Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
3593; FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION; COASTAL SAGE SCRUB MITIGATION ANNUAL MONITORING REPORTS 2002- 2004; 2004-03-01
riasca e I FINAL YEAR-TIIR[E MONITORING REPORT FOR TIlE FARADAY AVENUE COASTAL SAGE SCRUB MITIGATION AREA, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA TABLE OF. CONTENTS Section Page No. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................ii 1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................1 2 MONITORING METHODOLOGY .....................................5 3 MONITORING RESULTS ............................................5 4 RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................14 5 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .............................................15 6 REFERENCES .......................................................15 List of Figures Figure 1 Regional Map ....................................................2 Figure 2 Vicinity Map .....................................................3 Figure 3 As-Built Plan with Site Photo and Transect Locations ..................4 Figure 4 Site Photos 1 and 2 ...............................................8 Figure 5 Transect Photos 3 and 4 ...........................................9 Figure 6 Transect 1 Photos ................................................10 Figure 7 Transect 2 Photos ................................................11 Figure 8 Transect 3 Photos ..............................................12 List Of Tables Table 1 Mitigation Time Line ............................................5 Table 2 Yearly Plant Cover Data .........................................6 Table 3 Success Standards ................................................13 Appendices Appendix A Floral Species List Appendix B Transect Data Sheets March 2004 2896-01 & ASOCThS, INC. FINAL YEAR-THREE 9ONITORINi REPORT FOR THE FARADAY AVENUE COASTAl.. SAGE SCRUB 9ITI6ATION AREA, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I This is the third and final annual monitoring report for the Faraday Avenue coastal sage scrub mitigation area. Dudek & Associates, Inc. (Dudek) has performed the three-year monitoring program for the City. of Carlsbad (City) on behalf of Native Landscape, which is under contract with the City to implement the mitigation project. The three-year maintenance and monitoring period began in March 2001 and is scheduled to terminate in March 2004. This report includes the results of Dudek's field monitoring work during the third year of maintenance and monitoring period, starting after completion of the second annual monitoring period.in late March 2003 through the third annual monitoring period at the end of February 2004. It compares the transect data for Year Three with that collected in Years One and Two, evaluated against the established success standards. Dudek has observed coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) foraging ' in the mitigation area several times during the past two years. The mitigation site is adjacent to high quality coastal California gnatcatcher occupied habitat. Use of the habitat by gnatcatchers is agood indicator of successful coastal sage scrub establishment. There was no I fbrmal requirement for monitoring coastal California gnátcatcher as part of this project, so none was performed. . . I Three permanent 25-meter line transects were randomly set up in the 1.25 acre mitigation site in September 2001 and were .used for data collection during the three year period. I Transect data shows that native Diegan coastal sage scrub cover has steadily increased and reached 95.3 percent as of late-February 2004, an increase from 92.8 percent in March 2003, 64.7 percent in May 2002 and 56 percent in September 2001. Weed species cover remains I low at 0 percent in late-February 2004. Data collected from the transects indicates that the project meets some, but not all of the species numerical performance criteria. Native cover - is high but species diversity is lower than originally anticipated. California sagebrush (Arternisia californica) is the most dominant native plant species present at 75.3 percent cover. The success standards call for California sagebrush cover to be between 40-60 percent. California buckwheat (Eriogonuin fascicula turn) cover decreased to 0 percent in 2004, after declining from six percent in 2002 to 0.7 percent in 2003. The decline was attributed to heavy browsing by rabbits during the record drought conditions in 2001 and 2002. Rabbits chewed back almost all California buckwheat plants nearly to the ground during the drought. Most purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) plants were also eaten back and many appear to have perished from the mitigation area during that time. Both California buckwheat and purple needlegrass are still found in the mitigation area, however, in low numbers. - I . 2896-01 & ASSOCIATES, INC. March 2004 .. . .. .. . .. . Ji 1 .......... I FINAL. YEAR-THREE MONITORING REPORT FOR THE FARADAY AVENUE COASTAL 5A6F SCRUB MITIGATION AREA, C&RLSBAD, CALIFORNIA Since Diegan coastal sage scrub cover in the mitigation area is high, and because California buckwheat and purple needlegrass are still present in the mitigation area, as well as the adjacent undisturbed habitat, these species will likely increase slowly over time. Dudek does not believe it is necessary to recommend any action to increase these two species. I Container plant mortality.was generally low over the three year monitoring period, with the exception of mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor) and purple needlegrass. Only one of the thirteen mission manzanita plants survived and almost all of the purple needlegrass plants were chewed back to nothing by rabbits during the drought. Several lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia) plants were also killed by girdling during 2003. It is not known which animal girdled the lemonadeberry plants, but rabbits are suspected. In addition, 13 of the Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera) cuttings never took root and died. Despite the container plant and cutting losses, the additional establishment of native species from the seed mix has helped compensate for this and provide the needed native cover. The resultant habitat which has been created has sufficient 'species establishment and adequate diversity and richness to function as appropriate Diegan Coastal sage scrub habitat. Dudek believes that. the original biological intent for this mitigation program has been achieved. The project has required minimal maintenance during the past year and the irrigation system has not been utilized since late 2002. The habitat is now self-supporting, and self I regenerating, as numerous native coastal sage scrub seedlings have become established in the past year. In addition, coastal California gnatcatchers have been observed foraging in the I mitigation area for more than a year, indicating it provides suitable habitat value to support this species. Dudek recommends that the project be signed off as successful and complete. The irrigation system should be permanently disabled, and all above ground sprinkler components be removed from the site. I .2896-01 I&ASSOCIATES,ENC. March 2004 III I FINAL. YEAR-THREE MONITORING REPORT FOR THE FARADAY AVENUE COASTAL. SAGE SCRUB MITIGATION AREA, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA 1. INTRODUCTION This is, the third and final required annual monitoring report for the Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area (Mitigation Area project). The Mitigation Area is a 1.25 acre site located on the north' side of Faraday Avenue in the City of Carlsbad; California (Thomas Bros. Guide Page 1127, B-2) (Figures 1 and 2). The City of Carlsbad's (City) extension of Faraday Avenue to Cannon Road resulted in impacts to Diegan coastal sage scrub (CSS) that required a total of 12.95 acres of mitigation. Most of the mitigation compensation was accomplished by purchasing offsite mitigation credits, 1.2 acres at the Manchester Avenue Mitigation Bank in-Encinitas and 10.81 acres at the Carlsbad Highlands Mitigation Bank. The remaining 0.94 acre of required CSS mitigation habitat has been created within the 1.25 acre site along Faraday Avenue, adjacent to existing high quality CSS habitat, and is the subject of this report. Figure 3 shows the Mitigation Area "As-built" Planting Plan with transect and photo view point locations. Due to the site configuration and total disturbed slope area available, the Mitigation Area is actually 1.25 acres, so, there is an excess of 0.31 acre of CSS creation unencumbered at this time. The City is currently pursuing using this additional habitat creation acreage as compensation for Cannon Road West impacts. The approved Conceptual Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for the FaradayAvenue Extension, City Project Number 3593, dated April 5, 2000 (Mitigation Plan), prepared by Richard Apel. Landscape Architect, on behalf of the City, calls for three years of maintenance and monitoring. The Mitigation Plan states that the formal monitoring period begins following installation and the successful completion of the 120-day plant establishment period. Formal monitoring is to occur at the six, 12, 24, and 36 months milestones. Table I shows a time line for the mitigation work and the monitoring completed to date. The City hired Native Landscape to install and maintain the Mitigation Area, to implement I the Mitigation Plan and formal landscape construction plans prepared by R.W. Apel, Landscape Architects. Work on the Mitigation Area began in July 2000 and the installation and 120-day maintenance period was certified as complete on March 9, 2001. Native I Landscape hired Dudek & Associates, Inc. (Dudek) to perform the three-year monitoring program, which began March 9, 2001. The three-year period has now been completed. In accordance with the Mitigation Plan, Dudek habitat restoration specialists Doug Gettinger and Andy Thomson conducted the third and final annual botanical monitoring on Friday, February 20, 2004. This report covers the period of time from the first annual monitoring in May 2002 through February 2004. 2896-01 &ASSOCIATES,INC. March 2004 . 1 I Nalley dceanside Vista Center - San 0 Marcos Escondido Carlsbad Project Site Encinitas Ramona - -Rancho Rancho Bernardä / Santa Fe S 0 14 Del Mar 2- Mira Mesa d. Poway Santee - La Jolla 1 Orange County Fallbrook Camp Pendleton .OtCf. - ., I ..- •;•I • ;''; L N"1 0 . D I I S;n to AgUa A re : •> :'i -' : IfN Canyo Ij ilk - I - Wate I . . • - r - - - . -- .••-- T 41 I t'-. :.,.}(- .•- •_:__•. - I / : U . • fE D LO N1 j. ç ç 1L • I . -N. tSV • . . -- -- -- - BASE MAP SOURCE: USGS 7.5 Minute Series, Encinitas & San Luis Rey Quadrangles 1 = 2000' I I Faraday Avenue CSS Mitigation, Year Three Monitoring Report FIGURE Vicinity Map F 2 CONTAINER PANT LIST TOTAL SYMBOL SPECIES SIZE QUANTITY QUANTITY NOTES PER ACRE 6 AC_____ 8ara,fap(Mwls conaangulnea - I gal 20 25 Locate per plan In ravIne area @ IS' cc. In groups of 10 Coyote Bush plants. Isomers amoqea I gal 16 lB Random toustlans per plan, rim. 20' apart. In Maloarna laumra I gal 20 25 Messed@ I0'-lS' s.c. In groups of 10 plants 0 Laurel Sumac Mlmutuspunlnet.a 1gw 30 1 38 Massed ©6'.8'o.c.In groups ofI0plants Red Monkey Flower unila asp. cuttings 20 1.25 Collect ample pad calliope from plants In adjacent areas. Coastal Prickley Poor Allow cut ends to cabs over. Plant pods at 1/3 of their Os depth hrgrnupsofs.lO pads ©5'o.c. Do not cobol more than 15% 01 pods from any aingle source plant Avoid planting In ravine. (') Rlruslnfegiffnlla 11 gal 30 38 Massed ©.6'.lO'o.cln groups oflo plants . Lemonade Bony SaMa m&hllkm igal 50 183 Maased @4.6' = In groups of 20 plants. Black Sage ( Sembucus mexlcana 5 gal 8 a Locate per plants ravtro. mhdmum.25' apart Mexican Eldarbeny Slgla pulcAje liners 0r4' 250 313'Massed (Z4 o.c. In groups of 60 plants. Avoid planting (I1I_.—) Purple Needle (3raoa pots saw shrubs within Slips groups. Xyfacoccus blcotOr 5 gal 10 13 Random locations per plan. Q MboslànMansonita Yucca ahldlgem cuulOnge 10 13 Random locations per plan. Collect single stem mittlnge Mojave Yucca from plants In adjacent mean. Allow all ends to callus over. j Plant 6'.I2 of stern In ground. Do not collect more than 16% of the elaine from any single source pleat •J HydrseeodMbcA' /7 Coastal Sage Snub /t. (refer to used rots hal) HYDROSEED MIX "A" — COASTAL SAGE SCRUB Minimum Sp.cles lbs lucre Seed Purity G.rnrtnatbon Pure LIV. (Scientific Cain. /Common name) (%) Rate (%) 8eed(%) Aulonoatoma fasciculalum I 60 20 10 -Chembne .4utsirr!n/acalifomlce 4 16 60 6 Enealla calltourrSa 2 40 60 24 CalifornIa Eulogooum tasc/culafum . 8 10 86 Rat-lop Buckwheat (Cant. Buckwheat) Eaclrccholxie cel/tsmlce i . as 15 71 California Poppy - I. Gnaphalllumceilfnnrlcum 2 15 20 ii California Everlasting Loluascnparlus 4 40 60 24 .Lupl.raa slohrfus 3 95 85 81 2 85 Red Monkey Monkeyplower Sal,'vemolbfera 2 85 50 43 Black Sane M1m&duapunlceus ..........2 slusyrtnchlUmbsllum 3 95 75 71 Blue-eyed Grass I/igulorelacinala 2 40 50 20 San Diego Sunflower NOTES: I. REFER TO TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS LANDSCAPES IRRIGATION SECTIONS FOR MATERIALS INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS. 2. CONTRACTOR S}IAU. VERIFY FINAL ACREAGE OF PROJECT AREA AS STAKED IN THE FIELD AND ADJUST QUANTITIES OF PLANT MATERIALS AND H'IOROSEED TO COVER ENTIRE AREA USING QUANTrrES PER ACRE SHOWN ON PLANT LEGEND. a IMPLEMENT WEED ERADICATION PROCEDURES PER SPECS. PRIOR TO PLANTING. 4. PROJECT AREA SHALL BE TRACKED WALKED' PER SPECS. PRIOR TO SEEDING. 1 I I , I I I I . I I. I I I I I I I "AS—BUILT" PLANTING PLAN SOURCE: R.W. Ape Landscape Architects, April, 2000 Photo Location I— Transect Locatiok (S = Start) 0 50 Scale in Feet Faraday Avenue CSS 4tigation, Year Three Monitoring Report FIGURE AsBuilt Planting Plan with Site Photo and Transect Locations ______ km FINAL YFAR-TFIRFF MONITORING REPORT FOR Tilt FARADAY AVENUE COASTAl SA0F St RUB."', ARFA,.,CARLSRAD CALIFORNIA. TABLE 1. Mitigation Tithe Line Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area Carlsbad, California IS 21 sk 11-111_0100M 1111,01 1 10-ANEII'MIN. 1. m. 01%110~ A-111 N W , I 011"I F1 EN-1 ,,, -, :- .' .' , . 14111111 FA:~ ._24 Rl ,,, 'r -. S Start of.MitigátioA'IñstaIlatioh Planting C = Completion of Planting and Start of the 120-dayPlant Establishment Period B = Begin the Throe-Year Maintenance and Monitoring Period on March 9,2001 M .= Quàntitativé Moniioring Qata Collection R Report Submitted I = Final Report and Scheduled Termination of the Maintenance and Monitoring Period MONITORING METHODOLOGY As,.was done the first and. second years, the, third ..year...monitoring consisted of a general qualitative inspection and characterization of the mitigation area, 'along with the collection of-quantitative botanical data from established transect locations. As part of the monitoring effort, the entire, mitigation area was surveyed to develop a comprehensive lant species list, assess new see iling.germination and establishment, and count dead container plants. Three permanent 25-meter 'tran'sects were established in the mitigation area at randomized locations at the six-month monitoring milestone. In addition to cbilec,tiiig data intersecting the transect, an area approximately five meters wide surrounding each transect was also examined to determine what other. xiative and exotic species were .gro*ing 'iii 'proximity to the transect, and -any other pertinent information was also'noted. A photo was taken at each transect and general site photos were also taken from established vi'epoint locations. MONITORING RESULTS Table 2 presents cover data collected, from the transects during each botanical monitoring period frbm'September 2001 to February 2004. Dudek'àlso assembled a:floral'species list for. the Mitigation Area as a whole, which is included in Appendix A. The floral species list 2896-01 & ASSOCLATES,] MãrcW2004 ' ' , 5 I Ffr.. ,iT IC=pl=P.oj.' FINAL YEAR-THREE 9ONITORINi REPORT FOR TUE FARADAY AV[NUE COASTAL SAGE SCRUB 91T1(IATION AREA, CARLSBAD, CtLIFORNR contains a total of 38 species, 27 native and 10 exotic species, plus one unidentified. This species cbuld not be identified because it- -was too small and did not have flowers present or, other necessary structures for adequate identification. TABLE Yearly Plant,Cover Dqta.. Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area Carlsbad, California 4CoVer ON C.V.er5t rert 4Coaj Artem/sia cal/forn/ca California sagebrush 35.3 42 64.7 75.3 Bacchar/s p//u/ar/s coyote brush 1.3 2.7 6 5.3, Ence//aca//fornica California bush sunflower 1.3 4.7 6.7 6.7 Er/ogonum fasciculatum California buckwheat 4.7 6 0.7 0 Eschscholi/a ca//fornica , California poppy 0 0.7 0 ' 0 Ma/osma/auri'ia laurel sumac 0.7 0.7 ' 2 , 2.7 'Ma/va pàrviflo,a* . cheeseweed 0 0 ' 1.3 0 Poiygonamspp.* ' knotweed 0.7 0 0 0 Rhus/ntegrifo//a ' lemonadeberry ' '' 0 0.7 ' . 1.3 0 Sa/vi'a mei//fera ' ' . black sage 4.7 4.7 ', 8.7 5.3 Sisyr/iichiumbellum blue-eyed grass 6.7 2.7 2 0 Vethena las/a stachys ':' verbena . ' 0 ' ' 0 " ' 0.7 0 * denotes exotic species Total Native Species . . 56 . 64.7. ... 92.8.. . 95.3 Total Exotic Species 0.7 0 - 1.3 0 Total Vegetated 4 54 60 79.3 86 Total Bare Ground * 46 40 20.7 14 t The percent.cbver is áalculated by the formula: (# of actual hitsl# of possible hits (100))'100. The maximum cover of any one species is 100% however, in multi species multi layer vegetation the total cover of all the species can be greater than 100% due to different stratum' and overlapping vegetation. . . Total vegetated is equivalent to 100% cover (2-dimensional) minus the sum of all the non-vegetated hits or non-vegetated percent cover (i.e., bare, litter). 2896-01 & ASSOCIATES, INC. March 2004 P..j.c,. ' . . .. . 4 FINAL. YEAR-THREE MONITORING REPORT FOR THE FARADAY AVENUE COASTAL. 5A6F SCRUB MITIGATION AREA, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA The transect cover data (Appendix B) shows that native Diegan coastal sage scrub species cover has increased to 95.3 percent after three years. Cover is dominated by California sagebrush at 75.3 percent, followed by California bush sunflower (Encelia californica) at 6.7 percent, black sage (Salvia mellifera) and coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) at 5.3 percent each, and laurel sumac (Malosma laurina) at 2.7 percent. Bare ground declined to 14 percent. Appendix B provides cover data for each transect. Figure 4 shows site photos from two locations, the first photo in each set was taken at the completion of installation period in March 2001 and the second was taken from the same location in February 2004, during the third annual botanical monitoring period. Like the transect data, the photos show how vegetative cover has increased significantly over the past three years. Figure 5 shows photos of each transect at the September 2001 and late-February 2004 monitoring milestones. In addition to the five species that were recorded on the transects this year, Dudek also noted all the species that fell within a five meter wide belt along each transect. An additional 10 native and one exotic species were observed along these belt transects, along with no unidentified species. Only a few annual species have germinated at the site so far this year due.to dry conditions.. .. . . .. ... New seedlings from California sagebrush, California bush sunflower, California buckwheat, I laurel sumac, bush monkeyflower (Mirnulus aura ntiacus), and black sage were observed in the past two years, suggesting the Mitigation Area appears to be self-perpetuating. In comparing monitoring results between the first two years and this year, native cover has increased significantly from 64.7 percent in 2002 to 92.8 percent in 2003, and 95.3 percent in 2004. Exotic species cover has remained insignificant, 0 percent in 2002, 1.3 percent in 2003, and 0 percent in 2004. Among coastal sage scrub species, California sagebrush cover increased from 42 percent in 2002 to 64.7 percent in 2003, and 75.3 percent in 2004. California bush sunflower increased from 4.7 percent in 2002, to 6.7 percent in 2003, and 6.7 percent in 2004. Black sage increased from 4.7 percent in 2002, to 8.7 percent in 2003, and declined to 5.3 percent in 2004.. Coyote brush increased from 2.7 percent in 2002, to 6.0 percent in 2003, and declined to 5.3 percent in 2004. Transect data sheets for 2004 are included in Appendix B for reference; One species, California. buckwheat, decreased significantly from 6.0 percent in 2002 to 0.7 percent in 2003, and 0 percent in 2004. The decrease resulted from intense herbivory by rabbits during the severe drought period of 2001-2002. Because of intense drought conditions, the Mitigation Area was the only patch of green vegetation near the much larger existing habitat, which stayed dry all year. There was little new growth and few annuals became 2896-01 & ASSOCIATES, INC. March 2004 7 - .-.. . .... . ...... -'S.... -. - .. - - : - 4A;' VOW 1 •- J" \_/---_L.z\ -' :- *. 9 .. - . . .-- i •• ' -: _- ri--). :- - - . -. . -. - • . • . S -•- :.--'r.. - .. - •z . -. .. -. - — ::.: :• - - - :.-•-- - .. .., - --- '-•' -. .. -. • - - It4 V / I ri - ......... . .4 . •..• . .• -............I ' j -. .;........- - 'b -. . j - / 4" . - •- ?: - ZOY~:". . •..;9'- r•'. --. ' .' - - . --I - :' -; -- ' 7JRV;_1 - 7 "--- - - vr- AR ot,I JCfCEi - ' L - / j1 •I_J_ . j--,z-4. .'?, uiI.•..4--:-'r--.-,....-.4•'• _..- pt- Ma 4 ". . ., • . . •, - - rP. ,,_ -. . I . ,-_-• .. - '• . .......r ,. A-2 - — -' ' .----. - -._'•'5;I 4 I ' t 1$ '_- -S_ . - 4 - - _.g. 4. •-r-.- ('r*'- . - - , 1,. 4 - - - -,-V--, - I : r — .c.a '•._\. -.- . -- ' - *' •cc J- - - - , L I -. •i -re. . - - ';I J •'j.II, 1,t.*I J$.__.. 4.• - . S/I. IV:i.c . - • —. . V •' - • . . V. Aq / V I lIV•, V .. V • j • ;VI - • • V V •• / I - - V V -. - V •V• V . .,.: V V4,*I z• . 17 vi (V • V • '4I• V •V.JVf_••• V *jI.. V •V •VV •V( - •*V• . ............... . , . • .• I V ,hh,V1.••• •I_.;.V ••••IV •V ••, *V• - —. V. c.__._l, ••_VVV V Ic- - - - I •—•:;, I 1 L - -- h I • , $ _;; '•i ',, ? lj - 4 '? f ' r- • - ' ,... ..v ..,y..... -L'• 'Z - •••. iii1; 4 ..• *. - '4's., . •'•'' - .-..- • I ,,i Vy '( .,fir .i• .•.e, •c •. .' I • ) • -'•-• * I •' - 4 ii+ 7 L I :-, •_4' Jr1 Ag - Mil J I .-.'..'.-.. I FI NAL YFAR-ThQ[[9ONITORIN0 RFPOPT FOR THE 'FARADAYAVENUE COASTAL SMIF SCRUB MITIGATION 'AREA; cAPLSBAD, cAuroRNIA established. This made the Mitigation Area especially attractive to 'rabbits, and they seem to favor California buckwheat. The lower portions of California bukwheat plants in the adjacent existing habitat area were also significantly browsed Because of the configuration of the Mitigation Area immediately adjacent to the existing habitat, rabbit control was not a practical alternative. Container plant mortality has. been relatively low, with the exception of mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor) and purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra). Of the13 mission manzanita plants originally installed, only one is still alive. Most of the purple needlegrass plants disappeared, most likely because of repeated herbivory, though there was not enough purple needlegrass presentinitial1y to determine with any certainty if this was the cause. In addition, none of the 13 the Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera) .cuttihgs survived. Dudek has seen information that this species is an obligate mycotroph, that is thei require mycorrhizal fungi to promote root development. The lack of mycOrrhizal inoculum in the cut slope soil condition could explain their failure to establish, as most yucca species cuttings root readily. Table 3 shows the establishment success standards for the Faraday Avenue Mitigation Area. I The success standards provided for ranges of cover for several species and bare ground by the end of Year Three: ' ' ' . ' ' •..• TABLE Success Standards Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area . Carlsbad, California kRR IM California sagebrush (Artein/sia ca//fornica) 40-60 percent 15-20 percent black sage (Salviamell/fera) 15-20 percent California buckwheat (Eriogánám fasciculatinn) 20-30 percent ' other woody shrubs (See plant lists) 1520 percent Open gaps of bare ground andlor native grasses and herbaceous plants The Mitigation Area appears to have developed into high quality Diegancoastal sage scrub habitat with few weed species present. Based on the success standards, the Mitigation Area has substantially met some, but not all, of it's numerical success standards after three years. California sagebrush cover exceeds the 40-60 percent range at 75.3 percent. Open gaps of bare 2896-01 & ASSOCIATES, INC. March 2004 ' 13 I 1 I FINAL. Y[AQ-TI1P[[ 9ONITORIN(1 REPORT FOP TrW FARADAY AVENUE COASTAL. SA(i[ SCRUB fr1ITl(IATION AREA, CAQL.SBAD, CAUFORNIA ground and/or native grasses and herbaceous plants are just below the 15-20 percent range at 14 percent. Bare ground may decrease further as the plants continue to grow and mature. The "other woody shrubs" category is currently at 14.7 percent cover, just below the 20-30 percent goal. Cover standards for black sage and California buckwheat do not meet the 15-20 percent goals at 5.3 .percent and 0 percent respectively. Dudek believes that not meeting every species numeric success standard does not mean that high quality Diegan coastal sage scrub habitat, suitable for coastal California gnatcatcher, has not been created. California sagebrush seed came up and became established at a higher rate than other species, most likely because environmental conditions favored this species over the others. This has helped compensate for some of the lack of container plant development. California. buckwheat and purple needlegrass cover declined due to repeated heavy rabbit browsing during the drought as a result of a lack of suitable forage. Overall, Diegan coastal sage scrub cover is high, so there is little open area available that is currently not occupied by native plants. Both California buckwheat and purple needlegrass are present in the mitigation area and adjacent undisturbed habitat, and they will likely increase slowly over time naturally if conditions are favorable. Dudek does not believe it is necessary to recommend any action to increase these two species. R Most plants in the Mitigation Area are healthy and have grown substantially during three years of maintenance and monitoring. Most of the plants have matured to the point where I they are now producing seed that has and in the future will result in further volunteer recruitment, indicating a self-perpetuating habitat has been created. Coastal California I gnatcatchers have been foraging in the Mitigation Area since 2002, demonstrating that the habitat provides the necessary structure and food source for gnatcatcher use. 4. RECOMMENDATIONS Dudek recommends the Mitigation Area be signed off as complete. The Mitigation Area has I successfully created 1.25 acres of California sagebrush dominated Diegan coastal sage scrub habitat suitable for coastal California gnatcatcher. The Mitigation Area is healthy and in good condition, with foraging coastal California gnatcatchers using the site. Maintenance I needs should be minimal in the future. Dudek makes the following recommendations: I i. The irrigation system should now be permanently shut-off. The irrigation system should be permanently shut-off once the Mitigation Area has been accepted as complete. The irrigation system mainline stub-out to the mitigation area should be I cut and capped (note: The mainline also serves other irrigation purposes for adjacent areas, so it will not be abandoned). The valve bonnets should be removed, and any above ground. pipe and sprinkler parts removed. I 2896-01 & ASSOCIATES, INC. March2004 14 L r 1 I FINAL. YEAR-THREE 9ONITORiN6 REPORT FOR THE FARADAY AVENUE COASTAL SAGE SCRUB 9ITI0ATION AREA, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA Invasive exotic species and weeds should be controlled periodically and trash should be removed from the site as needed in the future by the long-term land manager. - Control the following perennial exotic species throughout the entire Mitigation Area I in the future if they. appear: fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), pampas grass (Cortaderia spp.), castor bean (Ricinus communis), salt cedar (Tamarix spp.), giant cane (Arundo donax), fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), I : Australian saltbush (Atriplex semibaccata), artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus), common Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), acacia (Acacia spp.), myoporum (Myoporum laeturn), and any others that become established. I All applicable laws, regulations, safety precautions, and label directions must be followed when performing pest control. The Landscape Maintenance Contractor or City crews should consult a licensed Pest Control Adviser if specific pest control I recommendations are required. 'All weed debris should be removed from the Mitigation Area and disposed of in a legal manner. The silt fence still surrounding part of the mitigation site should be removed and disposed off-site. The concrete v-ditch should also have sediment removed from it. The long-term land manager should monitor the Mitigation Area for vehicle, mountain bike, or foot traffic and vandalism. If new trails are discovered, collect and plant prickly pear cuttings along the newly developing foot or bike trails to discourage further use. If any further vehicle activity is discovered, large boulders should be placed at strategic locations to prevent access to the site. Care should also be taken to ensure the Mitigation Area is not damaged when the adjacent vacant land to the west is developed, and that protective construction fencing and/or silt fencing be installed where necessary by the developer along the perimeter of the habitat. I 5. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This report was prepared by Doug Gettinger and Andy Thomson. Review was provided by the Project Manager, John Minchin. Graphics were provided by Mark McGinnis, and I Annabelle Collins-Cuypers provided word processing. 6. REFERENCES City of Carlsbad. 2000. Conceptual Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Faraday Avenue Extension, City Project Number 3593. April. I 2896-01 &'ASSOCIATES, INC. March 2004 : : -'' ,• : 15 I FlNALYEAR-TliR[[ 9ONITORINI REPORT FOR THE FARADAYAV[NU[ COASTAL 8A6[ SCRUB 9ITKIATIO'AREA, cARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA Dreistadt, Steven H. 1994. Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs, An - Integrated Pest Management Guide. The Regents of the University of California. 328 pages. Dudek & Associates, Inc. 2002. Six-Month Monitoring Report of Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area, Carlsbad, California. January. Dudek & Associates, Inc. 2002. One-Year Monitoring Report of Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area1 Carlsbad, California. May. Dudek & Associates, Inc. 2003. Year-Two Monitoring Report of Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub. Mitigation Area, Carlsbad, California. July. WA 2896-01 & ASSOCIATES, INC. March 2004 16 APPEN,i% A. .:. FLORAL SPECIES LIST I I FINAL YEAR-TFIRFF fr1ONITOm1RFPORT FOP TIlL FARADAY AVENUE COASTAL SAGE SCRUB 14ITI0ATION AREA, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA APPENDIX A Floral Species List Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area Carlsbad, California rIVIA Comrn 1'. Rancher': fireweed Applis 8ryeluis scarlet pimpernel * Artem/s/a ca//fornica California sagebrush * Bacchar/s p//ularis coyote brush * Baccharis sal/c/b//a mule fat * Bacc/ia,/s sarothroides Spanish broom Brass/ca nira black mustard Bromus diandrus ripgut grass C'entaw-ea mel/tens/s tocalote Coniummacu/atum poison hemlock Cortaderiaspp. pampas grass 0 Enceliacal/fornica California encelia * Enceliafar/imsa brittlebush Erodiurn c/cutariurn redstém filaree * Er/ogonum fascicu/atum California buckwheat * Eriophy/lum confertiflorum golden yarrow Gazaniahybrida . African daisy * Snaphalium caifornicum California everlasting * /socomamenziesii coastal goldenbush • Isomer/s arborea bladderpod * Lessingia uilagin/folia California-aster Lotus scoparfus deerweed * Ma/osmalaunna laurel sumac * M/niu/usaurantiacus bush monkeyflower * Nassella pu/c/ira purple needlegrass Nicotianaglauca tree tobacco • Opuntia littoral/s coast prickly-pear • Phacella tanacet/folla lacy-leaved phacelia P/cr/s ech/oides bristly ox-tongue * Rims /ntegr/fol/a lemonadeberry * Sa/ixlasiolepis arroyo willow • Sa/via mel//fera - black sage * Sambucusmexicana Mexican elderberry * S/syrincl,ium be//urn blue-eyed grass * So/anurn doug/as/i white nightshade . • L'4'u/era lac/nata San Diego sunflower * Xylococcus bicolor mission manzanita Unidentified annual grasses Unidentified annual grasses * - Denotes native species II I ME U . . . . . . . 2896-01 I & ASSOCTATES, INC. March 2004 I . P*,,, I U mi Faraday - Transect #1 2/20/04 - BotáñiI Name- Common Nathe - - - - - - Numbero1H its" -1- - -?/oCover ----- Arternisia californica California sagebrush 27 . 54 Baccharis pilularis coyote brush 2 4 Erzcelia california California bush sunflower 0 0 Malosma laurina laurel sumac 0 0 Salvia mel1fera black sage 7 - 14 TOTAL NATIVE SPECIES - 36 - 72 TOTAL EXOTIC SPECIES - - 0 0 -TOTAL VEGETATEDt -37 74 - TOTAL NON-VEGETATED 13 26 t The percent cover is calculated by the formula: (# of actual hits/# of possible hits (100))* 100. The maximum cover of any one species is 100%; however, in multi-species multi-layer vegetation the total cover of all the species can be greater than 100% due to different stratum and overlapping vegetation. Total vegetated is equivalent to 100% cover (2-dimensional) minus the sum of all the non-vegetated hits or non-vegetated percent cover (i.e., bare, litter). * Indicates exotic species. Additional plant species noted in the general area near the transect include Amsinckia menziesii var. intermedia (rancher's fireweed),- Encelia ca4fornica (California bush sunflower),Enceliafarinosa (brittlebush), Sisyrinchium bellum (blue-eyed grass), and Urtica urens (dwarf nettle)*. - Faraday - Transect #2 2/20/04 I -- - -- BotauicalName- - - €ommonName - -- - -_ -. --- - -----_-------'NuffiberrOfHits Arternisza ca4fornica California sagebrush 42 .84 Baccharispilularis - coyote brush 4 8 Encelia ca4fornica California bush sunflower - 8 16 Malosma burma - laurel sumac 0 0 Salvia me14fera black sage - 1 2 TOTAL NATIVE SPECIES - .- - 55 110 TOTAL EXOTIC SPECIES - 0 0 TOTAL VEGETATED - - 46 92 TOTAL NON-VEGETATED - - •- 4 - 8 The percent-cover is calculated by the formula: (# of actual hits/# of possible hits (100))* 100. The maximum cover of any one species is 100%; however, in multi-species multi-layer vegetation the total cover of all the species can be greater than 100% due to different stratum and overlapping vegetation. Total vegetated is equivalent to 100% cover (2-dimensional) minus the sum of all the non-vegetated hits or non-vegetated percent cover (i.e., bare, litter). * Indicates exotic species. Additional plant species noted in the general area near the transect include: Baccharispilularis (coyote brush), Mimulus aurantiàcus (bush monkeyflower), Opuntia littoralis (coastal prickly pear), Rhus integrfo1ia (lemonadeberry), Sisyrinchium bellum (blue-eyed grass), Urtica urens (dwarf nettle)*, and Verbena lasiostachys (common vervain). Faraday - Transect #3 3/20/04 - Botinical iñie - - Cômiioñ Nmé -- - - Artemisia calzfornica California sagebrush 44 88 Baccharispilularis coyote brush -- 2 4 Encelia calfornica California bush sunflower 2 4 Malosma laurina laurel sumac 4 8 Salvia mellfera black sage 0 0 TOTAL NATIVE SPECIES 52 104 TOTAL EXOTIC SPECIES - 0 0 TOTAL VEGETATED 46 92 TOTAL NON-VEGETATED 4 8 t The percent cover is calculated by the formula: (# of actual hitsl# of possible hits (100))*100. The maximum cover of any one species is 100%; however, in multi-species multi-layer vegetation the total cover of all the species can be greater than 100% due to different stratum and overlapping vegetation. Total vegetated is equivalent to 100% cover (2-4imensional) minus the sum of all the non-vegetated hits or non-vegetated percent cover (i.e., bare, litter). * Indicates exotic species. Additional plant species noted in the general area near the transect include: Ansincida menziesii var. inlermedia (rancher's fireweed), Baccharis salicfolia (mule fat), Eriogonumfasciculatum (California buckwheat), Mimulus aurantiacus (bush monkeyflower), Opuntia littbralis (coastal prickly-pear), Rhus integrfolia (lemonadeberry), Salvia me1lfera (black sage), Sisyrinchium bellum (blue-eyed grass), Urtica urens (dwarf nettle)*, and Viguiera lacinata (San Diego sunflower). ii TWO-YEAR MONITORING QFPORTFOR TI1[ FARADAY AVENUE COASTAL SAGE SCRUB MITIGATION AREA, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page No. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................ii INTRODUCTION ..................................................1 MONITORING METHODOLOGY ....................................5 MONITORING RESULTS ...........................................5 RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................11 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................13 REFERENCES ...................................................... 13 List of Figures Figure 1 Regional Map ..................................................2 Figure 2 Vicinity Map ..................................................3 Figure 3 As-Built Plan with Site Photo and Transect Locations 4 Figure 4 Site Photos 1 and 2 ...............................................8 Figure 5 Transect Photos 1,2 and 3 .........................................9 List of Tables Table 1 Mitigation Time. Line Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area..........................................................5 Table 2 Year Two Cover Data Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area...........................................................6 Table 3 Success Standards Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area .. 11 Appendices Appendix A Floral Species List Appendix B Transect .Data Sheets I exam -03 59 & ASSOCIATES, INC. P.fr..I..,l T.....f,.C..q.. P.... TWO-YEAR fr1ONITORIN(i REPORT FOR TIlE FARADAY AVENUE COASTAL. SAGE SCRUB fr1ITI(IATION AREA, CARLSBAD, CAlIFORNIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is the second annual monitoring report for the Faraday Avenue coastal sage scrub mitigation area. The mitigation area continues to make excellent progress towards meeting its final success criteria. Dudek & Associates, Inc. (DUDEK) is performing the three-year monitoring program for the City of Carlsbad (City) on behalf of Native Landscape, which is under contract with the City to implement the mitigation project. The three-year maintenance and monitoring period began in March 2001 and is schedule to terminate in March 2004. I. This report includes the results of DUDEK's field monitoring work during the second year of monitoring, from the first annual monitoring in May 2002 until the second annual monitoring at the end of March 2003. It compares the transect data for Year Two with that I collected in Year One, evaluated against the success standards, to show the progress being - made. Three permanent 25-meter line transects were randomly set up in the 1.25 acre mitigation site. Data collected from those transects indicates that the project is moving I towards successful completion, although not all species appear to be headed towards meeting their stated goals. I Transect data shows that native Diegan coastal sage scrub cover is 92.8 percent in March 2003, an increase from 64.7 percent in May 2002 and from 56 percent in September 2001. I Weed species cover remains low at 1.3 percent in March 2003. California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) cover makes up the biggest portion of native plant cover at 64.7 percent. California buckwheat :(Eriogonum fasciculatum) cover declined from six percent to 0.7 percent I this year, which can be attributed to heavy browsing by rabbits due to record drought conditions during the 2001/2002 winter. Rabbits chewed back almost all California buckwheat plants nearly to the ground last year. Most of these plants appear to be sprouting 1 new growth from their stumps and they should recover over time. Most purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) plants were also eaten back and many appear to have perished. Now that drought conditions have abated with near normal rain this winter season (2002/2003), I browsing pressure in the Mitigation Area should subside. ' Container plant mortality has been low, with the exception of mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor) and purple needlegrass. Of the 13 plants installed, only one is still clinging to life. All 13 the Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera) cuttings have died as well. I DUDEK has observed coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) foraging in the mitigation area several times in the past few months. Use of the habitat by I gnatcatchers is a good indicator of successful coastal sage scrub creation. I 10292 01:60"1 2896-01 ASSOCIATES, INC.I July 2003 P .,.k,..d T. I TWO-YEAR fr1ONITOIINi REPORT, FOITI1[.FAPADAY AVFNUF COASTAL SA1F SCPUB 9ITI6ATION ARFA, c&IL.SBAD, cALIFORNIA General maintenance measures are recommended to continue for the third and final year of maintenance and monitoring program. DUDEK recommends that-the'. same maintenance program be continued during thi final year. The irrigation should not be. utilized during the third and final year, as it is no longer necessary and keeping the.,irrigation off, will demonstrate that the plants have become successfully established and. are becoming self sustaining. Weeds and trash should be removed periodically and the site should be monitored to make sure new trails don't start forming through the Mitigation Ara. July 2003 H TWO-YEAR MONITORING REPORT FOP TFI[ FARADAY AVENUE I COASTAL. SAGE SCRUB MITIGATION AREA, CARL.SBAD, CALIFORNIA 1. INTRODUCTION I This is the second of three required annual monitoring reports for the Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area (Mitigation Area). The Mitigation Area is a 1.25 acre site located on the north side of Faraday Avenue in the City of Carlsbad, California (Thomas 1• Bros. Guide Page 1127, B-2) (Figures 1 and 2). The City of Carlsbad's (City) extension of Faraday Avenue to Cannon Road resulted in impacts to Diegan coastal sage scrub (CSS) that I required 12.95 acres of mitigation. Most of the mitigation was accomplished by purchasing offsite mitigation credits, 1.2 acres at the Manchester Avenue Mitigation Bank and 10.81 acres at the Carlsbad Highlands Mitigation Bank. The remaining 0.94 acre of CSS mitigation I habitat required has been created within the 1.25 acre site along Faraday Avenue, adjacent to existing high quality CSS habitat, and is the subject of this report. Figure 3 shows the I Mitigation Area "As-built" Planting Plan with transect and photo view locations. Due to the site configuration and total disturbed slope area available, the Mitigation Area is actually 1.25 acres, so there is an excess of 0.31 acre of CSS creation unencumbered at this I time. The City is currently pursuing using this additional habitat creation acreage as compensation for Cannon Road West impacts. The approved Conceptual Mitigation and I Monitoring Plan for Faraday Avenue Extension, City Project Number 3593, dated April5, 2000 (Mitigation Plan), prepared by Richard Apel Landscape Architect, on behalf of the City, calls for three years of maintenance and monitoring. The Mitigation Plan states that the formal monitoring period begins following installation and the successful completion of the 120-day plant establishment period Formal monitoring is to occur at the six, 12, 24, and 36 months milestones. Table I shows a time line for the mitigation work. The City hired Native Landscape to install and maintain the Mitigation Area, using the Mitigation Plan and formal landscape construction plans prepared by R.W. Apel, Landscape Architects. Work on the Mitigation Area began in July 2000and the installation and 120-day maintenance period was certified as complete on March 9, 2001. Native Landscape hired Dudek ,& Associates, Inc. (DUDEK) to perform the three-year monitoring program, which began March 9, 2001, with acceptance of the installation and 120-day maintenance period as being complete. I In accordance with the Mitigation Plan, DUDEK habitat restoration specialists Doug Gettinger and Andy Thomson conducted the second annual botanical monitoring on Friday, I March 28, 2003. This report covers the period of time from the first annual monitoring in May 2002 through March 2003. In as 0-10 2896-01 ASSOCIATES, INC. July 2003 1 Faraday Avenue CSS Mitigation, Year Two Monitoring Report FIGURE Regional Map 1 A H E B I 0 NHD / Y A 9UU IV Evans Point i c --.-. . ( / - I Projecl tat - - / / . ,. :.- I - - Pat AJ A14- BASE MAP SOURCE: USGS 7.5 Minute Series, Encinitas & San Luis Rey Quadrangles 1" 2000' I FIGURE I Faraday Avenue CSS Mitigation, Year Two Monitoring Report . I 2 Vicinity Map I I "AS—BUILT" PLANTING PLAN SOURCE: R.W. Apel Landscape Architects, April, 2000 PLANT LEGEND . CONTAINER PLANT LIST TOTAL SYMBOL SPECIES SiZE QUANTITY QUANTITY uoits PER ACRE (11 O 8aWtspftEaits consangubioe Coyote Saeh I got 20 25 Locate per plan In ravIne area @ 15' oc. In graIa do PlmrdL £e.neds wtraee I gal tO 19 Randon, loansons per plan, ndn. 20' apsm Bladder-pod ('\ Msloaroa Iotzdno Lariat &mroc I gal 20 25 Massed @ 117-15 aim In groups of 10 rantn ç atknrdsapurlceus I gel 30 38 Manned @ 6'-e' s.c. In grasps of 10 plants Rod Mar*ey Peari CxmCts cuttings 20 25 Coded eInØa pad artfnge fran plants In ed(acent rican. On Coastal Pdddey Pear Atrt, cut ends In callus over. Plant pods at 113 of their . depth In groups of 5.10 pads C Goc. Do not adlect more than 16% of pads from any ulnplo neuron plant. Avoid planting In rovins. (') Plow brtogfllblts I got 30 38 Massed C 8'-I0' s.c. In groups of 10 plants. Lamanade Bony ... SoMe flloEds8 I 9l 50 83 Massed Q 4'6 o.c. In groups of 20 p1a. ) Bla Sage Sembucoro mexra Mmdcsn Etsarbany 6 got . 8 8 Locate per plan In m*m% ndntrrnin 25' apart &lpoprth*a lIners or 4 250 313 Manned 7-3' s.c. In groups of 60 plants. Avoid planting (i.jII1) Pimple HearSe Ores. pots 06ter etvube rattlan Sitre groups. () ...MsatanManzattto • *coccus atcofa, 6 gal 10 13 Random krcnttono p.r plait. -, — Mc(avo Yucca from Random locations per plan. Collect ot-rØe atom cuttings@ plants fri w.oe,4 rieeo. Mow Ott ends to cabin over. Plant r-ir of atom In grormd. Do not OtOed more t han 16% citho cOnnIe fran any &ne canon plant. / H*oneed Mix 'A' /,. Coaatai Saga Scrub (refer to seed n4x tat) HYDROSEED MIX °A" - COASTAL SAGE SCRUB Sped.s anew) ties! sci, Seed PuTS1 mkkmun (%) I "CPmTWn—@VonPUm(ScSerVBcn.m.Conwnon 50 Qianrlse 4 EncaSe ca0bii*a California Enceja 2 Edogonumftadcalalrm, Flat-top Bidretreat (Calf. Bu*~) S 7 Eathsd'ocaSbniea CatfondaPopoy . i ____ 95 76 ____ 71 Gno,ro'ialkjmcalh'amlcwn 2 15 20 a Cellfini4a EverlastIng Lcivaaar*a 4 40 60 24 Deemed tupbrucauoalentus 3 95 65 01 2 55 f.. Rod Mra*ey Aowri SalAremortfei, 2 85 50 43 BtadcSarte Milrjopwilaaua.2 &aavfncM,mbo%wn 3 95 75 71 Sale-eyed Omas Vlgulareladvala 2 40 50 20 San Diego 8wr0owor <i Photo Location [pj S Transect Location (• = Start) 0 50 Scale in Feet NOTES: I. REFER TO TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS LANDSCAPE & IRRIGATION SECTIONS FOR MATERIAl, & INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS. 2. CONTRACTOR SHALL VERIFY FINAL ACREAGE OF PROJECT AREA AS STAKED IN THE FIELD AND ADJUST QUANTITIES OF PLANT MATERIALS AND HYOROSEED TO COVER ENTIRE AREA USING QUAJTITES PER ACRE SHOWN ON PLANT LEGEND. 2. IMPLEMENT WEED ERADICATION PROCEDURES PER SPECS. PRIOR TO PLANTING. 4. PROJECT AREA SHALL BE 'TRACKED wALKED' PER SPECS. PRIOR TO SEEDING Faraday Avenue CSS Mitigation, Year Two Monitoring Report FIGURE As-Built Planting Plan with Site Photo and Transect Locations ______ TWO-YEAR 9ONITORIN6 REPORT FOR TFI[ FARADAY AVENUE I COASTAL. SAGE SCRUB MITIGATION AREA, C&RL.SBAD, CAlIFORNIA I TABLE I Mitigation Time Line Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area Carlsbad, California S = Start of Mitigation Installation Planting C = Completion of Planting and Start of the 120-day Plant Establishment Period B = Begin the Three-Year Maintenance and Monitoring Period on March 9, 2001 M = Quantitative Monitoring Data Collection R = Report Due I = Final Report and Scheduled Termination of the Maintenance and Monitoring Period MONITORING METHODOLOGY As was done the first year, the second year monitoring consisted of a general qualitative inspection and characterization of the mitigation area, along with the collection of quantitative botanical data. As part of the monitoring effort, the entire mitigation area was surveyed to develop a comprehensive plant species list, assess new seedling germination and establishment, and count dead container plants. Three permanent 25-meter transects were established in the mitigation area at randomized locations at the six-month monitoring. In addition to collecting data intersecting the transect, an area approximately five meters wide surrounding each transect was examined to determine what other native and exotic species were growing in proximity, and any other pertinent information was also noted. A photo was taken at each transect and general site photos were also taken from established locations. MONITORING RESULTS Table 2 presents cover data collected from the transects during March 2003. DUDEK also assembled a floral species list for the Mitigation Area as a whole, which is included in Appendix A. The floral species list contains 30 native and 18 exotic species, plus at least three unidentified species. These plants could not be identified because they were too small and did not have flowers present or other necessary structures for adequate identification. 1111111 -61FAR, 2896-01 ASSOCIATES, INC. July 2003 5 .,..1,. I TWO-YEAR fr1ONITORIN4i REPORT FOR TIlE FARADAY AV[MJ[ I COASTAl.. SAGE SCRUB 9ITKIATION AREA, CARLSBAD, CAlIFORNIA TABLE 2 Year Two Cover Data Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area Carlsbad, California ommOgg-ie PercJ Cover R A/tern/s/a ca/ibm/ca California sagebrush 64.7 b'acc/iar/s p//u/ar/s coyote brush 6 Encel/a ca//tom/ca California bush sunflower 6.7 Eriogonurn fasciculatum California buckwheat 0.7 Malosma/audna laurel sumac 2 Maw pamtlora* cheeseweed 1.3 R/ius/ntegr/bo//a lemonadebeny 1.3 Sa/viarnel//fera black sage 8.7 Sisyrin c/i/urn be//urn blue-eyed grass 2 Verbena las/ostac/lys verbena 0.7 * denotes exotic species Total Native Species 92.8 Total Exotic Species 1.3 Total Bare Ground * 20.7 t The percent coveriscalculatedby the formula: (# of actual hits/# of possible hits (100))*100. The maximum cover I of any one species is 100%; however, in multi-species multi-layer vegetation the total cover of all the species can be greater than 100% due to different stratum and overlapping vegetation. Total vegetated: is equivalent to 100% cover (2-dimensional) minus the sum of all the non-vegetated hits or non- vegetated percent cover (i.e., bare, litter). The transect cover data (Appendix B) show native coastal 'sage scrub species cover has I increased to 92.8, percent after two years. Cover is dominated by California sagebrush at 64.7 percent, followed by blak sage (Salvia mellifera) at 8.7 percent, California bush sunflower I (Encelia californica) at 6.7 percent, coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) at six percent, and five other species at less than five percent. The only exotic weed species on the transects this year was cheeseweed (Ma/va parviflora) at 1.3 percent. Bare ground declined to 20.7 percent. 1 Appendix B provides cover data for each transect. 1 2896-01 &ASSOCIATES,INC.I July 6 I I TWO-YFAP fr1ONITORINO REPORT FOQ TFIF FARADAY AVENUE I COASTAL SAGE SCRUB fr1ITKIATION AIFA, CAQLSBAD, CALIFOPNIA I Figure 4 shows site photos from two locations, the first photo in each set was taken at the completion of installation in March 2001 and the second was taken from the same location I in March 2003 during the second annual monitoring. The photos show how vegetative cover has increased significantly over the past two years. Figure 5 shows photos of each transect at the March 2003 monitoring milestone. In addition to the species that were recorded on the transects, DUDEK also noted all the species that fell within a five meter wide belt along each transect. An additional nine native species and nine exotic species were observed along these belt transects, along with two unidentified species. New seedlings from California sagebrush, California bush sunflower, California buckwheat, laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), bush monkeyflower (Mimulus aura ntiacus), and black sage were observed this year, indicating the Mitigation Area has the potential to become self perpetuating. It should be noted, however, that the irrigation system aided in the establishment of these species, as rainfall was inadequate last year (2001/2002) to allow the germination and establishment of nearly all native and exotic species. California sagebrush seedlings are particularly dense in some locations, with hundreds of closely spaced seedlings carpeting the ground. In comparing monitoring results between last year and this year, native cover has increased significantly from 64.7 percent in 2002 to 92.8 percent in 2003. Exotic species cover has remained insignificant, 0 percent in 2002 and 1.3 percent in 2003. Among coastal sage scrub species, California sagebrush cover increased from 42 percent in 2002 to 64.7 percent in 2003. California bush sunflower increased from 4.7 percent to 6.7 percent, and black sage increased from 4.7 percent to :8.7 percent. Coyote brush increased from 2.7 percent to 6.0 percent. Transect data sheets are included in Appendix B for reference. One species, California buckwheat, decreased significantly from 6.0 percent to 0.7 percent this year. The decrease resulted from intense herbivory by rabbits. Most of the California buckwheat plants are still present, but have been eaten back to stumps. Because of intense drought conditions last year (2001/2002), the Mitigation Area was the only patch of green vegetation near the much larger existing habitat, which stayed dry all year. There was little new growth and few annuals became established. This made the Mitigation Area attractive to rabbits. Rabbits were observed regularly in the Mitigation Area and droppings cover the ground. California buckwheat appears to be a favored food source for rabbits, at least absent the usual winter annuals and young succulent vegetation that was not present last year in the native habitat. Because of the Mitigation Area's proximity to the adjacent habitat, controlling 2896-01 July 2003 7 I_ ___ • r ri !1fiTYi ri fTTi1 Tfl!WtsIsJ _ _ p Al TO agn fL: Faraday Avenue CSS Mitigation, Year Two Monitoring Report FIGURE 1 Site Photos 1and2j__ ,I r4.4 rAE 1 I2 15 11 nf* 00, Year Two Monitoring Report I Tact Phntns 1 2 inrI TWO-YEAR MONITORING REPORT FOR TI1[ FARADAY AVENUE COASTAL. SAGE SCRUB MITIGATION AREA, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA rabbits was not a practical option because there was a nearly limitless supply of rabbits to replace any that might be captured. Likewise, installing an adequate temporary exclusion fence around the entire perimeter of the area was cost prohibitive. After discussing the matter with Native Landscape and Sherry Howard with the City, we decided the best course of action was to keep the Mitigation Area growing and healthy so the plants could recover from the herbivory. DUDEK expects most California buckwheat plants to eventually grow back from the chewed back stumps. California sagebrush and other species were also browsed on by rabbits, but not as significantly as California buckwheat was. Now that more normal rainfall has returned this season, there appears to be much less rabbit activity in the Mitigation Area due to sufficient food sources elsewhere. Container plant mortality has been relatively low, with the exception of mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor) and purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra). Of the 13 mission manzanita plants originally installed, only one is still clinging to life. Most of the purple needlegrass plants appear to have disappeared, most likely because of repeated herbivory, though there was not enough purple needlegrass present initially to determine with any certainty if this was the cause. In addition, all 13 the Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera) cuttings originally installed have now died. DUDEK has seen information that this species is an obligate mycotroph,that is they crequire mycorrhizal fungi to promote root development. The lack of mycorrhizal inoculum in the soil could explain their failure to establish, as most yucca species cuttings root readily. Table 3 shows the success standards for the Faraday Avenue Mitigation Area. The success standards provided for ranges of cover for several species and bare ground by the end of Year Three, however, were there were not any interim milestones established by year. TABLE 3 Success Standards Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area Carlsbad, California Cove;age Species 40-60 percent California sagebrush (Artemisia ca/ifomicã 15-20 percent black sage (Salvia meIiferã 15-20 percent California buckwheat (Eriogonum fascicu/atum) 20-30 percent other woody shrubs (See plant lists) 15-20 percent Open gaps of bare ground and/or native grasses and herbaceous plants P 011ie IE1 2896-01 I& ASSOCIATES, INC. July 2003 10 I TWO-YEAR MONITORING REPORT FOR TFIF FARADAY AVENUE COASTAl. SAGE SCRUB MITIGATION AREA, CAIU.SBAD, CALIFORNIA Based on the success standards, the Mitigation Area has substantially met some of it's success standards after two years. California sagebrush cover exceeds the 40-60 percent range at 64.7 percent, and cover is likely to increase over this next year as the plants mature further. Open gaps of bare ground and/or native grasses and herbaceous plants are just above the 1-20 percent range at 23.4 percent. Bare ground is likely to decrease as the plants continue to grow and mature. The "other woody shrubs" category is currently at 16 percent cover, just below the 20-30 percent goal. Growth by these species should come close to or meet this goal over the next year. Cover standards for black sage and California buckwheat are unlikely to meet the 15-20 percent goals by the end of the third year, as they are currently at 8.7 percent and• 0.7 percent respectively due to the severe rabbit browsing. The Mitigation Area appears to be developing into high quality Diegan coastal sage scrub habitat, though it may not meet the entire stated numerical success standards for each species listed by the end of Year 3. Trying to predict cover for various species to create success standards is a tricky proposition. Not meeting every species specific success standard does not necessarily mean that high quality Diegan coastal sage scrub habitat, suitable for coastal California gnatcatcher has not been created. Most plants in the Mitigation Area are healthy and have grown substantially during two years of maintenance and monitoring. Many of the plants have matured to the point where they are now producing seed that will result in further volunteer recruitment and will result in a self-perpetuating habitat. Coastal California gnatcatchers have begun foraging in the Mitigation Area, indicating that the habitat provides the necessary structure and food source for gnatcatcher use. Even the small portion of the Mitigation Area with poor soil conditions has improved noticeably over the past year. 4. RECOMMENDATIONS Because the Mitigation Area is basically progressing on the desired course, DUDEK recommends the Mitigation Area continue with the same general maintenance program for the third and final year of maintenance and monitoring. The Mitigation Area is generally in good condition and healthy, with foraging coastal California gnatcatchers using the site, so there is little need for any maintenance program changes at this point. Maintenance needs should be minimal during the final year. To help the Mitigation Area meet its success criteria, DUDEK makes the following recommendations: The irrigation system should now be permanently shut-off and the plants allowed to grow and survive on natural rainfall conditions. The irrigation controller should be disconnected so it does not come on automatically after a power-outage. The irrigation system should not be permanently disabled until the three-year I 06's 703 2896-01 I& ASSOCIATES, INC. July 2003 11 P,kioj frCo.q P,*. I TWO-YEAR fr1ONITOIUN(1 R[POPT FOR TFI[ FARADAY AVENUE I COASTAL. SAGE SCRUB 91T1(IATION AREA, CARLSBAD, CAIJFORNIA maintenance and monitoring period has been accepted as complete. At that time the mainline should be cut, valve bonnets removed, and any above ground pipe and sprinkler parts removed. 2. Weeds should be controlled periodically and trash should be removed from the site. I An approximate ten-foot wide weed free strip should be maintained along the Mitigation Area perimeter where it abuts weedy areas. I Control the following perennial exotic species throughout the entire Mitigation Area if they appear: fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), pampas I grass (Cortaderia spp.), castor bean (Ricinus communis), salt cedar (Tamarix spp.), giant cane (Arundo donax), fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), Australian saltbush (Atriplex semibaccata), artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus), common Bermuda grass (Cynodon I dactylon), acacia (Acacia spp.), myoporum (Myoporum laetum), and any others the restoration biologist identifies as a problem. I Control the following annual weed species if and when they appear: tocalote (Centaurea melitensis), Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), black mustard (Brassica nigra), bristly ox-tongue (Picris echioides), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), sow thistle (Sonchus I spp.), horseweed (Con yza canadensis), bur clover (Medicago hispida), sweet-clover (Melilotus spp.), garland chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum coronarium), and iceplant 1 (Mesembryanthemum spp.). If the Landscape Maintenance Contractor has any questions or requires assistance in I identifying any of these weeds, contact the Restoration Biologist to discuss identification and possible control methods during regular landscape maintenance inspections. A combination of physical removal and herbicide spot treatment will I likely be needed to control these species. Properly timed, repeat herbicide applications will likely be required for complete control of most of the hardy perennials. A combination of physical, cultural, and herbicide treatments will likely be required to I keep annual weed species in check. It is important that annual weed control begin as soon as they start to germinate and grow, and be completed before the plants have the I opportunity to bloom and set seed. Refer to the herbicide label for information on proper timing and application rates. I All applicable laws, regulations, safety precautions, and label directions must be followed when performing pest control. The Landscape Maintenance Contractor should consult a licensed Pest Control Adviser if specific pest control I recommendations are required. All weed debris should be removed from the Mitigation Area and disposed of in a legal manner. 117110 2896-01 I& ASSOCIATES, INC. July 2003 12 P,,lo.,d T,,. I,- Co.,.$ P,,. ~ I Lj I TWO-YEAR MONITORING REPORT FOR TFI[ FARADAY AVENUE I COASTAL. SAGE SCRUB MITIGATION AREA, CARL.SBAD, CAlIFORNIA The Mitigation' Area should continue to be monitored for mountain bike or foot traffic. Notify Sherri Howard at the City and DUDEK if new activity is discovered. If new trails are discovered, collect and plant prickly pear cuttings along the newly developing foot or bike trails to discourage further use. Remove the remaining silt fence around the mitigation area. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This report was Iprepared by Doug Gettinger and Andy Thomson. Review was provided by the Project Manager, John Minchin. Graphics were provided by Mark McGinnis, and Annabelle Cuypers provided word processing. REFERENCES I City of Carlsbad. 2000. Conceptual Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Faraday Avenue I Extension,. City Project Number 3593. April. Dreistadt, Steven H. 1994. Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs, An Integrated Pest Management Guide. The Regents of the University of California. 328 pages. I Dudek & Associates, Inc. 2002. Six-Month Monitoring Report of Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area, Carlsbad, California. January. Dudek & Associates, Inc. 2002. One-Year Monitoring Report of Faraday Avenue Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Area, Carlsbad, California. May. I 1 Li] I ._. . . 2896-01 & ASSOCIATES, INC. July 2003 13 I APPEND-IN A FLORAL SPECIES LIST ii I TWO-YFAR 9ONITORIN(1 R[PORT FOR TIIF FARADAY AVENUE I COASTAL. SAGE SCRUB MITIGATION AREA, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA I APPENDIX A FLORAL SPECIES LIST I FARADAY AVENUE COASTAL SAGE SCRUB MITIGATION AREA CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA * Ams/nck/a rnenz/es//var. /nterrned/a Rancher's fireweed Anaga//sarvensis scarlet pimpernel * Artern/s/a cailforn/ca California sagebrush * Artem/sia doug/as/àna Douglas mugwort * Bacc/iar/s p//u/ar/s coyote brush * Bacc/iar/s sal/c/fe//a mule fat * Baccilaris sarot/iroides Spanish broom Brass/ca ni'ra black mustard Brornus d/andrus ripgut grass Centaurea rnelltèns/s tocalote C/iarnornll/a suàveolèns pineapple weed Con/ummacu/aturn poison hemlock Conyza canadens/s horseweed Col tader/aspp. pampas grass * Encelia caiforn/ca California encelia * Ence//a far/nasa brittlebush Erod/urn cicutar/urn redstem filaree * Eriogonurn fasc/culàturn California buckwheat * Er/opliy//urnconfeíl/f/orurn golden yarrow * Esc/isc/iolz/a cal/fern/ca California poppy Gazan/a hybrida African daisy Gnapliallum /euto-a/burn cudweed * Gnap/ia//um ca//forn/curn California everlasting * Isocorna rnenz/esll coastal goldenbush * Isomer/s arborea bladderpod * Lastlien/a ca//fern/ca goldfields * Less/ng/a flag/n/fe//a California-aster * Lotus scopar/us deerweed * Lup/nusb/co/or miniature lupine * Lup/nus succu/entus arroyo lupine * Ma/osma taur/na laurel sumac I ___ 2896-01 & ASSOCIATES, iNC-1 July 2003 1 1.... 1 TWO-YEAR fr1ONITORIN(I REPORT FOP TFI[ FARADAY AVFNUF COASTAl.. SA(I[ SCRUB fr1ITI6ATION AR[A, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA APPENDIX A(Continud) 1Ma/va!1I!!eseweed Me/ilotus_off/c/na//s yellow sweet-clover. Mesembryantliemurn crystal/mum crystalline ice plant * Mimu/us auranticus bush monkeyf lower * Nassella pu/c/ira purple needlegrass Nicot/anaglauca tree tobacco * Opuntia littoral/s coast prickly-pear * P/lace//a tanacet/folia lacy-leaved_phacelia P/cr/sec/i/o/des bristly ox-tongue * P/3g/0/0t171ys nothofulvus popcornf lower * R/ius/ntegr/fo//a lemonadeberry * Sa/i)'/as/o/ep/s arroyo willow * Salv/a me/hera - black sage * Sambucus mex/cana Mexican elderberry * S/syr/nc/i/umbellum blue-eyed grass * Solanum douglasii white nightshade Sonclius spp. sow-thistle * Vi'u/era lac/nata San Diego sunflower Xant/i/um strumar/um cocklebur * Xylococcus bicolor mission manzanita Unidentified species Unidentified species. Unidentified annual grasses Unidentified annual grasses * Denotes native species 1 D71 2896-01 I& ASSOCIATES, INC. I July 2003 2 I I Faraday - Transect #1 3/28/03 1 2002 Botanical Name Common Name I Numberof Hits % Cover Artemisia calfornica California sagebrush 22 44 Baccharis pilularis coyote brush 2 4 Eriogonumfasciculatum California buckwheat 1 2 Malva parv flora* cheeseweed 2 4 Salvia mellfera black sage 9 18 Sisyrinchium bellum blue-eyed grass 1 2 TOTAL NATIVE SPECIES 35 70 TOTAL EXOTIC SPECIES 2 4 TOTAL VEGETATEDI 35 70 TOTAL NON-VEGETATED 15 30 The percent cover is calculated by the formula: (# of actual hits/4 of possible hits (100))*I00. The maximum cover of any one species is 100%; however, in multi-species multi-layer vegetation the total cover of all the speciescan be greater than 100%due to different stratum and overlapping vegetation. Total vegetated is equivalent to 100% cover (2-dimensional) minus the sum of all the non-vegetated hits or non- vegetated percent cover (i.e., bare, litter). * Indicates exotic species. Additional plant species rioted in the general- area near the transect include Anagallisarvensis (scarlet pimpernel)*, Picris ech:o:des (bristly ox tongue)* Gnaphalim californicum (California everlasting) Encelia californica (California bush sunflower) Enceliafarinosa (brittlebush) Uruca urens (dwarf nettle)* Verbena last ostachys (verbena)i Amsinck:a menz:esz: var. intermedia (rancher s fireweed) Centauria melUensis (tocalote)* Brassica nigra (black mustard)* Sonchus oleraceus (common sow thistle)* Chamaesyce albomarginata (rattlesnake weed) Melilotus officinalis (yellow sweetclover)* Salsola tragus(Russian thistle)* and two unidentified plant species. II HI rj I Faraday - Transect #2 3/28/03 1 2002 Botanical Name Common Name Number of Hits % Cover -Artemisia ca/ifornica California sagebrush 38 76 Bacchahspi/ularis coyote brush 6 12 EnceliO caIfornica California bush sunflower 8 16 Rhus integrjfolia lemonadeberry 2 4 Salvia me/4fera black sage 2 4 Verbena lasioslachys verbena 1 2 TOTAL NATIVE SPECIES 57 114 TOTAL EXOTIC SPECIES 0 0 TOTAL VEGETATED1 43 86 TOTAL NON-VEGETATED 7 14 I t Thepèrcent cover is calculated by the formula: (# of actual hits/# of possible hits (100))*100. The maximum cover of any one species is 100% however, in multi species multi layer vegetation the total cover of all the species can be greater than 100% due to-different-stratum and overlapping vegetation. Total vegetated is equivalent to 100% cover (2-dimensional) minus the sum of all the non-vegetated hits or-non- vegetated percent cover (i.e., bare, litter). * Indicates exotic species. I Additional plant species noted in the general area near the transect include Picris ech:o:des (bristly ox tongue)* Ence/za farinosa (brittlebush) Gnapha/z urn calzfornzcurn (California everlasting) Centaurea rnelztens:s (tocalote)* Szsyrznchzurn be//urn (blue eyed grass) Ma/va parvijiora (cheeseweed)* Arnsznckza rnenzzesz, var. znterrnedia (rancher's fireweed) Sonchus oleraceus I (common sow-thistle), LI I I I Faraday - Transect #3 3/28/02 2002 Botanical Name Common Name I Number of Hits % Cover Artemisia californica California sagebrush 37 74 Baccharispilularis coyote brush 1 2 Encelia ca1fornica California bush sunflower 2 4 Malosma laurina laurel sumac 3 6 Salvia meIlfera black sage 2 4 Sisyrinchium helium blue-eyed grass 2 4 TOTAL NATIVE SPECIES 1 94 TOTAL EXOTIC SPECIES 0 0 TOTAL VEGETATEDI 41 82 TOTAL NON-VEGETATED 9 18 t The percent cover is calculated by the formula: (# of actual hits/# of possible hits (100))*100. The maximum cover, of any one species is 100%, however, in multi species multi layer vegetation the total cover of all the species can be greater than 100% due to different stratum and overlapping vegetation. Total vegetated is equivalent to 100% cover (2-dimensional) minus the sum of all the non-vegetated hits or non- vegetated percent cover (i.e., bare, lifter). * Indicates exotic species. Additional plant species noted in the general area near the transect include Mimulus auranliacus (bush monkeyflower), Gnaphaizum californicum (California everlasting) Anagailis arvensis (scarlet pimpernel)* Enceizafarinosa (brittlebush) Opuntia littoralis (coastal prickly pear) Urtica urens (dwarf nettle)* Ansinckia menzzesz: var. intermedia (rancher s fireweed) Viguiera lacinata (San Diego sunflower) Lotus scoparius (deerweed) Eriogonumfasciculatum (California buckwheat) Picris echiozdes (bristly ox tongue)* Baccharis salicifolia (mule fat) Salix lasiolepis (arroyo willow) Malva parvijiora (cheeseweed)*, and Melilotus officianalis (yellow sweetclover)*. I I