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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDP 03-12; ADAMS STREET SFR NORTH; RESULTS OF A GENERAL WILDLIFE SURVEY AND PROTOCOL SURVEYS FOR THE CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER; 2004-04-27PLANNING SYSTEMS IM ___ LAND USE I COASTAL PLANNING LANDSCAPE ARCHITEcTURE• LAjJ POLICY AND PROCESSING ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION Results of a General Wildlife Survey and Protocol Surveys for the California Gnatcatcher at 4588 Adams Street Carlsbad, California 92008 APN 206-192-38 and 206-192-34 Prepared for. Mr. John St. Claire 1839 Freda Lane Cardiff, California 92007 27 April 2004 1530 EdtADAY AVENUE • 511Th 100 • C4SLSB \D, CA 90JS • 760 931-0750 • FAX (760 -) 931-5744• pIanningsystemscnctimes.net TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION I 2.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 1 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING I 4.0 ZOOLOGICAL AND FOCUSED SURVEY METHODOLOGY 2 4.1 Survey Methodology 2 4.2 Survey Limitations 3 5.0 BIOLOGICAL SURVEY RESULTS 3 5.1 Zoological Resources 3 5.2 Focused Surveys for the California Gnatcatcher D 6.0 STAFF S 7.0 REFERENCES 6 Appendix A - Maps and Photographs Appendix B - California Gnateatcher Survey Report I 1.0 INTRODUCTION I Planning Systems completed a protocol focused survey for California giiatcatchers. (CAGN) (Po/ioptila, caljfornica, californica), on two parcels located in the city of Carlsbad. California- The parcels are identified as Assessor's Parcel Numbers (APN) 206-192-38 and 206-192-34 in I the County of San Diego. The surveys were performed at the request of the property owner, Mr. John Saint Claire. in support of his effort to obtain development entitlements on the property. The city of Carlsbad Planning Department requested the survey to determine if development can I be permitted via issuance of a Negative Declaration per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) standards. The objective of the protocols survey was to determine the presence or absence of CAGN on the property. 2.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS I The approximately 1.4 acre site is located west of the intersection of Park Drive and Adams Street on the north side of Adams Street approximately 280 yards north of Agua Hedionda I Lagoon. in the City of Carlsbad. The site is undeveloped and supports three habitat types. Diegan coastal sage scrub (CSS) southern mixed chaparral and disturbed habitat present The adjacent properties are developed with single family residences. I The property was subject to a focused survey for CAGN. following U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) survey protocols during the 2004 CAGN breeding season. The survey was I performed by Mr. John Konecny under the authority of 10(a) permit number TE837308-03. He was assisted in the survey by Mr. Seth Schulberg, wildlife biologist with Planning Systems. I No CAGN were observed during the three survey visits conducted in March and April of 2004 (1). Given these results and consistent with USFWS policy it must be concluded that CAGN are not present on the property and the habitat is unoccupied. I 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING The subject property is located in the approximate geographic center of the City of Carlsbad, just north of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Elevation on the site ranges from 40 to 160 feet above mean sea level (MSL)(2). The property is located on an east-facing hillside that slopes steeply from northeast to southwest and drain towards Agua Hedionda Lagoon. I The dominant habitat onsite is Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS) characterized by the presence of California sagebrush, flat-topped buckwheat and black sage. Scattered throughout this habitat are specimens of laural sumac, lemondade berry, summer holly, coyote bush, Mojave yucca, I California adolphia and and coast spice bush. The habitat onsite is contiguous with a larger band of similar habitat that lines the slope for approximately 1,500 feet, north along the west side of Park Drive. At elevations greater than 100 -110 feet the habitat transitions from CSS to southern I mixed-chaparral. This transition zone corresponds to the Holland's habitat designation Coastal I U Sage-Chaparral Scrub characterized by the presence of Ar/emMa ca4fornica. Adenosiorna spp and sal via spp.(3). I Access to the site is provided by a paved driveway shared with the residence at 4590 Adams I Avenue. The driveway leads to a level rough graded pad that is approximately 0.3 acres in area. The second proposed lot has not been cleared or graded. The property is surrounded by residential development on the north, west, and south sides. Adams Street runs along the east property line. Additional residential development exists on the east side of Adam Street Historically, the area was dominated by coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats interspersed with riparian woodlands and native grasslands. 4.0 ZOOLOGICAL AND PROTOCOL SURVEY METHODOLOGIES The entire 1.4 acre property was surveyed by Mr. Seth Schulberg, wildlife biologist and Mr. John Konecny, endangered species biologist 15 March and 14 April 2004. The steep topography and the dense vegetation limited access to the property, especially on APN 206-192-34. However, the small size of the area facilitated visual observation and assured that the audio tape of CAGN vocalizations was audible from all parts of the subject and adjacent parcels. The general wildlife surveys methods were consistent with the methods outlined in the County of San Diego Resource Preservation Ordinance (4), while the CAGN protocol surveys were conducted per the FWS protocol for jurisdictions participating in the NCCP (5). 4.1 Survey Methodology Accessible portions of the property were walked repeatedly to identify all visible bird, mammal and reptile species and signs (tracks and scat) of species previously present Binoculars were used to assist in identification of the animals observed. Latin and common names of the birds are per the American Ornithologists' Union (6), for reptiles and amphibians Stebbins (7), and for mammals Burt (8). The focused surveys for CAGN were conducted pursuant to the protocol established by the FWS under the 4(d) process (5). Surveys were conducted over all accessible parts of the 1.4 acre property and immediately adjacent areas. The surveys were conducted between the hours of 0800 and 1045. Field survey methods entailed the biologist walking slowly through the habitat, while recording all animals species scene or observed. Initial attempts to locate CAGN were done though passive observation. Tape-recorded vocalizations of the CAGN were played after the initial attempts to locate the species passively did not produce results. The length of each survey was approximately sixty minutes. 4.2 Survey Limitations I All wildlife surveys are subject to inherent biases related to temporal. spatial or logistical limitations. For example, daytime surveys accurately characterize avian species as birds are typically active during the day versus mammals that are typically active at night. Daytime surveys were selected. given given that detection of CAGN was the primary objective of the survey. The Surveys were conducted in the March/April timeframe which is well within the CAGN breeding season (Feb. to Sept.). Thus seasonal limitations are not considered significant. 5.0 BIOLOGICAL SURVEY RESULTS The following sections describe the results of the general zoological survey and focused surveys for CAGN conducted on the subject property. Section 5.1 discusses the wildlife species observed onsite as well as those species that are expected to occur in that particular habitat. Section 5.2 discusses the results of the focused surveys for CAGN conducted on the property. 5.1 Zoological Resources Diegan coastal sage scrub and coastal sage scrub/mixed chaparral are the two natural communities that occur onsite and as such the majority of the wildlife present on the property is found in these area of habitat. The developed area represents heavily disturbed habitat altered by human activity to the extent that it has negligible value as wildlife habitat It should be noted that the wildlife survey results presented below are based on a general wildlife survey of the site performed in 2003 and updated 2004. 5.1.1 Amphibians and Reptiles Few amphibians or reptiles were observed on-site due to the limited survey time, the absence of rock outcrops on the property and the covert nature of these animals. The only reptile species observed on the property were the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) and the alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus), observed on the margins of the coastal sage scrub habitat. Pacific tree frog (Hyla regilla) vocalizations were heard coining from the margins of the CSS where it gives way to the ornamental vegetation on top of the slope. Species that were observed onsite or are typically expected to occupy the habitat onsite are listed below: Table 1. Reptiles and Amphibians Present or Expected to Occur Onsite Common Name Scientific Name Observed/Expected Pacific tree frog Hvla regilla Observed Alligator lizard Gerrhonotus multicarinatus Observed Western fence lizard Sceloporus occidentalis Observed Two-striped garter snake Thamnophis liatninondi Expected San Diego coast horned-lizard Phrvnosoma coronatum blainvilici Expected 5.1.2 Birds During the course of the 2003 wildlife survey 14 avian species were observed onsite. These species, identified by common name are listed below. Table 2. Asian Species Observed Onsite J!Th tZ3 Common Name Scientific Name Columbidae Trothilidae Picidae Corvidae Corvidae Aegithalidae Troglodytidae Sylviidae Mimidae Emberizidae lcteridae Icteridae Fringilhidae Fringilhidae Mourning Dove Anna's Hummingbird NuttaWs Woodpecker Western Scrub Jay American Crow Common Bushtit Bewick's Wren California Unatcatcher Northern Mockingbird California Towhee Brown-headed Cowbird Bullock's Oriole Lesser Goldfinch House Finch Zenaida macrow-ti Cahpte anna .Picoides nuttaulii Aphelocoma coerulescens Corvus bracl'zyrhynchos Psautnparus minimus Thryomanes bewickli Polioprila caljfornica Mbnus polyglottus Pipilofuscus Molothrzcs titer Jcterus bullock-ii Carduelis psaltria Carpodacus mei*anus I I The CAGN was the only listed avian species detected during the 2003 survey. No CAGN were I observed during the 2004 focused survey. A detailed description of the 2004 focused CAGN survey is provided in Section 5.2 5.13 Mammals Six mammalian species were observed or were detected by presence of their scat or burrow. These species are listed below. Table 3. Mammalian Species Present or Expected to Occur Onsite Scientific Name I I U Brush rabbit Coyote Field mouse Raccoon Ground squirrel Virginia Opossum Sylvilagas bachmanii Canis latrans Microzus species Procyon lotor Spermophilus beecheyi Dideiphis vfrginiana I I I 1 4 I I None of the mammalian species observed are listed as threatened or endangered by the state or federal resource agencies. I 5.2 Focused Surveys for the California Gnatcatcher A focused survey for CAGN was performed on the property in March and April of 2004 during the CAGN breeding season. The focused surveys were conducted by Mr. John K.onecny (3K). 10(a) permit number TE837308-3 with assistance by Mr. Seth Schulberg (SS). Survey methodology followed USFWS protocols for determination of presence or absence for CAGN. No CAGN were detected during any of the three survey visits. These survey results show the property is not occupied by CAGN. The table below documents the dates of the survey visits and the environmental conditions at the time of the visits. Table 4. Results of the 2004 California Gnatcatcher Protocol Surveys Survey Date Time Weather Conditions Biologist Results 1 03131/04 1 1000-1045 0% overcast 82°F, Wind 1-3 mph JK & SS No CAGN 2 04107/04 0800 —0845 70% overcast, 68°F, Wind 1-3 mph JK & SS INoCAGN 3 04114/04 1 0800-0845 15% overcast, 72°F, Wind 1-3 mph JK & SS INoCAGN The results of focused surveys for listed species are typically considered valid for one year by the USFWS and CDFG. 6.0 STAFF I The USFWS protocol California gnatcatcher surveys were performed by Mr. John Konecny under the authority of USFWS 10(a) permit number Th837308-3. He was assisted on the surveys by W. Seth Schulberg, wildlife biologist for Planning Systems. Mr. Schulberg is also I the author of this report. Mr. Konecnys report is presented in its entirety as Appendix B of this report. I LI I I I ri LI I 1 7.0 REFERENCES * Konecny. John. Letter Report. Results of Focused Surveys for the California Gnatcatcher I I on Two Adams Street Residential Parcels, Escondido, April 2004. 2. Pasco Engineering. Bio/Topo/Footprint for 4588 Adams Street. Carlsbad. CA Exhibit 7- I 9-03, Solana Beach CA. July 2003. I 3. Holland. R.F., Preliminary Descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California, Unpublished report, State of California, The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, CA 1986 I 4. Resource Protection Ordinance, San Diego County, downloaded from website at April 2004. I http:f/sdcountv.caszov/dt4u 5. USFWS. Coastal California Gnatcatcher Presence/Absence Survey Protocol, Carlsbad, I 1997. 6. American Ornithologists Union, Checklist of North American Birds (fifth edition). I Baltimore 1957. 7. Stebbins, R.C., A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 1985. 8. Burt, W.H. and Grossenheider. R.P., A Field Guide to Mammals of America, North of • Mexico, Houghton Mifflin Company Boston, 1976. APPENDIX A MAPS AND PHOTOS S k. (1 Ja 9 gjl M1 fIGALE DETAIL "A' 2 09 206-19 / \I' I. JM•C V 'I- 30 MAC I Ills WI WA MTPAItD FM AS$CS49 PU$VS tYfi W IKDtRYMi1 'rd. I A!JItD l lIt Arusti I Ill rAM Sfflfl AS5ESS S PAOCaG * WO Nil OTh Will! Leot flWW m tMUtO EtI1KIWtS SAN DIEGO COUNTY ASSESSORS MAP UK 206 PG 19 Parcel I/Il/Il 141/ CHANGES ILK OLD NEW Yl CUT 192 IF OJL !t&' /tt 2 i7j rzt ,.* 119 '4 Ia S& 102 74/ -r L t, Itt 344 ti-14 U Mn It 2,/n gr,na - $3 9II V7W 7 77 .50 -'t - - - - - VJ i - - 1 - I - t: - - - tt*,—s"-t •/4 c-J PL- b t e - --.- • 7- , -- - Sc— ---c4-- 1-- - - Lr1 - - .-C — * 0 C' -4 -e - - - - 4 \- - t Figure 1. Location of the Adams Street Residential Parcels, City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California a a a a a - - S - a a - a View of Adjacent Residential Neighborhood View of Coastal Scrub/Chaparral Transition View to the North View of Rough Graded Pad I1 I I I I II I II II APPENDIX B CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER SURVEY REPORT II 11 II II II II II II 11 Ii Konocny fjioeogicae Sunless Biological Consulting, Research, Conservation April 22, 2004 04-3-A Planning Systems 1530 Faraday Carlsberg, CA 92008 Attn: Mr. Seth Schulberg Re: Results of a Focused Field Survey for the Coastal California Unatcatcher at Two Adams Street Residential Parcels, City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California. Dear Mr. Schulberg This letter report presents the results of focused surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila ca4fornica ca4fin'nica)(gnatcatcher) at two Adams Street residential parcels in the City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California. The gnatcatcher is listed as a threatened species by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) considers the gnatcatcher to be a California Species of Special Concern (CSSC). Surveys for the gnatcatcher were conducted following protocol approved by the USFWS (USFWS 1997), forjurisdictions participating in the Natural Communities Conservation Program (NCCP) and the Endangered Species Act section 4(d) process. This activity is authorized by USFWS section 10(a) permit number TE837308-3, and a CDFG Memorandum of Understanding. The gnatcatcher surveys were conducted by wildlife biologist John Konecny, with assistance from Planning Systems biologist Seth Schulberg. INTRODUCTION The gnateatcher is a small gray songbird that is an obligate resident of coastal sage scrub dominated plant communities. It's range occurs from approximately 30 degrees north latitude in Baja California, Mexico, northward to southern Ventura County in southern California, and includes the Counties of San Diego, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Bernardino (Atwood 1992). United States populations of the gnatcatcher have undergone decline due to the loss and fragmentation of coastal sage scrub habitat resulting from urban development and agricultural activities. Coastal sage scrub (CSS) is composed of relatively low growing, dry season deciduous, and succulent plants. Diegan CSS is the most widespread form of coastal sage scrub in coastal southern California from Los Angeles to Baja, California (Holland 1986). Characteristic species of this plant community include California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), flat-topped buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), white sage (Salvia apiana), laurel sumac (Malosina laurina), coastal deer weed (Lotus scoparius), foothill stipa (Stipa lepida), and lemonadeberry (Rhus integrfo1ia). PROJECT LOCATION The Adams Street residential parcels are located north of Agua Hedionth Lagoon and east of Interstate-5 in the City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California (Figure 1). The two parcels are 1501 East Grand Avenue #2403, Escondido, California. 92027 Tel (760) 489-5276 E-mail jkonecny©netheracom I I I I [1 Mr. Seth Schulberg Page 2 on the northwest side of Adams Street, west of its intersection with Park Drive, and immediately adjacent to, and accessed from 4590 Adams Street. Specifically, the referenced parcels are located within Township 11 South, Range 4 West, and in an un-numbered section of the United States Geological Survey San Luis Rey 7.5 minute quadrangle. PROJECT SITE DESCRIPTION The two Adams Street residential parcels are located on an east-facing slope and total approximately 1.6-acres. One graded pad is present on one of the parcels, primarily covered by mustard (Brassica sp.). The second parcel is ungraded and is predominately Coastal Sage- Chaparral Scrub (Holland 1986) characterized by California sagebrush, flat-topped buckwheat, black sage, (Salvia meljfera), laural sumac, lemonadeberry, coyote bush (Baccharispillularis), California adolphia (Adolphia calfornica), California Encelia (Encelia ca4fornica), and coast spice bush (Cneor!dium durnosum). Deenveed (Lotus scoparius), coastal wishbone plant (Mirabiis cal(fornica), Mohave yucca (Yucca schidigera), and prickly pair (Opuritia littoralis) are scattered throughout the coastal sage-chaparral scrub. The parcels are surrounded by residences on the north, west, and south sides, and by Adams Street on the east side. Elevation on the site ranges from 40-90-feet above Mean Sea Level. * t: Cu) ij Three focused surveys for the gnatcatcher were conducted at the Adams Street parcels on March 31, April 7, and April 14, 2004, to determine presence or absence of the gnatcatcher, pursuant to USFWS protocol for jurisdictions participating in the NCCP and section 4(d) process. Surveys were conducted over the entire 1.6-acres of native habitat and disturbed area on the two parcels, and in the surrounding area. Surveys were generally conducted between the hours of 0800 and 1045. Field survey methods consisted of the surveyor walking slowly through the habitat and carefully recording all animal species observed or heard in the vicinity. Initial attempts to locate gnatcatchers were done passively (visually). Tape-recorded vocalizations of the gnatcatcher were played after initial attempts to locate gnatcatchers passively failed. The length of each survey was approximately one hour. Survey dates, survey personnel, times, and environmental conditions are summarized in Table 1. RESULTS No gnatcatchers was detected on any of the three surveys. No other federal or state listed endangered or threatened species were detected. A total of one mammal, 17 avian, and one reptile species were detected during the course of the three Adams Street surveys (Table 2). No other sensitive species were detected. DISCUSSION Gnatcatchers have been documented in the area north of Agua Hedionda Lagoon on previous occasions (Atwood 1992). While there is some suitable habitat onsite and in the surrounding area, gnatcatchers were not present for an unknown reason. The habitat patch may be too small to sustain a viable pair of gnatcatchers, or the local population may be at a reduced size due to six years of drought. I Mr. Seth Schulberg Page 3 The results of focused surveys for listed species are typically considered valid for one year by the I USFWS and CDFG. If you have any questions or require additional information, please call me at (760) 489-5276. Sincerely, John K. Konecny Wildlife Biologist TE837308-3 [fly 34fl Atwood, J. L. 1992. A Maximum Estimate of the California Gnatcatcher's Population Size in the United States. Western Birds 23:1-9. Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary Description of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California Department of Fish and Game Report. IJSFWS. 1997. Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Foliopflla caljfornica californica), Presence/Absence Protocol. FWS Carlsbad Ecological Services Field Office Unpublished Report II 'I I El I I I LI r] I I H I Mr. Seth Schulberg Page 4 Figure 1, Location of the Adams Street Residential Parcels. City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California Mr. Seth Schulberg Page 5 Table 1. Summary of Weather Conditions During Three Focused Surveys for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher on Two Adams Street Parcels Near Agua Hedionda Lagoon, 2004. Survey # Date Surveyor (Species) Time Weather Conditions 1 03/31/04 JX, SS (CAGN) 1000-1045 0% OC, 82F, wind 1-3 mph 2 04107104 JK, SS (CAGN) 0800-0845 10% OC, 68F. wind 1-3 mph 3 04114104 JK, SS (CAGN) 0800-0845 60%OC, 62F, wind 1-3 mph I JK=John Koneeny; SSSeth Schulberg; I 1 11 11 II ii II II II II II 1 1 11 I Mr. Seth Sehulberg Page I Table 2. Animal Species Detected During Three Focused Surveys for the California Coastal Gnatcatcher on Two Adams Street Parcels Near Agua Hedionda Lagoon, 2004. I Class Mammalia Family Sciuridae Beechy Ground Squirrel Spermopizilus beeclzeyi Class Ayes Family Colunibidae Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Family Trochulidae Anna's Hummingbird Calypte wina Family Tyrannidae Black Phoebe Savornis nigricans Family Corvidae Western Scrub Jay Aphelocoma coerulescens American Crow Corvus brachyrhynclios Family Timaliidae Wrentit Chamaeafasciata Family Aegithalldae Common Bushtit Psaltnpanis minimus Family Troglodytidae Bewick's Wren Thryomanes bewickii House Wren Troglodytes aedon Family Mimidae Northern Mockingbird MImuspolyglottu California Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum I Family Parulidae Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata I Family Emberizidae California Towhee Pipilofiescus Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculates I Family Icteridae Bullock's Oriole Icterus bullockli I Family Fringillidae Lesser Goldfinch Carduelispsaitria House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus II I Mr. Seth Schulberg Page 7 Class Reptilia I Family Iguanidae Western Fence Lizard Scelopenis occidentdis I II II II III I 11 II [ I