The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCT 15-11; YADA FAMILY FARM SUBDIVISION; BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES SURVEY REPORT; 2016-01-22- ------- -.. -- --.. -- .. -- - • • • -- A BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES SURVEY REPORT FOR THE YADA FAMILY TRUST SUBDIVISION PROJECT APN 156-220-01 Carlsbad, CA Prepared for Yada Family Trust 1835 Buena Vista Way Carlsbad, CA 92008 Prepared by Vincent N. Scheidt Certified Biological Consultant 3158 Occidental Street San Diego, CA 92122 (858) 457-3873 January 2016 Vincent N. Scheidt, MA Certified Biological Consultant .. • .. --• .. .. .. .. • ... --• --- -- - ------• ---- SUMMARY OF FINDINGS The Yada Family Trust Subdivision Project proposes the creation of 14 residential lots (13 proposed and 1 existing) from an approximately 4.1-acre property (APN 156-220-01) located at the corner of Valley Street and Buena Vista Way in the City of Carlsbad. Per the request of the City of Carlsbad, we have completed a biological resources field survey of the property. The purpose of this survey was to identifying habitats and potential sensitive species, assess project- related direct and indirect impacts, and develop an approach to mitigating any impacts to "less than significant" as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City's MHCP Subarea Plan. In order to assess site resources, the site was surveyed on December 11, 2015. The entire site was walked, all habitats were defined and delineated, and all species encountered were identified and inventoried in situ. The primary habitat-type found onsite is Agriculture (3.7 acres). Also present onsite is a small amount of Developed Habitat (0.4 acre). One sensitive species were identified on the property; Red-shouldered Hawk. The project as designed will impact 3.7 acres of Agriculture and 0.4 acre of Developed Habitat. All impacts to Agriculture must be mitigated for by paying a mitigation fee applied by the City of Carlsbad. No mitigation for impacts to Developed Habitat is required. 2 • - • ---.. -----... • ... .. • • ... - INTRODUCTION Project Location The Yada Family Trust Subdivision Project site is located immediately north of the intersection of Valley Street and McCauley Way and directly west of the intersection of Valley Street and Buena Vista Way in the City of Carlsbad, California (Figures 1, 2, and 3). Project and Site Description The Yada Family Trust Subdivision Project proposes the creation of 14 residential lots (13 proposed and 1 existing) from an existing, approximately 4.1-acre parcel of mostly-vacant agricultural land. The project includes the construction of a new public roadway/cul-de-sac and related site improvements. Access to the property would be from the southwest off Valley Street. The project site is completely surrounded by development; and readily qualifies as an "in-fill" project. The Yada project site is roughly square in shape, sloping gently to the southwest, with a single family residence and various agricultural buildings and fallow fields covering 100 percent of the property. No native vegetation is present on the site, and the land appears to have been in use for agricultural purposes for many decades. Evidence of agricultural conversion of the property can be seen since at least 1937, when historical aerial photographs were taken of the area . 3 Figure1. Regional Location -Yada Family Trust Subdivision Project Ocunslde Btvd q,. 0'~ o.._ .. '%- IVfYRANCH !RANCHO DEL ORO MiraCosta College .., 4 ((t • :r • Figure 2. Project site with respect to HMP boundaries-Yada Trust Subdivision Project OCEANSIDE MCFICOCEAN ENCINITAS Legend -Wlldlle Undercroulng -MHCP CoroANes -MHCP l.ri8ge -• 5 B•aem•p Legend c CCy ol Cenobed c:::J .Miodldionol 8ounclery ~Frwway ~ MopRoeo ,.... __ -l.al<o Feet 0 6,250 Figure 3. Recent Aerial Photo -Yada Family Trust Subdivision Project 6 .. - - • .. - ..... - ---- ... -- .. .. • - .... • -• ... - Survey Methods and Limitations Literature that was reviewed prior to initiation of the site surveys included: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Conservation Service (SCS) mapping for the project area; a database query of potential on-site sensitive species based on a determination of the site's physical characteristics (e.g., location, elevation, soils/substrate, and topography); documentation of California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) records for the project vicinity; and previous biology reports prepared for the project area, including reports prepared by the author . A field surveys of the property was completed the afternoon of December 11, 2015. Investigators included the author (VS), and Brandon Myers (BM), Associate Biologist. Weather conditions during the survey were mild, with clear skies, temps in the low 60°S, and no appreciable wind . All plants, animals and habitats encountered during the survey were noted in the field. The limits of each habitat-type were mapped utilizing a recent (2015) aerial photograph of the property (Figure 3). All plants and animals identified in association with the property are listed in Tables 4 and 5 at the end of this report. Plants were identified in situ, or based on characteristic floral parts collected and later examined in detail. Floral nomenclature used in this report follows Hickman (1993) and others. Plant communities, as designated by numerical code, follow Holland (1996, as amended). Wildlife observations were made opportunistically. Binoculars were used to aid in observations and all wildlife species detected were noted. Animal nomenclature used in this report is taken from Stebbins (1985) for reptiles and amphibians, American Ornithologist's Union (1983, as updated) for birds, and Jones, et. al (1992) for mammals. Results (Quantification of Existing Conditions) The Yada Family Trust Subdivision Project site currently consists of one single-family residence located at the northern corner of the property and fallow agricultural land supporting weedy vegetation. The project site slopes gently to the southwest, and elevations onsite range between approximately 162 feet MSL and 198 feet MSL. The soil type found onsite includes Carlsbad gravelly loamy sand (CbC) on slopes between 5 and 9 percent. This soil-type is not known to support significant populations of narrow endemics or other very rare plants or animals. The climate of Carlsbad is generally mild, with warm summers and cool, wet winters . 7 -• ... • ... • ... --- ----- • .. .. -- .. .. • ..... • - The Project is located in a developed part of the City of Carlsbad. Land uses on surrounding parcels include residential homes in all directions. All adjoining lands are under private ownership. No preserved lands or other public lands adjoin or are contiguous with the project site . Habitat TypesNegetation Communities The majority of the property supports recently fallow Agriculture. One small area mapped as Developed Habitat is also present onsite. Figures 4 present the results of this mapping on a recent (2015) aerial photograph, Figure 6 presents and on the site's preliminary grading plan, respectively . Agriculture (Holland Code 18000) Approximately 3.7 acres of inactive Agriculture (AG) is found onsite. This habitat-type is currently dominated by weedy specimens such as Common Horseweed (Conyza canadensis), Wild Lettuce (Lactuca serriola), Cheeseweed (Malva parviflora), and numerous other urban weeds. The onsite AG also includes several greenhouses and a small agricultural out building. Active agriculture has been present on the site since as early as the 1930s and as recently as 2014. The biological resource value of the AG on this site is low. The site may have same value for raptor foraging but its small size and adjacency to development has resulted in a reduction in habitat value. Developed Habitat (Holland Code 12000) Approximately 0.4 acre of Developed Habitat (DH) is found on the northern corner of the subject property. This area consists of one existing, single family residence, residential landscaping (oleander, etc.), and development (fences and driveway). The biological resource value of the DH is low . Flora Twenty species of vascular plants were detected on the property. The plant species observed typify the diversity normally found on fallow AG lands and on disturbed/developed habitat areas in this part of Carlsbad. A complete list of the plants detected, listed alphabetically, can be found in Table 4, attached. This list would be expected to represent at least 80 percent of the naturalized plants occurring on this site. The ornamental plants surrounding the adjacent homes were not inventoried and are not included in Table 4 . 8 -- • • -• .. • .. ----... --• • .. -------• .. • -• Fauna Six species of animals were observed using the project site. These are all common species, abundant in the site's general vicinity. Animals observed onsite are listed in Table 4, attached. This list is generally representative of the native fauna that resides onsite, although many additional species are anticipated. In particular, the invertebrate fauna of this site is anticipated to consist of dozens of additional species, all common to the area . Sensitive Plant Species No sensitive plant species were observed on the property during the field surveys. Sensitive plants are those listed as "Rare", "Endangered", "Threatened", "of Special Concern", or otherwise considered noteworthy by the City of Carlsbad, the County of San Diego, the CDFW, the USFWS, the CNPS, or other conservation agencies, organizations, or local botanists. Given the highly disturbed and developed nature of the site, sensitive plants are not anticipated. Sensitive Animal Species One sensitive animal species was observed on the project site during the field surveys. This is Red- shouldered Hawk, a locally-common raptor. Sensitive animals are those listed as "Rare", "En- dangered", ''Threatened", "of Special Concern" or otherwise noteworthy by the CDFG, the USFWS, the National Audubon Society, the County of San Diego, or other conservation agencies, organiza- tions, or local zoologists . Red-shouldered Hawk I Buteo lineatus Listing: "Blue List" {1988) "Sensitive Bird" {County of San Diego, 1996) State status: "Fully Protected" {CDFG Code Sections 3511, 4700, 5050 & 5515) Federal status: Protected Raptor {16 U.S.C. 668-668d, 54 Stat. 250), as amended Distribution: Southeastern Canada to California and Mexico. Habitat(s): Roosts and nests in a variety of woodland habitats. Eucalyptus woodlands, oak groves, open riparian forests, related broken wooded areas. Status onsite: A single specimen was observed perched on an abandoned greenhouse during the field survey. Nesting habitat is not present. Comments: Population numbers of this species in Southern California seem to have changed little over the last century, although other areas within the species' range have experienced significant population declines . 9 .. -• - .. • • - --- -• • - • -- • -- Wetlands/Jurisdictional Waters The property supports no jurisdictional wetlands or ''waters", being more-or less flat with a gentle slope to the southwest. No drainages cross the property. Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors The property does not support any local or regional wildlife corridors. The nearest area containing a potential wildlife corridor is located to the northwest at Buena Vista Lagoon. This area is separated from the project site by about 3,500 feet of intense residential development. Applicable Regulations Development of the Project is subject to discretionary environmental review in compliance with the City's Habitat Management Plan (HMP), CEQA, the FESA, CESA, and other applicable environmental regulations. The purpose of this review is to ensure that the project will not result in significant, adverse, unmitigated impacts to the environment. In this case, it applies specifically to endangered species, protected habitats, wetlands, and other sensitive biological resources. PROJECT EFFECTS Anticipated impacts to habitats were calculated by determining the acreage of each habitat-type affected by the site development, including grading, road and home construction, landscaping, any required fire clearing, and other improvements. These are summarized below in Table 1. This analysis assumes full site development, as shown on Figure 6. Measurable impacts would result from the development of the property. Direct impacts result from the removal of habitat, plants, and animals from the site through grading and brushing, clearing, or thinning for fire protection purposes, etc. These direct impacts are considered permanent because they result in a conversion of habitats to landscaped areas, structures, roads, etc. Indirect impacts also affect plants, animals, and habitats that occur on or near a project site. These are not the direct result of grading or development, but are the result of changes in land use as a by-product of adjacency. Examples of indirect impacts include the introduction of exotic species, human or pet intrusions into natural areas, lighting, traffic, and noise. Indirect impacts are often called "edge effects" . 10 - • -• -• -• • ----- - • - --• • -- Species Impacts One sensitive species was detected on the project site: Red-shouldered Hawk. All resident sensitive species, as well as non-sensitive species, would be directly and indirectly impacted within the project footprint. As mentioned, direct impacts result from the actual removal of plants and animals from the site as a product of the removal of their habitat. Indirect impacts would primarily consist of edge effects impacting natural areas onsite and adjoining offsite areas that are utilized by the resident plant and animal species. Impacts to Wildlife Corridors, Linkages and Nursery Sites The project will have no significant adverse impacts to wildlife corridors, linkages, or nursery sites. As described above, the property does not support any local or regional wildlife corridors/linkages. It also does not support any nursery sites. Table 1. Habitat Impacts Habitat-type Existing Impacted Preserved Acres Acres Acres Agriculture 3.7 3.7 none Developed Habitat 0.4 0.4 none Total 4.1 4.1 none MITIGATION MEASURES Mitigation Measures/Design Considerations for Habitat Impacts Mitigation for impacts to 3.7-acres of AG will be provided by paying a per-acre in lieu mitigation fee. The 2004 Implementing Agreement signed by the City of Carlsbad, The California Department of Fish and Game, and The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends that a mitigation fee be collected, estimated (at the time of signatures) to be $790 per acre. This would require the project 11 -• .. • -• .. • • - -- - -.. • -• .. --• • • .. • -• to pay a fee of approximately $2,923 to the City of Carlsbad for impacts to AG. Note that a final, current mitigation fee will be determined by the Carlsbad City Council. Mitigation measures for Impacts to existing developed areas onsite are not required . Impacts to migratory birds and the destruction of active migratory bird nests and/or eggs will be prevented by the implementation of seasonal restrictions on the removal of potential nesting areas (trees and shrubs) in conjunction with site build-out. Mitigation Measures/Design Considerations for Special Status Species Impacts Impacts to Special Status Species shall be mitigated for through the city of Carlsbad's Mitigation Fee program. Cumulative impacts, from a regional perspective, could be significant in the absence of cumulatively-adequate mitigation. However, the project provides cumulatively-adequate mitigation by participating in the City of Carlsbad's Mitigation Fee program which allocates funds to other preserve programs. Because the project site is known to support avifauna, no habitat removal or construction noises in excess of 60 decibels will be permitted during the avian breeding season, which is generally defined as from January to the beginning of September. The purpose of this is to avoid impacts to avian nesting success. This restriction may be waived if directed avian nesting surveys are conducted on all areas within 300 feet of the proposed activity. The results of the surveys should be provided in a report to the City of Carlsbad for concurrence with the conclusions and recommendations . Table 2. Habitat Impacts and Mitigation Requirements Habitat-type Existing Impacted Mitigation Mitigation Acres Acres Required1 Provided Agriculture 3.7 3.7 -790/ acre fee payment mitigation fee Developed Habitat 0.4 0.4 none none 1 No specific mitigation is required other than the payment of a developer Mitigation Fee as determined by the City. Per the City's HMP, "Mitigation for habitat in this group which is not conserved or mitigated onsite shall pay a per-acre in lieu mitigation fee in an amount to be determined by the Carlsbad City Council" . 12 .. .. - - • -- - - .. - ---... • .. .. • - SUMMARY OF PROJECT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION As presented in Table 2 below, site development will result in the following project impacts: 1. 3.7 acres of AG 2. 0.4 acres of Developed 3. Habitat for Red-shouldered Hawk and other resident species Mitigation for project impacts shall consist of the following: 1. Impacts to 3.7-acres of AG will be mitigated for by a paying a per-acre in lieu Mitigation Fee, the exact amount to be determined by the City of Carlsbad. 2. Seasonal restrictions on grading, clearing, modifiCation, and noise-generating construction activities. Said restrictions may be waived upon completion of a preconstruction breeding survey of all areas within a 300 foot distance of the proposed activities, assuming that no active nests are detected. 13 ... • -• • .. ... ------• • .. -• -• -• - • • • Bibliography Burt, W.H. and R.P. Grossenheider. A field guide to the mammals. Houghton-Mifflin Company, 1966. 289p. California Department of Fish and Game. 1990. Designated endangered or rare plants. Summary list from Section 1904, Fish and Game Code, State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento. California Department of Fish and Game. 1990. Endangered, rare or threatened animals of California. Summary list from Section 1904, Fish and Game Code, State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento . Holland, R.F. 1996. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California. State of California, Nongame-Heritage Program. 156p (amended). Jameson, E.W., and H.J. Peeters. 1988. California Mammals. California Natural History Guides: 52. Univ. Calif. Press, Berkeley, CA. Munz, P.A. 197 4. A flora of Southern California. University of California Press. Berkeley. 1 086p. Peterson, R.T. 1966, A field guide to western birds. Houghton-Mifflin Company, 1966. 366p . Raven, P.H., Thompson, H.J., and B.A. Prigge. 1986. Flora of the Santa Monica Mountains, California. Southern California Botanists, Special Publication No.2., Los Angeles. 181p . San Diego Herpetological Society. 1988. Survey and status of endangered and threatened species of reptiles natively occurring in San Diego County. San Diego County Fish and Wildlife Committee (Unpublished) 24p . Smith, J.P. and K. Berg. 1988. Inventory of rare and endangered vascular plants of California. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. 168p . Scheidt, V. 1980. Status of the amphibians of San Diego County. San Diego County Fish and Wildlife Committee (Unpublished). 36p . Stebbins, R.C. 1985. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 336p Tate, J.A. 1986. The blue list for 1986. American Birds 40 (2); 227-235. 14 -- • ... -- -• .. • • - --.... ... • • .. • • • • -• • LIST OF PREPARERS AND PERSONS/ORGANIZATIONS CONTACTED Certified Biological Consultant ~~-BrandonD~s Associate Biologist 15 D • Figure 4. Biological Resources on Recent Aerial Photo-Yada Family Trust Subdivision Project = Agriculture = Developed Habitat =Red-shouldered Hawk 16 ... .. .. •· .. .. .. No Scale I I I t I I I I I I ~ , IS 0 , -~ 7 'tO !ICiti.L; 1 -- ) I I fl • i: • • j I I t I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Figure 5. Preliminary Grading Plan -Yada Family Trust Subdivision Project CONCEPTIUALLOTSTUDY I I I I I L __ r~--- 1 I I I I I I I YADA FAMILY TRUST 1835 BUENA VISTA WAY CARLSBAD, CA. 92(}(}8 PROJECT DATA M1 OFUII!t -~,..,...lltW ,_.,. --_ ........ --........... 1:8-~"'~ t~r~ 14 401P'IIMI. (U ~.I~ ,._,_..,(allt-¥'1M1,1'~ I..!DIJU . .wti.DT!&l£) CAtft~tDI!WTY~41JU/AC) ..,.,.,. .. .. •!Mr-4.!4AC'~) ~ .. aN UO!l'Sf.- A.f.SESSOR'S PARCEl-NVMBER: $0URCE OF roPO<.;RAPifY: ~r atrAiillm MeW N a"' 17 o.-.c .YaTES: ~1111U'.(.'t)WIIII:Zitlt:IS .... (W., ~ .., •• y~ () _,~.Y(Ift'J @ ,__,_....., I?Jt~,...... ....... ~~ --·--- CML!&fe, CA. 111001-......,. {MO) Ul-1100 I I Figure 6. Biological Resources and Limits of Impact/Work on Preliminary Grading Plan -Yada Subdivision Project ~ JO ,, , q -' ,r lltAl&l •• - CONCEPTUAL LOT STUDY I I I I I L __ _CT14-041 I YADA FAMILY TRUST 1835 BUENA VJSTA WAY CARLSBAD, CA. 92()()8 PROJC(TDATA .O.tl'tOI'I> -.,..o11LW~., __ ...... _ ......... t ....... --... ~ ,.,..,ICIV!I" illt4[1M11r ... ..., ,.I/IW1llltll.lle(U......,....,..t l:lf5"~ .... ,_._(0#_,.,. .. ~ ....,!Uiil/llt tMR J .. f\~I/JIJ18,. .. >41 tiU/<J ....... .. .,..__, 4.UC~ :' ,,..., ... u. .. A'\SI:.\.0iOR'S ,.,MU Tl. ,\ VMIICR: SOt!RfT OF MPOGRM"fl) ~ • ......,.,_,.,..,On"(JT~ .... 'OTTS. ~.,..,..CGtr~--.(W'tiJ () 41Dfl'tT •r~ 0 ..,,.,,.,.., @-- \ ! I D =Agriculture D = Developed Habitat = Red-shouldered Hawk l+A,~:~ ....... ~\~ ----- ~CA.~ ... ., (f'IIO'Jt.ll .... tp.jl 'II'~ IIIII .... ,. , .. • .. --• ------------·---------.. Table 4. Flora and Fauna Detected -Yada Family Trust Subdivision Project Scientific Name Plants Amaranthus a/bus * Atriplex semibaccata * Baccharis glutinosa Bromus diandrus * Chamaesyce maculata * Chenopodium mura/e * Conyza canadensis * Cynodon dactylon * Ehrharta calycina * Erodium cicutarium * Lactuca serriola * Malva parviflora * Meli/otus officina/is Nerium oleander * Po/ygonum arenastrum * Rubus ursinus Sa/so/a pestifer * Sisymbrium irio * Sonchus oleraceus * Tribulus terrestris * Birds Buteo lineatus Carduelis psaltria Corvus brachyrhynchos Dendroica coronata Zenaida macroura Mammals Thomomys bottae Common Name White Tumbleweed Australian Saltbush Mule Fat Ripgut Brome Spotted Spurge Goosefoot Common Horseweed Bermuda Grass Veldt Grass Red-stem Stork's-bill Wild Lettuce Cheeseweed Yellow Sweet Clover Oleander Yard Knotweed California Blackberry Russian Thistle London Rocket Sow Thistle Puncture Vine Red-shouldered Hawk Lesser Goldfinch Common Crow Audubon's Warbler Mourning Dove Valley Pocket Gopher 19