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Home My WebLink AboutCT 03-02; CARLSBAD RANCH PLANNING AREA 5; BIOLOGICAL SURVEY; 2003-01-10Ms. Leslea Meyerhoff Hofman Planning Associates 5900 Pasteur Court, Suite 150 Carlsbad, California 92008 Merkel & Associates, Inc. 5434 Ruffin Road, San Diego,CA 92123 Tel: 858/560-5465 • Fax: 858/560-7779 e-mail: associates@merkelinc.com January I 0, 2003 M&A # 02-096-01 Re: Carlsbad Ranch Planning Area 5 Dear Ms. Meyerhoff: On September 24, 2002, a biological survey was conducted on the proposed Carlsbad Ranch Planning Area 5 project site. The site is located between Cannon Road and the northern terminus of Hidden Valley Road (Figure 1). The purpose of this survey was to give an updated biological account of the current site conditions. It is our understanding that an in-depth biological constraints analysis has already been conducted for this site. Our main task was to confirm whether the present conditions of the site were consistent with those previously reported. METHODS The survey was conducted from 1020-1230 hours. Weather conditions included partly cloudy skies with some fog and a temperature ranging from approximately 65° to 73 ° Fahrenheit; winds were 1-5 mph. All plant communities were surveyed on-foot and mapped on a 1 ''= 200' topographic map of the site. Plant identifications were either resolved in the field or later determined through verification of voucher specimens. Wildlife species were determined 'through direct observation (aided by binoculars), identification of songs, call notes or alarm calls, or through indirect signs (burrows, tracks, scat, etc.). Appendices I and 2 provide a list of the plant and animal species observed, respectively. During an additional site visit on October 24, 2002, the native habitat along the eastern boundary was surveyed using a GPS to accurately determine the extent of sage scrub on-site. RESULTS The site mostly consists of active agriculture within a fenced property. Disturbed Habitat surrounds the edge of the property to the north and west, Non-native Grassland to the east and landscaping to the south. The site is bounded by development on three sides, including Cannon Road to the north, Lego Land to the south and a disked vacant lot to the west. Immediately east of the site boundary is undeveloped open space comprised of native wetland and sage scrub habitat. Agriculture/Row Crops (Holland/Oberbauer Code 18320) comprises a majority of the site (Figure 2). Most of this area consists of row crops, which are devoid of native vegetation. : ~ .. C, <\\- ~1111,"»'11. • ~ ... t, , \•t-,.,, • ,-., . ,, + I"= 2,000' ,. ...... -, .. H E D :.'. Project Site ,•, .,,w,.~,_•.:,_ • ,G : tT A -· ... M&A# 02-0%-0 I I I //• ·,·. ,,,,,,,/,...., () /01i(:, _.,.r.-t;.,;- ,• ... ,., ,,. ;_:~ ft \ ~---1._}{-. -~-~- H /F. D .. -,,- ~~ ~ :( r. . ~.\$1,.i~?=---·..:·, ~~::"~' ._.-·~ .... • < ,, ;.~. /·· /...,,,:;~ _,:,,., .. ' : 1.; :-- " .'j ' .: :·-, .;-,. ... l;.~ r, • ,-. -, -l J, ...... ., ...... ,,.- \ ', . , l ·. . ', ';."..~ ·\.'._,~•}<d'-Jht,·c, f:..i''::, t~hn.•il';:.:-k i:t,~ Carlsbad Ranch Planning Area 5 Project Vicinity Map Source: USGS 7.5' San Luis Rey and Encinitas Quadrangles I '•, :_ ', ~ .. ,•'\' l' ,, ' ' i .... , ,,,,,.. 3;," f\ :-·· 1.;.,1-if~:; .~: . Figure I Merkel & Associates. Inc. / Habitat Types (Holland/Oberbauer Code) Agriculture/Row Crops (18320) Disturbed Habitat (11300) Non-native Grassland (42200) Urban/Developed (12000) Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (32500) A 20~0~~0~~200 Feet Carlsbad Ranch Planning Area 5 Figure Biological Resources 2 Carlsbad Ranch Planning Area 5 Janum:r I 0, 2003 Disturbed Habitat ( 11300) on the northern edge of the site consists mostly dirt roads with non-native vegetation including Short-pod Mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and Pampas Grass (Cortaderia sp.), with some areas of Goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii). Vegetation along Cannon Road is dominated by Russian Thistle (Salsola tragus) with scattered Flat-top Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) and California Sagebrush (Artemisia cal(fornica). The buckwheat and sagebrush are typically associated with Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub habitat. However. due to the density of non-native weedy vegetation, this area was classified as Disturbed Habitat. A dirt road, also mapped as Disturbed Habitat, runs along the western boundary of the site. Vegetation in this area is limited and dominated by Russian Thistle and Short-pod Mustard. An isolated White Alder (Alnus rhombifolia) and one Arroyo Willow (Salix lasiolepis) are located along the northwest fence-line. Although the latter mentioned species are wetland-associated trees, no other indicators are present to suggest that this area is a wetland. An additional area of Disturbed Habitat is located in the southeast corner of the site at the top of the slope. The southern portion of the site is mapped as Urban/Developed (12000). This area includes a concrete drainage ditch approximately IO feet from the fence-line, which is surrounded by ornamental landscaping covering the slope. A bike path runs along the southern property boundary. The eastern boundary of the site borders natural open space that is part of an existing hardline conservation area for the Carlsbad HMP. This off-site open space consists primarily of Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (32500) habitat dominated by Lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina), and California Sagebrush. Also within the bordering open space are areas of disturbed wetland habitat dominated by Pampas Grass, Castor-bean (Ricinus communis), Arroyo Willow, Tree Tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), and Giant Reed (Arundo donax). A small amount of the sage scrub habitat continues on-site along the northeastern boundary. An area of Non-native Grassland (42200) occurs on-site adjacent to the natural open space. It meets the MHCP definition of Annual (Non-native) Grassland, and is largely dominated by non-native grasses and forbs such as Red Brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens) and Short-pod Mustard. However, several native plants were scattered throughout the area. Native plants included Saw- toothed Goldenbush (Hazardia squarrosa ssp. grindelioides) and Goldenbush, which are typical of Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub and Chaparral habitats. Wildlife observed and/or detected included mostly urban associated species and species that occur in sage scrub habitats. Common bird species such as Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna), American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and Common Raven (Corvus corax) were seen on-site. Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus), Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis) and Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) were observed utilizing off-site sage scrub habitat. A single raptor, the Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), was seen foraging over the agriculture fields. One reptile species, the Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), was seen on-site. Side- blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) and Orange-throat Whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus) may also occur on-site. Orange-throat Whiptail is a sensitive species that is often found in disturbed habitats such as those found on-site and in sage scrub like that found directly off-site. Snakes likely present in native habitats include Gopher Snake (Pitiuophis cantenifer), Southern Pacific Rattlesnake Merkel & Associates, Inc. #02-096-01 4 Carlsbad Ranch Planning Area 5 January I 0, 1003 (Crotalus viridis helleri), and California Kingsnake (Lampropeltus getula). Lack of standing water would preclude most amphibians from occurring on the property. No mammals were observed on-site; however, signs of Coyote (Canis latrans) and Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) were present on the east side of the site in Non-native Grassland. Mammal species potentially present include California Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana), Betta's Pocket Gopher (Thomomys bottae), and Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis). These mammals are often associated with open fields and urban settings. See Appendix 2 for a complete fauna list of species observed during the survey. ?<.. S~ -~2-CA(. The proposed resort development would impact essentially all of the 57.3-acre study area. Impacts to approximately 41.23 acres of Agriculture/Row Crops, 8.13 acres of Disturbed Habitat and 5.83 acres of Urban/Developed Land would not be considered significant. As proposed, the project would impact 0.16 acre of Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub and I. 98 acres of Non-native Grassland. No sensitive species are expected to be impacted from the proposed development. If Orange-throat Whiptail is present on-site, it is not expected to occur in numbers that would be considered significant if impacted. No raptor nests were observed on-site. Although this project would result in the loss of raptor foraging habitat, like that of the Northern Harrier, a significant amount of natural habitat occurs in the 10-acre hardline preserve to the east. RECOMMEND A TIO NS It is recommended that any impacts to the Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub be avoided. Without an adopted MHCP subarea plan in place, the permitting process for sage scrub impacts would be costly and timely, especially since the City of Carlsbad has expended its 4(d) credits. Since on-site sage scrub is limited to the northeastern fringe of the property, the best option is to make minor modifications to the current plan to avoid any impacts. If the impacts to sage scrub are unavoidable, it is recommended that focused surveys for California Gnatcatchers be performed. Since the area of sage scrub on site is less than 1.00 acre, the impacts would be exempt from 4(d) review if it is not occupied by gnatcatchers (U.S. Fish & Wildlife I 995). Impacts will still need to be mitigated at a I: I ratio or by paying a fee to the City (City of Carlsbad 1999). However, if the on-site sage scrub is found to be occupied, there is an option to use part of the County of San. Diego's five percent take allowance for sage scrub through County Policy I-122 County of San Diego 1998 Amended 2002). The City of Carlsbad, through the project applicant, will be required to compensate the County for allowing the sage scrub loss to be subtracted from the aunty's five percent loss allowance. In this case, the compensation may occur by either (a) payment of $30,000 per acre of Coastal Sage Scrub impact to the County or (b) purchase of mitigation bank credits within a bank approved by the Wildlife Agencies at a ratio of 3: 1 (i.e'., three acres of credit for each acre of impacted Coastal Sage Scrub). The mitigation bank must be located in the County of San Diego. Impacts to Non-native Grassland will also require mitigation. Non-native grassland should be mitigated at a 0.5:1 ratio or by paying a fee to the City. Although they are not sensitive habitats, the City may also require a fee for impacting Disturbed Lands and Agricultural Lands according to the draft subarea plan (City of Carlsbad 1999). It is recommended that the applicant meet with the City to discuss these fees. Merkel & Associates, Inc. #02-096-01 5 Carlsbad Ranch Planning Area 5 January I 0, 2003 In order to reduce potential indirect impacts to the adjacent hardline preserve area we recommend the following: I. Low-pressure sodium lamps should be used in any outdoor lighting fixtures adjacent to the preserve. These lights should be directed away from the adjacent habitat and used in conjunction with cut-off shields (fully shielded/full cutoff lighting). 2. The boundary of the site that abuts the preserve area should be fenced to discourage trespassing. 3. Landscaping should use native plants where possible, especially along the eastern boundary. Use of native species would prevent invasion of exotics into sensitive habitat. Avoid the use of invasive landscaping plants including Pampas Grass and Hottentot-Fig (Ca17Jobrotus spp.). See Invasive Plants of California's Wild/ands (Bossard 2000) for additional species to avoid. To avoid direct impacts to sensitive habitat during construction activities, construction fencing should be erected along the eastern property boundary prior to any ground disturbance. The fencing should be placed along the edge of sensitive habitat in areas where it comes on-site. Installation of construction fencing and any construction activities adjacent to the preserve should be monitored by a qualified biologist. Furthermore, since potentially occupied California Gnatcatcher habitat occurs directly off-site, construction activities within 300 feet of occupied sage scrub should be limited to outside of the breeding season (February 15 to August 30). If this is not a possibility, construction activities may commence; however, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will likely enforce noise level restrictions during this time. Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub may not be cleared during gnatcatcher breeding season. Finally, any fire management activities must remain on-site and outside of the Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub. No vegetation clearing for fire management purposes will be allowed to extend into the hardline preserve area. If you have any questions, or if we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to call us at (858) 560-5465. Sincerely, Kara A. Altvater Project Biologist . Merkel & Associates, Inc. #02-096-0 I 6 Carlsbad Ranch Planning Area 5 January I 0, 2003 REFFERENCES CITED Bossard, Carla C., John M Randall and Marc C. Coshovsky. 2000. Invasive Plants of California ·s Wildlands. University of California Press. City of Carlsbad. December, 1999. Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad. County of San Diego Board of Supervisors. 1998 Amended 2002. Policy 1-122: Use Of The County's 5 Percent Allowable Loss Of Coastal Sage Scrub By Other Jurisdictions. http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/cob/policy/1-122.html. Accessed January 10, 2003. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Game. 1995. Letter Re: Specific Exemptions to and Recommended Format for Reviewing Requests for Interim Habitat Loss Permits. February 2, 1995. 3pp. Merkel & Associates, Inc. #02-096-01 7 Carlsbad Ranch Planning Area 5 APPENDIX 1. FLORAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED Habitat Types: D = Disturbed Habitat (11300) A = Agriculture/Row Crops ( 18320) U = Urban/Developed ( 12000) N = Non-native Grassland ( 42200) S = Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (32500) * denotes non-native plant taxa Merkel & Associates, Inc.# 02-096-01 A-1-1 Carlsbad Ranch Planning Area 5 Scientific Name DICOTYLEDONS Aizoaceae -Carpet-weed Family *Mesembryanthemwn sp. Anacardiaceae -Sumac Family Malosma laurina Rlws integrifolia Apiaceae -Carrot Family ,:,Foeniculum vulgare Asteraceae -Sunflower Family Artemisia cal(f'ornica Baccharis pilularis *Conyza canadensis Encelia californica Gnaphalium canescens ssp. microcep/zalum Hazardia squarrosa ssp. grindelioides Heterotheca grandijlora lsocoma menziesii var. menziesii Stephanomeria diegensis Betulaceae -Birch Family Alnus rhombifolia Brassicaceae -Mustard Family *Hirschf'eldia incana Chenopodiaceae -Goosefoot Family *Salsola tragus Cucurbitaceae -Gourd Family Marah macrocarpus var. macroca11Jus Euphorbiaceae -Spurge Family Eremocarpus setigerus *Ricinus communis Fabaceae -Pea Family Lotus scoparius ssp. brevialatus Myrtaceae -Myrtle Family *Eucalyptus sp. Merkel & Associates, file.# 02-096-01 Common Name Iceplant Laurel Sumac Lemonade berry Fennel California Sagebrush Coyote Brush Horse weed California Encelia White Everlasting Saw-toothed Goldenbush Telegraph Weed Golden bush San Diego Wreath-Plant White Alder Short-pod Mustard Russian Thistle Manroot, Wild-Cucumber Doveweed Castor-bean Deerweed Eucalyptus Habitat D s s D D,N,S N N N N N N D,N N D D,N D,N N N D,N N N,U A-1-2 Carlsbad Ranch Planning Area 5 Scientific Name · Polygonaceae -Buckwheat Family Eriogonumfasciculatum var.fasciculatum *Rurnex crispus Salicaceae -Willow Family Salix lasiolepis Solanaceae -Nightshade Family Datura wrightii *Nicotiana glauca Solanum douglasii MONOCOTYLEDONS Poaceae -Grass Family *Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens *Cortaderia sp. Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 02-096-01 Common Name Flat-top Buckwheat Curly Dock Arroyo Willow Western Jimsonweed Tree Tobacco Douglas' Nightshade Red Brome Pampas Grass Habitat D N A N D,N D N D,N A-1-3 Carlsbad Ranch Planning Area 5 APPENDIX 2. F AUNAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED Merkel & Associates, Inc. # 02-096-01 Habitat Types: D = Disturbed Habitat A = Agriculture/Row Crops U = Urban/Developed N = Non-native Grassland S = Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub A-2-1 Carlsbad Planning Area 5 Common Name Scientific Name BUTTERFLIES Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies) Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa REPTILES Phrynosomatidae Western Fence Lizard BIRDS Sceloporus occiclentalis Accipitridae (Hawks, Old World Vultures, and Harriers) Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna Corvidae (Jays, Magpies, and Crows) American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Common Raven Corvus corax Aegithalidae (Bushtit) Bushtit Timaliidae (Wrentit) Wrentit Psaltriparus minimus Chamaea fasciata Emberizidae (Sparrows, Blackbirds and Relatives) California Towhee Pipilo crissalis Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia MAMMALS Leporidae (Rabbits and Hares) Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii Canidae (Foxes, Wolves, and Relatives) Coyote Canis latrans Merkel & Associates, Inc. #02-096-01 Habitat u D,N A U,N,S A,D,N A,D,N S (off site) S (off site) S (off site) S (off site) D,N (scat) D (scat) A-2-2