeding resident and an
abundant migrant and winter visitor in San Diego County.
Approximately 20-40 horned larks were observed foraging on the agriculture fields. Some or
all of the individuals may be winter visitors or transient migrants. Due to the overall lack of
cover on the property, it is unlikely the horned lark could nest onsite.
The visit to the site by a USFWS biologist in 2001 confirmed that no additional focused
surveys will be required within the riparian habitat.
4.3.3 Sensitive Habitats
Sensitive habitats are those that are considered rare within the region, support sensitive plant
and/or wildlife species, or function as corridors for wildlife movement. Habitat types found
onsite that are considered sensitive include southern maritime chaparral, southern coast live
oak riparian forest, southern willow scrub and disturbed wetland.
4.3.4 Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages
Wildlife corridors are linear features that connect large patches of natural open space and
provide avenues for the immigration and emigration of animals. Wildlife corridors contribute
to population viability in several ways: (1) they assure the continual exchange of genes
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I between populations which helps maintain genetic diversity; (2) they provide access to
adjacent habitat areas representing additional territory for foraging and mating; (3) they
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allow for a greater carrying capacity; and (4) they provide routes for colonization of habitat
lands following local population extinctions or habitat recovery from ecological catastrophes
(e.g., fires).
Habitat linkages are patches of native habitat that function to join two larger patches of
habitat. They serve as connections between habitat patches and help reduce the adverse
effects of habitat fragmentation. Although individual animals may not move through a
habitat linkage, the linkage does represent a potential route for gene flow and long-term
I dispersal. Habitat linkages may serve as both habitat and avenues of gene flow for small
animals such as reptiles and amphibians. Habitat linkages may be represented by continuous
patches of habitat or by nearby habitat "islands" that function as "stepping stones" for
I dispersal.
I A habitat linkage/wildlife corridor extends through the site predominantly within the oak
riparian forest and the surrounding patches of southern maritime chaparral, within the Zone
21 area. A potential linkage also is present as a strip of native habitat along the northern and
I western portion of the alignment which ends at the Aviara Phase II development but
continues east to El Camino Real.
4.3.5 Delineation of Wetlands and 'Waters of the U.S"
1 Areas under the jurisdiction of the ACOE and/or the CDFG are illustrated in Figure 3.
Jurisdictional areas onsite include the oak riparian forest in the southern portion of the survey
I area and the wetland areas in association with the detention basin in the northern and
western portion. The wetland habitats are described above in Section 4.1.
I ACOE Jurisdiction
A total of 1.0 acre of ACOE jurisdictional wetlands are present onsite composed of oak
riparian forest, southern willow scrub, and disturbed wetland.
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CDFG Jurisdiction
CDFG jurisdiction was calculated based upon the area of riparian vegetation or channel
locatedwithin the survey area. Thus, a total of 1.0 acre of CDFG jurisdictional habitat are
present onsite.
Wetland Functions and Values
Wetland habitat within the study area is expected to have a moderate value as wildlife
habitat owing to the presence of patches of riparian habitat. The drainage has seasonally
flowing waters and may have numerous abiotic functions, such as removal of toxic material
from the water, nutrient recycling, etc. Birds species observed most commonly include house
finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), scrub jay (Aphelocoma
coerulescens), Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna), common raven (Corvus corax), and
California towhee (Pipilo crissalis).
No species of mammals were detected within the vicinity of the drainage. Mammals likely
to be present include those species adapted to disturbed or urbanized landscapes, including
Virginia opossum (Dideiphis virginica), cottontail (Sylvilagus sp.), striped skunk (Mephitis
mephitis), California ground squirrel (Sperinophilus beecheyi), and introduced rats (Rattus sp.).
The wetland area in the western portion of the alignment serves less as a wildlife function
and more as a water holding and settling basin.
4.5 Regional Resource Planning Context
I In San Diego County, three major, coordinated conservation planning efforts currently are
in progress with the long-term goal of identifying a system of preserves that will protect
native habitat lands and their associated biota. The three efforts are (1) the City of San
I Diego's Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP), focused on biological resource
planning for the southwestern one-fourth of the County; (2) the San Diego Association of
I Government's (SANDAG) Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP), funded by a
consortium of jurisdictions in northern San Diego County known as the North County
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I Wildlife Forum, focusing on the northwestern one-fourth of the County; and (3) the County
of San Diego Open Space Plan, which focuses on the portion of the County east of the MSCP
and MHCP study areas. The ultimate goal of these plans is the establishment of biological
I reserve areas in conformance with the State of California's Natural Community Conservation
Program (NCCP). These programs are moving forward under the regulatory influence of the
I 4(d) Rule pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, which allows for the interim loss of 5%
of existing coastal sage scrub until the preserves (NCCPs) are formalized.
I The most important biological feature of the Poinsettia Lane alignment is the oak riparian
forest habitat within the patch of southern maritime chaparral habitat. This drainage may
I provide wildlife movement through the area and the maritime chaparral habitat contains the
federally listed endangered plant species Del Mar manzanita and is a rare habitat type.
1 To maintain connection for wildlife species from one side of Poinsettia Lane to the other
within the riparian habitat, a wildlife crossing is needed. The ultimate design of the roadway
I should incorporate a wildlife crossing to provide connection within the existing riparian
corridor.
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5.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS
This section addresses potential impacts to biological resources that would result from
implementation of the proposed project, and provides analyses of significance for each
1 potential impact. Impacts were quantified by overlaying the limits of project grading on the
biological resources map of the site (Figure 3). For purposes of this assessment, all biological
I resources within the limits of grading for the project are considered 100 percent lost.
Impacts to biological resources can be direct - resulting from the permanent removal of
I habitat, or indirect - resulting from changes in land use adjacent to natural habitat (e.g.,
increased light, noise, and urban runoff, interruption of wildlife movement, etc.). Both of
I these types of impacts and their levels of significance are discussed in this section.
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I 5.1 Explanation of Determination of Significance
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For this section, the following criteria are used to determine the significance of an impact:
Substantial effect on a rare or endangered species plant or animal or habitat of that
I species is considered a significant impact.
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. Substantial interference with the movement of any resident or migratory fish or
wildlife species is considered a significant impact.
I • Substantial reduction • of habitat for fish, wildlife, or plants is considered a
significant impact.
1 5.2 Impacts to Plant Communities
Direct Impacts
Implementation of the proposed project would result in the direct loss of 9.3 acres (see Table
3), including impacts to the following habitat types:
3.3 acres of southern maritime chaparral -- significant
0.7 acre of southern coast live oak riparian forest, jurisdictional wetland --
significant
0.1 acre of southern willow scrub, jurisdictional wetland -- significant
0.2 acre of disturbed wetland, jurisdictional wetland -- significant
4.1 acres of agriculture habitat -- less than significant
0.4 acre of developed habitat -- less than significant
0.5 acre of disturbed habitat -- less than significant.
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I TABLE 3
IMPACT ACREAGE FOR THE
LANE ALIGNMENT-REACH E
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POINSETTIA
Direct Impact
Southern Maritime Chaparral 3.3 acres
Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest 0.7 acres I Southern Willow Scrub 0.1 acre
Disturbed Wetland 0.2 acre
I Agriculture 4.1 acres
Developed 0.4 acre
Habitat 0.5 acre I Disturbed
TOTAL 9.3 acres
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I - Indirect Impacts
Indirect impacts from the proposed project include the following:
Reduction in carrying capacity of adjacent native habitats as.a result of noise
I and lighting associated with the project.
Inadvertent potential increase of feral rat, cat, and other small predator
I populations in native habitats adjacent to proposed development areas.
These impacts probably are most severe within the first 50 feet of the project. Certain I measures should be implemented to inhibit additional indirect impacts. These are discussed
below under mitigation.
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5.3 Impacts to Sensitive Plants
Direct Impacts
Implementation of the proposed project would result in the direct loss of the following
sensitive plant species:
Approximately 20 individuals Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa
var. crassifolius) - significant
Approximately 15 individuals of Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) - less
than significant
Approximately 10 live and 4 dead individuals of coast live oak (Quercus
agrifolia) - significant
Although Nuttall's scrub oak will be directly affected by the proposed project, the impact is
considered less than significant due to the overall low status and small amount of this plant
species affected. Additionally, it is expected that additional numbers of this plant species are
present within the area.
Indirect Impacts
Indirect impacts may result in the intrusion of non-native plant species within the first 50
feet of the proposed project. However, due to the density of the habitat and high percent
cover by native plant species, this intrusion will probably be negligible. These indirect
impacts are considered less than significant. Three additional coast live oak trees are located
within 50 feet of the limits of grading. These trees would be considered indirectly impacted.
5.4 Impacts to Sensitive Animals
Direct Impacts
Foraging habitat for the California horned lark and potentially the Cooper's hawk and
northern harrier would be impacted. Due to the small amount of habitat affected and
relatively low status of these species, this impact is considered less than significant. This
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impact is not considered significant because nesting sites would not be disturbed and
substantial conservation of habitat for these species will be conserved within the City
according to the City's draft HMP should it be approved in the future. Additionally, there
are currently large blocks of habitat preserved within the City. These include but are not
limited to the mitigation bank at Carlsbad Highlands, the mitigation area in eastern Carlsbad
I and the open space area around Lake Calavera. Finally, potential impacts to these species
would be adequately mitigated by the mitigation requirements for upland habitats.
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Mitigation for the impacts to wetland habitats would provide additional nesting for the
Cooper's hawk.
I Approximately 1.0 acre of habitat potentially used by the California gnatcatcher would be
impacted by the implementation of the project. This habitat polygon is the southern
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maritime chaparral located in the northern end of the alignment.. Southern maritime
chaparral is not habitat that is typically occupied by this species; however, suitable coastal
sage scrub habitat is located nearby and the observation of the species occurring as a pair
I indicates they likely are occupants of the nearby habitat. Gnatcatchers have been known to
use chaparral habitat as a portion of their territory. It is unlikely that the impact to this
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amount of habitat would result in the take of the pair. The impact may be potentially
significant, however, it would be mitigated by the requirements for mitigation for the upland
habitats for the project.
I Indirect Impacts
I . Indirect impacts may result in the reduction of the carrying capacity of the southern
maritime chaparral plant community, however, the patch of habitat onsite is connected to
I - additional habitat offsite. These indirect impacts are considered less than significant.
.5 Jurisdictional Wetland/Waters Impacts
Impacts to wetlands would result from the implementation of the project (Figure 3; Table 3).
Although most of the wetland areas are avoided due to the design of the project, the project
would encroach into jurisdictional areas and patches of riparian habitat in two portions of
the alignment as described above.
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1 5.5.1 ACOE Impacts
Approximately 1.0 acre of ACOE jurisdictional area would be permanently lost by project
I implementation. The area is represented by 0.7 acre of oak riparian forest, 0.1 acre of
southern willow scrub, and 0.2 acre of disturbed wetland.
5.5.2 CDFG Impacts
I Approximately 1.0 acre of CDFG jurisdictional area would be permanently lost by project
implementation. The area is represented by 0.7 acre of oak riparian forest, 0.1 acre of
I southern willow scrub, and 0.2 acre of disturbed wetland.
1 5.5.3 Regulatory Requirements
The discharge of dredge or fill material (temporary or permanently) into areas delineated as
I "waters of the United States" requires authorization from the ACOE pursuant to Section 404
of the Clean Water Act. "Waters of the U.S." as defined in CFR 328.2 includes all waters or
I tributaries to waters, including wetlands, streams, dry washes, seasonal drainages, and other
aquatic habitats. Activities that involve regulated discharge of dredge or fill material include
grading, placing of riprap for erosion control, pouring concrete, laying sod, and stockpiling
I excavated material. Activities that generally do not involve regulated discharge, if performed
in a manner to avoid discharge, include driving pilings and some methods of vegetation
i clearing.
Total ACOE jurisdiction to be impacted is 1.0 acre. The ACOE has 36 nationwide or general
I permits (NV/Ps) that pre-authorize specific minor discharges. However, because the impact
is greater than 1/3 acre, the project area and adjacent area contain endangered species, and
I impacts to the ACOE jurisdiction would be associated with impacts to a federally-listed
species, it has been determined that an individual permit will be required. The requirement
of an individual permit has been confirmed in a pre-application meeting with the ACOE and
I CDFG. The individual permit process involves public comment on the proposed activity and
can last 180 days or longer.
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I The applicant must obtain a Section 401 water quality certification (or waiver) from the
California Regional Water Quality Control Board.
I CDFG jurisdiction to be impacted within the study area is 1.0 acre. The CDFG defines a
stream as 'a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or
I channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life. This includes water courses
having a surface or subsurface flow that supports riparian vegetation.!' A CDFG 1603
agreement will be required prior to any alteration of the wetland within CDFG jurisdiction. I An application for a 1603 agreement can occur only after an environmental impact report or
negative declaration has been certified or under a categorical exemption. The CDFG generally
I requires that any impacts to streambeds or adjacent riparian habitats be fully mitigated at
a ratio of a minimum of 1:1, and more usually 3:1, by area. A streambed alteration
application must be submitted to CDFG. It normally takes 30 days for the CDFG to process
I a 1603 application.
I 5.6 Summary of Significant Direct and Indirect Impacts
The following impacts associated with implementation of the proposed development plan I are considered significant:
I a) Loss of 3.3 acres of southern maritime chaparral.
b) Loss of 1.0 acre of oak riparian forest, southern willow scrub, and disturbed
wetlands - jurisdictional wetlands. I c) Loss of approximately 20 individuals of Del Mar manzahita.
d) Loss of 10 coast live oak trees, 4 dead snags, and indirect impacts to 3 live oaks.
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I 6.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES
The mitigation measures presented below are based on the analysis outlined above. The
I impacts that require mitigation are the loss of southern maritime chaparral, loss of oak
riparian forest, southern willow scrub, and disturbed wetlands - jurisdictional wetlands, loss
of Del Mar manzanita, and loss of coast live oak trees.
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6.1. Subregional Planning Context
In a regional context, the sensitive biological resources present within the Poinsettia Lane
alignment are important due to the limited distribution of southern maritime chaparral
habitat and the connectivity of the southern maritime chaparral habitat onsite with
additional habitat offsite as well as the wildlife corridor present within the drainage. Best
management practices (BMP's) should be implemented when construction begins.
Additionally, any open space areas, within a conservation easement, should be protected via
fencing or other means from trespassing and dumping of trash. Certain indirect impacts to
adjacent habitats to the north, east and south, particularly noise, lighting and possible
escaped exotic species, are unavoidable but are not considered significant because of measures
that will be taken to reduce the indirect impacts including directional lighting, noise barriers,
and landscaping that precludes planting of non-native species adjacent to native habitat.
6.2 Mitigation Measures
The project will require mitigation for direct impacts to southern maritime chaparral,
wetlands, and the sensitive plant species that occur within this habitat. The plant
community mitigation ratios recommended below (Table 4), for impacts to southern
maritime chaparral, are based on the rationale and ratios provided in the Carlsbad draft HMP.
Impacts to wetland habitats and oak trees are proposed to be mitigated at ratios expected to
be required by the resource agencies. For purposes of establishing the ratios appropriate for
these tiers, we believe that the habitat losses would occur within a "resource core area" and
mitigation would occur within a "resource core area" also.
I Due to the presence of sensitive plant species within the southern maritime chaparral habitat
and the limited distribution of this habitat type, it is likely that mitigation will be required
I at a 3:1 ratio. Direct impacts to a total of 3.3 acres of southern maritime chaparral associated
with the proposed roadway should be mitigated through offsite purchase of 9.9 acres of
southern maritime chaparral habitat within a "core area, representing a mitigation ratio of
3:1. Southern maritime chaparral habitat that may be used for mitigation is of very limited
availability and because it is located within the coastal region, it is relatively costly. Several
properties within the immediate vicinity of the proposed impact have relatively large stands
of southern maritime chaparral habitat and any one of these properties would likely be
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TABLE 4
POTENTIAL MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPACTS TO
VEGETATION COMMUNITIES AND SENSITIVE SPECIES
RESULTING FROM POINSETTIA LANE -'REACH E
VEGETATION COMMUNITY
IMPACT
ACREAGE
NUMBER OF
INDIVIDUALS
MITIGATION
RATIO
MITIGATION
ACREAGE
Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest 0.7 - 3:1 2.1
Southern Willow Scrub 0.1 - 3:1 0.3
Disturbed Wetland 0.2 - 1:1 to 3:1 0.2 to 0.6'
Total Wetland Habitats Requiring
Mitigation
1.0 3.0
Southern Maritime Chaparral 3.3 - 3:1 9.9
Agriculture 4.1 0 0
Disturbed Habitat 0.5 - 0 0-
Developed Land 0.4 - 0 0
Total Upland Habitats Requiring
Mitigation
3.3 9.9
Del Mar Manzanita - 20 included in
upland
requirement
no additional
mitigation needed
Coast live oak trees -
Direct impacts - 10 10:1 100
Dead snags - 4 2:1 8
Indirect impacts - 3 5:1 15
Total Species Requiring Mitigation - 17 123
TOTAL 9.3 17 )Sacresl 123
/ttrees
Although the resource agencies typically require a mitigation ratio of 1:1 for disturbed wetland, it was noted during the site visit with
the USFWS that this habitat is adjacent to the southern willow scrub and very likely will have converted to that habitat type at the time
of permit application preparation. Thus, the acreage totals reflect the larger mitigation requirement.
2 It is assumed that the habitat purchased for mitigation for the southern maritime chaparral habitat will also include numerous individuals
of Del Mar manzanita and no additional mitigation is needed. If this is not the case, it is possible that additional purchase or planting of
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Del Mar manzanita will be required. It is also possible that the Del Mar manzanita within the impact area could be salvaged and moved
to the mitigation location.
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acceptable by the resource agencies for mitigation provided there is adequate acreage. These
patches of habitat also contain Del Mar manzanita, the listed plant species that requires
mitigation as outlined above. It is expected that the habitat that is purchased for mitigation
for Poinsettia Lane-Reach E will also contain this plant species and it has been assumed, for
the purposes of establishing Table 4 above, that purchase of suitable mitigation habitat will
take care of the mitigation requirement for Del Mar manzanita as well. Therefore, it has been
assumed that no additional mitigation is required for this plant species. If Del Mar
manzanita is not located within the mitigation land, it is possible that additional purchase
or planting of Del Mar manzanita will be required. It is also possible that the Del Mar
manzanita within the impact area could be salvaged and moved to the mitigation location.
Purchase of habitat within the immediate vicinity of the proposed roadway would contribute
to the preservation of the habitat corridor that is located within the Zone 21 area as well.
Finally, for southern maritime chaparral mitigation, there is currently a mitigation bank
being established within Carlsbad of the habitat on the south bluffs of Batiquitos Lagoon.
This habitat is largely composed of southern maritime chaparral and would be acceptable for
purchase of credits for the mitigation requirement. No price for mitigation cred.its has been
established at this time.
Although no coastal sage scrub habitat is impacted by the proposed roadway, a California
gnatcatcher pair was documented near the proposed alignment within southern maritime
chaparral habitat. The gnatcatcher pair may use the habitat at various times of the year and
may have included a portion of the maritime chaparral habitat within their territory. A
protocol survey was not conducted as a part of this report. The survey is only good for a one
year duration and thus would need to be done again prior to moving forward with the
project. A protocol presence/absence survey will be required prior to proceeding with the
permitting of the project to determine if the gnatcatcher pair is present and using habitat that
may be impacted by the project.
The project will require mitigation for the impact to the jurisdictional wetland/oak riparian
forest as outlined in Table 4 above. Typically, impacts to the wetland habitats require
mitigation at a 3:1 ratio by creation of new habitat at a 1:1 mitigation and enhancement of
disturbed wetland areas for the balance of the mitigation requirement. This results in a no
net loss of wetland habitats. Typically, the resource agencies require a mitigation ratio of 1:1
for disturbed wetland habitats. During the site visit in May 2001 with the USFWS, it was
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I noted that the disturbed wetland is adjacent to the southern willow scrub and will likely
have type converted some or completely to that habitat type. Thus, it has been assumed that
the total mitigation requirement will be 3:1 for all of the wetland types impacted by the
I project. The total wetland mitigation requirement for the project is 3.0 acres of which at
least 1.0 acre should becreation of wetland habitat and 2.0 acres may be enhancement of
I areas that are currently wetlands. Wetland creation and enhancement requires the
preparation of a conceptual mitigation plan:. Currently a site has not been selected, however
suitable habitat is located within immediate vicinity of the project. Upstream of the
I proposed crossing of the drainage is an agriculture operation that has resulted in the removal
of wetland habitat. This area has potential for enhancement and additional creation of
I wetland habitat. It is likely other suitable wetland creation and enhancement sites are
present within the Carlsbad area as well.
I The impact to the southern coast live oak riparian frest habitat is of special concern to the
resource agencies due to the size and number of oak trees that will be impacted. Live oak
I riparian habitat takes many years to develop and thus mitigation also will likely include a
component to compensate for the loss of individual oak trees as well as the component for
the impact to the jurisdictional wetland. Based on GPS studies of locations of oak trees in the
I impact area, a total of 10 live oak trees of a four-inch dbh measurement or greater will be
impacted. Additionally, four dead snags will be impacted. These dead snags are 20 to 50 feet
I tall and have been used as nesting sites for Nuttall's woodpecker. It is difficult to mitigate
for oak snags by moving the snag because the dead tree tends to fall apart once it is
manipulated. Thus, the mitigation has been set as a 2:1 replacement which will eventually
I result in the production of snags as the trees age and die. It is also expected that three live
oak trees will be indirectly impacted by the project. These indirect impacts are due to
I potential compaction and soil disturbance within the crown of the tree. These trees are
located within approximately 50 feet of the limits of grading of the project. As outlined in
Table 4 above, based on the project design, a total of 123 oak trees are required as mitigation
for the impact. This is in addition to the required mitigation for impact to the jurisdictional
habitat. It is estimated that an area approximately 30 feet in diameter is required for each
I oak tree that is planted. The total mitigation acreage for the impact to the individual oak
trees is estimated to be 2.0 acres. A potentially suitable location forplanting of a portion of
this requirement is upstream of the impact within the agriculture field. Similar to the
I mitigation for the wetland habitats, planting of oak trees requires the preparation of a
conceptual mitigation plan.
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Mitigation for impacts to ACOE and CDFG jurisdictions takes several forms, including (1)
avoidance of impacts; (2) reduction of impacts; or (3) compensation for impacts. The
ultimate determination of mitigation, including the ratio, is subject to the discretion of the
agencies. Contact was initiated in March 2001 at a pre-application meeting with the ACOE
to discuss the proposed impact. At that time, the ACOE determined that an individual
permit would be required. For the individual permit, an alternatives analysis must be
conducted as well as the preparation of a public notice and Environmental Assessment. The
alternatives analysis document will need to address the proposed project as well as
alternatives such as a bridge crossing, an archway crossing, a culvert larger than 48 inches
diameter, no project, and other alignments if possible. The document also will need to
address 404 permits that have been obtained in the past for previous segments of Poinsettia
Lane and cumulative impacts over the past 8 to 10 years. A complete and detailed analysis
is required to demonstrate that the selected project is the Least Environmentally Damaging
Practicable Alternative (LED PA).
Prior to project implementation, a Section 401 water quality certification (or waiver) must
be obtained from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), and the
ACOE should be notified in writing for concurrence that the proposed fill is authorized. The
RWQCB requires the incorporation of features into the grading and development plan that
ensure that the project will not adversely affect water quality. The types of features typically
incorporated into projects include desiltation basins, grease traps, revegetation of cut and fill
slopes, and the use of sand bags and hay bales to inhibit erosion and siltation. All of these
are considered features of a "Best Management Practices" approach.
The CDFG was in attendance at the March 2001 pre-application meeting. At that time, the
agency indicated that it would require 3:1 mitigation for the impacts to wetland riparian
habitats and 10:1 mitigation for individual oak trees. Application for a Streambed Alteration
Agreement must be accompanied by certified CEQA documentation for the project and a
wetland mitigation and monitoring plan. It normally takes 30 days for the CDFG to process
a 1603 application. It is assumed that the mitigation requirement for the ACOE will also be
acceptable for the CDFG.
A conceptual wetland mitigation plan, as indicated above, will be required to illustrate the
location and provide the details of the proposed wetland revegetation sites including wetland
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creation, enhancement and oak tree planting. These plans are required for submittal to the
resource agencies for permits. Typically the conceptual plan includes monitoring of the
mitigation sites. Monitoring typically is of a 5-year duration and may include monthly visits
in the early stages of the revegetation with quarterly or semi-annual visits later in the
establishment period. Because the impact is located within the coastal zone and a coastal
I development permit will be required, the monitoring period may be longer than the typical
5-year period.
6.3 Methods to Reduce the Mitigation Requirement
Due to the large impact of the project to wetlands and the type of habitat impacted which
includes oak trees, the mitigation requirements are large and will require a lengthy period of
monitoring. It is recommended that methods to reduce impacts be investigated in order to
satisfy the ACOE and CDFG requirements of avoidance and minimization of impacts.
I A potential method to reduce the impacts would be to use walls, an archway or some other
method such as bridging, to narrow the limits of grading within the coast live oak riparian
I
habitat. Based on the CPS information on oak tree locations within the drainage, as
illustrated in Figure 3, narrowing the limits of grading to the extent of pavement and possibly
reducing the extent of pavement by eliminating bike paths for the length of the crossing will
I reduce the impacts to oak trees. This method may reduce direct impacts to three trees and
indirect impacts to two trees with no impacts to dead snags. This would reduce the
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mitigation requirement for oak trees from 123 trees to 40 trees. Based on the requirement of
30 feet in diameter per tree, this mitigation requirement would be for a total acreage of 0.6
acre. This is substantially less than the requirement outlined above in Table 4. This method
I also would reduce the requirement for wetland creation/enhancement by almost one-half.
Additionally, permitting by the resource agencies would be facilitated by demonstrating
avoidance and minimization of impacts to wetland habitats. This method also may improve
I the movement of wildlife within this area which has been identified by the City as an
important corridor. By reducing the length of drainage impacted from 360 feet to
I approximately 100 feet, some use of the drainage for a north/south movement may be
retained for small mammals and reptiles.
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7.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This report was prepared by DUDEK biologist Anita M. Hayworth, Ph.D. Graphics were
provided by Lesley Terry; Tonette S. Foster provided word processing assistance.
8.0 LITERATURE CITED
Abrams, L. 1923. Illustrated flora of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford,
California.
American Ornithologists' Union. 1983. The Check-list of North American Birds, 6th edition.
Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas.
American Ornithologists' Union. 1989. Thirty-seventh Supplement to the American
Ornithologists' Union Check-List of North American Birds. The Auk 106:532-538.
Atwood, J. L. 1990. Status review of the. California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica).
Unpublished technical report, Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, Massachusetts.
79 pp.
Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater Press,
National City, California. 241 pp.
Bond, S. I. 1977. An annotated list of the mammals of San Diego County, California. Trans.
San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist. 18: 229-248.
Bowman, R. H. 1973. Soil Survey, San Diego Area, California, Part 1. United States
Department of the Agriculture. 104 pp. + appendices.
Bury, B. 1971. Status report on California's threatened amphibians and reptiles. California
Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Administrative Report #72-2.
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I California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1980. At the Crossroads: A Report on
the Status of California's Endangered and Rare Fish and Wildlife. State of California
Resources Agency Sacramento. California.
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1986. Endangered, Rare, and Threatened
I Animals of California. State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento, California.
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1987. Designated Endangered or Rare
I Plants. Summary list from Section 1904 Fish and Game Code (Native Plant Protection
Act). State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento, California.
Everett, W. T. 1979. Sensitive, threatened and declining bird species of San Diego County.
I
San Diego Audubon Society Sketches 29:2-3.
Hickman, J. C. 1993. The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California. University of
1 California Press, Berkeley. 1400 pp.
Holland, R. F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of
I California. Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game.
156 pp.
I Jones, J. K., Jr., D. C. Carter, H. H. Genoways, R. S. Hoffman, and D. W. Rice. 1992. Revised
Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico. Occasional Papers of the
I . Museum of Texas Tech University, no. 143.
I McGurty, B. M. 1980. Survey and status of endangered and threatened species of reptiles
natively occurring in San Diego, California. San Diego Herpetological Society.
I Munz, P. 1974. A flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley,
California. 1086 pp.
Remsen, J. V. 1978. Bird species of special concern in California: An annotated list of
declining or vulnerable bird species. Administrative Report No. 78-1. Nongame
I Wildlife Investigations, Wildlife Management Branch, California Department of Fish
and Game.
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I SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments). 1994. Vegetation and sensitive species
maps prepared for the North County Wildlife Forum.
I Skinner, M. W. and B. M. Pavlik. 1994. California Native Plant Society's Inventory of
Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Special Publication No. 1 (5th
Edition), California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 338 pp.
Smith, J. P., Jr., and K. Berg. 1988. California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and
I Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Special Publication No. 1 (4th Edition),
California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 168 pp.
Stebbins, K. C. 1985. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin
Co., Boston, Mass.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1989. Federal Register, Part 4, Endangered
and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal Notice of Review. 50 CFR Part 17.
Department of the Interior.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1990. Federal Register, Part 4, Endangered
and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Plant Taxa for Listing as Endangered
or Threatened Species, Notice of Review. 50 CFR Part 17. Department of the Interior.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1991. Federal Register, Part 8, Endangered
and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal Candidate Review for Listing as
Endangered or Threatened Species, Proposed Rule. 50 CFR Part 17. Department of
the Interior.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1993. Federal Register, Part 8, Endangered
I and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Plant Taxa for- Listing as Endangered
or Threatened Species. 50 CFR Part 17. Vol. 58. No. 188. Department of the Interior.
I Unitt, P. A. 1984. Birds of San Diego County. Memoir 13, San Diego Society of Natural
History. 287 pp. -
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I APPENDIX A
I VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED
ON THE PROJECT. SITE
SELAGINELLALES
I ANGIOSPERMAE
AIZOACEAE - CARPET-WEED FAMILY
* Carpodbrotus edulis - Hottentot-fig
ANACARDIACEAE
- SUMAC FAMILY
Malosma laurina - laurel sumac
Rhus integrifolia - lemonadeberry
Toxicodendron diversilobum - poison-oak
I APIACEAE - CARROT FAMILY
* Foeniculum vulgare - sweet fennel
I ASCLEPIADACEAE - MILKWEED FAMILY
I
Asciepias fascicularis - narrow-leaf milkweed
ASTERACEAE - SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Ambrosia psilostachya - western ragweed
Artemisia californica - coastal sagebrush
Artemisia douglasiana - mugwort
I Baccharis pilularis - coyotebush
* Carduus pycnocephalus - Italian thistle
* Centaurea melitensis - tocalote
Cirsium occidentale - California thistle
Eriophyllum con fertiflorum - golden-yarrow
I Gnaphalium canescens - everlasting
Hazardia squarrosus - saw-toothed goldenbush
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Hemizonia fasciculata - fascicled tarweed
Heterotheca grandiflora - telegraph weed
Isocoma menziesii - coastal goldenbush
* Lactuca serriola - prickly lettuce
BORAGINACEAE - BORAGE FAMILY
Cryptantha intermedia - common popcorn flower
BRASSICACEAE - MUSTARD FAMILY
* Brassica nigra - black mustard
* Raphanus sativus - wild radish
CACTACEAE - CACTUS FAMILY
Opuntia littoralis - coast prickly-pear
CAPPARACEAE - CAPER FAMILY
Isoineris arborea - bladder-pod
CAPRIFOLIACEAE - HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY
Sambucus mexicanus - Mexican elderberry
CHENOPODIACEAE - GOOSEFOOT FAMILY
* Salsola tragus - Russian-thistle
CISTACEAE - ROCK-ROSE FAMILY
He/ia nthemum scoparium - rush-rose
CONVOLVULACEAE - MORNING-GLORY FAMILY
Calystegia macrostegia - morning-glory
CUCURBITACEAE - GOURD FAMILY
Marah macrocarpa - manroot
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APPENDIX A (Continued)
I ERICACEAE - HEATH FAMILY
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia - Del Mar Manzanita
Xylococcus bicolor - mission manzanita
I EUPHORBIACEAE - EUPHORB FAMILY
Ricinus communis - castor-bean
I FABACEAE - PEA FAMILY
* Acacia melanoxylon - blackwood acacia
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* Acacia baileyana - acacia
Lotus scoparius - deerweed
I FAGACEAE - OAK FAMILY
Quercus durnosa - Nuttall's scrub oak
I Quercus agrifolia - coast live oak
LAMIACEAE - MINT FAMILY
I * Marrubiurn vulgare - horehound
Salvia mellifera - black sage
MALVACEAE - MALLOW FAMILY
fasciculatus - bush mallow
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Malacothamnus
MYRTACEAE - MYRTLE FAMILY'
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* Eucalyptus sp. - eucalyptus
POLYGONACEAE - BUCKWHEAT FAMILY
I Eriogonurn fascicula turn - flat-top buckwheat
* Rurnex crispus - curly dock
PRIMULACEAE - PRIMROSE FAMILY
* Anagallis arvensis - scarlet pimpernel
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APPENDIX A (Continued)
ROSACEAE - ROSE FAMILY
Adenostoma fasciculata - chamise
I Heteromeles arbutifolia - toyon
I SALICACEAE - WILLOW FAMILY
Salix lasiolepis - arroyo willow
I SAURURACEAE - LIZARD-TAIL FAMILY
Anemopsis californica - yerba mansa
SCROPHULARIACEAE - FIGWORT FAMILY
aura ntiacus - bush monkeyflower
I
Mimulus
SOLANACEAE - NIGHTSHADE FAMILY
I
* Nicotiana glauca - tree tobacco
* Solanum douglasii - Douglas' nightshade
I ANGIOSPERMAE
I LILIACEAE - LILY FAMILY
Bloomeria crocea - common golden-stars
Chiorogaluin parviflorum - small-flowered soap-plant
I Yucca schidigera - Mojave yucca
I POACEAE - GRASS FAMILY
* Avena barbata - slender wild oat
* Broinus diandrus - ripgut grass
I * Brotnus hordeaceus - soft chess
* Brnmus madritensis var. rubens - red brome
I
* Cortaderia dioica - pampas grass
* Cynodon dactylon - Bermuda grass
Leymus condensatus - giant ryegrass
I Melica imperfecta - coast range melic
I
* signifies introduced (non-native) species
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I APPENDIX B
I WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED OR,
DETECTED ON THE PROJECT SITE
I TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATES
I REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
IGUANIDAE - IGUANID LIZARDS
I Scieroporus occidentalis - Great Basin fence lizard
1/ta stansburiana - side-blotched lizard
I BIRDS
I ACCIPITRIDAE - HAWKS
Buteo jamaicensis - red-tailed hawk
PHASIANIDAE - PHEASANTS & QUAILS
I
Callipepla californica - California quail
COLUMBIDAE - PIGEONS & DOVES
I Zenaida macroura - mourning dove
TROCHILIDAE - HUMMINGBIRDS
I .
Calypte anna - Annas hummingbird
I PICIDAE -WOODPECKERS
Cola ptes auratus - northern flicker
I
Picoides nuttallii - NuttaiPs woodpecker
TYRANNIDAE - TYRANT FLYCATCHERS
I Sayornis nigricans - black phoebe
Tyrannus verticalis - western kingbird
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APPENDIX B (Continued)
I
ALAUDIDAE - LARKS
I Eremophila alpestris - horned lark
I
CORVIDAE - JAYS & CROWS
Aphelocoma coerulescens - scrub jay
Corvus corax - common raven
I Corvus brachyrhynchos - American crow
I AEGITHALIDAE - BUSHTITS
Psaltriparus mini,nus - bushtit
I TROGLODYTIDAE - WRENS
Thryomanes bewickii - Bewick's wren
I MUSCICAPIDAE - KINGLETS, GNATCATCHERS;THRUSHES & BABBLERS
Chamaea fasciata - wrentit
I Polioptila californica - California gnatcatcher (adjacent to survey area)
I MIMIDAE - THRASHERS
Toxostotna redivivuni - California thrasher
I
Mimus polyglottos - northern mockingbird
EMBERIZIDAE - WOOD WARBLERS, TANAGERS, BUNTINGS & BLACKBIRDS
I Pipilo maculatus - spotted towhee
Pipilo crissalis - California towhee
I
Melospiza melodia - song sparrow
FRINGILLIDAE - FINCHES
I Carpodacus mexicanus - house finch
Carduelis psaltria - lesser goldfinch
I
ED Z- 2 Mr 2827-01
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APPENDIX B (Continued)
731A313v M41
LEPORIDAE - HARES & RABBITS
Sylvilagus sp. - cottontail rabbit
SCIURIDAE - SQUIRRELS
Spermophilus beecheyi - California ground squirrel
CRICETIDAE - NEW WORLD RATS & MICE
Neototna sp. - woodrat
CANIDAE - WOLVES & FOXES
Canis latrans -coyote
; 2827-01
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I APPENDIX C
SPECIES SENSITIVITY CATEGORIES
Federal (1993)
Endangered. Taxa threatened throughout all or a significant portion of their range.
Threatened. Taxa likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.
I Category 1. Taxa for which the USFWS currently has on file substantial
information on biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support the
I . appropriateness of proposing to list them as endangered or threatened
species.
I Category 2. Taxa for which information now in possession of the USFWS indicates
that proposing to list them as endangered or threatened is appropriate
I but for which substantial data on biological vulnerability and threat(s)
are not known or on file to support the immediate preparation of rules.
I Category 3. Taxa that were once considered for listing as endangered or threatened,
but are currently not receiving such consideration. These taxa are
I included in one of the following three subcategories.
I
Subcategory 3A: Taxa presumed to be extinct.
Subcategory 3B: Taxa whose names do not meet the Endangered Species Act's
I legal definition of species.
Subcategory SC: Taxa now considered to be more widespread that originally
I thought.
I Note: The taxa in Categories 1 and 2 are candidates for possible addition to the list of
endangered and threatened species. The USFWS encourages their consideration in
I
environmental planning.
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APPENDIX C (Continued)
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I
State of California (1990)
Endangered. Taxa which are in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or
I
. a significant portion, of their range due to one or more causes including
loss of habitat, change in habitat, over exploitation, predation,
I
. competition, or disease (Section 2062 of the Fish and Came Code).
Threatened. Taxa which, although not presently threatened with extinction, are likely
I to become endangered species in the foreseeable future (Section 2067 of the
Fish and Game Code).
I Rare. Taxa which, although not presently threatened with extinction, are
present in such small numbers throughout their range that they may
I become endangered if the present environment worsens (Section 1901 of
the Fish and Game Code).
I Candidate. Taxa which the Fish and Game Commission has formally noticed as being
under review by the Department in addition to the list of threatened and
endangered species.
California Native Plant Society (1994)
I Lists .
I 1A: Presumed Extinct in California
1B: Rare or Endangered 'in California and Elsewhere
I 2: Rare or Endangered in California, More Common Elsewhere
Need More Information
Plants of Limited Distribution
Note: Plants on CNPS list lB meet California Department of Fish and Game Criteria
I . for Rare or Endangered listing.
2827-01
I & ASSOCIATES, INC. June 2001 2 I ?tofesnonal Tcmm for C—pl= Projects
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Poinsettia Lane Alignment Reach E
APPENDIX C (Continued)
R-E-D code
K (Rarity)
Rare, but found in sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough that the
potential for extinction or extirpation is low at this time.
Occurrence confined to several populations or to one extended population.
Occurrence limited to one or a few highly restricted populations, or present in such
small numbers that it is seldom reported.
E (Endangerment)
Not endangered
Endangered in a portion of its range
Endangered throughout its range
D (Distribution)
More or less widespread outside of California
Rare outside California
Endemic to California
r:
2827-01
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I BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORT
AND IMPACT ANALYSIS
FOR THE POINSETTIA LANE ALIGNMENT
I WITHIN ZONE 21
CITY OF CARLSBAD
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
I
Prepared for:
WESTERN PACIFIC HOUSING
2385 Camino Vida Roble, Suite 107
Carlsbad, CA 92009
Contact: Scot Sandstrom
(760) 929-1600
Prepared by:
DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC.
605 Third Street
Encinitas, California 92024
Contact: Anita M. Hayworth, Ph.D.
(760) 942-5147
10 August 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
SUMMARY OF PROJECT FINDINGS .............................iv
1.0 INTRODUCTION .......................................1
2.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS ......................1
2.1 Literature Review ...................................1
2.2 Field Reconnaissance ..................................1
2.2.1 Resource Mapping ..............................1
2.2.2 Flora ......................................2
2.2.3 Fauna ......................................2
2.2.4 Sensitive Biological Resources ........................2
3.0 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS ............................3
3.1 Site Description ....................................3
4.0 RESULTS ............................................3
4.1 Botany - Plant Communities and Floral Diversity .................3
4.1.1 Southern Mixed Chaparral .........................6
4.1.2 Southern Maritime Chaparral ........................6
4.1.3 Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest .................8
4.1.4 Eucalyptus Woodland .............................8
4.1.5 Disturbed/Developed Habitat ..........................9
4.1.6 Floral Diversity .................................9
4.2 Zoology - Wildlife Diversity .............................9
4.2.1 Birds .......................................9
4.2.2 Reptiles and Amphibians ...........................9
4.2.3 Mammals ....................................10
4.3 Sensitive Biological Resources ...........................10
4.3.1 Sensitive Plant Species ............................10
4.3.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species ..........................12
4.3.3 Sensitive Habitats ...............................13
4.3.4 Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages .................13
4.4 Regional Resource Planning Context ........................14
5.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS .........................15
5.1 Explanation of Determination of Significance ................. . . 15
5.2 Impacts to Plant Communities ............................15
5.3 Impacts to Sensitive Plant Species .........................18
5.4 Impacts to Sensitive Animal Species ........................18
5.5 Summary of Significant Direct and Indirect Impacts ..............19
11
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Section Page
6.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES ...................19
6.1 Subregional Planning Context ............................19
6.2 Mitigation Measures .................................20
7.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ..................................20
8.0 LITERATURE CITED ....................................20
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Regional Map ......................................4
Figure 2 Vicinity Map .......................................5
Figure 3 Biological Resources Map with Proposed Grading ...............7
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Acreages by Habitat Type ..............................6
Table 2 Impact and Open Space Acreage for the Dove Lane Property ........17
LIST OF APPENDICES
Vascular Plant Species Observed on the Project Site
Wildlife Species Observed or Detected on the Project Site
Species Sensitivity Categories
111
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I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
I The Poinsettia Lane alignment located within Zone 21 is an approximately 21-acre area that
traverses the area from Aviara Phase 2 to El Camino Real, City of Carlsbad in the western
portion of San Diego County, California. The area is located west of El Camino Real, south
.I of Camino Vida Roble, east of the Aviara development and north of Aviara Parkway. The area
is surrounded by agriculture, open space/native habitat and some areas of residential
development. Topographically, most of the site consists of moderate to steep slopes with a major
I drainage, some agricultural/greenhouse use and contains a portion of one residences. The
elevations onsite vary from about 190 to 270 feet above mean sea level. Most of the western
portion of the survey area is represented by slopes leading to a drainage containing oak riparian
I habitat. The slopes containing native habitat both east and west of the Lohf property are
primarily composed of chaparral vegetation. Based on species composition and general
physiognomy, five plant communities or habitat types were identified onsite: southern mixed
I chaparral (<0.1 acre), southern maritime chaparral (7.9 acres), coastal sage scrub (0.1 acre),
southern coast live oak riparian forest (1.2 acres), and disturbed/developed habitat (12.0 acres).
1 One species of plant listed as endangered by the California Department of Fish and Game
(CDFG) and proposed for listing as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
was detected onsite: Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassfolia). One
I 1>-additional plant species considered sensitive by various resource agencies also were observed:
Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa).
No animal species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by the USFWS or cDFG were
observed onsite. No species formerly recognized as a Category 2 candidates for listing by the
USFWS or recognized as sensitive by resource agencies were observed.
The majority of the site supports disturbed/developed habitat which would not be considered
sensitive by the resource agencies. However, native communities onsite, including southern
maritime chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and coast live oak riparian forest, are considered
sensitive and impacts to these vegetation communities are regulated by the resource agencies.
iv
I
Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21
1.0 INTRODUCTION
I
The Poinsettia Lane alignment located within Zone 21 is an approximately 21-acre area that
traverses the area from Aviara Phase 2 to El Camino Real, City of Carlsbad in the western
portion of San Diego County, California. The alignment traverses approximately 1800 feet of
I land from Aviara Phase 2 to the Lohf property. The alignment continues through the Lohf
property, for which a current biological technical report has been prepared (DUDEK, date), and
then continues for approximately 300 feet east of the eastern property boundary of the Lohf
I property. The survey area is located west of El Camino Real, south of Camino Vida Roble,
east of the Aviara development and north of Aviara Parkway. The area is surrounded by
agriculture, open space/native habitat and some areas of residential development. Biological
I surveys of the property were conducted in March, 1998, to assess the existing conditions of the
biological resources. The surveys augmented the existing data base accumulated through
previous survey work (e.g., SANDAG 1994). The purposes of this report are to describe the
I biological character of the site in terms of vegetation, flora, wildlife, and wildlife habitats; and
analyze the biological significance of the site in view of federal, state, and local laws and
policies.
1 2.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS
' Data regarding biological resources present on the project site were obtained through a review
of pertinent literature and through field reconnaissance; both are described in detail below.
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
Sensitive biological resources present or potentially present onsite were identified through a
I literature search using the following sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1989, 1990, 1991,
1993), California Department of Fish and Game (1980, 1986, 1987), California Native Plant
I
Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants (Skinner and Pavlik 1994), Murphy
(1990), and the vegetation and sensitive species mapping performed for the North County
Wildlife Forum's Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (SANDAG 1994). General
information regarding wildlife species present in the region was obtained from Unitt (1984) for
I birds, Bond (1977) for mammals, and Stebbins (1985) for reptiles and amphibians.
I 2.2 FIELD RECONNAISSANCE
Biological surveys of the property were conducted by Dudek and Associates, Inc., biologist
I Anita M. Hayworth, Ph.D., Sherri Miller, and Howie Wier during March and June, 1998. All
surveys were conducted by foot; the entire property was surveyed and inventoried for biotic
components.
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J Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21
1 2.2.1 Resource Mapping
Plant communities were mapped in the field directly onto a clear acetate on a 200-scale
(1"=200') aerial photograph of the area from Aerial Fotobank, flown 18 January 1997.
Vegetation boundaries and locations of sensitive species were transferred onto a 200-scale
I topographic map of the site from Hunsaker and Associates. These boundaries and locations were
digitized by DUDEK GIS technician Martie Clemons using the ArcCadd system at DUDEK.
Plant community classifications used in this report follow Holland (1986), with modifications
to accommodate the lack of conformity of the observed communities to those of Holland.
Locations of rare or sensitive plant and wildlife species also were mapped, and the numbers
present were estimated.
2.2.2 Flora
All plant species encountered during the field surveys were identified and recorded. Those
species that could not be identified immediately were brought into the laboratory for further
investigation. Latin and common names of plants follow the Jepson Manual (Hickman 1993).
Where not listed in Hickman (1993), common names are taken from Beauchamp (1986) or
Abrams (1923). A list of plant species observed on the property is presented in Appendix A.
2.2.3 Fauna
Wildlife species detected during field surveys by sight, calls, tracks, scat, or other sign were
recorded. Binoculars (10 x 50 power) were used to aid in the identification of observed animals.
Records from previous biological studies and accounts from local residents also were consulted.
In addition to species actually observed, expected wildlife use of the site was determined by
known habitat preferences of local species and knowledge of their relative distributions in the
area. A list of wildlife species observed or detected onsite is presented in Appendix B.
Latin and common names of animals follow Stebbins (1985) for reptiles and amphibians,
American Ornithologists' Union (1983, 1989) for birds, Jones et al. (1992) for mammals.
2.2.4 Sensitive Biological Resources
Sensitive biological resources are those defined as follows: (1) species that have been given
special recognition by federal, state, or local conservation agencies and organizations due to
limited, declining, or threatened population sizes; (2) species and habitat types recognized by
local and regional resource agencies as sensitive; (3) habitat areas or plant communities that are
unique, are of relatively limited distribution, or are of particular value to wildlife; and 4)
wildlife corridors and habitat linkages.
2
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I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21
1 During the field surveys a special effort was made to examine more thoroughly those areas
suspected to support sensitive resources. Considerably more time was spent in the chaparral
I
vegetation and in drainages onsite. A formal wetland delineation was conducted of the major
drainage that the roadway will traverse.
1 3.0 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
3.1 SITE DESCRIPTION
I The Poinsettia Lane alignment is a 21.2-acre area situated within Zone 21 of the City of
Carlsbad in western San Diego County, California (Figure 1). It is bordered to the south by the
I Aviara residential development and open space, and to the north, west, and east by undeveloped
areas, most of which contains native vegetation. The area lies approximately 3 miles east of
Interstate Highway 5 and about 1.3 miles north of La Costa Avenue, and 0.2 mile west of El
I Camino Real. It is in the northeastern corner of the USGS 7.5 minute Encinitas quadrangle,
Sections 23 and 26, T. 12S., R. 4W. (Figure 2).
I Topographically, most of the site consists of moderate to steep slopes with a major drainage,
some agricultural/greenhouse use and a portion of one residence. The elevations onsite vary
from about 190 to 270 feet above mean sea level. Most of the western portion of the survey
I area is represented by slopes leading to a drainage containing oak riparian habitat. The slopes
containing native habitat both east and west of the Lohf property are primarily composed of
chaparral vegetation.The drainage forms an unnamed tributary of Batiquitos Lagoon, and
I traverse the central portion of the survey area in a roughly southwest direction. The drainage
supports somewhat well developed oak riparian forest that extends offsite to the southwest but
I
terminates at the Aviara Development.
According to Bowman (1973), the following soils are present onsite: Huerhuero loam (HrD2),
I
Corralitos loamy sand (CsC), and Loamy alluvial land-Huerhuero complex (LvF3).
Soils of the Huerhuero series consist of moderately well drained barns that have a clay subsoil.
I
These soils developed in sandy marine sediments. Huerhuero loam (HrD2) occurs on 9 to 15
percent slopes. Because of moderate sheet erosion, the soil has an effective rooting depth of 20
to 40 inches. Loamy alluvial land consists of somewhat poorly drained, very deep, very dark ' brown to black silt barns and sandy barns. Areas of this land were formerly wet meadows that
were subsequently drained by head cutting of gullies. The gullies eventually formed drainage
ditches and thus lowered the water table. The loamy alluvial land-Huerhuero complex occurs
I on 9 to 50 percent slopes and occurs on old coastal ridges. The landscape is one of strongly
sloping to steep, severely eroded soils and alluvial fill along drainageways. Corralitos loamy
sand (CsC) consists of somewhat excessively drained, very deep loamy sands that formed in
I alluvium derived from marine sandstone. The soil is moderately sloping at 5 to 9 percent slope.
1 3
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Poinsettia Lane Alignment Within Zone 21 - Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis FIGURE
Vicinity Map 1
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BASE MAP SOURCE: USGS 7.5 Minute Series, Encinitas Quadrangle 1" =2000'
Poinsettia Lane Alignment Within Zone 21 - Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis FIGURE
Vicinity Map 2
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I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21
4.0 RESULTS OF SURVEY
4.1 BOTANY - PLANT COMMUNITIES AND FLORAL DIVERSITY
I Based on species composition and general physiognomy, five plant communities or habitat types
were identified onsite: southern mixed chaparral (<0.1 acre), southern maritime chaparral (7.9
acres), coastal sage scrub (0.1 acre), southern coast live oak riparian forest (1.2 acres), and
I disturbed/developed habitat (12.0 acres).
These habitat types are described below, their acreages are presented in Table 1, and their
I spatial distribution is presented in Figure 3.
I TABLE 1
ACREAGES BY HABITAT TYPE
I Southern Mixed Chaparral <0.1 acre
Southern Maritime Chaparral 7.9 acres
Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest 1.2 acres
I Coastal Sage Scrub 0.1 acres
Disturbed/developed Habitat 12.0 acres
I TOTAL 21.2 acres 1'1
4.1.1 Southern Mixed Chaparral
I Southern mixed chaparral is a drought- and fire-adapted community of woody shrubs, 1.5-3.0
meters tall, frequently forming dense, impenetrable stands. It develops primarily on mesic
I north-facing slopes and in canyons, and is characterized by crown- or stump-sprouting species
that regenerate following burns or other ecological catastrophes. This association is typically
a mixture of chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), mission manzamta (Xylococcus bicolor), ' ceanothus (Ceanothus sp.), Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa), laurel sumac (Malosma
laurina), and black sage.
I A small amount of southern mixed chaparral occurs onsite along the eastern, northern, and
western edges of the property. Much of the area mapped as southern mixed chaparral onsite is
dominated by chamise. There are also scattered individuals of mission manzanita, laurel sumac,
I chamise, black sage (Salvia mellifera), and California sagebrush (Artemisia calfomica). A total
of less than 0.1 acre of southern mixed chaparral is present onsite. Due to the very small
I
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74 27
~%& $17 OV1
ENGINEER'S REPORT
PART 5
CITY OF CORONA
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO.
(EAGLE GLEN AMENDED SPECIFIC PLAN SP-90-06)
PRELIMINARY BOND ISSUE SIZE
ITEM
1. Public Works of Construction
Drainage Improvements $ 1,950,200
Portion of improvements to Spyglass Park $ 438,875
Remaining Park Improvements $ 418,095
Quimby Fee $ 490,539
Water Transmission line to Zone 5 $ 273,480
Additional portion of Zone 4thru 6 Improvement Fee $ 418,608
Portion of Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant $ 552,497
Subtotal of Construction $ 4,542,294
Soft Costs for item la above
Engineering $ 126,763
I. Soils Engineering $ 48,755
Environmental/Archaeology/Paleontology Consultant $ 9,751
Construction Management and Administration $ 58,506
I. City Plan Check Fees $ 58,506
City Inspection/Permit Fees $ 78,008
Design Surveys and Construction Staking $ 62,406
o.Grading and Improvement Bonds $ 29,253
p Contingency $ 210,622
Total Construction $ 5,224,864
2. Land & Right-of-Way $ -
3. Payments to Utilities or other Agencies $ -
4. Cost of Formation and Issuance
City Administration $ 15,000
Special Tax Consultant $ 45,000
Audit of Acquisition Costs $ 30,000
Bond Counsel $ 45,000
Appraisal $ 20,000
Absorption Consultant $ 15,000
Financial Advisor $ 45,000
Official Statement/Bond Printing $ 20,000
Fiscal/Paying Agent $ 5,000
Publication and Miscellaneous Costs $ 15,000
Contingency $ 25,000
Total Incidentals $ 280,000
5. Less Interest Earned $ -
6. Less City Contributions $ -
7. Capitalized Interest $ 475,729
8. Financing Costs
Bond Discount $ 135,923
Bond Reserve $ 679,613
GRAND TOTAL $ 6,796,128
Preliminary Bond Size 2a Prepared by Galen N. Peterson 3/28/00
WRITE iT- DON'T SAY IT!
/ Date
To .4) 0 Reply Wanted
From ONo Reply Necessary
/4
V rJ
PRINTED IN USA
Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest
Disturbed Habitat
ACOE/CDFG Jurisdictional Wetland
DS1 Soil Sampling Data Station
400'-wide Mapping Corridor
- - 2
+
1998
WL IVA
WE
!i1IL1 I[! Ii] iiiiiitfl 1 Tt4'l,IP'l I :1 r!i!rnI;ii'iii I }11.J FIGURE
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7 26
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±
BASE TOPO/GRADING SOURCE Hunsakei- & Associates. 1998
L
0 20
Scale in Feet
+
-I-
Vegetation Types:
[SMC I Southern Maritime Chaparral
[SMX I Southern Mixed Chaparral
IORF I Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest
DH Disturbed Habitat
Sensitive Plant Species:
Ag Arctostaphylos glandulosa
Qd Quercus dumosa
NOTE: Numbers indicate individual plant
counts at that location.
ACOE/CDFG Jurisdictional Wetland
DS1 Soil Sampling Data Station
400'-wide Mapping Corridor
Poinsettia Lane Alignment Within Zone 21- Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis FIGURE
Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Wetland Map With Proposed Road Grading L J
1 +
I,Vegetation Types: Sensitive Plant Species: /
[SMC Southern Maritime Chaparral Ag Arctostaphylos glandulosa
+ ________ Qd Quercus dumosa
[SMX Southern Mixed Chaparral NOTE plant
counts at that location.
I TORF Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest
-
DH Disturbed Habitat II I!
X.,
'V -
ACOE/CDFG Jurisdictional Wetland
/g • DS1 Soil Sampling Data Station
/ - • ••
- ... 400 -wide Mapping Corridor
Alin
: 1±_1:
+ + + iETiT
+
27 26
F I F
A DS S W.
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I ?° BASE TOPO/GRADINC SOURCE Hunsoker & Associates. 1998
/
1NITT \Q
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Poinsettia Lane Alignment Within Zone 21- Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis J FIGURE 1 Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Wetland Map With Proposed Road-Grading L J
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BASE TOPO/GRADING SOURCE: Hunsoker & Associates. 1998
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Vegetation Types:
SMC Southern Maritime Chaparral
SMX Southern Mixed Chaparral
ORF Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest
DH Disturbed Habitat
I1 ACOE/CDFG Jurisdictional Wetland
DS1 Soil Sampling Data Station
fr' $
\huuiiti11j ) $1 OF
9, I II
Sensitive Plant Species:
Ag Arctostaphylos glandulosa
Qd Quercus dumosa
NOTE: Numbers indicate individual plant
counts at that location.
Poinsettia Lane Alignment Within Zone 21- Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis FIGURE
Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Wetland Map With Proposed Road Grading I
Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21
amount present within the study area, the amount has not been included in the total acreage for
the study area.
4.1.2 Southern Maritime Chaparral
Southern maritime chaparral is similar to southern mixed chaparral but is restricted to coastal
localities within the fog belt and typically develops on sandstone soils. This community is
characterized by several shrubs of limited distribution, including Del Mar manzanita
(Arctostaphylos glandulosa var. crassifolia), wart-stemmed ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucosus),
coast spicebush (Cneoridium dumosum), and Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa). Other
shrubs encountered frequently in this community are chamise, lemonadeberry, laurel sumac,
toyon, and summer-holly. There is some question regarding the definition of this community,
and considerable disagreement exists among those who map plant communities. For purposes
of this study, any mixed chaparral community that had Del Mar manzamta as one of the shrub
components was included in this category. Patches of chaparral in which Nuttall's scrub oak
occurs, contained no other species characteristic of this community and did not occupy sandstone
soils; hence, these were considered southern mixed chaparral. Likewise, although scrub oak is
considered characteristic of southern maritime chaparral, the presence of scrub oak alone was
not considered diagnostic for this community.
Within the property, the full complement of southern maritime chaparral species is found in this
community. Southern maritime chaparral, 7.9 acres, has a limited distribution on the property;
it is restricted to the southwestern portion of the study area.
Southern maritime chaparral is recognized as a sensitive plant community owing to its limited
distribution and depleted nature. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently reviewed a
proposal to list as endangered six plant species characteristic of this community; among these,
Del Mar manzanita and Del Mar Mesa sand-aster were proposed as endangered.
4.1.3 Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest
Southern coast live oak riparian forest is an open to locally dense evergreen sclerophyllous
riparian woodland dominated by coast live oak (Quercus agrfolia). According to Holland
(1986) it is richer in herbs and poorer in understory shrubs than other riparian communities.
It typically occurs in bottomlands and outer floodplains along larger streams, on fine grained,
rich alluvium.
Onsite this community is represented by a band of coast live oak, a total of 1.2 acres, with
scattered individuals of arroyo willow, and an understory that includes poison-oak
(Toxicodendron diversilobum), California rose (Rosa californica), mugwort (Artemisia
douglasiana), and several annuals.
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I Riparian habitats such as southern coast live oak riparian forest and southern willow scrub
represent high quality wildlife habitat, providing structural diversity and water during much of
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the year. They are important sites of primary productivity and play a vital role in nutrient
recycling and maintenance of water quality. Many species of animals that are resident in
adjacent scrub habitat forage in riparian areas during the drier times of the year.
1 4.1.5. Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat
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Coastal sage scrub is a native plant community composed of a variety of soft, low, aromatic
shrubs, characteristically dominated by drought-deciduous species such as California sagebrush
(Artemisia californica), flat-top buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and sages (Salvia spp.),
I with scattered evergreen shrubs, including lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), laurel sumac
(Malosma laurina), and toyon (Heteromeles arbutfolia). It typically develops on south-facing
slopes and other xeric situations. A very small amount of coastal sage scrub habitat occurs
I within the study area, 0.1 acre, at the eastern end of the proposed alignment, near El Camino
Real.
I 4.1.5 Disturbed/Developed Habitat
Disturbed habitat refers to areas that lack vegetation entirely. These areas generally are the
I result of severe or repeated mechanical perturbation. Developed land refers to areas that include
homes, yards, ornamental landscaping, corrals, and other highly modified lands that support
structures, land use, or vegetation associated with dwellings. Within the property,
I disturbed/developed habitat includes dirt roads, trails, plowed land, residential dwellings and
outbuildings, and ornamental landscape. A total of 12.0 acres of disturbed/developed habitat
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is present onsite.
4.1.6 Floral Diversity
A total of 67 species of vascular plants - 44 native species (66 percent) and 23 non-native (34
percent) - was recorded from the site (Appendix A).
I 4.2 ZOOLOGY - WILDLIFE DIVERSITY
U 4.2.1 Birds
Twenty-two (22) species of birds were observed during the recent survey work (see Appendix
I B). The avifauna is comprised of a moderately diverse assemblage of species associated with
coastal sage scrub and chaparral. The most commonly observed species include California quail
(Callipepla calzfornica), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), Anna's hummingbird (Calypte
I anna), common raven (Corvus corax), wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), California thrasher
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I (Toxostoma redivivum), rufous-sided towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), and California towhee
(Pipilo crissalis).
I 4.2.2 Reptiles and Amphibians
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Two species of reptiles were observed onsite, including side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana)
and Great Basin fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis). Other reptiles common in the area and
likely to occur onsite include southern alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus webbii),
I coastal western whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus), San Diego horned lizard
(Phiynosoma coronata blainvillei), orange-throated whiptail (Cnemidophorus hype,ythrus),
gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) , northern red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber ruber),
I and common kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus). No amphibians were observed onsite.
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4.2.3 Mammals
Four species of mammals were recorded from the site, including cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus
sp.), California ground squirrel (Spennophilus beecheyi), woodrat (Neotoma sp.), coyote (Canis
I latrans). Other mammal species likely to be present include striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis),
Virginia opossum (Dideiphis virginica), and raccoon (Procyon lotor).
1 4.3 SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The following resources are discussed in this section: (1) plant and animal species present in
I the project vicinity that are given special recognition by federal, state, or local conservation
agencies and organizations owing to declining, limited, or threatened populations, that are the
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results, in most cases, of habitat reduction; and (2) habitat areas that are unique, are of relatively
limited distribution, or are of particular value to wildlife. Sources used for determination of
sensitive biological resources are as follows: wildlife -- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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(USFWS 1989, 1991), California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG 1980, 1986), Remsen
(1978), Everett (1979), McGurty (1980), and Murphy (1990); plants -- USFWS (1990, 1993),
CDFG (1987), and Skinner and Pavlik (1994); and habitats -- Holland (1986).
I 4.3.1 Sensitive Plant Species
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One species of plant listed as endangered by the California Department of Fish and Game
(CDFG) and proposed for listing as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
was detected onsite: Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassfolia). One
I additional plant species considered sensitive by various resource agencies also was observed:
Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa). These species are discussed below and their locations
are illustrated in the biological resources map (Figure 3). The listing authorities and explanation
I of listing categories are presented in Appendix C. Although the USFWS recently eliminated its
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Category 2 candidate (C2) status, these are retained below because C2 species currently are
under further review.
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Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp
USFWS: Endangered
CDFG: None
CNPS: List 1B, 3-3-2
crassifolia - Del Mar manzanita
I Del Mar manzanita represents the coastal form of San Diego County's common burl-forming
manzanita, and it is one of several sensitive plants that are indicators of the unique and depleted
southern maritime chaparral habitat. In his recent treatment of Arctostaphylos in the Jepson
I Manual (Hickman 1993), Wells considers ssp. crassifolia as a valid taxon representing those
populations in coastal San Diego County and adjacent northern Baja California.
I Within the proposed alignment, Del Mar manzanita typically occurs in small localized patches
within southern maritime chaparral. It is concentrated in the area near the oak riparian forest
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habitat. Approximately 20 individuals are present in the proposed alignment.
Quercus dumosa - Nuttall's scrub oak
USFWS: former Category 2 candidate
I CDFG: None
CNPS: List 1B, 2-3-2
It was proposed (Hickman 1993) that the common, widespread species formerly known as scrub
oak (Quercus dumosa) actually represents two closely related species -- Nuttall's scrub oak
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(Quercus dumosa) and "interior" scrub oak (Quercus berberidfolia). Although interior scrub
oak is widely distributed throughout southern California in chaparral habitats, Nuttall's scrub oak
is restricted to the narrow coastal strip, and hence, has been severely affected by development.
This species was one of eight native plants included in a "southern maritime chaparral listing
1 package" circulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1993.
I Nuttall's scrub oak occurs as scattered individuals within the southern maritime chaparral
habitats onsite. Approximately 12 individuals were observed and it is likely that more
individuals are present within the dense vegetation.
I 4.3.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species
I . No animal species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by the USFWS or CDFG were
observed onsite. No species formerly recognized as the former Category 2 candidates for
listing by the USFWS or recognized as sensitive by resource agencies were observed. The
I listing authorities and explanation of listing categories are presented in Appendix C.
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4.3.3 Sensitive Habitats
Sensitive habitats are those that are considered rare within the region, support sensitive plant
and/or wildlife species, or function as corridors for wildlife movement. Habitat types found
onsite that are considered sensitive include southern maritime chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and
southern coast live oak riparian forest.
4.3.4 Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages
I Wildlife corridors are linear features that connect large patches of natural open space and
provide avenues for the immigration and emigration of animals. Wildlife corridors contribute
to population viability in several ways: (1) they assure the continual exchange of genes between
I populations which helps maintain genetic diversity; (2) they provide access to adjacent habitat
areas representing additional territory for foraging and mating; (3) they allow for a greater
carrying capacity; and (4) they provide routes for colonization of habitat lands following local
I populations extinctions or habitat recovery from ecological catastrophes (e.g., fires).
Habitat linkages are patches of native habitat that function to join two larger patches of habitat.
I They serve as connections between habitat patches and help reduce the adverse affects of habitat
fragmentation. Although individual animals may not move through a habitat linkage, the linkage
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does represent a potential route for gene flow and long-term dispersal. Habitat linkages may
serve as both habitat and avenues of gene flow for small animals such as reptiles and
amphibians. Habitat linkages may be represented by continuous patches of habitat or by nearby
-. habitat "islands" that function as "stepping stones" for dispersal.
A habitat linkage/wildlife corridor extends through the site predominantly within the oak riparian
forest and the surrounding patches of southern maritime chaparral, within the Zone 21 area. A
potential linkage also is present as a narrow band of native habitat along the eastern portion of
the alignment adjacent to El Camino Real.
4.4 DELINEATION OF WETLANDS AND "WATERS OF THE U.S."
The purposes of this delineation are to determine the boundaries of ACOE and CDFG
jurisdiction within the project site and to determine what permits or approvals would be required
prior to disturbance of all or a parts of the jurisdictional areas within the proposed project site.
For the purposes of this wetland determination and impact assessment, the survey area for the
project was the entire 21.2-acre survey area.
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4.4.1 Methods
I A wetland determination was conducted as a separate task by Sherri Miller, a certified wetland
delineator. During the survey, notes were taken on the plant communities present, and
boundaries of wetland communities and waters of the U.S. were mapped on a 200-scale (1" =
200') aerial photograph and (1" = 200') topographic map of the site.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (1987) was used to determine
whether jurisdictional wetlands occurred within the study area. The manual requires that
positive indicators of hydric soils, wetland hydrology, and hydrophytic vegetation all be present
to classify an area as a jurisdictional wetland. Other "waters of the United States," as defined
by the ordinary high water mark of streams or drainages, also were identified and mapped in
the field.
I Typically, where a predominance of hydrophytic vegetation is present, additional data on soils
and hydrology are collected, and a wetland data form is completed. However, owing to the
presence of distinct topographic changes between upland habitats and the incised wetland
I channels/floodplains (indicating U.S. waters) and the observation of well-defined indicators of
the ordinary high water mark along channel banks in all areas dominated by hydrophytic
vegetation, no soil pits were excavated and one data form was completed. To determine whether
1 specific plant communities meet the hydrophytic vegetation criterion, the dominant species are
listed along with their wetland indicator status from the National List of Plant Species That
Occur in Wetlands: Region 0 (Reed 1988). If 50% or more of the dominant plant species at a
I specific site are categorized as obligate wetland, facultative wetland, or facultative, as described
in the list, the site is determine to meet the hydrophytic vegetation criterion.
When determining whether hydric soils are present, a pit usually is dug to a depth of 16 inches.
The texture, moisture content, and color of the soil are noted for each pit. The soil survey for
San Diego County (Bowman 1973) was reviewed to determine mapped soil types. The National
List of Hydric Soils also was reviewed to determine if mapped soil series occurred on the list.
'I The definition applied by the CDFG to determine the presence of wetlands is less objective than
that of the ACOE. Per CDFG, wetlands are defined as "a body of water that flows at least
periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks and supports fish or other
I aquatic life." "This includes water courses having a surface or subsurface flow that supports
riparian vegetation." Any area that met these criteria also was identified and mapped.
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4.4.2 Results
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WETLAND HABITAT
Areas under the jurisdiction of the ACOE and/or the CDFG are illustrated in Figure 3.
Jurisdictional areas onsite include the oak riparian forest in the central portion of the survey
area. The wetland habitats (oak riparian forest) are described above in Section 4.1.
WETLAND DETERMINATION
ACOE Jurisdiction
A total of 1.2 acres of ACOE jurisdictional wetlands are present onsite composed of oak
riparian forest.
CDFG Jurisdiction
CDFG jurisdiction was calculated based upon the area of riparian vegetation or channel located
within the survey area. Thus a total of 1.2 acres of CDFG jurisdictional habitat are present
onsite.
WETLAND FUNCTIONS AND VALUES
1 Wetland habitat within the study area is expected to have a moderate value as wildlife habitat
owing to the presence of patches of riparian habitat. The drainage has seasonally flowing waters
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and may have numerous abiotic functions, such as removal of toxic material form the water,
nutrient recycling, etc. Birds species observed most commonly include house finch (Carpodacus
mexicanus), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), Anna's
I hummingbird (Calypte anna), common raven (Corvus corax), and California towhee (Pipilo
crissalis).
No species of mammals were detected within the vicinity of the drainage. Mammals likely to
be present include those species adapted to disturbed or urbanized landscapes, including Virginia
opossum (Dideiphis virginica), cottontail (Sylvilagus sp.), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis),
California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), and introduced rats (Rattus sp.).
4.5 REGIONAL RESOURCE PLANNING CONTEXT
In San Diego County, three major, coordinated conservation planning efforts currently are in
progress with the long-term goal of identifying a system of preserves that will protect native
habitat lands and their associated biota. The three efforts are (1) the City of San Diego's
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Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP), administered by the Metropolitan Wastewater
Department, focused on biological resource planning for the southwestern one-fourth of the
County; (2) the San Diego Association of Government's (SANDAG) Multiple Habitat
Conservation Program (MHCP), funded by a consortium of jurisdictions in northern San Diego
County known as the North County Wildlife Forum, focusing on the northwestern one-fourth
of the County; and (3) the County of San Diego Open Space Plan, which focuses on the portion
of the County east of the MSCP and MHCP study areas. The ultimate goal of these plans is the
establishment of biological reserve areas in conformance with the State of California's Natural
Community Conservation Program (NCCP). These programs are moving forward under the
regulatory influence of the 4(d) Rule pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, which allows for
the interim loss of 5% of existing coastal sage scrub until the preserves (NCCPs) are formalized.
The most important biological feature of the Poinsettia Lane alignment is the oak riparian forest
habitat within the patch of southern maritime chaparral habitat. This drainage may provide
wildlife movement through the area and the maritime chaparral habitat contains the federally
listed endangered plant species Del Mar manzanita.
To maintain connection for wildlife species from one side of Poinsettia Lane to the other within
the riparian habitat, a wildlife crossing is needed. The ultimate design of the roadway should
incorporate a wildlife crossing to provide connection within the exiting riparian corridor.
5.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS
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This section addresses potential impacts to biological resources that would result from
implementation of the proposed project, and provides analyses of significance for each potential
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impact. Impacts were quantified by overlaying the limits of project grading on the biological
resources map of the site (Figure 4). For purposes of this assessment, all biological resources
within the limits of grading for development are considered 100 percent lost.
I Impacts to biological resources can be direct - resulting from the permanent removal of habitat,
or indirect - resulting from changes in land use adjacent to natural habitat (e.g., increased light,
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noise, and urban runoff, interruption of wildlife movement, etc.). Both of these types of impacts
and their levels of significance are discussed in this section.
5.1 EXPLANATION OF DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE
For this section, the following criteria are used to determine the significance of an impact:
Substantial effect on a rare or endangered species plant or animal or habitat of
that species is considered a significant impact.
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- Substantial interference with the movement of any resident or migratory fish or
wildlife species is considered a significant impact.
- Substantial reduction of habitat for fish, wildlife, or plants is considered a
significant impact.
5.2 IMPACTS TO PLANT COMMUNITIES
Direct Impacts
Implementation of the proposed project would result in the direct loss of 9.5 acres (see Table
2), including impacts to the following habitat types:
-- 0.0 acre of coastal sage scrub -- less than significant
-- 3.7 acres of southern maritime chaparral -- significant
-- 0.6 acre of southern coast live oak riparian forest, jurisdictional wetland --
significant
-- 5.2 acres of disturbed/developed habitat -- less than significant.
TABLE 2
IMPACT AND OPEN SPACE ACREAGE FOR THE POINSETTIA LANE
ALIGNMENT WITHIN ZONE 21
Direct Impact
Coastal Sage Scrub 0.0 acres
Southern Maritime Chaparral 3.7 acres
Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest 0.6 acres
Disturbed/developed Habitat 5.2 acres
TOTAL 9.5 acres
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I Indirect Impacts
Indirect impacts from the proposed development include the following:
-- Reduction in carrying capacity of adjacent native habitats as a result of noise and
lighting associated with development.
-- Inadvertent potential increase of feral rat, cat, and other small predator populations
in native habitats adjacent to proposed development areas.
These impacts probably are most severe within the first 50 feet of development. Because the
first 50 feet already is considered 100 percent impacted from the brush management zones, and
indirect impacts from these sources are minimal beyond 50 feet, these impacts are consider less
than significant. Nonetheless certain measures should be implemented to inhibit additional
indirect impacts. These are discussed below under mitigation.
5.3 IMPACTS TO SENSITIVE PLANTS
Direct Impacts
Implementation of the proposed project would result in the direct loss of the following sensitive
plant species:
-- Approximately 16 individuals Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa var.
crassifolius) - significant
-- Approximately 6 individuals of Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) - less than
significant
Although Nuttall's scrub oak will be directly affected by the proposed project, the impact is
considered less than significant due to the overall low status and small amount of each of these
plant species affected. Additionally, it is expected that additional amounts of each of this plant
species is present within the area.
Indirect Impacts
Indirect impacts may result in the intrusion of non-native plant species within the first 50 feet
'I of the proposed development. However, due to the density of the habitat and high percent cover
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by native plant species, this intrusion will probably be negligible. These indirect impacts are
considered less than significant.
5.4 IMPACTS TO SENSITIVE ANIMALS
Direct Impacts
No impacts would occur to sensitive animal species.
Indirect Impacts
I Indirect impacts may result in the reduction of the carrying capacity of the southern maritime
chaparral plant community, however, the patch of habitat onsite is connected to additional habitat
offsite. These indirect impacts are considered less than significant.
5.5 JURISDICTIONAL WETLAND/WATERS IMPACTS
A limited amount of impacts to wetlands would result from the implementation of the project
(Figure 3). Although most of the wetland areas are avoided due to the design of the project the
project would encroach into limited jurisdictional area and patches of riparian habitat in the
central portion of the property.
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5.5.1 ACOE Impacts
Approximately 0.6 acre of ACOE jurisdictional area would be permanently lost by project
implementation. The area is represented by 0.6 acre of oak riparian forest.
5.5.2 CDFG Impacts
Approximately 0.6 acre of CDFG jurisdictional wetlands would be permanently lost by project
implementation. The area is represented by the oak riparian forest.
5.5.3 Regulatory Requirements
The discharge of dredge or fill material (temporary or permanently) into areas delineated as
"waters of the United States" requires authorization from the ACOE pursuant to Section 404 of
the Clean Water Act. "Waters of the U.S." as defined in CFR 328.2 includes all waters or
tributaries to waters, including wetlands, streams, dry washes, seasonal drainages, and other
aquatic habitats. Activities that involve regulated discharge of dredge or fill material include
grading, placing of riprap for erosion control, pouring concrete, laying sod, and stockpiling
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excavated material. Activities that generally do not involve regulated discharge, if performed
in a manner to avoid discharge, include driving pilings and some methods of vegetation clearing.
Total ACOE jurisdiction to be impacted is 0.6 acre. The ACOE has 36 nationwide or general
permits (NWPs) that pre-authorize specific minor discharges. Generally, use of these NWPs
- does not require review by the ACOE or other federal agencies. If endangered species or
significant cultural resources occur on the property and are not adequately mitigated, the activity
is not considered pre-authorized and ACOE has the discretionary authority to require an
I individual permit. Because the impact is greater than 1/3 acre and the area contains endangered
species, it is likely an individual permit will be required. The individual permit process involves
public comment on the proposed activity and can last 180 days or longer. Because impacts to
1 ACOE jurisdiction would be associated with impacts to a federally-listed species, and the project
impacts more than 1/3 acre of wetland, coordination with ACOE is necessary and an individual
permit may be required.
I The applicant must obtain a Section 401 water quality certification (or waiver) from the
California Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the ACOE should be notified in writing
I for concurrence that the proposed fill is authorized.
CDFG jurisdiction to be impacted within the study area is 0.6 acre. The CDFG defines a stream
as "a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel
having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life. This includes water courses having a
surface or subsurface flow that supports riparian vegetation." A CDFG 1603 agreement will be I required prior to any alteration of the wetland within CDFG jurisdiction. An application for a
1603 agreement can occur only after an environmental impact report or negative declaration has
I been certified or under a categorical exemption. The CDFG generally requires that any impacts
to streambeds or adjacent riparian habitats be fully mitigated at a ratio of a minimum of 1:1, and
more usually 3:1, by area. A streambed alteration application must be submitted to CDFG. It
normally takes 30 days for the CDFG to process a 1603 application.
5.6 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS
The following impacts associated with implementation of the proposed development plan are
considered significant:
Loss of 3.7 acres of southern maritime chaparral.
Loss of 0.6 acre of oak riparian forest/jurisdictional wetland.
b) Loss of 13 individuals of Del Mar manzanita.
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1 6.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES
I The mitigation measures presented below are based on the analysis outlined above. The impacts
that require mitigation are the loss of southern maritime chaparral, loss of oak riparian
forest/jurisdictional wetland, and Del Mar manzanita.
1 6.1 SUBREGIONAL PLANNING CONTEXT
I In a regional context, the sensitive biological resources present within the Poinsettia Lane
alignment are regionally important due to the limited distribution of southern maritime chaparral
habitat and the connectivity of the southern maritime chaparral habitat onsite with additional
I habitat offsite as well as the wildlife corridor present within the drainage.
6.2 MITIGATION MEASURES
- The project will require mitigation for direct impacts to southern maritime chaparral and the
sensitive plant species that occur within this habitat. Due to the presence of sensitive plant
I species within the southern maritime chaparral habitat and the limited distribution of this habitat
- type, it is likely that mitigation will be required at a 2:1 ratio. The project will also require
mitigation for the impact to the jurisdictional wetland/oak riparian forest. Typically, impacts
I to the wetland habitats require mitigation at a 3:1 ratio by creation of new habitat.
7.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This report was prepared by DUDEK biologist Anita M. Hayworth, Ph.D. Graphics were
provided by Martie A. Clemons; Tonette S. Foster provided word processing assistance.
8.0 LITERATURE CITED
Abrams, L. 1923. Illustrated flora of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford,
California.
1 American Ornithologists' Union. 1983. The Check-list of North American Birds, 6th edition.
I
Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas.
American Ornithologists' Union. 1989. Thirty-seventh Supplement to the American
Ornithologists' Union Check-List of North American Birds. The Auk 106:532-538.
Atwood, J. L. 1990. Status review of the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila calfornica).
Unpublished technical report, Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, Massachusetts. 79
pp.
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Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater Press,
National City, California. 241 pp.
Bond, S. I. 1977. An annotated list of the mammals of San Diego County, California. Trans.
San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist. 18: 229-248.
Bowman, R. H. 1973. Soil Survey, San Diego Area, California, Part 1. United States
Department of the Agriculture. 104 pp. + appendices.
Bury, B. 1971. Status report on California's threatened amphibians and reptiles. California
Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Administrative Report #72-2.
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1980. At the Crossroads: A Report on the
Status of California's Endangered and Rare Fish and Wildlife. State of California
I Resources Agency, Sacramento. California.
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1986. Endangered, Rare, and Threatened
I Animals of California. State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento, California.
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1987. Designated Endangered or Rare
Plants. Summary list from Section 1904 Fish and Game Code (Native Plant Protection
Act). State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento, California.
Everett, W. T. 1979. Sensitive, threatened and declining bird species of San Diego County.
San Diego Audubon Society Sketches 29:2-3.
Grinnell, J. and A. Miller. 1944. The distribution of the birds of California. Pacific Coast
Avifauna 27: 1-608.
Hickman, J. C. 1993. The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California. University of
California Press, Berkeley. 1400 pp.
Holland, R. F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of
California. Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game. 156
1 pp.
Jones, J. K., Jr., D. C. Carter, H. H. Genoways, R. S. Hoffman, and D. W. Rice. 1992.
I Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico. Occasional Papers
of the Museum of Texas Tech University, no. 143.
21
1
I Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21
McGurty, B. M. 1980. Survey and status of endangered and threatened species of reptiles
natively occurring in San Diego, California. San Diego Herpetological Society.
I Munz, P. 1974. A flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley,
California. 1086 pp.
I Remsen, J. V. 1978. Bird species of special concern in California: An annotated list of
declining or vulnerable bird species. Administrative Report No. 78-1. Nongame
I Wildlife Investigations, Wildlife Management Branch, California Department of Fish and
Game.
I SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments). 1994. Vegetation and sensitive species
maps prepared for the North County Wildlife Forum.
I Skinner, M. W. and B. M. Pavlik. 1994. California Native Plant Society's Inventory of
Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Special Publication No. 1 (5th
Edition), California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 338 pp.
Smith, J. P., Jr., and K. Berg. 1988. California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and
Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Special Publication No. 1 (4th Edition),
California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 168 pp.
Stebbins, R. C. 1985. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin
I Co., Boston, Mass.
Stewart, G. R. 1971. Rare, endangered, and depleted amphibians and reptiles in California.
I Herpetology 5:29-35.
I United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1989. Federal Register, Part 4, Endangered
and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal Notice of Review. 50 CFR Part 17.
Department of the Interior.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1990. Federal Register, Part 4, Endangered
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I
I
Biology Report for the Poinsettia Lane Alignment in Zone 21
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Threatened Species. 50 CFR Part 17. Vol. 58. No. 188. Department of the Interior.
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21:1-204.
23
1
I
I
1
E
I
I APPENDICES
I
I
I
fl H
I
[1
I
I
I
I APPENDIX A
VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED
I ON THE PROJECT SITE
I SELAGINELLALES
I ANGIOSPERMAE
I AIZOACEAE - CARPET-WEED FAMILY
* Carpodbrotus edulis - Hottentot-fig
I ANACARDIACEAE - SUMAC FAMILY
Malosma laurina - laurel sumac
Rhus integrifolia - lemonadeberry
I Toxicodendron diversilobum - poison-oak
APIACEAE - CARROT FAMILY
I * Foeniculum vulgare - sweet fennel
ASCLEPIADACEAE - MILKWEED FAMILY
I Asciepias fascicularis - narrow-leaf milkweed
I Ambrosia
ASTERACEAE - SUNFLOWER FAMILY
psilostachya - western ragweed
Artemisia californica - coastal sagebrush
Artemisia douglasiana - mugwort I Baccharis pilularis - coyotebush
* Carduus pycnocephalus - Italian thistle
I * Centaurea melitensis - tocalote
Cirsium occidentale - California thistle
Eriophyllum confertiflorum - golden-yarrow
I Gnaphalium canescens - everlasting
Hazardia squarrosus - saw-toothed goldenbush
Hemizonia fasciculata - fascicled tarweed
I Heterotheca grandflora - telegraph weed
Isocorna menziesii - coastal goldenbush
* Lactuca serriola - prickly lettuce
I BORAGINACEAE - BORAGE FAMILY
intermedia - common popcorn flower
I
Ciyptantha
BRASSICACEAE - MUSTARD FAMILY
* Brassica nigra - black mustard
APPENDIX A (continued)
* Raphanus sativus - wild radish
CACTACEAE - CACTUS FAMILY
Opuntia littoralis - coast prickly-pear
CAPPARACEAE - CAPER FAMILY
Isomeris arborea - bladder-pod
CAPR1FOLIACEAE - HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY
Sambucus mexicanus - Mexican elderberry
CHENOPODIACEAE - GOOSEFOOT FAMILY
* Salsola tragus - Russian-thistle
CISTACEAE - ROCK-ROSE FAMILY
Helianthemum scoparium - rush-rose
CONVOLVULACEAE - MORNING-GLORY FAMILY
Calystegia macrostegia - morning-glory
CUCURBITACEAE - GOURD FAMILY
Marah macrocarpa - manroot
ERICACEAE - HEATH FAMILY
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia - Del Mar Manzanita
Xylococcus bicolor - mission manzanita
EUPHORBIACEAE - EUPHORB FAMILY
Ricinus communis - castor-bean
FABACEAE - PEA FAMILY
* Acacia melanoxylon - blackwood acacia
* Acacia baileyana - acacia
Lotus scoparius - deerweed
FAGACEAE - OAK FAMILY
Quercus dumosa - Nuttall's scrub oak
Quercus agrfolia - coast live oak
LAMIACEAE - MINT FAMILY
* Marrubium vulgare - horehound
Salvia mellfera - black sage
I
I APPENDIX A (continued)
MALVACEAE - MALLOW FAMILY
i Malacothamnus fasciculatus - bush mallow
MYRTACEAE - MYRTLE FAMILY
I * Eucalyptus sp. - eucalyptus
POLYGONACEAE - BUCKWHEAT FAMILY
I Eriogonum fasciculatum - flat-top buck:
* Rumex crispus - curly dock
I PRIMULACEAE - PRIMROSE FAMILY
* Anagallis arvensis - scarlet pimpernel
I ROSACEAE - ROSE FAMILY
Adenostoma fasciculata - chamise
I
Heteromeles arbutfolia - toyon
SALICACEAE - WILLOW FAMILY
I
Salix lasiolepis - arroyo willow
SAURURACEAE - LIZARD-TAIL FAMILY
I
Anemopsis californica - yerba mansa
SCROPHULARIACEAE - FIGWORT FAMILY
I . Mimulus aurantiacus - bush monkeyflower
SOLANACEAE - NIGHTSHADE FAMILY
I * Nicotiana glauca - tree tobacco
* Solanum douglasii - Douglas' nightshade
I ANGIOSPERMAE
LILIACEAE - LILY FAMILY
Bloomeria crocea - common golden-stars
Chiorogalum parviflorum
- small-flowered soap-plant
Yucca schidigera - Mojave yucca
I POACEAE - GRASS FAMILY
* Avena barbata - slender wild oat
* Bromus diandrus - ripgut grass
I * Bromus hordeaceus - soft chess
APPENDIX A (continued)
* Bromus inadritensis var. rubens - red brome
* Cortaderia dioica - pampas grass
* Cynodon dactylon - Bermuda grass
Leymus condensatus - giant ryegrass
Melica imperfecta - coast range melic
* signifies introduced (non-native) species
a
I APPENDIX B
WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED OR
I DETECTED ON THE PROJECT SITE
TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATES
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
I IGUANIDAE - IGUANifi LIZARDS
Scieroporus occidentalis - Great Basin fence lizard
Uta stansburiana - side-blotched lizard
I
BIRDS
I
ACCIPITRIDAE - HAWKS
I Buteo jamaicensis - red-tailed hawk
PHASIANIDAE - PHEASANTS & QUAILS
I Callipepla californica - California. quail
COLUMBIDAE - PIGEONS & DOVES
I Zenaida inacroura - mourning dove
I Calypte
TROCHLLIDAE - HUMMINGBIRDS
anna - Anna's hummingbird
I PICIDAE - WOODPECKERS
Colaptes auratus - northern flicker
Picoides nuttallii - Nuttall' s woodpecker
I TYRANNIDAE - TYRANT FLYCATCHERS
Sayornis nigricans - black phoebe
I Tyrannus verticalis - western kingbird
CORVIDAE - JAYS & CROWS
I Aphelocoma coerulescens - scrub jay
Corvus corax - common raven
- Corvus brachyrhynchos - American crow
I AEGITHALIDAE - BUSHTITS
Psaltriparus minimus - bushtit
I
I.
APPENDIX B (continued)
TROGLODYTIDAE - WRENS
Thryomanes bewickii - Bewick's wren
MUSCICAPIDAE - KINGLETS, GNATCATCHERS, THRUSHES & BABBLERS
Chamaea fasciata - wrentit
MIMIDAE - THRASHERS
Toxostoma redivi': thrasher
Mimus polyglottos - iiortnern mockingbird
EMBERIZIDAE - WOOD WARBLERS, TANAGERS, BUNTINGS & BLACKBIRDS
Pipilo eiythrophthalmus - rufous-sided towhee
Pipilo crissalis - California towhee
Melospiza melodia - song sparrow
FRINGILLIDAE - FINCHES
Carpodacus mexicanus - house finch
Carduelis psaltria - lesser goldfinch
MAMMALS
LEPORIDAE - HARES & RABBITS
Sylvilagus sp. - cottontail rabbit
SCIUIUDAE - SQUIRRELS
Spermophilus beecheyi - California ground squirrel
CRICETIDAE - NEW WORLD RATS & MICE
Neotoma sp. - woodrat
CANIDAE - WOLVES & FOXES
Canis latrans - coyote
I
I APPENDIX C
I SPECIES SENSITIVITY CATEGORIES
Federal (1993)
I Endangered. Taxa threatened throughout all or a significant portion of their range.
I Threatened. Taxa likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.
Category 1. Taxa for which the USFWS currently has on file substantial information on
I biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support the appropriateness of proposing to list them as
endangered or threatened species.
I Category 2. Taxa for which information now in possession of the USFWS indicates that
proposing to list them as endangered or threatened is appropriate but for which substantial data
on biological vulnerability and threat(s) are not known or on file to support the immediate
I preparation of rules.
Category 3. Taxa that were once considered for listing as endangered or threatened, but are
I currently not receiving such consideration. These taxa are included in one of the following three
subcategories.
I Subcategory 3A: Taxa presumed to be extinct.
Subcategory 313: Taxa whose names do not meet the Endangered Species Act's
I legal definition of species.
Subcategory 3C: Taxa now considered to be more widespread that originally I thought.
I Note: The taxa in Categories 1 and 2 are candidates for possible addition to the list of
endangered and threatened species. The USFWS encourages their consideration in
environmental planning.
I State of California (1990)
I Endangered. Taxa which are in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a
significant portion, of their range due to one or more causes including loss of habitat, change
in habitat, over exploitation, predation, competition, or disease (Section 2062 of the Fish and
I Game Code).
Threatened. Taxa which, although not presently threatened with extinction, are likely to become
endangered species in the foreseeable future (Section 2067 of the Fish and Game Code).
I
I
n
I APPENDIX C (continued)
I Rare. Taxa which, although not presently threatened with extinction, are present in such small
numbers- throughout their range that they may become endangered if the present environment
I worsens (Section 1901 of the Fish and Game Code).
Candidate. Taxa which the Fish and Game Commission has formally noticed as being under
I review by the Department in addition to the list of threatened and endangered species.
California Native Plant Society (1994)
I Lists
I 1A: Presumed Extinct in California
113: Rare or Endangered in California and Elsewhere
2: Rare or Endangered in California, More Common Elsewhere
I 3: Need More Information
4: Plants of Limited Distribution
Note: Plants on CNPS list lB meet California Department of Fish and Game Criteria for
Rare or Endangered listing.
-E-D code
I
R
R (Rarity)
Rare, but found in sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough that the potential
I
i-
for extinction or extirpation is low at this time.
Occurrence confined to several populations or to one extended population.
Occurrence limited to one or a few highly restricted populations, or present in such
I small numbers that it is seldom reported.
I E
(Endangerment)
Not endangered
Endangered in a portion of its range
I 3- Endangered throughout its range
D (Distribution)
I i- More or less widespread outside of California
2- Rare outside California
Endemic to California
I
I
I.