HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 83-19; CALAVERA HILLS VILLAGE T; NATURAL VEGITATION IMPACT ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION PROGRAM; 1999-02-01r ' CT
Draft
Natural Vegetation Impact Analysis
and Mitigation Program
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewer Easement
February 1, 1999
Prepared for:
Catavera Hills II, LLC
do McMillin Companies
2727 Hoover Avenue
National City, CA 91950
Prepared by:
PLANNING SYSTEMS
Greg Evans, Landscape Architect LA #3900
1530 Faraday Avenue, Suite 100
Carlsbad, CA 92008
PLANNING
SYSTEMS [~j
DRAFT
Natural Vegetation Impact Analysis
and Mitigation Program
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewerage Easement
Table of Contents
1.0 Background I Page 1
2.0 Impacts I Mitigation of Natural Vegetation Page 2
Summary - Impacts / Mitigation Acreage Page 2
3.0 Revegetation Program Page 3
Staking of Revegetation Area Limits Page 3
Exhibit 1 - Project Site Plan Page 4
Exhibit 2- Impacts / Revegetation Map Page 5
Site Preparation, Scarification, Erosion Page 6
Control, Soil Preparation, Weed
Eradication, Revegetation Planting
Installation Specifications Page 8
Installation Timing, Construction Schedule Page 10
4.0 Establishment Maintenance Page 10
Irrigation, Fertilizer, Weed Eradication' Page 11
Inspection and Replacements, Inspection Page 12
Schedule
5.0 Monitoring Page 12
Maintenance Monitoring. Page 12
Irrigation, Trash Removal and Vandalism Page 13
Control, Weed Control,
Erosion Control Horticultural Page 14
Recommendations, Replacing Vegetation
6.0 Revegetation Performance Monitoring Page 14
Monitoring Methodology, Qualitative Data, Page 15
Quantitative Data, Record Keeping, Page 16
Monitoring Methods
Annual Reports Page 17
PLANNING SYSTEMS # 981257
February 1, 1999
DRAFT
Natural Vegetation Impact Analysis
and Mitigation Program
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewerage Easement
1.0 BACKGROUND
A final map for Villages 0 and T of Calavera Hills was approved by the City of Carlsbad
in June, 1992. On March 15, 1993 a mitigation agreement was entered into between
the Owner and the City of Carlsbad that mitigated for impacts to all sensitive biological
resources associated with Village T-South, CMWD sewer easement improvements, and
several other development improvements not particular to this discussion. The agreed
upon mitigation was perpetual dedication of open space purchased adjacent to the
proposed improvements (exhibit 1, Calavera Heights Master Site Plan).
Grading for Village T-South commenced in January. 1998. Soon after grading began,
SDG&E representatives determined that the approved grading plans did not adequately
provide for maintenance truck access to SDG&E's transmission easement, located just
east of Village T-South. Subsequently, SDG&E personnel directed the location of
additional access at certain points along the transmission easement. This additional
access necessitated an expansion or minor relocation of proposed slopes shown on the
approved Grading plans. As a result of SDG&E direction, on June 18, 1998, Hunsaker
& Associates submitted a "construction change" to the City to the City to effectuate the
SDG&E access requirements. (Additional areas in the aerial survey required additional
grading behind lots 110 and 112, shown as area 1-4 on Exhibit 2.)
It is the City of Carlsbad's opinion that the 1993 mitigation agreement did not cover this
SDG&E access grading.
Accommodation of the additional access resulted in grading modification to five areas of
the approved grading plans. Natural upland habitat that occupied some of these
areas was removed (see "Summary - Impacts / Mitigation Acreage", page 2, and Exhibit
2 - Impacts / Mitigation Map"). A biological assessment of these five areas was not
specifically conducted immediately prior to grading, however the approved EIR for the
project (Ogden Environmental) indicates that the habitat affected was Coastal sage
scrub I Chaparral Scrub (CSSC) or Brushed Area (BAR).
To confirm that the natural plant communities existing adjacent to the five impacted
areas conform to the Ogden EIR, Planning Systems conducted a field confirmation
survey on 12/11/98. The Ogden determinations of CSSC and BAR continue to
satisfactorily designate adjacent plant communities. No sensitive plant species occur in
the affected areas per both the EIR and the recent field confirmation survey.
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewer Easement Impacts / Mitigation Program
2.0 IMPACTS I MITIGATION OF NATURAL VEGETATION
Additional grading performed to effectuate access to SDG&E's transmission easement
totals 0.34 acre. To mitigate for the loss of these biological resources, it is proposed
that 0.68 acre of like habitat is revegetated at locations along the approved and
permitted 20' wide CMWD Sewer Easement (Exhibit 2). Approved plantings for the
graded areas associated with the sewer easement are ornamental, erosion control
plantings. This plan proposes that native plant revegetation will be established on the
1.46 acres of sewer easement graded areas. Of this 1.46 acres, 0.68 acres is proposed
to fully mitigate for the SDG&E easement access impacts. The remaining 0.78 acre
revegetation of Coastal Sage Scrub / Chaparral scrub is proposed as a "mitigation
bank" to be available as mitigation for future, unanticipated and as yet unknown
impacts to similar vegetation
SUMMARY - IMPACTS / MITIGATION ACREAGE
area impacts mitigation by revegetation
plant community acreage
impacted impacted
plant community
revegetated
acreage
revegetated
Ii CSSC 1,250 s.f.
12 CSSC 1,860 s.f.
13 CSSC 400 s.f.
14 BAR 6,750 s.f.
15 BAR & CSSC 4,340 s.f.
RI CSSC 14,500 s.f.
R2 CSSC 11,400 s.f.
R3 CSSC 5,500 s.f.
R4 CSSC 4,430 s.f.'
R5 CSSC 1,600 s.f.
R6 CSSC 6,740 s.f.
R7 CSSC 1,300 s.f.
R8 CSSC 1,900 s.f.
R9 CSSC 16,430 s.f.
TOTAL IMPACTS!
RE VEGETATION
14,600 s.f. or
0.33 acre 1
63,600 s.f. or
1.46 acre
CSSC = Coastal Sage Scrub / Chaparral Scrub
BAR = Brushed Area
A mititgation program is proposed that revegetates native plant materials by installation
of containers and hydroseeding in selected locations, supported by a fully automatic
irrigation system. Plant installation will be followed by 3 years of monitoring and
maintenance.
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewer Easement Impacts / Mitigation Program 2
The objectives of this revegetation program are as follows:
To offset the loss of 0.34 acre of CSSC or BAR habitat through the revegetation of
0.68 acre of CSSC in locations as shown on Exhibit 2.
To restore functioning coastal sage scrub /chaparral scrub that is self-sustaining
overtime and capable of supporting native plant and animal species.
To restore coastal sage scrub / chaparral scrub that is ecologically appropriate to the
site.
3.0 REVEGETATION PROGRAM
The intent of this Revegetation Program is to specify improvements which introduce and
provide for the establishment of native plant species which closely reflect the biological
character of adjacent existing native plant vegetation. The ultimate goal of the effort is
to successfully revegetate recently graded manufactured slopes with coastal sage scrub
/ chaparral scrub vegetation similar to local native vegetation.
This Revegetation Program is developed based upon site observations of adjacent
native habitats. Previous experiences with coastal sage scrub revegetation and coastal
chaparral revegetation provides an additional basis for this plan. Existing and proposed
site conditions have been assessed for suitability and it is expected that coastal sage
scrub / chaparral scrub habitat may become established in the time frame provided for
in the performance standards (a period of three years).
This revegetation program includes provision of irrigation (as a temporary aid to the
establishment of plantings,) site preparation, invasive exotic weed control, seed and
container plantings, and a monitoring program. One component of this program provides
for the establishment of baseline inventories for existing vegetation adjacent to designated
revegetation areas, as a model for species composition. This progarm includes a
provision for the adjustment of plant species composition after inventories are performed.
Coastal sage scrub/ chaparral scrub is found adjacent to the revegetation sites. All
proposed enhancement areas are contiguous to this transitional habitat. The process of
modeling each habitat enhancement area's plant composition on the baseline of an
adjacent area will result in a community reflecting the sage scrub / chaparral scrub.
It is anticipated that the biggest obstacle to the successful revegetation of CSSC will be
the control of invasive exotic weed and grass species within and surrounding the
revegetation site. The exotic species will compete with the coastal sage scrub species
until they are well established.
STAKING OF REVEGETATION AREA LIMITS
Initial revegetation activity shall involve the staking the limits of the revegetation areas
with wooden lathe and flagging tape to work zones from existing vegetation to be
protected in place. If prior to or during installation the revegetation monitor determines
a need, then orange snow fencing will be installed as necessary to further protect
existing habitat from accidental disturbance.
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewer Easement Impacts / Mitigation Program 3
NORTH rn .
3*1
PLANNING
SYSTEMS
LEGEND
CALAVERA HEIGHTS MITIGATION SITE
_________
LOCATION OF REVEGETATION AREA
.. - - - - --1 LOCATION OF SEWERAGE EASEMENT
I I OPEN SPACE
Exhibit 1
CALAVERA HEIGHTS MASTER SITE PLAN
Revegetation Program - Calavera Heights Sewerage Easement
Carlsbad, California -•
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewer Easement Impacts / Mitigation Program 4
•. ,. .
. . • . •
0•• ,• • . . •.
* .. - - • I . .-.- - -.. . -
F / 20' WI 0 E SEWER,. EASE MEN T - to _.'
/ A ic.'
PUMP STATION SITE1
vv-
YAW
4' 7 e' /
AN fir
xf
069
Co
4(4
14* Jtl 1W
lee (11,400 s.f.)
-I . • 4. - •. \\ .-' r , ,
R4 - (4,430 s.f.) - —
___ ______ ______ ______ ______
/, -• . ••
. R6-(6,740s.f.) . ,.... ..• . (. . /'
vwi
11-0
DIX
QUO
95 (1,600 s.f.) EASEMENT
W.
(5,500 s.f.)
a .
IQ
- - --....' -------------------------------------------------------1A flA 1 - .. IjI11J -. t CSSC = Coastal Saie Scrub / Chaparral Scrub - - S & / P 5
BAR = Brushed Area IXf" JifI4I-RIItf
.EGEND / YVcn "-
Exhibit 2 .. j IMPACTED VEGETATION 0 2550 100 200 FT
PROPOSED REVEGETATION LAND USE/COASTAL PLANNING MPACTS'/ MITIGATION- MAP'. PLAWNG ..... • . 11 -
SOURCE PLANT COMM NITYDESIGNATIONS FOR IMPACTED
- •--SY-STEMS- I--. I .... eOUaAND PR0SLNC
....,.VI LLAGE #981257
-
RONwrAunh1cAnoN
CARLSBAD., CALIFORNIA ARAS PER OGDEN ENVIRONMNTAL4 - 1/26/99 100 SCALE j\JORTH 153OFADA(760)911 YAVEN-0780 FAX (760).931-5744 UESUITEIOOCARLSBADcA92008
-
SUMMARY - IMPACTS
aeà
-
impacts revegetation
plant community acreage
affected impacted
plant community
revegetaled
acreage
revegetated
Ii CSSC 1,250 s.f.
12 CSSC 1,860 s/.
13 CSSC 400 s.f.
14 BAR 6,750 s.f.
15 BAR £r CSSC 4,340 s.f.
RI . CSSC 14,500 s.f.
R2 . CSSC 11,400 s.f.
R3 CSSC ', 5,500 s.f.
R4 - CSSC ,. 4,430 s.f.
R5 - CSSC. • - L600 s.f.
R6 CSSC 6,740 s.f.
R7 CSSC 1,300 s.f.
R6 CSSC . 1,900 s.f.
R9 . . CSSC . 16,430 s.f.
TOTAL IMPACTS!
REVECETATION
14,600 s.f. or
0.33 acre
.63,600 s.f. or
1.46 acre
SITE PREPARATION
Site preparation for revegetation areas will be provided prior to other operations.
Scarification of the soil, weed eradication and erosion control are included in site
preparation. Note that fertilizers are included as part of the various hydroseed mixes.
SCARIFICATION
The final soil surface of all areas to be revegetated shall be left in a rough condition.
The intent is to provide small ledges, cracks and crevices for seeds to lodge and to
reduce erosion. These depressions and ledges will provide shelter for small seedlings
and increase water infiltration and retention and root penetration. The landscape
architect shall verify that scarification of revegetation areas with a tracked vehicle has
occurred during final grading of these areas. If not existing, equipment shall be run up
and down the slope vertically to provide small horizontal ledges for the seedbed.
EROSION CONTROL
Provide erosion control (hay or gravel bales) as indicated on the engineers erosion
control plans or as directed by the Landscape Architect.
SOIL PREPARATION
Soil analysis will be performed for the revegetation areas, conforming to standards
acceptable to the City of Carlsbad prior to revegetation site planting. If soil tests indicate
that unacceptable conditions such as high salts or poor infiltration occur in any
revegetation areas, those areas will be abandoned as revegetation sites. As-built
construction drawings approved by the City of Carlsbad will document revegetation area
configuration changes as required by unacceptable soil conditions discovered in the field.
WEED ERADICATION
Weed eradication will be provided during site preparation where existing site conditions
indicate an extreme and intensive problem. Weed eradication shall be performed as a
maintenance item for all revegetation areas. Isolated or dense patches of mustard as
well as other perennial weeds, such as fennel and Australian saltbush may be targeted
for herbicide treatment as necessary.
REVEGETATION PLANTING
A combination of container planting and seeding are proposed to provide the breath of
species representative of CSSC, with woody plant types generally planted and
herbaceous types seeded. Component species and planting rates are based upon
percentage goals aimed at creating the following range of species mix:
15-25% Artemisia californica, Coastal sagebrush
15-20% Eriogonum fascicula turn, California buckwheat
5-10% Salvia rnel!ifera, Black sage
25-40% Other woody shrubs
15-30% Gaps of bare ground or herbaceous plant materials
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewer Easement Impacts / Mitigation Program 6
These percentages vary somewhat from area to area to be generally consistent with
observations of current composition of existing habitat near the revegetation area. All
the species listed in the hydroseed and container planting lists were either identified on
site or are listed in the previous botanical surveys, with the exception of non-native and
other native annual herbaceous species utilized as cover crops during the
establishment period.
Prior to implementation of this program, baseline inventories for existing vegetation
adjacent to the habitat enhancement sites will the made. Accepted procedures such as
the California Native Plant Society's point intercept method will be utilized by the
Landscape Architect to provide the baselines. The plant species identified and
composition baselines will become models for species composition of adjacent habitat
enhancement areas. The composition goals and specific species indicated in this plan will
be adjusted after baseline inventories are complete. The total number of plantings per
acre will remain unchanged.
The following tables provide a seed mix type and quantities of container material
anticipated for each planting area.
REVEGETATION AREA
APPROXIMATE SIZE
HYDROSEED MIX
A B C
14,500 11,400 1 5,500
A A A
CONTAINER PLANTS
Artemisia californica COASTAL SAGEBRUSH 1 Gallon 29 23 11
Baccharispllspp CHAPARRAL BROOM
consan guinea
1 Gallon 13 10 5
Malosma laurina LAUREL SUMAC 1 Gallon 12 9 4
Melacothamnus BRUSH MALLOW
fasciculatus
1 Gallon 12 9 4
Rhus integrifolia LEMONADE BERRY 1 Gallon 13 10 5
Xylococcus bicolor MISSION MANZANITA 1 Gallon 15 1 6
15 11 6
Containers per area 94 62 35
REVEGETATION AREA 0 E F G H
SIZE 4,430 1,600 6,740 1,300 1,900 16,430
SEED A A A A A B
CONTAINER PLANTS
Artemisia californica 1 Gallon 1 9 3 14 3 4 1 33
Baccharispllspp 1 Gallon
consan guinea
4 2 6 1 2 15
Malosma laurina . 1 Gallon 4 1 5 1 2 13
Melacothamnus fasciculatus 1 Gallon 4 1 5 1 2 13
Rhus integrifolia 1 Gallon 4 2 6 1 2 15
Xylococcus bicolor 1 Gallon. 5 2 7 1 1 12 1 16
Containers per area 30 11 43 1 8 114 1102
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewer Easement Impacts / Mitigation Program 7
Hydroseeding of the following mixes, as indicated for each area in the above tables, will
be provided for all revegetation areas.
MIX A: EAST AND NORTH FACING SLOPES
% Pur/Germ LBS/ACRE SPECIES COMMON NAME
50 50 4 Adenostoma fasciculatum CHAMISE
15 60 2 Artemisiacalifornica SAGEBRUSH
5 40 2 Baccharis p11 spp consanguinea CHAPARRAL BROOM
40 60 1.5 Encelia californica COASTAL DAISY
10 65 3 Eriogonum fasciculatum CALIF. BUCKWHEAT
15 20 1.5 Gnaphalium californicum CALIF. EVERLASTING
35 40 1.5 Haplopappusvenetus GOLDENBUSH
N/A 1 Helianthemum scoparium SUN ROSE
75 80 2 Lasthenia chrysostoma GOLD FIELDS
40 60 5 Lotus scoparius DEERWEED
95 85 3 Lupinus succulentus ARROYO LUPINE
2 55 2 Mimulus puniceus RED MONKEY FLOWER
95 85 2 Nemophilla menziesii BABY BLUE EYES
85 50 2 Salvia mellifera BLACK SAGE
40 30 2 Stipa pulchra PURPLE NEEDLE GRASS
95 30 4 Xylococcus bi-color MISSION MANZANITA
95 75 20 Plantaqo insular/s NCN
58.5 TOTAL FUUNUb PER ACRE
MIX B: WEST AND SOUTH FACING SLOPES
Pur/Germ LBS/ACRE SPECIES COMMON NAME
15 60 3 Artemisia californica SAGEBRUSH
5 40 1 Baccharis p11 spp consanguinea CHAPARRAL BROOM
40 60 2.5 Encelia californica COASTAL DAISY
10 65 6 Eriogonum fasciculatum CALIF. BUCKWHEAT
15 20 1.5 Gnaphalium californicum CALIF. EVERLASTING
35 40 2.5 Haplopappus venetus GOLDEN BUSH
75 80 2 Last henia chrysostoma GOLD FIELDS
40 60 5 Lotus scoparius DEERWEED
95 85 3 Lupinus succu/entus ARROYO LUPINE
2 55 2 Mimulus puniceus RED MONKEY FLOWER
95 85 3 Nemophi/la menziesii BABY BLUE EYES
85 50 2.5 Salvia mel/ifera BLACK SAGE
40 30 3 Stipa pulchra PURPLE NEEDLE GRASS
95 75 20 Plantaqoinsularis NCN
57.0 TOTAL POUNDS PER ACRE
INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS
Irrigation
Overhead irrigation shall be provided for the proposed revegetation areas. The system
will be used for seed and plant establishment. Application rates will be gradually
reduced as the planyings mature.
Irrigation spray heads and nozzles will be selected to match the areas of revegetation
and shall be adjusted so as not to over spray adjacent native vegetation. Check valves
to prevent low head drainage will be utilized throughout the revegetation areas.
The contractor shall provide adequate personnel to operate the system as required for
proper seed germination and plant growth. Estimated operating times will be provide by
the Landscape Architect. The schedule presented will be an approximate schedule for
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewer Easement Impacts / Mitigation Program 8
the application of supplemental water. Adjustment will be required according to actual
field conditions, soil moisture and weather.
Planting
The Revegetation Program is to serve as a guide for installation of the revegetation.
Minor field modification and flexibility must be incorporated into the implementation to
achieve the desired goals.
A seed mix type and quantities of container material are given for each planting area.
Each area will be reviewed and approved for seeding and planting by the Landscape
Architect prior to execution of the work. The actual placement and spacing of container
plant materials shall be done in a semi-random, drift type pattern, in the approximate
quantities per species indicated above. A grid pattern shall be avoided. The distribution
of adjacent, native vegetation shall be used as guideline for plant placement. The
Landscape Architect will direct the location of container material within each
revegetation site.
These planting procedures shall be exercised when planting container stock:.
Dig plant holes twice as deep and wide as plant container.
Fill planting hole with water and allow to percolate into subsoil.
Add some non amended (native) backfill soil to hole and place plant so that the
top of rootball is 1" higher than the surrounding soil surface.
Fill in around plant with non amended soil.
Thoroughly water the plants again.
Container plants shall be planted just prior to hydroseeding. Plants shall be protected
from hydroseed mulch by covering the plants prior to hydroseeding.
After the irrigation installations are completed, site preparation has been completed, and
container installation has occurred, hydroseed in the designated areas. All hydroseed
materials shall be applied in the quantities specified. Hydroseeding shall be performed
only at times when winds are calm.
Hydroseeding shall consist of a hydraulic application of a slurry mixture of water, seed,
fertilizer, organic soil stabilizer and mulch. Apply the following materials in a one step
hydroseed application:
2000 lbs/acre Cellulose Wood Fiber
160 lbs/acre Organic Soil Stabilizer, M-Binder or equal .
1 GAL/ACRE Nacco Humic Acid
Seed mix specified
All seed shall be delivered to the project site in sealed containers. All seed shall be
labeled according to state and federal laws. Each sealed container shall bear the seed
suppliers tags which shall indicate the container weight, seed type (genus and species),
seed purity %, seed germination % and date seed tested. Samples of each seed mix
may be drawn at the time of delivery to the site by the Landscape Architect. Samples
shall be tested to assure compliance with the seed specifications.
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewer Easement Impacts I Mitigation Program 9
Fertilizer
Fertilizer and soil amendments will be incorporated into the revegetation areas based
upon the recommendation of soil testing results as required per City of Carlsbad
standards. Thereafter, regular but infrequent light applications of fertilizer may be
beneficial. Fertilizer shall be applied as needed as indicated by soils testing. Usually
about 4-6 weeks after seeding, or in the spring, a nitrogen deficiency may occur. This is
due to frequent (germination phase) irrigations that wash nitrogen from the soil.
Drought tolerant, native species have low nitrogen requirements, approximately 1/5 to
1/8 of the recommended rate of fertilizer should be applied. After the initial fertilization
further applications should be based on visual inspections of the plants to determine if
and when additional fertilization is necessary.
Installation Timing
Revegetation will begin with irrigation system installation and adjustment. After the
irrigation systems are operational, site preparation including soil preparation shall be
performed, followed immediately by container plant installation. Hydroseeding will follow
the container installations. The revegetation areas will then be watered until the seed is
germinated and established (approximately 120 days.)
The precise schedule will vary upon weather, soil conditions and seed germination, and
will be adjusted as required by the Landscape Architect.
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
The schedule presented below is provided as a target schedule for the implementation
of the improvements:
Irrigation Systems Installed Feb. 1-15
Container Planting Feb. 15
Hydroseed Applied Feb. 15
Germination Period-
Moderate Water Applications (30 days)- Feb. 15 - March 15
Establishment Period-
Low Water Applications (90 days)- March 15- May 15
Re Seed,. if needed March 15
Inspections, Maintenance (120 days)- February 15- May 15
4.0 ESTABLISHMENT MAINTENANCE
Establishment maintenance activities shall be carried out over a period extending from
the seeding though the container planting and 120 days afterwards.
Maintenance activities shall include irrigation, fertilization, weeding and plant
replacement. Contractor shall provide personnel to operate system in early morning
hours and on weekends.
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewer Easement Impacts / Mitigation Program 10
IRRIGATION
The schedule will be prepared as an approximate schedule for the application of
supplemental water. The schedule shall be adjusted as required by field conditions,
plant growth and weather, in coordination with the landscape architect. Do not irrigate
on days of rain. S
Irrigation shall begin 24 hours after the hydroseeding is completed. Maintain even
moisture on the soil surface at all times. Depending on the weather and soils this may
require short duration applications as often as three times per day during warm sunny
days. Do not create wet or soggy conditions by over watering. Applications shall be
scheduled to occur when there is the least wind.
Soil moisture shall be visually checked often so that the irrigation schedule can be
adjusted.
As the seeds germinate and an even coverage of seedlings (two to three inches in
height) is realized, the frequency of irrigation should be gradually reduced and the
duration increased.
After the establishment stage and when the irrigation frequency has been reduced,
infrequent deep irrigation is recommended, By decreasing irrigation frequencies and
increasing the cycle duration deep roots are encouraged and overall plants are
healthier. To obtain deep water penetration and thoroughly moistened the soil to a
depth of one to two feet it may be necessary to cycle the irrigation system several times
in one twenty-four hour period.
FERTILIZER
Fertilizer applications of "Bandini 'Pro-choice' Nutri-rite" at a rate of 200 LB/acre shall be
applied by hand broadcasting 30 to 45 days after the hydroseeding. Additional
fertilization may be added at the future direction of the Landscape Architect.
WEED ERADICATION
Many invasive and exotic weeds have been observed growing on the site and adjacent
to the site. these weeds shall be controlled within revegetation areas. The species
listed below have been identified as the weed species most likely to invade into native
areas.
Many weeds can be eradicated by vigilant hand pulling (H). It is essentialthat these be
pulled out and removed from the site on a regular basis before the seeds ripen and
drop. The other weeds shall be sprayed or cut and painted with herbicide one or more
times to thoroughly kill the roots (S). Herbicides should be used sparingly and only with
the advice and supervision of a licensed pest control advisor.
For areas indicated for weed eradication, eradication shall be performed in the following
manner: S
1. Remove existing grasses either by scraping the surface of the slope with a small
tractor or by weed whipping grasses and raking them off the slope. .
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewer Easement Impacts / Mitigation Program 11
Install irrigation system, apply an all purpose fertilizer, such as 250 lbs/ac of 16-
6-8 and irrigate the slope for two to four weeks.
When weeds and grasses area approximately one to two inches in height, spray
with a non selective herbicide.
Provide site preparation (including scarification) per installation specifications.
Hydroseed and plant container material as specified for the revegetation area.
All herbicide applications shall be determined by and performed under the supervision
of a licensed pest control advisor.
The Landscape Architect shall be notified prior to commencement of weed eradication
work to field verify which plants, weeds and others shall be removed.
Common Weed Soecies
METHOD OF
SPECIES COMMON NAME ERADICATION
Brassicaspp. Mustard
Raphanus spp. Wild Radish H
Mesembryanthemum crystal/mum Crystal Ice Plant H
Nicotianaglauca Tree Tobacco S
Cortaderia spp. Pampas Grass S
Foeniculum vulgare Sweet Fennel S
INSPECTATION AND REPLACEMENTS
The Landscape Architect shall visit the site on a regular basis during the revegetation
effort to assure that these specifications are complied with. Re-seeding of areas without
coverage by the seed mix shall be performed (hand seeding for small areas.) container
plants which, in the opinion of the landscape architect, are dead or unhealthy, shall be
replaced according to original specifications.
INSPECTION SCHEDULE
The landscape contractor shall walk the project with the landscape architect or his
revegetation consultant weekly during the first month after planting and 2 times per
month thereafter until completion of the revegetation establishment.
5.0 MONITORING
Newly installed revegetation areas are subject to three years of monitoring, including
Maintenance Monitoring and Performance Monitoring. This project will employ
personnel with previous revegetation monitoring experience to observe, make
recommendations, and report project status.
MAINTENANCE MONITORING
The installation contractor will be responsible for maintenance of the installation for a
period of at least 120 days, and shall be responsible for delivering to the Owner's
representative an installation having 100% container survival and uniform germination
throughout all seeded areas. Upon final acceptance of the contractors installation, a
maintenance contractor will be chosen by the Owner to implement the guidelines
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewer Easement Impacts / Mitigation Program 12
summarized in this Section. To ensure that the installation is adequately maintained, a
revegetation monitor will observe maintenance activities, and make recommendations
to the Owner. The revegetation monitor must be a separate source contract with the
Owner, and have authority from the Owner to observe all maintenance activities
occurring on-site.
Maintenance activities will include: irrigation scheduling and monitoring of the irrigation
schedule, weed control, trash removal and vandalism control, weed control, erosion
control, horticultural recommendations, and replacement of vegetation that fails to meet
survival parameters.
IRRIGATION
Supplemental irrigation will assist plant establishment for the duration required to produce
a self-supporting plant community. Irrigation scheduling will be the adjusted per plant
cultural requirements by the revegetation monitor in consultation with the maintenance
contractor. When it is determined by the revegetation monitor in consultation with the
Owner and his representatives that the installation is self-sustaining, written notice will be
provided to Permitting Agencies that cessation of supplemental irrigation has commenced.
In no case shall irrigation be continued beyond the 3 year monitoring period. Upon
completion of the monitoring phase of the project, the irrigation system will either be
dismantled or abandoned.
TRASH REMOVAL AND VANDALISM CONTROL
Pruning or removal of native vegetation may occur only if approved by the revegetation
monitor. Generally dead wood and leaf litter should remain undisturbed and in place on
the site. Clippings may be left on site, or removed as deemed undesirable by the
revegetation monitor. All weed contaminated clippings must be removed from the
property and disposed of at a recognized disposal site. Trash removal must be
performed by hand, at least twice a year during the monitoring period. Vandalism of
planting, irrigation, and/or other revegetation associated equipment shall be reported in
writing by the maintenance contractor and/or other Owner's representatives to the Owner
within 3 working days of discovery.
WEED CONTROL
Weed control activity will occur throughout the duration of the monitoring period.
Measures available to the contractor include: hand weeding, clipping, weed whipping/
mowing, herbicide applications, and light exclusion. The goal of weed control is to
remove unwanted seed from the site prior to it becoming viable, and to kill invasive
weeds that have established on-site using the least environmentally damaging method
available to the contractor. All pesticide and herbicides must be applied by a licensed
pest control contractor. In the proximity of wetland areas, chemical approved for these
areas (i.e. Rodeo, Roundup) may be used as approved by the revegetation monitor.
At no time will weed growth of mustard and annual grasses be allowed, unless
otherwise directed by the revegetation monitor.
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EROSION CONTROL
Repair of manufactured slope plantings due to erosion is part of the maintenance
responsibility for this plan. The maintenance contractor is required to repair small
erosion problems as noticed when they are small, and not to allow them to become
major problems. The revegetation monitor will also be required to anticipate erosion
damage and to inform the Owner of the need for repair. After repaired, seeding and or
container planting of the area as specified by the Owner's representative will occur.
HORTICULTURAL RECOMMENDATIONS
No fertilizer will be applied by the maintenance contractor unless directed by the
revegetation monitor. Various chemical treatments such as hormones, pesticides,
fungicides, and herbicides will not be applied unless a severe threat to the installation is
imminent, and must first be approved by the revegetation monitor. All minor infestations
will be tolerated.
REPLACEMENT OF VEGETATION
Replacement of missing or poorly performing plants will occur as directed by the
revegetation monitor. Plantings specified will have a composition similar to the plant
material specified in the original installation, unless previous establishment failures
suggest otherwise. Timing of the installation and supplemental irrigation procedures will
be determined by the revegetation monitor. If replacement vegetation areas do not
cause the plant community evaluation to fall below acceptable final performance
standards, no extension to the monitoring and maintenance program is required.
6.0 REVEGETATION PERFORMANCE MONITORING
This section provides direction for the performance of revegetation monitoring. The
revegetation effort will be deemed successful when the performance standards
specified in this plan have been met. These standards are designed to anticipate a
period when the plantings are self-sustaining and no longer require extensive weed
control. This period is anticipated to be 3 years following planting for coastal sage scrub
/ chaparral scrub (CSSC).
At the time of final acceptance of the contractors installation (scheduled for 120 days
after installation), performance monitoring shall commence. During the first year,
qualitative monitoring shall occur every three months. For subsequent years,
monitoring will occur twice a year. Quantitative data will be collected once each year
(between the months of February and May) to precisely determine surviving species
numbers, species diversity and composition (native vs. non-native), and species
coverage. Qualitative surveys consisting of a general site walkover and
characterization of the revegetation sites will take place during each monitoring visit.
Monitoring Observation Notes shall be recorded and submitted to the Owner and to
Maintenance Contractor during qualitative monitoring site visits. General observations,
such as fitness and health of the revegetation species, pest 'problems, drought stress,
will be noted in each site walkover.
In the event that any or all of the revegetation plantings should fail to meet the specified
requirements, compliance will be ensured by performing either or both of the following
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remedial procedures: 1) unsuccessful plantings will be replaced with appropriately
sized container stock to meet specified coverage requirements and 2) maintenance
procedures will be performed to ensure appropriate site conditions (e.g., non-native
species removal). Remedial actions shall be based upon detailed investigations (such
as soil tests and excavation of failed plantings to examine root development ) to
determine causes of failure. Previously documented restoration techniques and
maintenance procedures implemented within the revegetation site(s) will also be
reviewed and analyzed to determine possible causes of failure.
Monitoring results will be recorded and included in yearly status reports to be submitted
to the USFWS and the CDFG. The yearly reports will include photographs from
designated stations within the revegetation sites to provide a visual assessment of the
revegetation progress.
The following performance standards will be obtained within all revegetation areas by
the end of the third year following planting.
No greater than 5% of the vegetation cover shall be invasive weed species such as:
mustard, artichoke thistle, clovers. The allowable maximum cover of non-native
grasses is 20%.
The revegetation site does not require regular significant maintenance measures
such as replanting of seed or container stock, weed control, or erosion control.
A minimum of 65% cover or native coastal sage scrub / chaparral scrub species is
necessary throughout the entire 1.46 acre revegetation project. This percentage can
be determined as an average of coverage throughout the 1.46 acres.
Documentation of the revegetation effort will occur as described below, and culminate in
annual reports submitted to USFWS and CDFG for review.
MONITORING METHODOLOGY
Data collection will occur during regular sampling periods (i.e. quarterly during the first
year and bi-yearly thereafter). During regular sampling periods, data collection will
consist of a qualitative assessment of the entire site and the collection of quantitative
data at permanent sampling locations. At the time of initial plantings, records will be
kept of the species planted, quantities of each species planted, types of plantings, and
location of plantings. If there is significant deviation in the actual planting form the plan,
the location of plantings will be referenced on a map to be compiled. by the monitor.
This as-built drawing will be developed for use in monitoring efforts.
QUALITATIVE DATA
Qualitative surveys will consist of a general site walkover and a characterization of the
restoration planting. The surveys will take place every three months for the first year
and biyearly thereafter. General observations, such as fitness and health of the
planted species, signs of erosion, and drought stress, will be noted during sampling.
Plants will be examined throughout the site in terms of percentage of cover, species
mortality, species composition, and soil, weed, and pest problems. Maintenance needs
will be recorded on standard maintenance checklists that will be copied and sent to the
Calavera Hills SDG&E Sewer Easement Impacts / Mitigation Program 15
maintenance contractor and the project Owner. Yearly summary of qualitative data will
be incorporated into the yearly status reports.
QUANTITATIVE DATA
To augment qualitative data, more precise data will be collected and analyzed to
document and evaluate the revegetation program. The following monitoring technique
is an example of a recommended approach to vegetation monitoring. Actual site
monitoring may no follow this procedure, but will provide data of similar detail.
Immediately following revegetation, permanent sampling location will be established
within the revegetation areas. Test sampling station will be set up prior to establishment
of the permanent sampling stations to verify the suitability of the sampling methodology
described herein. Sampling location swill be surveyed once per year between the
months of February and May to determine percent cover, species diversity, and percent
survival of planted species. Consistent sampling techniques will be used throughout the
monitoring process to ensure accurate comparisons.
Quantitative plant distribution data will be collected for permanent sampling locations
within both the revegetation and preserved CSSC to compare mature CSSC vegetation
with newly planted revegetation areas. The line intercept method will be used to obtain
data on the percentage of cover of bare ground, leaf litter, and each species present in
the understory and shrub layer. The location of each transect will be marked with rebar
stakes placed at the start and finish of the transect. In addition, a compass bearing will
be recorded for each transect. In the event that one or more of the stakes is removed
or lost, the remaining stake, with the compass bearing, will enable the proper
realignment of the transect. Meter-square quadrats will be randomly placed along each
transect to obtain information on species abundance and density. Photodocumentation
stations will be established at each vegetative sampling transect to photograph the
progress of the revegetation over a 3-year period. Photodocumentation will be used in
the yearly and the final reports to the submitted to the resource agencies.
RECORD KEEPING
All records will be kept on file with the revegetation monitor. Data collected during the
project will be distributed to the project Owner, USFWS, and CDFG by December of
each sampling year. Records of both positive and negative results from both qualitative
and quantitative sampling efforts will be incorporated into the yearly status reports to be
submitted to resource agencies. In the event that any part of the revegetation should
fail to meet the specified requirements, recommendation for corrective measures will be
solicited form the USFWS and CDFG so that the revegetation effort can be brought
back into compliance as quickly as possible.
MONITORING METHODS
Vegetation cover and survival of key plant species will be estimated by visual analysis
and by transect measurement to confirm visual estimates. The method of transect used
to measure revegetation areas may be chosen by the revegetation monitor, provided
that collected data is truly representative of the revegetation effort.
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Year three measurements must be conducted using either the belt transects or the
"Point Intercept" Method of transect measurement, unless another method is approved
by the regulatory authority. Each Revegetation Area must provide at least as many
measurements as shown on the "Transect Monitoring Location Map". This map will
use as its base the as-built construction plans provided by the revegetation contractor
and approved by the Landscape architect.
ANNUAL REPORTS
Annual mitigation maintenance and monitoring reports shall be submitted to xxx xxxxx
of the CA.. Department of Fish and Game. Vegetation will be analyzed to report on
percentage cover, and dominance of species. Height, spread suckering and growth
measurements will also be recorded. Management observations / recommendation
shall be made regarding: weed status, irrigation regimen, replacement plantings, and
any other issue affecting establishment success.
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