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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. P:\HCR1704 • Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 1 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. P:\HCRl 704 • Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 2 LEGEND [:J Project Area 1000 2000 FEET SOURCE: USGS 7.5' Quad · San Luis Rey (1975) R:\HCR1704\GIS\Projectlocation_USGS.mxd (4/18/2017) Faraday Avenue Slope Repair Project Project Location BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT APRIL 2017 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. P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 4 BtOLOGICAL RESOURCES T ECHNICAL REPORT APRIL 2017 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. P:\HCR1704 • Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 5 LEGEND D Biological Study Area -Coastal Sage Scrub (0.007 ac) -Disturbed Habitat (0.046 ac) 10 20 FEET SOURCE: Bing Maps (2014) R:\HCR1704\GIS\Vegetation.mxd (4/19/2017) FIGURE 2 Faraday Avenue Slope Repair Project Vegetation Map BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL RE PORT APRIL 2017 FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT 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). P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 7 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT APRIL 2017 FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA 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. P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slopt'! Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 8 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TE CHNICAL REPORT APRIL 2017 FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA 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. P:\HCRl 704 • Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 9 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT APRIL 2017 4.7 AQUATIC RESOURCES No aquatic resources occur in the BSA. P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA 10 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT APRIL2017 FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT 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 P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 11 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) R:\HCR1704\GIS\lmpacts.mxd (4/19/2017) FIGURE 3 Faraday Avenue Slope Repair Project Proposed Project Impacts BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT APRIL 2017 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 P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 13 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES T ECHNICAL REPORT APRIL 2017 FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT 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. P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 14 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT APRIL2017 FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA 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 P:\HCRl 704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 15 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 R:\HCR1704\GIS\Revegetation.mxd (4/19/2017) FIGURE 4 Faraday Avenue Slope Repair Project Proposed Coastal Sage Scrub Revegetation BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT APRIL2017 FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA 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. P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 17 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT APRIL 2017 FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA • 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. P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 18 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. P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 19 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. P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 20 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT APRIL 2017 APPENDIX A FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CA.ti FOR NIA SITE PHOTOGRAPHS P:\HCRl 704 • Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 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 P:\HCRl 704 • Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (04/24/17) 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}. P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (4/24/2017) 8-1 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES T ECHNICAL REPORT APRIL 2017 APPENDIX C FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (4/24/2017) 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). P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (4/24/2017) C-1 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHN ICAL REPORT APRIL2017 APPENDIX D FARADAY AVENUE SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES SUMMARY TABLE P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (4/24/2017) 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). P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (4/24/2017) D-1 B IOLOGICAL RESOURCES T ECHNICAL REPORT APRIL2017 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 P:\HCR1704 • Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (4/24/2017) D-2 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. P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (4/24/2017) D-3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT APRIL 2017 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. P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (4/24/2017) D-4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT APRIL 2017 FARADAY AVENU E SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA LSA 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 P:\HCR1704 • Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (4/24/2017) D-5 B IOLOGICAL RESOURCES T ECHNICAL REPORT APRIL2017 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. P:\HCRl 704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (4/24/2017) 0-6 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. P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (4/24/2017) D-7 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. P:\HCR1704 -Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (4/24/2017) 0-8 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. P:\HCRl 704 • Faraday Ave Slope Repair\Faraday Avenue Slope Repair BTR.docx (4/24/2017) 0-9