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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3190; Rancho Sante Fe Road Alignment; Rancho Sante Fe Road Alignment; 2000-11-010 fei BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORT AND INPACT ANALYSIS RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD REALIGNMENT AND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA Prepared for: CITY OF CARLSBAD ENGINEERING DEPARTNENT 2075 Las Palmas Court Carisbad, California 92009 Contact: Douglas Helming (760) 4S1-5999 P fe Prepared by: DUDEK &ASSOCIATES A California Corporation 605 Third Street Encinitas, California 92024 Contact: Sherri L. Miller (760) 94Z-5147 NOVEMBER 2000 P P fe Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page p p PI fe SUMMARY OF FINDINGS iv 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Proposed Project 1 2.0 METHODOLOGY 6 2.1 Literature Review 6 2.2 Field Reconnaissance 6 2.2.1 Resource Mapping 8 2.2.2 Wetlands Delineation 8 2.2.3 Flora 9 2.2.4 Fauna 9 2.2.5 Sensitive Biological Resources 10 2.3 Regulatory Jurisdiction 13 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS 15 3.1 Site Description 15 3.2 Plant Communities 17 3.2.1 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub 17 3.2.2 Coyote Brush Scrub 21 3.2.3 Valley Needlegrass Grassland 21 3.2.4 Southern Mixed Chaparral 22 3.2.5 Southern Willow Scrub 22 3.2.6 Freshwater Marsh 23 3.2.7 Disturbed Wetlands 23 3.2.8 Annual (Non-native) Grassland 24 3.2.9 Eucalyptus Woodland 24 3.2.10 Disturbed Habitat 24 3.2.11 Developed 25 3.3 Floral Diversity 25 DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 p<tfa.i,ma-am«i-omfU.p«a>a. Novembcr 16, 2000 P ''km p p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Repiacement Project p p p p p p fe TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTiNUED) Section Page 3.4 WildUfe Habitats 25 3.4.1 Shrublands 25 3.4.2 Riparian Habitat 26 3.4.3 Annual (Non-native) Grassiand/Ruderal 26 3.4.4 Eucalyptus Woodland 27 3.4.5 Disturbed Habitat 27 3.5 Sensitive Biological Resources 27 3.5.1 Sensitive Plant Species 29 3.5.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species 33 3.5.3 Sensitive Habitats 43 4.0 IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 44 4.1 Explanation of Findings of Significance 44 4.2 Assessment of Impacts to Plant Communities 44 4.2.1 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub and Coyote Brush Scrub 46 4.2.2 Southern Mixed Chaparral 46 4.2.3 Valley Needlegrass Grassland 46 4.2.4 Wetland/Riparian Habitats 47 4.2.5 Armual (Non-native) Grassland 48 4.2.6 Eucalyptus Woodland 48 4.2.7 Disturbed Habitat / Developed Land 48 4.3 Assessment of Impacts to Sensitive Plant Species 49 4.4 Assessment of Impacts to Sensitive Wildlife Species 49 4.5 Assessment of Impacts to Local and Regional Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages 50 5.0 MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS 51 6.0 ACKNOVVLEDGMENTS 51 7.0 LITERATURE CITED 51 DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, mc. 1576-13 Fy.ft_bMii^f>rc<m>iaPn4ic<. November 16, 2000 IP Biological Resources Report & impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project TABLE OF CONTENTS {CONTiNUED) Paqe LIST OF APPENDICES A. Vascular Plant Species Observed in the Project Area B. Wildlife Species Observed or Detected in the Project Area C. List of Endangered, Threatened or Proposed for Listing Species in the Project Area D. Sensitive Plant Species Reported from the General Area but Not Documented Onsite E. Sensitive Wildlife Species Reported from the General Area but Not Documented Onsite F. Species Sensitivity Categories G. Pacific Pocket Mouse Assessment H. Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Survey LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Regional Location Map 2 Figure 2 Vicinity Map 3 Figure 3a Project Locarion in MHCP Biological Resources Context 18 Figure 3b Legend for Figure 3a 19 Biological Resources and Wetland Delineation Map with Proposed Limits of Grading Map pocket LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Survey Dates and Conditions 7 Plant Community or Land Cover Acreages 20 Endangered, Threatened, Proposed and Sensitive Species That May Occur in the Project Vicinity 28 Proposed Impacts by Plant Conmiunity 45 m DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC I -Pn>fb.<Hii>Nwf<>>c»i>i4crPt<>«_(. November 16,2000 1576-13 Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis fe Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project SUIUIMARY OF FINDINGS Biological surveys of the Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project Area of Potential Effect (APE) were conducted by Dudek & Associates, Inc. (DUDEK), Sweetwater Environmental Biologists, Inc. (SEB) and Helix Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX) between 1990 and 2000. The biological surveys included vegetation mapping and general wildlife surveys as well as focused surveys to delineate wetlands, evaluate the presence of listed or proposed endangered or threatened species, including least Bell's vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, California gnatcatcher, Pacific pocket mouse, arroyo southwestern toad, quino checkerspot butterfly, San Diego thornmint, Nevin's barberry and thread-leaved brodiaea. Nearly all of the vegetation south of San Marcos Creek was burned in the fall 1996 Harmony Grove fire, whereas none of the vegetation north of the creek was burned. Post-burn vegetation mapping revealed a total of seven native plant communities and four other non-native land covers in the 138.3-acre APE, including: Diegan coastal sage scrub, southern mixed chaparral, disturbed coyote brush scrub, Valley needlegrass grassland, southern willow scrub, coastal and Valley freshwater marsh, disturbed wetland, eucalyptus woodland, ruderal/annual grassland, disturbed habitat and developed land. No species of plant listed or proposed for listing as threatened or endangered by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) or United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was detected in the APE, and as a resuh of the surveys none are believed to occur there. Three sensitive plant species were observed: spiny rush (Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii), California adolphia (Adolphia californica) and SanDiego goldenstar (Muilla clevelandii). One animal species listed as threatened by USFWS was determined to use habitat within the APE, California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). Other sensitive animal species which may use habitat vdthin the APE based on general and focused surveys include Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii), southern CaHfornia rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps), Bell's sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli belli), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), San Diego horned lizard {Phrynosoma coronatum), coastal western whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus), western spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus hammondi), red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber), coastal rosy boa (Lichanura trivirgata), two-striped garter snake {Thamnophis hammondii), northwestern San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax), Dulzura California pocket mouse {Chaetodipus californicus femoralis), San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) and desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida). m P p li p DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 iMtaiwi'iwijbrCni^iBFnfBa November 16, 2000 m P m Biological Resources Report & impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project The proposed project would resuh in the total permanent and direct impact of 83.1 acres including the following impacts to native habitats: 42.8 acres of coastal sage scrub, including coyote brush scrub, 5.4 acres of southern mixed chaparral, 0.1 acre of Valley needlegrass grassland, 0.44 acre of southern willow scrub and 0.27 acre of disturbed wetland. Additional temporary impacts would occur within the APE and affect the following habitats: 17.5 acres of coastal sage scrub, 1.5 acres of southern mixed chaparral, 0.8 acre of Valley needlegrass grassland and 0.97 acre of southern willow scrub. Proposed impacts to sensitive plant species include the complete loss of onsite populations of spiny rush, California adolphia and San Diego goldenstar. Proposed impacts to sensitive animal species include the loss of wildUfe habitat for the above-hsted sensitive species including the federally-listed threatened California gnatcatcher. Because of the project's conformance with the guideUnes of the Fieldstone Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) including restricting vegetation clearing during the breeding season, dedication of habitat credits, restoration of temporary impact areas and placement of the project outside of planned conservation areas, impacts to upland habitat, sensitive plant and animal species, and v^dlife Unkages and corridors are not considered to be significant. The project also includes avoidance and minimization of impacts to waters of the U.S., including wetlands, and mitigation for unavoidable impacts pursuant to permit requirements of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWOCB). Therefore, impacts to jurisdictional areas are not considered to be significant. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES. INC.] ——^^^—M f„fB.iomj-am«ifOm*i>^P'*tu November 16, 2000 1576-13 Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Repiacement Project * 1.0 INTRODUCTION P The City of Carlsbad proposes to reaUgn and widen Rancho Santa Fe Road from two lanes to an uhimate six lane Prime Arterial Roadway from approximately 100 feet south of the La Costa Avenue/Rancho Santa Fe Road intersecrion to approximately 100 feet north of the Melrose * Drive/Rancho Santa Fe Road intersection, including the bridge crossing of San Marcos Creek jpiR which would be completely replaced. The purpose of this Biological Resources Report and Impact Analysis is to describe the biological character of the area of potential effect (APE) for the proj ect in terms of vegetation, flora, wildUfe, ^ and wUdlife habitats; analyze the biological significance of the resources present in view of federal, state, and local regulations and poUcies; identify biological resources that may be constraints to the project; and identify mitigation measures that would avoid and/or minimize impacts to sensitive biological resources. 1.1 Proposed Project " Rancho Santa Fe Road would be widened and realigned from two lanes to an ultimate six lane ** prime arterial roadway from approximately 100 feet south of the La Costa Avenue/Rancho Santa m Fe Road intersection to approximately 100 feet north of the Melrose Drive/Rancho Santa Fe Road 1^ intersection. Figures 1 and 2 iUustrate the project site from a regional and local perspective. The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for the proposed project is iUustrated in Figure Z. Roadway Realignment ^ The proposed widening and realignment project is planned as required as a part of the City of Carisbad's General Plan and the 1992 EIR to upgrade Rancho Santa Fe Road to a Prime Arterial Roadway Designation. A Prime Arterial Roadway has a 126-foot right-of-way containing six travel lanes a bike lane, an 18-foot raised median, sidewaUcs, curb and gutter. * The northerly roadway approach for the new bridge(s) would be approximately 2,200 feet long " and include the reconstruction of the La Costa Meadows Drive/Rancho Santa Fe Road m intersection, and the reconstruction of approximately 300 feet of La Costa Meadows Drive east m of the intersection. The realigned Rancho Santa Fe Road would be constructed to the fuU width on the east side of the median, with sidewaUcs, curb and gutter, and street Ughts from the bridge to north of Melrose Drive. DUDEK .& ASSOCIATES, INCj — PniBMiamj-a^itram^PH*^ Novcmber 16, 2000 1576-13 P Orange County Camp Pmdleton Fallbrook Riverside County Oceansitle' o o Carlsbad O O •z- Vista San Marcos Dei Mar^ Rancho SantaFe Mira Mesa Valiey Center Escondido Rancho Bernardo / Poway Ramona r-8Miles La Jolla San Dlego. Coronado Imperial Beach Santee Lemon Grove National City Chula Vista Otay Mesa Tijuana Alpine •Mexico Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Realignment & Bridge Replacement - Biological Resources Report Regional Map FIGURE Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Realignment & Bridge Replacement - Biological Resources Report APE/Vicinity Map FIGURE Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis y Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Repiacement Project PI fe m The current alignment of Melrose Drive would be altered to accommodate the proposed widening of Rancho Santa Fe Road. The Melrose Drive/Rancho Santa Fe Road intersection would be moved approximately 400 feet to the north of the present intersection. Melrose Drive would be reaUgned from the Corintia Drive/Melrose Drive intersection where Mehose Drive would extend to the northwest to the reaUgned Melrose Drive/Rancho Santa Fe Road intersection. Corintia fe Drive would be extended east to cormect vwth the reaUgned MeUose Drive. * From La Costa Avenue northward, the reaUgned Rancho Santa Fe Road would consist of a 7,000- ** foot section meeting the new bridge at San Marcos Creek. The right-of-way for the section from fm La Costa Avenue to the bridge would be 126 feet. As shovm in the attached maps, the APE for ^ this section of the roadway includes disturbance associated with construction staging areas as well as removal of the existing Rancho Santa Fe Road within the vicinity of the new roadway. Bridge improvements ^ The bridge would consist of six lanes and an overaU 126-foot right-of-way. The span over San Marcos Creek would extend for approximately 375 feet and would range in height from 15 to 20 feet from the creek bottom to the bottom of the bridge. The bridge would be supported by manufactured fiU slopes at the northern and southern termini of the bridge. A total of twelve piers would support the bridge span. Each pier would be constructed by excavating a pit and using driven iron piers to form and cast each individual concrete pier. Following construction of the piers, the excavation area would be refilled and returned to original grade. Each pier would •* include 4'x6' columns and 12'xl2' footings. ^ Project Phasing * The project is divided into Phases 1 and 2 (see Figure 2). Phase 1 includes the reaUgned 7,000 foot m approach to the bridge from south of La Costa Avenue as weU as removal of the existing Rancho p Santa Fe Road. Phase II includes the proposed bridge replacement as weU as the 2,200 foot approach from Mekose Drive to approximately 600 feet south of the Questhaven/Rancho Santa " Fe Road intersection. P Project Construction Construction of the project is scheduled to begin ui 2001 fiscal year. Construction activities wiU begin with Phase 1 of the project. Construction of Phase 1 wUl take approximately eighteen in P DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. I ^^--i^^— Pn^imwii fc c«n»fa PB»a. November 16, 2000 1576-13 P r L Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Repiacement Project fe m k m fe months. Construcrion of the Phase II portion of the project wiU begin in 2001 or 2002 and wiU take approximately 18 months. In association with construction of Phases I and II, segments of the existing Rancho Santa Fe Road wiU be vacated. Figure Z Ulustrates the roadway removal that wUl occur during construction. Roadway vacation Ulustrated in Figure 2 kicludes removal of the existing bridge over San Marcos Creek. Project Conservation Design Elements The foUowing measures have been hicorporated into the proj ect to minimize impacts to biological resources: • The proposed project has been designed to avoid and minimize impacts to jurisdictional waters of the United States, including wetlands, wherever possible; however, impacts to southern wiUow scrub wetlands and unvegetated stream channel may be unavoidable. For impacts to jurisdicdonal areas, the project wUl include habitat creation, restoradon, enhancement or acquisition pursuant to permit requkements of the U.S. Army Corps of Engmeers (ACOE) and California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). It is expected that the foUov^mg ratios wiU apply for permanent impacts: for unvegetated stream channels, 1:1; for southern wUlow scrub, 3:1. Following demoUrion of the old bridge over San Marcos Creek, this area wiU be restored to support southern wUlow scrub habkat. FoUov^g temporary impacts necessary to construct the new bridge, pre- construction contours be restored and those areas that wUl support vegetation wUl be revegetated v^^th riparian plants. • For permanent knpacts to upland habkats, the City v\/iU purchase habitat credits for Phases I and II in conformance with the 1996 Fieldstone Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). • All native habitat subject to temporary impacts associated with construction stagmg and rock crushing wUl be restored foUowing construction activity. • AU construction debris wUl be confmed to the proposed staging areas and removed upon completion of the proposed project. Pi fe P M DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. I i^—• pnrftMinnt«»firCaii»igpn»a. November 16, 2000 1576-13 L. C P m Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project Vegetation removal that is needed to accompUsh the project wiU be conducted between 15 September and 15 February immediately prior to construction. This v^ eUminate potential knpacts to nestmg birds, including raptors. The existing bridge over San Marcos Creek wiU be demoHshed between 15 September and 15 February to avoid knpacts to nesting swallows. Prior to demoUtion, aU potentiaUy occurrmg bats and swaUows wUl be flushed from under the bridge by a quaUfied biologist. All work VTUI be conducted during the daytkne hours; rught lighting not be necessary. 2.0 METHODOLOGY 2.1 Literature Review Sensitive biological resources present or potenrially present in the APE were identified through a Uterature search using the foUowmg sources: The Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP)/North County Mukiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) data base; Fieldstone HCP; U.S. Fish and WUdUfe Service (1989,1991); CaUfornia Department of Fish and Game (1980, 1986^ 1987); CaUforrua Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants (Skkmer and PavUk 1994); and Murphy (1990). General mformation regarding wildUfe species present in the region was obtained from Unkt (1984) for bkds, Bond (1977) for mammals, Stebbkis (1985) for reptUes and amphibians, and Emmel and Emmel (1973) for butterfUes. This document combmes information presented in the Draft Biological Technical Report for the La Costa Oaks and Ridge Projects (HELIX 1999) and the Draft Biological Technical Report and Impact Analysis: Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project (DUDEK 1998). In general, the HEUX report contams information concernkig Phase I of the project and the DUDEK report is specific to Phase II. 2.2 Fieid Reconnaissance Numerous biological surveys were conducted within the proposed road reaUgnment area and adjacent development areas. These surveys were conducted by SEB, HELIX and DUDEK and DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1 i^—^^-i— PmfnriMii -n—»f°f ci.-»tB pnm™ Novcmbcr 16, 2000 1576-13 p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project p m fe UP fe began m 1990. Specific environmental conditions are available only for surveys conducted by DUDEK and are presented below {Table 1). TABLE 1. SURVEY DATES AND CONDITIONS Date Investigator Purpose Time Temperature (Fahrenheit) Wind Speed Cloud Cover 3/17/97 Ortega Artoyo Toad 2000-2200 60 Omph 0% 3/27/97 Ortega Arroyo Toad 1900-2230 62 Omph 80% 4/1/97 Ortega Anx)yo Toad 1900-2230 60 1 mph 100% 4/9/97 Wier Botanical/Genera) 1045-1400 63-75 0-3 mph 100%-0% 4/25/97 Hayworth Vireo/Flycatcher 0600-0930 54-58 0-1 mph 100% 5/11/97 Hayvtforth Vireo/Flycatcher 0600-0900 62-64 0-2 mph 100% 5/13/97 Thomas Wetlands delineation N/A N/A N/A N/A 5/18/97 Hayworth Vireo/Flycatcher 0530-0830 61-64 0-1 mph 100% 5/25/97 Hayworth Vireo/Flycatcher 0600-0930 63-65 1-3 mph 50% 6/1/97 Hayworth Vireo/Flycatcher 0530-0730 61-62 1-3 mph 100% 6/8/97 Hayworth Vireo/Flycatcher 0530-0730 63-64 0-1 mph 100% 6/9/97 Behrends Pacific pocket mouse 1930-0730 68 0-3 mph 100% 6/10/97 Behrends Pacific pocket mouse 1930-0730 68 0-3 mph 100% 6/11/97 Behrends Pacific pocket mouse 1930-0730 67 0-3 mph 100% 6/12/97 Behrends Pacific pocket mouse 1930-0730 65 0-3 mph 100% 6/13/97 Behrends Pacific pocket mouse 1930-0730 65 0-3 mph 100% 6/14/97 Hayworth Vireo/Flycatcher 0530-0730 59-61 0-1 mph 100% 6/28/97 Hayworth Vireo/Flycatcher 0530-0730 65 0-1 mph 100% 3/14/98 Hayworth Quino 0900-1500 64-71 2-6 mph 50% 3/21/98 Hayworth Quino 0900-1400 68-75 3-6 mph 0% 3/27/98 Hayworth/ Bloonfifield Quino 0900-1045 1415-1600 61-64 5-8 mph 100% 4/2/98 Hayworth Quino 0900-1500 64-67 0-4 mph 50% 4/6/98 Hayworth Quino 1000-1200 61 3-5 mph rain, conditions unacceptable 4/17/98 Hayworth Quino 0900-1600 63-75 1-6 mph 0% 4/18/98 BioonfTfield Quino 1215-1600 72-73 0-5 mph 0% 4/21/98 Bloomfield Quino 0830-1215 66-71 0-5 mph 0% 4/25/98 Bloomfield Quino 1300-1630 66-69 5 mph 50% 11/25/98 Miller Wetlands delineation N/A N/A N/A N/A 6/8/99 Joshi Rare plant/Quino 0900-1230 66-74 1-3 mph 40%-0% 1/25/00 Landers/Watsh Wetlands delineation 1300-1630 68-72 2-4 mph 20% 1/29/00 Walsh/Smith Vegetation mapping 1000-1300 67 0-5 mph 30% 1 2/VOO Walsh/Joshi Vegetation mapping 0900-1230 68-75 1-3 mph 0% fe p DUDEK ASSOCIATES, INC] ——i^^— rra/iiiin. ll ftr omfiB Prajiw November 16,2000 1576-13 m P m P P m fe P m fe P fe Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project 2.2.1 Resource Mapping Much of the APE bumed in October 1996 durkig the Harmony Grove fire. SEB and HELIX vegetation mapping surveys were conducted before the burn and only included portions of the Phase I area. Due to the recent burn, existing conditions are not representative of the cUmax vegetative condkions in the APE. For areas outside the SEB/HELIX study area, pre-fire vegetative conditions were determined uskig the MHCP vegetation map and a 400-scale (1"= 400') color aerial photograph flovm in April 1996. New mappmg {i.e., post-burn) of the project area was conducted by DUDEK for both phases of the aUgnment and is provided on a separate map (see map pocket). Plant communities/land covers identified during field recormaissance were mapped P on a topographic map of the APE at 200-scale (1"- 200'). The topographic map, provided by _ O'Day Consukants, was flown on January 27,1997 (San Lo Aerial Surveys). Plant community classifications used m this report follow HoUand (1986), wkh modifications to accommodate the lack of conformity of the observed communkies to those of HoUand. Locations of rare or sensitive plant and wUdUfe species also were mapped, and the numbers present were estunated. Ali ^ information recorded in the field was later digitized into an Autocad drawmg, and usmg ArcCad, converted mto a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) coverage. ^ 2.2.2 Wetlands Delineation ^ A jurisdictional determination and delinearion of areas of the APE that are under the jurisdiction of the CDFG as "wedands" pursuant to Section 1600-1603 of the CaUfornia Fish and Game Code |P and under the jurisdiction of the ACOE pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act as • "waters of the Unked States" mcluding wetlands was conducted by DUDEK and HELIX for the entire APE. ACOE wedands were determined and delineated in accordance with the Corps of 1 Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987). A wetland deUneation consists of the field idendfication of jurisdicdonal wetlands using the three criteria fm described in the ACOE manual: hydric soUs, hydrology and hydrophytic vegetation. A fe predommance of hydrophydc vegetadon, where associated with a stream channel, wUl be used to determine CDFG-regulated wetlands. Non-wetland waters of the U.S. were determined by walking the entire site and searchkig for any evidence of ordinary flow. The jurisdicdonal deUneation was done directly onto the topographic base map, digitized into an AutoCad drawmg and, using ArcCad, converted into a GIS coverage. The Phase I area was deUneated by HELIX biologists, W. Larry Sward and Peter Allen on September 2,1998. The Phase II area was deUneated by DUDEK biologist Jeff Thomas on May DUDEK 1576-13 & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1 pmiMij...! Tt™ t>r CPW»B PwjM Novcmbef 16, 2000 p MR P Biological Resources Report & impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Repiacement Project 13.1997. David Zoutendyk of the ACOE conducted a site visk of the Phase II area on November 25.1998, verbaUy confirming the wetlands deUneation. An additional visk was made by DUDEK biologists Paul Walsh and Mike Landers, m January 2000 to confirm wetlands mapping in the Phase II area ( see Tahle 1). fe 2.2.3 Flora A general biological resources and botanical survey of the APE for the Phase II area was conducted by DUDEK biologist Harold Wier on AprU 9,1997 (see Tahle 1 for detaUs). As part of the study of the La Costa Oaks and Ridge projects, HELIX conducted floral surveys of most of the Phase I area prior to 1999. Further studies were conducted by DUDEK biologists Sherri L. MUler; Anita M. Hayworth, PhD.; PhUUp R. Behrends, PhD; Jeff Thomas; Brock Ortega; Vipul R. Joshi; Darren S. Smith; Paul Walsh; and Mike Landers in 1997,1998,1999 and 2000. Subconsukant biologist Norris Bloomfield also assisted with fieldwork. Mr. Ortega conducted a focused survey for arroyo southwestern toad in 1997. Mr. Thomas performed a wetlands delineation m 1997; Ms. MiUer updated the wedands delineation in 1998. Ms. Hayworth conducted a focused survey for ieast BeU's vireo and southwestern wUlow flycatcher in 1997. Mr. Behrends conducted a focused survey for Pacific pocket mouse in 1997. Ms. Hayworth and Mr. Bloomfield conducted a focused survey for quino checkerspot butterfly in 1998. Mr. Joshi's 1999 study was intended to determine the presence of San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia) throughout both phases of the project. iMr. Walsh, Smith, Joshi and Landers mapped the Phase I area and checked 1997 mapping of the Phase II area according to field observations from January and February 2000. During aU visits, aU plant species encountered durmg the field survey were idendfied and recorded. Species that were not identified easUy m the field were brought into the laboratory for further exammation. Hickman (1993) and Beauchamp (1986) were used for these plant identifications. Scientific nomenclature and common names of plants used in this report foUow Hickman (1993). Where not Usted m Hickman, common names are taken from Beauchamp (1986) or Abrams (1923). A complete Ust of the plant species observed by DUDEK and HELIX wkhin the APE and surrounding area is presented in Appendix A. 2.2.4 Fauna WUdlife species observed or detected during field surveys by binocular-aided sight, live-trapping (rodents), caUs, tracks, scat, or other signs were recorded. In addition to species actually observed, this report discusses expected sensitive v^dUfe use of the area based on knowledge of habitat preferences and species distributions in the area. General observations concerning wildUfe species DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INCj — Fn«wi».iikHf<>>c..4>ic.FMM. November 16, 2000 1576-13 P p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis ^ Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project p fe p fe withki the Phase I area is largely taken from the SEB and HELIX studies. A complete Ust of wUdUf e species observed or detected by HELIX and DUDEK within the APE and surroundmg area fe P ll is presented in Appendix B. ^ Scientific nomenclature and common names for vertebrate species referred to m this report follow fc" Stebbins (1985) for reptUes and amphibians, American Ornithologists' Union (1983, 1989) for birds, and Jones et al. (1997) for mammals. Scientific nomenclature and common names for butterflies foUow Emmel and Emmel (1973). P — 2.2.5 Sensitive Biological Resources mm Sensitive biological resources are those defined as foUows: (1) species that have been given special ^ recogrution by official federal, state, or local conservation agencies mcluding the USFWS and ^ CDFG due to limked, decUning, or threatened population sizes; and (2) habitat areas or plant — communities that are unique, are of relatively limked distribution, are of particular value to ^ wildUfe, or support sensitive species. ^ During the field surveys, a special effort was made to identify those areas suspected to support sensitive resources. Because of the wUdfire in the faU of 1996, not all senskive plant species ^ potendally occurring within the APE would have been detectable in the study area. Conversely, some senskive armual species are early succession "fire-foUowers" that are far easier to detect immediately after a fire or other disturbance. The Carisbad HMP/North County MHCP data — base was consulted to supplement information on sensitive plant species. In addition SEB and HELIX conducted surveys prior to the burn in the Phase I area; this informadon is presented below along with those surveys conducted by DUDEK. Focused surveys were conducted for the foUowing Usted plant and wildUfe species: the federaUy- ^ listed endangered arroyo southwestern toad {Bufo microscaphus californicus); the federaUy Usted ^ endangered Pacific pocket mouse {Perognathus longimemhrispacificus); the federaUy- and state-listed endangered least BeU's vireo {Vireo bellii pusillus); the federally- and state-Usted endangered * southwestern wUlow flycatcher {Empidonax traillii extimus); the federally-Usted threatened CaUfornia gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica); the federally-Hsted endangered quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino); and the federaUy-listed threatened and state- Usted endangered San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia). Survey dates and conditions are presented in Table 1. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 f>.c-«i«iv4<« November 16, 2000 10 Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project Arroyo Southwestern Toad A focused nocturnal survey for the arroyo southwestern toad was conducted by DUDEK biologist Brock Ortega along San Marcos Creek m conformance with USFWS survey protocol (March 7, 1995). The creek area was surveyed on three occasions under appropriate weather and moon conditions (see Tahle 1). The survey consisted of waUdng along the creek, stopping frequently, while Ustenmg for the arroyo southwestern toad's diagnostic trUl. Pacific Pocket Mouse A Uve-trapping program for the Pacific pocket mouse was conducted by DUDEK biologist PhUip Behrends, Ph.D. in June 1997 in an area south of Questhaven Road and on the west side of Rancho Santa Fe Road. The resuks of the survey are attached as Appendix G to this report. The survey was conducted in conformance with USFWS protocol and kivolved trappmg over five consecutive nights under appropriate weather condkions (see Table 1). Based on a walkover habkat assessment conducted m the Phase II portion by DUDEK and in the Phase I portion by HELIX, the remainder of the APE was deterrruned to be unsukable for the pocket mouse and was not trapped. Least Bell's Vireo Focused surveys were conducted by DUDEK biologist Anita Hayworth, Ph.D. along San Marcos Creek for the least BeU's vkeo in conformance with currently accepted USFWS and Scientific Review Panel protocol. Eight ske visks were conducted m aU areas of native vegetadon along the creek withm the APE (see Tahle 1). This area was waUced slowly as the mvestigator Ustened for vireo caUs. Binoculars (10 x 50) were used to aid m idendfication of birds. Weather condkions were appropriate for vireo surveys. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Focused surveys were conducted by Dr. Hayworth along San Marcos Creek for the southwestern v^ow flycatcher m conformance with the currently accepted USFWS protocol (Sogge etal.l997) {see Table 1). Although this protocol states that a mimmum of three survey visks is acceptable for a wiUow flycatcher survey, the surveys for the least BeU's vireo, which require eight visks, were bemg conducted concurrently. Therefore, eight site visks also were conducted for the flycatcher. P k DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 Pn.fr.twi'iin.f.rcwi.iaiW"^ Novembcr 16, 2000 m fe b P P Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project California Gnatcatcher Surveys for the federaUy-Usted threatened Califomia gnatcatcher {Polioptila californica) began in the southem Phase I sections of the APE m 1991, before a USFWS protocol was avaUable. Accordmg to the HELIX report (1999), "surveys were conducted durmg the morning before 11:00 AM at a rate of 25 acres per person-hour." CaUfornia gnatcatchers were banded m this area by SEB biologists m August and September 1991. Banded mdividuals were monkored to determme dispersal patterns. Within the Phase II section, after the burn, the lack of sukable habitat precluded a focused survey for the CaUfornia gnatcatcher using USFWS protocol; i.e., three site visks uskig tape playback. The 1996 fire burned almost aU of the coastal sage scrub habkat in the project area. The smaU amount of remaining unburned coastal sage scrub and chaparral ki the northern section of the project is adjacent to San Marcos Creek. If the gnatcatcher was present ki the northern section of the APE, it would have been detected during the eight site visits for the vireo and flycatcher. Quino Checkerspot Butterfly The Phase I portion of the project was surveyed for the federaUy-Usted endangered quino checkerspot (QCB) in 1998 and foUowed the 1998 USFWS kiterun survey protocol. Surveys were conducted in the Phase I area again m 1999, based on the 1999 USFWS survey protocol. Both surveys consisted of weekly visits of the site during the USFWS prescribed fUght season and mappkig of the presence of two larval foodplants: dwarf plantain (Plantago erecta) and owl's clover (Castilleja exserta) and other QCB habitat components. A QCB survey was conducted by DUDEK for the Phase II area of the Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project during March and April 1998. The areas surveyed included all suitable habkat {e.g, host plant areas, nectar plant areas, hiUtops, ridgelines, native or sparsely vegetated areas) within the AFE. Simultaneous with the QCB survey, DUDEK prepared a habkat assessment of the project site for host plants and other suitable habitat conditions. The entire project areas (Phases I and II) was surveyed agam in June 1999 by DUDEK to deternune the presence/absence of appropriate QCB habitat condkions. A copy of the 1998 survey report and 1999 habitat assessment are attached as Appendix H to this report. The USFWS 2000 protocol survey for qumo checkerspot places the location of this project outside ^ of the "survey areas" for the species. In effect, this deternunation states that potential for ^ occurrence of this species on the project site is very low. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, mc. 1576-13 Pro»»i<»inwf»c«M>b.i>>4«<. November 16, 2000 12 p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Repiacement Project San Diego Thornmint A focused presence/absence survey for San Diego thornmint was conducted by DUDEK in June 1999. This survey was conducted sknukaneously with a OCB habkat assessment and was conducted for the entire project study area (Phases I and II). The search consisted of walkmg over the site v^th special attention given to soU type and variation. 2.3 Regulatory Jurisdiction The foUowmg section discusses the regulatory jurisdicdon over the various biological resources present within the APE. The resource agencies Usted below may approve or deny the proposed ^ project based on the projects adherence to the guideUnes specified below specific to the resource ^ for which they take jurisdiction. • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Under Secdon 404 of the Clean Water Act, the ACOE has regulatory authority over the discharge ^ of dredged or fiU materials mto the waters of the Unked States (1344 USC). The term "waters *• of the United States" is defmed at 33 CFR Part 328 and includes: (1) aU navigable waters ^ (including aU waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide); (2) aU interstate waters and wetlands; (3) aU other waters such as intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (kicluding intermittent streams), mudflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds, the use, degradation or destruction ofwhich could affect interstate or foreign commerce; ^ (4) aU impoundments of waters mentioned above; (5) aU tributaries to waters mentioned above; (6) the territorial seas; and (7) aU wetlands adjacent to waters mentioned above. p Under this jurisdiction and in the absence of wetlands, the limits of ACOE jurisdiction in non- *• tidal waters, such as mtermittent streams, extend to the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) il which is defmed at 33 CFR 328.3(e) as: ^ "... that line on the shore established by the fluctuation of water and indicated by * physical characteristics such as clear, natural line impressed on the bank, shelving, m changes in the character of soil, destmction of terrestrial vegetation, the presence of M litter and debris, or other appropriate means that consider the characteristics of the surrounding areas." m P fe 1576-13 DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC I —^ rtWb*«iii«*>'C«»u.pr*d. November 16, 2000 p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Repiacement Project Wetlands are defined at 33 CFR 328.3(b) as Ihose areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support — a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions." Permit Process A project proponent may pursue approval from ACOE to conduct restricted activities within waters of the U.S. via two avenues: the Nationwide Permk process or the Individuai Permit process. Each Nadonwide Permit contams provisions for the type of activity which is aUowed withm a specified type/acreage of waters of the U.S. given specific restrictions. If a project's impacts or location do not aUow k to quaUfy for a nationwide permit, an individual permit appUcation can be submitted to the ACOE. 4 California Department of Fish and Game The CDFG regulates aherations of "streambeds" through a development of a Streambed Alteration Agreement pursuant to Division 2, Chapter 6, Sections 1600-1603 of the CaUfornia Department of Fish and Game Code. An Agreement is required whenever a project would "divert, obstruct or change the natural flow or bed, channel or bank of any river, stream or lake designated by the Department." The breadth of areas subject to regulation by the Department under Section 1600 are less clearly defined than those regulated by the ACOE; however, in general, the policies are fairly consistent, k is clear that aU rivers, streams, lakes and streambeds which may exhibk "mtermktent flows of water" are covered by the CaUforrua statutes. Section 1600 ef. se£j. does not extend to isolated wetlands and waters such as smaU ponds not located on a dramage course, wet meadows, vernal pools, or tenajas as does federal jurisdicdon. Further, CDFG jurisdiction does not extend over ddai waters. However, Section 1600 et. seq. jurisdiction extends over aU riparian habkat fe supported by a river, stream, or lake regardless of the riparian area's federal wetland status. UnUke the ACOE process, the Streambed Alteradon Agreement is not a discretionary perixut, but rather anAgreement developed between the Department and an appUcant for an agreement. The Agreement may be conditioned by the Department v^th nutigation, impact reduction or avoidance measures. These measures are subject to acceptance by the appUcant or may be countered with akemative measures. If an Agreement carmot be reached between the P Department and the appUcant, a formal arbitration process is avaUable. fe m P m fe DUDEK 1576-13 SL ASSOOATES, INC.] —-^-i'^^"'••^^^^^^"^'•^^^^^^^^ p„4k.riMin«.f.r(w«n>4-» November 16, 2000 '•^ p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis ^ Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project ^ In addition, the CaUfornia Department of Fish and Game regulates non-wetland riparian areas p which support riparian vegetation but faU the necessary crkeria of soUs or hydrology which are ^ required to be considered a wetland under the ACOE jurisdiction. In some mstances, these faU under areas regulated by the ACOE as non-wetland waters. m *• • Fieldstone/City of Carisbad HCP p fe The United States Fish and WUdUfe Service (USFWS) generaUy reviews proj ects that would affect federally-Usted plants or animals and ki some instance habkats. For this project the USFWS has ^ approved a Habkat Conservation Plan (HCP) proposed by the City of Carisbad, m association ^ with Fieldstone/La Costa Associates, that covers 1,940.2 acres of land m southeast Carlsbad ^ mcluding the entire APE of this project. The HCP provides conservadon and nutigation requkements that comply with the California Natural Commuruties Conservation Plan (NCCP). The NCCP is a state-wide habitat conservation program akned at planrung future development «- so as to preserve threatened habitats and species. The HCP provides for management of up to to 885.1 acres of coastal sage scrub and other habitats that wUl "support viable populations of indigenous plants and anknals and mamtain the Unk between the City's natural communldes and ^ the larger regional ecosystem." Impacts to upland habitats associated with the reaUgnment and *" expansion of Rancho Santa Fe Road as weU as a bridge replacement over San Marcos Creek were p» addressed as a part of the HCP. Based on a review of the HCP, k appears that the knprovements ^ associated with the proposed road alignment and bridge replacement are located outside of the areas proposed to be "conserved habkat" as a part of the HCP. Therefore, Unpacts to upland ^ habitats, sensitive plants and animal species can be addressed through the project's conformance v^th the HCP. 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS m fe 3.1 Site Description m fe m P fe The total APE is a 138-acre area located in the eastern portion of the City of Carisbad and the western portion of the City of San Marcos, approximately one mUe southwest of Lake San Marcos {Figure 1). Rancho Santa Fe Road defines the jurisdictional boundary between Carisbad and San Marcos {Figure Z). Topography within the APE is relatively level ki the northern section. The APE, m the area of Ouesthaven Road, is characterized by a northeast-facmg slope. In the Phase I area topography varies and contains steep canyon slopes as weU as flat areas. The project DUDEK 1576-13 ,& ASSOCIATES, INC. I —^^^^ ~ n,4bitHii'b»f>rc«f)c> November 16,2000 '••^ Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Repiacement Project * area m the north drams mto San Marcos Creek. Elevation of the APE ranges from approximately m 320 to 580 feet above mean sea level (amsl) (USGS 1983). The APE is bounded by larger hUls that to range ki elevation from 700 feet to 1,400 feet amsl. m P m P P P p m Existing land uses ki the inmaediate vickuty of the APE include residential development west of existmg Rancho Santa Fe Road m the southern portion of the APE and north of San Marcos Creek, vacant land west of existkig Rancho Santa Fe Road in associadon v^th San Marcos Creek and east of the road from La Costa Avenue to Questhaven Road and an industrial park on the eastern side of Rancho Santa Fe Road north of Questhaven Road. The actual site of the project is located entkely withki paved roadways and vacant land includmg portions outside of the APE between existkig Rancho Santa Fe Road and the proposed realigrunent area. Rancho Santa Fe Road currently is a two-lane conventional highway with an asphalt berm on the west side and a combination of asphalt berm and concrete curb on the east side. A truck bypass route creates a three-lane paved road with asphalt berm on both sides in uphiU areas of the APE. San Marcos Creek is crossed by an existmg bridge located between the Questhaven Road intersection and the Mekose Drive mtersection. Rancho Santa Fe Road has two northbound lanes and one southbound lane across the bridge. In October of 1996, much of the natural vegetation in the APE (nearly aU of k south of San Marcos Creek) burned m the "Harmony Grove" wildfire. Soils in the APE consist of seven separate types underiain by Mesozoic grarutic rocks (Bowman 1973). The predominant soU type m the Phase I area is San Miguel-Exchequer rocky sUt loams on 9 to 30 percent slopes. This mixture of San Miguel and Exchequer soU types also contams approximately 10% rocky outcrops. This soU type is characterized by low fertUity, good dramage, medium to rapid runoff and moderate to very high erosion hazard. The Phase II area is mostly under Huerhuero loam on 5 to 9 percent slopes. The erosion hazard and runoff of this clayey loam is moderate, the permeabiUty is slow to moderate, and the avaUable water holding capacity is 4 to 5 mches. The soU has a rootkig depth of 20 to 40 inches, pi fe Other mmor soU types in the APE are Cieneba coarse sandy loam, Exchequer rocky sUty loam, Ramona sandy loam, VisaUa sandy loam and Vista rocky coarse sandy loam. DUDEK 1576-13 & ASSOCIATES, INC I Proiboi<>«iw.^c«4>iBiv4«tt November 16, 2000 1° m P Biological Resources Report & impact Analysis fe Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Repiacement Project 3.2 Plant Communities m p Nomenclature for plant communities foUows HoUand (1986), v^^th modifications as reconmiended by the San Diego Association of Govenmients' (SANDAG) vegetation classification ^ subcommittee. P Prior to the Qctober 1996 fke, accordmg to the Carlsbad HMP/North County MHCP, the APE ^ supported six vegetation commurkties/land cover types: Diegan coastal sage scrub, southem mixed chaparral, southern v/iUow scrub, armual (non-native) grassland, disturbed habitat, and ^ developed. The distribution of these vegetation commurudes/land cover types is presented m P Figures Sa and Sb. The current survey mapped five additional habitat types in the APE: disturbed coyote brush scrub, VaUey needlegrass grassland, freshwater marsh, disturbed wetland and eucalyptus woodland. The biological resources map contained in the map pocket depicts the *" existing vegetative conditions in the project area and the acreage of each type is presented in Table m Z. m ^ 3.2.1 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Diegan coastal sage scrub is a coastal plant commuruty composed of a variety of low, soft, m aromadc subshrubs, characteristically dominated by drought-deciduous species such as coastal to sagebrush {Artemisia californica), CaUfornia buckwheat {Eriogonum fasciculatum), and sages {Salvia spp.), with scattered evergreen shrubs, kicluding lemonadeberry {Rhus integrifolia), laurel sumac ^ {Malosma laurina), toyon {Heteromeles arbutifolia), and a diverse understory of annual herbs and *• forbs and perenrual grasses. mmt, In the APE, Diegan coastal sage scrub was present on the west-facing hiUsides along the eastern side of Rancho Santa Fe Road prior to the October 1996 fke. The present surveys found that i» areas supporting coastal sage scrub prior to the fire are recovering, with new growth {i.e., P prknarUy seedUngs) of coastal sagebrush, white sage {Salvia apiana), black sage {Salvia mellifera), deerweed {Lotus scoparius),bushmoT)keyiiowex (Mimulus aurantiacus), coastal goldenbush {h^^ menziesii ssp. veneta) and laurel sumac. The understory species were particularly abundant and mcluded blue dicks {Dichelostemma capitata), early onion {Allium praecox), lupmes {Lupinus spp.), fascicled tarweed {Hemizonia fasciculata), cryptantha {Cryptantha spp.), mallow {Malacothamnus to fasciculatus sp.), and chia {Salvia columbariae). Nearly the entke AFE appears to have been affected by the 1996 fire; however, m general it appears that native plant diversity is greater in the " northern portion of the APE, where as the southern portion contakis a higher percent cover of non-native grasses and forbs. Areas where native species account for between 20% to 70% of the m P Pi p k DUDEK 1576-13 & ASSOCIATES, INCj wmmm^^^^^^mmmmmmmm^^^^^^^^^^^mm^m^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^mmm Pn,foi(^nM.rorc«f4<>p»f«. Novcmbet 16, 2000 17 Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Realignment & Bridge Replacement - Biological Resources Report Project Location in MHCP Biological Resources Context FIGURE I : VEGETATION COMMUNITIES WITH SENSITIVE SPECIES AND VERNAL POOLS (Vegetation - Summer, 1995; Species - April 1997) 1. .^: Southern Foredunes (21230) Southern Coastal Bluff Scrub (31200) Coastal Sage Scrub (32500,32720) Maritime Succulent Scrub (32400) Chaparral (37000,37120, 37121, 37200, 37900) Southern Maritime Chaparral (37C30) Coastal Sage/Chaparral Mix (37G00) Grassland (42000,42110,42200) Southern Coastal Saltmarsh (52120) Alkali Marsh (52300,52310) Freshwater Marsh (45400,52400,52410, 52440) Riparian Forest (61000,61300,61310, 61320, 61330) Riparian Woodland (62400) Riparian Scrub (63000,63300,63310, 63320, 63810,63820) Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest (81310) Oak Woodland -Undifferentiated (71100) NOTE: FOR GENERAL PLANNING PURPOSESONLY. FIELD CHECKING ESSENTIAL FOR SPECIFIC PROJECTS. Sensitive species point information identified with letter abbreviations. Plant species abbreviations are in italics. See separate table for explanation of abbreviations used on the map. Coast Live Oak Woodland (71160,71161,71162) Engelmann Oak Woodland (71180,71181,71182) Torrey Pine Forest (83140) Eucalyptus Woodland (11100) Open Water - Marine (13110,13111,13112) Open Water - Estuarine (13130.13131,13133) Open Water - Freshv/ater (13140) Disturbed Wetland (11200) Natural Floodchannel/Streambed (13200) Beach (13400) Saltpan and Mudflats (13300) Disturbed Land (11300) I Agriculture • ' (18000 - 18320) Urban/Developed ' (12000) Vernal pool complexes th« origin* compUad fi Cariibad HMP. Citv of San Marcoa BRMP. MWD, C Moat ol lh«a« aourcaa rallad prUnarUy on th« Iniarp vao«utton claailtluiton. Oihar hardcopy vagautli awlal photograph! toi iMhara avaUablal and limitad Um virioui mapping touscmt did no Thara for*, dmli cla aalf les lion a Urgaiy conalaL Vagauiion ratinamanla for thia map ooi Infomiation Irom th* original mapping a from latoo-acaU pro)aclIaval •urvaya li ' X Emaigancy Watw licra Ullng muhl daie •aulUta Ima. baan convarlad trom hablui lo and dliturbad Und) alnoa tha oi map daplolB vagautlon fot iha rh« locatlona ol lanahhta a(»ac. . San EUjo Ranch. Cliy ol OcMntlda Subaru Pro]aclt. Tha vagaiaUonupdaUawwa dona lacUon proc*dur«* lo IdenlHy landa that hava n-hablut uiai lagricultura, urban and rural land uiai nal mapping was donm it ahould ba rwud thai tt\la :lty h SOURCE: Updated 1993 MHCP Vegetation & Species, 1995 & 1997 respectively E Z Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Realignment & Bridge Replacement • Biological Resources Report Legend for Figure 3a FIGURE 3b p k p IK Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Repiacement Project TABLE 2 PLANT COIVIMUNITY OR LAND COVER ACREAGES Natural Plant Communities f P f '^k m p P Coastal Sage Scrub (burned) Coastal Sage Scrub (disturbed) Coyote Brush Scrub (disturbed) Total Coastal Sage Scrubs Southern mixed chaparral Southern Mixed chaparral (bumed) Total Southem Mixed Chaparrals Valley Needlegrass Grassland Valley Needlegrass Grassland/CSS Total Valley Needlegrass Grasslands Freshwater Marsh Southern Willow Scrub Disturbed Wetland Total Wetland Habitats Altered Land Covers Eucalyptus Woodland Annual Grassland (Ruderal) Disturbed habitat Developed Total Altered Land Covers 35.1 acres 23.5 acre 1.9 acre 60.4 acres 1.4 acre 14.4 acres 15.8 acres 0.1 acre 2.2 acres 2.3 acres 0.43 acre 1.72 acres 0.27 acre 2.42 acres 2.7 acres 17.2 acres 12.3 acres 25.2 acres 57.4 acres GRAND TOTAL 138.3 acres P DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, mc. I -i^—— p„iadom^iumiffC«ntiaPi^iat Novcmbcr 16, 2000 1576-13 20 m m IM m lil #at MV 11 P Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis H, Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project total ground cover (by visual estimation) were designated as disturbed coastal sage scrub (23.5 acres). Areas with greater than 70% native species coverage were designated as burned coastal y sage scrub (35.1 acres). 3.2.2 Coyote Brush Scrub Coyote brush scrub is not recognized as a native plant community by Holland (1986). Nonetheless, it is a distinct vegetational association in southern California, dominated by coyote brush {Baccharis pilularis ssp. consanguinea), usually with a few scattered individuals of other native shrub species and many non-native species. It frequently is a successional conununity that occurs in more mesic sites and along drainages where coastal sage scrub or chaparral has been eliminated by perturbation. Within the APE this habitat is characterized by nearly uniform stands of coyote brush with a few other native shrubs in low density, including CaUfornia sagebrush, flat-top buckwheat, Mexican elderberry {Sambucus mexicanus), and a variety of non-native herbs and grasses. It was found adjacent to the existing paved road sections where it crosses the creek, and appears to be the P result of disturbed soils in this area. A total of 1.9 acres was mapped by DUDEK biologists as a part of the 1997 resource mapping. Coyote brush scrub typically is considered a subcategory of coastal sage scrub by the resource agencies because as a shrub type it does not conform well to a chaparral type. Its general plant architecture and density also apparently are similar enough to "true" coastal sage scrub to support it the "target" coastal sage scrub animal species CaHfornia gnatcatcher {Polioptila californica). 3.2.3 Valley Needlegrass Grassland Valley needlegrass grassland is a native grassland dominated by perennial bunchgrasses, such as 11 needlegrass {Nassella spp.). This plant community typically alternates with coastal sage scrub on some clay soils, often on more mesic exposures and at the bases of slopes, but also may occur in large patches. Within the APE, Valley needlegrass grassland is dominated by purple needlegrass {Nassella pulchra); a number of other native forbs occur there also. Two very small remjiant patches were found among coyote brush scrub north of the creek and in a canyon bottom in the eastern portion of the APE. Two larger, burned areas were mapped as Valley needlegrass grassland/ coastal sage P scrub in the Questhaven Road section of the APE. These areas contain scattered coastal sage DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 Pnio.im^-a^h'amfiBi^oi^ November 16, 2000 21 m* P IP* ll Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project p p ii p k m P m P Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis scrub shrub species but the dominant cover consists of grassland species. A total of 2.3 acres of Valley needlegrass grassland was mapped; 2.2 acres of this total was mapped as Valley needlegrass grassland/coastal sage scrub. g 3.2.4 Southern Mixed Chaparral E Southern mixed chaparral is a drought- and fire-adapted community of broad-leaved sclerophyllous shrubs, 1.5-3.0 m tall, forming dense impenetrable stands. It develops primarily on mesic north-facing slopes and canyons. This association is typically a mixture of chamise E {Adenostoma fasciculatum), mission manzanita {Xylococcus bicolor), ceanothus {Ceanothus spp.), and laurel sumac. Other sub-dominant shrubs include redberry {Rhamnus crocea), yellow-bush penstemon {Keckiella antirrhinoides), CaUfornia buckwheat, scrub oak {Quercus berberidifolia), and B Mojave yucca {Yucca schidigera). The understory is fairly depauperate owing to the dense canopy and perhaps, the allelopathic properties of certain shrub species. 2| In the APE, southern mixed chaparral was present prior to the October 1996 fire on east-facing hiUsides along the western side of Rancho Santa Fe Road and south of San Marcos Creek. One P smaU patch was not burned and another appears fully recovered during winter 2000 surveys. • Other patches of this vegetation community in the AFE are undergoing recovery and include new growth of chamise, black sage, white sage, deerweed, bush monkeyflower, laurel sumac, and redberry. Understory species common in the burned areas included fascicled tarweed, chia, bush maUow, soft chess {Bromus hordeaceus), slender wUd oat {J^vena barbata), and ripgut grass {Bromus diandrus). A total of 15.8 acres of chaparral was mapped in the entire APE; the majority of chaparral (14.4 acres) mapped was designated as burned southern mixed chaparral. 3.2.5 Southern Willow Scrub Holland (1986) describes southern wiUow scrub as a dense, broad-leaved, winter-deciduous riparian thicket dominated by several v^low species {Salix spp.), with scattered emergent Fremont cottonwood {Populus fremontii) and sycamores {Platanus racemosa). WUlow density typicaUy inhibits the development of an understory. The southern wiUow scrub in San Marcos Creek was not burned in 1996 and supports arroyo willow scrub {Salix lasiolepis), western sycamore, Fremont's cottonwood, rush {Juncus spp.), winged three-square {Scirpus americanus), Mexican elderberry {Sambucus mexicanus), and cattails {Typha sp.). Understory species in the southern wiUow scrub uiclude CaUfornia mugwort y {Artemisia douglasiana), cmly dock {Rumex crispus), yerba mansa {Anemopsis californica), rigid DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 rnfa^fm^T~m.i«tu,mpu,p,^ November 16, 2000 22 p m k m Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project hedge-nettle {Stachys ajugoides var. rigida), Mexican tea {Chenopodium ambrosioides), and poison- oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). A total of 1.72 acres of southern wiUow scrub was mapped. 3.2.6 Freshwater Marsh Freshwater marsh occurs in drainages, seepages, and other perermiaUy moist low places. This community is characterized by perennial, emergent monocots {e.g., grasses and UUes), 2-3 m (6-10 feet) taU, such as cattails and bulrushes. Understory species typically include curly dock, marsh fleabane {Pluchea odorata), and a variety of hydrophytic grasses and herbs. Three areas in the APE were mapped as freshwater marsh {see map pocket); two areas north of the San Marcos Creek and west of Rancho Santa Fe Road and an area along the eastern edge of Rancho Santa Fe Road just south of La Costa Meadows Drive. Two of the smaU marsh areas occur in a disturbed grassland and support cattail, EngUsh ryegrass {Lolium multiflorum), bristly ox- _ tongue {Picris echioides), curly dock, and rush. The smaU marsh area east of Rancho Santa Fe Road P is a drainage ditch between paved areas. A total of 0.43 acre was mapped by DUDEK biologists as a part of the 1997 resource mapping. ^ 3.2.7 Disturbed Wetlands P ll In general the disturbed wetlands designation is used in areas where hydrophytic vegetation, significant hydrology and hydric soUs are present and the plant conununity appears to be P disturbed. Disturbed wetlands are usually dominated by herbaceous species such as EngUsh ll ryegrass, rushes, curiy dock and annual rabbit's foot grass (Polypogon monspeliensis). ^ Within the APE, disturbed wetlands occur in a shaUow drainage surrounded by burned and disturbed coastal sage scrub v^th some grasslands; the wetland occupies 0.27 acre. Dominant p species within the wetland include EngUsh ryegrass and rush. Curly dock also occurs here. It if should be noted that this area was mapped as freshwater marsh in a HELIX report; HELIX reported a simUar species composition which did not include typical freshwater marsh species. ^ Therefore, the disturbed wetland designation distinguishes this area from areas mapped as freshwater marsh elsewhere in the APE. DUDEK &ASSOCIA'I1ES,INC. 1576-13 FTnia,hm,niam.iBrc„^r„ia. Novemfacr 16, 2000 23 PH P E Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project 3.2.8 Annual (Non-native) Grassland Where the native vegetation has been disturbed repeatedly or often by grazing, agriculture, fire, or mechanical disruption, the land reverts to annual (non-native) grassland/ruderal (weedy) P habitat. In these situations non-native grasses and weeds dominate the habitat, and there are a • few early successional elements of the former community. Characteristic species include slender I wUd oat, soft chess, foxtaU fescue {Vulpia megalura), ripgut grass, foxtaU chess {Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), filaree {Erodium spp.), sweet fennel {Foeniculum vulgare), and black mustard {Brassica nigra). E In the APE, annual grassland/ruderal habitat predomuiates north of San Marcos Creek m old agricultural fields and also exists adjacent to the existing bridge on the east side. This area did not 1 burn Ul the wUdfire. Annual grassland occurs in the southern portion of the APE where non- native species have dominated in post-burn coastal sage scrub habitat. A total of 17.2 acres of ^ armual grassland and ruderal habitats was mapped. 3.2.9 Eucalyptus Woodland I Eucalyptus woodland consists of monotypic stands of eucalyptus {Eucalyptus spp.). The p understory typicaUy is depauperate and often supports armual grasses such as ripgut grass. k Eucalyptus woodland occurs ui numerous locations both east and west of Rancho Santa Fe Road, p Many of the eucalyptus trees south of San Marcos Creek were damaged and some were killed by the wild fire. A total of 2.7 acres were mapped within the APE. 2 3.2.10 Disturbed Habitat E Disturbed habitat includes dirt roads and graded areas that either support a Umited amount of weedy, non-native species or are characterized by the absence of vegetation. Disturbed habitat typically shows evidence of recent or periodic mechanical clearuig. p k k Disturbed habitat in the APE includes dirt roads donunated by sweet fermel, black mustard, and telegraph weed {Heterotheca grandiflora). A total of 12.3 acres was mapped. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 iv,,fi.»iMiik»jDrc<>mfj<.ni4«. November 16, 2000 24 p li p m P PN P PI k m P Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project 3.2.11 Developed Developed areas include paved roads and sites with physical structures, including buUdings and parkuig lots. In the APE, developed areas include the industrial park east of Rancho Santa Fe Road, residential development along Melrose Drive and paved roadways. A total of 25.2 acres was mapped. 3.3 Floral Diversity A total of 205 plant species was detected in the APE and surrounding area by HELIX and DUDEK biologists, including 133 (65%) native species and 72 (35%) non-native species. Many of the species detected ui the APE are armual forbs that have flourished as a result of the October 1996 fire. The Ust of plant species detected ui the APE and surrounding area is provided in Appendix A. 3.4 Wildlife Habitats WUdUfe habitats of greatest value are those that are (1) rare in San Diego County, (2) highly productive, or (3) capable of supporting sensitive species. A total of 134 wUdUfe species were observed or detected in the APE and surroundmg area by both HELIX and DUDEK biologists, including 84 birds, 14 mammals, three amphibians, nine reptUes, and 24 butterfUes. A complete Ust of wildlife species observed is attached to this document as Appendix B. Some of the HELIX surveys were completed prior to the October 1996 fire and uicluded areas to the north and northeast of the APE. The October 1996 fire probably resuhed in a dumnished number of v^^ldlife species m the APE, particularly birds and reptiles, because of the loss of shrub habitat and refuge. Therefore the species Ust included in this report may contain species which do not currently use the site. Below is a discussion of wildUfe habitats present within the APE. 3.4.1 Shrublands In a regional context, shrublands such as coastal sage scrub and southern mixed chaparral support numerous bird species including California quaU {Callipepla californica), CaUfornia thrasher {Toxostoma redivivum), CaUfomia towhee {Pipilo crissalis), spotted towhee {Pipilo erythrophthalmus), ^ and Bev^ck's wren {Thryomanes bevcickii). Common mammals of southern CaUfornia shrublands include rabbits {Sylvilagus spp.), striped skunk {Mephitis mephitis), coyote {Canis latrans), mule deer {Odocoileus hemionus), gray fox {Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and several rodent species (e.g., deer DUDEK 1576-13 ,&ASSOCIA'raS,INC.| 1^^—— i>ri4<>di>Mis«u^o>.w)«Fn*«i. November 16, 2000 25 Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis m Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project ii p P mice [Peromyscus spp.], pocket mice [Chaetodipus spp.], Pacific kangaroo rat [Dipodomys agilis], woodrats [Neotoma spp.], and harvest mouse [Reithrodontomys megalotis]). Common reptUes that il occur in these habitats mclude side-blotched Uzard {Uta stansburiana), western fence Uzard {Sceloporus occidentalis), southern alUgator Uzard {Gerrhonotus multicarinatus), whiptaUs m {Cnemidophorus spp.), gopher snake {Pituophis melanoleucus), and rattlesnakes {Crotalus spp.). The current wildUfe use of the coastal sage scrub and southern mixed chaparral in the APE is dunmished because of the wildfire. Birds observed in these areas include CaUfornia towhee, spotted towhee, CaUfornia thrasher, mourning dove {Zenaida macroura), bushtit {Psahriparus minimus), v^nrentit {Chamaea fasciata), lesser goldfinch {Carduelis psaltria) and scrub jay. Mammals captured in the trappuig program for the Pacific pocket mouse included deer mouse {Peromyscus maniculatus) and Dulzura CaUfomia pocket mouse {Chaetodipus californicus femoralis). No reptiles were detected in the shrublands duruig the survey. PI 3.4.2 Riparian Habitat Riparian habitats support a rich and diverse fauna regionally. The structural complexity of these habitats provide nesting and foraging opportunities for numerous bird species. The water and associated vegetation represent important resources for several species of mammals and amphibians and numerous species of aquatic and sub-aquatic insects. San Marcos Creek supports a variety of wUdUfe, uicluduig several bird species commonly found in riparian habitats: common yellowthroat {Geothlypis trichas), WUson's warbler {Wilsonia pusilla), house wren {Troglodytes aedon), great blue heron {Ardea herodias), black phoebe {Sayornis nigricans), song sparrow {Melospiza melodia), northern fUcker {Colaptes auratus), and Nuttall's woodpecker {Picoides nuttallii). In addition, two raptor (bird of prey) species were observed foraguig m the riparian area: Cooper's hawk {Accipiter cooperii) and red-shouldered hawk {Buteo lineatus). Amphibians and reptUes detected in the riparian area included CaUfornia treefrog {Hyla cadaverina), Pacific treefrog {Pseudacris hyla regilla), buUfrog {Rana catesbeiana), and two-striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondii). 3.4.3 Annual (Non-native) Grassland/Ruderal Armual grassland/ruderal habitat supports a moderate diversity of wUdUf e species. Birds observed in the APE included mourning dove, house fuich {Carpodacus mexicanus), song sparrow, black phoebe, and European starling {Sturnus vulgaris). Raptors, such as red-taUed hawk {Buteo jamaicensis) and American kestrel {Falco sparverius), commonly utUize grasslands for foraging DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 i>n>f«i»iiii«u»°'CM^pTo(u, November 16, 2000 26 p. Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project p p because the open aspect of the vegetation makes prey more vuUierable. The two raptors observed in the riparian habitat adjacent to the grassland/ruderal areas. Cooper's hawk and red-shouldered ll hawk, also may use these areas for foraguig. g 3.4.4 Eucalyptus Woodland p Eucalyptus woodland has limited habitat value, but provides roosting and/or nestmg habitat for hawks, owls, and some bat species. P 3.4.5 Disturbed Habitat b E Because of the disruption to the natural associations, wUdUfe diversity m disturbed habitats is typicaUy iow. Dirt roads, however, may provide movement and dispersal corridors for coyotes, fox, and other mammals. P b 3.5 Sensitive Biological Resources y In this report, resources are considered sensitive if they have been: (1) species that have been given special recognition by federal, state, or local conservation agencies and organizations due ^ to limited, declining, or threatened population sizes; (2) species and habitat types recognized by P local and regional resource agencies as sensitive; (3) habitat areas or plant communities that are unique, are of relatively limited distribution, or are of particular value to wildUfe; and (4) wUdUfe ^ corridors and habitat Unkages. Sources used for determination of sensitive biological resources are as foiiows: wildlife - USFWS (USFWS 1989, 1991), CaUfornia Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB), CDFG (CDFG 1980, 1986), Remsen (1978), and Murphy (1990); plants - USFWS ^ (1990), CDFG (1987), CNDDB, and Skinner and Pavlik (1994); and habitats ~ CNDDB and Hix (1990). *• The U.S. Fish and WUdUfe Service (USFWS) provided a list of federaUy-listed threatened and endangered species and proposed species that may occur in the APE and that should be addressed ^ in the biological resources analysis for the project (USFWS, August 25,1999) {Table 3). This letter is attached to this report as Appendix C. P m P DUDEK 1576-13 & ASSOCIATES, INC. I »— Pn>fk»iHdu»fi>rc...v>k>pn^ Novcmbei 16, 2000 27 p k Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project p m hi TABLE 3 ENDANGERED, THREATENED, PROPOSED AND SENSITIVE SPECIES THAT MAY OCCUR IN THE PROJECT VICINITY' Common Name Scientific Name Status P P !PP P Birds least BeU's vireo Vireo bellii pusillus southwestem wiUow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus CaHfornia gnatcatcher Mammals Pacific pocket mouse Amphibians CaUfornia red-legged frog arroyo southwestern toad Invertebrates quino checkerspot butterfly Monarch butterfly Plants San Diego thornmint Nevin's barberry thread-leaved brodiaea coast wooUy-heads smooth tarplant mud nama Polioptila californica Perognathus longlmembris pacificus Rana aurora draytonii Bufo microscaphus californicus Euphydryas editha quino Danaus plexippus Acanthomintha ilicifolia Berberis nevinii Brodiaea filifolia Nemacaulis denudata var. denudata Hemizonia pungens ssp. laevis Nama stenocarpum FE/SE FE/SE FT/CSC FE/CSC FE/CSC FE/CSC FE/none State Special Animal FT/SE FE/SE FT/SE CNPS Ust IB CNPS List IB CNPS Ust 2 m ^ This Ust was provided by the U.S. Fish and WildUfe Service (February 26,1997). Legend CSC - CaUfoniia Species of Special Concern FE - Federally Endangered FT - FederaUy Threatened SE - State Endangered DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 fnio^^-t^h'C-^f^i^ November 16, 2000 28 p E E P P ii p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project 3.5.1 Sensitive Plant Species No plant species recognized as threatened or endangered by the USFWS were observed in the APE during prior or recent surveys. Three sensitive species are present within the APE: southwestem spUiy rush {Juncus acutus var. leopoldii) in San Marcos Creek, CaUfornia adolphia (Adolphia californica) and San Diego golden-star (Muilla clevelandii). ^ Sensitive species that were not detected in the APE duruig the surveys but that may occur within approximately one mile of the APE are listed in Appendix D for reference. The Usting authorities fi and explanation of Ustmg categories are presented in Appendix F. i Plant species observed onsite or knovm from the vicuiity that are recognized as sensitive by the ^ CaUfornia Native Plant Society (Skinner and Pavlik 1994) or that are state- or federaUy-listed {Table S) are discussed below. f k Acanthomintha ilicifolia - San Diego thorn-mint USFWS: Endangered P CDFG: Endangered • CNPS: List IB, 2-3-2 ^ San Diego thorn-mint is restricted in distribution to San Diego County and Baja CaUfornia. It is best detected during its sprmg blooming period (AprU-May). This armual plant occurs on clay e lenses of several geologic origins on mesas and slopes below 300 m (965 ft) elevation, and is associated with Diegan coastal sage scrub, chaparral and native grassland. In San Diego County, the species is known from Encinitas and San Marcos south to Sweetwater and Otay Lakes (Beauchamp, 1986). The species is also known from higher elevations on McGinty Mountam and Poser Mountain. Neither San Diego thornmint nor its distinctive clay soU microhabitat were detected in the APE during focused surveys. Adolphia californica - CaUfornia adolphia USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 2, 1-3-1 CaUfornia adolphia is a moderate-sized (0.5-1.0 m) profusely branched, rigid, spmescent shrub, ranging from western San Diego County, CaUfornia, south into adjacent northwestern Baja DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 n.^aiadx»uMc<H(>i<>i>njM. Novcmber 16, 2000 29 P P il M m P m Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project CaUfomia, Mexico (Wiggms 1980). It generaUy occurs on clay soUs ui dry canyons and hUlsides on south-facing slopes and washes in chaparral and coastal sage scrub communities below 300 ^ m (965 ft) elevation. It blooms in late winter to spring (December-May). In San Diego County it has been reported from Morro HiU, Cerro de Calavera, Agua Hedionda, Rancho Santa Fe, P Mount Soledad, Bemardo, ChoUas VaUey, Barrett Junction, and Proctor VaUey (Beauchamp 1986). B This species is threatened by urbanization, which has reduced considerably its former range ^ (Skmner and Pavlik 1994). M CaUfornia adolphia was not mapped by HELIX or DUDEK durmg initial surveys of the Phase I E and Phase II portions of the APE respectiveiy. However, the plant was detected durmg winter 2000 DUDEK vegetation mappuig surveys. The exact number of mdividuals withm the APE was not determuied, although the onsite population can be described as regionally smaU to moderate P m number of individuals. Certainly, the site does not represent a population key to the species • survival. Berberis nevinii - Nevin's barberry USFWS: Endangered CDFG: Endangered CNPS: List IB, 3-3-3 Nevin's barberry is an evergreen shrub that occurs in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and cismontane woodland on sandy or graveUy soils at elevations of 300 to 700 m. Many historical locations have pi been extupated and it is threatened by urban development and road maintenance (Skiimer and k PavUk 1994). In San Diego County, Nevin's barberry is known from San FeUpe Wash, Dripping Springs TraU, Agua Tibia WUderness Area, Spring Valiey, and Torrey Pines State Reserve P (Beauchamp 1986). ll Nevin's barberry was not detected in the APE. Brodiaea filifolia - thread-leaved brodiaea USFWS: Threatened CDFG; Endangered CNPS: IB, 3-3-3 Thread-leaved brodiaea is a rare, herbaceous, spring-bloommg (May-June) perenrual, with few grasslike leaves and violet flowers. It grows m heavy clay soUs that form typicaUy open areas in fe coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities below about 600 m, prunarUy in grassland and DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 •am^t„a,n*iapniKo November 16,2000 30 m P •1 P P li P p p IP p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis fe Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project vernal pool habitats. In San Diego, thread-leaved brodiaea is known from Alta Loma Creek, Vista, Thibodo Ranch, Buena, San Marcos HiUs, and Agua Hedionda (Beauchamp 1986). Neither thread-leaved brodiaea nor its distmctive clay soU or vernal pool habitats were detected " m the APE. P Iva hayesiana - San Diego marsh-elder, poverty weed USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 2, 2-2-1 This low perennial shrub occurs ui southwestem San Diego County and northem Baja CaUfornia. E lt grows in low-lying, moist or alkaline places along intermittent streams in coastal areas. Although it has a fairly restricted range ui San Diego County, San Diego marsh-elder is apparently ^ more widespread to the south, ranguig into central Baja CaUfornia (Wiggins 1980). In San Diego H County, San Diego marsh-elder is confined to several disjunct populations between San Marcos and Otay Mesa. San Diego marsh-elder often grows in association v^th spmy rush {Juncus acutus p var. leopoldii) and other indicators of wetland habitat (Reed 1988). It is a dominant understory H plant in disturbed floodplaki situations such as that in the Otay River VaUey. Its habitat in southwestern San Diego County is threatened by coastal development and charmeUzation of local P streams and rivers. San Diego marsh-elder is present just west of the APE in San Marcos Creek (see Figure S), but it fe was not detected ui the study area. Juncus acutus var. leopoldii - southwestern spiny rush m USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 4, 1-2-1 This large (0.5-1.5 m), tufted, perennial rush, with stout, rigid stems, is encountered frequently in aUcaUne seeps and marshes or in areas adjacent to these. Spiny rush has a wide distribution from San Luis Obispo County south to Baja California and east to Imperial County and Arizona. Although urbanization represents a serious threat to spUiy rush (Skiimer and Pavlik 1994), the abundance of this plant in many widely separated wetlands, together with the current application of protection for these habitats, indicates a rather low threat to this species. Southwestem spuiy rush is present in San Marcos Creek. DUDEK 1576-13 ,& ASSOCIATES, INCI i ^ — Pn>^»i.~iii-~f«ca.>rioi>R4<ci. November 16, 2000 31 P ^ Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis fe Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project Muilla clevelandii - San Diego goldenstar USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List IB, 2-3-2 San Diego goldenstar is found only in southern San Diego County and adjacent northwestern Baja CaUforrua, Mexico. This spring-blooming (March-May), herbaceous perennial occurs infrequently on clay soUs on dry mesas and hiUsides and among vernal pools in Diegan coastal sage scrub or chaparral. Primary tfu:eats to this species are from Ulegal dumping on the mesas, offroad vehicle activity, and urbanization (Smith and Berg, 1988). HELIX mapped approximately 1,500 individuals withm the Phase I APE. Neither the species nor its distinctive clay soUs were detected in the Phase II area. Nemacaulis denudata var. denudata - coast wooUy-heads USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List IB, 2-2-2 Coast wooUy-heads occur ui San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Santa Catalina Island and Baja California, Mexico. This annual herb blooms from AprU to September and appears to be limited to coastal sand dunes along beaches. This species is threatened by extensive recreational beach use which limits expanses of dune habitat (Reiser 1994). The proposed project corridor does not contain any potential habitat for the coast woolly-heads. P Hemizonia pungens ssp. laevis - smooth tarplant USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List IB, 2-3-3 P Smooth tarplant occurs from Kern County to San Diego County within a variety of habitats includmg aUcaU scrub, alkaU playas, riparian woodland, watercourses, and grasslands with aUcalme affinities (Reiser 1994; Skirmer and PavUk 1994). This annual herb blooms from AprU to November (Munz 1974). This species is primarUy threatened by flood control measures (Reiser 1994). Smooth tarplant was not observed withui the proposed project corridor. P P m DUDEK 1576-13 & ASSOCIATES, INC. I i^^^———i^^ p„^oi<m.iiai»f»cwt_i>r<i«. Novcmber 16, 2000 32 k m P P Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis fe Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project *• Nama stenocarpum - mud nama p. USFWS: None ^ CDFG: None CNPS: List 2, 3-2-1 mm P Mud nama is known from southern CaUfornia, Arizona, Texas, and Baja CaUforrua, Mexico. In San Diego County, this species is known from the Sweetwater Reservoir, Bonita and the San Luis Rey river. This annual/perennial herb blooms from January to July and grows on the muddy banks of ponds, lakes and rivers. This species may have been introduced into southern CaUfornia M by recreational watercraft as the only extant populations in San Diego County are aU within fe man-made wetiands (Reiser 1994). P Mud nama was not observed within the proposed project corridor, nor is it likely to occur there. 3.5.2 Sensitive Wildlife Species The presence/absence of sensitive wUdlife species has been evaluated differently by HELIX for the jJ Phase I area and DUDEK for the Phase II area. HELIX studied the Phase I area along with contiguous areas to the east and northeast. HELIX documented 13 sensitive animal species observed in or around the APE for Phase I. These sensitive species include the federaUy-listed 2 threatened CaUfornia gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) and non-Usted Cooper's hawk, southern CaUfornia rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps), BeU's sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli belli), IP loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), San Diego horned Uzard {Phrynosoma coronatum), coastal 4fe whiptaU (Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus), western spadefoot (Scaphiopus hammondi), red- diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber), coastal rosy boa (Lichanura trivirgata), northwestern San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax), San Diego black-taUed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) and desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida). Each of these species are discussed below. Within the Phase II area, including San Marcos Creek, DUDEK observed no UdldUfe species Usted as threatened or endangered by USFWS or CDFG in the APE, including the five species for which focused surveys were conducted: least BeU's vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, arroyo southwestern toad, Pacific pocket mouse and quino checkerspot. Three species that are considered sensitive by the wUdUf e agencies were detected in the APE; Cooper's hawk, two-striped garter snake, and Dulzura CaUfornia pocket mouse {Chaetodipus californicus femoralis). These species are discussed in detaU below along with those species required by USFWS (Table S). Other sensitive species that potentiaUy occur in the project area, but which were not detected during the surveys are Usted in Appendix E. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 F»f.oi«i'n«.f.rCo..^Pr<4«t. November 16, 2000 33 Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis fe Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project Reptiles and Amphibians to Bufo microscaphus californicus - arroyo southwestern toad USFWS: Endangered " CDFG: Species of Special Concern P ^ Arroyo southwestern toads inhabit slow moving creeks and streams with shaUow pools and sand ^ or cobble benches. Females become active foraging in January-March and males begm calling in March, with peak activity ui May. They breed between March and June and depend on pools of water into July. Eggs are not preyed upon by vertebrates or invertebrates, but are predated at P other points in their Ufe cycle by non-native fishes such as mosquitofish, prickly sculpin, bullhead, largemouth bass, and green sunfish. Tadpoles also are susceptible to snakes, aquatic insect larvae, and bullfrogs. Raccoons, opossum, kiUdeer, and other vertebrates may take juveniles and adults. m tP. Focused surveys for the arroyo southwestern toad determined that this species is not present in ^ San Marcos Creek in the APE. Critical habitat for this species was not designated by the USFWS at the time of Usting. ^ Rana aurora draytonii - Califomia red-legged frog ^ USFWS: Endangered CDFG: Species of Special Concern p The CaUfornia red-legged frog originaUy ranged from Humboldt County south along the coast ll to Baja CaUfornia, Mexico. It occurs in permanent water sources and associated wooded or grassland habitats, and requires cover from predators. Currently, its largest populations occur in R Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties. P The red-legged frog was historicaUy among the most abundant in CaUfornia in the past, but |g apparently has been in severe decline because of over-harvesting, as weU as loss of aquatic habitat and other disturbances to watersheds and water quality because of dams, reservoirs, * channeUzation, grazing, off-road vehicle use, and other human caused disturbances. In particular, k it has been severely affected by competition with and predation by introduced aquatic species ^ such as buUfrogs {Rana catesbeiana). It may be exthpated from much of its range, including San ^ Diego County. m The red-legged frog was not detected in the APE. The habitat m San Marcos Creek is of low P quaUty for this species. In combination with no known extant populations of red-legged frog ui ©UDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC- 1576-13 p,^M,i.,^-a«uit,omHatf<M November 16, 2000 34 Pk Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis p Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project the project area {e.g., MHCP data base), it is highly unlikely that the frog occurs in the project PI area. It was concluded that focused surveys beyond those conducted for the arroyo southwestern U toad were not necessary (G. Schulz, USFWS, pers. comm. 1997). ^ Scaphiopus hammondi - western spade-foot toad USFWS: None p, CDFG: Species of Special Concern P AccordUig to Stebbins (1985), the western spade-foot toad is primarily a species of lowlands, !• frequenting washes, floodplauis of rivers, alluvial fans, playas, and alkaU flats, but also ranges into P the foothiUs and mountauis. It prefers areas of open vegetation and short grasses where the soU is sandy or graveUy. It breeds during the vmiter (January-May) in quiet streams, ephemeral ponds and vernal pools. Durmg the unfavorable, dry portion of the year, the toads live beneath the soU ** surface in burrows. Owing to v^despread loss of habitat, this species is considered a "species of m special concern" by the CDFG. p P m m Western spadefoot tadpoles were observed by HELIX in ephemeral ponded water areas in coastal sage scrub and grasslands east and west of Rancho Santa Fe Road. Thamnophis hammondi - two-striped garter snake USFWS: Special Concern Species CDFG: Species of Special Concern p The two-striped garter snake is recognized as a "species of special concern" by the CDFG, and is a USFWS "special concern species." It also has been recognized as a locally threatened species in San Diego County by the San Diego Herpetological Society since about 1980 (San Diego Herpetological Society 1980). It ranges along coastal CaUfornia from Monterey County south to northern Baja CaUfornia, Mexico. The two-striped garter snake occurs primarily in wetlands; it may be encountered in freshwater marshes, along streams with rocky bottoms, and in a variety of other riparian habitats. This species feeds on a variety of smaU fish, frogs, tadpoles, and worms. A two-striped garter snake was observed m San Marcos Creek during surveys for the arroyo southwestern toad. DUDEK 1576-13 .& ASSOCIATES, INC. I I^M^^—i^^^^^^^—i———— ]>n4M<>«t'b«.Mc<>'>v<°f-<^ November 16, 2000 35 m fe PI P PI P p p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis fe Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei - San Diego horned lizard USFWS: Special Concern Species CDFG: Species of Special Concern The San Diego horned Uzard is a small, spiny, somewhat rounded Uzard that occurs primarUy in m coastal sage scrub communities. It ranges throughout CaUfornia west of the desert and Cascade- Sierran highlands, south through nearly aU of Baja California, Mexico. It was a common species m San Diego County untU about 10 years ago (Hix 1990). Three factors have contributed to its decUne: loss of habitat, over coUecting, and the introduction of exotic ants (McGurty 1980). In some places, especiaUy adjacent to urban areas, introduced ants have displaced native harvester ants {Pogonomyrmex spp.) upon which the lizard feeds exclusively. One individual was observed by HELIX biologists in coastal sage scrub near San Marcos Creek canyon. Crotalus exsul - red-diamond rattlesnake USFWS: None p CDFG: Species of Special Concern The northern red-diamond rattlesnake is a brick red to puikish tan relative of the western diamondback {Crotalus atrox). It ranges from San Bernarduio County south through most of Baja CaUfornia, Mexico (Stebbuis 1985). It occurs in desert scrub, thorn scrub, and chaparral habitats below about 1,200 meters (4,000 feet). One individual was observed by HELIX within rocky outcrops in coastal sage scrub. m k Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca ~ coastal rosy boa ^ USFWS: None ^ CDFG: None m The coastal rosy boa is a heavy-bodied snake, 60-110 cm in length. It inhabits shrublands and is ll considerably more common in the vicinity of rocks. It is recognized as locaUy sensitive by Stewart (1971), Bury (1971), and others. One individual was observed by HELIX within rocky outcrops in coastal sage scrub. D U DEK 1576-13 & ASSOCIATES, INC. I —^^^^^ — pnf»ig«iita»if<*c«tiBP>«f«>> November 16,2000 36 ^ Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis fe Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project mi P -i k m k p k Birds Accipiter cooperii - Cooper's hawk USFWS: None CDFG: Species of Special Concern Cooper's hawk is recognized as a "species of special concern" by the CDFG. It ranges throughout most of CaUfornia and is a common winter migrant ui San Diego County. In the county. Cooper's hawk breeds aknost exclusively in oak woodland habitats; in the winter, it may be found in any woodland habitat (Unitt 1984). Populations of this species have decUned steadUy throughout the State, probably as a result of habitat destruction, falconry, and pesticide abuse (Remsen 1979). A Cooper's hawk pair was observed foraging within the APE. Their nest was located in southern willow scrub approximately 50 feet outside of the APE boundary to the east. Vireo bellii pusillus - least BeU's vireo ^ USFWS: Endangered CDFG: Endangered IP Least BeU's vireo is a smaU, gray and white, migratory songbird that inhabits wiUow-dominated riparian areas of southern California and adjacent northern Baja CaUfornia, Mexico (San Diego Association of Governments 1989). It is one of four North American subspecies of BeU's vireo. P Historically, this subspecies was abundant in riverine habitats from Baja California to Tehama County in central CaUfornia (GrirmeU and MiUer 1944, WiUett 1933), with the center of its ** breedmg range in the Sacramento and San Joaquin VaUeys. Widespread destruction of its obligate riparian habitat for agricultural use, Uvestock grazing, flood control, urban development, and PI various commercial uses m combination v^th increased brood parasitism by the exotic brown- fe headed cowbird {Molothrus ater) decunated vireo numbers, extUpating it from the central vaUeys, and restricting the species to smaU, fragmented populations in a fraction of its former range (USFWS 1988). By 1985, only 285 pairs were known from 45 locations m nine counties (USFWS 1988). In response to the unparaUeled decline of this passerine, the least BeU's vireo was Usted as endangered by the CDFG m June, 1980, and by the USFWS m May, 1986. k p Focused surveys for the least BeU's vireo in San Marcos Creek indicate that this species is not present in the APE. Also, designated critical habitat of this species does not occur on San Marcos Creek. DUDEK 1576-13 .&ASSOCIA'I1ES,INC.| iM^i-xd-n—^cnM-iwn November 16, 2000 37 ^ Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis fe Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project Empidonax trailii extimus - southwestern wiUow flycatcher USFWS: Endangered CDFG: Endangered The southwestern wiUow flycatcher had been nearly extirpated as a breeding resident in southern ^ CaUfornia. In San Diego County, this species breeds along the Santa Margarita River. During migration this species may be found in a variety of habitats, but it is restricted to wiUow thickets along water courses for nesting. Loss of riparian habitat and brown-headed cowbird parasitism are considered the primary causes of its decline. f" |g Focused surveys for the southwestern wiUow flycatcher in San Marcos Creek determined that this species is not present m the APE. Also, designated critical habitat of this species does not occur on San Marcos Creek. k Polioptila californica - CaUfornia gnatcatcher USFWS: Threatened CDFG: Species of Special Concern mm P The California gnatcatcher is a smaU gray non-nugratory bird with black taU markings. During the breeding season the male has a distinct black cap. Gnatcatchers eat insects and buUd a small, cup-shaped nest of plant material, animal hair, and spider webs. A pair of gnatcatchers may forage over 5 to 20 acres during the breeding season and more widely at the end of sprmg. The present known range of the CaUfornia gnatcatcher extends from the Ventura County south through Orange, western Riverside, and San Diego counties, uito northern Baja CaUfornia, Mexico. It is a nearly obUgate resident of coastal sage scrub and Riversidean sage scrub communities. Individuals of this species are generaUy found at elevations below 900 feet in San *• Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties, and below 1,600 feet in Riverside County. Recent estimates of the population size within CaUfornia range from 2,000-3,000 pairs. P The California gnatcatcher is known from the project vicinity; several historic (pre-fire) locations •» are present in coastal sage scrub east of Rancho Santa Fe Road (see Figure 3). No gnatcatchers P were detected during the eight site visits for the least BeU's vireo and southwestern wiUow flycatcher in the northem portion of the APE. Recent vegetation surveys in other portions of the APE faUed to produce anecdotal observations of gnatcatchers. However, due to the presence of recovering coastal sage scrub and the number of historical locations, it must be assumed that the species is present within coastal sage scrub habitat in the APE. fl" iH mm in an W wm P DUDEK 1576-13 & ASSOCIATES, INCi .f^c^p,^ November 16, 2000 38 il Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis 1^ Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project RK li Amphispiza belli belli - BeU's sage sparrow USFWS: Special Concern Species fe CDFG: Species of Special Concern |» LocaUy, sage sparrows occur in chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats. According to Unitt •i (1984), BeU's sage sparrow is most numerous in the foothiU area, but has been recorded at many places Ul the coastal lowlands as weU. Current with the regional loss of coastal sage scrub, this 2 species has decUned owing to loss of habitat. Bell's sage sparrow was recognized by the USFWS as a category 2 candidate species for Usting as threatened or endangered. P ll HELIX estimated there to be 13 to 20 pairs vdthin the southern portion of the APE and areas to the east and northeast prior to the 1996 fire. ^ Aimophila ruficeps canescens - southern CaUfornia rufous-crowned sparrow USFWS: Special Concern Species L CDFG: Species of Special Concern m The rufous-crowned sparrow is considered sensitive by the County of San Diego (Hix 1990); it k was recognized by USFWS as a federal category 2 candidate for Usting as threatened or endangered. This species occurs primarUy in coastal sage scrub and has decUned as a result of * habitat loss. p ii p fe p p m P HELIX states that this species was common within coastal sage scrub in the area prior to the 1996 fire. |P Lanius ludovicianus ~ loggerhead shrike • USFWS: Special Concern Species CDFG: Species of Special Concern The loggerhead shrike is fairly common resident in agricultural land, desert wash and desert-edge scrub, grassland or beach areas v^^th scattered bushes, or broken chaparral. This species is widespread in the southwestern portion of CaUfornia, absent orUy from the mountain zone. The continued loss of coastal sage scrub and other open scrub habitats has resulted in a decline of this species. Two pairs were observed by HELIX biologists. DUDEK & ASSOOATES, INC. 1576-13 i'nf«i«i'n«^c<>n.^iN^ November 16, 2000 39 p k Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project * l\/lammals k Chaetodipus californicus femoralis - Dulzura CaUfornia pocket mouse USFWS: Sensitive Species CDFG: Species of Special Concern The Dulzura CaUfornia pocket mouse typically is found on slopes dominated by sage scrub, chaparral, or oaks, but also may occur in riparian scrub habitats. It is a relatively common pocket mouse within its preferred habitats. It is considered sensitive because of depletion of its habitat in southern Califorrua. The California pocket mouse was recorded from the southern portion of the APE during a trapping program conducted by DUDEK in 1997 for the Pacific pocket mouse. It probably was common in areas of the APE that supported coastal sage scrub and southern mixed chaparral prior to the October 1996 fire. Perognathus longimemhris pacificus - Pacific pocket mouse USFWS: Endangered CDFG: Species of Special Concern The Pacific pocket mouse, at 7 to 9 grams, is one of the smaUest members of the genus Perognathus. The species P. longimemhris, as a whole, occupies a variety of habitats throughout the p southwest, including desert, shrub-steppe, arid woodland, sage scrub, grassland, and ruderal ll habitats. The Pacific pocket mouse, which is one of 19 subspecies of P. longimemhris (HaU 1981), is restricted to the coastal plain and historicaUy was found between El Segundo in Los Angeles * County and the Tijuana River VaUey in the U.S., and northem Baja California, Mexico. It * typicaUy occurs within two mUes of the coast and below 600 feet. The Pacific pocket mouse is m thought to occupy loose sandy soUs supporting sparse coastal sage scrub, non-native grassland, fe and ruderal habitats (USFWS 1994). ^ A walkover habitat assessment and five-night trapping program (a total of 5 trap-nights) k determined that the Pacific pocket mouse was not present in the APE. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES. INC. 1576-13 ft.»u<«iiitoMfi^Cf»»-p»»cM November 16, 2000 40 P p m k m Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project Chaetodipus fallax fallax - northwestern San Diego pocket mouse USFWS: Special Concern Species fe CDFG: Species of Special Concern P The northwestern San Diego pocket mouse inhabits sparse or disturbed coastal sage scrub or I'l grasslands with sandy soUs. This species was added to the federal candidate Ust because of threats to its habitat by development. In San Diego County, it is knovm from Del Mar, Dulzura, 2 Jacumba, Lake Hodges, Pala, San Diego, and San Marcos (Bond 1977). p This species was trapped by HELIX within southern mixed chaparral and coastal sage scrub along H dirt roads and open areas in the vicinity of the APE. P Neotoma lepida intermedia - San Diego desert woodrat " USFWS: Special Concem Species E CDFG: Species of Special Concern The San Diego desert woodrat inhabits areas with heavy growth such as dense coastal sage scrub, P chaparral, cactus, or rock crevices. Like the preceding species, the desert woodrat was recently li added to the federal candidate Ust because of the threat of habitat loss from development. ^ Several individuals were trapped by HELIX during surveys in coastal sage scrub and chaparral ui the vicinity of the APE. I" p, Lepus californicus bennettii - San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit USFWS: Special Concern Species CDFG: Species of Special Concern «• ^ The black-taUed jack rabbit is the largest rabbit m southern CaUfornia. It occurs primarUy in open ^ or semi-open country (Bond 1977). The San Diego black-taUed jack rabbit {Lepus californicus bennettii) is found m the Upper Sonoran Ufe zone along the coast to the western base of the ^ coastal mountains, from sea level to 6,000 feet on Cuyamaca Peak. Because of its occurrence in P coastal sage scrub, this subspecies was included by the USFWS as a categor/ 2 candidate. ^ This species was observed by HELIX in coastal sage scrub and non-native grassland ui the project P vicmity. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES. INC. 1576-13 Fn,f«^T^fcc„mfk.eToi«a Novembcr 16, 2000 41 p k Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Repiacement Project Invertebrates C Euphydryas editha quino - quino checkerspot butterfly USFWS: Endangered g CDFG: None _ The quuio checkerspot butterfly (OCB) inhabits grasslands, vernal pool areas, open or sparse m coastal sage scrub, and other "open" areas within chaparral and/or coastal sage scrub that support low annual or herbaceous plants bearing flowers. Important components of the butterfly's E microhabitat are dwarf plantain {Plantago erecta) and possibly wooUy plantam {Plantago ovata). There is speculation that owl's-clover {Castilleja exserta) also may be used as a larval host plant, but some lepidopterists disagree with this opmion. For example, David FauUcner, Entomology ^ Department, San Diego Natural History Museum writes, "Literature references to owl's clover as being an alternative host for this species [qumo checkerspot] are probably not true, and this E species may have been confused with chaldedona whose larval stages are associated with other related Scrophulariaceae [of which owl's clover is a member]." (FauUcner 1997). E Focused adult fUght season presence/absence surveys for the QCB were conducted by and under the direction of DUDEK during March and April 1998 for the Phase II portion and by HELIX for the Phase I portion. The areas surveyed included aU suitable habitat (e.g., host plant areas, nectar ^ plant areas, hiUtops, ridgelines, native or sparsely vegetated areas) within the APE. Simultaneous with the OCB survey, a habitat assessment of the project site was prepared for host plants and C other suitable habitat conditions. An additional habitat assessment for the enthe APE was conducted m 1999 by DUDEK and HELIX conducted another fuU flight survey of the Phase I porrion of the APE m 1999. P No QCB were detected during the surveys. The botanical surveys, including two years of habitat PI assessments, did not reveal any individuals of the requisite host plant for this species (i.e., Plantago k erecta) in the entire APE. Numerous areas support the scattered populations of the nectar plant species, and there is an undulating series of knoUs along the southern portion of the APE that ^ continues offsite to the west. The nectar resources are generaUy confined to the burned southem ^ nuxed chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats. The 2000 USFWS survey protocol inciudes a ^ map where adult flight surveys are required; the APE for this project occurs entirely outside of the i adult flight survey area. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES. INC. 1576-13 iwfirc^i^oPn^ November 16, 2000 42 i Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project Danaus plexippus - Monarch butterfly USFWS: None CDFG: Special Animal JP Monarch butterfUes belong to a tropical famUy and are not able to withstand northern vmiters. In the fall, aduhs migrate south and spend the winter at many locations along the CaUfornia coast. At overwintering locations, the butterfUes only fly during periods of surmy, warm weather (Garth and TUden 1986). The overwintering butterflies Uve off of their fat reserves accumulated durmg the caterpUlar state, although they may seek out nectar during the winter for supplemental nutrition. Citrus groves, eucalyptus trees and other faU- and wmter-flowermg plants provide nectar sources (Meade 1999). In the spruig, the butterfUes begin to migrate back to the north, reproducing during the journey so that their descendants may reach as far north as southem Canada. The individuals that return the next faU are descendants (several generations later) of those that migrated north during the previous spring. In southern and cismontane Califorrua, larval food plants are Umited to true milkweeds {Asclepias spp.) (Garth and TUden 1986). There are no overwintering sites knovm to occur within the proposed project corridor. 3.5.3 Sensitive Habitats Sensitive habitats within the project area include coastal sage scrub, coyote brush scrub, southern v^low scrub, VaUey needlegrass grassland, disturbed habitat and freshwater marsh. Regionally, coastal sage scrub supports numerous sensitive species of plants and wUdUfe, and has been reduced in San Diego County as a result of urbanization and other developments (Hix 1990). Coyote brush is recognized as a sub-category of coastal sage scrub and impacts to it usually are considered to be simUar in importance to coastal sage scrub. VaUey needlegrass grassland is a native habitat type that often is important to sensitive plant species and birds of prey. Southern willow scrub, disturbed wetland and freshwater marsh are wetland habitats that are subject to regulation by CDFG under Sections 1600-1603 of the CaUfornia Fish and Game Code and the ACOE under Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act. PI P P P DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 •am»i«amfUxe«^ November 16, 2000 43 m P p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis k Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project 4,0 IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT PR i> 4.1 Explanation of Findings of Significance p ll Impacts to native habitats, sensitive plants, and sensitive wildUfe species must be quantified and analyzed to determine whether such impacts are significant under the CaUfornia Environmental E Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental PoUcy Act (NEPA). CEQA guideUnes state that an ironclad definition of "significant" effect is not possible because the significance of an activity may vary with the settuig, i.e., "examples of consequences which may be deemed to be F a significant effect on the environment." These effects include substantial effects on rare or endangered species of animal or plant or the habitat of the species. A proposed project may have pn a significant effect on the envirorunent if the project has the potential to: (1) substantially fe degrade the quaUty of the environment; (2) substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildUfe species; (3) cause a fish or wUdUfe population to drop below self-sustaining levels; (4) threaten P to eliminate a plant or animal community; (5) reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare k or endangered plant or animal; or (6) eUminate unportant examples of the major period of California history or prehistory. P fe The evaluation of whether or not an unpact to a particular biological resource is significant must m consider both the resource itself and the role of that resource ui a regional context. Substantial p impacts are those that contribute to, or result in, permanent loss of an important resource, such as a population of a rare plant or anunal. Impacts may be unportant locaUy because they result in an adverse alteration of existing site conditions, but considered not significant because they do not contribute substantiaUy to the permanent loss of that resource regionaUy. The severity of an ^ impact is the primary determinant of whether or not that impact can be mitigated to a level ^ below significant. ^ 4.2 Assessment of Impacts to Plant Communities IM ^ This analysis assumes direct, permanent unpacts to aU habitats within the limits of gradmg for ^ Phases I and II, including cormecting access roads, storm drams, detention basins, etc. The second map pocket mcludes the Umits of gradmg overlaid on the biological resources and wetlands maps. *• Implementation of the proposed project wiU result in direct and indirect impacts to native and •» non-native plant communities and habitats. Direct impacts are the primary result of the activity, such as graduig or fUlhig, whereas mdirect effects are the secondary result, such as noise effects, changes m drainage, etc. and therefore are difficult to quantify. Temporary impacts would also DUDEK 1576-13 & ASSOCIATES. INC. I "^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ iw-*«iii™^c«,*i«p-*«. November 16, 2000 44 m P Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project IH E P P fe P 11 k m P p fe P p» P occur hi Phases I and II of the APE. These temporary impact areas include staging areas, rock- crushing areas and demoUtion of the old bridge. Permanent impacts cause a permanent removal of habitat, such as by filling, whereas temporary unpacts wiU aUow habitat function or species to return after those areas are restored. Table 4 summarizes the permanent and temporary impacts of the proposed project for each phase and the project as a whole. TABLE 4 PROPOSED IMPACTS BY PLANT COMMUNITY Total Project Area Phase 1 Phase II Vegetation Type Perm. Temp. Perm. Temp. Perm. Temp. Coastal Sage Scrub (Total} 42.8 17.5 40.9 17.5 1.9 - burned CSS 25.5 9.4 25.5 9.4 <0.1 - disturbed CSS 15.4 8.1 15.4 8.1 -- disturbed coyote brush scrub 1.9 ---1.9 - Southern Mixed Chaparral {Total} 5.4 1.5 -1.5 5.4 - SMC 0.2 1.0 -1.0 0.2 - burned SMC 5.2 0.5 -0.5 5.2 - Valley Needlegrass Grassland (Total} 0.1 0.8 <0.1 0.8 0.1 - VGL 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.1 - VGL/CSS <0.1 0.8 <0.1 0.8 <0.1 - Southern Willow Scrub 0.44 0.97 --0.44 0.97 Freshwater Marsh ------ Disturbed Wetland 0.27 0.27 -_ - Waters (unvegetated waters of the U.S.) 0.22 0.04 0.08 0.01 0.15 0.03 Annual Grassland 5.5 7.5 2.8 2.8 2.7 4.7 Eucalyptus Woodland 1.0 --1.0 - Disturbed Habitat 8.1 3.6 7.1 3.4 1.0 0.1 Developed Land 12.7 2.5 4.3 1.1 8.4 1.4 TOTAL 76.4 34.5 55.4 27.2 21.0 7.3 DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. .MCH^PK^H. November 16, 2000 1576-13 45 Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project ^ 4.2.1 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub and Coyote Brush Scrub pl ^ Diegan coastal sage scrub occupies about 8-10 percent of San Diego County's total area. Hix (1990) indicates that this community has been reduced by greater than 70 percent of its original P coverage, prunarUy as a consequence of housuig and other urban developments. Because coastal ^ sage scrub is knovm to support a variety of sensitive species regionaUy, and because it has been reduced in acreage throughout San Diego County, it is considered a sensitive habitat by local, state, and federal agencies. Implementation of the proposed project wiU result m the permanent loss of 40.9 acres of coastal sage scrub and 1.9 acres of disturbed coyote brush scrub and temporary p impacts to 17.5 acres of coastal sage scrub. As discussed in Section 1.0 Project Description above, 11 the City wiU purchase habitat credits and restore impacts to construction staging areas in order to conform with the HCP requirements for upland habitats. Consideruig that the proposed bridge improvements are located outside of areas designated as conserved habitat by the HCP, the HCP considers the impacts of the project to upland habitats to be mitigated by the habitat conservation goals of the HCP mcluding dedication of habitat credits and restoration of temporary impact areas. Therefore, permanent and temporary impacts are not considered significant. P 4.2.2 Southern Mixed Chaparral p P pl p Implementation of the proposed project wiU result in the permanent loss of approxunately.5.4 acres and temporary loss of 1.5 acres of southern mixed chaparral. This represents an incremental ^ reduction of the habitat m the region. Because southern mixed chaparral is a widespread and P common community type in San Diego County, and that measures have been incorporated mto the project design to conform with the HCP requirements for upland habitats, impacts to this ^ habitat are not considered significant. P •p 4.2.3 Valley Needlegrass Grassland Implementation of the proposed project wiU result in the permanent loss of 0.1 acre and temporary loss of 0.8 acre of VaUey needlegrass grassland. VaUey needlegrass grassland is ** recogruzed locaUy as important to the maintenance of raptor populations, other sensitive wUdlife PM and sensitive plants, and is a declining habitat type within the coastal areas of southern IP California. Within the APE, the patch of VaUey needlegrass grassland north of the creek is very smaU in extent, isolated from other grasslands, and does not represent a significant botanical or ** wUdUfe resource. The larger area of grassland along Questhaven Road probably would be isolated DUDEK 1576-13 .& ASSOCIATES, INCI ^— .^^^^^^^^^ mmm^^^^^^^^mm Pn4briMiiii~f>rc«.riar)>»Mi November 16, 2000 46 m P PI k m il P it p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project by the development of the University Commons project. AdditionaUy, as described m the project description, measures have been incorporated into the project design to conform v^^th the HCP fe requirements for upland habitats. Therefore, permanent and temporary impacts are not considered significant. p 4.2.4 Wetland/Riparian Habitats il Wetlands are recognized locally and regionaUy as highly productive and valuable v\/ildUf e habitat. The structural complexity of the vegetation provides nestuig and foraging opportunities for fll numerous species of birds. The avaUable water and associated vegetative cover represent resources ki for several species of amphibians and mammals, and for numerous species of aquatic and sub- aquatic msects. Linear riparian habitats are likely to play a role in animal dispersal or function as wUdUfe corridors (see section below entitled "Assessment of Impacts to Local and Regional WUdlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages"). p li The wetland deUneation determined that there were 2.42 acres of jurisdictional wetlands within the APE. In addition, several unvegetated jurisdictional waters of the U.S. were mapped in the P project area. The proposed project would affect wetlands and waters through construction of the road and bridge. Construction of the road and associated slopes would result m the permanent impacts to disturbed wetland and unvegetated charmel as weU as temporary impacts to unvegetated charmel. These temporary impacts are associated v^th construction activity necessary to construct the road and associated slopes. Replacement of the bridge over San Marcos p Creek would impacts wetlands and waters m the foUowing ways: permanently by filling and II dredgmg for construction of abutments and bridge piers; permanently by construction of a storm drain outfaU structure southeast of the new bridge; and temporarily by certain construction P activities within the streambed adj acent to the bridge including demoUtion of the old bridge. The * temporary impact zone, associated with the bridge, was determined by the design engineer based p on construction requirements of the bridge and demoUtion of the old bridge. i For impacts to wetland habitats, the project wiU uiclude habitat creation, restoration, P enhancement or acquisition pursuant to permit requirements of the U.S. Army Corps of ll Engineers, CaUfornia Department of Fish and Game and Regional Water QuaUty Control Board. It is expected that the following ratios wiU apply for permanent unpacts: 1:1 for disturbed wetlands and 3:1 for southern wUlow scrub. Following demoUtion of the old bridge over San Marcos Creek, this area will be restored to support southem wiUow scrub habitat. FoUowmg temporary impacts necessary to construct the new bridge and road, pre-construction contours wiU be restored and, where wetlands currently exist, southem wiUow scrub wiU be revegetated. As DUDEK 1576-13 SLASSOCIATES,INC.I i^^—^^——.^^^^^—^^^^^ pri^^.iioHi'iiaHiVcoinfaaPni.ib Novembcr 16, 2000 47 p ii p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis ll Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Repiacement Project a result, in view of proposed mitigation, both permanent and temporary unpacts are considered less than significant. p li k The project wiU require permits in accordance with Section 1601 of the CaUfornia Fish and Game P Code, Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act and Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act. B ASection 1601 Streambed Alteration Agreement wiU be obtamed from the CaUfomia Department of Fish and Game; and a Section 401 Certification or Waiver wiU be obtained from the Regional 2 Water QuaUty Control Board. The project proponent expects the project to quaUfy under a Nationwide Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. S 4.2.5 Annual (Non-native) Grassland 2 Implementation of the proposed project wUl result in the permanent loss of 5.5 acres and temporary loss of 7.5 acres of armual grassland. Although non-native grasslands typicaUy do not E support sensitive plant or wildUfe species, they may represent important raptor foraging habitat. The overaU acreage of non-native grassland is dimuiishing regionaUy, but non-native grassland remams a relatively abundant habitat type in San Diego County. The permanent and temporary P loss of non-native grassland resulting from project implementation would have a mmor local ^ impact, but would not represent a significant impact regionally. m n 4.2.6 Eucalyptus Woodland P Implementation of the proposed project wiU result in the permanent loss of 1.1 acres and k temporary loss of less than 0.1 acre of eucalyptus woodland. Although eucalyptus woodlands typically do not support sensitive plant or wildUfe species, they may represent important raptor nesting habitat. The overaU acreage of eucalyptus woodland is diminishing regionaUy, but eucalyptus woodland remams a relatively abundant habitat type in San Diego County. The permanent and temporary loss of eucalyptus woodland resulting from project implementation would have a minor local unpact, but would not represent a significant unpact regionaUy. 4.2.7 Disturbed Habitat / Developed Land p Proposed permanent and temporary impacts to disturbed habitat and developed land are not p considered significant because neither land type supports a substantial number of native plants and therefore do not represent a significant biological resource. DUDEK 1576-13 & ASSOCIATES, INC. I M^^^^^^^^^— — ft.f™ta-iii«iwc.-»i=iv*« November 16, 2000 48 p p p m P P P P Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project 4.3 Assessment of Impacts to Sensitive Plant Species No state- or federaUy-Usted rare, threatened or endangered species were observed onsite. Three species recognized as locaUy sensitive by the CaUfornia Native Plant Society (Skiimer and PavUk 1994) was detected in San Marcos Creek. A smaU population of spiny rush occurs within the APE and could be affected by provision of temporary access and construction of bridge abutments. Potential impacts to this portion of the large San Marcos Creek population would not be considered significant. This species is widespread m San Diego County and Baja CaUfornia, Mexico, and is under no threat of extinction at this time. It is locaUy common in alkaUne wetlands, many of which are either in permanent open space or in areas where activities are regulated by the ACQE and CDFG. Spiny rush is frequently used successfuUy in wetland revegetation schemes. An undetermined number of CaUfornia adolphia and approximately 1,500 individuals of San Diego golden-star would be permanently impacted by the project. This mipact is mitigated through provisions of the HCP as documented in the project description above and therefore is not considered significant. 4.4 Assessment of Impacts to Sensitive Wildlife Species One wildUfe species recognized as threatened by the USFWS and several species recognized as USFWS "sensitive species" and/or as "species of special concern" by CDFG occur or could potentiaUy occur in the APE. Direct and indirect impacts to each of these species are discussed below. Impacts to CaUfornia gnatcatcher are not considered significant given the project's conformance with the HCP including dedication of habitat credits and timing of construction outside of the gnatcatcher breeding season m order to avoid disruption of nestuig and rearmg. Impacts of the project to the Cooper's hawk and loggerhead shrike would not be considered significant. These species are stUl relatively widespread and common nesting species m many types of woodlands and grasslands in San Diego County, Uicluduig suburban environments. As described in the project description, vegetation removal that is needed to accompUsh the project v^l be conducted between about 15 September and 15 February immediately prior to construction; therefore, direct loss of a nesting site would not occur. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 PT<M«>^Ti>~i't^-*L,miM November 16, 2000 49 P Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis ife Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project p p p p fe Impacts to BeU's sage sparrow and southern CaUfornia rufous-crovmed sparrow are not considered sigruficant due to their low sensitivity. In addition, habitat for these species would be conserved per the HCP and construction would not take place during the breeding season. Potential impacts to two-striped gartersnake, San Diego horned Uzard, westem spadefoot, coastal whiptaU, red-diamond rattlesnake and rosy boa would not be considered significant. These species are stiU relatively widespread species. It is anticipated that the bridge structure would allow continued movement and persistence of species currently in San Marcos Creek. In addition, the HCP allows for significant conservation of habitat occupied by these species. Potential impacts to the Dulzura CaUforrua pocket mouse, northwestern pocket mouse, desert woodrat and San Diego black-taUed jackrabbit would not be considered sigruficant. These are relatively widespread and common species in southern CaUforrua and habitat is conserved for these species per the HCP. 2 Construction activity is expected to reduce wUdUfe use in the areas contiguous with the project. Elevated noise levels are anticipated to occur as a result of gradkig, excavation, and driving piles. B The wildUfe agencies typically fmd that noise levels in excess of 65 dBA Lg^ are detrunental to wildlife, and for example, result in "take" of endangered or threatened bird species. Because no endangered or threatened wUdUfe species are knovm to occur in the project vicuiity or onsite, the B indirect effects of construction activity, Uiciuding noise, are not expected to be significant, provided aU habitat removal is conducted between 15 September and 15 February. P k 4.5 Assessment of Impacts to Local and Regional Wildlife Corridors p. and Habitat Linlcages ll San Marcos Creek at Rancho Santa Fe Road undoubtedly serves as a regionaUy-important habitat P Unkage/wUdUfe corridor for a variety of wUdUfe, including larger species such as mule deer and • mountain lion, between the University Commons/San EUjo Ranch project areas ui the City of San Marcos and the Bank of America property in Carlsbad. The linkage that facilitates access across University Commons/San EUjo Ranch has been identified by the resource agencies as essential to connectivity through the San Marcos LandfiU area and eventuaUy to the San Dieguito River near Lake Hodges. Construction (replacement) of a bridge across the creek, foUowed by demoUtion of the existmg bridge and road section, temporarily wiU affect wildlife usage of the corridor during the DUDEK 1576-13 .& ASSOCIATES, mc. I —— p„iu,tm^-am«f,tamtiBrfi^ November 16, 2000 50 Biological Resources Report & impact Analysis k Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Repiacement Project pi p k p p m P construction period. Subsequently, v^^dUfe would be expected to resume pattems of travel through the area m the marmer and at levels that existed before, resultuig m no net impact to wUdUf e movement. ReaUgnment of the roadway ui the southern portion of the APE would not significantly affect wUdlife movement because of the lack of sigruficant habitat west of Rancho Santa Fe Road and therefore limited wUdlife usage of this area as a linkage or corridor. 5.0 MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS The project Uicorporates conservation elements to minimize impacts to biological resources to a less than sigruficant level. See Section 1.0 for Usted measures. As a result, no further mitigation measures are necessary. 6.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This report was prepared by Dudek & Associates, Inc. biologists Philip R. Behrends, Ph.D., Harold A. Wier, Sherri L. MUler and Vipul R. Joshi. Martie A. demons provided graphics and Tonette Foster provided word processing assistance. 7.0 LITERATURE CITED Abrams, L. 1923. IUustrated Flora of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford, CaUfornia. American Ornithologists' Uiuon. 1983. The Check-Ust of North American Birds, 6th edition. Alien Press, Lawrence, Kansas. American Ornithologists' Uruon. 1989. Thirty-seventh Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-List of North American Birds. The Auk 106:532-538. Atwood, J. L. 1990. Status Review of the CaUfomia Gnatcatcher {Polioptila californica). UnpubUshed technical report, Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, Massachusetts. *• Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A Flora of San Diego County, CaUforrua. Sweetwater Press, National P City, CaUfornia. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC 1576-13 pri4aiMdiwwfiir(>ii^i>>4<<tt November 16,2000 51 p p p m p li p P Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project Bond, S. 1.1977. An annotated Ust of the mammals of San Diego County, CaUfomia. Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist. 18: 229-248. Bovmaan,R. H. 1973. SoUSurvey, San Diego Area, CaUfornia, Parti. United States Department of the Agriculture. 104 pp. -I- appendices. California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1980. At the Crossroads: A Report on the Status of CaUfornia's Endangered and Rare Fish and WUdUfe. State of CaUforrua Resources Agency, Sacramento. CaUfornia. CaUfornia Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1986. "Endangered, Rare, and Threatened Animals of California." State of CaUfornia Resources Agency, Sacramento, CaUfornia. California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1987. "Designated Endangered or Rare Plants." Summary Ust from Section 1904 Fish and Game Code (Native Plant Protection Act). State of CaUfornia Resources Agency, Sacramento, CaUfornia. Dudek and Associates, Inc. 1998. "Draft Biological Resources Report and Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project" Prepared for the City of Carlsbad. Encinitas, CaUforrua. Emmel, T. C. and J. F. EmmeL 1973. The Butterflies of Southern Califorrua. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Science Series 26:1-148. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Techiucal Report Y-87-1, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg, Mississipi. Faulkner, David M. 2 June 1997. Letter to Harold Wier regarding butterfUes at Fanita Ranch, fe Santee, CaUfornia. P Garth, J. S. and J. W. TUden. 1986. CaUfornia Butterflies. University of CaUfornia Press, Berkeley, California. 246 pp. GrinneU, J. and A. H. MUler. 1944. The distribution of the birds of CaUfornia. Pacific Coast Avifauna, no. 27. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1576-13 j&»vc:-pi>p~t-. November 16,2000 52 P p p p p p p p m Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project Helix Environmental Plannuig, Inc. 1999. "The La Costa Oaks and Ridge Projects: Draft Biological Technical Report." Prepared for: VUlages of La Costa. La Mesa, CaUforrua. Hickman, J. C. 1993. The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California. University of CaUfomia Press Berkeley. 1400 pp. Hix,A.B. 1990. Sensitivityof San Diego's Biological Resources: An Informational Report. City of San Diego Planning Department, Development and Environmental Planning Division. 29 pp. 4- attachments. P ll HoUand, R. F. 1986. PreUminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Commuruties of CaUforma. Nongame-Heritage Program, CaUfornia Department of Fish and Game. p Jones, C, R. S. Hoffrnan, D. W. Rice, R. .J. Baker, M. D. Engstrom, R. D. Bradley, D. J. Schmidly ^ and C. A. James. 1997. Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Texas Tech University, no. 173. Meade, D. E. 1999. Monarch Butterfly Overwinterins Sites in Santa Barbara County, CaUfornia. UnpubUshed. Althouse and Meade, Paso Robles. Munz, P. 1974. A Flora of Southern CaUfornia. University of CaUfornia Press, Berkeley, Califorrua. 1086 pp. Murphy, D. D. 1990. A Report on the Califorrua Butterflies Listed as Candidates for Endangered Status by the United States Fish and WUdlife Service. Draft Report for CaUfomia Department of Fish and Game, Contract No. C-1755. 60 pp. Reed, P.B. 1988. National Ust of plant species that occur ui wetlands: California (RegionO).U.S. Fish and WUdUfe Service Biological Report 88 (26.10). Reiser, C. H. 1994. Rare Plants of San Diego County. Aquafir Press, Imperial Beach, CaUfornia. Remsen, J. V. 1978. Bird Species of Special Concern in California: An Annotated List of DecUnuigorVuUierable Bird Species. Admirustrative Report No. 78-1. Nongame WildUfe Investigations, WUdUfe Management Branch, CaUfornia Department of Fish and Game. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES. INC. 1576-13 i>»fiwi-<dn-.ff comH^p-oA Novembcr 16, 2000 53 p p k p p p p il Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project Skiimer, M. W. and B. M. PavUk. 1994. California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of CaUfomia. Special PubUcation No. 1 (5th Edition), CaUforrua Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CaUforrua. 338 pp. P San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). 1989. Comprehensive species management k plan for the least BeU's vireo. May, 226 pp. San Diego Herpetological Society. 1980. Survey and status of endangered and threatened species of reptUes natively occurrmg in San Diego County. Prepared for Fish and WUdUfe Comrruttee, San Diego Department of Agriculture. 33 pp. Stebbins, R. C. 1985. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. Tibbits, T.J., M.K. Sogge & S.J. Sferra. 1994. A Survey Protocol for the Southwestern WiUow Flycatcher {Empidonas traillii extimus). National Park Service, Colorado Plateau Research Station. 23 pp. Unitt, P. A. 1984. Birds of San Diego County. Memoir 13, San Diego Society of Natural History. 276 pp. United States Fish and WUdUfe Service. 1988. Least BeU's Vireo Draft Recovery Plan. Portland, Oregon. United States Fish and WUdUfe Service (USFWS). 1989. Federal Register, Part 4, Endangered and Threatened WUdUfe and Plants; Animal Notice of Review. 50 CFR Part 17. Department of the Interior. United States Fish and WUdUfe Service (USFWS). 1990. Federal Register, Part 4, Endangered and " Threatened WUdlife and Plants; Review of Plant Taxa for Listing as Endangered or P Threatened Species, Notice of Review. 50 CFR Part 17. Department of the Interior. United States Fish and WildUfe Service (USFWS). 1991. Federal Register, Part 8, Endangered and ^ Threatened WUdUfe and Plants; Anunal Candidate Review for Listmg as Endangered or Threatened Species, Proposed Rule. 50 CFR Part 17. Department of the Interior. p P DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC 1576-13 h-c^pni^ November 16,2000 54 p p ii P m m p k p p p mm m in - p p p p fe p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis 1^ Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project United States Fish and WUdUfe Service (USFWS). 1993. Federal Register, Part 4, Endangered and Threatened WUdUfe and Plants; Review of Plant Taxa for Listmg as Endangered or Threatened Species, Notice of Review. 50 CFR Part 17. Department of the Interior. United States Fish and WUdUfe Service (USFWS). 1994. Endangered and Threatened WUdUfe and Plants. Emergency Rule to List the Pacific Pocket Mouse as Endangered. Federal Register, 59 (No. 23) United States Fish and WUdUfe Service (USFWS). July 1997. Final Rule on Crirical Habitat. Wiggins, I.L. 1980. A Flora of Baja California. Stanford University Press. 1025 pp. WiUett, G. 1933. A Revised List of Birds of the Southwestern CaUforrua. Pacific Coast Avifuana, 21. Cooper Ornithological Club, Berkeley, CaUfornia. DUDEK 1576-13 ,& ASSOCIATES, INC.1 ru^mima-a^t^cmfiap,^ November 16, 2000 55 p p ii p p APPENDICES P p-DUDEK SLASSOCIATES A Ca MfmiiAiliiliiii p p p p p ii p p p p p p APPENDIX A LIST OF VASCULAR PLANTS DETECTED IN THE RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD REALIGNMENT AND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT AREA P li p DUDEK &ASSOCIATES A California CDr}>arat>Dfi Biological Resources Report 6C Impact Analysis r Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project P * APPENDIX A p li VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES P k LYCOPODLVE SELAGINELLACEAE - SPIKE-MOSS FAMILY • Selaginella cinerascens - ashy spike-moss g FILACEAE PTERIDACEAE - BRAKE FAMILY r Pentagramma triangularis - goldenback fern P P DRYOPTERIDACEAE - WOOD FERN FAMILY # Dryopteris arguta - coast wood fem p ANTHOPHYTA - DICOTYLEDONES k AIZOACEAE - CARPET-WEED FAMILY « * Carpobrotus aequilaterus - sea-fig p ANACARDIACEAE - SUMAC FAMILY ^ Malosma laurina - laurel sumac i« Rhus integrifolia - lemonadeberry *# Schinus molle - Peruvian pepper-tree Toxicodendron diversilobum - poison-oak w ^ APIACEAE - CARROT FAMILY H Apiastrum angustifolium - wild celery * Apium graveolens - celery * Conium maculatum - poison-hemlock Daucus pusillus - rattlesnake weed * Foeniculum vulgare - sweet feimel Sanicula sp. - sanicle Tauschia arguta - southem tauschia P DUDEK &ASSOCIATES 1576-13 *c.u,.„..c.„....... November 16, 2000 P p il p p Biological Resources Report 6C Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project APPENDIX A (Continued) p ASTERACEAE - SUNFLOWER FAMILY |g Achillea millefolium var. califomica - yarrow Ambrosia psilostachya var. califomica - western ragweed E Artemisia califomica - coastal sagebmsh Artemisia douglasiana - California mugwort Baccharis pilularis - coyote bmsh P * Centaurea melitensis - tocalote k # Chamomilla suaveolens - pineapple weed * Chrysanthemum coronarium - garland chrysanthemum P Cirsium occidentale - western thistle • * Conzya canadensis - horseweed * Cotula australis - Australian brass-buttons T * Cotula coronopifolia - African brass-buttons " Encelia califomica - California bush simflower Erigeron foliosus var. stenophyllus - leafy daisy Eriophyllum confertiflomm var. confertiflomm - long-stem golden yarrow * Filago gallica - narrow-leaf filago M # Gnaphalium sp. - everlasting ^ Hazardia squarrosa ssp. grindelioides - saw-toothed goldenbush * Hedypnois cretica - Crete hedypnois PR * Helianthus annuus - common sunflower ^ Hemizonia fasciculata - fascicled tarweed Heterotheca grandiflora - telegraph weed »• Isocoma menziesii ssp. veneta - coastal goldenbush il * Lactuca serriola - prickly letmce * Lasthenia califomica - coast goldfields C Lessingia filaginifolia - virgate cudweedaster * Picris echioides - bristly ox-tongue * Silybum marianum - milk thistle E * Sonchus oleraceus - common sow-thistle * Stephanomeria virgata - twiggy wreathplant p Stylocline gnaphalioides - everlasting nest-straw y * Tragopogon porrifolius - oyster plant * Xanthium strumarium - cocklebur BORAGINACEAE - BORAGE FAMILY Cryptantha sp. - cryptantha p* Cryptantha intermedia - common forget-me-not ll # Plagiohothrys sp. - popcorn flower m k DUDEK &ASSOCIATES 1576-13 November 16. 2000 P Ac.u,.....c.,M...... ^2 li m p k p ii p p li Biological Resources Report 6C Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project APPENDIX A [Continued) ^ BRASSICACEAE - MUSTARD FAMILY ^ * Brassica nigra - black mustard # Lepidium sp. - peppergrass p * Raphanus sativus - wild radish i CACTACEAE - CACTUS FAMILY g Opuntia littoralis - coastal prickly-pear CAMPANULACEAE - BELLFLOWER FAMILY g Triodanis biflora - small-flowered Venus looking-glass CAPRIFOLIACEAE - HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY Lonicera subspicata var. denudata - southera honeysuckle Sambucus mexicana - Mexican elderberry CARYOPHYLLACEAE - PINK FAMILY * Cerastium glomeratum - sticky mouse-ear e * Silene gallica - common catchfly Silene laciniata - frmged-Indian pink * Spergula sp. - spurrey P fe CHENOPODIACEAE - GOOSEFOOT FAMILY * Atriplex semibaccata - Australian saltbush p *# Chenopodium album - lamb's-quarters k * Chenopodium ambrosioides - Mexican tea Chenopodium californicum - California goosefoot P *# Salsola tragus - Russian-thistle CISTACEAE - ROCK-ROSE FAMILY F # Helianthemum scoparium var. aldersonii - Alderson's rock-rose CONVOLVULACEAE - MORNING-GLORY FAMILY # Calystegia macrostegia - western bindweed # Dichondra occidentalis - westem dichondra P fe CRASSULACEAE - STONECROP FAMILY # Crassuia aquatica - stonecrop » # Crassuia erecta - stonecrop fe Dudleya pulverulenta - chalk dudleya IP p |& ASSOC TATES DUDEK 1576-13 November 16. 2000 A-3 P PI Biological Resources Report Si Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project APPENDIX A (Continued) CUSCUTACEAE - DODDER FAMILY # Cuscuta califomica - California dodder CUCURBITACEAE - GOURD FAMILY Marah macrocarpus - wild cucumber ERICACEAE - HEATH FAMILY # Xylococcus bicolor - mission manzanita EUPHORBUCEAE - SPURGE FAMILY Chamaesyce polycarpa - small-seed sand mat Eremocarpus setigerus - doveweed * Ricinus communis - castor-bean FABACEAE - PEA FAMILY # Astragalus sp. - locoweed Lathyrus vestitus - wild sweet pea Lotus heermannii - Heermann's loms Lotus purshianus - Spanish-clover Lotus scoparius - deerweed Lotus strigosus - strigose deerweed Lupinus bicolor - Lindley's aimual lupine Lupinus hirsutissimus ~ stinging lupine Lupinus succulentus - arroyo lupine Lupinus truncatus - collar lupine * Medicago polymorpha - Califorma burclover * Melilotus indica - yellow sweet-clover * Trifolium hirtum - rose clover Trifolium willdenovii - valley clover * Vicia benghalensis - purple vetch FAGACEAE - BEECH FAMILY # Quercus agrifolia - coast live oak Quercus berberidifolia - interior scrub oak # Quercus dumosa - Nuttall's scmb oak GENTIANACEAE - GENTIAN FAMILY Centaurium venustum - canchalagua DUDEK fe l&ASSOClATgS P m 1576-13 November 16. 2000 p p p p p p p ll p p p k Biological Resources Report 6C Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project APPENDIX A (Continued) GERANIACEAE - GERANIUM FAMILY * Erodium botrys - broad-lobed filaree GROSSULARIACEAE - CURRANT FAMILY Ribes speciosum - fuchsia-flowered gooseberry HYDROPHYLLACEAE - WATERLEAF FAMILY Emmenanthe peruMiflora - whispering bells Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia - common eucrypta Phacelia cicutaria - caterpillar phacelia Phacelia graruiiflora - large-flowered phacelia * Pholistoma sp. - fiesta flower LAMIACEAE - MINT FAMILY Salvia apiana - white sage Salvia columbariae - chia Salvia mellifera - black sage Stachys ajugoides var. rigida - rigid hedge-nettle LYTHRACEAE - LOOSESTRIFE FAMILY * Lythmm hyssopifolia - hyssop loosestrife MALVACEAE - MALLOW FAMILY Malacothamnus fasciculatus sp. - bush mallow *# Malva parviflora - cheeseweed Sidalcea malvaeflora - checker mallow MYRTACEAE - MYRTLE FAMILY * Eucalyptus sp. - eucalyptus * Eucalyptus globulus - blue gum OLEACEAE - OLIVE FAMILY * Fraxinus sp. - ash * Olea europaea - mission olive ONAGRACEAE - EVENING-PRIMROSE FAMILY Camissonia sp. - evening-primrose DUDEK |g I&ASSOCIATES 1576-13 A Ciilt>Tiil( CtttHtlln November 16, 2000 A-5 P m m Biological Resources Report &i Impact Analysis P Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project p P li APPENDIX A (Continued) OXALIDACEAE - WOOD-SORREL FAMILY # Oxalis sp. - wood-sorrel m PAPAVERACEAE - POPPY FAMILY H Eschscholzia califomica - California poppy Stylomecon heterophylla - wind poppy p p PLANTAGINACEAE - PLANTAIN FAMILY # Plantago erecta - dwarf plantain ^ * Plantago lanceolata - English plantain p # Plantago ovata - plantain PLATANACEAE - SYCAMORE FAMILY ^ Platanus racemosa - western sycamore POLEMONIACEAE - PHLOX FAMILY # Linanthus dianthiflorus - ground pink ^ Navarretia sp. - skunkweed ^ POLYGONACEAE - BUCKWHEAT FAMILY IM Eriogonum fasciculatum - Califomia buckwheat ^ * Polygonum arenastmm - common knotweed Pterostegia drymarioides - Califoraia threadstem ^ * Rumex crispus - curly dock lii PORTULACACEAE - PURSLANE FAMILY Calaruirinia ciliata var. menziesii - redmaids p Claytonia perfoliata var. perfoliata - miner's-lettuce C PRIMULACEAE - PRIMROSE FAMILY * Aruigallis arvensis - scarlet pimpernel Dodecatheon clevelandii - shooting star ^ RANUNCULACEAE - CROWFOOT FAMILY p, # Clematis sp. - virgin's bower fe Thalictmm polycarpum - many-fniit meadow-rue DUDEK &ASSOCIATES 1576-13 . c...,...,. c..,....." November 16. 2000 p p p p fe Biological Resources Report 6C Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Projea APPENDIX A (Continued) RHAMNACEAE - BUCKTHORN FAMILY Adolphia califomica - Califomia spinebush Ceanothus tomentosus ssp. olivaceus - woolly-leaved ceanothus Rhamnus crocea - redberry ~ ROSACEAE - ROSE FAMILY m> Adenostoma fasciculatum - chamise fe Heteromeles arbutifolia - toyon Prunus ilicifolia - holly-leaf cherry P RUBIACEAE - MADDER FAMILY Galium angustifolium - narrow-leaved bedstraw mm RUTACEAE - RUE FAMILY Cneoridium dumosum - bushrue, coast spicebush SALICACEAE - WILLOW FAMILY Populus fremontii - Fremont's cottonwood Salix lasiolepis var. bracelinae - arrayo willow SAURURACEAE - LIZARD'S-TAIL FAMILY Anemopsis califomica - yerba mansa SCROPHULARIACEAE - FIGWORT FAMILY Antirrhinum kelloggii - climbing snapdragon Antirrhinum nuttallianum - Nuttall's snapdragon # Castilleja exserta - common owl's-clover # Castilleja affinis - coast paintbrush # Collinsia sp. - Chinese houses Linaria canadensis - toadflax Mimulus aurantiacus - bush monkeyflower SOLANACEAE - NIGHTSHADE FAMILY # Datura sp. - junsonweed *# Nicotiana glauca - tree tobacco Solanum parishii - Parish's nightshade TAMARICACEAE - TAMARISK FAMILY # Tamarix sp. - tamarisk iDUDEK &ASSOCIATES 1576-13 . c...,„.,. CM...... November 16, 2000 A-7 jp M P P p P Biological Resources Report fit Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project APPENDIX A (Continued) URTICACEEAE - NETTLE FAMILY # Parietaria hespera - westem pellitory p, VERBENACEAE - VERVAIN FAMILY fe Verberui lasiostachys - western verbena ANGIOSPERMAE (MONOCOTYLEDONES) P ARECACEAE - PALM FAMILY k * Washingtonia filifera - California fan palm CYPERACEAE - SEDGE FAMILY i> Carex triquetra - triangular-fruited sedge * Cyperus involucratus - African umbrella sedge # Eleocharis macrostachya - pale spike-msh Scirpus americanus - winged three-square IRIDACEAE - IRIS FAMILY Sisyrinchium bellum - blue-eyed grass JUNCACEAE - RUSH FAMILY Juncus acutus var. leopoldii- spiny msh Juncus bufonius - toad rash Juncus mexicanus - Mexican rash Juncus xiphioides - iris-leaved rash LILIACEAE - LILY FAMILY # Allium sp. - wild onion Calochortus splendens - lUac mariposa k Chlorogalum pomeridianum - soap plant Dichelostemma capitata - blue dicks ** # Muilla clevelandii - San Diego goldenstar *• Muilla maritima - common muilla ^ Yucca schidigera - Mohave yucca ^ Zigadenus fremontii - Fremont's lily mm ORCHIDACEAE - ORCHID FAMILY ^ Piperia unalaschensis - slendersphe piperia DUDEK &ASSOCIATES 1576-13 A CiNftrull Ciir>F*ll> November 16, 2000 A-8 p p p p p k p p k p p Biological Resources Report fiiC Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project APPENDIX A (Continued) POACEAE - GRASS FAMILY *# Arundo donax - giant reed * Avena barbata - slender oat * Bromus diandrus - ripgut grass * Bromus hordeaceus - soft chess * Bromus madritensis - foxtail chess m * Cortaderia selloana - Pampas grass fe *# Cynodon dactylon - Bermuda grass Distichlis spicata - salt grass p * Hordeum murinum - glaucous foxtail barley ll * Lamarckia aurea - goldentop Leymus condensatus - giant ryegrass * Lolium multiflorum - English ryegrass * Lolium perenne - perennial ryegrass Melica imperfecta - Califorma melic Nassella pulchra - purple needlegrass * Pennisetum setaceum - fountain grass * Polypogon monspeliensis - rabbit's-foot grass *# Schismus barbatus - Mediterranean schismus * Vulpia myuros - rattail fescue TYPHACEAE - CATTAIL FAMILY Typha sp. - cattail * signifies introduced (non-native) species # mdicates species only recorded by HELIX biologists (i.e., may not occur within APE) DUDEK &ASSOCIATES 1576-13 A Cil./iriill Ci'tiKIl* November 16. 2000 A-9 m P P ii f p p APPENDIX B P P P P LIST OF WILDLIFE SPECIES DETECTED IN THE RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD REALIGNMENT AND BRIDGEREPLACEMENT PROJECT AREA p p DUDEK &ASSOCIATES A Caiifarnia CartiDratian Ml p ii m Biological Resources Report fit Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project APPENDIX B fe WILDLIFE SPECIES -VERTEBRATES AMPHIBIANS p k HYLIDAE - TREEFROGS Hyla cadaverina - California treefrog Pseudacris regilla - Pacific treefrog RANIDAE - TRUE FROGS * Rana catesbeiana - bullfrog REPTILES P IGUANIDAE - IGUANID LIZARDS fe # Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillii - San Diego homed lizard # Sceloporus occidentalis - westem fence lizard * # Sceloporus orcutti - granite spiny lizard P # Uta stansburiana - side-blotched lizard ANGUIDAE - ALLIGATOR LIZARDS *• Gerrhonotus multicarinatus - southern alligator lizard COLUBRIDAE - COLUBRID SNAKES # Lampropeltis getulus - common kingsnake Thamnophis hammondii - two-striped garter snake # Pituophis melanoleucus - gopher snake VIPERIDAE - VIPERS # Crotalus viridis - westem rattlesnake BIRDS PODICIPEDIDAE - GREBES # Podiceps nigricollis - eared grebe DUDEK ^ASSOCIATES 1576-13 A Callftiii* Ctt fruit November 16. 2000 B-1 p p p p p p p p p p Biological Resources Report fit Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project APPENDIX B {Continued) # Podilymbus podiceps - pied-billed grebe p * ARDEIDAE - HERONS p Ardea herodias - great blue heron li ANATIDAE - WATERFOWL p # Anas clypeata - northem shoveler ll Anas platyrhynchos - mallard # Bucephala alheola - bufflehead P # Oxyura jamaicensis - raddy duck CATHARTIDAE - NEW WORLD VULTURES P Cathartes aura - turkey vulture it ACCIPITRIDAE - HAWKS Accipiter cooperii - Cooper's hawk Buteo lineatus - red-shouldered hawk # Buteo jamaicensis - red-tailed hawk # Circus cyaneus - northem harrier # Elanus caeruleus - white-tailed kite FALCONIDAE - FALCONS # Falco sparverius - American kestrel PHASIANIDAE - PHEASANTS & QUAILS # Callipepla califomica - Califomia quail CHARADRIIDAE - PLOVERS # Charadrius vociferus - killdeer LARIDAE - GULLS & TERNS # Stema caspia - Caspian tem COLUMBIDAE - PIGEONS & DOVES # Columba livia - rock dove y Zenaida macroura - mourning dove p CUCULIDAE - CUCKOOS & ROADRUNNERS fe # Geococcyx califomianus - greater roadranner DUDEK &AS80C1ATES 1576-13 A C(IIJ,TKII CtlftlMit* November 16, 2000 B-2 p p p k p Biological Resources Report fit Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project APPENDIX B {ContinuecJ) TYTONIDAE - BARN OWLS Tyto alba - bara owl CAPRIMULGIDAE - GOATSUCKERS Phalaenoptilus nuttallii - common poorwill APODIDAE - SWIFTS 11 Aeronautes saxatalis - white-throated swift # Chaetura vauxi - Vaux's swift P ll TROCHILIDAE - HUMMINGBIRDS Calypte anna - Anna's hummingbird P # Calypte costae - Costa's hummingbird P ALCEDINIDAE - KINGFISHERS ^ Ceryle alcyon - belted kingfisher P PICIDAE - WOODPECKERS Colaptes auratus - northern flicker *• Picoides nuttallii - Nuttall's woodpecker TYRANNIDAE - TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Empidonax dijficilis - Pacific-slope flycatcher mm # Myiarchus cinerascens - ash-throated flycatcher ^ Sayornis nigricans - black phoebe # Sayornis saya - Say's phoebe # Tyrannus vociferans - Cassin's kingbird m Tyrannus verticalis - western kingbird P ALAUDIDAE - LARKS # Eremophila alpestris - homed lark HIRUNDINIDAE - SWALLOWS ** Himndo pyrrhonota - cliff swallow ^ # Hirundo rustica - bam swallow ^ Stelgidopteryx serripennis - northern rough-winged swallow # Tachycineta bicolor - tree swallow 4n # Tachycineta thalassina - violet-green swallow &ASSOCIATES 1576-13 A Cillfinli Cirftiitl,' November 16. 2000 B-3 P p p m p p fe Biological Resources Report fit Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Projea APPENDIX B {Continued) CORVIDAE - JAYS & CROWS Aphelocoma coerulescens - scrab jay # Corvus corax - common raven p Corvus brachyrhynchos - American crow AEGITHALIDAE - BUSHTITS pl Psaltriparus minimus - bushtit m TROGLODYTIDAE - WRENS P # Catherpes mexicanus - canyon wren ll Thryomanes bewickii - Bewick's wren Troglodytes aedon - house wren p ii MUSCICAPIDAE - KINGLETS, GNATCATCHERS, THRUSHES & BABBLERS Chamaea fasciata - wrentit ^ # Polioptila caerulea - blue-gray gnatcatcher ^ # Polioptila califomica califomica - coastal Califomia gnatcatcher ^ Turdus migratorius - American robin MIMIDAE - THRASHERS PH # Mimus polyglottos - northera mockingbird ^ Toxostoma redivivum - Califonua thrasher p PTILOGONATIDAE - SILKY-FLYCATCHERS fe # Phainopepla nitens - phainopepla P LANIIDAE - SHRIKES ll # Lanius ludovicianus - loggerhead shrike 2 STURNIDAE - STARLINGS " * Stumus vulgaris - European starling VIREONIDAE - VIREOS # Vireo gilvus - warbling vireo EMBERIZIDAE - WOOD WARBLERS, TANAGERS, BUNTINGS & BLACKBIRDS Agelaius phoeniceus - red-winged blackbird # Aimophila ruficeps canescens - Southem Califomia mfous-crowned sparrow fe # Ammodramus savannarum - grasshopper sparrow aiii &ASSOCIATES 1576-13 A ClIlfcuM CttfttUt November 16. 2000 B^ p p p p p m p hi p p Biological Resources Report fit Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project APPENDIX B {Continued^ # Amphispiza belli belli - Bell's sage sparrow ^ # Dendroica coronata - yellow-mmped warbler Dendroica nigrescens - black-throated gray warbler p Euphagus cyanocephalus - Brewer's blackbird Geothlypis trichas - common yellowthroat # Guiraca caerulea - blue grosbeak p # Icteria virens - yellow-breasted chat ll # Icterus hullockii - Bullock's oriole Icterus cucullatus - hooded oriole E lctems galbula - northern oriole Melospiza melodia - song sparrow Molothrus ater • brown-headed cowbird # Passerculus sandwichensis - Savannah sparrow # Passerina amoena - lazuli bunting Pheucticus melanocephalus - black-headed grosbeak Pipilo crissalis - California towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus - spotted towhee # Sturnella neglecta - westem meadowlark Vermivora celata - orange-crowned warbler Wilsonia pusilla - Wilson's warbler # Zonotrichia leucophrys - white-crowned sparrow P ll FRINGILLIDAE - FINCHES Carpodacus mexicanus - house finch fe Carduelis psaltria - lesser goldfinch P ii MAMMALS P DIDELPHIDAE - NEW WORLD OPOSSUMS • *# Didelphis virginiana - Virginia opossum LEPORIDAE - HARES & RABBITS # Lepus califomicus - black-tailed j ackrabbit Sylvilagus bachmani - brash rabbit # Sylvilagus audubonii - desert cottontail SCIURIDAE - SQUIRRELS Spermophilus beecheyi - California ground squurel DUDEK &AS8DC1ATES 1576-13 A Callt,T>li Ciif •IIIIH November 16, 2000 ^ ^ p p Biological Resources Report fit Impaa Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Projea APPENDIX B {Continued) GEOMYIDAE - POCKET GOPHERS Thomomys bottae - Botta's pocket gopher HETEROMYIDAE - POCKET MICE & KANGAROO RATS Chaetodipus californicus - California pocket mouse MURIDAE - RATS & MICE # Neotoma sp. - woodrat Peromyscus maniculatus - deer mouse CANIDAE - WOLVES & FOXES # Canis familiaris - domestic dog Canis latrans - coyote PROCYONIDAE - RACCOONS & RELATIVES Procyon lotor - common raccoon FELIDAE - CATS # Lynx rufus - bobcat CERVIDAE - DEERS # Odocoileus hemionus - mule deer WILDLIFE SPECIES - INVERTEBRATES BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS HESPERIIDAE - SKIPPERS # Erynnis funeralis - funereal duskywing # Erynnis tristis - mournful duskywing # Pyrgus albens - westem checkered skipper # Pyrgus albescens - checkered skipper # Hylephila phyleus - fiery skipper PAPILIONIDAE - SWALLOWTAILS # Papilio rutulus - westem tiger swallowtail # Papilio zeliacaon - anise swallowtail iDUDEK &ASS0C1ATES 1576-13 A Clll|>nil C(tr*»il>i November 16. 2000 B-6 p il p ll Biological Resources Report fit Impaa Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project P p P P El APPENDIX B {Continued) PIERIDAE - WHITES AND SULFURS # Anthocharis sara - Sara orangetip # Pieris rapae - cabbage butterfly # Pontia protodice - common white # Zerene eurydice - Califomia dogface RIODINIDAE - METALMARKS # Apodemia mormo virguiti - Behr's metalmark LYCAENIDAE - BLUES, HAIRSTREAKS, & COPPERS # # # # # # Celastrina ladon echo - echo blue Callophyrys perplexa - perplexing hairstreak Everes amyntula amyntula - western-tailed blue Glaucopsyche lygdamus - southem blue Incisalia augustinus - westem elfin Leptotes marina - marine blue Strymon melinus - gray hairstreak NYMPHALIDAE - BRUSH-FOOTED BUTTERFLIES # Vanessa cardui - painted lady # Vannessa annabella - West coast lady # Vannessa virginiensis - Virginia lady Junonia coenia - buckeye # Coenonympha tullia - Ceilifomia ringlet # signifies introduced (non-native) species indicates species only recorded by HELIX biologists (Le., may not occur within APE) P ii p p DUDEK &ASS0C1ATES 1576-13 A Clllfttal* Ctrftmltn November 16. 2000 B-7 p p p APPENDIX C USFWS Letter to DUDEK Dated August 25,1999 k DUDEK SLASSOCIATES A California Corfioratton P M United States Department of the Interior RSH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Ecological Services Carisbad Fish and ^^dlife Office 2730 Loker Avenue West Carisbad. CaHfomia 92008 Jim Harry, Enviromnental Planner DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 605 Third Street' Encinitas, California 92024 m 25 RECEIVED AUG 2 6 1999 RE: Request for Candidate, Proposed, Threatened, or Endangered Species for the Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement ReaUgnment in the City of Carlsbad, Northwestem SanDiego County, CaUfornia (1-6-99-TA-71) Dear Mr. Harry: The U.S. Fish and WildUfe Service (Service) has reviewed the information provided in your letter dated July 21, 1999, which requested mformation on the potential for federaUy Usted threatened or endangered species at the proposed project site. We do not have site-specific mformation for the project area, consequMitly the attached Ust is a general Ust of species that have the potential to occur in the vicinity of the Santa Fe Road Bridge Repiacement ReaUgnment in the City of Carlsbad, Northwestem San Diego 'County, CaUfomia. We recommend that you seek assistance firom a biologist femiliar with the project site and with the Usted species in assessing the actual potential for direct, indhrect and cumulative impacts Ukely to result fi-om the proposed activity. You should also contact the CaUfornia Department of Fish and Game for State Usted species which may occur m the area of the proposed project. State Usted species are protected imder the provisions of the Califomia Endangered Species Act. In addition to the attached list of protected species, the Service is concemed about the foUowing species, which have the potential to occur in the area of the proposed project, and for which ciurent scientific evidence suggests are declining in numbers. MAMMALS: San Diego biack- taUed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bermettii), San Di^o desert woodrat {Neotoma lepida intermedial mule deer {Odocoileus hemionus fuliginata), northwestem San Diego pocket mouse (Perognathus falluxfalltix), American badger {Taxidea taxus); BIRDS: Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii), southem CaUfornia rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens), coastal cactus wren {(Zampylorhynchtis hrurmeicapillus sandiegoense), northem harrier (circus cyaneus), white-taled kite (Elanus leucurus), Beldmg's savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi); INSECTS: obUvious tiger beetle (Cicindela latesignata obliviosa), monarch butterfly (Daruiusplexippus); REPTILES: northem red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber ruber), orange-throated whiptaU (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus), coastal westem whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus), San Diego banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus abbotti), coastal rosy boa (Lichanura trivirgata rosc^sca), San Diego Mr. JUnHany (1-6-99-TA-71) homed Uzard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei), coast-patch nosed snake (Saivadora hexalepis virgultea), and two-striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondii). Although these species are afforded nb federal protection, conservation measures could help mamtam stable populations and preclude the need for future Ustings. The Service is also concemed for the foUowmg habitat community types: southem maritime chaparral, southem wiUow scmb, southem riparian scrab, southem riparian forest, southem cottonwood wiUow riparian forest, southem sycamore alder riparian woodland, and San Diego mesa hardpan vemal pools, which could potentiaUy occur in the project area and are becoming rarer.due to developnient, disturbance fi"om highways, foot traffic, water unpoundments, irrigation runofi^ dumping, grazmg, and other natural and human induced impacts. The foUowing plant species may occur m the area of the proposed project and are considered to be sensitive by the Califomia Native Plant Society (CNPS). Califomia adolphia (Adolphia califomica), San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila), Blochman's dudleya (Dudleya blochmaniae ssp blochmaniae), wart-stemmed ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucosus), summer hoUy (Comarostcq?hylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia), sticky dudleya (Dudleya viscich), cUff spurge (Euphorbia misera), Pahner's grappUn^ook (Harpagonellapalmeri), southem tarplant (Hemizoniaparryi ssp. australis), smooth tarplant (Hemizoniapimgens ssp laevis), mud nama (Noma stenocarpum), coast wooUy-heads (Nemacaulis denudata var denudata), and Nuttal's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa). Plants found on the CNPS Usts are also considered sensitive firom a federal standpomt. State Usted and those sensitive species which meet criteria for Usting require fiiU consideration under the Califoraia EnvUonmental QuaUty Act (CEQA). Ifit is determmed that the proposed project may aflfect a Usted species the federal agency should initiate consultation with the Service pursuant to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Informal consultation may be used to exchange information and resolve confUcts with respect to Usted species prior to a written request for formal consultation. Our goal would be to provide technical assistance that identifies specific features that could be incorporated into the project description to avoid adverse impacts to Usted species. Should you have any questions regardmg the species Usted or your responsibUities under the Act, please contact Beverlee ReUly of my staff at (760) 431-9440. Sincerely, larrett Assistant field Supervisor Mr. Jim Harry (1-6-99-TA-71) Listed Endangered, Threatened and Proposed Species that have potential to Occur in Carlsbad San Diego, California. Common Name BIRDS southwestem wiUow flycatcher coastal Califomia gnatcatcher least BeU's vheo PLANTS San Diego thom-mmt Del Mai manzanita Encinitas baccharis thread-leaved brodiaea San Diego button-celery Scientific Name Empidonax traillii traillu PoUoptUa califomica californica Vireo beUU pusiUus Acanthomintha UicifoUa Baccharis vanessae Brodiaea filifolia Ervnghun aristulatum var. parishU Status Endangered Threatened Endangered Threatened Arctostaphylos glandulosa var. crassifoUa Endangered Threatened Threatened Endangered P P P k APPENDIX D Sensitive Piant Species That lUlay Occur in Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Repiacement Project Area p IP DUDEK &ASSOCIATES A CaUfornia Corporation f t r I APPENDIX D SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES THAT MAY OCCUR IN PROJECT AREA Scientific Name Common Name Fed State CNPS Habitat Potential to Occur in Project Area' Acanthomintha ilicifolia San Diego thom-mint PFE SE 4,1-2-3 G Low; no clay soils observed. Achnatherum diegoense San Diego County needle grass None None 4,1-2-1 CHP, CSS Low; out of range. Adolphia californica Califomia adophia None None 2,1-2-2 CSS, CHP Moderate Agave showii Shaw's agave None None 2,3-3-1 CSS, SCB Low; coastal only. Ambrosia chenopodifolia San Diego bur-sage None None lB,3-3-2 CSS, CHP, G, VP Low; South County only. Ambrosia pumila San Diego ambrosia None None lB,3-3-2 G Low; out of range. Aphanisma blitoides aphanisma None None lB,2-2-2 SCB Low; coastal only. Arctostaphylos glandulosa var. crassifolia Del Mar manzanita FE None lB,3-3-2 SMC Low; maritime chaparral. Arctostaphylos rainbowensis Rainbow manzanita None None lB,3-3-3 CHP Low; out of range. Artemisia palmeri San Diego sagewort None None 2,2-2-1 CHP, CSS, RF, RS Moderate; widespread Astragalus tener var. titi coastal dunes milk vetch PFE SE lB,3-3-3 SOF Low; coastal dunes only. Baccharis vanessae Encinitas baccharis FE SE lB,2-3-3 CHP Low; expect on sandstone. Berberis nevinii Nevin's barberry PFE SE lB,3-3-3 CHP Low; out of range. Bergerocactus emoryi golden-spined cereus None None 2,2-2-1 CHP, CSS Low; coastal only. Brodiaea filifolia thread-leaved brodiaea PFE SE lB,3-3-3 G,VP Low; no clay soils observed. Brodiaea orcuttii Orcutt's brodiaea None None lB,l-3-2 VP Low; vemal pools absent. Calindrinia maritima seaside calindrinia None None 4,1-2-1 SCB Low; coastal only. Calachortus catalinae Catalina mariposa lily None None 4,1-2-1 CHP, CSS, G Low; out of range. Calachortus dunnii Dunn's mariposa lily None SR lB,2-2-2 CHP Low; edaphic endemic. Caulanthus simulans Payson's jewelflower None None 4,1-2-3 CHP Low; out of range. Ceanothus verrucosus wart-stemmed ceanothus None None 2,1-2-1 CHP Moderate; occurs near. Chamaebatia austalis southem mountain-misery None None 4,1-2-1 CHP Low; edaphic endemic. Chorizanthe orcuttiana Orcutt's spineflower FE SE lB,3-3-3 CSS, CHP Low; expect on sandstone. Chorizanthe procumbens prostrate spineflower None None 4,1-2-2 CSS, CHP, G (valley needle grassland) Moderate; widespread. Clarlda delicata Campo clarkia None None 2,1-2-1 CHP Low; out of range. Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia summer-holly None None lB,2-2-2 CHP Moderate; occurs near. Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus saltmarsh bird's-beak FE SE lB,2-2-2 SM Low; salt marsh only. Cordylanthus orcuttianus Orcutt's bird's-beak None None 2,3-3-1 CSS Low; South County ony. Coreopsis maritima sea-dahlia None None 2,2-2-1 SOF, SCB Moderate; occurs near. Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. incana San Diego sand-aster None None lB,2-2-2 Sandy, open disturbed areas Moderate. Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolia Del Mar Mesa sand-aster PFX None lB,3-2-3 CSS, CHP in disturbed openings Low; expect on sandstone. Dichondra occidentalis westem dichondra None None 4,1-2-1 CSS, CHP Moderate. Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. brevifolia short-leaved dudleya PFE SE lB,3-3-3 CSS, CHP, C/C Low; expect on sandstone. 7/25/97 r f T i f r t f APPENDIX D SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES THAT MAY OCCUR IN PROJECT AREA Scientific Name Common Name Fed State CNPS Habitat Potential to Occur in Project Area' Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae Blochman's dudleya None None lB,2-2-2 SCB Moderate. Dudleya multicaulus many-stemmed dudleya None None IB, 1-2-3 CSS, CHP, G (native) Low; out of range. Dudleya variegata variegated dudleya None None lB,2-2-2 CSS Low; out of range. Dudleya viscida sticky dudleya C None lB,3-2-3 SCB, CSS, CHP Moderate; occurs near. Ericameria palmeri ssp. palmeri Palmer's ericameria None None 2,2-2-1 CSS, VP Low; out of range. Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii San Diego button-celery FE SE lB,2-3-2 VP Low; vemal pools only. Eryngium aristulatum var. vaseyi Vasey's button-celery None None None VP and adjacent G Low; Pendleton only. Erysimum ammophilum coast wallflower None None 13,2-2-3 SCB Low; sandstones only. Euphorbia misera cliff spiu-ge None None 2,2-2-1 SCB Low; coastal only. Ferocactus viridescens San Diego barrel cactus None None 2,1-3-1 CSS Moderate; occin"s near. Fremontodendron mexicanum Mexican flannelbush None SR lB,3-2-2 CHP Low; Soutii County only. Githopis diffusa ssp. filicaulis Mission Canyon bluecup None None lB,3-3-2 CHP Low; rare. Harpagonella palmeri var. palmeri Palmer's grapplinghook None None 2,1-2-1 CSS, CHP Low; clay soils only. Hazardia orcuttii Orcutt's goldenbush None None lB,3-3-2 CHP Low; Encinitas only. Hemizonia parryi ssp. australis southem tarplant None None lB,3-3-2 G, VP, SM Low Horkelia truncata Ramona horkelia None None lB,3-l-2 CHP, AM, RS Low; edaphic endemic. Iva hayesiana San Diego marsh-elder None None 2,2-2-1 AM, IS Moderate; occurs near. Juncus acutus var. leopoldii spiny rush None None 4,1-2-1 AM Observed. Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulteri Coulter's goldfields None None lB,2-3-2 VP, SM Low; salt marshes. Lepechinia cardiophylla heart-leaved pitcher sage None None lB,3-2-2 CSS Low; edpahic endemic. Lepechinia ganderi Gander's pitcher sage None None lB,3-I-2 CHP, CSS Low; edaphic endemic. Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii Robinson's pepper-grass None None lB,3-2-2 CHP, CSS Moderate Lilium humboltii var. ocellatum ocellated Humboldt lily None None 4,1-2-3 OW (canyons) Low Linanthus bellus desert beauty None None 2,2-1-1 CHP Low; semi-desert chaparral Linanthus orcuttii Orcutt's linanthus None None lB,3-l-2 CHP Low; montane areas. Lotus nuttallianus Nuttall's lotus None None lB,3-3-2 SOF Low; coastal dunes, etc. Microseris douglasii var. platycarpha small-flowered microseris None None 4,1-2-2 CSS.G Moderate Mimulus clevelandii Cleveland's bush monkeyflower None None 4,1-2-2 CHP Low; montane mostly. Monardella hypoleuca ssp. ianata felt-leaved monardella None None lB,2-2-2 CHP Low; edaphic endemic. Monardella linoides ssp. viminea willowy monardella PFE SE lB,2-3-2 C/C,G Low; South County streams. Muilla clevelandii San Diego goldenstar None None lB,2-2-2 VP Moderate; occurs near. Myosurus minimus ssp. apus little mousetail None None 3,2-3-2 VP, Ditches Low; needs vemal pools. Navarretia fossalis prostrate navarretia PFT None lB,2-3-2 VP Low; needs vemal pools. 7/25/97 ri n n APPENDIXD SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES THAT MAY OCCUR IN PROJECT AREA Scientific Name Common Name Fed State CNPS Habitat Potential to Occur in Project Area' Nolina cismontana chaparral bear-grass None None None CHP Low; none near. Molina interrata Dehesa nolina C SE lB,3-3-2 CHP Low; South County only. Ophioglossum californicum Califomia's adder's-tongue None None 4,1-2-2 CHP, G, VP Moderate; widespread. Opuntia parryi var. serpentina snake cholla None None lB,3-3-2 CHP, CSS Low; South County only. Orcuttia californica Califomia orcutt grass FE SE lB,3-3-2 VP Low; needs vemal pools. Phacelia stellaris Brand's phacelia None None lB,3-3-2 SOF Low; coastal dimes, etc. Pinus torreyana ssp. torreyana Torrey pine None None iB,3-2-3 CHP Low; conspicuous. Pogogyne abramsii San Diego mesa mint FE SE lB,2-3-3 VP Low; needs vemal pools. Pogogyne nudiuscula Otay Mesa mint E SE lB,3-3-2 VP Low; needs vemal pools. Poiygala cornuta spp. fishiae Fish's milkwort None None 4,1-1-2 CHP, OW Low, edaphic endemic. Quercus dumosa coastal scmb oak None None lB,2-3-2 CHP Moderate; occurs near. Quercus engelmannii Engelmann oak None None 4,1-2-2 CSS, CHP Moderate Romneya coulteri Coulter's matilija poppy None None 4,1-2-3 Dry washes and canyons Low; none near. Rosa minuta small-leaved rose None SE 2,3-3-1 CHP Low; South County only. Salvia munzii Munz's sage None None 2,2-2-1 CHP, CSS Low; South County only. Selaginella cinerascens ashy spike-moss None None 4,1-2-1 CSS, CHP Moderate; widespread. Senecio garuieri Gander's butterweed None SR lB,3-2-3 CHP Low; edaphic endemic. Tetracoccus dioicus Parry's tetracoccus None None lB,3-l-3 CSS, CHP Low; edaphic endemic. Viguiera lanciniata San Diego sunflower None None 4,1-2-1 CSS Low; none near Legend: C = federal candidate FE = federally listed endangered FT = federally listed threatened PFE = federally proposed endangered Habitat Key AG = Agriculture AF = Alkali flat AM = Alkali marsh BE = Beach/Saltpan CA REG = Califomia Regulated C/C = Coastal sage scrub/chapanal mix CF = Coniferous forest CHP = Chapan^ CLF = Coast live oak forest CSS = Coastal sage scrub DWE = Disturbed wetland FWM = Freshwater marsh G = Grassland IS = Intermittent stream MF = Mudflat ow = Oak woodland RF = Riparian forest RS = Riparian scmb RW = Riparian woodland SCB = Southem coastal bluff scrub SCL = South coast live oak riparian forest SE = State Endangered SM = Coastal salt marsh S0F= Southem foredune VP = Vemal pool WA = Open water ' Rated as Low, Moderate or High, depending on a number of factors including: thoroughness of field surveys; timing of surveys; site conditions; soil types present; known species range and local distribution; habit of species (e.g., tree, shrub, herbaceous perennial, ephemeral annual.) 7/25/97 p IP p p m P APPENDIX E Sensitive Wiidiife Species That May Occur in Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Repiacement Project Area k P DUDEK SLASSOCIATES A California Corporaiion r r I 1 n APPENDIX E SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES THAT MAY OCCUR IN RANCHO SANTA FE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT AREA Fed State - Scientiflc Name Common Name Status Status Primary Habitat(s) Potential to Occur in Project Area Invertebrates Branchinecta sandiegoensis San Diego fairy shrimp FE None VP No habitat Cicindela hirticolis gravida sandy beach tiger beetle None None BE No habitat Cicindela latesignata obliviosa oblivious tiger beetle None None MF No habitat Coelus globosus globose dune beetle None None SOF No habitat Euphydryas editha quino Quino checkerspot FE None CSS Low, larval host plants not detected Euphyes vestris harbisoni Harbison's dun skipper None None RW,OW Low, no host plants detected Lycaena hermes Hermes copper None None CSS Low, host plant (redberry) diminished by fire Panoquina errans saltmarsh skipper None None SM No habitat Streptocephalus woottoni Riverside fairy shrimp FE None VP No habitat Amphibians and Reptiles Anniella pulchra pulchra silvery legless lizard None SSC SOF, SCB, CSS, CHP, C/C, SCL, RF, BE Low, little sandy soil in APE Bufo microscaphus californicus arroyo southwestem toad FE SSC RF, RS, RW, WA Very low, not detected during focused survey Charina bottae umbratica southem mbber boa None ST RW, OW, CF Low-moderate Clemmys marmorata pallida southwestem pond turtle None SSC WA (freshwater ponds and lakes) Low, habitat marginally suitable Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi orange-throated whiptail None SSC CSS, CHP, C/C High Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus coastal westem whiptail None None CSS, CHP, C/C High Coleonyx switaki barefoot banded gecko None SSC CSS, CHP Low to moderate - suitable habitat in APE Coleonyx variegatus abbottii San Diego banded gecko None None CSS, CHP Low to moderate - suitable habitat in APE Crotalus ruber ruber northem red-diamond rattlesnake None SSC CSS, CHP, C/C, G, RW, OW High Diadophus punctatus similis San Diego ringneck snake None None SCL, RF, RW, ow, CF Low - habitat marginally suitable Eumeces skiltonianus interparletalis Coronado Island skink None SSC CHP, G, CF Low to moderate - suitable habitat in APE Lampropeltis zonata pulchra San Diego mountain kingsnake None SSC CF No habitat Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca coastal rosy boa None None CSS, CHP, G Moderate - suitable habitat in APE Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei San Diego homed lizard None SSC CSS, CHP, C/C High Rana aurora draytoni Califomia red-legged fi:og FT ssc SCL, RF, RW, CLF, WA Very low - habitat of low quality Salvadora hexaplexis virgultea coast patch-nosed snake None ssc CSS, CHP, C/C, G Low to moderate, suitable habitat m APE Scaphiopus hammondi westem spadefoot toad None ssc G, WA, VP Moderate - may occur along creek and FWM Sceloporus graciosus vandenburgianus southera sagebmsh lizard None None CSS, CHP, C/C, ow Low - habitat marginally suitable Taricha torosa torosa Califomia newt None SSC CSS, CHP, C/C, WA Low to moderate, may occur near creek Thamophis hammondii two-striped garter snake None None FWM, RF, CLF, WA Present in APE in San Marcos Creek 7/25/97 n r 1 n 1 rl w J n r 1 mi APPENDIX E SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES THAT MAY OCCUR IN RANCHO SANTA FE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT AREA Fed State Scientific Name Common Name Status Status Primary Habitat(s) Potential to Occur in Project Area Birds Accipiter cooperii Cooper's hawk None SSC OW (nesting) Present in APE, nest 50' east of APE boundary Accipiter striatus sharp-shinned hawk None SSC RW, OW, CF May occur in APE during winter Agelaius tricolor tricolored blackbird None SSC FWM (nesting), G (foraging) Low, very limited habitat available Aimophila ruficeps canescens So. Cal. mfous-crowned sparrow None ssc css Moderate to High Ammodramus savannarum grasshopper sparrow None None G Low to moderate Amphispiza belli belli BeU's sage sparrow None SSC css, CHP, C/C Low Aquila chrysaetos golden eagle FP ssc CHP (nesting), G & AG (foraging) Low Asia fiammeus short-eared owl None ssc G, SM, AG Low Asio otus long-eared owl None SSC RW, OW Low, too much urban development Athene cunicularia hypugaea bxirrowing owl None ssc G Low, would have been detected Buteo regalis femiginous hawk None ssc G, AG Low, limited foraging habitat in APE Buteo swainsoni Swainson's hawk None ST G, AG Very low, limted foraging habitat in APE Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus cactus wren None ssc CSS (cactus scrab) No cactus patches in APE Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus westem snowy plover FT ssc BE (nesting), SM & MF (foraging) No habitat Charadrius montanus mountain plover None ssc G, AG No habitat Childonias niger black tem None ssc SM, WA No Habitat Circus cyaneus northem harrier None ssc FWS, G, WA Low to moderate, may visit APE Coccyzus americanus californicus Califomia yellow-billed cuckoo None SE RF,RW Very low- riparian habitat of marginal quality Cypseloides niger black swifl; None ssc CF No habitat Dendroica petechia yellow warbler None ssc RF, RS, RW, CLF Low to moderate, not detected in focused surveys Egretta rufescens reddish egret None None SM.MF No habitat Elanus caeruleus white-tailed kite None SP RW, OW, CLF, G & AG (foraging) Moderate to high Empidonax traillii extimus southwestern willow flycatcher FE SE RW Very Low, not detected in focused survey Eremophila alpestris actia Califoraia homed lark None ssc G,AG Moderate, may occur in grassland Falco columbaris merlin None SSC G. AG Low to moderate Falco peregrinus anatum American peregrine falcon FE SE SOF, SCB. SM Very low Icteria virens yellow-breasted chat None ssc RF Low, not detected in focused survey Ixobrychus exilis hesperis westem least bittem None SSC FWM Low Lanius ludovicianus loggerhead shrike None ssc CSS, C/C, G, AG Moderate to High Larus californicus Califomia gull None SSC SM, FWM, WA, BE, AG Moderate to high 7/25/97 rtr I r r I i f t i~\ r~~f rni r~T n APPENDIX E SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES THAT MAY OCCUR IN RANCHO SANTA FE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT AREA Fed State Scientiflc Name Common Name Status Status Primary Habitat(s) Potential to Occur in Project Area Mycteria americana wood stork None SSC SM, WA No habitat Numenius americanus long-billed curlew None SSC SM,MF No habitat Pandion haliaetus osprey None SSC WA No habitat Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi Belding's Savannah sparrow None SE SM No habitat Passerculus sandwichensis rostratus large-billed Savannah sparrow None SSC SM No habitat Pelecanus erythrorhychos white pelican None ssc SM, WA No habitat Pelecanus occidentalis californicus Califomia brown pelican FE SE SM, WA No habitat Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus double-crested cormorant None SSC SM, WA Low, limited habitat Pirangafiava hepatic tanager None SSC CF No habitat Piranga rubra summer tanager None ssc RW Low, not detected in focused surveys Plegadis chihi whhe-faced ibis None ssc RF,RW Low, not detected in focused surveys Polioptila californica californica coastal Califoraia gnatcatcher FT SSC CSS Currently very low, fired destroyed habitat Progne subis purple martin None ssc FR, RW, CF Low, not detected in focused survey Pyrocephalus rubinus Vermillion flycatcher None SSC RF,RW Low, not detected in focused survey Rallus longirostris levipes light-footed clapper rail FE SE SM No habitat Riparia riparia bank swallow None ST RF, RS, RW Very low, not detected in focused survey Rynchops niger black skimmer None ssc SM, FWM Very low Sterna antillarum browni Califomia least tem FE SE SOF, SM, WA (foragmg) No habitat Sterna elegans elegant tem None ssc WA No habitat Vireo bellii pusillus least BeU's vireo FE SE RF, RS Very low, not detected in focused survey Mammals Antrozous pallidus palUd bat None SSC Caves Low, no apparent habitat in APE Chaetodipus californicus femoralis Dulzura Califomia pocket mouse None ssc CSS. CHP, C/C Documented in bumed CSS and CHP Chaetodipus fallax fallax northwestem San Diego pocket mouse None SSC CSS Moderate to high, suitable habitat in APE Choeronycteris mexicana Mexican long-tongued bat None ssc CSS, CHP Caves Unknown Euderma maculatum spotted bat None ssc G, Caves Unknown Eumops perotis californicus Califomia westem mastiff bat None ssc CSS, CHP Low to moderate in vicinity of APE Felis concolor mountain lion None CAREG CHP, CF, CLF Low, may occasionally move into area from east Lepus californicus bennettii San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit None ssc CSS, G Low, not detected during surveys Macrotus californicus Califomia leaf-nosed bat None SSC CF Unknown Myotis volans long-legged myotis None None CF Unknown 7/25/97 I r f r t t I I t I F f I i f^i n nnr APPENDIX E SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES THAT MAY OCCUR IN RANCHO SANTA FE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT AREA Fed State Scientiflc Name Common Name Status Status Primary Habitat(s) Potential to Occur in Project Area Neotoma lepida intermedia San Diego desert woodrat None SSC CSS Moderate to high Nyctinomops femorosaccus pocketed free-tailed bat None ssc Cliffs, rocky outcrops Low, no apparent habitat in APE Nyctinomops macrotis big free-tailed bat None ssc RF, RW, Cliffs, crevices Low, no apparent habitat in APE Odocoileus hemionus fuliginata southem mule deer None CA REG CHP, CF, CLF Moderate to high Onychomys torridus ramoruz southem grasshopper mouse None SSC G Low, grassland too disturbed Perognathus longimemhris pacificus Pacific pocket mouse FE SSC G, CSS (sparse), sandy soils Very low, not recorded in trapping study Plecotus townsendii westem big-eared bat None SSC OW Very low, little suitable habitat Reithrodontomys megalotis limicola southem saltmarsh harvest mouse None SSC SM No habitat Taxidea taxus American badger None SSC G Low, no dens detected during wildlife survey Legend: CAREG = Califomia Regulated FE = Federally Endangered FT = Federally Threatened PFE = Federally Proposed Endangered PFT = Federally Proposed Threatened SE= State Endangered SSC = State Species of Special Concem SP = State Protected ST = State Threatened Habitat Key AG = Agriculture AF = Alkali flat AM = Alkali marsh BE = Beach/Saltpan C/C = Coastal sage scrub/chaparral mix CF = Coniferous forest CHP = Chaparral CLF = Coast live oak forest CSS = Coastal sage scrub DWE = Disturbed wetland FWM = Freshwater marsh G = Grassland IS = Intermittent stream MF = Mudflat OW = Oak woodland RF = Riparian forest RS = Riparian scmb RW = Riparian woodland SCB = Southem coastal bluff scmb SCL = South coast live oak riparian forest SE = State Endangered SM = Coastal salt marsh SOF= Southem foredune VP = Veraal pool 7/25/97 p p p k APPENDIX r Species Sensitivity Categories DUDEK &ASSOCIATES A California Corparation p Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project APPENDIX r SPECIES SENSITIVITY CATEGORIES Federal (1996) Endangered. Taxa threatened throughout all or a significant portion of their range. Threatened. Taxa likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Candidate. Note: Taxa for which the USPWS currently has on file substantial information on biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support the appropriateness of proposing to list them as endangered or threatened species. Proposed rules have not yet been issued because this action is precluded at present by other listing activity. Development and publication of proposed rules for these taxa are anticipated. The USFWS encourages state and other federal agencies as well as other affected parties to give consideration to these taxa in envirorunental planning. Many species formerly were designated as Category 2 candidates. The USFWS no longer considers these species a candidates for listing and thus discontinued the designation of Category 2 species. The USFWS however remains concerned about these species, but further biological research and field study are needed to resolve the conservation status of these taxa. State of Califomia (1994) Endangered. Taxa which are in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of their range due to one or more causes including loss of habitat, change in habitat, over exploitation, predation, competition, or disease (Section 2062 of the Fish and Game Code). Threatened. Taxa which, although not presently threatened with extinction, are likely to become endangered species in the foreseeable future (Section 2067 of the Fish and Came Code). p p DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INa 1576-13 rrof.^km^'a^fo.coniAcPr.ia. Novcmbcr 16, 2000 Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project APPENDIX E iContlnuedi Rare. Taxa which, although not presently threatened with extinction, are present in such small numbers throughout their range that they may become endangered if the present environment worsens (Section 1901 of the Fish and Game Code). Candidate. Taxa which the Fish and Game Commission has formally noticed as being under review by the Department in addition to the Hst of threatened and endangered species. Califomia Native Plant Society (1994) Lists lA: Presumed Extinct in California IB: Rare or Endangered in California and Elsewhere 2: Rare or Endangered in California, More Common Elsewhere 3: Need More Information 4: Plants of Limited Distribution Note: R-E-D code Plants on CNPS list IB meet California Department of Fish and Game Criteria for Rare or Endangered Hsting. R (Rarity) 1- Rare, but found in sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough that the potential for extmction or extirpation is low at this time. 2- Occurrence confined to several populations or to one extended population. 3- Occurrence lunited to one or a few highly restricted populations, or present in such small numbers that it is seldom reported. E (Endangerment) 1- Not endangered 2- Endangered in a portion of its range 3- Endangered throughout its range DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC 1576-13 pn>f»iHuiwwfffc:«.^n^ November 16,2000 Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Rancho Santa Fe Road Realignment and Bridge Replacement Project APPENDIX E IContlnuedi D (Distribution) 1- More or less widespread outside of CaHfornia 2- Rare outside CaHfornia 3- Endemic to CaHfornia DUDEK & ASSOCIATES. INC. 1576-13 .f^G^tv^ November 16, 2000 p p APPENDIX Q Pocket Mouse Survey P P P p k DUDEK &ASS0C1ATES A California Corporation PACIFIC POCKET MOUSE ASSESSMENT RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA Prepared for: City of Carlsbad Engineering Department 2075 Las Palmas Court Carlsbad, Califomia 92009 Contact: Douglas Hekning (760) 431-5999 Prepared by: Dudek & Associates, Inc. 605 Third Street Encinitas, Califomia 92024 Contact: Philip R. Behrends, Ph.D. (619) 942-5147 e-mail: dudek300{gpacbell.net June 24, 1997 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ii 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Pacific Pocket Mouse Backgroimd Information 1 2.0 PROJECT LOCATION 2 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS 2 3.1 North of La Costa Meadows Drive 5 3.2 La Costa Meadows to Questhaven Road 5 3.3 South of Questhaven Road 5 3.4 Land Use 6 4.0 METHODS 6 5.0 RESULTS 7 6.0 DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY 7 7.0 LITERATURE CITED 10 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Regional Map 3 Figure 2 Vicinity Map 4 Figure 3 Trapline Locations 8 Figure 4 Site Photos 9 Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project Pacific Pocket Mouse Assessment Page i 'p EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A habitat assessment and live-trapping study for the federally-listed endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimemhris pacificus) was conducted in the Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project area located in the eastem portion of the City of Carlsbad, Califomia. The study was conducted to determine the presence/absence status of the Pacific pocket mouse in the project area. The initial habitat assessment determined that one location of the project study area supports habitat potentially suhable for the Pacific pocket mouse and that a live-trapping program was ;P warranted to determine the status of the pocket mouse in the project area. The trapping area ii is located southwest of the existing bridge on the west slope above Rancho Santa Fe Road. The trapping site supported southem mixed chaparral and disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub (P prior to the Harmony Grove wildfire in October 1996. The site currently is recovering and % supports sprouts of several shrub species typically found in southem mixed chaparral and coastal sage scrub, including Califomia sagebrush (Artemisia californica), white sage (Salvia k apiana), black sage (Salia mellifera), bush monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus), deerweed '•M {Lotus scoparius), fascicled tarweed (Hemizonia fasciculata), and laurel sumac (Malosma laurina). The remainder of the project study area does not support habitat suitable for the g Pacific pocket mouse. A five-night live-trapping program conducted on the nights of Jime 9-13, 1997 determined that B the Pacific pocket mouse is not present on the project site and it will not be a constraint to the project. A total of 500 trap nights (100 traps per night) was completed. Trapping success on the site was poor (23 total rodent captures or 4.6% trap success) and rodent diversity was low with only two species recorded on the site: Dulzura Califomia pocket mouse (Chaetodipus californicus femoralis) and deer mouse {Peromyscus californicus). The Dulzura Califomia pocket mouse is a Califomia "species of special concem" and federal sensitive species (a former federal Category 2 candidate for listing as threatened or endangered) because it inhabits coastal sage scmb, a declining vegetation community in southera Califomia. However, this species is still common in coastal sage scrub and chaparral in southem California and will not be a constraint to the project. Mitigation provided for impacts to chaparral and coastal sage scrub will compensate for the onsite loss of any individuals of this species. I Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project Page ii Pacific Pocket Mouse Assessment 1^ Tmm ^P 1.0 INTRODUCTION This report describes the findings of a habitat assessment and live-trapping program for the federally-listed endangered and Califomia "species of special concem" Pacific pocket mouse {Perognathus longimemhris pacificus) conducted by Dudek & Associates, Inc. (DUDEK) in the Rancho Santa Fe Road Replacement Project area located in the eastem portion of the City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California. This species and its habitat are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act (1973, as amended). This program was conducted to determine the presence and, if present, the distribution of the Pacific pocket mouse in the project area. The habitat assessment and trapping study reported here was conducted solely for the Pacific pocket mouse and other small mammals, and was not intended as a general assessment of the biological resources of the site. 1.1 PACIFIC POCKET MOUSE BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Pacific pocket mouse, at 7-9 g, is one of the smallest members of the genus Perognathus (Heteromyidae). The species P. longimemhris, as a whole, occupies a variety of habitats throughout the southwest, including desert, shrub-steppe, arid woodland, sage scrub, grassland, and ruderal habitats. The Pacific pocket mouse, which is one of 19 subspecies of P. longimemhris (Hall 1981), is restricted to the coastal plain and historically was found between El Segundo in Los Angeles County and the Tijuana River Valley in the U.S., and northem Baja California, Mexico. It typically occurs vsdthin two miles of the coast and below 600 feet. The Pacific pocket mouse is thought to occupy loose sandy soils supporting sparse coastal sage scrub, non-native grassland, and ruderal habitats (USFWS 1994). However, Grirmell (1916) reports in field notes that Frank Stephens collected Pacific pocket mouse in gravelly soils 10-12 miles north of Oceanside in 1903. On February 3, 1994 the USFWS emergency-listed the Pacific pocket mouse as endangered, citing "imminent danger of extinction due to habitat loss and fi-agmentation, and predation by feral and domestic cats (USFWS 1994)." The Pacific pocket mouse had not been confirmed in over 20 years until a small population was found on the Dana Point Headlands in July 1993 (USFWS 1994). Trapping programs for the Pacific pocket mouse on MCB Camp Pendleton in northem San Diego County and in association with the Foothill Transportation Corridor (FTC) project in southem Orange County in 1995 subsequently documented at least three previously unknown local populations (P. Behrends, pers. obs. 1995; L. Dawes USFWS, pers. comm. 1995; Michael Brandman Associates 1995). Also, there are recent scattered, but unconfirmed, sightings in San Diego County, including a 1989 possible record from Lux Canyon in the vicinity of the project site (E. Lichtwardt as reported by Erickson 1994). Recent studies documenting the presence of the Pacific pocket mouse appear to confirm the Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Projeci Page I Pacific Pocket Mouse Assessment habitat associations noted by earlier biologists such as Stephens and Grinnell. The Dana Point Headlands site supports coastal sage scmb dominated by buckwheat (Eriogonum sp.) and coastal sagebrush (Artemisia californica) on sandy, friable soils (P. Brylski, pers. comm. 1994). Interestingly, the vegetation on the Dana Point site appears open, but vegetation transects revealed a coverage of approximately 85 percent. Habitat on a site north of Basilone Road and the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station supports sparse coastal sage scrub and Gaviota fme sandy loam (Behrends, pers. obs.; Bowman 1973). Similarly, occupied sites along the proposed FTC corridor support sparse sage scrub and sandy loams and gravelly loamy sand soils on 9 to 30 percent slopes (Michael Brandman Associates 1995). These two sites collectively are known as San Mateo Creek South and San Mateo Creek North, respectively (D. Boyer, MCB Camp Pendleton, pers. comm. 1996). Finally, a population on "Oscar 1" of Camp Pendleton north ofthe Santa Margarita River occurs in sandy soils (Dawes, pers. comm. 1995). It is important to note that traplines set in relatively dense sage scmb and chaparral or on clay soils on the San Mateo Creek sites yielded high numbers of the Califomia "species of special concem" Dulzura Califomia pocket mouse (Chaetodipus californicus femoralis) and woodrats (Neotoma spp.), but no Pacific pocket mice (Behrends 1995; Michael Brandman Associates 1995). 2.0 PROJECT LOCATION The Rancho Santa Fe Bridge Replacement Project area is located in the eastern portion of the City of Carlsbad approximately 5.5 miles east of the Pacific Ocean (Figure 1). The project study area subject to the Pacific pocket mouse habitat assessment extends approximately 2,200 feet north and 2,500 feet south of the existing bridge at San Marcos Creek (Figure 2). The width of the study area ranges between 400 and 800 feet along Rancho Santa Fe Road. The trapping site is located approximately 500 feet south of the existing bridge and on the westem slope above Rancho Santa Fe Road (Figure 2). The project area is located in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5 minute map, Rancho Santa Fe quadrangle inthe E'4 of Section 29 and the NE^i of Section 30; Township 12 South, Range 3 West (SBBM). Elevation of the site is approximately 350 to 450 feet above mean sea level. 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS An initial habitat assessment ofthe project area was conducted by DUDEK biologist Philip R. Behrends, Ph.D. on April 23, 1997. The purpose of the assessment was to determine if potential habitat for the Pacific pocket mouse exists in the project area and whether a live- trapping program was necessary to determine the status of the pocket mouse in the project area. For the purpose of describing the existing condhions, the project area is separated into three separate locations: north of La Costa Meadows Drive; Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project Page 2 Pacific Pocket Mouse Assessment Orange County '1 Riverside County Fallbrook Camp Pendleton Oceanside VIsta Valley Center O San Marcos Escondido Carisbad o o •Z- Rancho SantaFe Del Mar ^ Mira Mesa Randio Bemardo / Poway Ramona Santee La Jolla San Disgo, National City La Mesa Lemon Grave Imperiat Beach Chula Vista Otey Mesa Mexico 1" = 8 Miles Tijuana Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Bridge Replacement - Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Regional Map FIGURE BASE MAP SOURCE: USGS 7.5 Minute Series, Rancho Santa Fe Quadrangli r- 2000' Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Bridge Replacement • Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Vicinity Map FIGURE p IP 1^ La Costa Meadows Drive to Questhaven Road; and south of Questhaven Road. 3.1 NORTH OF LA COSTA MEADOWS DRIVE pp This area primarily supports non-native grassland and disturbed habitat dominated by slender ^ wild oat (Avena barbata), Brome grasses and black mustard (Brassica nigra). In most areas the coverage by grasses is 90-100%. Soils in this area include Huerhuero loam (HrC2), Visalia m sandy loam (VaC), and Vista rocky coarse sandy loam (VvD) (Bowman 1973). The Huerhuero soil series developed in sandy marine sediments, but have a clay subsoil component. The Visalia series derived from granitic alluvium and are very deep, sandy soils. The Vista series derived from granodiorite or quartz diorite and are moderately deep coarse sandy loams. Of these soils, Huerhuero is least suitable because of the clay component, while the pocket mouse potentially could occupy areas with the Visalia and Vista series. Although the soils in this area may be appropriate, it is extremely unlikely that the Pacific pocket mouse would be present north of La Costa Meadows Drive. The non-native grasses and mustard in this area are much too dense for the Pacific pocket mouse. Also, there is soil disturbance indicating past discing for agriculture or weed control. Trapping in this area was not warranted. 3.2 LA COSTA MEADOWS TO QUESTHAVEN ROAD This area supports disturbed habitat (fig [Carpobrotus spp.], sweet fennel [Foeniculum vulgare], broom baccharis [Baccharis sarathroides]) and riparian vegetation along San Marcos Creek. Soils in this area include Huerhuero loam. The combination of disturbed and riparian habitat and clayey soils makes this area unsuitable for the Pacific pocket mouse. Trapping in this area was not warranted. 3.3 SOUTH OF QUESTHAVEN ROAD The area south of Questhaven Road and west of Rancho Santa Fe Road was mapped as southem mixed chaparral and disturbed coastal sage scmb prior to the Harmony Grove fire in the fall of 1996 (City ofCarlsbad & Fieldstone/La Costa Associates 1994). The site currently supports sprouts of several shrub species typically found in southem mixed chaparral and coastal sage scmb, including Califomia sagebrush (Artemisia californica), white sage (Salvia apiana), black sage (Salia mellifera), bush monkeyflower {Mimulus aurantiacus), deerweed {Lotus scoparius), coastal goldenbush (Isocoma veneta), and laurel sumac (Malosma laurina). Grasses and forbs in the trapping area include soft chess (Bromus hordaceus), foxtail chess {Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), ripgut grass (Bromus diandrus), slender wild oat, fascicled tarweed (Hemizonia fasciculata), chia (Salvia columbariae), red-stemmed filaree (Erodium cicutarium), everlasting (Gnaphalium spp.), tocalote {Centaurea melitensis), and mesa P Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project Page 5 I Pacific Pocket Mouse Assessment \m bushmallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus). Ruderal species are common along the dirt road paraUel to Rancho Santa Fe Road and include black mustard, sweet fennel, and telegraph weed p (Heterotheca grandiflora). Several individual eucalyptus trees {Eucalyptus spp.) are present on the site. ^ The soil in this area consists of Cieneba rocky coarse sandy loam (CmE2) which is derived m from granitic rock. This soil type appears to be suitable for the Pacific pocket mouse, which prefers sandy soils. P Based on the initial habitat assessment, the area south of Questhaven Road and west of Rancho Santa Fe Road appeared to have the highest potential to support the Pacific pocket mouse. It ^ is open, relatively level, and the soils are quite sandy in some areas. 3.4 LAND USE ^P The vicinity of the project area includes a variety of land uses. Uses along Rancho Santa Fe Road north of the bridge include residential and commercial/light industrial. The San Marcos Landfill, which closed in the spring of 1997, is located approximately 1 mile east of the project *•» area. The land immediately south of the bridge is vacant and supports natural habitat that was bumed in the Harmony Grove fire. The dirt roads and trails in this area are used for recreational purposes including mountain biking and walking. P ^ 4.0 METHODS As a result of the initial habitat assessment, it was determined that a live-trapping program south of Questhaven Road was necessary to determine the status of the Pacific pocket mouse in the project area. The trapping program was conducted by Dr. Behrends under the authority *• of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Califomia Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and Dr. Behrends to trap the Pacific pocket mouse and imder the authority of USFWS Regional Blanket Permh No. PRT-756268 issued to Dr. Behrends. Both the MOU ^ and the federal pennit allow Dr. Behrends to trap and handle individuals of the Pacific pocket '.^ mouse for the purpose of identifying them. *" A total of 500 traps was set over five consecutive nights on June 9-13, 1997. On all nights ^ 100 traps were set. Air temperature at the ground surface ranged from approximately 65 to I 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the trapping program. The trapping program was conducted when the moon was in the waxing phase. Trapping began 4 days after new moon (June 9) and Mk was completed on the moming of June 14. Weather conditions were overcast because of L marine layer throughout the trapping program. Some light drizzle fell on the project site the momings of June 13 and 14, but not enough to dampen the soil surface. Otherwise conditions B were dry throughout the trapping program. Standard small mammal trapping techniques, using L modified Sherman live traps (9" x 3" x 3") baited with millet, were used. Traps were spaced Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project Page 6 Pacific Pocket Mouse Assessment jp p at approximately 2-5 meter intervals. Traps were set at dusk and checked before midnight and again at dawn. Traps were closed during the dawn check. All captured animals were identified to species, and immediately released at the trap site. All captured animals were examined in detail. Weight, sex, and reproductive condition were recorded for each specimen caught. A small amount of fiir was clipped from the rump area to identify recaptured ^ individuals. Three separate traplines were established (Figure 3), but the habitat was similar along each of the lines (Figure 4 and see Section 3.3 for a habitat description). P 5.0 RESULTS If p No individuals ofthe Pacific pocket mouse were trapped in 500 trap nights. Trapping success on the site was relatively low (23 captures or 4.6% trap success), and rodent diversity was low ^ with only two species recorded on the site: Dulzura California pocket mouse (Chaetodipus m californicus femoralis) and deer mouse (Peromyscus californicus). I* 6.0 DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY p f The Pacific pocket mouse was not trapped in the project area and thus will not be a constraint to the project. The trapping program documented the presence of the Dulzura Califomia ^ pocket mouse, a Califomia "species of special concem" and federal sensitive species (a former f federal Category 2 candidates for listing as threatened or endangered). This species is I considered sensitive because it inhabits coastal sage scrub, a declining vegetation community ^ in southem Califomia. However, this species is still common in coastal sage scrub and chaparral in southem Califomia and will not be a constraint to the project. Mitigation provided for impacts to chaparral and coastal sage scmb will compensate for the onsite loss of any ^ individuals of this species. P The typical rodent diversity of the area probably is somewhat reduced because of the recent ^ wildlife and consequent lack of chaparral and coastal sage scmb vegetation. As the vegetation naturally recovers on the site, several other species may be expected to re-inhabit the site, P* including woodrats (Neotoma spp.), Califomia mouse {Peromyscus californicus), cactus mouse (Peromyscus eremicus), and westem harvest mouse {Reithrodontomys megalotis), and possibly northwestem San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax), also a Califomia species of special concem and federal sensitive species. Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project Page 7 Pacific Pocket Mouse Assessment BASE TOPO SOURCE: San-Lo Aerial Surveys Flown January 29, 1997 550 In Feet Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Bridge Replacement - Pacific Pocket Mouse Assessment Trapline Locations FIGURE Photo 1: A north-facing view of the trapping area. Rancho Santa Fe Road is on the right-hand side of the photograph and the existing bridge at San Marcos Creek is in the upper right-hand corner. This area was mapped as disturbed coastal sage scrub prior to the Harmony Grove fire in October of 1996. Both the California pocket mouse and deer mouse were trapped along the dirt road. Photo 2: A west-facing view of the trapping area. This photograph illustrates the existing recovering vegetation typical of the study area. This area was mapped as southern mixed chaparral prior to the Harmony Grove fire. Both the deer mouse and California pocket mouse were trapped in this area. Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Bridge Replacement - Pacific Pocket Mouse Assessment Site Photos FIGURE 7.0 LITERATURE CITED |[[ Bowman, R. H. 1973. Soil Survey, San Diego Area, Califomia, Part 1. United States Department of the Agriculture. 104 pp. + appendices. ^ Carlsbad, City of & Fieldstone/La Costa. Associates, Inc. 1994. Revised Draft Habitat Conservation Plan/Ongoing Multi-Species Plan for Properties in the Southeast Quadrant ^ ofthe City ofCarlsbad, Califomia. 142 pp. ^ Erickson, R. 1994. Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimemhris pacificus). Unpublished p draft manuscript prepared for an lUCN publication on endangered rodents of the ^ southwestem United States. Grinnell, J. 1933. Review ofthe recent mammal fauna of Califomia. University of Califomia Publications in Zoology, 40: 71-234. Hall, E. R. 1981. The Mammals of North America. John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2nd ed. Michael Brandman Associates, Inc. 1995. Draft results of the focused surveys for the Pacific pocket mouse/Foothill Transportation Corridor-South. Prepared for the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency. USFWS, 1994. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Emergency Rule to List the Pacific Pocket Mouse as Endangered. Federal Register, 59 (No. 23) Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project Page 10 Pacific Pocket Mouse Assessment p k p p APPENDIX n Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Survey P P DUDEK &ASSOCIATES A California CoTporation P P INTEROFFICE MEMO DUDEK ^ASSOCIATES A California Corporation From: Vipul Joshi To: Jim Hairy Re: Quino Checkerspot Habitat Assessment and San Diego thornmint Surveys of Phase 1 Area of Potential Effect for Rancho Santa Fe Road, Carlsbad, California The phase 1 portion of the proposed Rancho Santa Fe Road expansion and realignment was surveyed on 8 June 1999. I conducted two surveys simultaneously over the entire area of potential effect; 1) a habitat assessment for the federally-listed endangered quino checkerspot (Ei^hydras editha quino) and 2) a focused search for the federally-listed endangered San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia). Both surveys resulted in negative findings. The phase 1 portion of the proposed Rancho Santa Fe Road e?q}ansion and realignment is located in eastern Carlsbad, east of the current Rancho Santa Fe Road aligmnent The phase I portion extends north from the intersection of Rancho Santa Fe Road and La Costa Avenue to the intersection of Rancho Santa Fe Road and Questhaven Drive and occupies 55.5 acres of land. The proposed alignment runs through non-native grasslands, coastal sage scrub chaparral and disturbed and developed land. The entire aligmnent was surveyed on 8 June 1999 between 0900 and 1230 with temperatures ranging from 65-75"?, winds calm and clear skies. The surv^s were conducted on foot over the entire project area (all areas were accessible due low brush height). A 200-scale (r-200') topographic map illustrating the potential area of effect for the project was used in tiie field for navigating and mapping purposes. The habitat assessment for the quino checkerspot foUowed the guidelines ofthe 1999 United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) protocol. The assessment consists of a focused search for the primary known host plant for the butterfly, dot-seed plantain (Plantago erecta), as well as other key habitat components such as hilltops, old roads, ridgelines and nectar sources. The primary indicator of habitat is the presence of dot- seed plantain. Although the project area does contain old roads, ridgelines and possibly nectar sources, no plantain was found anywhere within the area of potential effect. Without the presence of the host plant, it must be concluded that the habitat assessment is negative for the project site and the potential for the presence of quino checkerspot here is very low. Consequently, an adult flight survey would not be necessaiy to conclude that the quino checkerspot does not occur within tiie project alignment A focused search for San Diego thornmint consists of walking over the entire project site with special attention given to soil type and variation. San Diego thornmint is endemic to clay soils and is usually found in bald areas where deep cracks are present m the soil. The entire project site was surveyed without any observation of these soils or the plant. Attached please find the USFWS General Form pertaining to the habitat assessment conducted for the quino checkerspot on this project area. If you have any questions or require further information please do not hesitate to call me. [MM ij^m (checkerspot Generai Form yvor Nf^il ClofeU^ Date: f '^1 )iSl site acres: Survey tyj^^^^bitatA^^ Survey Site Visit No:6)^ 345678910 (mm/dd/yyyy) Site Name: ft. M. Site Location: C^^k^otJL. CA'C^^Xi l(24hr) Sky ciearj^tciouSZbycrgm/&g/drimle/sfaowcr clear/ pancloufly/overcasi/&)g/drizzle/shower Wind (Beaufon) <I<l5>-7 8-12 >I2 1-3 4-7 8-12 >12 Temp F or C clear/ pancloiKiy/oveicist/fi}g/dnzzle/sfaowcr 1-3 4-7 8-12 >I2 deal/ paittloudy/oven:as:/fi}g/drizzle/shower 1-3 4-7 S-I2 >12 clear/ partdoudy/overcast/fog/drizzleilsfaower J.3 4-7 8-12 >I2 dear/ paitcloutiy/ovcrcasi/fbg/drizzio'showcr 1-3 4-7 3-12 >I2 ^iS^pandoudy/overcasi/fog/drizsle/'shower <1 <I2>7 8-12 >12 itai hours surveyed: 3**5 c*^ed Survev Acres: HS Eiev Min: 300 ft Max: SOQft JS^be, map, and esnmate areas sur/eyed beiow. iiSt Plants* Patch Size (fir) No Plants/ft^ Sparse.^ense'' MapID= r f mm p 1 Ml ^ or neoar resourcs. idendtv soecies. b. Spaisc- pianis not suching; dense = plants touching c Caircsponds to polygon on 3 map. rWunding land uses (including adjoining properties): North Somh rfcardLg^4<cvV Distance toQQcSjmile Distance Soo (^b^mile Distance S fb^Se) • East p West rocJl^Jc^ Distance 0-tooo<Eymile Lb*itat onsite (circlqjfopSlo^ hilltop C^^) Plantago Castilleja soil crusts (^^d roa^ 2pr clay soils rock ouEops nditions: (e.g.,grazing agriculture sowbugs/earwigs recent fire grading) & ASSOCIATES, INC, Engineering, Planning, Corporate Office: 760.942.5147 Envifonmental Sciences and 605 Third Street Fax 760.632.0164 li/lanagementSen/ices Encinitas, California 92024 fm p li IP NOTE: This letter includes figures for plant communities and land covers that were corrected in the subsequent biological technical report. Please refer to the technical report for the correct numbers (10/21/98). 5 June 1998 1330-01 Mr. Doug Krofta U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2730 Loker Avenue West Carlsbad, Califomia 92008 Subject: Quino Checkerspot Survey for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project, City of San Marcos and Carlsbad, California Dear Mr. Krofta: This report documents the results of 9 focused presence/absence surveys conducted by and under the direction of Dudek & Associates, Inc. (DUDEK), for the presence of the federally-listed endangered Quino checkerspot (Euphydryas editha quino; QCB). The quino checkerspot survey was conducted for the Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project during March and April, 1998. The areas surveyed included all suitable habitat (e.g., host plant areas, nectar plant areas, hilltops, ridgelines, native or sparsely vegetated areas ) within the Area of Potential Effect (APE) (Figure 1). The survey area includes the habitat within an approximately 55-acre APE located along Rancho Santa Fe Road within the cities of Carlsbad and San Marcos. The site is located along a 5000-foot length of Rancho Santa Fe Road and includes an approximately 50- foot corridor centered on the existing Rancho Santa Fe Road (Figure 1). Simultaneous with the QCB survey, DUDEK prepared a Phase I assessment of the project site for host plants and other suitable habitat conditions. A biological technical report for the site was prepared by DUDEK in 1997. The anticipated project is a road-widening project. The City of Carlsbad proposes to realign and widen approximately 3,500-linear feet of Rancho Santa Fe Road and replace the existing Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge at San Marcos Creek. Rancho Santa Fe Road would be expanded from the existing two lanes to an ultimate six-lane Prime Arterial Roadway. Proiect Location The APE is a 55.5-acre area located in the eastem portion of the City of Carlsbad and the westem portion of the City of San Marcos, approximately one mile southwest of Lake San Marcos (Figure I). Rancho Santa Fe Road defines the jurisdictional boundary between Carlsbad and San Marcos. The study area hes in a partially developed portion of the City of Carlsbad and City of San Marcos. The project site includes a portion of San Marcos Creek that is adjacent to commercial development on the eastem portion and undeveloped or open land on the westem portion. The project area lies on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5 minute topographic map, Rancho Santa Fe Quadrangle, Sections 29; T12S, R3W (Figure 2). Orange County San Diego Mexico 1" - SMiles Tijuana Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Bridge Replacement - Biological Resources Report & Impact Analysis Regional Map FIGURE L Mr. Doug Krofta 5 June 1998 Re: QCB Survey for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Pg, 4 ^ General Existing Conditions P Much ofthe APE bumed in October 1996 during the Harmony Grove fire. Plant ^ communities/land covers identified during field reconnaissance were mapped on a topographic map ofthe APE at 200-scale (!'- 200'). The topographic map, provided by O'Day Consultants, ^ was flown on January 27, 1997 (San Lo Aerial Surveys). Topography within the APE is '^k undulating in the southem half of the area and relatively level in the northern half. Elevations within the project area range from approximately 325 feet along San Marcos Creek to 520 feet [p above mean sea level. San Marcos Creek passes through the central portion of the Area of lm Potential Effect. P Existing land uses in the unmediate vicinity ofthe APE include an industrial park on the eastem m side of Rancho Santa Fe Road, single-family detached residential developments north of the t APE, and vacant land associated with San Marcos Creek and the hillsides to the west, south, and east of the APE. I Soils in the APE consist of six separate soil types underlain by Mesozoic granitic rocks I (Bowman 1973). The predominant soil type at the site is the Huerhuero loam on 5 to 9 percent slopes. The erosion hazard and mnoff of this clayey loam is moderate, the permeability is slow ^ to moderate, and the available water holding capacity is 4 to 5 inches. The soil has a rootmg depth of 20 to 40 inches. A Biological Resources map, located at the end of this report, depicts the existing vegetative ^ conditions in the project area and the acreage of each type is presented on Table 1. P in the APE, Diegan coastal sage scmb was present on the west-facing hillsides along the eastem ^ side of Rancho Santa Fe Road prior to the October 1996 fire. The present surveys found that areas supporting coastal sage scmb prior to the fire are recovering, with new growth (i.e., primarily seedlmgs) of coastal sagebmsh, white sage (Salvia apiana), black sage (Salvia mm mellifera), deerweed (Lotus scoparius), bush monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus), coastal P goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii ssp. veneta), and laurel sumac. The understory species were particularly abundant and included blue dicks (Dichelostemma capitata), early onion (Allium «" praecox), lupines (Lupinus spp.), fascicled tarweed (Hemizoniafasciculata), cryptantha P (Cryptantha spp.), mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus sp ), and chia (Salvia columbariae). Coastal sage scmb exists onsite as both burned (1.81 acres) and disturbed (0.84 acre) forms. P Within the APE the coyote bmsh scmb habitat is characterized by nearly uniform stands of coyote bmsh with a few other native shmbs in low density, including Califomia sagebmsh, flat-top buckwheat, Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicanus), and a variety of non-native herbs m and grasses. It was found adjacent to the existing paved road sections where it crosses the creek, and appears to be the result of disturbed soils in this area. A total of 0.53 acre was mapped. Mr. Doug Krofta Re: QCB Survey for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Natural Plant Communities 5 June 1998 TABLE 1 PLANT COMMUNITY OR LAND COVER ACREAGES Coastal Sage Scmb (bumed) Coastal Sage Scmb (disturbed) Coyote Bmsh Scmb (disturbed) Total Coastal Sage Scrubs Southem Mixed chaparral Southera Mixed chaparral (bumed) Total Southern Mixed Chaparrals Valley Needlegrass Grassland Valley Needlegrass Grassland/CSS Total Valley Needlegrass Grasslands Freshwater Marsh Southem Willow Scmb Total Wetland Habitats 1.81 acres 0.84 acre 0.53 acre 3.18 acres 0.49 acre 15.36 acres 15.85 acres 0.08 acre 1.46 acres 1.54 acres 0.43 acre 1.56 acres 1.99 acres Altered Land Covers Eucalyptus Woodland Aimual Grassland (Ruderal) Disturbed habitat Developed Total Altered Land Covers 15.04 acres 11.71 acres 4.55 acres 1.69 acres 32.99 acres GRAND TOTAL 55.55 acres Within the APE, Valley needlegrass grassland is dominated by purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra); a number of other native forbs occur there also. A very small remnant patch was found among coyote bmsh scmb north of the creek, and a larger, burned area previously was mapped Valley needlegrass grassland/coastal sage scmb in the Questhaven Road section of the APE. A total of 1.54 acres was mapped. In the APE, southem mixed chaparral was present prior to the October 1996 fire on east-facing hillsides along the westem side of Rancho Santa Fe Road and south of San Marcos Creek. One small patch (0.49 acre) was not burned. This vegetation community also is recovering in the APE and includes new growth of chamise, black sage, white sage, deerweed, bush monkeyflower, laurel sumac, and redberry. Understory species common in the bumed areas Mr. Doug Krofta 5 June 1998 Re: QCB Survey for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Pg. 6 m included fascicled tarweed, chia, bush mallow, soft chess (Bromus hordeaceus), slender wild oat (Avena barbata), and ripgut grass (Bromus diandrus). A total of 15.85 acres of chaparral was & mapped. The southem willow scmb in San Marcos Creek was not bumed in 1996 and supports arroyo & willow scmb (Salix lasiolepis), westem sycamore, Fremont's cottonwood, msh (Juncus spp.), ^ winged three-square (Scirpus americanus), Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicanus), and cattails (Typha sp.). Understory species in the southera willow scmb include California mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), curly dock (Rumex crispus), yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica), rigid hedge-nettle (Stachys ajugoides var. rigida), Mexican tea (Chenopodium ambrosioides), and poison-oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). A total of 1.56 acres was mapped. P P ^ Three areas in the APE were mapped as freshwater marsh; two areas north of the San Marcos Creek and west of Rancho Santa Fe Road and an area along the eastem edge of Rancho Santa Fe Readjust south of La Costa Meadows Drive. Two of the small marsh areas occur in a disturbed grassland and support cattail, English ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), bristly ox-tongue (Picris echioides), curly dock, and msh. The small marsh area east of Rancho Santa Fe Road is a drainage ditch between paved areas. A total of 0.43 acre was mapped. In the APE, annual grassland/mderal habitat predominates north of San Marcos Creek in old agricultural fields, and also exists adjacent to the existing bridge on the east side. This area did not bum in the wildfire. A total of 11.71 acres of annual grassland and mderal habitats was mapped. Eucalyptus woodland is present in the APE in two areas: west of Rancho Santa Fe Road and north of San Marcos Creek and in the southwest portion of the APE. Many of the eucalyptus trees south of San Marcos Creek were damaged and some were killed by the wild fire. A total of 15.04 acres was mapped, mostly north of the creek. Disturbed habitat in the APE includes dirt roads dominated by sweet fennel, black mustard, and telegraph weed (Heterothecagrandiflora). A total of 4.55 acres was mapped. Developed areas include paved roads and sites with physical stmctures, including buildings and parking lots. In the APE, developed areas include the industrial park east of Rancho Santa Fe Road and residential development along Mehose Drive. A total of 1.69 acres was mapped. Methods The focused survey for the quino checkerspot was conducted on the project site on March 14, 21,27, April 2, 6, 17, 18,21,25, 1998 by DUDEK biologist Anita M. Hayworth, Ph.D.and jr 'p Mr. Doug Krofta Re: QCB Survey for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement 5 June 1998 consulting biologist Norris Bloomfield (NB). Dr. Hayworth holds a federal permit (PRT- 781084) to conduct surveys for the checkerspot. Mr. Bloomfield conducts surveys under the federal pennit held by David K. Faulkner (PRT-838743). Surveys were conducted according to current USFWS accepted protocol (i.e., the "Interim Guidelmes" of November 7, 1997). The survey methodology consisted of slowly walking a meandering transect throughout all potential habitat on site (i.e., grasslands, disturbed, riparian, and developed areas were not surveyed). This route was arranged to cover areas which supported populations of the nectar plants, hills, ridgelmes, and native and sparse vegetation. A USGS 7.5 minute topographic map and a vegetation map of the site overlaid on flown topo were available to map any detected QCB. Binoculars (10x50) were used to aid in detecting and identifying butterfly and other wildlife species. The habitat assessment and evaluation was conducted by DUDEK biologists Harold A. Wier (HAW) in 1997. The evaluation was conducted by walking all areas of the property and mapping locations of the larval food plant and nectar sources, if they were found. The surveys were conducted under generally favorable weather conditions: typically between the hours of 0900-1500, variable skies, 61-75° F temperatures, and light breezes (Table 2). Days that were unsuitable for surveying for the quino checkerspot were recorded anyway in order to document conditions and the activity of butterfly species on those days. TABLE 2 1998 SURVEY CONDITIONS - RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT 'P Date Personnel Temperature Wind Sky Time Mar. 14 AMH 64-7 rp 2-6 MPH 50% cloud cover 0900 - 1500 Mar. 21 AMH 68-75°F 3-6 MPH clear 0900- 1400 Mar. 27 AMH/NB 61-64°F 5-8 MPH overcast 0900 - 1600 Apr. 2 AMH 64-6rF 0-4 MPH 50% cloud cover 0900 - 1500 Apr. 6 AMH 6rF 3-5 MPH rain, conditions imacceptable 1000- 1200 Apr. 17 AMH 63-75°F 1-6 MPH clear 0900 - 1600 Apr. 18 NB 72-73°F 0-5 MPH clear 1200 - 1600 Apr. 21 NB 66-7 l-F 0-5 MPH clear 0830 - 1230 Apr. 25 NB 69-66-F 5 MPH 50% 1245 - 1630 r Mr. Doug Krofta 5 June 1998 Re: QCB Survey for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Pg. 8 ^ Results P No QCB were detected during fhe surveys. The botanical survey did not reveal any mdividuals ^ of the requisite host plant for this species (i.e., Plantago erecta). Due to the Harmony Grove fire, numerous areas support the scattered populations of the nectar plant species, and there is an r undulatuig series of knolls along the southern portion of the APE that continues offsite to the west a (foldout map). The nectar resources are generally confined to the burned southern mixed chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats. f P Plant and wildlife species present are listed in Appendices A and B respectively, ft CONCLUDEVG REMARKS P i P ki The survey resulted in no QCB detections. The survey area, APE, is composed of a relatively small area of burned chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitat as well as riparian, disturbed, developed, and aimual grassland areas, which would not be considered suitable habitat for the QCB. Additionally, no larval host plant is present. Due to the small size of the project area, 3 color slides of the project site (two taken from opposing ends of the site, and one depicting the general habitat conditions) are included. These photos cover all of the APE. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) forms are not included as there were no detections. Please feel free to call me at (760) 942-5147 if you have any questions regarding the contents of tilis letter. Very truly yours, Dudek & Associates, Inc. Anita M. Haywortii, Ph.D. Biologist V Permit Number PRT-781084 cc: Doug Helmmg, City of Carlsbad John Porteous, DUDEK Staff Zoologist, California Department of Fish and Game attachments: Slides - USFWS and CDFG only 1^ Mr. Doug Krofta 5 June 1998 Re: QCB Survey for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Pg. 9 ^ REFERENCES FOR LATIN AND COMMON NAMES C Abrams, L, 1923. Illustrated Flora of tiie Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. P American Ornitiiologists' Union. 1983. The Check-list of North American Birds, 6tii edition. P Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas. B American Ornitiiologists' Union. 1989, Thhty-seventii Supplement to the American ^ Ornithologists' Union Check-List ofNorth American Birds. The Auk 106:532-538. E Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater Press, National City, California. 241 pp. Emmel, T, C. and J. F. Emmel. 1973. The butterflies of southern California. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Science Series 26:1-148. Hickman, J.C. 1993. The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley. 1400 pp, L Jones, J. K., Jr., D. C. Carter, H. H. Genoways, R. S. Hoffman, and D. W. Rice. 1992. Revised Checklist of Nortii American Mammals Nortii of Mexico. Occasional Papers of p the Museum of Texas Tech University, no. 146. Stebbins, R, C. 1985. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. k APPENDIX A VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES FERNS p P PTERIDACEAE - BRAKE FAMILY Pentagramma triangularis - goldenback fern ANTHOPHYTA - DICOTYLEDONES AIZOACEAE - CARPET-WEED FAMILY ^ * Carpobrotus aequilaterus - sea-fig ^ ANACARDIACEAE - SUMAC FAMILY P- Malosma laurina - laurel sumac ^ Rhus integrifolia - lemonadeberry Toxicodendron diversilobum - poison-oak f k APIACEAE - CARROT FAMILY Apiastrum angustifolium - wild celery * Apium graveolens - celery P * Conium maculatum - poison-hemlock rn Daucus pusillus - rattlesnake weed * Foeniculum vulgare - sweet fennel ^ Sanicula sp. - sanicle p Tauschia arguta - southern tauschia ASTERACEAE - SUNFLOWER FAMILY P Ambrosia psilostachya var. califomica - western ragweed Artemisia califomica - coastal sagebrush Artemisia douglasiana - California mugwort P Baccharis pilularis - coyote brush ^ * Centaurea melitensis - tocalote * Chrysanthemum coronarium - garland chrysanthemum P Cirsium occidentale - western thistle p * Conzya canadensis - horseweed * Cotula australis - Australian brass-buttons ^ * Cotula coronopifolia ~ African brass-buttons p Encelia califomica - California bush sunflower r Erigeron foliosus var. stenophyllus - leafy daisy f" Eriophyllum confertiflomm var. confertiflorum - long-stem golden yarrow L * Filago gallica - narrow-leaf filago * Hedypnois cretica - Crete hedypnois P * Helianthus annuus - common sunflower ^ Hemizonia fasciculata - fascicled tarweed Heterotheca grandiflora - telegraph weed t Isocoma menziesii ssp. veneta - coastal goldenbush * Lactuca serriola - prickly lettuce Lessingia filaginifolia - vhgate cudweedaster P * Picris echioides - bristly ox-tongue ^ * Silybum marianum - milk thistie * Sonchus oleraceus - common sow-thistle p Stylocline gnaphalioides - everlastmg nest-stt^aw *• * Tragopogon porrifolius - oyster plant 'r BORAGINACEAE - BORAGE FAMILY Cryptantha sp. - cryptantha ^ Cryptantha intermedia - common forget-me-not k BRASSICACEAE - MUSTARD FAMILY "mm * Brassica nigra - black mustard ^ * Raphanus sativus - wild radish fr CAMPANULACEAE - BELLFLOWER FAMILY Triodanis biflora - small-flowered Venus looking-glass P CAPRIFOLIACEAE - HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY P Lonicera subspicata var. denudata - southern honeysuckle ^ Sambucus mexicana - Mexican elderberry ^ CARYOPHYLLACEAE - PINK FAMILY f . * Cerastium glomeratum ~ sticky mouse-ear * Silene gallica - common catchfly Silene laciniata - fringed-Indian pink ^ * Spergula - spurrey CHENOPODIACEAE - GOOSEFOOT FAMILY p * Chenopodium ambrosioides - Mexican tea Chenopodium californicum - California goosefoot P CUCURBITACEAE - GOURD FAMILY L Marah macrocarpus - wild cucumber F EUPHORBIACEAE - SPURGE FAMILY m Chamaesyce polycarpa - small-seed sand mat ^ Eremocarpus setigerus - doveweed * Ricinus communis - castor-bean U p FABACEAE - PEA FAMILY Lathyrus vestitus - wild sweet pea S" Lotus heermannii - Heermann's lotus ^ Lotus purshianus - Spanish-clover Lotus scoparius - deerweed ^ Lotus strigosus - strigose deerweed M Lupinus bicolor - Lindley's aimual lupine Lupintis hirsutissimus - stinging lupine r Lupinus succulentus - arroyo lupine Lupinus truncatus - collar lupine * Medicago polymorpha - California burclover * Melilotus indica - yellow sweet-clover * Trifolium hirtum - rose clover Trifolium willdenovii - valley clover * Vicia benghalensis - purple vetch FAGACEAE - BEECH FAMILY Quercus berberidifolia - interior scrub oak GERANIACEAE - GERANIUM FAMILY * Erodium botrys - broad-lobed filaree GROSSULARIACEAE - CURRANT FAMILY Ribes speciosum - fuchsia-flowered gooseberry HYDROPHYLLACEAE - WATERLEAF FAMILY Emmenanthe penduliflora - whispermg bells Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia - common eucrypta Phacelia cicutaria - caterpillar phacelia Phacelia grandiflora - large-flowered phacelia LAMIACEAE - MINT FAMILY Salvia apiana - white sage Salvia columbariae - chia Salvia mellifera - black sage Stachys ajugoides war. rigida - rigid hedge-nettie LYTHRACEAE - LOOSESTRIFE FAMILY * Lythrum hyssopifolia - hyssop loosestrife MALVACEAE - MALLOW FAMILY Malacothamnus fasciculatus sp, - bush mallow Sidalcea malvaeflora - checker mallow MYRTACEAE - MYRTLE FAMILY * Eucalyptus sp. - eucalyptus * Eucalyptus globulus - blue gum OLEACEAE - OLIVE FAMILY * Fraxinus sp. - ash * Olea europaea - mission olive ONAGRACEAE - EVENING-PRIMROSE FAMILY Camissonia sp. - evening-prunrose PAPAVERACEAE - POPPY FAMILY Eschscholzia californica - California poppy Stylomecon heterophylla - wmd poppy PLANTAGINACEAE - PLANTAIN FAMILY * Plantago lanceolata - English plantain PLATANACEAE - SYCAMORE FAMILY Platanus racemosa - western sycamore POLEMONIACEAE - PHLOX FAMILY Navarretia sp. - skunkweed POLYGONACEAE - BUCKWHEAT FAMILY * Polygonum arermstrum - common knotweed Pterostegia drymarioides - California threadstem * Rumex crispus - curly dock PORTULACACEAE - PURSLANE FAMILY Calaruirinia ciliata var. menziesii - redmaids Claytonia perfoliata var. perfoliata - miner's-lettuce PRIMULACEAE - PRIMROSE FAMILY * Anagallis arvensis - scarlet pimpernel Dodecatheon clevelandii - shooting star RANUNCULACEAE - CROWFOOT FAMILY Thalictrum polycarpum - many-fruit meadow-rue RHAMNACEAE - BUCKTHORN FAMILY Ceanothus tomentosus ssp. olivaceus - woolly-leaved ceanothus Rhamnus crocea - redberry ROSACEAE - ROSE FAMILY Adenostoma fasciculatum - chamise Heteromeles arbutifolia - toyon RUBIACEAE - MADDER FAMILY Galium angustifolium - narrow-leaved bedstraw SALICACEAE - WILLOW FAMILY Populus fremontii - Fremont's cottonwood Salve lasiolepis var. bracelinae - arroyo willow SAURURACEAE - LIZARD'S-TAIL FAMILY Anemopsis califomica - yerba mansa SCROPHULARIACEAE - FIGWORT FAMILY Antirrhinum kelloggii - climbing snapdragon Antirrhinum nuttallianum - Nuttall's snapdragon Linaria canadensis - toadflax Mimulus aurantiacus - bush monkeyflower SOLANACEAE - NIGHTSHADE FAMILY * Datura sp. - junsonweed Solanum parishii - Parish's nightshade TAMARICACEAE - TAMARISK FAMILY * Tamarix sp. - tamarisk VERBENACEAE - VERVAIN FAMILY Verbena lasiostachys - western verbena ANGIOSPERMAE (MONOCOTYLEDONES) ARECACEAE - PALM FAMILY * Washingtonia filifera - California fan palm CYPERACEAE - SEDGE FAMILY Carex triquetra - triangular-fruited sedge * Cyperus involucratus - African umbrella sedge Scirpus americanus - winged tiiree-square IRIDACEAE - IRIS FAMILY Sisyrinchium bellum - blue-eyed grass JUNCACEAE - RUSH FAMILY Juncus acutus var. leopoldii- spmy rush Juncus bicfonius - toad rush Juncus mexicanus - Mexican rush Juncus xiphioides - iris-leaved rush c LILIACEAE - LILY FAMILY Calochortus splendens - lilac mariposa Chlorogalum pomeridianum - soap plant Dichelostemma capitata - blue dicks Muilla maritima - common muilla Yucca schidigera - Mohave yucca Zigadenus fremontii - Fremont's lily ORCHIDACEAE - ORCHID FAMILY Piperia unalaschensis - slenderspire piperia POACEAE - GRASS FAMILY * Avena barbata - slender oat * Bromus diandrus - ripgut grass * Bromus hordeaceus - soft chess * Cortaderia selloana - Pampas grass C Distichlis spicata - salt grass * Hordeum murinum - glaucous foxtail barley * Lamarckia aurea - goldentop Leymus condensatus - giant ryegrass L * Lolium multiflorum - English ryegrass Melica imperfecta - Califorma melic Nassella pulchra - purple needlegrass ^ * Polypogon monspeliensis - rabbit's-foot grass * Vulpia myuros - rattail fescue TYPHACEAE - CATTAIL FAMILY Typha sp. - cattail * signifies introduced (non-native) species m P p p APPENDIX B p WILDLIFE SPECIES -VERTEBRATES P P AMPHIBIANS HYLIDAE - TREEFROGS Hyla cadaverina - California tt-eefrog Pseudacris regilla - Pacific treefrog RANIDAE - TRUE FROGS * Rarm catesbeiana - bullfrog REPTILES ANGUIDAE - ALLIGATOR LIZARDS Gerrhonotus multicarirmtus - southern alligator lizard COLUBRIDAE - COLUBRID SNAKES Thamnophis hammondii - two-striped garter snake BIRDS ARDEIDAE - HERONS Ardea herodias - great blue heron ANATIDAE - WATERFOWL Anas platyrhynchos - mallard CATHARTIDAE - NEW WORLD VULTURES Cathartes aura - turkey vulture ACCIPITRIDAE - HAWKS Accipiter cooperii - Cooper's hawk Buteo lineatus - red-shouldered hawk COLUMBIDAE - PIGEONS & DOVES Zenaida macroura - mourning dove TYTONIDAE - BARN OWLS Tyto alba - barn owl CAPRIMULGIDAE - GOATSUCKERS Phalaenoptilus nuttallii - common poorwill APODIDAE - SWIFTS Aeronautes saxatalis - white-throated swift TROCHILIDAE - HUMMINGBIRDS Calypte anna - Anna's hummingbird ALCEDINIDAE - KINGFISHERS Ceryle alcyon - belted kingfisher PICIDAE - WOODPECKERS Colaptes auratus - northern flicker Picoides nuttallii - Nuttall's woodpecker TYRANNIDAE - TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Empidonax difficilis - Pacific-slope flycatcher Sayornis nigricans - black phoebe Tyrannus verticalis - western kingbird HIRUNDINIDAE - SWALLOWS Hirundo pyrrhonota - cliff swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis - northern rough-winged swallow CORVIDAE - JAYS & CROWS Aphelocoma coerulescens - scrub jay Corvus brachyrhynchos - American crow AEGITHALIDAE - BUSHTITS Psaltriparus minimus - bushtit TROGLODYTIDAE - WRENS Thryomanes bewickii - Bewick's wren Troglodytes aedon - house wren MUSCICAPIDAE - KINGLETS, GNATCATCHERS, THRUSHES & BABBLERS Chamaea fasciata - wrentit Turdus migratorius - American robin MIMIDAE - THRASHERS Toxostoma redivivum - California tiirasher STURNTOAE - STARLINGS * Sturnus vulgaris - European starling EMBERIZIDAE - WOOD WARBLERS, TANAGERS, BUNTEVGS & BLACKBIRDS Agelaius phoeniceus - red-wmged blackbird Dendroica nigrescens - black-throated gray warbler Euphagus cyanocephalus - Brewer's blackbird Geothlypis trichas - coinmon yellowthroat Icterus cucullatus - hooded oriole Icterus galbula - northern oriole Melospiza melodia - song sparrow Molothrus ater - brown-headed cowbird Pheucticus melanocephalus - black-headed grosbeak Pipilo crissalis - California towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus - spotted towhee Vermivora celata - orange-crowned warbler 1^ Wilsonia pusilla - Wilson's warbler ^ FRINGILLIDAE - FETCHES 1^ Carpodacus mexicanus - house finch 1^ Carduelis psaltria - lesser goldfinch |p lp MAMMALS LEPORIDAE - HARES & RABBITS Sylvilagus bachmani - brush rabbit SCIURIDAE - SQUIRRELS Spermophilus beecheyi - California ground squirrel GEOMYIDAE - POCKET GOPHERS Thomomys bottae - Botta's pocket gopher HETEROMYIDAE - POCKET MICE & KANGAROO RATS Chaetodipus califomicus - California pocket mouse MURIDAE - RATS & MICE Peromyscus maniculatus - deer mouse CANIDAE - WOLVES & FOXES Canis latrans - coyote PROCYONIDAE - RACCOONS & RELATIVES Procyon lotor - common raccoon WILDLIFE SPECIES - INVERTEBRATES BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS PAPILIONIDAE - SWALLOWTAILS Anise swallowtail - Papilio zelicaon HESPERIIDAE - SKIPPERS Funereal dusky wmg - Erynnis funeralis PIERIDAE - SULFURS, WHITES Alfalfa butterfly - Colias eurytheme Cabbage butterfly - Pieris rapae Sara orange-tip - Anthrocharis sara California dogface - Zerene eurydice r DANAIDAE Monarch - Danaus plexippus 1^ LYCAENIDAE - BLUES, COPPERS, HAIRSTREAKS Acmon blue - Icaricia acmon Echo blue - Celastrina ladon echo Pigmy blue - Brephidium exile Bramble hairsti-eak - Callophrys dumetorum RIODINIDAE - METALMARKS Behr's metalmark - Apodemia mormo virguiti NYMPHALIDAE - BRUSH-FOOTED BUTTERFLIES Buckeye - Junonia coenia California ringlet - Coenonympha tuillia Painted lady - Vanessa cardui Red admu-al - V. atalanta West coast lady - V. annabella Insert maps here