HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDP 2017-0032; FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR; BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT; 2017-04-01BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Prepared for:
City of Carlsbad
Public Works -Transportation and Engineering
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, California 92008
Contact: Danny Zimny, E.I.T., Assistant Engineer
Prepared by:
LSA
703 Palomar Airport Road, Suite 260
Carlsbad, California 92011
(760) 931-5471
LSA Project No. HCR1704
LSA
April 2017
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
APRIL 2017
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
SECTION 1.0: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The City of Carlsbad proposes to stabilize a failing slope on the northern side of Faraday Avenue,
within Veterans' Park and adjacent to The Crossings at Carlsbad Golf Course in the City of Carlsbad,
San Diego County, California. The work will include grading and compacting eroded areas along the
slope within an approximately 2,300-square foot area. This effort is anticipated to take three weeks.
The entire area will be revegetated with a coastal sage scrub seed mix and will undergo a five-year
maintenance and monitoring period where it will be maintained by a landscape contractor and
monitored by a biologist for five years following seed application or until success criteria are met.
The City of Carlsbad hired LSA to conduct a general biological resources assessment and vegetation
mapping. LSA conducted the general biological resources assessment and vegetation mapping
within the 0.053-acre Biological Study Area (BSA) on March 20, 2017.
No special-status species were observed during the general biological resources assessment.
Construction of the Faraday Avenue Slope Repair Project (project) is expected to temporarily affect
0.046 acre of disturbed habitat and 0.007 acre of coastal sage scrub.
Implementation of the mitigation measures listed at the end of the report will avoid or minimize
impacts to special-status species and habitat.
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BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
APRIL 2017
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLS8A01 CALIFORNIA LSA
SECTION 2.0: INTRODUCTION
2.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of Carlsbad proposes to stabilize a failing slope on the northern side of Faraday Avenue,
within Veterans' Park and adjacent to The Crossings at Carlsbad Golf Course in the City of Carlsbad,
San Diego County, California (Figure 1). The work will include grading and compacting eroded areas
along the slope within an approximately 2,300-square foot area. This effort is anticipated to take
three weeks. The entire area will be revegetated with a coastal sage scrub seed mix and will undergo
a five-year maintenance and monitoring period where it will be maintained by a landscape
contractor and monitored by a biologist for five years following seed application or until success
criteria are met.
2.2 BIOLOGICAL STUDY AREA
The BSA consists of an approximately 0.053-acre southeast-facing slope composed of undeveloped
land surrounded by undeveloped land to the north, Faraday Avenue and golf course to the south,
undeveloped land and golf course to the west, and Faraday Avenue and undeveloped land to the
east. The limits of the BSA correspond with the limits of the slope repair area. Photographs of the
BSA are included as Appendix A.
The BSA is within the South Coast subregion of the Southwestern California region of the California
Floristic Province and within the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit (Carlsbad Watershed). Specifically, the
project is located in Agua Hedionda Land Grant of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) San
Luis Rey, California 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map.
The BSA is within the Coastal Zone near the southern edge of Local Facilities Management Zone
(LFMZ) 8 outside of any areas designated as Standards or Hardline Conservation Areas, but within or
adjacent to a Proposed Hard line Conservation Area. The BSA appears to be within or adjacent to the
Core 4 Focused Planning Area.
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LEGEND
[:J Project Area
1000 2000
FEET
SOURCE: USGS 7.5' Quad · San Luis Rey (1975)
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Faraday Avenue Slope Repair Project
Project Location
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
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FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
SECTION 3.0: METHODS
3.1 LITERATURE AND DATABASE REVIEW
Prior to conducting field surveys, LSA reviewed the most recent records of the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB 2017) and
the California Native Plant Society's Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of
California (CNPS 2017) within a 3-mile radius of the BSA. The CNDDB contains records of reported
occurrences of Federal-and/or State-listed species, proposed endangered or threatened species,
California Species of Special Concern (SSC), or otherwise special-status species or habitats that may
occur within or in the vicinity of the BSA.
3.2 GENERAL BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT
LSA Senior Biologist Jaime Morales conducted a general biological resources assessment on March
20, 2017. The assessment included the following elements:
• Mapping of habitat types;
• A directed search for special-status plant and animal species with potential to occur within the
BSA;
• A general inventory of plant and wildlife species;
• Evaluation of suitability of habitat for special-status resources identified during the literature
search;
• Preliminary identification of areas that may be considered wetland or nonwetland waters of the
U.S., streambeds as defined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the CDFW, and
California Coastal Commission (CCC) wetlands; and
• Notes on other pertinent features or conditions of the site and adjacent lands.
LSA recorded a list of all plant species observed within the BSA (see Appendix B). LSA identified and
mapped on an aerial photograph vegetation communities within the BSA. Then, using Geographic
Information System (GIS) software, LSA digitized the mapping and calculated the acreages of
vegetation communities occurring within the BSA. Vegetation communities were determined in
accordance with the categories described in Holland (1986) and Oberbauer (2008). Plant
nomenclature follows that of The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California (Hickman 1993).
Special-status plant species with a potential to occur within the project area are described in Section
4.4.
All plant species observed are listed as Appendix B. All wildlife observed and wildlife sign detected,
including tracks, scat, carcasses, burrows, excavations, and vocalizations, were recorded and are
included as Appendix C. Notes were made on the general habitat types, species observed, and the
conditions of the site. Special-status wildlife species with a potential to occur within the project area
are described in Section 4.4.
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BtOLOGICAL RESOURCES T ECHNICAL REPORT
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FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITV OF CARLS BAO, CALIFORNIA LSA
SECTION 4.0: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
The BSA supports vegetation communities totaling 0.053 acre. General vegetation communities
observed during the survey include coastal sage scrub and disturbed habitat. Figure 2 displays the
vegetation communities within the BSA on an aerial photograph. The vegetation communities
observed within the BSA are described below. All plant species observed during the survey are
included as Appendix B. Table A presents the acreages of the vegetation communities identified in
the BSA.
Table A: Vegetation Communities within the BSA (Acres)
Vegetation Community Total Area
Coastal Sage Scrub 0.007
Disturbed Habitat 0.046
Total 0.053
4.1.1 Coastal Sage Scrub
Two small patches of coastal sage scrub vegetation were observed in the BSA. These patches are
contiguous with large areas of coastal sage scrub outside of the BSA. Plant species observed
included California sagebrush (Artemisia ca/ifornica), deerweed (Acmispon glaber), California
buckwheat (Eriogonumfasciculatum), coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), black sage (Salvia mellifera),
and coasta l golden bush (fsocoma menziesii).
4.1.2 Disturbed Habitat
Disturbed habitat refers to areas characterized predominantly by nonnative species introduced and
established through human action. These areas are not typically artificially irrigated, but receive
water from precipitation or runoff. Within the BSA, this designation includes much of the eroded
hillside, which contains either bare ground or nonnative annual plants. Plant species observed
within this designation included Mediterranean grass (Schismus barbatus), red brome (Bromus
madritensis ssp. rubens), Russian thistle (Sa/so/a tragus), common sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus),
hairy sun cup (Camissoniopsis hirtella), and golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum).
4.2 TOPOGRAPHY
The topography within the BSA consists mostly of a moderate slopes.
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LEGEND
D Biological Study Area
-Coastal Sage Scrub (0.007 ac)
-Disturbed Habitat (0.046 ac)
10 20
FEET
SOURCE: Bing Maps (2014)
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FIGURE 2
Faraday Avenue Slope Repair Project
Vegetation Map
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CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
4.3 SOILS
The Soil Survey for the San Diego Area, California, Part I (Soil Conservation Service 1973) San Luis
Rey, California quadrangle identifies the soil expected to correspond to the BSA as Loamy Alluvial
land -Huerhuero complex, 9 to 50 percent slope, severely eroded (LvF3).
4.4 SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES
This section provides a summary of the special-status species potentially occurring within the BSA.
The following information is a list of abbreviations used to help determine the significance of
special-status biological resources potentially occurring within the BSA.
US: Federal Classifications
FE Taxa listed as Endangered.
FT Taxa listed as Threatened.
FPE Taxa proposed for listing as Endangered.
FPT Taxa proposed for listing as Threatened.
FPD Taxa proposed for delisting.
FC Candidate for listing as Threatened or Endangered.
CA: State Classifications
SE Taxa State-listed as Endangered.
ST Taxa State-listed as Threatened.
SR Taxa State-listed as Rare.
SCE Candidate for State-listing as Endangered.
SCT Candidate for State-listing as Threatened.
SSC California Species of Special Concern. Refers to animals with vulnerable or serious ly
declining populations.
CFP California Fully Protected. Refers to animals protected from take under Fish and Game
Code sections 3511, 4700, 5050, and 5515.
SA Special Animal. Refers to any other animal monitored by the Natural Diversity Data
Base, regardless of its legal or protection status.
SP Special Plant. Refers to any other plant monitored by the Natural Diversity Data Base,
regardless of its legal or protection status.
CRPR: California Native Plant Society (CNPS) California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) Classifications
lA Plants presumed extinct in California.
lB Rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere.
28 Rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere.
3 Plants about which more information is needed -a CNPS review list.
4 Plants of limited distribution - a CNPS watch list.
CRPR Extensions
0.1 Seriously endangered in California (greater than 80 percent of occurrences
threatened/high degree and immediacy of threat).
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0.2 Fairly endangered in California (20 to 80 percent occurrences threatened).
0.3 Not very endangered in California (less than 20 percent of occurrences threatened).
Table B lists criteria for evaluating special-status plant and wildlife species potential for occurrence
(PFO).
Table B: Criteria for Evaluating Special-Status Plant and Wildlife Species Potential for Occurrence
{PFO)
PFO Criteria
Absent Species is restricted to habitats or environmental conditions that do not occur within the BSA.
Low Historical records for this species do not exist within the BSA, and/or habitats or environmental conditions
needed to support the species are of poor quality.
Moderate Either a historical record exists of the species within the BSA and marginal habitat exists within the proposed
work areas or the habitat requirements or environmental conditions associated with the species occur within
the proposed work areas, but no historical records exist within the BSA.
High Both a historical record exists of the species and the habitat requirements and environmental conditions
associated with the species occur within the BSA.
Present Species was detected within or near the BSA during project surveys.
Each special-status plant and wildlife species with the potential to be present in the project vicinity
is discussed in Appendix D.
4.4.1 HMP Covered Species
These are species for which take authorization would be provided by the City of Carlsbad because
long-term viability was determined to be adequately maintained under a particular preserve design.
The results of the records search indicate the potential occurrence of 11 City of Carlsbad Habitat
Management Plan (HMP) Covered Species. Based on the results of the biological assessment, one of
these species (coastal California gnatcatcher [Polioptila californica californica]) was determined to
have a moderate or higher potential of occurring within the BSA due to the presence of suitable
habitat. No HMP Covered Species were observed during the biological assessment.
4.4.2 Narrow Endemic Species
These are species with restricted geographic distributions, soil affinities, and/or habitats. For
purposes of the HMP, Narrow Endemic species include those that have important populations
within the HMP area, such that substantial loss of these populations or their habitat within the HMP
area might jeopardize their continued existence or recovery. The results of the records search
indicate the potential occurrence of 11 Narrow Endemic species. However, based on the results of
the biological assessment, none of these species is expected to occur within the BSA due to the
absence of suitable habitat. No Narrow Endemic species were observed in the BSA during the
biological assessment.
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4.4.3 Special-Status Plants
The results of the records search indicate the potential occurrence of six species listed as
Threatened or Endangered at the Federal and/or State level (hereafter referred to as listed species)
and 16 other special-status plant species. Based on the results of the biological assessment, none of
these 22 special-status plant species was determined to have a moderate or higher potential of
occurring within the BSA due to the absence of suitable habitat, or in the case of conspicuous
perennial species, due to the absence of the plant from the BSA. No special-status plant species
were observed in the BSA during the biological assessment.
4.4.4 Special-Status Wildlife
The results of the records search indicate the potential occurrence of nine listed species and 13
other special-status wildlife species. Of these 22 special-status wildlife species, only coastal
California gnatcatcher has a moderate or higher potential of occurring within the BSA due to the
presence of marginally suitable habitat (see 4.4.4.1, below). Coastal California gnatcatcher is
federally-listed as threatened. The remaining 21 special-status species identified by the literature
review have a low potential to occur within the BSA due to the absence of suitable habitat.
4.4.4.1: Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californicaJ FT, SSC
Although no individuals of this species were observed during the biological assessment, the BSA
contains 0.007 acre of marginally suitable habitat and is further surrounded by suitable habitat
(higher quality coastal sage scrub). There is a low potential for this species to nest in the BSA due to
the general absence of shrubs in much of the area; however, there is a moderate potential for this
species to forage in the BSA.
4.5 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE CRITICAL HABITAT AREAS
Critical habitat for coastal California gnatcatcher is approximately 0.5 mile southeast of the BSA.
Critical habitat for thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) is approximately 0.8 mile northeast of
the BSA. Critical habitat for San Diego thorn-mint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia) is approximately 1.7
miles east of the BSA. Critical habitat for spreading navarretia (Navarretia fossalis), San Diego fairy
shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis), and Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni) is
approximately 2 miles southwest of the BSA.
4.6 WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
Because the BSA consists of a moderately steep slope, because the BSA is adjacent to a wide two-
lane road that is fenced along the south side, and because much of the area to the south (south of
Faraday Avenue) consists of landscaped golf course land, the BSA does not have a high value as a
migration corridor for wildlife species.
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BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
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4.7 AQUATIC RESOURCES
No aquatic resources occur in the BSA.
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CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
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CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
SECTION 5.0: IMPACT DETERMINATIONS
5.1 PROJECT-SPECIFIC IMPACTS
Construction of this project would result in temporary disturbance to a small amount of coastal sage
scrub, a special-status vegetation community.
5.1.1 Permanent Impacts
The project will not result in any permanent impacts.
5.1.2 Temporary Impacts
Temporary disturbance includes grading and compaction of the project area for approximately three
weeks, followed by efforts associated with subsequent revegetation (site preparation, seeding,
ongoing activities such as weed eradication) for approximately one year.
5.1.3 Direct Impacts
Direct impacts to coastal sage scrub will result from clearing of vegetation and grading and
compaction of soil, which will result in complete removal of vegetation. It is anticipated that any
wildlife within the BSA will be displaced for the duration of construction.
5.1.4 Indirect Impacts
Indirect impacts to adjacent areas may result from noise and dust generated by construction-related
activities, which has the potential to disturb nearby wildlife and, in the case of dust, vegetation.
Additionally, if construction is performed at night, lighting has the potential to indirectly affect
wildlife.
5.2 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
Figure 3 displays the anticipated impacts to vegetation communities within the BSA on an aerial
photograph. Table C outlines the impacts anticipated to occur to each vegetation community type as
a result of project-related activities. All impacts related to this project are considered temporary.
Table C: Anticipated Temporary Impacts by Vegetation Community Type (Acres)
Vegetation Community Total Area
Coastal Sage Scrub 0.007
Disturbed Habitat 0.046
Total 0.053
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LSA LEGEND
D Biological Study Area
$ B Proposed Temporary Impacts -Coastal Sage Scrub (0.007 ac)
0 10 20 -Disturbed Habitat (0.046 ac)
FEET
SOURCE: Bing Maps (2014)
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FIGURE 3
Faraday Avenue Slope Repair Project
Proposed Project Impacts
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
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5.3 SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT SPECIES
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
No special-status plant species were observed during the biological assessment. Due to the absence
of suitable habitat for special-status plant species and due to the absence of conspicuous perennial
special-status plant species, there is a low potential for impacts to special-status plant species as a
result of project-related activities.
5.4 SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE SPECIES
Due to the absence of suitable habitat for special-status animal species and because none was
observed during the biological assessment, there is a low potential for impacts to special-status
animal species as a result of project-related activities. However, the BSA contains marginally-
suitable habitat that is contiguous with adjacent suitable habitat for the coastal California
gnatcatcher. Impacts to coastal sage scrub have the potential to affect this species directly or
indirectly through the loss of suitable foraging and nesting habitat. Additionally, if project-related
activities are conducted during the bird breeding season (February 15 through September 15), they
may cause temporary impacts to foraging and/or nesting habitat for avian species that are
protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).
5.5 HMP COVERED SPECIES
Coastal California gnatcatcher is an HMP Covered Species. Impacts to 0.007 acre of coastal sage
scrub have the potential to affect this species directly through the temporary loss of marginally-
suitable habitat and indirectly through impacts associated with noise and dust during construction.
There is a low potential for impacts to any other HMP Covered Species as a result of project-related
activities.
5.6 NARROW ENDEMIC SPECIES
No Narrow Endemic species were observed during the biological surveys. The project is not
expected to affect any Narrow Endemic species.
5.7 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE CRITICAL HABITAT AREAS
No designated critical habitat will be affected by the proposed project activities.
5.8 WILDLIFE MOVEMENT CORRIDORS
The BSA consists primarily of disturbed area with higher-quality habitat adjacent to the north, east,
and west. Wildlife moving through the area may avoid the BSA during construction, but as this is a
small portion of the undeveloped land in the area, is not anticipated to adversely affect overall
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CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
wildlife movement. Furthermore, due to the temporary nature of the project and because the entire
impact area will be revegetated with a coastal sage scrub seed mix and maintained for one year by a
landscape contractor, the project is not expected to affect wildlife movement significantly.
5.9 AQUATIC RESOURCES
No aquatic resources occur within the BSA. However, Best Management Practices (BMP) features
(e.g., silt fencing, straw waddles, and gravel bags) would be installed in accordance with a Storm
Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to be prepared prior to project construction to prevent
off-site sedimentation onto Faraday Avenue.
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SECTION 6.0: MITIGATION AND HMP COMPLIANCE
6.1 MITIGATION FOR IMPACTS TO HABITAT
LSA
All project-related impacts will occur in areas outside HMP Hard line Preserve. Due to the small size
of the coastal sage scrub temporary impact area (0.007 acre), and because the entire project area
will be revegetated with coastal sage scrub (Figure 4), resulting in a net increase of 0.046 acre of
coastal sage scrub after completion of the project, no mitigation is necessary. However, the entire
0.053-acre project area will be subject to a five-year maintenance and monitoring period (or until
success criteria are met) that will be described in a biologist-prepared restoration plan subject to
City of Carlsbad approval.
6.2 MITIGATION FOR IMPACTS TO JURISDICTIONAL RESOURCES
No aquatic resources occur within the BSA; therefore, no direct impacts are expected to occur to
aquatic resources. Furthermore, with implementation of appropriate BMPs, no indirect impacts are
anticipated to occur to off-site aquatic resources, and no mitigation is required.
6.3 MITIGATION FOR IMPACTS TO SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES
6.3.1 Nesting Migratory Birds
Impacts to nesting birds protected under the MBTA will be avoided to the greatest extent
practicable either by conducting vegetation clearing and grubbing outside of the typical bird
breeding season (i.e., between September 16 and February 14), or by having a biologist perform a
preclearance nesting bird survey within the proposed development area and appropriate buffer no
more than 48 hours prior to clearing and grubbing of vegetation during the bird breeding season . If
clearing or grubbing does not occur within 48 hours of the nesting bird survey, then the area would
be resurveyed. If nesting birds are found, then the qualified biologist should establish an adequate
buffer zone (on a species-by-species, case-by-case basis) in which construction activities are
prohibited until the nest is no longer active. The size of the buffer zone is determined by the
biological monitor based on the amount, intensity, and duration of construction, and can be altered
based on site conditions. If appropriate as determined by the biological monitor, additional
monitoring of the nesting birds may be conducted during construction to ensure that nesting
activities are not disrupted.
6.3.2 HMP Covered Species
Coastal California gnatcatcher is an HMP Covered Species. The project is not expected to result in
impacts to coastal California gnatcatchers because vegetation clearing and grubbing is anticipated to
take place outside of the bird breeding season. However, in the event that vegetation clearing and
grubbing must occur during the bird breeding season, as stated above in Section 6.3.1, a qualified
biologist will perform a nesting bird survey prior to vegetation clearing that will determine if coastal
California gnatcatcher or any other birds or their nests are present. If any active coastal California
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LSA
10 20
FEET
SOURCE: Bing Maps (2014)
LEGEND
[:] Biological Study Area
a:::J Proposed Coastal Sage Scrub Revegetation {0.053 ac)
-Coastal Sage Scrub
-Disturbed Habitat
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FIGURE 4
Faraday Avenue Slope Repair Project
Proposed Coastal Sage Scrub Revegetation
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gnatcatcher nests are identified, then the project biologist will con sult with the USFWS for direction
on appropriate buffer zone radius.
6.3.3 Narrow Endemic Species
No Narrow Endemic species were observed during the biological assessment. The project is not
expected to affect any Narrow Endemic species. Therefore, no mitigation is required.
6.3.4 Other Special-Status Species
There is a low potential for occurrence for any special-status species other than the one noted
above. The project is not expected to affect any other special-status species. Therefore, no
mitigation is required.
6.4 COMPLIANCE WITH HMP COASTAL ZONE STANDARDS
All projects within the Coastal Zone are required to comply with HMP Coastal Zone Standards 7-1
through 7-14 (HMP Section D). Compliance with these standards is described below.
• 7-1: Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA). No ESHAs are present within the BSA.
• 7-2: Coastal Sage Scrub. Under this standard, properties containing coastal sage scrub located in
the Coastal Zone shall conserve a minimum of 67 percent of the coastal sage scrub and 75
percent of the coastal California gnatcatchers on site. Although 0.007 acre of coastal sage scrub
will be temporarily affected by project-related activities, this area and an additional 0.046 acre
of disturbed habitat will be restored to coastal sage scrub, resulting in a net gain. No coastal
California gnatcatchers are expected to be affected by project-related activities.
• 7-3: Oak Woodland. No oak woodland is present within the BSA.
• 7-4: Streams. No streams are present within the BSA.
• 7-5: Ephemeral Drainages and Ephemeral Streams. No ephemeral drainages or ephemeral
streams are present within the BSA.
• 7-6: Wetlands. No wetlands are present within the BSA.
• 7-7: Wetland Mitigation Requirements. No wetlands are expected to be affected by project-
related activities; therefore, no wetland mitigation is required.
• 7-8: No Net Loss of Habitat. There will be a net increase of 0.046 acre of coastal sage scrub after
completion of the project.
• 7-9: Upland Habitat Mitigation Requirements. Due to the small size of the coastal sage scrub
temporary impact area (0.007 acre) and because the entire project area will be revegetated with
coastal sage scrub, re sulting in a net increase of 0.046 acre of coastal sage scrub after
completion of the project, no mitigation is necessa ry.
• 7-10: Highly Constrained Properties. The proposed project is not constrained by an ESHA.
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• 7-11: Buffers and Fuel Modification Zones. Because no mitigation is proposed, no buffer is
necessary.
• 7-12: Grading and Landscaping Requirements. The project will be designed to avoid conducting
grading activity during the rainy season {October 1 to April 1); however, it is understood that
construction may be extended into the rainy season with the approval of the City Engineer and
with the implementation of special erosion control measures designed to prohibit discharge of
sediments off site. All graded areas shall be landscaped prior to October 1 with either temporary
or permanent landscaping materials (in this case, restoration of coastal sage scrub) to reduce
erosion potential.
• 7-13: City-Owned Lands Adjacent to Macario Canyon and Veterans Memorial Park. These
standards are not applicable to this project.
• 7-14: Other Parcels -Specific Habitat Protection Standards. These standards are not applicable
to this project.
6.5 AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURES
In order to avoid or minimize impacts to existing biological resources, LSA recommends the
following measures during project implementation:
• The contractor should install orange construction fencing (or similar) along the perimeter of the
proposed development area to clearly demarcate limits of work. A biologist should be present
during this activity to direct that impacts to coastal sage scrub outside of the proposed
development area and bird nests (if fence installation occurs between February 15 and
September 15) are avoided.
• A biological monitor should be present during any vegetation-clearing activities to avoid or
minimize impacts to birds and other wildlife, as appropriate.
• All vehicles, equipment, tools, and supplies shall stay within the limits of the project area.
Vegetation outside of the BSA is not to be disturbed during access or construction.
• Construction crews should inspect underneath vehicles and machinery for the presence of
wildlife prior to moving them.
• BMP features (e.g., silt fencing, straw waddles, and gravel bags) should be installed where
necessary to prevent off-site sedimentation.
• If construction activities are performed at night, lighting will be pointed away from special-
status habitat (i.e., coastal sage scrub to the north, east, and west) to minimize impacts to
wildlife.
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BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
A PRIL 20 17
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROHCT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
SECTION 7.0: REFERENCES
Bontrager, D.R. 1991. Habitat Requirements, Home Range and Breeding Biology of the California
Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) in South Orange County, California. Prepared for Santa
Margarita Company, Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2017. RareFind Version 5.2.6, Records search
executed in March 2017, covering the United States Geological Survey 7.5-minute series
topographic map, San Luis Rey, California quadrangle. Resource Management and Planning
Division. Biogeographic Data Branch, Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, California.
California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2017. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants
of California (on line edition, v8-03 0.38). Website http://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed
March 2017].
City of Carlsbad . December 1999. Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of
Carlsbad.
Crother, 8.1. ed. 2012. Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North
America North of Mexico. Herpetological Circular 39.
Gray, J., and D. Bramlet. 1992. Habitat Classification System, Natural Resources, Geographic
Information System (GIS) Project. County of Orange Environmental Management Agency,
Santa Ana, California.
Hickman, J.C., ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California
Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. 1,400 pp.
Holland, R. F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California.
State of California, The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Natural Heritage
Division, Sacramento, California.
Lichvar, R.W., M. Butterwick, N.C. Melvin, and W.N. Kirchner. 2014. The National Wetland Plant List:
2014 Update of Wetland Ratings. Phytoneuron 2014-41: 1-42. Published April 2, 2014. ISSN
2153 733X.
Munsell Color. 2000 (rev. ed.). Munsell Soil Color Charts. Macbeth Division of Kollmorgen
Instruments Corporation, New Windsor, NY.
North American Butterfly Association. 2001. NABA checklist and English Names of North American
Butterflies, Second Edition, North American Butterfly Association, Morristown, New Jersey;
see http://www.naba.org/pubs/checklst.html.
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BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
APRIL2017
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
Oberbauer, Thomas, Meghan Kelly, and Jeremy Buegge. March 2008. Draft Vegetation Communities
of San Diego County. Based on "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural
Communities of California," Robert F. Holland, Ph.D., October 1986.
Paulson, D. 2009. Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West, Princeton University Press, Princeton,
New Jersey.
Rebman, J.P., and M.G. Simpson. 2006. Checklist of the Vascular Plants of San Diego County, 4th
Edition. San Diego. Natural History Museum, San Diego, California.
Stebbins, R.C., and S.M. McGinnis. 2012. Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of California,
Revised Ed ition, University of California Press, Berkeley.
Technology Associates (TAI(). September 30, 2008. Guidelines for Biological Studies. City of
Carlsbad, California.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
2013. Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department
of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Online: http://soils.usda.gov/technical/
classification/osd/index.html.
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BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
APRIL 2017
APPENDIX A
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CA.ti FOR NIA
SITE PHOTOGRAPHS
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LSA
Photograph 1: View of the failing slope,facing west.
Photograph 3: View of the/ailing slope.facing southeast.
LS A
Faraday Avenue is shown in the
background.
1:\HCR 1704\G\BTR Site Photos.p<lf (4/20/17)
Photograph 2: View of the f ailing slope.facing northwest.
Photograph 4: View of the failing slope,facing east.
Faraday Avenue is shown in the
background.
Appendix A
Faraday Avenue Slope Repair Project
Site Photographs
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
APRIL 2017
APPENDIX B
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED
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LSA
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
APRIL 2017
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
The following vascular plant species were observed within the BSA by LSA during the biological
surveys.
Vascular Plant Species Observed
Scientific Name Common Name
Asteraceae Sunflower family
Artemisia ca/ifornica California sagebrush
Baccharis pilularis Coyote brush
Baccharis salicifolia Mule fat
Eriophyllum confertiflorum Golden yarrow
lsocoma menziesii Golden bush
Sonchus oleraceus* Common sow thistle
Chenopodiaceae Saltbush family
Sa/solo tragus* Russian thistle
Onagraceae Evening primrose family
Camissoniopsis hirtella Field suncup
Poaceae Grass family
Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens* Red brome
Schismus barbatus* Common Mediterranean grass
Fabaceae Pea family
Acmispon glaber Deerweed
Lamiaceae Mint family
Salvia mellifera Black sage
Polygonaceae Buckwheat family
Eriogonum fascicu/atum California buckwheat
• Nonnative species
Taxonomy and scientific nomenclature generally conform to Hickman (1993}. Common names for each taxa generally conform to the
Checklist of the Vascular Plants of San Diego County (Simpson and Rebman 2006}.
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BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES T ECHNICAL REPORT
APRIL 2017
APPENDIX C
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED
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LSA
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
APRIL2017
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
This is a list of the conspicuous aerial insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals noted in or adjacent to
the BSA by LSA during the biological surveys. Presence may be noted if a species is seen or heard, or
identified by the presence of tracks, scat, or other signs.
Wildlife Species Observed
Scientific Name Common Name
AVES BIRDS
Tyrannidae Tyrant Flycatchers
Sayornis nigricans Black phoebe
Corvidae Crows and Ravens
Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow
Aphelocoma californica Western scrub-jay
Hirundinidae Swallows
Stelgidopteryx serripennis Northern rough-winged swa llow
Aegithalidae Bushtits
Psaltriporus minimus Bushtit
Troglodytidae Wrens
Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's wren
Timaliidae Babblers
Chamaea fasciata Wrentit
Mimidae Mockingbirds and Thrashers
Mimus polyglottos Northern mockingbird
Emberizidae Emberizines
Me/ozone crissa/is California towhee
Fringillidae Finches
Carpodacus mexicanus House finch
Taxonomy and nomenclature are based primarily on the following:
Damselflies and dragonflies: Paulson, D. (2009, Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West, Princeton University Press, Princeton, New
Jersey).
Butterflies: North American Butterfly Association (2001, NABA checklist and English Names of North American Butterflies, Second Edition,
North American Butterfly Association, Morristown, New Jersey; see http://www.naba.org/pubs/checklst.html).
Amphibians and reptiles: Crother, B.I. ed. (2012, Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America
North of Mexico. Herpetologicol Circular 39) for species taxonomy and nomenclature; Stebbins, R.C., and S.M. McGinnis (2012, Field Guide
to Amphibians and Reptiles of California, Revised Edition, University of California Press, Berkeley) for sequence and higher order
taxonomy.
Birds: American Ornithologists' Union (1998, The A.0.U. Checklist of North American Birds, Seventh Edition, American Ornithologists'
Union, Washington D.C.; and supplements; see http://www.aou.org/checklist/north/index.php).
Mammals: Wilson, D.E., and D.M. Reeder, eds. (2005, Mammal Species of the World, Third Edition, Johns Hopkins University Press,
Baltimore, Maryland; see http://www.vertebrates.si.edu/msw/mswcfapp/msw/index.cfm).
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BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHN ICAL REPORT
APRIL2017
APPENDIX D
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES SUMMARY TABLE
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LSA
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES T ECHNICAL REPORT
APRll 2017
Species Status
Plants
Acanthomintha US: FT
ilicifolia CA: SE
CRPR: lB.1
San Diego thorn-HMP:
mint Narrow
Endemic
Adolphia US:-
ca/ifornica CA: SP
CRPR: 28.1
California HMP:-
adolphia
Arctostaphylos US:FE
glandulosa ssp. CA: SP
crassifolia CRPR: 18.l
HMP:
Del Mar Narrow
manzanita Endemic
Artemisia palmeri US:-
CA: SP
San Diego CRPR: 4.2
sagewort HMP:-
Atriplex pacifica US:-
CA: SP
South Coast CRPR:18
saltscale HMP:-
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE R EPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
Special-Status Species Summary Table
Habitat and Distribution Activity Period Occurrence Probability
Annual herb endemic to active Blooms April Not Expected. Suitable
vertisol clay soils of mesas and through June habitat for this species is
valleys within grasslands, (annual herb) not present within the BSA.
chaparral, coastal scrub, and This species was not
vernal pool communities; observed during the
known from southwestern San biological assessment.
Diego County and Baja
California; 30 to 3,150 feet
elevation.
Sandy/gravelly to clay soils Blooms December Low. Although marginally
within grasslands, coastal sage through May suitable habitat is present
scrub, and chaparral (perennial within the BSA, this
communities; known from deciduous shrub) conspicuous perennial
western San Diego County and shrub was not observed
Baja California; 50 to 2,400 feet during the biological
elevation. assessment.
Sandy areas in maritime Blooms December Not Expected. Suitable
chaparral and coniferous forest, through April, habitat for this species is
typically on coastal mesas and with foliage year not present within t he BSA.
ocean bluffs, below 1,200 feet round (evergreen This conspicuous evergreen
elevation. Known only from San shrub) shrub was not observed
Diego County, California. during the biological
assessment.
Perennial shrub found in Blooms May Not Expected. Suitable
chaparral, coastal sage scrub, through habitat for this species is
riparian scrub, or riparian September not present within the BSA.
woodland. This conspicuous evergreen
shrub was not observed
during the biological
assessment.
Alkali soils in coastal sage scrub, March-October Not Expected. Suitable
playas, coastal bluff scrub, (annual herb) habitat for this species is
coastal dunes, and chenopod not present within the BSA.
scrub below 600 feet elevation, This species was not
and perhaps formerly up to observed during the
about 1,400 feet in Los Angeles biological assessment.
County. In California, known
from the Channel Islands and
mainland Los Angeles, San Diego
and Orange Counties. Also
occurs in Mexico. Believed
extirpated from Ventura County.
Reports of this species from
Riverside County are based on
misidentification of Atriplex
serenana ssp. davidsonii (The
Vascular Plants of Western
Riverside County, California. F.
M. Roberts et al., 2004).
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B IOLOGICAL RESOURCES T ECHNICAL REPORT
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FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
Special-Status Species Summary Table
Species Status Habitat and Distribution Activity Period Occurrence Probability
Brodiaea filifalia US: FT Usually on clay or associated Blooms March Not Expected. Suitable
CA: SE with vernal pools or alkaline through June habitat for this species is
Thread-leaved CRPR: 18.1 flats; occasiona lly in vernally (perennial herb) not present within the BSA.
brodiaea HMP: moist sites in fine soils (clay This perennial herb was not
Narrow loam, silt loam, fine sandy loam, observed during the
Endemic loam, loamy fine sand). Typically biological assessment.
associated with needlegrass or
alkali grassland or vernal pools.
Occurs from 80 to 4,000 feet
elevation. Known only from Los
Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San
Bernardino, San Diego, and San
Luis Obispo Counties, California.
Cea no thus US:-Chaparral in western San Diego December Not Expected. Suitable
verrucas us CA: SP County and northern Baja through May habitat for this species is
CRPR: 28.2 California; sea level to 1,250 (perennial shrub) not present within the BSA.
Wart-stemmed HMP:-feet elevation. This conspicuous perennial
ceanothus shrub was not observed
during the biological
assessment.
Chaenactis US:-Sandy areas of coastal bluff Blooms January Not Expected. Suitable
glabriuscula var. CA: SP scrub and coastal sand dunes through August habitat for this species is
orcuttiana CRPR: lB.1 below 300 feet elevation. In (annual herb) not present within the BSA.
HMP:-California, known only from Los This species was not
Orcutt's Angeles, Orange (believed observed during the
pincushion extirpated), San Diego, and biological assessment.
Ventura Counties. Also occurs in
Mexico.
Comarostaphylis US:-Chaparral or cismontane April through June Not Expected. Suitable
diversifolia ssp. CA: SP woodland at 100 to 2,600 feet. (evergreen shrub) habitat for this species is
diverifolia CRPR: lB.2 In California, known only from not present within the BSA.
HMP:-Orange, Riverside, and Santa This evergreen shrub was
Summer holly Barbara, and San Diego not observed during the
Counties. Also occurs in Mexico. biological assessment.
Corethrogyne US:-Perennial herb found in Blooms May Low. Alt hough marginally
filaginifofia var. CA: SP openings in chaparral and through suitable habitat is present
linifolia CRPR: lB.l coastal sage scrub. September within the BSA, this
HMP: conspicuous perennial herb
Del Mar Mesa Narrow was not observed during
sand aster Endemic the biological assessment.
Dudleya US:-Dry rocky or stony places below April-June Not Expected. Suitable
blochmaniae ssp. CA: SP 1,500 feet, often on serpentine (perennial herb) habitat for this species is
8/ochmaniae CRPR:18 annual grassland and coastal not present within the BSA.
HMP: sage scrub. Coastal areas from This perennial herb was not
Bloch man's Covered, San Luis Obispo County south to observed during the
dudleya Narrow Baja California. biological assessment.
Endemic
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BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
APRIL 2017
Species Status
Dudleya viscida US:-
CA: SP
Sticky dudleya CRPR:18
HMP:-
Eryngium US: FE
aristulatum var. CA: SE
parish ii CRPR: 18.1
HMP:
San Diego button-Narrow
celery Endemic
Eupharbia misera US:-
CA: SP
Cliff spurge CRPR: 28.2
HMP:
Covered
Harpagonella US:-
palmeri CA: SP
CRPR: 4.2
Palmer's HMP:-
grapplinghook
Iva hayesiana US:-
CA: SP
San Diego marsh-CRPR: 28.2
elder HMP:-
lasthenia US:-
glabrata ssp. CA: SP
cou/teri CRPR: 18.1
HMP:-
Coulter's
goldfields
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
Special-Status Species Summary Table
Habitat and Distribution Activity Period Occurrence Probability
Rocky areas in coastal bluff May-June Not Expected. Suitable
scrub, chaparral, coastal sage (perennial herb) habitat for this species is
scrub; below 1,800 feet not present within the BSA.
elevation. Known from Orange, This perennial herb was not
Riverside, and San Diego observed during the
Counties. biological assessment.
San Diego mesa hardpan and Blooms April Not Expected. Suitable
claypan vernal pools and through June habitat for this species is
southern interior basalt flow (annual/perennial not present within the BSA.
vernal pools; usually herb) This species was not
surrounded by coastal scrub observed during the
and valley and foothill biological assessment.
grassland, at 50 to 2,035 feet
elevation. Known from Riverside
and San Diego Counties and
Baja California.
Rocky sites within coastal bluff Blooms December Not Expected. Suitable
scrub, coastal sage scrub, and through August habitat for this species is
Mojavean desert scrub at 30 to (perennial shrub) not present within the BSA.
1,650 feet elevation. Known This perennial shrub was
from the Channel Islands, not observed during the
coastal Orange and San Diego biological assessment.
Counties, Riverside County
deserts, and Baja California.
Clay soils in openings in coastal March through Not Expected. Suitable
sage scrub, juniper woodland, May (annual herb) habitat for this species is
and grassland below 2,700 feet not present within the BSA.
elevation. In California, known This species was not
only from Orange, Riverside, observed during the
and San Diego Counties and the biological assessment.
Channel Islands. Also occurs in
Arizona and Mexico.
River washes, marshes, Blooms April Not Expected. Suitable
swamps, and playas at 30 to through October habitat for this species is
1,650 feet elevation. Known (perennial shrub not present within the BSA.
from western San Diego County or subshrub) This perennial shrub was
and Baja California. not observed during the
biological assessment.
Usually alkaline soils in marshes, Blooms February Not Expected. Suitable
playas, vernal pools, and valley through June habitat for this species is
and foothill grassland below (annual herb) not present within the BSA.
4,600 feet elevation. Known This species was not
from Colusa, Merced, Tulare, observed during the
Orange, Riverside, Santa biological assessment.
Barbara, San Diego, San Luis
Obispo, and Ventura Counties.
Believed extirpated from Kern,
Los Angeles, and San Bernardino
Counties. Also occurs in Mexico.
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Species Status
Myosurus US:-
minimus ssp. opus CA: SP
CRPR: 3.1
Little mousetail HMP:
Narrow
Endemic
Navarretia fossalis US: FT
CA: SP
Spreading CRPR: 18.1
navarretia HMP:
Narrow
Endemic
Nemacaulis US:-
denudate var. CA: SP
denudate CRPR: 18.2
HMP:-
Coast woolly-
heads
Orcuttia US: FE
ca/ifornica CA: SE
CRPR: 18.1
California Orcutt HMP:
grass Narrow
Endemic
Quercus dumosa US:-
CA: SP
Nuttall's scrub oak CRPR: 18.1
HMP:
Covered
Invertebrates
Branchinecta US: FE
sandiegonensis CA:SA
HMP:
San Diego fairy Narrow
shrimp Endemic
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
Special-Status Species Summary Table
Habitat and Distribution Activity Period Occurrence Probability
Alkaline areas in vernal pools at Blooms March Not Expected. Suitable
20 to 640 meters (70 to 2,100 through June habitat for this species is
feet) elevation. In California, (annual herb) not present within the BSA.
known only from the Central This species was not
Valley of the coastal and inland observed during the
areas of Southern California. Also biological assessment.
occurs in Oregon and Mexico.
San Diego hardpan and claypan Blooms April Not Expected. Suitable
vernal pools often surrounded through June habitat for this species is
by chenopod scrub, shallow (annual herb) not present within the BSA.
freshwater marshes, and similar This species was not
sites at 95 to 4,300 feet observed during the
elevation. Known from Los biological assessment.
Angeles, San Luis Obispo,
Riverside, and San Diego
Counties. Also occurs in Mexico.
Sandy places such as coastal April through Not Expected. Suitable
dunes below 300 feet elevation. September habitat for this species is
Known in California from (annual herb) not present within the BSA.
Orange, Los Angeles, and San This species was not
Diego Counties. Believed observed during the
extirpated from Santa Catalina biological assessment.
Island. Also occurs in Mexico.
Vernal pools from 50 to 2,200 Blooms April Not Expected. Suitable
feet elevation. In California, through August habitat for this species is
known from Los Angeles, (annual grass) not present within the BSA.
Ventura, Riverside, and San This species was not
Diego Counties. Also occurs in observed during the
Mexico. biological assessment.
On sandy and clay loam soils near Blooms February Low. Although marginally
the coast within closed-cone through August suitable habitat is present
coniferous forest, chaparral, and (perennial shrub) within the BSA, this
coastal scrub from 50 to 1,300 conspicuous perennial
feet elevation. Known from shrub was not observed
western Orange, Santa Barbara, during the biological
and San Diego Counties. Also assessment.
known from Baja California.
Small, shallow (usually less than Seasonally Not Expected. Suitable
30 centimet ers deep), relatively following rains in habitat for this species is
clear but unpredictable vernal late fall, winter not present within the BSA.
pools on coastal terraces. Pools and spring This species was not
must retain water for a observed during the
minimum of 13 days for this biological assessment.
species to reproduce (3 to 8
days for hatching, and 10 to 20
days to reach reproductive
maturity). Known from Orange
and San Diego Counties, and
Baja California.
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Special-Status Species Summary Table
Species Status Habitat and Distribution Activity Period Occurrence Probability
Danaus plexippus US:-Winter roosts are located in September Low. Suitable roosting
CA:SA wind-protected tree groves through March habitat for this species is
Monarch HMP:-(Eucalyptus, Monterey Pine, not present within the BSA;
butterfly Cypress) with nectar and water however, this species may
sources nearby. travel within the BSA while
foraging. This species was
not observed during the
biological assessment.
Streptocephalus US: FE Warm-water vernal pools (i.e., Seasonally, Not Expected. Suitable
woottoni CA:SA large, deep pools that retain following rains; habitat for this species is
HMP: water into the warm season) typically January not present within the BSA.
Riverside fairy Narrow with low to moderate dissolved through April This species was not
shrimp Endemic solids, in annual grassland areas observed during the
interspersed through chaparral biological assessment.
or coastal sage scrub
vegetation. Suitable habitat
includes some artificially
created or enhanced pools, such
as some stock ponds, that have
vernal pool-like hydrology and
vegetation. Known from areas
within about 50 miles of the
coast from Ventura County
south to San Diego County and
Baja California.
Tryonia imitator US:-Inhabits coastal lagoons, Presumed year-Not Expected. Suitable
CA:SA estuaries, and salt marshes, round habitat within the BSA is
Mimic tryonia HMP:-from Sonoma County south to not present to support this
(=California San Diego County. Found only in species. This species was
brackishwater permanently submerged areas not observed during the
snail) in a variety of sediment types; biological assessment.
able to withstand a wide range
of salinities.
Fish
Eucyclogobius US: FE Brackish water habitats along Year-round Not Expected. Suitable
newberryi CA: SSC the California coast from Agua habitat within the BSA is
HMP:-Hedionda Lagoon (San Diego not present to support this
Tidewater goby County) to the mouth of the species. This species was
Smith River (Del Norte County). not observed during the
Found in shallow lagoons and biological assessment.
lower stream reaches.
Reptiles
Aspidosce/is US:-Prefers washes and other sandy March through Low. Although marginally
hyperythra CA: SSC areas with patches of brush and July, with reduced suitable habitat is present
HMP: rocks, in chaparral, coastal sage activity August within the BSA, this species
Orangethroat Covered scrub, juniper woodland, and through October was not observed during
whiptail oak woodland from sea level to the biological assessment.
3,000 feet elevation. Perennial
plants required. Occurs in
Riverside, Orange, San Diego
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FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
Special-Status Species Summary Table
Species Status Habitat and Distribution Activity Period Occurrence Probability
Counties west of the crest of
the Peninsular Ranges, in
extreme southern San
Bernardino County near Colton,
and in Baja California.
Phrynosoma US:-Occurs in annual grassland, April through July, Not Expected. Suitable
b/ainvillii CA: SSC coastal sage scrub, chaparral, with reduced habitat within the BSA is
HMP:-and woodland communities. activity August not present to support this
Coast horned Prefers open country, especially through October species. This species was
lizard sandy areas, washes, and not observed during the
floodplains. Requires open biological assessment.
areas for sunning, bushes for
cover, patches of loose soil for
burial, and an abundant supply
of ants or other insects. Occurs
in Siskiyou County, in the
Central Valley and adjacent
foothills below 4,000 feet
elevation, in coastal areas of
central California, and in non-
desert areas of southern
California below 6,000 feet
elevation, and into Baja
California.
Sa/vadora US:-Coastal chaparral, washes, Active diurnally Not Expected. Suitable
hexalepis CA: SSC sandy flats, and rocky areas throughout most habitat within the BSA is
virgultea HMP:-from San Luis Obispo County to of the year not present to support this
northwestern Baja California. species. This species was
Coast patch-not observed during the
nosed snake biological assessment.
Birds
Aimophila ruficeps US:-Steep, rocky, coastal sage scrub Year-round, Not Expected. Suitable
canescens CA:WL and open chaparral habitats, diurnal activity habitat within the BSA is
HMP: particularly scrubby areas mixed not present to support this
Southern Covered with grasslands. From Santa species. This species was
California rufous-Barbara County to northwestern not observed during the
crowned sparrow Baja California. biological assessment.
Campylorhyncus US:-Inhabits coastal sage scrub, Year-round (non-Not Expected. Suitable
brunneicapillus CA: SSC nesting almost exclusively in migratory) habitat within the BSA is
sandiegensis HMP:-thickets of cholla (Opuntia not present to support this
pralifera) and prickly pear species. This species was
San Diego cactus (Opuntia littoralis and Opuntia not observed during the
wren aricola), typically below 500 biological assessment.
feet elevation. Found in coastal
areas of Orange County and San
Diego Counties, and extreme
northwestern Baja California,
Mexico.
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BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL RE PORT
APRIL 2017
Species Status
Charadrius US: FT
alexandrinus (coastal
nivosus population}
(nesting) CA: SSC
HMP:
Western snowy Covered
plover
Elanus /eucurus US:-
(nesting} CA:CFP
HMP:-
White-tailed kite
Passercu/us US:-
sandwichensis CA: SE
be/dingi HMP:
Covered
Belding's
Savannah
sparrow
Polioptila US: FT
californica CA: SSC
ca/ifornica HMP:
Covered
Coastal California
gnatcatcher
Ralfus longirostris US:FE
levipes CA:SE,CFP
HMP:
light-footed Covered
clapper rail
Sternula US: FE
antillarum browni CA: SE, CFP
(nesting) HMP:
Covered
California least
tern
FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
Special-Status Species Su mmary Table
Habitat and Distribution Activity Period Occurrence Probability
Sandy coastal beaches, lakes, Coast: Year-round Not Expected. Suitab le
alkaline playas. Scattered Inland lakes: April habitat within the BSA is
locations along coastal through not present to support this
California and Channel Islands, September species. This species was
inland at Salton Sea and at not observed during the
various alkaline lakes. biological assessment.
Open cou ntry in South America Year-round Not Expected. Suitable
and southern North America. habitat within the BSA is
Open grasslands, meadows, or not present to support this
marshes for foraging close to species. This species was
isolated, dense-topped trees for not observed during the
nesting and perching in rolling biological assessment.
foothills and valley margins with
scattered oaks and river
bottomlands or marshes next to
deciduous woodland.
Resident in salt marshes, with Year-round Not Expected. Suitable
rare exceptions (e.g., Islas Todos habitat within the BSA is
Santos, Baja California}, of not present to support this
Pacific Coast from Santa species. This species was
Barbara County to Baja not observed during the
California. biological assessment.
Inhabits coast al sage scrub in Year-round Moderate. Moderately
low-lying foothills and valleys in suitable habitat is present
cismontane southwestern within the BSA. This species
California and Baja California. was not observed within
the BSA during the
biological assessment
Found in salt marshes traversed Year-round, Not Expected. Suitable
by tidal sloughs, where vocalizes at night, habitat within the BSA is
cordgrass and pickleweed are dawn, and dusk not present to su pport this
the dominant vegetation. species. This species was
Requires dense growth of either not observed during the
pickleweed or cordgrass for biological assessment.
nesting or escape cover; feeds
on mollusks and crustaceans.
Coastal southern California and
northern Baja California.
Nests along the coast from San April through Not Expected. Suit able
Francisco Bay south to northern September ha bitat within the BSA is
Baja California. Forages in not present to support this
shallow water. Colonial breeder species. This species was
on bare or sparsely vegetated, not observed during the
flat substrates: sand beaches, biological assessment.
alkali flats, landfills, or paved
areas.
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BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
APRIL 20 17 FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
Special-Status Species Summary Table
Species Status Habitat and Distribution Activity Period Occurrence Probability
Vireo be/Iii pusillus US: FE Riparian forests and willow April through Not Expected. Suitable
CA: SE thickets. The most critical September habitat within the BSA is
Least Bell's vireo HMP: structural component of least not present to support this
Covered Bell's vireo habitat in California species. This species was
is a dense shrub layer 2 to 10 not observed during the
feet above ground. Nests from biological assessment.
central California to northern
Baja California. Winters in
southern Baja California.
Mammals
Chaetodipus US:-Found in a variety of habitats Year-round Low. Although marginally
californicus CA: SSC including coastal sage scrub, suitable habitat is present
femoralis HMP:-chaparral and grassland in within the BSA, this species
northern Baja California, San was not observed during
Dulzura pocket Diego and extreme the biological assessment.
mouse southwestern and western Furthermore, the species
Riverside Counties. Limit of has not been identified
range to northwest (at interface within a 3-mile buffer of
with C. c. dispar) unclear. the BSA since 1995.
Chaetodipus fa/lax US:-Found in sandy herbaceous Year-round Low. Although marginally
fa/lax CA: SSC areas, usually associated with suitable habitat is present
HMP:-rocks or coarse gravel in coastal within the BSA, this species
Northwestern San scrub, chaparral, grasslands, was not observed during
Diego pocket and sagebrush, from Los the biological assessment.
mouse Angeles County through Furthermore, the species
southwestern San Bernardino, has not been identified
western Riverside, and San within a 3-mile buffer of
Diego Counties to northern Baja the BSA since 1992.
California.
Lasiurus xanthinus US:-Varied habitats, but usually near Primarily the Not Expected. Suitable
CA: SSC water; often associated with warmer months habitat within the BSA is
Western yellow HMP:-palm trees. Southwestern not present to support this
bat United States to southern species. This species was
Mexico. not observed during the
biological assessment.
Neotoma /epida US:-Found in desert scrub and Year-round, Not Expected. Suitable
intermedia CA: SSC coastal sage scrub habitat, mainly nocturnal, habitat within the BSA is
HMP:-especially in association with occasionally not present to support this
San Diego desert cactus patches. Builds stick crepuscular and species. This species was
wood rat nests around cacti, or on rocky diurnal not observed during the
crevices. Occurs along the biological assessment.
Pacific slope from San Luis
Obispo County to northwest
Baja California.
Nyctinomops US:-Usually associated with cliffs or Primarily the Not Expected. Suitable
femorasacca CA: SSC rock outcrops, often near warmer months habitat within the BSA is
HMP:-riparian habitat. Occurs from not present to support this
Pocketed free-the southwestern United States species. This species was
tailed bat to central Mexico. not observed during the
biological assessment.
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BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
APRIL 2017
FARADAY A VENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA
LEGEND
US: Federal Classifications
No applicable classification
FE Taxa listed as Endangered.
FT Taxa listed as Threatened.
CA: State Classifications
SE Taxa State-listed as Endangered.
SSC California Species of Special Concern. Refers to animals with vulnerable or seriously declining populations.
CFP California Fully Protected. Refers to animals protected from take under Fish and Game Code Sections 3511, 4700,
5050, and 5515.
WL California Bird Species of Special Concern Watch List.
SA Special Animal. Refers to any other animal monitored by the Natural Diversity Data Base, regardless of its legal or
protection status.
SP Special Plant. Refers to any other plant monitored by the Natural Diversity Data Base, regardless of its legal or
protection status.
lB California Rare Plant Rank lB: Rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere.
2B California Rare Plant Rank 2B: Rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere.
3 California Rare Plant Rank 3: A review list of plants about which more information is needed.
4 California Rare Plant Rank 4: A watch list of plants of limited distribution.
CRPR Extensions
0.1 Seriously endangered in California (greater than 80% of occurrences threatened/high degree and immediacy
of threat).
0.2 Fairly endangered in California (20 to 80% occurrences threatened).
Ca lifornia Rare Plant Ranks are assigned by a committee of government agency and non-governmental botanical experts and are not
official State designations of rarity status.
City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP) Classifications
Covered
Narrow
Endemic
Species not covered by the HMP.
Species for which take authorization is provided because long-term viability has been determined to be
adequately maintained under the HMP.
Species with restricted geographic distributions, soil affinities and/or habitats, and, for purposes of the
HMP, species that in addition have important populations within the HMP area, such that substantial
loss of these populations or their habitat within the HMP area might jeopardize the continued existence
or recovery of that species.
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