The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About3338; Agua Hedionda & Calavera Creek Dredging; Calavera Hills Phase II Bridge & Basins; 2000-05-10BIOLOGICAL TECHNICAL REPORT FOR THE CALAVERA HILLS MASTER PLAN PHASE II, BRIDGE AND THOROUGHFARE DISTRICT, AND DETENTION BASINS CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA Prepared for PLANNING SYSTEMS CONTACT: PAUL KLUKAS 1530 FARADAY AVENUE, SUITE 100 CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA 92008 Prepared by WENDY E. LOEFFLER BIOLOGIST RECON NUMBER 3225B MAY 10, 2000 1927 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92101 619/ 308-9333 fax 308-9334 \f This document printed on recycled paper TABLE OF CONTENTS Summary of Findings 1 Introduction 1 Survey Methods 5 Existing Conditions 6 A. Topography and Soils 6 B. Botany 8 C. Zoology 14 D. Sensitive Biological Resources 16 E. Wetlands and Non-Wetland Jurisdictional Waters 36 Project Impacts 37 A. Plant Communities . 38 B. Wildlife 47 C. Sensitive Biological Resources 47 D. Jurisdictional Wetlands and Waters of the U.S. 50 E. Wildlife Movement Corridors 50 Mitigation Measures 51 A. Sensitive Plant Communities 51 B. Sensitive Wildlife 56 C. Jurisdictional Waters 57 References Cited 57 TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont.) FIGURES Regional location of the project 2 Project vicinity 3 Project location 4 Existing biological resources: Master Plan Phase n 10 Existing biological resources Bridge and Thoroughfare District and Detention Basins 11 Existing Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. . 37 Project impacts: Master Plan Phase II 39 Project impacts: Bridge and Thoroughfare District and Detention Basins 40 Project impacts to jurisdictional waters of the U.S. 41 TABLES 1: Soil Types Within the Project Components • 7 2: Vegetation Communities Within the Project Components 9 3: Sensitive Plant Species Observed or with the Potential for Occurrence 21 4: Sensitivity Codes 24 5: Sensitive Wildlife Species Known (or Potentially Occurring) 28 6: Impacts to Resources by Village Within the Master Plan Phase II Project Component 42 7: Impacts to Resources Within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District 44 8: Impacts to Resources Within the Detention Basins Project Component 45 9: Mitigation for Impacts to Resources Within the Master Plan Phase II Project Component 52 10: Mitigation for Impacts to Resources Within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District 53 11: Mitigation for Impacts to Resources Within the Detention Basins Project Component 54 ATTACHMENTS 1: Plant Species Observed 2: Wildlife Species Observed Summary of Findings The Calavera Hills Master Plan Phase II and Bridge and Thoroughfare District No. 4 project is located in the northeast quadrant of the city of Carlsbad. The study area contains several sensitive plant communities including Diegan coastal sage scrub, riparian woodland, native grassland, riparian scrub, riparian forest, cismontane alkali marsh, cismontane aUcah marsh (seasonal), and freshwater marsh. One bird federally listed as threatened, the coastal California gnatcatcher, and one plant species listed as endangered, thread-leaved brodiaea, were observed on-site. There is a potential for least Bell's vireo and southwestem willow flycatcher, both federally and state listed species, to be present on-site. The property also contains jurisdictional wetlands and non-wetland jurisdictional waters of the U.S. Impacts to any of these sensitive resources would be significant and mitigation would be required. Introduction The project site is located in the northeast quadrant of the city of Carlsbad (Figure 1) and consists of three components: Calavera Hills Master Plan Phase n area. Bridge and Thoroughfare District No. 4, and two proposed detention basins (Figures 2 and 3). The Calavera Hills Master Plan area is bounded by State Route 78 (SR-78) on the north with the southern boundary being an east-west line approximately one-half of a mile north of the Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park. The Master Plan's western extent is near Carlsbad Village Drive. Figure 3 also shows the proposed extensions of College Boulevard and Cannon Road which are generally southeast of the Master Plan. The second major component of the project is the formation by the City of Carlsbad of a Bridge and Thoroughfare District No. 4 for the extensions of College Boulevard and Cannon Road. College Boulevard vvould be extended from within the Calavera Hills Master Plan at Carlsbad Village Drive to El Camino Real. It should be recognized that the Bridge and Thoroughfare District encompasses the reach of College Boulevard that lies within the boundaries of the Calavera Hills Master Plan. Cannon Road would be extended from El Camino Real easterly to the city of Oceanside. Figures 2 and 3 shows the limits of the District and the approximate alignments of both roadways. Alternative aUgnments for each roadway are also addressed in this report. The third component of the project consists of the construction of two detention basins (see Figures 2 and 3) by the City of Carlsbad to control flooding impacts within Calavera Creek watershed. These basins have been recommended near the northeast corner of the Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park. Basin "BJB" at the noithwest quadrant of the College Boulevard/Cannon Road intersection would have an inundation area of approximately 15 acres and a storage capacity of 49 acre-feet. Basin "BJ" is located OCEANSIDE PROJECT LOCATION CARLSBAD ENCINITAS\ 0 t 0 MILES 2.2 IVl:jobs\3225e\graphics\reginaI.cdr 4.4 FIGURE 1 Regional Location of the Project t Master Plan Plia.se II Bridge and Tlioroughfare DislricL Detention basins 0 Feet 2000 M;\jobs\3225b\bioit:c.apiAregionaI 4000 FIGURE 2 Project Vicinity SOUTH COAST PROPOSED DELETION OF COMMERCIAL USE ON VILLAGE E-1 AND REPLACEMENT WITH RESIDENTIAL RLM RM • RESIDENTIAL, LOW-MEDIUM (0-4 DU/AC) RESIDENTIAL, MEDIUM (4-0 DU/AC) RESIDENTIAL, MEDIUM-HIGH (8-15-DU/AC) RESIDENTIAL, HIGH (15-33 DU/AC) EXISTING RESIDENTIAL OS OPEN SPACE FIRE STATION CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT I K I VILUGE NAME Source: Pianning Systems 1999 m t 0 FEET 2000 4000 R-3225e FIGURE 3 Project Location southeast of the College Boulevard/Canon Road intersection and would have an inundation area of approximately 8 acres with a storage volume of 48 acre-feet. The basins are part of a larger drainage plan for the area, and are consistent with the 1994 City of Carlsbad Master Drainage Plan. A general biological survey was conducted to map vegetation communities and to assess the presence or potential for presence of sensitive floral and faunal species. In addition, surveys were conducted for the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica califomica) according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) survey protocol. This report provides biological data and background infonnation required for environmental analysis by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Survey Methods A general biological resources survey was conducted on November 22 and December 13, 1999, and January 5, 12, 17 and 19, 2000, by RECON biologists Wendy Loeffler, Jennifer Hodge, and Cynthia Jones. Vegetation communities were assessed and mapped for the three project components on a color aerial flown in 1999. The study area for the Bridge and Thoroughfare District component includes a 500-foot corridor surrounding the various alignment alternatives. The project components are not geographically exclusive and overlap where the College Boulevard alignment falls within the Master Plan boundary. Animal species observed directly or detected from calls, tracks, scat, nests, or other sign were noted. All plant species observed on-site were also noted, and plants that could not be identified in the field were identified later using taxonomic keys. The wildlife surveys include focused surveys for coastal California gnatcatchers conducted by RECON biologists Wendy Loeffler (permit number PRT-839084) and Cynthia Jones (PRT-811615) according to the USFWS CaHfornia gnatcatcher survey guidelines (USFWS 1997a). Surveys were conducted on November 22 and December 13, 1999, and January 5, 12, 17 and 19, 2000 between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. Survey conditions were optimal for detecting coastal California gnatcatchers, with mild temperatures and winds of 0 to 5 miles per hour. A wetland delineation was perfonned by RECON biologist Jennifer Hodge according to the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE 1987) on December 13, 1999, and January 5, 17 and 19, 2000. A wetland delineation is used to identify and map the extent of the wetlands and "waters of the U.S." found within the proposed project boundary and provide information regarding both state and federal jurisdictional issues. A previous survey was conducted by RECON biologists on the Master Plan area and a portion of the College Boulevard extension (RECON 1991). The biological information gathered during that survey is incorporated into this report. Limitations to the compilation of a. comprehensive floral checklist were imposed by seasonal factors, such as blooming period and emergence of spring annual species. Faunal species, such as birds and butterflies, that are only present during the breeding season of late spring to summer were not detected. Since surveys were performed during the day, nocturnal animals were detected by sign. Floral nomenclature for common plants follows Hickman (1993). Plant community classifications follows the Habitat Management Plan for the Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad (City of Carlsbad 1999). Zoological nomenclature for birds is in accordance with the American Ornithologists' Union Checklist (1998); for mammals, Jones et al. (1982); and for. amphibians and reptiles, Collins (1997). Assessments of the sensitivity of species and habitats are based primarily on Skinner and Pavlik (1994), State of California (1999a, 1999b, 1999c, 2000), City of Carlsbad (1999), and Holland (1986). Existing Conditions A. Topography and Soils Elevation of the entire site ranges from approximately 40 to 500 feet above mean sea level (U.S. Geological Survey 1968). A small portion of Agua Hedionda Creek is present within the College Boulevard extension south of the intersection with the proposed Cannon Road. Several unnamed drainages flow north-south into Agua Hedionda Creek. The site contains several hills surrounding the flat agricultural fields. Several of the hillslopes support rock outcrops. There are 21 soil classifications present within the entire project area (U.S. Department of Agriculture 1973). Table 1 presents the list of soil types and where within the three project components each type is located. There are two different clay soil series present on-site: Altamont clay and Diablo clay. There are 12 different loam soil series present, which include loams, sandy loams, cobbly loams, and clay loams. The loam soils ai'e represented by Huerhuero loam. The sandy loams are represented by many different soil series: Bonsall sandy loam, Cieneba very rocky coarse sandy loam, Cieneba-Fallbrook rocky sandy loam, Escondido very fine sandy loam, Fallbrook rocky sandy loam, Friant rocky fine sandy loam, Gaviota fine sandy loam, and Las Posas stony fine sandy loam. The clay loam represented is Olivenhain cobbly loam and the clay loam is Salinas clay loam. There are four sand and loamy sand soil series present on-site: Carlsbad gravelly loamy sand. Las Flores loamy fine sand, Marina loamy coarse sand, and Tujunga sand. TABLE 1 SOIL TYPES WITHIN THE PROJECT COMPONENTS Soil Type Master Plan Phase 11 Bridge and Thoroughfare District Detention Basins Altamont clay present present present Bonsall sandy loam present present Carlsbad gravelly loamy sand present Cienaba very rocky coarse sandy loam present Cieneba-Fallbrook rocky sandy loam present present present Diablo clay present Escondido very fine sandy loam present Fallbrook rocky sandy loam present Friant rocky fine sandy loam present Gaviota fine sandy loam present Huerhuero loam present present present Las Flores loamy fine sand present present present Las Posas stony fine sandy loam present Loamy alluvial land-Huerhuero complex present Marina loamy coarse sand present Olivenhain cobbly loam present present Riverwash present present Salinas clay loam present present present Steep gullied land present Tujunga sand present present Visalia sandy loam present The remaining three soil types present are loamy alluvial land-Huerhuero complex, riverwash, and steep gulhed land. B. Botany Eleven vegetation communities were identified within the survey area: Diegan coastal sage scrub, southern mixed and chamise chapanal, non-native grassland, riparian woodland, eucalyptus woodland, native grassland, riparian scrub, riparian forest, cismontane alkaU marsh, cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal), and freshwater marsh. The rest of the site is agriculture, developed, or disturbed. Table 2 presents the acreages of each community within the project components. There is a total of 412.6 acres within the Master Plan Phase II project component and a total of 421.2 acres within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District and detention basin areas. This ,existing acreage for the roadways reflects a survey area that includes a 500-foot corridor on both sides of the alignments. These project components are not geographically exclusive and overlap where the College Boulevard alignment falls within the Master Plan boundary. Figure 4 illustrates the locations of the plant communities within the Master Plan Phase n area and Figure 5 illustrates the vegetation within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District and detention basin areas. A total of 116 plant species were identified on the site (Attachment 1). Of this total, 70 (60 percent) are species native to southern California and 46 (40 percent) are introduced species. 1. Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Diegan coastal sage scrub is the dominant vegetation community within the Master Plan area and the Bridge and Thoroughfare District and detention basin areas. There are approximately 250.3 acres within the Master Plan phase 2 area and 137.3 acres within the survey area of the Bridge and Thoroughfare District/Detention Basins. Much of the community is dominated by CaUfornia sagebrush (Artemisia californica) and CaHfornia adolphia (Adolphia californica). These ai-eas tend to intergrade with areas dominated by black sage (Salvia mellifera) and California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasiculatum var. fasciculatum). Other areas, generally within or adjacent to the many small drainages on- site, ai-e dominated by coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis). Other common species include laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), common encelia (Encelia californica), blue elderberry (Sambucus mexicana), and bladderpod (Isomeris arborea). Understory species included both native and non-native species, such as purple needlegrass (Nassella puichra), slender stephanomeria (Stephanomeria ''virgata), coast goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii), white-stemmed filaree (Erodium cicutarium), golden- yanow (Eriophyilum confertiflorum), wild oats (Avena sp.), and California broom (Lotus scoparius). TABLE 2 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE PROJECT COMPONENTS Vegetation Type Master Plan Phase 11 Bridge and Thoroughfare District and Detention Basins* Diegan coastal sage scrub 250.3 137.3 Southem mixed and chamise chaparral 66.6 24.8 Non-native grassland 20.2 16.3 Riparian woodland 0.2 15.1 Eucalyptus woodland 9.9 5.0 Native grassland 9.3 - Riparian scrub 7.2 3.3 Riparian forest -2.0 Cismontane alkali marsh -1.0 Cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal) 0.1 0.5 Freshwater marsh 0.5 0.2 Agricultural -133.6 Developed 25.8 54.1 Disturbed 22.5 28.0 TOTAL 412.6 421.2 Wetland habitat 8.0 22.2 Non-wetland jurisdictional waters 1.2 0.4 TOTAL 9.2 22.6 *The acreages for the Bridge and Thoroughfare District and detention basins reflect the existing conditions present within a study area that includes a 500-foot survey area beyond the perimeter of the proposed grading for the road alignment alternatives. M:\jobs\3225b\gis\biotec..ipr\fig4_veg map Existing vegetation Diegan coastal sage scrub Southern mixed and chamise chaparral Native grassland Riparian woodland Riparian scrub Freshwater marsh Cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal) Non-native grassland '^^^ Eucalyptus woodland K\\^ Disturbed j I Developed UJJJJiJ Brodiaea filifolia Harpagonella palineri var. palineri q Quercus dumosa G Coastal Califomia gnatcatcher H Northern harrier R San Diego rufous-crowned sparrow K White-tailed kite C Cooper's hawk W Belding's orangethroat whiptail L San Diego horned lizard FIGURE 4 Existing Biological Resources Master Plan Phase II t 0 Feet 775 1550 I ) w "-Mj\)pljsp226b\gis\biotec.ap[\lig5_veg mapi Diegan coastal sage scrub Southern mixed and chamise chapairal Riparian forest Riparian woodland Riparian scrub Freshwater marsh Cismontane alkali marsh Cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal) Non-native grassland V^y^^ Eucalyptus woodland n Agriculture k>N>4 Disturbed I I Developed G Coastal California gnatcatcher R Southem California rufous-crowned sparrow S Loggerhead shrike K White-tailed kite W Belding's orangethroat whiptail Note: The Bridge and Thoroughfare District survey area includes a 500 ft. survey area beyond the perimeter of the alignments. HGURE 5 Existing Biological Resources Bridge and Thoroughfare District and Detention Basins t 0 Feet 1000 2000 2. Southern Mixed and Chamise Chaparral Chapanal is present on approximately 66.6 acres of the Master Plan area and approximately 24.8 acres of the Bridge and Thoroughfare District and detention basin areas. The majority of the chapanal is dominated by laurel sumac, lemonadeberry, coast blue lilac (Ceanothus tomentosus), chamise (Adenostoma californica), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), and black sage. Several areas of chapanal were dominated by chamise. Much of the understory consists of typical coastal sage scrub species, such as CaHfornia adolphia, CaHfomia sagebrush, coyote bush, and CaHfornia buckwheat. The soils that underlie this community are primarily loams and sandy loams. The site does not contain the sandstone soils required to support southern maritime chapanal (City of Carisbad 1999). 3. Non-Native Grassland Approximately 20.2 acres of the Master Plan area and approximately 16.3 acres of the Bridge and Thoroughfare District and detention basin areas are covered with non-native grassland. This plant community is dominated by non-native grasses such as wild oat, ripgut grass (Bromus diandrus), foxtail chess (B. madritensis ssp. rubens), and smooth brome (B. hordaceus). Herbaceous species, such as black mustard (Brassica nigra), white-stemmed filaree (Erodium cicutarium), and western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya) were also common in these areas. 4. Riparian Woodland Approximately 0.2 acre of riparian woodland is present within the Master Plan area and approximately 15.1 acres are present within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District and detention basin areas. These areas are located along a portion of Calavera Creek, Agua Hedionda Creek, and an unnamed drainage. Western sycamores (Platanus racemosa) dominate the plant community with understory species composed of the native mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana) and jimson weed (Datura wrightii), and non-native plants, including giant reed (Arundo donax), horehound (Marrubium vulgare), castor bean (Ricinus communis), and poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). 5. Eucalyptus Woodland Eucalyptus woodland is present on approximately 9.9 acres of Village H in the Master Plan area and scattered in a few small patches totaling 5.0 acres within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District area. This plant community is dominated by eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus spp.) and has a groundcover that ranges from bare to minimal cover with non-native grasses, such as wild oats, ripgut grass, and smooth brome. 12 6. Native Grassland Native grasslands are comprised of native perennial bunch grasses. This plant community has been mainly converted to non-native annual grasslands due to the invasion of exotic annual grasses. Native grasslands often have a large component of non-native grasses but are distinguished as native when the cover by native grass species is 10 percent or greater. Native grassland was primarily found in Village H of the Master Plan area on approximately 9.3 acres. 7. Riparian Scrub Approximately 7.2 acres of riparian scrub are present within the Master Plan area and 3.3 acres are present within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District detention basin areas. The community designation includes both mule fat scrub and southern willow scrub habitats found along many of the drainages on-site. Mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia) and coyote bush dominate with giant reed, pampas grass (Cortaderia jubata), and curly-dock (Rumex crispus) commonly present. The southern willow scrub is dominated by anoyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), which forms a canopy with variable density throughout the site. Other associated trees include red willow (Salix laevigata), black willow (S. gooddingii), western sycamore and Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta). The understory includes mule fat, tall yellow evening primrose (Oenothera elata ssp. hirsutissima), giant wild rye (Leymus condensatus), tall flatsedge (Cyperus eragrostis), rush (Juncus sp.), and curly dock. 8. Riparian Forest Riparian forest, defined as southern coast Hve oak riparian foresL is a habitat that is found in drainage bottoms often intergrading with riparian scrub and woodland habitats. Approximately 2.0 acres of this habitat is located along the creek the flows within the Cannon Road alignment of the Bridge and Thoroughfare District. The dominant tree is the coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), with a variable understory of freshwater marsh habitat, as described below, and other species that include poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), coyote bush, and toyon. 9. Cismontane Alkali Marsh Two small patches of cismontane alkali marsh totaling 1.0 acre are present within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District. This habitat is characterized by the presence of wetland species, such as spiny rush (Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii), yerba mansa (Aneinopsis californica), salt grass (Distichlis spicata), spikerush (Eleocharis sp.), and alkali heath (Frankenia salina). 13 10. Cismontane Alkali Marsh (seasonal) Seasonal cismontane alkali marsh defines small patches of vegetation that afe cunently dry but are dominated by wetland plants. These areas are generally located at the upper end of small erosional drainages. There are several small patches totaUng 0.5 acre within the Cannon Road alignment within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District and one 0.1-acre patch within the Master Plan area. The dominant plants include several species of rush (Juncus spp.). 11. Freshwater Marsh Approximately 0.5 acre of freshwater marsh is present in a drainage within the Master Plan area and an approximately 0.2-acre patch is present within the alignment of College Boulevard just below El Camino Real. There is also a small isolated patch of freshwater marsh at the approximate intersection between the College and Cannon road alignments. This community is dominated by broad-leaved cattails (Typha latifolia), including also rush, pampas grass, giant reed, and tall flatsedge. 12. Agriculture Much of the Bridge and Thoroughfare District area is under cultivation. These fields account for approximately 133.6 acres of the survey area. 13. Developed This designation is used for the approximately 25.8 acres in the Master Plan area and 54.1 acres in the Bridge and Thoroughfare District detention basins area. Developed includes the areas converted to housing, paved roads, or other structures. These areas contain some landscaping, including palm trees and Hottentot fig (Carpobrotus edulis). 14. Disturbed This designation is used primarily for areas that have been graded or are dominated by non-native weedy species. The plants present here include fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), black mustard, ripgut grass, smooth brome, bristly ox-tongue (Pieris echioides), and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon). There are approximately 22.5 acres in the Master Plan area and 28.0 acres in the Bridge and Thoroughfare District/Detention Basins area C. Zoology Overall, the project area and vicinity provides high value habitat for wildlife species. Much of the site contains moderate to high-quality coastal sage and chapanal habitat and high-quality riparian habitats, which provide cover, foraging, and breeding habitat for a variety of native wildlife species. A complete list of the wildlife species detected is 14 provided in Attachment 2. Sensitive species potentially occurring on-site are discussed in the Sensitive Biological Resources section. 1. Amphibians Most amphibians require moisture for at least a portion of their life cycle, with many requiring a permanent water source for habitat and reproduction. Tenestrial amphibians have adapted to more arid conditions and are not completely dependent on a perennial or standing source of water. These species avoid desiccation by bunowing beneath the soil or leaf litter during the day and during the dry season. No amphibians were visually observed on-site; though Pacific treefrogs (Hyla regilla) were heard within the drainages wetlands throughout the property. 2. Reptiles The diversity and abundance of reptile species varies with habitat type. Many reptiles are restricted to certain vegetation communities and soil types although some of these species will also forage in adjacent communities. Other species are more ubiquitous using a variety of vegetation types for foraging and shelter. No reptiles were observed on-site during the cunent surveys. A number of species have been identified previously on the site including San Diego gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer annectens), San Diego horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillii), western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana), and Belding's orangethroat whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi) (RECON 1991). 3. Birds The diversity of bird species varies with respect to the character, quality, and diversity of vegetation communities. Due to the variety of habitats present on the property, the bird diversity is fairly high on-site. Birds commonly observed within the Diegan coastal sage scrub and southern mixed and chamise chapanal include Bewick's wren (Thyromanes bewickii), bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus minimus), yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata), wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna), California towhee (Pipilo crissalis), spotted towhee (P. maculatus), and California quail (Callipepla californica). Birds commonly found in the riparian habitats include lesser goldfinch (Carduelis tristis salicamans), Nuttall's woodpecker (Dendrocopos nuttallii), bushtit, and yellow-rumped warbler. 15 Mourning dove (Zenaida macroura marginella), kingbird (Tyrannus sp.), house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis), and westem meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) were commonly observed within the native and non-native grasslands. Raptors observed on-site include red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), northem harrier (Circus cyaneus hudsonius), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), and Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii). A common barn owl (Tyto alba pratincola) carcass was found in the coastal sage scrub in Village H. Nesting habitat is present on-site for these species and other raptors in the riparian habitats. 4. Mammals Coastal sage scmb, chapanal, woodland, and riparian communities typically provide cover and foraging opportunities for a variety of mammal species. Many mammal species are noctumal and must be detected during daytime surveys by observing their sign, such as tracks, scat, and bunows. Cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus audubonii), southern pocket gopher (Thomomys umbrinus), woodrat (Neotoma sp.), and coyote (Canis latrans) were observed either directly or through sign. San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennettii) was also observed during previous surveys (RECON 1991). D. Sensitive Biological Resources State and federal agencies regulate sensitive species and require an assessment of their presence or potential presence to be conducted on-site prior to the approval of any proposed development on a property. For purposes of this report, species will be considered sensitive if they are: (1) listed or proposed for Hsting by state or federal agencies as threatened or endangered; (2) on List IB (considered endangered throughout its range) or List 2 (considered endangered in Califomia but more common elsewhere) of the California Native Plant Society's (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (Skinner and PavHk 1994); (3) included on the Draft Habitat Management Plan (HMP) or Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) list of species evaluated for coverage or Hst of nanow endemic plant species; or (4) considered sensitive, rare, endangered, or threatened by the NDDB (State of California 1999a, 1999b, 1999c, 2000) or other local conservation organizations or specialists. Noteworthy plant species are considered to be those which are on List 3 (more information about the plant's distribution and rarity needed) and List 4 (plants of limited distribution) of the CNPS Inventory. Sensitive habitat types are those identified by the NDDB (Holland 1986) or are considered sensitive by other resource agencies. 16 The MHCP is a habitat conservation plan cunently being drafted for the northem subregion of San Diego County (San Diego Association of Govemments [SANDAG] 1998). The City of Carlsbad has drafted the Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad (HMP), a subarea plan of the MHCP (City of Carlsbad 1999). The HMP designates a natural habitat preserve system and provides a regulatory framework for determining impacts and designating mitigation associated with proposed projects. The MHCP draft document identifies a series of focused planning areas within which some lands will be dedicated for preservation of native habitats. These areas contain both "hard line" areas which will be preserved as open space and "soft Hne" areas which will include both development and open space to be determined through the planning process. Mitigation requirements for impacts to the biological resources are provided in the HMP (City of Carlsbad 1999). Determination of the potential occunence for sensitive or noteworthy species are based upon known ranges and habitat preferences for the species (Zeiner et al. 1988a, 1988b, 1990; Skinner and Pavlik 1994; Reiser 1994); species occunence records from the NDDB; and species occunence records from other sites in the vicinity of the project site. 1. Sensitive Plant Communities and Habitats The following communities identified on-site are considered sensitive by the City of Carlsbad (1999), NDDB (Holland 1986), and state and federal resource agencies: Diegan coastal sage scrub, native grassland, ripaiian woodland, riparian scrub, riparian forest, cismontane alkah marsh, cismontane alkah marsh (seasonal), and freshwater marsh. a. Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Diegan coastal sage scrub is restricted to the coastal areas of southem CaHfornia and northern Baja California. Development and other human-related activities have seriously impacted this plant community and its associated plant and wildhfe species. It is estimated that 70-90 percent of the presettlement southern California coastal sage scrub has been destroyed, with the losses accelerating rapidly within the last decade (Noss et al. 1995; Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995). Diegan coastal sage scrub habitat is considered to be sensitive by the City of Carlsbad, federal and state resource agencies, most southern California jurisdictions, and local conservation organizations. b. Native Grassland Native grasslands are considered sensitive because of the extensive loss of this community throughout the state. Native grasslands are Hsted as sensitive by the City of Carlsbad and NDDB and it is estimated that only 0.1 percent of the native grasslands in CaHfornia remain (Keeley 1990). The loss of native grasslands is attributed to development, agriculture, grazing, and invasion by non-native, annual grasses and other non-native plant species. The invasion of native grasslands by non-native species 17 including brome grasses (Bromus spp.), wild oats, and mustards has degraded native grasslands to the extent that it is rare to find any that have not been invaded by these species. Grasslands that have 10 percent cover by native grasses such as needlegrass are classified here as native grasslands as defined by resource agencies. c. Riparian Woodland, Riparian Scrub, and Riparian Forest All riparian communities considered sensitive by the City of Carlsbad and are regulated as sensitive wetland habitats by the CaHfomia Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and USAGE. These habitats are found along rivers, streams, and intermittent drainages throughout southern California. Channelization of rivers, streams, and drainages for flood control and land development has resulted in cumulative losses of these habitat types throughout the state. The loss of riparian habitats in southern California has been estimated at greater than 95 percent (Faber et al. 1989). Riparian scrub, in particular, potentially supports several endangered and otherwise sensitive wildhfe species. d. Cismontane Alkali Marsh and Cismontane Alkali Marsh (Seasonal) Cismontane alkali marshes are typically low-lying areas with a high water table that have alkaline soils. Evaporation of ponded water often results in salts remaining on the surface. This habitat is identified by the City of Carlsbad (1999), Holland (1986), and NDDB (State of CaHfornia 2000) as a sensitive habitat and is a wetland habitat considered sensitive by USAGE and CDFG. All wetland habitats have been greatiy reduced throughout their entire range and continue to decline as a result of urbanization and are considered sensitive by state and federal resource agencies. e. Freshwater Marsh Freshwater marsh vegetation occurs in open bodies of fresh water with little cunent flow, such as ponds, and to a lesser extent around seeps and springs. This habitat is identified by the City of Carisbad (1999), Holland (1986), and NDDB (State of California 2000) as a sensitive habitat and is a wetland habitat considered sensitive by USAGE and CDFG. All wetland habitats have been greatly reduced throughout their entire range and continue to decline as a result of urbanization and are considered sensitive by state and federal resource agencies. 2. Sensitive Plants One plant that is federally and state listed, three sensitive plant species, and three noteworthy plant species were observed on-site: thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia), Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa), California adolphia, Palmer's grapplinghook (Harpagonella palineri var. palineri), spiny rush (Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii), western dichondra (Dichondra occidentalis), and ashy spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens). Figures 4 and 5 show the locations of thread-leaved brodiaea, Palmer's 18 grapplinghook, and Nuttall's scmb oak. California adolphia, spiny rush, and ashy spike- moss were common within their respective habitats throughout the site and were not mapped. a. Observed Plant observations are from both the cunent surveys and 1991 surveys. The location of plants apparent only during spring surveys are taken from the 1991 RECON report for the previous Master Plan amendment. Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia). Thread-leaved brodiaea is a state endangered and a federal threatened listed species, an HMP and MHCP covered species, and a CNPS List IB species. This perennial corm typically occurs on hillsides or valleys in grassland communities with clay, loamy sand, or alkaline silty-clay soils (USFWS 1994). The blooming period for thread-leaved brodiaea is from May to June. A population of this species is present within the grassland and sage scrub habitat on the northern portion of Village H. Approximately 300 individuals within 1,700 square meters was originaUy mapped by RECON biologists in 1991 (RECON 1991). This was counted again in 1995 and a population of 200 individuals was observed (State of CaHfornia 2000). Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa). NuttaH's scrub oak, an HMP and MHCP covered species and a CNPS List IB species, is a coastal chapanal shrub that can occur with an open canopy or in dense stands. It is identifiable all year, as it is an evergreen. The geographic range of Nuttall's scrub oak spans from a few locations in southern Orange County south to the middle of Baja California. Urban development along the coast is the primary cause of its decHne in San Diego County. This shmb was identified in the southern mixed and chamise chapanal habitat within the 110-acre Calavera Hills mitigation site. California adolphia (Adolphia californica). This shrub is a CNPS List 2 species that generally occurs in Diegan coastal sage scmb, often associated with California buckwheat and CaHfornia sagebrush. It is apparent all year by its unique spiny stems. Its geographic range includes San Diego County south into Baja California. California adolphia is present and often a dominant species in several locations throughout the site within the Diegan coastal sage scmb and southern mixed and chamise chapanal. Palmer's grapplinghook (Harpagonella palmeri var. palmeri). Palmer's grapplinghook is a CNPS List 2 species. This small herbaceous annual is found in clay soils in coastal sage scrub, chapanal, and valley grasslands in southern CaHfomia, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties, into Baja CaHfornia, Aiizona, and Sonora, Mexico. It is an inconspicuous plant that can be easily overlooked. The flowering period is from March through April. The species is threatened by development. Palmer's 19 grappHnghook was observed in two small patches within the Master Plan area within Diegan coastal sage scmb (RECON 1991). Spiny rush (Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii). Spiny rush is a CNPS List 4 species. It is a large bushy rush commonly found in marsh habitats throughout San Diego County. It can be found in a variety of soil types at low elevations wherever ponded water or saturated soils are present, and is apparent year-round. Its range includes areas in Santa Barbara, Orange, San Diego, and Riverside Counties, into mainland Mexico and Baja Califomia. This species is common in the cismontane alkali marsh habitat on-site. Western dichondra (Dichondra occidentalis). Westem dichondra is a CNPS List 4 species usually found growing under brush or trees in coastal sage scrub, chapanal, or oak woodland areas. It grows primarily in dry sandy soils ranging from Orange County south into Baja CaHfomia, Mexico. It is apparent from March to May. The numbers of western dichondra are in a slow decHne in southern California. This species was observed in several places in the Master Plan area and on the College Boulevard alignment during previous surveys (RECON 1991). Ashy spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens). This species is a CNPS List 4 prostrate perennial that is apparent year-round. Its range includes Orange and San Diego Counties in CaHfomia, south into Baja CaHfornia. Ashy spike-moss is decHning due to urban development. It was identified throughout the site in the Diegan coastal sage scrub and the chamise-dominant patches of the southern mixed and chamise chapanal. b. Not Observed Several other sensitive species are known to occur in the vicinity of the project site and are considered as potentially occurring on-site based on vegetation communities identified. Table 3 summarizes the status, habitats, and results of the botanical survey for each of these potentially occurring species, with codes explained in Table 4. Many of these species, such as shrubs or large cactus, would have been easily observed on the site during the sensitive plant survey and are considered not present due to their not being observed in 1991 or our present surveys. 3. Sensitive Wildlife One federally listed threatened species, the coastal California gnatcatcher, was observed on-site. In addition, six species of CDFG species of special concern and one California fully protected species were identified on-site. Each of these species is mapped on Figures 4 and 5 except for the San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit. This species observation was made during a previous survey (RECON 1991) and was not included on the map of sensitive resources at that time. 20 TABLE 3 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED (t) OR WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR OCCURRENCE Species City of State/Federal Carlsbad CNPS Status Status List/Code Typical Habitat/Comments Acanthomintha ilicifolia San Diego thommint CE/FT NE, lB/2-3-2 Chaparral, coastal sage scrub, HMP valley and foothill grassland/ clay soils. Low potential to occur. Adolphia californica Califomia adolphiaj -/-2/1-2-1 Coastal sage scmb, chaparral. Observed on-site. Ambrosia pumila San Diego ambrosia NE, lB/3-2-2 Creekbeds, seasonally dry HMP drainages, floodplains. No suitable habitat. Not expected to occur. Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia Del Mar manzanita -/FE NE, lB/3-3-2 Southem maritime chaparral. HMP No suitable habitat. Not observed on-site. Artemisia palmeri San Diego sagewort 2/2-2-1 Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, riparian. Low to moderate potential to occur. Baccharis vanessae Encinitas coyote bush CE/FT NE, lB/2-3-3 Chaparral. Not observed HMP on-site. Brodiaea filifolia Thread-leaved brodiaeaf CE/FT HMP lB/3-3-3 Valley and foothill grassland, vemal pools. Observed on-site (RECON 1991). Brodiaea orcuttii Orcutt's brodiaea HMP lB/1-3-2 Closed-cone coniferous forest, meadows, cismontane wood- land, valley and foothill grass- land, vemal pools. Low potential to occur. Ceanothus verrucosus Wart-stemmed ceanothus -/- HMP 2/1-2-1 Chaparral. Not observed on-site. Chorizanthe orcuttiana Orcutt's spineflower CE/FE NE, lB/3-3-3 Openings in coastal chamise HMP chaparral. Only a few extant populations occur from Encinitas to Point Loma. Low potential to occur. TABLE 3 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED (t) OR WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR OCCURRENCE (continued) Species City of State/Federal Carlsbad CNPS Status Status List/Code Typical Habitat/Comments Chorizanthe polygonoides var. longispina Long-spined spineflower -/-lB/2-2-2 Open chaparral, coastal sage scrab, montane meadows, valley and foothill grasslands; vemal pools/clay. Low potential to occur. Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia Summer holly -/- HMP lB/2-2-2 Chaparral. Not observed on-site. Dichondra occidentalis Westem dichondraf -/-4/1-2-1 Chaparral, cismontane wood- land, coastal sage scrub, valley and foothill grassland/generally post-bum. Observed on-site (RECON 1991; State of Califomia 2000). Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae Blochman's dudleya -/- NE, lB/2-2-2 Coastal sage scrub. Habitat HMP marginal, not expected to occur. Dudleya variegata Variegated dudleya NE, lB/1-2-2 Openings in chaparral and HMP coastal sage scrub; open, rocky grasslands. Habitat marginal, not expected to occur. Dudleya viscida Sticky-leaved liveforever HMP lB/3-2-3 Coastal sage scmb; steep, north-facing slopes/ gabbroic soils. No suitable soils. Not expected to occur. Euphorbia misera Cliff spurge HMP 2/2-2-1 Coastal sage scrub, coastal bluff scrab. Not observed on-site. Ferocactus viridescens Coast barrel cactus -/- HMP 2/1-3-1 Chaparral, coastal sage scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Not observed on-site. TABLE 3 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED (t) OR WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR OCCURRENCE (continued) Species State/Federal Status City of Carlsbad Status CNPS List/Code Typical Habitat/Comments Harpagonella palmeri var. palmeri Palmer's grappling hookt -/-2/1-2-1 Chaparral, coastal sage scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Observed on-site (RECON 1991). Hazardia orcuttii Orcutt's hazardia -/-NE, HMP lB/3-3-2 Open chamise chaparral. Only one U.S. population known from Encinitas. Not observed on-site. Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii Spiny rushf -/-— 4/1-2-1 Coastal dunes (mesic) meadows (alkaline), coastal salt marsh. Observed on-site. Lessingia filaginifolia var. filaginifolia (=Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. incana) San Diego sand aster -/-NE, HMP lB/2-2-2 Coastal sage scrub, chaparral. Out of range. Not expected to occur. Muilla clevelandii San Diego goldenstar -/-NE, HMP lB/2-2-2 Chaparral, coastal sage scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vemal pools. Marginal habitat present; not expected to occur. Navarretia fossalis Prostrate navarretia -/FT NE, HMP lB/2-3-2 Vernal pools. No suitable habitat present; not expected to occur. Quercus dumosa Nuttall's scrab oakf -/-HMP lB/2-3-2 Coastal chaparral. Observed on-site. Selaginella cinerascens Ashy spike-mosst -/--4/1-2-1 Chaparral, coastal sage scmb. Present on-site. Tetracoccus dioicus Parry's tetracoccus -/--lB/3-2-2 Chaparral, coastal sage scrub. Not observed on-site. NOTE: See Table 4 for explanation of sensitivity codes. TABLE 4 SENSITIVITY CODES FEDERAL CANDIDATES AND LISTED PLANTS FE = Federally listed, endangered FT = Federally listed, threatened FPE = Federally proposed endangered FPT = Federally proposed threatened STATE LISTED PLANTS CE = State listed, endangered CR = State listed, rare CT = State listed, threatened CITY OF CARLSBAD STATUS HMP = Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad NE = Narrow endemic species in HMP LISTS CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY R-E-D CODES lA = Species presumed extinct. IB = Species rare, threatened, or endangered in Califomia and elsewhere. These species are eligible for state listing. 2 = Species rare, threatened, or endangered in Califomia but which are more common elsewhere. These species are eligible for state listing. 3 = Species for which more infor- mation is needed. Distribution, endangerment, and/or taxonomic information is needed. 4 = A watch list of species of limited distribution. These species need to be monitored for changes in the status of their populations. R (Rarity) 1 = Rare, but found in sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough that the potential for extinction is low at this time. 2 = Occurrence confined to several populations or to one extended population. 3 - Occurrence limited 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 D (Distribution) = More or less widespread outside Califomia = Rare outside California = Endemic to California a. Observed Belding's orangethroat whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi). The Belding's orangethroat whiptail is a Califomia Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) species of special concern. This species ranges from southwestern San Bemardino County to the tip of Baja CaHfomia, Mexico, in areas of low, scattered brush and grass with loose sandy loam soils. It can be found in open coastal sage scrub, chapanal, washes, streamsides, and other sandy areas with rocks, patches of brush, and rocky hiHsides (Stebbins 1985). The Belding's orangethroat whiptail feeds primarily on subtenanean termites. It is active during the spring and summer months and hibemates during the fall and winter. Adult Belding's orangethroat whiptails generally hibernate from late July or early August until late April. The immature whiptail has a shorter inactivity period, usually hibemating from December through March. Hibernating sites are on well-drained slopes with southern exposure and little or no vegetation cover (road cuts tend to be suitable). The Belding's orangethroat whiptail has decHned within its range as a result of habitat losses and fragmentation (McGurty 1980). Four individual Belding's orangethroat whiptails were observed throughout the Diegan coastal sage scrub and southern mixed chapanal on the site (RECON 1991). Three of the whiptails were observed within the Master Plan area and one was observed within the College Boulevard ahgnment. Coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica). The coastal CaHfornia gnatcatcher is federally listed as threatened, a CDFG species of special concem, and an MHCP covered species. This bird species is a resident species restricted to the coastal slopes of southern California, from Ventura County southward through Los Angeles County, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties into Baja CaHfornia, Mexico (USFWS 1993a). The coastal CaHfornia gnatcatcher typically occurs in coastal sage scrub, although this bird also uses chapanal, grassland, and riparian woodland habitats where they occur adjacent to coastal sage scrub. Populations of this species have decHned as a result of urban and agricultural development (Unitt 1984; Atwood 1992). Four coastal California gnatcatcher territories were observed in the Diegan coastal sage scmb. A single male was observed at the intersection of El Camino Real and the College Boulevard extension. A single individual was heard on several occasions on the edge of a paved section of road in the eastem portion of the Master Plan area. One pair was observed in the southeastern portion of the Master Plan area and another pair was observed within the survey area for the Cannon Road extension (Reach 4). Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens). The southern California rufous-crowned span'ow is a CDFG species of special concern. This locaHzed resident species ranges throughout southern California, with resident populations occurring in steep, rocky areas of coastal sage scrub and chapanal habitats. 25 Southern California mfous-crowned spanows are also known to inhabit grassland areas adjacent to coastal sage scrub (Unitt 1984). Widespread losses of coastal sage scrab habitat as a result of agricultural and urban development have greatly decreased the amount of habitat suitable for mfous-crowned spanows. Four southern Califomia rufous-crowned sparrow territories were noted in the Diegan coastal sage scrub within the Master Plan area and the survey area for the Cannon Road extension (Reach 4). Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). The loggerhead shrike is a CDFG species of special concern. This species ranges throughout most of the United States and Mexico (National Geographic Society 1987). The loggerhead shrike is a non-migratory species that occurs throughout San Diego County. The loggerhead shrike occupies a variety of habitats including grassland, agricultural areas, chapanal, sage scrub, and desert scrub at elevations less than 3,000 feet (Unitt 1984). Population declines of the loggerhead shrike have been attributed to increases in habitat loss associated with urbanization. No loggerhead shrikes were observed during the surveys, but because this species is widespread throughout the region, its potential to occur on-site is considered to be moderate to high. One loggerhead shrike was observed within the survey area for the Cannon Road extension (Reach 4). White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus). The white-tailed kite is a California fully protected species that occurs in coastal lowland areas from Oregon to northern Baja CaHfornia, Mexico (National Geographic Society 1987). This resident bird nests in riparian woodlands, live oak woodlands, or sycamore groves, which border grassland or open fields (Unitt 1984). The white-tailed kite forages over open areas and grasslands feeding primarily on small rodents and insects (National Geographic Society 1987). This species is known to roost in large communal groups (Unitt 1984). White-tailed kite populations in southern California have declined due to the loss of nesting and foraging habitat. White-tailed kites were observed in two locations on-site, one within the Master Plan area and one within the survey area for the College Boulevard extension. Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii). The Cooper's hawk is a CDFG species of special concern and an HMP covered species. The Cooper's hawk is a medium-sized raptor that ranges throughout most of the United States. It is considered an uncommon resident during the breeding season in southern CaHfornia, with numbers increasing in winter (Ganett and Dunn 1981). This hawk mainly breeds in oak and willow riparian woodlands but will also use eucalyptus trees (Unitt 1984). This hawk forages primarily on songbirds but is also known to eat small mammals. The decline of this species has been caused by urbanization and loss of habitat. 26 One Cooper's hawk was observed roosting on a shmb in a patch of southern mixed and chamise chapanal in the Master Plan area. Northern harrier (Circus cyaneus hudsonius). The northern harrier is a CDFG species of special concern and will potentially be added as an HMP covered species. Northern harrier nesting sites are considered sensitive. This species ranges throughout most of the United States (National Geographic Society 1987). In San Diego County, the northern harrier is an uncommon to fairly common migrant and winter visitor and a rare summer resident (Unitt 1984). The northern harrier hovers close to the ground while foraging in grasslands, agricultural fields, and coastal marshes. The northern harrier most commonly nests on the ground at the edge of marshes, but will also nest on grasslands, fields, or in areas of sparse shrubs (Zeiner et al. 1990). Northern harriers have nested in San Diego County at the Tijuana River, Otay Mesa, Lake Hodges, and Camp Pendleton (Unitt 1984). The range of this species has been reduced due to urbanization and agricultural development. Two northern harriers were obsei-ved foraging over the Master Plan area. San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennettii). San Diego black- tailed jackrabbits, a CDFG species of special cojicern, were consistently observed on-site. The San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit occupies open or semi-open habitats such as grasslands, coastal sage scrub and open chapanal and ranges from near Mt. Pinos (at the Kern-Ventura County line) southward and west of the Peninsular Range into northwestem Baja California, Mexico (Hall 1981). The black-tailed jackrabbit is believed to be declining as a result of habitat loss resulting from urban and agricultural development. This species was observed during a previous survey (RECON 1991). It is expected to be a fairly common resident species within the Diegan coastal sage scrub and grassland habitats throughout the project components. b. Not Observed Several other sensitive animals are either known to occur in the vicinity or have a potential to be present on-site. Four of these are state and/or federally listed species: quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydiyas editha quino), southwestem willow flycatcher, least Bell's vireo, and Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembrus). These are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs. Table 5 Hsts the sensitive species observed on-site and those that could potentially occur on-site based on the ranges and habitat requirements of these species and includes the likelihood of occunence for these species. 27 TABLE 5 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN (OR POTENTIALLY OCCURRING) Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comments Invertebrates Quino checkerspot butterfly Euphydryas editha quino FE, MHCP Open, dry areas in foothills, mesas, lake margins. Larval host plant Plantago erecta. Adult emergence mid-January through April. Not observed during focused surveys conducted in 1998 and 1999. Site outside of required survey area for 2000. Harbison's dun skipper Euphyes vestris harbisoni MHCP,HMP Riparian habitats. Larval host plant Carex spissa. High potential to occur if host plant present. Host plant has a moderate to high potential to be present within the drainage bottoms in the riparian woodland and riparian forest. Amphibians (Nomenclature from Collins 1997) Westem spadefoot Spea hammondii CSC, MHCP Vemal pools, floodplains, and alkali flats Low potential to occur on-site, within areas of open vegetation. Reptiles (Nomenclature from Collins 1997) Southwestern pond turtle Clemmys marmorata pallida San Diego horned lizard Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillii Belding's orangethroat whiptail Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi CSC, FSS, MHCP CSC, MHCP, * CSC, MHCP,HMP Ponds, small lakes, marshes, slow- moving, sometimes brackish water. Chaparral, coastal sage scrub with fine, loose soil. Partially dependent on harvester ants for forage. Chaparral, coastal sage scrub with coarse sandy soils and scattered brash. Low potential to occur on-site. Observed on-site (RECON 1991). Observed on-site (RECON 1991). TABLE 5 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN (OR POTENTIALLY OCCURRING) (continued) Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comments Silvery legless lizard Anniella puichra puichra CSC Herbaceous layers with loose soil in coastal scrub, chaparral, and open riparian habitats. Prefers dunes and sandy washes near moist soil. Suitable habitat present; moderate potential to occur on-site. Coast patch-nosed snake Salvadora hexalepis virgultea Red diamond rattlesnake Crotalus exsul (= C. ruber ruber) CSC CSC Grasslands, chaparral, sagebrush, desert scrub. Found in sandy and rocky areas. Suitable habitat present; moderate potential to occur on-site. Desert scrub and riparian habitats, coastal Suitable habitat present; high potential to occur on- sage scrub, open chaparral, grassland, and site, agricultural fields. Birds (Nomenclature from American Ornithologists' Union) While-tailed kite (nesting) CFP, * Elanus leucurus Nest in riparian woodland, oaks, sycamores. Forage in open, grassy areas. Year-round resident. Observed on-site; high potential to nest on-site. Northern harrier (nesting) Circus cyaneus CSC, MHCP Coastal lowland, marshes, grassland, agricultural fields. Migrant and winter resident, rare summer resident. Observed on-site; low potential to nest on-site. Sharp-shinned hawk (nesting) Accipiter striatus CSC Open deciduous woodlands, forests, edges, parks, residential areas. Migrant and winter visitor. Observed on-site; winter foraging habitat present; out of nesting range. Cooper's hawk (nesting) Accipiter cooperii CSC, Mature forest, open woodlands, wood MHCP,HMP edges, river groves. Parks and residential areas. Migrant and winter visitor. Observed on-site; suitable nesting habitat present. TABLE 5 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN (OR POTENTIALLY OCCURRING) (continued) Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comments Birds (cont.) Ferruginous hawk (wintering) Buteo regalis CSC Require large foraging areas. Grasslands, agricultural fields. Uncommon winter resident. Winter foraging habitat present; low potential to occur on-site. Golden eagle (nesting and wintering) Aquila chrysaetos CSC, CFP, Require vast foraging areas in grassland, BEPA, MHCP broken chaparral, or sage scrub. Nest in cliffs and boulders. Uncommon resident. Suitable foraging habitat present; low potential to occur on-site. No suitable nesting habitat present. Merlin Falco columbarius CSC Rare winter visitor. Grasslands, agricultural fields, occasionally mud flats. Suitable habitat present; low potential to occur on- site in winter. Prairie falcon (nesting) Falco mexicanus CSC Grassland, agricultural fields, desert scrub. Uncommon winter resident. Rare breeding resident. Breeds on cliffs. Suitable foraging habitat present; low potential to occur on-site. No nesting habitat present. Western yellow-billed cuckoo (breeding) Coccyzus americanus occidentalis SE Large riparian woodlands. Summer resident. Very localized breeding. Only a few recent sightings in county; not expected to occur. No suitable habitat present. Western burrowing owl (burrow sites) Speotyto cunicularia hypugaea CSC, , Grassland, agricultural iand, coastal MHCP.HMP dunes. Require rodent burrows. Declining resident. Low potential to occur on-site. Southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus SE, FE, FSS, Nesting restricted to willow thickets. Also MHCP,HMP occupies other woodlands. Rare spring and fall migrant, rare summer resident. Extremely localized breeding. Suitable habitat present; not expected to nest TABLE 5 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN (OR POTENTIALLY OCCURRING) (continued) Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comments Califomia homed lark Eremophila alpestris actia CSC Sandy shores, mesas, disturbed areas, grasslands, agricultural lands, sparse creosote bush scrub. Suitable habitat present; high potential to occur on- site. Coastal cactus wren Campytorhynchus brunneicapillus couesi CSC, MHCP, * Maritime succulent scrub, coastal sage scrub with Opuntia thickets. Rare localized resident. Moderate habitat present; scattered Opuntia thickets present. Not observed during surveys. Coastal California gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica FT, CSC, Coastal sage scrub, maritime succulent MHCP,HMP scrub. Resident. Observed on-site. Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus CSC Open foraging areas near scattered bushes and low trees. Observed on-site. Least Bell's vireo (nesting) Vireo bellii pusillus SE, FE, Willow riparian woodlands. Summer MHCP,HMP resident. Suitable habitat present; high potential to occur on- site. Yellow warbler (nesting) Dendroica petechia brewsteri CSC Breeding restricted to riparian woodland. Spring and fall migrant, localized summer resident, rare winter visitor. Suitable habitat present; moderate potential to occur on-site. Yellow-breasted chat (nesting) Icteria virens CSC, Dense riparian woodland. Localized MHCP,HMP summer resident. Suitable habitat present; high potential to occur on- site. Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow Aimophila ruficeps canescens CSC, MHCP,HMP Coastal sage scrub, grassland. Resident. Observed on-site. Bell's sage sparrow Amphispiza belli belli CSC, MHCP Chaparral, coastal sage scrub. Localized Suitable habitat present; not observed during resident. surveys. TABLE 5 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN (OR POTENTIALLY OCCURRING) (continued) Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comments Tricolored blackbird Agelaius tricolor CSC, MHCP Freshwater marshes, agricultural areas, lakeshores, parks. Localized resident. Moderate habitat present; low to moderate potential to occur on-site. Blue grosbeak (nesting) Guiraca caerulea Riparian woodland edges, mule fat Suitable habitat present; high potential to occur on- thickets. Summer resident, spring and fall site, migrant, winter visitor. Mammals (Nomenclature from Jones et al. 1982) Pale big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens CSC Caves, mines, buildings. Found in a variisty of habitats, arid and mesic. Individual or colonial. Extremely sensitive to disturbance; marginal roosting habitat present; not expected to occur. Townsend's western big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii townsendii CSC, MHCP Caves, mines, buildings. Found in a variety of habitats, arid and mesic. Individual or colonial. Extremely sensitive to disturbance; marginal roosting habitat present; not expected to occur. Westem mastiff bat Eumops perotis californicus CSC, MHCP Woodlands, rocky habitat, arid and semiarid lowlands, cliffs, crevices, buildings, tree hollows. Marginal roosting habitat present; low potential to occur on-site. San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit Lepus californicus bennettii CSC, MHCP Open areas of scrub, grasslands, agricul- tural fields. Observed on-site (RECON 1991). Pacific little pocket mouse Perognathus longimembris pacificus FE, CSC, Open coastal sage scrub; fine, alluvial MHCP sands near ocean. No suitable soils; not expected to occur. Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse Chaetodipus fallax fallax CSC, MHCP San Diego County west of mountains in sparse, disturbed coastal sage scrub or grasslands with sandy soils. Suitable habitat present; moderate potential to occur. TABLE 5 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN (OR POTENTIALLY OCCURRING) (continued) Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comments San Diego desert woodrat Neotoma lepida intermedia CSC Coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Suitable habitat present; moderate to high potential to occur on-site. Status Codes Listed/Proposed FE - Listed as endangered by the federal government FT = Listed as threatened by the federal government SE - Listed as endangered by the state of California Other BEPA = CFP ^ CSC ^ FC FSS = MHCP= HMP = * Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act California fully protected species California Department of Fish and Game species of special concern Federal candidate for listing (taxa for which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability and fhreat(s) to support proposals to list as endangered or threatened; development and publication of proposed rules for these taxa are anticipated) Federal (Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service) sensitive species Multiple Habitat Conservation Program target species list Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad Taxa listed with an asterisk fall into one or more of the following categories: • Taxa considered endangered or rare under Section 15380(d) of CEQA guidelines • Taxa that are biologically rare, very restricted in distribution, or declining throughout their range • Population(s) in California that may be peripheral to the major portion of a taxon's range, but which are threatened with extirpation within Califomia • Taxa closely associated with a habitat that is declining in Califomia at an alarming rate (e.g., wetlands, riparian, old growth forests, desert aquatic systems, native grasslands) Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino). Quino checkerspot butterfly is federally listed as endangered. The quino checkerspot butterfly is one of 12 subspecies of the Euphydryas editha checkerspot and was formerly known as E. e. wrightii. The quino checkerspot's distribution is defined primarily by the distribution of its principal larval host plant, dot-seed plantain (Plantago erecta). Dot-seed plantain is usually most abundant in areas which have natural cryptogamic soil crusts that form on soils in arid environments and are composed of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), lichens, and mosses, as well as fungi and bacteria (Mattoni et al. 1997). The flight period for the adult butterflies usually ranges from late Febmary through April, although the timing of the flight period can vary considerably from year to year depending on rainfall and temperature patterns. The USFWS has determined there is little HkeHhood that this species would be present in the Carlsbad vicinity. The 2000 survey protocol has excluded the Calavera Hills and Bridge and Thoroughfare District/Detention Basins area from their required habitat assessment and adult flight season surveys (USFWS 2000). Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus). The southwestern willow flycatcher is federally and state Hsted as endangered. This migratory bird breeds in southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, extreme southern portions of Nevada and Utah, far westem Texas, and extreme northwestern Baja California, Mexico (USFWS 1995). The southwestern willow flycatcher is present in San Diego County in late spring and suimner where it is known to breed in only a few locations (Unitt 1984). The only stable breeding populations in San Diego County are found in the Santa Margarita River, Camp Pendleton, and the San Luis Rey River (San Diego Natural History Museum 1995). This flycatcher requires mature willow thickets in riparian woodland habitat for breeding and nesting activities. Loss of such habitat as a result of urbanization, grazing, agriculture, channelization and mining of streams, and nest parasitism by the brown- headed cowbird have all contributed to the severe decHne of this , species (USFWS 1993b). In San Diego County, portions of the Santa Margarita, San Luis Rey, San Dieguito, San Diego, and Tijuana Rivers have been designated as critical habitat for the southwestern willow flycatcher (USFWS 1997b). The riparian scrub on-site is potential habitat for the southwestern willow flycatcher to nest and a migrant has been observed in Macario Canyon, which is downstream from the site, adjacent to Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Focused surveys for this species are cunently being conducted within the areas of potential impact within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District and the detention basins project components. Least Bell's vireo (Vireo pusillus bellii). This small bird is state and federally listed as endangered and is found in riparian habitats dominated by willows and mule fat. A migratory species, least Bell's vireos winter in Mexico, arrive on their breeding grounds in mid-March, and remain until September or October. Populations of least Bell's vireo 34 have declined drastically due to extensive loss of riparian habitat to agriculture and urbanization and nest parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) and nest predation. The riparian scrub on-site is potential habitat for the least Bell's vireo to nest and this species has been observed nesting in Macario Canyon, which is downstream from the site, adjacent to Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Focused surveys for this species are cunently being conducted within the areas of potential impact within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District and the detention basins project components. Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembrus pacificus). This small mouse is a federally listed endangered and a CDFG species of special concem. It requires fine-grain, sandy soils within open coastal sage scmb, coastal strand, coastal dune, and river alluvium habitats. Historically, the subspecies was distributed throughout coastal southern Califomia from Marina del Rey and El Segundo to the southern San Diego County, near the Mexican border, within 2.5 miles of the coast. Cunently, only three populations are known to occur. One population was identified at the Dana Point Headlands in Orange County, and two are known from the Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton in San Diego County. The subspecies has declined drastically due to habitat destmction and fragmentation, predation by domestic cats, and recreational activities (USFWS 1998). There are no suitable soils or habitat for this subspecies on-site and it is not expected to occur. 4. Wildlife Movement Corridors Wildlife movement corridors are defined as areas that connect suitable wildlife habitat areas in a region otherwise fragmented by rugged tenain, changes in vegetation, or human disturbance. Natural features such as canyon drainages, ridgehnes, or areas with vegetation cover provide corridors for wildlife travel. Wildlife movement corridors are important because they provide access to mates, food, and water; allow the dispersal of individuals away from high population density areas; and facilitate the exchange of genetic traits between populations (Beier and Loe 1992). Wildlife movement corridors are considered sensitive by resource and conservation agencies. This site is bounded to the north and west by residential and commercial development and to the south and east by undeveloped areas that include designated open space preserves and private ranches. The project components include drainages that flow into Agua Hedionda and Buena Vista Creeks, which allow some travel of wildlife movement beyond the project boundaries; however, the function- of the site as a movement conidor is moderate. While the drainages do provide movement in and out of the site, the areas to 35 the north are heavily developed and Buena Vista Creek appears to eventually be reduced to an urban waterway with little native vegetation. E. Wetlands and Non-Wetland Jurisdictional Waters 1. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdictional wetlands are found within riparian scmb, riparian woodland, riparian forest, cismontane alkali marsh, cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal), and freshwater marsh and total approximately 8.0 acres within the Master Plan Phase II component and 22.2 acres within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District/Detention Basin areas (Figure 6). The location of areas considered jurisdictional waters, but not wetlands, is based on the observance of strong indicators of seasonal flows or ponding and the presence of an ordinary high water mark. These jurisdictional waters were delineated by the lateral and upstream/downstream extent of the ordinary high water mark of the particular drainage or depression. These were identified in areas with representative communities such as southern coast live oak woodland, sycamore woodland, agriculture lands, and chapanal. A total of 1.2 acres of non-wetland jurisdictional waters are present within the Master Plan Phase II component and 0.4 acre within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District/Detention Basin areas. The interpretation of the data in the delineation report and the conclusions drawn are subject to review by the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) since the implementation of the Bridge and Thoroughfare District and the Detention Basins components would affect agriculture lands. The USAGE would make final jurisdictional determination based on the recommendation of the NRCS. The report detailing the results of this wetland delineation is under separate cover. 2. California Department of Fish and Game Guidelines for delineating the boundaries of wetlands for the USAGE differ from those used by the CDFG. Under Sections 1600-1607 of the Fish and Game Code, CDFG regulates activities that would alter streams, rivers, or lakes. CDFG also has jurisdiction over riparian habitats (e.g., southern willow scmb and riparian woodland) associated with watercourses. Areas considered jurisdictional by CDFG are delineated by the outer edge of riparian vegetation or at the top of the bank of streams or lakes, whichever is wider. CDFG jurisdiction for all of the project components falls within the same boundaries as that delineated as USAGE jurisdiction. 36 Wetlands • Non-wetland jurisdictional waters Bridge and Thoroughfare District and Detention Basin Survey Area Master Plan Phase II Survey Area FIGURE 6 Existing Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. t 0 Feet 1200 2400 Project Impacts The proposed project will include the residential development of the Master Plan Phase II area, the construction of the College Boulevard and Cannon Road extensions, and two detention basins. Figures 7 and 8 illustrates the proposed impacts to the existing biological resources and Figure 9 shows impacts to wetlands and non-wetland jurisdictional waters that would resuh from implementation of all three project components. Tables 6, 7, and 8 provide the acreages of impacts to vegetation communities and jurisdictional waters. The tables detail the impacts from each proposed village and fuel management zone within the Master Plan area, the proposed road alignments, by reach, including one altemative for each road, and the construction of berms for the detention basin as well as the impacts that would occur from projected inundation at highest water flow. The biological impacts of the project were assessed according to guidelines set forth in the City of Carlsbad's HMP (City of Carlsbad 1999) and CEQA. Mitigation is required for impacts that are considered significant under the HMP and CEQA guidelines. A. Plant Communities 1. Master Plan Phase II Area Implementation of the Master Plan Phase II development plan will impact approximately 132.6 acres (see Table 6). This will include impacts to 83.7 acres of Diegan coastal sage scmb, 28.2 acres of southem mixed and chamise chapanal, 1.9 acres of non-native grassland, 0.7 acre of eucalyptus woodland, 0.1 acre of cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal), 3.4 acres of developed areas, and 14.6 acres of disturbed areas. There will be no impacts to riparian woodland, native grassland, riparian scrub, riparian forest, cismontane alkali marsh, freshwater marsh, or agricultural fields from implementation of this project component. 2. Bridge and Thoroughfare District Implementation of the College Boulevard and Cannon Road extensions will impact a variety of habitats depending on which alignment alternatives are chosen. Table 7 provides the acreages of impact for each of the proposed alignments. College Boulevard Alternative 1 (preferred alternative): This alternative will impact a total of 38.4 acres, including impacts to 8.9 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub, 5.9 acres of southern mixed and chamise chapanal, 0.9 acre of non-native grassland, 1.3 acres of riparian woodland, 0.4 acre of eucalyptus woodland, 0.3 acre of riparian scrub, 12.3 acres of agricultural fields, 5.6 acres of developed areas, and 2.8 acres of disturbed areas. 38 M:\job.s\.'!22.'ih\gis\biolcc, Fuel management zone impact Hmits I I Grading Umits Existing vegetation Diegan coastal sa»e scrub I Southem mixed and chamise chaparral ^^^^ Native grassland ^^^1 Riparian woodland I Riparian scrub I Freshwater marsh I I Cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal) I 1 Non-native grassland S'OC^ Eucalyptus woodland vCN^i Disturbed I I Developed Brodiaea filifolia Harpagonella palineri var. palineri q Quercus dumosa G Coastal California gnatcatcher H Northern harrier R San Diego rufous-crowned sparrow K White-tailed kite C Cooper's hawk W Belding's orangethroat whiptail L San Diego horned lizard FIGURE? Project Impacts Master Plan Phase II t 0 Feet 775 1550 College Boulevard Alignment 1 College Boulevard Alignment 2 1\\ .] Cannon Road Alignment 1 Cannon Road Alignment 2 Detention basin berm Detention basin inundation limits I . I Diegan coastal sage scrub I Southem mixed and chamise chaparral Ripai-ian I'orosi l^^^l Riparian woodland I Riparian scmb • '^'l Freshwater marsh I Cismontane alkali marsh i I Cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal) I I Non-nadve grassland IS-^xCJ Eucalyptus woodland r I Agriculture lOO-sl Disturbed I I Developed G Coastal California gnatcatcher R Southem California rufous-crowned sparrow S Loggerhead shrike K White-tailed kite W Belding's orangethroat whiptail HGURE8 Project Impacts Bridge and Thoroughfare District and Dentention Basins t 0 Feet 1000 2000 M:\jobs\322.5b\gis\bioicc .apr\]ay<)Ut-fic9 ••• Non-wellaiicl jurisdicliiial waters I I Wetlands 1 Fuel management zone impact limits ' ' Grading limits ly^ y College Boulevard Alternative 1 r y y I College Boulevard Altemative 2 Cannon Road Alternative 1 Cannon Road Ajtemative 2 y^>y^ Bridge and Thoroughfare District and Detention Basin survey area ^•^"^y Master Plan Phase II survey area FIGURE 9 Project Impacts to Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. t 0 Feet 1200 2400 TABLE 6 IMPACTS TO RESOURCES BY VILLAGE WITHIN THE MASTER PLAN PHASE 2 PROJECT COMPONENT , Village ViUage Village Village Village Village Village ViUage Village Fuel Total Vegetation Type El H K L2 R U W X Y Management Impacted Diegan coastal sage • ' -- , -- 14.3 3.2 1.6 6.8 25.9 26.0 1.5 4.4 83.7 scrub Southern mixed and - 0.6 0.3 - - 13.3 3.6 4.2 5.8 0.4 28.2 chamise chaparral Non-native grassland — 1-9 — ~ — ~ — — — ~ 1.9 Riparian woodland Eucalyptus woodland ~ 0.7 — — — ~ — — — — 0.7 Native grassland Riparian scrub — - ~ — — — — Riparian forest Cismontane alkali marsh Cismontane alkah — ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0.1 — — — 0.1 marsh (seasonal) Freshwater marsh Agricultural TABLE 6 IMPACTS TO RESOURCES BY VILLAGE WITHIN THE MASTER PLAN PHASE II PROJECT COMPONENT (continued) Vegetation Type Village El Village H Village K Village L2 Village R Village U Village W Village X Village Y Fuel Management Total Impacted Developed ~ ~ 2.9 0.4 ~ ~ — . — 0.1 3.4 Disturbed 8.7 — — 0.5 2.4 1.2 — ~ 1.8 — 14.6 VEGETATION TOTAL 8.7 3.2 17.5 4.1 4.0 21.3 29.6 30.2 9.1 4.9 132.6 Wetland habitat ~ ~ — — ~ — 0.1 ~ ~ ~ 0.1 Non-wetland jurisdictional waters — — — — ~ 0.1 — 0.1 ~ — 0.2 JURISDICTIONAL WATERS TOTAL — — — 0.1 0.1 0.1 — — 0.3 TABLE 7 IMPACTS TO RESOURCES WITHIN THE BRIDGE AND THOROUGHFARE DISTRICT College Boulevard Alternative 1 Collej ;e Boulevard Altemative 2 Cannon Road - Altemadve 1 Cannon Road - Alternative 2 Vegetation Type Reach A Reach B Reach C Total Reach A Reach B Reach C Total Reach 3 Reach 4 Total Reach 3 Reach 4 Total Diegan coastal sage scrub 1.4 2.7 4.8 8.9 1.4 4.7 5.7 11.8 -16.2 16.2 -15.2 15.2 Southern mixed and chamise chapanal — 5.9 5.9 — 3.6 3.6 ----- Non-native grassland 0.9 -0.9 0.9 -0.9 0.4 0.2 0.6 0.4 0.1 0.5 Riparian woodland 0.5 0.8 1.3 0.5 0.9 1.4 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.2 0.8 Eucalyptus woodland 0.4 -0.4 0.4 -0.4 0.2 0.6 0.8 -• 0.3 0.3 Nati ve grassland ---------— Riparian scrub 0.3 -0.3 0.3 0.5 0.8 0.2 0.2 0.2,-— 0.2 Riparian forest -------0.1 0.1 -0.1 0.1 Cismontane alkali marsh ------0.5 0.5 0.5 — 0.5 Cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal) — -----0.2 0.2 -0.1 0.1 Freshwater marsh --• ---— — — — — — Agricultural 7.4 4.9 12.3 7.4 11.7 19.1 9.5 4.8 14.3 10.1 4.8 14.9 Developed 4.3 1.3 5.6 4.3 1.3 5.6 0.1 3.5 3.6 -1.3 1.3 Disturbed 0.4 2.4 2.8 0.4 2.4 2.8 1.9 1.9 1.7 -1.7 VEGETATION TOTAL 15.6 8.4 14.4 38.4 15.6 13.0 17.8 46.4 13.4 25.6 39.0 13.5 22.1 35.6 Wetland habitat 0.8 0.8 1.6 0.8 1.4 2.2 1.3 0.3 1.6 1.3 0.3 1.6 Non-wetland jurisdictional waters 0.1 — 0.1 -— --0.1 O.I --- JURISDICTIONAL WATERS TOTAL 0.9 0.8 • 1.7 0.8 1.4 2.2 1.3 0.4 1.7 1.3 0.3 1.6 TABLE 8 IMPACTS TO RESOURCES WITHIN THE DETENTION BASINS PROJECT COMPONENT Vegetation Type Detention Basin BJB Projected Berm Inundation Impacts Impacts Detention Basin BJ Projected Berm Inundation Channel Impacts Impacts Impacts Diegan coastal sage scrab Southem mixed and chamise chaparral Non-native grassland Riparian woodland Eucalyptus woodland Native grassland Riparian scrab Riparian forest Cismontane alkali marsh Cismontane alkah marsh (seasonal) Freshwater marsh 0.2 0.2 0.2 Agricultural 2.4 9.8 - Developed --0.6 6.7 0.3 Disturbed ---- VEGETATION TOTAL 2.6 10.0 0.6 6.9 0.3 Wetland habitat 0.2 -~ -- Non-wetland jurisdictional waters ----- JURISDICTIONAL WATERS TOTAL 0.2 ---- College Boulevard Alternative 2: This alternative will impact a total of 46.4 acres, including impacts to 11.8 acre;s of Diegan coastal sage scmb, 3.6 acres of southern mixed and chamise chapanal, 0.9 acre of non-native grassland, 1.4 acre of riparian woodland, 0.4 acre of eucalyptus woodland, 0.8 acre of riparian scmb, 19.1 acres of agricultural fields, 5.6 acres of developed areas, and 2.8 acres of disturbed areas. Cannon Road Alternative 1 (preferred alternative): This alternative will impact a total of 39.0 acres, including impacts to 16.2 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub, 0.6 acre of non-native grassland, 0.6 acre of riparian woodland, 0.8 acre of eucalyptus woodland, 0.2 acre of riparian scrub, 0.1 acre of riparian forest, 0.5 acre of cismontane alkali marsh, 0.2 acre of cismontane alkah marsh (seasonal), 14.3 acres of agricultural fields, 3.6 acres of developed areas, and 1.9 acres of disturbed areas. Cannon Road Alternative 2: This alternative will impact a total of 35.6 acres, including impacts to 15.2 acres of Diegan coastal sage scnab, 0.5 acre of non-native grassland,. 0.8 acre of riparian woodland, 0.3 acre of eucalyptus woodland, 0.2 acre of riparian scrab, 0.1 acre of riparian forest, 0.5 acre of cismontane alkah marsh, 0.1 acre of cismontane alkah marsh (seasonal), 14.9 acres of agricultural fields, 1.3 acres of developed areas, and 1.7 acres of disturbed areas. 3. Detention Basins Implementation of the two detention basins, including berms, a channel within basin "BJ," and inundation area, will impact approximately 20.4 acres (see Table 8). This will include impacts to 0.4 acre of Diegan coastal sage scrab, 0.2 acre of riparian woodland, 12.2 acres of agricultural fields, and 7.6 acres of developed areas. There will be no impacts to southem mixed and chamise chapanal, non-native grassland, eucalyptus woodland, native grassland, riparian scrab, riparian forest, cismontane alkali marsh, cismontane alkah marsh (seasonal), freshwater marsh, or disturbed areas from implementation of this project component. Diegan coastal sage scrub (coastal California gnatcatcher occupied), riparian woodland, native grassland, riparian scrub, riparian forest, cismontane alkali marsh, cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal), and freshwater marsh are sensitive habitats and these impacts would be considered adverse and significant. The City of Carlsbad (1999) also considers impacts to southern mixed and chamise chapanal and non-native grassland to be significant though neither is considered a sensitive habitat. In addition, the City regulates impacts to disturbed lands, eucalyptus woodland, and agricultural lands through the requirement of a mitigation fee to be paid per acre of impact to these lands. 46 B. Wildlife Some impacts to general wildlife associated with the project may occur through implementation of all project components. Birds have a high mobihty and will most likely be displaced site during grading. Small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles with low mobility may be inadvertently killed during grading of the site. Impacts on general wildlife are considered less than significant. Indirect impacts associated with project implementation include an increase in night Hghting, traffic, domestic pets, and Htter and pollutants into adjacent wildlife habitat. These impacts are not expected to reduce the wildlife populations of the area below self- sustaining levels and are thus considered less than significant. C. Sensitive Biological Resources 1. Sensitive Plant Communities a. Master Plan Phase II Area Two sensitive plant communities will be impacted through implementation of this project component: Diegan coastal sage scmb and cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal). Approximately 83.7 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub will be impacted by the proposed project. This habitat is cunently occupied by the coastal CaHfornia gnatcatcher. Impacts to occupied Diegan coastal sage scrab are considered adverse and significant. Approximately 0.1 acre of cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal) will be impacted by the proposed project. Impacts to this plant community are considered adverse and significant. b. Bridge and Thoroughfare District The following sensitive habitats will potentially be impacted by the implementation of the road extensions, depending on the alignment alternatives constmcted: Diegan coastal sage scrub, riparian woodland, riparian scrub, riparian forest, cismontane alkali marsh, and cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal). College Boulevard Alternative 1 (preferred alternative): Approximately 8.9 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub, 1.3 acres of riparian woodland, and 0.3 acre of riparian scrub will be impacted by this alignment altemative. These impacts are considered adverse and significant. 47 College Boulevard Alternative 2: Approximately 11.8 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrab, 1.4 acres of riparian woodland, and 0.8 acre of riparian scmb will be impacted by this alignment altemative. These impacts are considered adverse and significant. Cannon Road Alternative 1 (preferred alternative): Approximately 16.2 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrab, 0.6 acre of riparian woodland, 0.2 acre of riparian scrub, 0.1 acre of riparian forest, 0.5 acre of cismontane alkali marsh, and 0.2 acre of cismontane alkah marsh (seasonal) will be impacted by this alignment alternative. These impacts are considered adverse and significant. Cannon Road Alternative 2: Approximately 15.2 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub, 0.8 acre of riparian woodland, 0.2 acre of riparian scrub, 0.1 acre of riparian forest, 0.5 acre of cismontane alkali marsh, and 0.1 acre of cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal) will be impacted by this alignment altemative. These impacts are considered adverse and significant. c. Detention Basins Inundation will have a variable result on the sunounding vegetation due to the unpredictability of future storm events. The basins are designed so that at extreme storm events (i.e., lOO-year storm) water will pond for no longer than 15 hours for basin "BJB" and 6 hours for basin "BJ." This length of inundation could potentially transform the native upland habitats to a more wetland environment. The impacts to riparian habitat from inundation are expected to be beneficial rather than detrimental. Two sensitive plant communities will be impacted through implementation of this project component: Diegan coastal sage scrab and riparian woodland. Approximately 0.2 acre of Diegan coastal sage scrub will be impacted by the implementation of Basin "BJB" and 0.2 acre wiH be impacted by Basin "BJ." These impacts would only occur from inundation atthe project highest water flows. Impacts to coastal sage scrab are considered adverse and significant. Approximately 0.2 acre of riparian woodland will be impacted by the creation of the berm for Basin "BJB." Impacts to this plant community are considered adverse and significant. 2. Sensitive Plants a. Master Plan Phase II Area One sensitive plant will be impacted through implementation of the Master Plan Phase II: California adolphia. This species is pervasive within the Diegan coastal sage scrub in 48 both the proposed development and open space areas. Impacts would be considered less than significant. The thread-leaved brodiaea. Palmer's grapplinghook, and Nuttall's scrab oak will be preserved within open space on-site. b. Bridge and Thoroughfare District One plant species will be impacted through the implementation of either of the ahgnment alternatives for the Cannon Road extension: spiny rush. The southwest population closest to El Camino Real wiU be partiaUy impacted by both ahgnment alternatives. The northeast population will only be impacted by implementation of the Cannon Road Alternative 2. This species is common in San Diego County and impacts would be i considered less than significant. c. Detention Basins Implementation of the detention basins will not impact any sensitive plant species. 3. Sensitive Wildlife The implementation of the road extensions will impact one pair of the coastal California gnatcatcher due to removal of the Diegan coastal sage scrub. These impacts would be considered adverse and significant. Two coastal CaHfornia gnatcatcher territories will be preserved on-site. A portion of the College Boulevard extension at the intersection with El Camino Real is cunently being built which would impact the fourth identified gnatcatcher territory. The implementation of all three project components could impact active raptor nests which would be considered significant. Impacts may potentially occur if trees containing active raptor nests are removed during the breeding season of March through September. Impacts to the southern California mfous-crowned spanow, San Diego horned lizard, Belding's orangethroat whiptail, loggerhead shrike, and San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit would be considered adverse but less than significant. Quino checkerspot butterflies were not detected during focused surveys in 1998 and 1999 and are not expected to occur. There will be no impacts to this species. Implementation of the Bridge and Thoroughfare District and the detention basins could potentially impact least Bell's vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher. Impacts to these species, if they are present on-site, would be considered adverse and significant. 49 D. Jurisdictional Wetlands and Waters of the U.S. Any impact to wetlands or drainages is considered a significant impact by both USAGE and CDFG. Impacts to wetlands and jurisdictional waters of the U.S. are shown in Figure 9. 1. Master Plan Phase II Area Implementation of the Master Plan Phase II development plan will impact approximately 0.1 acre of wetland habitat and 0.2 acre of non-wetland jurisdictional waters (see Table 6). These impacts will occiir in Villages U, W, and X. 2. Bridge and Thoroughfare District College Boulevard Alternative 1 (preferred alternative): Approximately 1.6 acres of wetland habitat and 0.1 acre of non-wetland jurisdictional waters will be impacted by implementation of Reaches A and B of this alignment alternative (see Table 7). College Boulevard Alternative 2: Approximately 2.2 acres of wetland habitat will be impacted by implementation of Reaches A and B of this alignment alternative (see Table 7). Cannon Road Alternative 1 (preferred alternative): Approximately 1.6 acres of wetland habitat and 0.1 acre of non-wetland jurisdictional waters will be impacted by implementation of both reaches of this alignment alternative (see Table 7). Cannon Road Alternative 2: Approximately 1.6 acres of wetland habitat will be impacted by implementation of both reaches of this alignment alternative (see Table 7). 3. Detention Basins Implementation of Basin "BJB" will result in the direct impact of 0.2 acre of wetland habitat from creation of the berm (see Table 8). Implementation of Basin "BJ" will not impact jurisdictional waters. E. Wildlife Movement Corridors The project has been designed to include large areas of open space on the property. This includes a 38-acre mitigation area on the east edge of the Master Plan area that is contiguous with the 110-acre Calavera Hills mitigation site that has been included with the boundaries of the amended Master Plan. This project open space is adjacent to other designated and proposed mitigation banks/open space areas, including the Bank of 50 America Mitigation Bank and the Holly Springs Ranch property. Wildlife movement will not be significantly impacted by the project. It should also be emphasized that the proposed open space configuration and associated wildlife corridors within the Phase II Master Plan reflects an agreement reached between the project applicant, the wildlife agencies, and the City of Carlsbad. The proposed open space/wildlife corridor has been included in the City's HMP. Mitigation Measures Mitigation is required for impacts that are considered significant, including impacts to Hsted species, sensitive plant communities and habitats, and wetlands. In addition, the City of Carlsbad (1999) requires mitigation for two non-sensitive habitats: southern mixed and chamise chapanal and non-native grassland. A mitigation fee is required for impacts to disturbed lands, eucalyptus woodland, and agricultural lands in an amount to be determined by the City Council. Mitigation is intended to reduce significant impacts to a level of less than significant. Mitigation measures typically employed include resource avoidance, habitat replacement, or the off-site acquisition of habitat. A. Sensitive Plant Communities Tables 9, 10, and 11 present the required mitigation ratios and the acreages needed to meet these requirements for all of the project components. Any impacts to wetland plant communities are regulated by the federal, state, and local governments by a no-net-loss pohcy. These impacts wiU have to be mitigated by habitat creation, enhancement, or preservation, as determined by a qualified restoration speciaHst in consultation with the regulating agencies. 1. Master Plan Phase II Area Impacts to 83.7 acres of occupied Diegan coastal sage scrub will be mitigated at a 2:1 mitigation ratio through the on-site preservation of 166.7 acres and the restoration of 7.7 acres along the manufactured slopes. Mitigation for impacts to 28.2 acres of southern mixed and chamise chapanal will be mitigated at a 1:1 ratio through the on-site preservation of 38.4 acres. Mitigation'for impacts to 1.9 acres of non-native grassland will be mitigated at a 0.5:1 ratio through the on-site preservation of 18.3 acres. 51 TABLE 9 MITIGATION FOR IMPACTS TO RESOURCES WITHIN THE MASTER PLAN PHASE H PROJECT COMPONENT Vegetation Type Total Impacted Mitigation Rado Required Mitigation Acreage Open Space Acreage Revegetated Slope Acreage Total Acreage Preserved Diegan coastal sage scrab (occupied)* 83.7 2:1 167.4 166.7 7.7 174.4 Southem mixed and chamise chaparral 28.2 1:1 28.2 38.4 38.4 Non-native grassland 1.9 0.5:1 1.0 18.3 18.3 Eucalyptus woodland 0.7 Mitigation fee* 0.7* Cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal) 0.1 3:1 0.3 0 0 0 Disturbed 14.6 Mitigation fee* 14.6* *The City of Carlsbad's HMP (1999) requires different mitigation ratios for Diegan coastal sage scrab that is known to be occupied by the coastal Califomia gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica califomica). The HMP also requires a mitigation fee for impacts to disturbed lands, eucalyptus woodland, and agricultural lands in an amount to be determined by the City Council. TABLE 10 MITIGATION FOR IMPACTS TO RESOURCES WITHIN THE BRIDGE AND THOROUGHFARE DISTRICT Total Mitigation Requiied by Reach (acre) Resource Type Mitigation College Boulevard Altemative 1 Colle; ge Boulevard Altemative 2 Cannon Road - Alternative 1 Cannon Road - Altemative 2 Resource Type Ratio Reach A Reach B Reach C Total Reach A Reach B Reach C Total Reach 3 Reach 4 Total Reach 3 Reach 4 Total Diegan coastal sage scrub 2:1 2.8 '5.4 9,6 17.8 2.8 9.4 11.4 23.6 32.4 32.4 __ 30.4-30.4 (occupied)* Southem mixed and chaniise 1:1 --5.9 5.9 --3.6 3.6 „ — — — — chapairal Non-native grassland 0.5:1 0.5 --0.5 0.5 --0.5 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.3 Riparian woodland 2:1 1.0 1.6 -2.6 1.0 1.8 -2.8 1.2 1.2 1.2 0.4 1,6 Eucalyptus woodland Mitigadon 0.4* --0.4* 0.4* --0.4* 0.2* 0.6* 0.8* — 0.3* 0,3* Fee* Riparian scrub 3:1 0.9 --0.9 0.9 1.5 — 2.4 0.6 0.6 0.6 -0.6 Riparian forest 2:1 ---------0.2 0.2 -0.2 0.2 Cismontane alkali marsh 3:1 --------1.5 1.5 1.5 -1.5 Cismontane alkali marsh 3:1 ----------0.6 0.6 — 0.3 0.3 (seasonal) Agricultural Midgation 7.4* 4.9* -12.3* 7.4* 11.7* -19.1* 9.5* 4.8* 14.3* 10.1* 4.8* 14.9* Fee* Disturbed Mitigation 0.4* -2.4* 2.8* 0.4* -2.4* 2.8* 1.9* 1.9* 1.7* — 1.7* Fee* ''The City of Carlsbad's HMP (1999) requires different mitigation ratios for Diegan coastal sage scrub that is known to be occupied by the coastal Califomia gnatcatcher (Polioptila califomica califomica). The HMP also requires a mitigation fee for impacts to disturbed lands, eucalyptus woodland, and agricultural lands in an amount to be detemiined by the City Council. TABLE 11 MITIGATION FOR IMPACTS TO RESOURCES WITHIN THE DETENTION BASINS PROJECT COMPONENT Mitigation for Impacts (acre) Detention Basin BJB Detention Basin BJ Resource Type Mitigation Berm Ratio Impacts Projected Iniindation Impacts Berm Impacts Projected Inundation Impacts Diegan coastal sage scrub Riparian woodland Agriculture 2:1 2:1 Mitigation fee* 0.4 2.4* 0.4 9.8* 0.4 Impacts to 0.1 acre of cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal) will be mitigated at a 3:1 ratio for a total of 0.3 acre. This can be accompHshed through restoration of wetland habitat on-site or at another appropriate off-site location. Mitigation for impacts to eucalyptus woodland and disturbed lands will be mitigated through a fee per acre at an amount to be detemiined by the City Council. 2. Bridge and Thoroughfare District Mitigation for impacts from the implementation of the reaches of the road extensions that fall within the City jurisdiction will be completed through the Lake Calavera Mitigation Bank, as available. This applies to College Boulevard Reaches A and B and Cannon Road Reaches 3 and 4. Impacts to upland plant communities on College Boulevard Reach C have already been mitigated through an agreement the original Calavera owner entered into with the City in 1993. The specific impacts to communities by reach are presented in Table 7. The discussion below discusses the total mitigation required for each alignment alternative. College Boulevard Alternative 1 (preferred alternative): Impacts to 8.9 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub will be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for a total of 17.8 acres. Impacts to 5.9 acres of southern mixed and chamise chapanal will be mitigated at a 1:1 ratio for a total of 5.9 acres. Impacts to 0.9 acre of impacts to non-native grassland will be mitigated at a 0.5:1 ratio for a total of 0.5 acre. Impacts to 1.3 acres of riparian woodland will be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for a total of 2.6 acres. In addition, agencies generally require the replacement of five sycamores for every tree impacted. Impacts to 0.3 acre of riparian scrub will be mitigated at a 3:1 ratio for a total of 0.9 acre. Mitigation for impacts to eucalyptus woodland, agricultural lands, and disturbed lands will be mitigated through a fee per acre at an amount to be determined by the City Council. College Boulevard Alternative 2: Impacts to 11.8 acres of Diegan coastal sage scmb will be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for a total of 23.6 acres. Impacts to 3.6 acres of southern mixed and chamise chapanal will be mitigated at a 1:1 ratio for a total of 3.6 acres. Impacts to 0.9 acre of impacts to non-native grassland will be mitigated at a 0.5:1 ratio for a total of 0.5 acre. Impacts to 1.4 acres of riparian woodland will be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for a total of 3.0 acres. In addition, agencies generally require the replacement of five sycamores for every tree impacted. Impacts to 0.8 acre of riparian scmb will be mitigated at a 3:1 ratio for a total of 2.4 acres. Mitigation for impacts to eucalyptus woodland, agricultural lands, and disturbed lands will be mitigated through a fee per acre at an amount to be determined by the City Council. Cannon Road Alternative 1 (preferred alternative): Impacts to 16.2 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub will be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for a total of 32.4 acres. Impacts to 0.6 acre of non-native grassland will be mitigated at a 0.5:1 ratio for a total of 0.3 acre. 55 Impacts to 0.6 acre of riparian woodland will be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for a total of 1.2 acres. In addition, agencies generally require the replacement of five sycamores for every tree impacted. Impacts to 0.1 acre of riparian forest will be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for a total of 0.2 acre. Impacts to 0.2 acre of riparian scrab will be mitigated at a 3:1 ratio for a total of 0.6 acre. Impacts to 0.5 acre of cismontane alkah marsh and 0.2 acre of cismontane alkali marsh (seasonal) will be mitigated at a 3:1 ratio for a total of 2.1 acres. Mitigation for impacts to eucalyptus woodland, agricultural lands, and disturbed lands will be mitigated through a fee per acre at an amount to be determined by the City Council. Cannon Road Alternative 2: Impacts to 15.2 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrab will be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for a total of 30.4 acres. Impacts to 0.5 acre of impacts to non- native grassland will be mitigated at a 0.5:1 ratio for a total of 0.3 acre. Impacts to 0.8 acre of riparian woodland will be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for a total of 1.6 acres. In addition, agencies generally require the replacement of five sycamores for every tree impacted. Impacts to 0.2 acre of riparian scrab will be mitigated at a 3:1 ratio for a total of 0.6 acre. Impacts to 0.1 acre of riparian forest will be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for a total of 0.2 acre. Impacts to 0.5 acre of cismontane alkali marsh and 0.1 acre of cismontane alkah marsh (seasonal) will be mitigated at a 3:1 ratio for a total of 1.8 acres. Mitigation for impacts to eucalyptus woodland, agricultural lands, and disturbed lands will be mitigated through a fee per acre at an amount to be determined by the City Council. 3. Detention Basins Basin "BJB": Impacts to 0.2 acre of Diegan coastal sage scrub will be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for a total of 0.4 acre. Impacts to 0.2 acre of riparian woodland will be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for a total of 0.4 acre. In addition, agencies generally require the replacement of five sycamores for every tree impacted. Basin "BJ": Impacts to 0.2 acre of Diegan coastal sage scrub wiU be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio for a total of 0.4 acre. Any on-site restoration, creation, or enhancement proposed for mitigation will require the creation of a conceptual restoration plan that would present the guidehnes for site selection, site preparation, plant selection, installation, and five-year maintenance and monitoring programs. B. Sensitive Wildlife Impacts to active coastal California gnatcatcher nests can be avoided by removing the Diegan coastal sage scrub within the project area outside of the breeding season of 56 February 15 to August 30. A qualified biologist should monitor all vegetation removal to ensure no direct impacts to individual birds. To avoid potential impacts to nesting raptors, it is recommended that trees be removed between September and January, outside of the breeding season of local raptor species. If tree removal must be conducted during the breeding season, a raptor nest survey should be conducted by a quahfied biologist prior to any removal to determine if any raptor nests are present. If an active raptor nest is discovered, a buffer should be estabhshed around the tree until the young are independent of the nest site. The required buffer is typically 500 feet Focused surveys for least Bell's vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher are cunently being conducted within the Bridge and Thoroughfare District and detention basin areas to determine whether either of these listed species are present on-site. To ensure that no direct impacts occur to these species, if present, all vegetation within the riparian scrub should be removed outside of the breeding season. The breeding season for these birds is March 15 to September 15. C. Jurisdictional Waters Impacts to USAGE jurisdictional wetlands and non-wetland jurisdictional waters of the U.S. and CDFG jurisdictional wetlands will require a 404 permit from USAGE, a 401 water quahty certificate or waiver thereof from the Regional Water Quahty Control Board, and a 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement from CDFG. Impacts to jurisdictional waters are regulated by a no-net-loss policy and, in the case of wetland habitats, require a larger replacement ratio to mitigate for the loss of habitat. Impacts to wetlands would follow the ratios discussed above in regards to the loss of the individual plant communities that are considered to be wetland habitats. Impacts to non-wetland waters of the U.S. will require a mitigation ratio of 1:1. References Cited American Ornithologists' Union 1998 Check-list of North American Birds. 7th ed. Washington, D.C. Atwood, J. L. 1992 A Maximum Estimate of the California Gnatcatcher's Population Size in the United States. Westem Birds 23(1): 1-9. 57 Beier, P., and S. Loe 1992 A Checklist for Evaluating Impacts to Wildlife Movement Corridors. Wildhfe Society Bulletin 20:434-440. CaHfomia, State of 1999a Special Plants List. Natural Diversity Data Base. Department of Fish and Game. January. 1999b State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of CaHfornia. The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game. January. 1999c Special Animals. Natural Diversity Data Base. Department of Fish and Game. June. 2000 Natural Diversity Data Base. Nongame-Heritage Program, Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento. Carlsbad, City of 1999 Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad. December. ColHns, J. T. 1997 Standard Common and Cunent Scientific Names for North American Amphibians and Reptiles. 4th ed. Herpetological Circular No. 25. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, Department of Zoology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Faber, P. M., E. Keller, A. Sands, and B. M. Massey 1989 The Ecology of Riparian Habitats of the Southem California Coastal Region: A Community Profile. United States Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Report 85(7.27). Ganett, Kimball, and Jon Dunn 1981 Birds of Southern California. Artisan Press, Los Angeles. HaH, E. R. 1981 The Mammals of North America. 2nd ed. 2 vols. John Wiley & Sons, New York. Hickman, J. C. (editor) 1993 The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles. 58 HoUand, R. F. 1986 Prehminary Descriptions of the Tenestrial Natural Communities of California. Nongame-Heritage Program, CaHfornia Department of Fish and Game. October. Jones, J. K., D. C. Carter, H. H. Genoways, R. S. Hoffman, and D. W. Rice 1982 Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico. Occasional Papers ofthe Museum, Texas Tech University 80:1-22. Keeley, J. E. 1990 The California Valley Grassland. In Endangered Plant Communities of Southern Califomia. Southem California Botanists, Special Publication No. 3, edited by A. A. Schoenhen. Claremont, Califomia. Mattoni, R., G. F. Pratt, T. R. Longcore, J. F. Emmel, and J. N. George 1997 The Endangered Quino Checkerspot Butterfly, Euphydryas editha quino (Lepidoptera: Nymphahdae). Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera 34: 99-118. McGurty, B. M. 1980 Survey and Status of Endangered and Threatened Species of Reptiles Natively Occurring in San Diego, California. San Diego Herpetological Society. National Geographic Society 1987 Field Guide to the Birds of North America. 2nd ed. Noss, R. F., E. T. LaRoe, and J. M. Scott 1995 Endangered Ecosystems of the United States: A Preliminary Assessment of Loss and Degradation. United States Department of Interior, National Biological Survey, Washington, D.C. RECON 1991 Biological Technical Report for Calavera Hills Master Plan Carlsbad, California. Prepared for: City of Carlsbad. September. Reiser, C. H. 1994 Rare Plants of San Diego County. Aquafir Press, Imperial Beach, California. San Diego Association of Govemments [SANDAG] 1998 The Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) Consultants" Working Draft. June. 59 San Diego Natural History Museum 1995 Empidonax traillii extimus in California: The Willow Flycatcher Workshop. November 17, 1995. Sawyer, J. O., and T. Keeler-Wolf 1995 A Manual of Califomia Vegetation. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento. Skinner, M., and B. Pavlik 1994 Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. California Native Plant Society Special PubHcation No. 1, 5th ed. Sacramento. Stebbins, R. C. 1985 A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. 2nd ed., revised. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. U. S. Department of Agriculture 1973 Soil Survey, San Diego Area, California. Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service. Roy H. Bowman, ed. San Diego. December. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE) 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Wetlands Research Program, Technical Report Y-87-1. Department of the Army, Washington, D.C. U.S. Fish and Wildhfe Service (USFWS) 1993a Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Threatened Status for the Coastal Califomia Gnatcatcher. Federal Register 58(59), March 30. 50 CFR 17. 1993b Proposed Rule to List the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher as Endangered With Critical Habitat. Vol. 58, No. 140. 50 CFR Part 17. July 23. 1994 Endangered and Threatened Species; Munz's onion, etc. (Four Southwestern Califomia Plants); Proposed Rule. Federal Register. December 15. 50 CFR Part 17. . 1995 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule Determining Endangered Status for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher; Southern California, Southern Nevada, Southern Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Western Texas, Southwestern Colorado, and extreme Northwestern, Mexico. Vol. 58, No.147. 50 CFR Part 17. February 27. 60 1997a Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila califomica californica) Presence/ Absence Survey Guidelines. 1997b Endangered and Threatened Wildhfe and Plants; Final Determination of Critical Habitat for the Southwestern WiHow Flycatcher. Vol. 62, No. 140. 50 CRF Part 17. July 22. 1998 Pacific Pocket Mouse (Perognathus longimen\mbrus pacificus) Recovery Plan. Published by U.S. Fish and Wildhfe Service Region 1. Portland, Oregon. 2000 Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino). Year 2000 Survey Protocol. U.S. Geological Survey 1968 San Luis Rey quadrangle 7.5-minute topographic map. Photorevised 1975. Unitt, P. A. 1984 Birds of San Diego County. Memoir No. 13. San Diego Society of Natural History. Zeiner, D. C, W. F. Laudenslayer, Jr., and K. E. Mayer, eds. 1988a Amphibians and Reptiles. California's Wildlife, vol. 1. California Statewide Wildhfe Habitat Relationships System, CaHfornia Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento. 1988b Mammals. CaHfornia's Wildhfe, vol. 3. CaHfomia Statewide Wildhfe Habitat Relationships System, Califomia Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento. 1990 Birds. California's Wildhfe, vol. 1. Califomia Statewide Wildhfe Habitat Relationships System, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento. 61 ATTACHMENTS ATTACHMENT 1 ATTACHMENT 1 PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Origin Acacia sp. Adenostoma fasciculatum Hook. & Am. Adolphia californica Wats. Amaranthus blitoides S. Wats. Anibrosia psilostachya DC. Anagallis arvensis L. Anemopsis californica (Nutt.) Hook. & Arn. Artemisia californica Less. Artemisia douglasiana Artemisia palmeri A. Gray Arundo donax L. Atriplex semibaccata R.Br. Avena sp. Baccharis pilularis DC. Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz Lopez & Pavdn) Pers. Brassica nigra (L.) Koch. Bromus diandrus Roth. Bromus hordaceus L. Bromus madritensis L. ssp. rubens (L.) Husnot Calochortus sp, Carpobrotus edulis (L.) Bolus. Ceanothus tomentosus C. Parry Centaurea melitensis L. Chamaesyce albomarginata (Torrey & A. Gray) Small Chenopodium sp. Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronq. Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. Cortaderia jubata (Lemoine) Stapf Cucurbita foetidissima Kunth Cynara cardunculus L. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Cyperus eragrostis Lam. Datura wrightii Regel Acacia Chamise California adolphia, spineshrub Pigweed, amaranth Western ragweed Scarlet pimpemel, poor-man's weatherglass Yerba mansa California sagebrush Mugwort San Diego sagewort. Palmer sagewort Giant reed Australian saltbush Wild oats Coyote bush Mule fat, seep-willow Black mustard Ripgut grass Smooth brome Foxtail chess Mariposa lily Hottentot fig Coast blue lilac Tocolote, star-thistle Rattlesnake weed Goosefoot Flax-leaf fleabane Horseweed Pampas grass Calabazilla Cardoon Bermuda grass Tall flatsedge Jimson weed DEV I CHAP,CSS N CSS.CHAP N DIS I RS,NNG,CAM,CSS N CSS I CAM N CSS,RW,CHAP N RW,DIS N CSS N RW,NNG,RS I CSS 1 NG,NNG,CHAP,CSS,DIS N CSS,CHAP,RS,CAM,DIS,NG N RS,RW N CSS,RS,RW,DIS,NG,NNG I RW,AG,CSS,RS I DIS,NNG,CSS,RS I NNG,D1S,RS,CSS 1 CSS N CSS,DIS,DEV I CHAP N NG,CSS,DIS 1 CSS N DIS, I AG 1 AG,DIS N RS,CSS,NNG,RW,CHAP, I FWM,DIS CSS N DIS 1 AG I RS,FWM,CSS N RW,AG,DIS,CSS N ATTACHMENT 1 PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED (continued) Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Origin Distichlis spicata (L.) E. Greene Saltgrass CAM,RW,CSS N Eleocharis sp. Spikerush MM,CAM N Encelia californica Nutt. Common encelia CSS N Eremocarpus setigerus (Hook.) Benth. Dove weed CSS,DIS N Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. vwc. fasciculatum California buckwheat NNG,CSS,CHAP N Eriophyilum confertiflorum (DC.) A. Gray var. confertiflorum Golden-yarrow NG,CSS N Erodium cicutarium (L.) L. Her. White-stemmed filaree NNG,CSS,NG 1 Eucalyptus spp. Eucalyptus DIS,EW,DEV 1 Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Fennel DIS,NNG,RS,NG,CSS I Frankenia salina (Molina) I.M. Johnston Alkali heath CAM N Gnaphalium sp. Cudweed, everlasting CSS N Gutierrezia californica (DC.) Torrey & A. Gray California match weed CSS N Hazardia squarrosa (Hook. & Arn.) E. Greene Sawtoothed goldenbush NGCSS N Helianthemum scoparium Nutt. Peak rush-rose CSS N Hemizonia fasdculata (DC.) Torrey & A. Gray Golden tarplant CSS N Heteromeles arbutifolia (Lindley) Roemer Toyon, Christmas berry CSS,CHAP,RS,NG N Heterotheca grandiflora Nutt. Telegraph weed CSS,DIS N Isocoma menziesii (Hook. & Arn.) G. Nesom Coast goldenbush DISCAM,NNG,RW,CSS,NNG N Isomeris arborea Nutt. Bladderpod NNG,CSS,NG . N Juncus sp. Rush CAM,RS N Juncus acutus L. ssp.Jeopoldii (Pari.) Snog. Spiny rush CAM N Juncus xiphiodes Iris-leaved rush CAM N Lactuca serriola L. Prickly lettuce NNG,DIS I Leptochloa uninervia (C. Presl) A. Hitchc. & Chase Mexican sprangletop RW I Lessingia filaginifolia (Hook. & Am.) M.A. Lane var. filaginifolia California-aster CSS N Leymus condensatus (C. Presl) A. Love Giant ryegrass CSS N Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv. Sweet alyssum DEN I Lotus scoparius (Nutt. in Torrey & A. Gray) Ottley var. scoparius Califomia broom CSS, CHAP N Malacothamnus fasciculatus (Torrey & A. Gray) E. Greene Chaparral mallow CSS,CHAP N Malosma laurina (Nutt.) Abrams Laurel sumac CSS,CHAP,RW N Malva parviflora L. Cheeseweed, little mallow AG,DIS,CSS I Malvella leprosa (Ortega) Krapov. Alkali-mallow, whiteweed CAM N Marah macrocarpus (E. Greene) E. Greene .Wild cucumber CSS N ATTACHMENT 1 PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED (continued) Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Origin Marrubium vulgare L. Medicago polymorpha L. Mimulus aurantiacus Curtis Myoporum laetum Forst. Nassella sp. Nicotiana glauca Grab. Oenothera elata Kunth ssp. hirsutissima (S. Watson) W. Dietr. Olea europeae L. Opuntia ficus-indica (L,) Miller Opuntia littoralis (Engelm,) Cockerell. Phoradendron macrophyllum (Englm.) Cockerell Pieris echioides L. Pinus sp. Plantago lanceolata L. Platanus racemosa Nutt. Poiypogon monspeiiensis (L.) Desf. Portulaca oleracea L. Quercus agrifolia Nee Quercus dumosa Nutt. Raphanus sativus L. Rhus integrifolia (Nutt.) Brewer & Watson Ribes speciosum Pursh. Ricinus communis L. Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (L.) Hayek Rosa californica C. & S. Rumex crispus L. Salicornia subterminalis Parish Salix gooddingii C. Ball. Salix laevigata Bebb Salix lasiolepis Benth. Salsola tragus L. Salvia columbariae Benth. Salvia mellifera E. Greene Horehound California bur clover Bush monkeyflower Myoporum Needlegrass Tree tobacco Tall yellow evening primrose Common olive Indian fig Shore cactus Big leaf mistletoe Bristly ox-tongue Pine English plantain Western sycamore Annual beard grass Common purslane Coast live oak, Encina Nuttall's scrub oak Radish Lemonadeberry Fuchsia-flowered gooseberry Castor bean Water cress Califomia rose Curly dock Glasswort Goodding's black willow Red willow Arroyo willow Russian thistle, tumbleweed Chia Black sage CSS,D1S EW,D1S CHAP,CSS DEV NG,NNG,CSS,CHAP DIS,CSS,CHAP CSS,RS RW,DEV AG CHAP,CSS RW CAM,DIS,DEV DEV CSS RW,AG,RS CAM,RS DIS RF CHAP,CSS CAM,REV,AG,D1S CSS,CHAP,EW CSS AG,D1S,RS,RS RS RW CAM,RW,RS,DIS,NG CAM RW,RS RW,RS RW.RS AG,DIS CSS CSS,CHAP I 1 N 1 N I N 1 I N N I I I N 1 1 N N I N N I 1 N I N N N N 1 N N ATTACHMENT 1 PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED (continued) Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Origin Sambucus mexicana C. Presl Blue elderberry RS N Schinus molle L. Peruvian pepper tree CSS 1 Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi Brazilian pepper tree NG 1 Scirpus sp. Bulrush FWM N Selaginella cinerascens Maxon Ashy spike-moss CSS,CHAP,NG N Sisyrinchium bellum Wats. Blue-eyed-grass CSS.NG N Sonchus asper (L.) Hill ssp. asper Prickly sow thistle DIS I Stephanomeria virgata (Benth.) ssp. virgata Slender stephanomeria CSS,CHAP N Tamarix sp. Tamarisk RS I Toxicodendron diversilobum (Torrey & A. Gray) E. Greene Westem poison oak RF N Typha latifolia L. Broad-leaved cattail EW,RS,FWM N Urtica urens L. Dwarf nettle CSS,D1S I Vulpia myuros (L.) var. hirsuta (Hackel.) Asch. & Graebr. Rattail fescue NNG I Washingtonia robusta Wendl. Washington palm FWM,RW I Xanthium strumarium L. Cocklebur DIS,RS N Xylococcus bicolor Nutt. Mission manzanita CHAP N Yucca schidigera K.E. Ortgies Mohave yucca CSS,CHAP N HABITATS OTHER TERMS AG = Agriculture CAM = Cismontane alkali marsh CHAP = Southern mixed chaparral CSS - Diegan coastal sage scrub DEV - Developed DIS = Disturbed EW - Eucalyptus woodland FWM = Freshwater marsh NG = Native grasslands NNG = Non-native grassland RF = Riparian forest RS — Riparian scrub RW Riparian woodland N = Native to locality 1 = Introduced species from outside locality ATTACHMENT 2 ATTACHMENT 2 WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED/DETECTED Common Name Scientific Name Occupied Habitat Evidence of Occurrence Amphibians (Nomenclature from Collins 1997) Pacific treefrog Hyla regilla Reptiles (Nomenclature from" Collins 1997) San Diego horned lizard Western fence lizard Side-blotched lizard Belding's orangethroat whiptail Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillii Sceloporus occidentalis Uta stansburiana Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi Birds (Nomenclature from American Ornithologists' Union) Turkey vulture White-tailed (= black-shouldered) kite Northern harrier Sharp-shinned hawk Cooper's hawk Red-tailed hawk American kestrel Canada goose California quail Mourning dove Greater roadrunner Common barn owl White-throated swift Anna's hummingbird Nuttall's woodpecker Northern flicker Black phoebe Say's phoebe Cassin's kingbird Western scrub-jay Cathartes aura Elanus leucurus Circus cyaneus hudsonius Accipiter striatus velox Accipiter cooperii Buteo jamaicensis Falco sparverius Branta canadensis Callipepla californica califomica Zenaida macroura marginella Geococcyx californianus Tyto alba pratincola Aeronautes saxatalis Calypte anna Dendrocopos nuttallii Colaptes auratus Sayornis nigricans semiatra Sayornis saya Tyrannus vociferans vociferans Aphelocoma californica RW,RF,RS,FWM CSS CSS CSS CSS, F RW,CSS CSS,F F RW,F F F F CSS,CHAP CSS CSS,CHAP CSS F CSS,CHAP,DIS,RS RW,RF RW,CHAP AG,D1S,CSS AG,D1S,CSS CSS CSS,CHAP,RS O O O O O O O O O O O O V o o c o o V o o o o o ATTACHMENT 2 WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED/DETECTED (continued) Evidence of Common Name Scientific Name Occupied Habitat Occurrence American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos hesperis F O Common raven Corvus corax clarionensis F O Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus CSS o Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus minimus CSS,CHAP,RW,RS o Rock wren Salpinctes obsoletus obsoletus CSS,CHAP o Bewick's wren Thyromanes bewickii CSS,CHAP,RS,RW o Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos polyglottos D1S,NNG,CSS o California thrasher Toxostoma redivivum redivivum CSS o Wrentit Chamaea fasciata henshawi CHAP,CSS o Coastal California gnatcatcher Polioptila californica califomica CSS o Lesser goldfinch Carduelis psaltria hesperophilus RS,RS,CSS o House finch Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis CSS,RS,RW,NNG,NG o Yellow-rumped warbler Dendroica coronata CSS,CHAP,RS,RW,RF,NN o G,NG Spotted towhee Pipilo maculatus CSS,CHAP 0 California towhee Pipilo crissalis CSS.CHAP 0 Southern California rufous-crowned Aimophila ruficeps canescens CSS.CHAP 0 sparrow White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys CSS,CHAP,RS,RW 0 Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta AG,NNG,NG o Mammals (Nomenclature from Jones et al. 1982) Southern pocket gopher Thomomys umbrinus (= bottae) CSS,CHAP,NG,NNG B Woodrat Neotoma spp. CHAP,CSS D Cottontail rabbit Sylvilagus audubonii CSS,CHAP,NNG,NG O San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit Lepus californicus bennettii CSS,NNG,NG O Coyote Canis latrans CSS,CHAP,RW,RS,RF,NG, s NNG ATTACHMENT 2 WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED/DETECTED (continued) Habitats AG - Agriculture CHAP = Coastal mixed chaparral, mixed chaparral, chamise chaparral CSS - Diegan coastal sage scrub, inland sage scrub F - Flying overhead FWM = Freshwater marsh NG - Native grassland NNG - Non-native grassland RW Riparian woodlands Evidence of Occurrence V = Vocalization O = Observed S ^ Scat D - Den site B = Burrow C - Carcass/remains