HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-07; City Council; ; Approval of the City of Carlsbad 2022-2026 Preserve Management Plan, and a professional services agreement with the Center for Natural Lands Management for open space preserves Meeting Date: Dec. 7, 2021
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Staff Contact: Tim Selke, Parks Services Manager
tim.selke@carlsbadca.gov, 760-434-2857
Subject: Approval of the City of Carlsbad 2022-2026 Preserve Management Plan,
and a professional services agreement with the Center for Natural Lands
Management for open space preserves
District: All
Recommended Action
The City Council adopt:
1. A resolution approving the City of Carlsbad 2022-2026 Preserve Management Plan,
guiding the management, maintenance and monitoring of city-owned open space
preserves
2. A resolution approving a professional services agreement with the Center for Natural
Lands Management, for the 2022-26 management, maintenance and monitoring of the
City of Carlsbad open space preserves, in an amount not to exceed $280,305 per year
Executive Summary
The City of Carlsbad 2022-2026 Preserve Management Plan is intended to provide
management, maintenance and monitoring guidelines that advance conservation goals in the
fifteen city-owned open space preserves. These preserves are to be managed for the protection
of sensitive resources, which in turn meets the city’s obligation to the regional North County
Multiple Habitat Conservation Program and the city’s Habitat Management Plan and Open
Space Management Plan.
Staff recommend the City Council approve the city’s 2022-2026 Preserve Management Plan as
well as a professional services agreement with the Center for Natural Lands Management to
perform the activities detailed in the plan.
The City Council approval is required for the professional services agreement because Carlsbad
Municipal Code Section 3.28.040.D.3 designates the City Council as the awarding authority for
agreements that will cost the city more than the City Manager’s $100,000 approval authority.
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 1 of 296
Discussion
The Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan1 requires that a preserve management plan that carries
out the city’s obligation to protect and enhance wildlife and habitat. A preserve management
plan is a site-specific plan with annual performance guidelines that address various resource
agency requirements and reporting for the protection and enhancement of preserve lands. The
city’s draft 2022-2026 Preserve Management Plan specifically addresses 629.1 acres of city-
owned natural open space. Those 629.1 acres are spread among the fifteen preserves, as listed
below and detailed in the plan (Exhibit 3).
Preserve Acres
Aura Circle Preserve 15.1
Aviara Park Preserve 5.6
Batiquitos Drive Preserve 2.7
Carrillo Ranch Preserve 16.6
The Crossings Preserve 203.2
Carlsbad Village Preserve 13.1
La Costa Canyon Park Preserve 8.9
La Costa/Romeria Preserve 13
Lake Calavera Preserve 255.3
Lagoon Lane Preserve 2.7
Los Monos Preserve 20.4
Poinsettia Park Preserve 11.4
Research Center Preserve 2.5
Veterans Park - Macario Canyon Preserve 43.5
Village H Preserve 15.1
Total 629.1
The Center for Natural Lands Management has successfully managed, maintained, and
monitored the city’s open space preserves for the City of Carlsbad since 2009, under three
consecutive agreements. Most recently, on Dec. 13, 2016, the City Council approved the 2016-
2021 Preserve Management Plan (Resolution No. 2016-237) and approved a professional
services agreement with the center for the services. (Resolution No. 2016-238).
The consulting firm Environmental Science Associates updated the previous plan to create the
2022-2026 Preserve Management Plan under a professional services agreement approved in
April 2021.
On Aug. 16, 2021, the city issued a request for proposals for the 2022-26 management,
maintenance and monitoring of Carlsbad’s open space preserves. The request included a
general scope of work that specified that the selected firm will be required to perform the
monitoring and habitat preserve management activities identified in the 2022-2026 Preserve
1 The Multiple Habitat Conservation Program is a comprehensive conservation planning process that encompasses
the cities of Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach, and Vista.
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 2 of 296
Management Plan on behalf of the City of Carlsbad and to act as the preserve management
firm, the entity with on-the-ground responsibility for managing and monitoring the preserve
areas.
On Sept. 14, 2021, representatives from six firms attended the mandatory pre-proposal
meeting. On Oct. 5, 2021, two firms submitted proposals: The Center for Natural Lands
Management and ICF Jones & Stokes Inc. Both firms’ qualifications were reviewed and ranked
by a four-member selection committee comprised of Parks & Recreation Department and
Environmental Management Department staff, using pre-determined evaluation criteria. The
Center for Natural Lands Management was ranked highest.
Staff recommend the City Council approve a five-year professional services agreement (a one-
year initial term, with two, two-year term extensions at the City Manager’s approval) with the
Center for Natural Lands Management, in an amount not-to-exceed $280,305 per year.
Options
Staff provide the following options for the City Council’s consideration, and recommend Option
1:
1. Approve the 2022-2026 Preserve Management Plan and accept bids and approve a
professional services agreement with the center for the 2022-2026 management,
maintenance and monitoring of the City of Carlsbad open space preserves, in amount not
to exceed $280,305 per year.
Pros
• The Center for Natural Lands Management has been determined to be the best
value vendor to provide the specified management services
• Preserve management services can start upon execution of the agreement
• Seamless transition and continuity of service levels is maintained
Cons
• None identified
2. Do not approve the 2022-26 Preserve Management Plan and do not accept the bids and
do not approve an agreement with the center and direct staff to pursue agreement with
alternative bidder.
Pros
• None identified
Cons
• Delays start of services
• Potential for a lapse in service once existing agreement expires
• Potential increase in costs due to delay in award
Fiscal Analysis
The professional services agreement will be funded from the Parks & Recreation Department -
Parks Maintenance Operating Budget. Sufficient funds are available to fund the initial one-year
term of the agreement, in an amount not to exceed $280,305. Two, two-year term extensions,
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 3 of 296
each in an amount not to exceed $560,610 (or $280,305 per year), may be approved by the City
Manager.
Next Steps
Staff will implement the 2022-2026 Preserve Management Plan and direct the Center of
Natural Lands Management to begin work under the professional services agreement.
Environmental Evaluation
This action is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review according to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15308 – Actions by regulatory agencies for protection of the environment to
assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement or protection of the environment.
Public Notification
Public notice of this item was posted in keeping with the state's Ralph M. Brown Act and it was
available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution approving the City of Carlsbad 2022-26 Preserve Management Plan
2. City Council resolution approving a professional services agreement with the Center for
Natural Lands Management
3. City of Carlsbad 2022-2026 Preserve Management Plan
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 4 of 296
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-261
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE CITY OF CARLSBAD 2022 -2026 PRESERVE
MANAGEMENT PLAN, GUIDING THE MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE AND
MONITORING OF THE CITY-OWNED OPEN SPACE PRESERVES
EXHIBIT 1
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined that the purpose
of the City of Carlsbad 2022-2026 Preserve Management Plan is to provide management, maintenance
and monitoring guidelines that serve conservation goals for the fifteen city-owned open space
preserves; and
WHEREAS, the preserve lands are to be managed for the protection of sensitive resources.
which in turn meets the city's obligation to the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program, the Open Space
Management Plan and the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, the city's Multiple Habitat Conservation Program incidental take permit (under the
Endangered Species A~t) requires that a Preserve Management Plan achieve the city's obligation tc
protect and enhance wildlife values pursuant to its sub-area Habitat Management Plan implementine
agreement and the Open Space Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, the draft City of Carlsbad 2022 -2026 Preserve Management Plan specificallv
addresses 629.1 acres of city-owned natural open space over fifteen preserves, for which the city is
directly responsible as the preserve manager; and
WHEREAS, the draft City of Carlsbad 2022 -2026 Preserve Management Plan, prepared by
Environmental Science Associates, details the activities to be performed for the management,
maintenance and monitoring of city-owned preserves; and
WHEREAS, the City Planner has considered the potential environmental effects of this project
and has been determined it to be exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 and that no exception to the exemption as set forth in
CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 applies
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the City of Carlsbad 2022 -2026 Preserve Management Plan, on file in the City
Clerk's Office, is approved.
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 5 of 296
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-262
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
THE CENTER FOR NATURAL LANDS MANAGEMENT FOR THE MANAGEMENT,
MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD OPEN SPACE
PRESERVES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $280,305 PER YEAR
EXHIBIT 2
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined that on Aug. lE.,
2021, the city issued a request for proposals for the management, maintenance and monitoring of the
City of Carlsbad open space preserves; and
WHEREAS, on Oct. 5, 2021, two proposals were received by the city, which staff deemed
responsive to the request; and
WHEREAS, both firms' qualifications were ranked by a four.,member selection committee o=
Parks & Recreation Department staff and Environmental Management Department staff; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends entering into a professional services agreement with the Center
for Natural Lands Management, for the management, maintenance and monitoring of the City of
Carlsbad open space preserves, in an amount not-to-exceed $280,305, per year; and
WHEREAS, sufficient funds are available to fund the initial one-year term of the agreement; and
WHEREAS, the City Planner has considered the potential environmental effects of this project
and has been determined it to be exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 and that no exception to the exemption as set forth in
CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 applies
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the professional service agreement with the Center for Natural Lands Management
is hereby approved, and the Mayor of the City of Carlsbad is hereby authorized and
directed to execute the agreement with the Center for Natural Lands Management, for
the 2022-2026 management, maintenance and monitoring of the City of Carlsbad open
space preserves, in an amount not-to-exceed $280,305 per year, attached hereto as
Attachment A.
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 7 of 296
DocuSign Envelope ID: C2FA46D4-65E9-4100-9CEF-F540DC3231ED
Attachment A
AGREEMENT FOR MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING OF
THE CITY OF CARLSBAD OPEN SPACE PRESERVES
CENTER FOR NATURAL LANDS MANAGEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the 8th day of
December , 20..1.1, by and between the CITY OF CARLSBAD, a municipal
corporation, ("City"), and Center for Natural Lands Management, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit
co_rporation, ("Contractor").
RECITALS
A. City requires the professional services of an open space preserve land
management firm that is experienced in management, maintenance and monitoring of open space
preserves.
B. Contractor has the necessary experience in providing professional services and
advice related to management, maintenance and monitoring of open space preserves.
C. Contractor has submitted a proposal to City and has affirmed its willingness and
ability to perform such work.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these recitals and the mutual covenants
contained herein, City and Contractor agree as foll<;>ws:
1. SCOPE OF WORK
City retains Contractor to perform, and Contractor agrees to render, those services (the
"Services") that are defined in in the 2022-2026 Preserve Management Plan (on file with the Parks
& Recreation Administration Office) and attached Exhibit "A", which is incorporated by this
reference in accordance with this Agreement's terms and conditions.
2. STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE
While_ performing the Services, Contractor will exercise the reasonable professional care and skill
customarily exercised by reputable members of Contractor's profession practicing in the
Metropolitan Southern California Area, and will use reasonable diligence and best judgment while
exercising its professional skill and expertise.
3. TERM
The term of this Agreement will be effective for a period of one (1) year from the date first above
written. The City Manager may amend the Agreement to extend it for two (2) additional two (2)
year periods or parts thereof. Extensions will be based upon a satisfactory review of Contractor's
performance, City needs, and appropriation of funds by the City Council. The parties will prepare
a written amendment indicating the effective date and length of the extended Agreement.
4. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
Time is of the essence for each and every provision of this Agreement.
5. COMPENSATION
The total fee payable for the Services to be performed during the initial Agreement term shall not .
exceed two hundred eighty thousand three hundred five dollars ($280,305) to be paid on a time
and materials basis. No other compensation for the Services will be allowed except for items
covered by subsequent amendments to this Agreement. If the City elects to extend the
Agreement, the amount shall not exceed two hundred eighty thousand three hundred five dollars
($280,305) per year or five hundred sixty thousand six hundred ten dollars ($560,610) per
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additional two-year period. The City reserves the right to withhold a ten percent (10%) retention
until City has accepted the work and/or Services specified in Exhibit "A".
Incremental payments, if applicable, should be made as outlined in attached Exhibit "A".
6. PREVAILING WAGE RATES
Any construction, alteration, demolition, repair, and maintenance work, including work performed
during design and preconstruction such as inspection and land surveying work, cumulatively
exceeding $1,000 and performed under this Agreement are subject to state prevailing wage laws.
The general prevailing rate of wages, for each craft or type of worker needed to execute the
contract, shall be those as determined by the Director of Industrial Relations pursuant to the
Section 1770, 1773 and 1773.1 of the California Labor Code. Pursuant to Section 1773.2 of the
California Labor code, a current copy of applicable wage rates is on file in the office of the City
Engineer. Contractor shall not pay less than the said specified prevailing rates of wages to all
such workers employed by him or her in the execution of the Agreement. Contractor and any
subcontractors shall comply with Section 1776 of the California Labor Code, which generally
requires keeping accurate payroll records, verifying and certifying payroll records, and making
them available for inspection. Contractor shall require any subcontractors to comply with Section
1776.
7. STATUS OF CONTRACTOR
Contractor will perform the Services in Contractor's own way as an independent contractor and
in pursuit of Contractor's independent calling, and not as an employee of City. Contractor will be
under control of City only as to the result to be accomplished, but will consult with City as
necessary. The persons used by Contractor to provide services under this Agreement will not be
considered employees of City for any purposes.
The payment made to Contractor pursuant to the Agreement will be the full and complete
compensation to which Contractor is entitled. City will not make any federal or state tax
withholdings on behalf of Contractor or its agents, employees or subcontractors. City will not be
required to pay any workers' compensation insurance or unemployment contributions on behalf
of Contractor or its employees or subcontractors. Contractor agrees to indemnify City within thirty
(30) days for any tax, retirement contribution, social security, overtime payment, unemployment
payment or workers' compensation payment which City may be required to make on behalf of
Contractor or any agent, employee, or subcontractor of Contractor for work done under this
owing to Contractor.
8. SUBCONTRACTING
Contractor will not subcontract any portion of the Services without prior written approval of City.
If Contractor subcontracts any of the Services, Contractor will be fully responsible to City for the
acts and omissions of Contractor's subcontractor and of the persons either directly or indirectly
employed by the subcontractor, as Contractor is for the acts and omissions of persons directly
employed by Contractor. Nothing contained in this Agreement will create any contractual
relationship between any subcontractor of Contractor and City. Contractor will be responsible for
payment of subcontractors. Contractor will bind every subcontractor and every subcontractor of
a subcontractor by the terms of this Agreement applicable to Contractor's work unless specifically
noted to the contrary in the subcontract and approved in writing by City.
9. OTHER CONTRACTORS
The City reserves the right to employ other Contractors in connection with the Services.
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10. INDEMNIFICATION
Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City and its officers, officials, employees
and volunteers from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses including attorneys
fees arising out of the performance of the work described herein caused by any negligence,
recklessness, or willful misconduct of the Contractor, any subcontractor, anyone directly or
indirectly employed by any of them or anyone for whose acts any of them may be liable.
The parties expressly agree that any payment, atto
-
compensation is included as a loss, expense or cost for the purposes of this section, and that this
section will survive the expiration or early termination of this Agreement.
11. INSURANCE
Contractor will obtain and maintain for the duration of the Agreement and any and all
amendments, insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damage to property which may
arise out
agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors. The insurance will be obtained from an
insurance carrier admitted and authorized to do business in the State of California. The insurance
carrier is required to have a current Best's Key Rating of not less than "A-:VII"; OR with a surplus
List of Approved Surplus Line Insurers (LASLI) with a rating
; OR an alien non-admitted insurer listed by
the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) latest quarterly listings report.
11.1 Coverage and Limits.
Contractor will maintain the types of coverage and minimum limits indicated below, unless the
Risk Manager or City Manager approves a lower amount. These minimum amounts of coverage
will not constitute any limitations or cap on Contractor's indemnification obligations under this
Agreement. City, its officers, agents and employees make no representation that the limits of the
insurance specified to be carried by Contractor pursuant to this Agreement are adequate to
protect Contractor. If Contractor believes that any required insurance coverage is inadequate,
Contractor will obtain such additional insurance coverage, as Contractor deems adequate, at
Contractor's sole expense. The full limits available to the named insured shall also be available
and applicable to the City as an additional insured.
11.1.1 Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance. Insurance written on an
$2,000,000 per
occurrence. If a general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregate limit shall apply
separately to this project/location or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required
occurrence limit.
11.1.2 Automobile Liability. (if the use of an automobile is involved for Contractor's work
for City). $2,000,000 combined single-limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.
11.1.3 Workers' Compensation and Employer's Liability. Workers' Compensation limits as
required by the California Labor Code. Workers' Compensation will not be required if Contractor
has no employees and provides, to City's satisfaction, a declaration stating this.
11.1.4 Professional Liability.
profession with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per claim. Coverage must be maintained for a
period of five years following the date of completion of the work.
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11.2 Additional Provisions. Contractor will ensure that the policies of insurance required under
this Agreement contain, or are endorsed to contain, the following provisions:
11.2.1 The City will be named as an additional insured on Commercial General Liability
which shall provide primary coverage to the City.
11.2.2 Contractor will obtain occurrence coverage, excluding Professional Liability, which
will be written as claims-made coverage.
11.2.3 This insurance will be in force during the life of the Agreement and any extensions
of it and will not be canceled without thirty (30) days prior written notice to City sent by certified
mail pursuant to the Notice provisions of this Agreement.
11.3 Providing Certificates of Insurance and Endorsements. Prior to City's execution of this
Agreement, Contractor will furnish certificates of insurance and endorsements to City.
11.4 Failure to Maintain Coverage. If Contractor fails to maintain any of these insurance
coverages, then City will have the option to declare Contractor in breach, or may purchase
replacement insurance or pay the premiums that are due on existing policies in order to maintain
the required coverages. Contractor is responsible for any payments made by City to obtain or
maintain insurance and City may collect these payments from Contractor or deduct the amount
paid from any sums due Contractor under this Agreement.
11.5 Submission of Insurance Policies. City reserves the right to require, at any time, complete
and certified copies of any or all required insurance policies and endorsements.
12. BUSINESS LICENSE
Contractor will obtain and maintain a City of Carlsbad Business License for the term of the
Agreement, as may be amended from time-to-time.
13. ACCOUNTING RECORDS
Contractor will maintain complete and accurate records with respect to costs incurred under this
Agreement. All records will be clearly identifiable. Contractor will allow a representative of City
during normal business hours to examine, audit, and make transcripts or copies of records and
any other documents created pursuant to this Agreement. Contractor will allow inspection of all
work, data, documents, proceedings, and activities related to the Agreement for a period of three
(3) years from the date of final payment under this Agreement.
14. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS
All work product produced by Contractor or its agents, employees, and subcontractors pursuant
to this Agreement is the property of City. In the event this Agreement is terminated, all work
product produced by Contractor or its agents, employees and subcontractors pursuant to this
Agreement will be delivered at once to City. Contractor will have the right to make one (1) copy
15. COPYRIGHTS
Contractor agrees that all copyrights that arise from the services will be vested in City and
Contractor relinquishes all claims to the copyrights in favor of City.
16. NOTICES
The name of the persons who are authorized to give written notice or to receive written notice on
behalf of City and on behalf of Contractor under this Agreement.
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For City For Contractor
Name Tim Selke Name Melanie Barranco
Title Parks Services Manager Title Co-Executive Director
Department Parks & Recreation Address 27258 Via Industria, Suite B
City of Carlsbad Temecula, CA 92590
Address 799 Pine Avenue, Suite 200 Phone No. 760-731-7790
Carlsbad, CA 92008 Email mbarranco@cnlm.org
Phone No. 760-434-2857
Each party will notify the other immediately of any changes of address that would require any
notice or delivery to be directed to another address.
17. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Contractor shall file a Conflict of Interest Statement with the City Clerk in accordance with the
requirements of the City of Carlsbad Conflict of Interest Code. The Contractor shall report
investments or interests in all categories.
Yes No
18. GENERAL COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
Contractor will keep fully informed of federal, state and local laws and ordinances and regulations
which in any manner affect those employed by Contractor, or in any way affect the performance
of the Services by Contractor. Contractor will at all times observe and comply with these laws,
ordinances, and regulations and will be responsible for the compliance of Contractor's services
with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations.
Contractor will be aware of the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
and will comply with those requirements, including, but not limited to, verifying the eligibility for
employment of all agents, employees, subcontractors and consultants whose services are
required by this Agreement.
19. DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT PROHIBITED
Contractor will comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations prohibiting
discrimination and harassment.
20. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
If a dispute should arise regarding the performance of the Services the following procedure will
be used to resolve any questions of fact or interpretation not otherwise settled by agreement
between the parties. Representatives of Contractor or City will reduce such questions, and their
respective views, to writing. A copy of such documented dispute will be forwarded to both parties
involved along with recommended methods of resolution, which would be of benefit to both
parties. The representative receiving the letter will reply to the letter along with a recommended
method of resolution within ten (10) business days. If the resolution thus obtained is unsatisfactory
to the aggrieved party, a letter outlining the disputes will be forwarded to the City Manager. The
City Manager will consider the facts and solutions recommended by each party and may then opt
to direct a solution to the problem. In such cases, the action of the City Manager will be binding
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upon the parties involved, although nothing in this procedure will prohibit the parties from seeking
remedies available to them at law.
21. TERMINATION
In the event of the Contractor's failure to prosecute, deliver, or perform the Services, City may
terminate this Agreement for nonperformance by notifying Contractor by certified mail of the
termination. If City decides to abandon or indefinitely postpone the work or services contemplated
by this Agreement, City may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Contractor. Upon
notification of termination, Contractor has five (5) business days to deliver any documents owned
by City and all work in progress to City address contained in this Agreement. City will make a
determination of fact based upon the work product delivered to City and of the percentage of work
that Contractor has performed which is usable and of worth to City in having the Agreement
completed. Based upon that finding City will determine the final payment of the Agreement.
Either party upon tendering thirty (30) days written notice to the other party may terminate this
Agreement. In this event and upon request of City, Contractor will assemble the work product and
put it in order for proper filing and closing and deliver it to City. Contractor will be paid for work
performed to the termination date; however, the total will not exceed the lump sum fee payable
under this Agreement. City will make the final determination as to the portions of tasks completed
and the compensation to be made.
22. COVENANTS AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES
Contractor warrants that Contractor has not employed or retained any company or person, other
than a bona fide employee working for Contractor, to solicit or secure this Agreement, and that
Contractor has not paid or agreed to pay any company or person, other than a bona fide
employee, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift, or any other consideration
contingent upon, or resulting from, the award or making of this Agreement. For breach or violation
of this warranty, City will have the right to annul this Agreement without liability, or, in its discretion,
to deduct from the Agreement price or consideration, or otherwise recover, the full amount of the
fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fees, gift, or contingent fee.
23. CLAIMS AND LAWSUITS
By signing this Agreement, Contractor agrees that any Agreement claim submitted to City must
be asserted as part of the Agreement process as set forth in this Agreement and not in anticipation
of litigation or in conjunction with litigation. Contractor acknowledges that if a false claim is
submitted to City, it may be considered fraud and Contractor may be subject to criminal
prosecution. Contractor acknowledges that California Government Code sections 12650 et seq.,
the False Claims Act applies to this Agreement and, provides for civil penalties where a person
knowingly submits a false claim to a public entity. These provisions include false claims made
with deliberate ignorance of the false information or in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of
information. If City seeks to recover penalties pursuant to the False Claims Act, it is entitled to
recover its litigation costs, including attorney's fees. Contractor acknowledges that the filing of a
false claim may subject Contractor to an administrative debarment proceeding as the result of
which Contractor may be prevented to act as a Contractor on any public work or improvement for
a period of up to five (5) years. Contractor acknowledges debarment by another jurisdiction is
grounds for City to terminate this Agreement.
24. JURISDICTION AND VENUE
Any action at law or in equity brought by either of the parties for the purpose of enforcing a right
or rights provided for by this Agreement will be tried in a court of competent jurisdiction in the
County of San Diego, State of California, and the parties waive all provisions of law providing for
a change of venue in these proceedings to any other county.
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25. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
It is mutually understood and agreed that this Agreement will be binding upon City and Contractor
and their respective successors. Neither this Agreement nor any part of it nor any monies due or
to become due under it may be assigned by Contractor without the prior consent of City, which
shall not be unreasonably withheld.
26. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement, together with any other written document referred to or contemplated by it, along
with the purchase order for this Agreement and its provisions, embody the entire Agreement and
understanding between the parties relating to the subject matter of it. In case of conflict, the terms
of the Agreement supersede the purchase order. Neither this Agreement nor any of its provisions
may be amended, modified, waived or discharged except in a writing signed by both parties.
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SCOPE OF SERVICES
Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment,
transportation, and services required to implement the goals and objectives identified in the
2022-2026 Preserve Management Plan (PMP). CNLM will be primarily responsible for:
Managing individual city owned parcels according to the PMP.
Monitoring species, habitats, and management actions according to the PMP.
Coordinating with the Habitat Management Division, preserve steward, other preserve
managers, San Diego Management and Monitoring Program (SDMMP), other city
departments, and the wildlife agencies regarding open space management issues,
management, and monitoring.
Collecting biological monitoring data according to MHCP and/or SDMMP established
protocols for preserve level, MHCP level, and regional monitoring
Submitting data to the Habitat Management Division and wildlife agencies.
GIS Mapping of all potential future mitigation projects at Lake Calavera Preserve, including
GPS coordinates, habitat type analysis and GIS implementation.
Climate Science Alliance South Coast, and San Diego Management and Monitoring
Program, incorporate Climate Smart Conservation goals, objectives and actions for the
Lake Calavera Preserve and one additional upland preserve.
Public Outreach
Maintenance of signage and fences, and land management activities, such as invasive
species removal, trash/dumping removal and disposal, encampment removal, graffiti
removal, erosion control, blockage of unauthorized trails, and/or remedial habitat
restoration.
Patrols and Enforcement
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 17 of 296
Attachment A
City Attorney Approved Version 6/12/18
10
PROPOSED COST OF SERVICES
Incremental payments will be made on a monthly basis for the tasks outlined in the PMP, which
are categorized below. CNLM shall submit invoices by the 5th day of the month for tasks
performed in the previous month. CNLM shall provide detailed records of all monthly tasks
performed and include all required reports of preserve management services. Actual payments
made to CNLM shall be based on actual monthly tasks performed and may be different from the
prices estimated below. The total fee payable for the services to be performed during the initial
Agreement term shall not exceed two hundred eighty thousand three hundred and five dollars
($280,305). If extensions to the initial term are utilized, the total fee payable per Agreement year
shall not exceed two hundred eighty thousand three hundred and five dollars ($280,305).
Item
No. Description Unit Price 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
1 Biological Surveys Lump
Sum/year $36,487 $18,533 $17,010 $18,355 $13,124
2 Habitat
Maintenance
Lump
Sum/year $64,769 $67,036 $66,904 $71,811 $71,669
3 Water
Management
Lump
Sum/year $288 $298 $309 $319 $330
4 Site Maintenance Lump
Sum/year $5,471 $5,312 $5,437 $5,710 $5,781
5 Reporting Lump
Sum/year $16,368 $16,940 $17,533 $18,147 $18,782
6 Operations Lump
Sum/year $30,713 $31,788 $32,901 $37,853 $35,244
7 General
Maintenance
Lump
Sum/year $28,143 $26,940 $27,069 $28,859 $28,997
8 Patrol/Enforcement 2,000
hours/year* $92,084 $92,651 $95,894 $99,250 $102,811
PROPOSAL TOTAL Annual $274,323 $259,499 $263,057 $280,305 $276,740
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 18 of 296
Final
CITY OF CARLSBAD PRESERVES
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan
Prepared for October 2021
City of Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92123
EXHIBIT 3
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 19 of 296
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 20 of 296
Final
CITY OF CARLSBAD PRESERVES
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan
Prepared for October 2021
City of Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92123
Prepared by
Environmental Science Associates
Adapted from City of Carlsbad 2017-2021 Preserve Management
Plan
Prepared by:
Center for Natural Lands Management
215 W. Ash Street
Fallbrook, CA 92028
Point of Contact: Sarah Godfrey,
San Diego Area Manager
Tierra Data, Inc.
10110 W. Lilac Road
Escondido, California 92026
Point of Contact:
Elizabeth M. Kellogg,
President
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 21 of 296
|
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 22 of 296
TABLE OF CONTENTS
City of Carlsbad Preserves
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan
Page
1.0 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose of this Preserve Management Plan .......................................................... 1 1.2 How This Plan Is Organized ................................................................................... 6 1.3 Administration and Management of the Preserve .................................................. 7 1.3.1 Management Context ................................................................................. 7
2.0 Biophysical Overview of Properties ............................................................................. 9 2.1 Geographic and Topographical Setting .................................................................. 9 2.2 Property Boundaries and Adjacent Land Use ........................................................ 9 2.3 Climate, Hydrology, Geology and Soils .................................................................. 9 2.3.1 Climate ........................................................................................................ 9 2.3.2 Water Resources and Hydrology ............................................................. 11 2.3.3 Geology and Soils .................................................................................... 11 2.4 Cultural Features ................................................................................................... 13
3.0 Overview of Field Activities ........................................................................................ 15
3.1 Vegetation Communities, Habitats, and Plant Species ........................................ 15 3.1.1 Vegetation Communities .......................................................................... 15 3.1.2 Vegetation Assessments .......................................................................... 24 3.1.3 Plant Species ............................................................................................ 27 3.1.4 Animal Species ......................................................................................... 28 3.1.5 Sensitive Species Covered by the HMP .................................................. 28 3.1.6 Sensitive Plant Species ............................................................................ 29 3.1.7 Sensitive Animal Species ......................................................................... 34 3.1.8 Nonnative Plants and Animals ................................................................. 39 3.2 Summary of Issues and Threats in City-Owned Preserves.................................. 48 3.2.1 Ecological Threats Models ....................................................................... 49 3.2.2 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub and Chaparral Threats Model ..................... 49 3.2.3 Coastal California Gnatcatcher Threats Model ........................................ 51
4.0 Management Strategy .................................................................................................. 53 4.1 Definition of Terms Used in This Plan .................................................................. 53 4.2 Management and Monitoring Assumptions .......................................................... 54 4.3 Biological Element................................................................................................. 54 4.3.1 Vegetation Associations ASMDs .............................................................. 55 4.3.2 Covered Species ASMDs ......................................................................... 58 4.3.3 Wildlife Corridors ...................................................................................... 63 4.3.4 Nonnative Plants ...................................................................................... 63 4.3.5 Exotic and Domestic Animals/Mosquitos ................................................. 63 4.3.6 Erosion Control ......................................................................................... 64
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4.3.7 Reporting, Updating, and HMP Coordination ........................................... 65 4.3.8 Adaptive Management.............................................................................. 66 4.4 Public Use Element ............................................................................................... 67 4.4.1 Public Use ASMDs ................................................................................... 68 4.5 Fire Management Element .................................................................................... 69 4.5.1 Fire History ............................................................................................... 69 4.5.2 The Fire Environment ............................................................................... 72 4.5.3 Goals ........................................................................................................ 74 4.5.4 Fire Management ASMDs ........................................................................ 74 4.6 Facility Maintenance Element ............................................................................... 76 4.6.1 Facility Maintenance Goal and ASMDs .................................................... 76 4.7 MHCP Biological Monitoring Element ................................................................... 76 4.7.1 Monitoring Goal and ASMDs .................................................................... 77
5.0 Implementation Strategy ............................................................................................. 79 5.1 Roles and Responsibilities .................................................................................... 79 5.1.1 Wildlife Agencies ...................................................................................... 79 5.1.2 California Coastal Commission ................................................................ 80 5.1.3 City of Carlsbad ........................................................................................ 80 5.1.4 Carlsbad HMP Preserve Steward ............................................................ 80 5.1.5 Preserve Manager .................................................................................... 80 5.1.6 Scientific Community, Environmental NGOs, and General Public .......... 81 5.2 Preserve Management Decision Authority ........................................................... 81 5.3 Management, Monitoring, Operations and Maintenance Budget Summary ........ 82 5.4 Reporting Requirements ....................................................................................... 82 5.4.1 Five-Year Management Plans .................................................................. 82 5.4.2 Annual Reports and Work Plans .............................................................. 82
5.4.3 Meetings and Public Participation ............................................................ 82 5.4.4 Data .......................................................................................................... 82
6.0 Parcel Descriptions and Management Summary ..................................................... 83 6.1 Aura Circle Preserve ............................................................................................. 83 6.1.1 General Site Characteristics ..................................................................... 83 6.1.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................... 84 6.1.3 Fire History ............................................................................................... 84 6.1.4 Vegetation ................................................................................................. 84 6.1.5 Sensitive Resources ................................................................................. 84 6.1.6 Management Actions ................................................................................ 84 6.2 Aviara Park Preserve ............................................................................................ 89 6.2.1 General Site Characteristics ..................................................................... 89 6.2.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................... 90
6.2.3 Fire History ............................................................................................... 90 6.2.4 Vegetation ................................................................................................. 90 6.2.5 Sensitive Resources ................................................................................. 90 6.2.6 Management Actions ................................................................................ 91 6.3 Batiquitos Drive Preserve ..................................................................................... 95 6.3.1 General Preserve Site Characteristics ..................................................... 95 6.3.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................... 96 6.3.3 Fire History ............................................................................................... 96 6.3.4 Vegetation ................................................................................................. 96 6.3.5 Sensitive Resources ................................................................................. 96 6.3.6 Management Actions ................................................................................ 96
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 24 of 296
6.4 Carrillo Ranch Preserve ...................................................................................... 102 6.4.1 General Site Characteristics ................................................................... 102 6.4.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................. 103 6.4.3 Fire History ............................................................................................. 103 6.4.4 Vegetation ............................................................................................... 103 6.4.5 Sensitive Resources ............................................................................... 103 6.4.6 Management Actions .............................................................................. 103 6.5 Carlsbad Village Preserve .................................................................................. 108 6.5.1 General Site Characteristics ................................................................... 108 6.5.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................. 109 6.5.3 Fire History ............................................................................................. 109 6.5.4 Vegetation ............................................................................................... 109 6.5.5 Sensitive Resources ............................................................................... 109
6.5.6 Management Actions .............................................................................. 109 6.6 The Crossings Preserve ..................................................................................... 115 6.6.1 General Site Characteristics ................................................................... 115 6.6.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................. 116 6.6.3 Fire History ............................................................................................. 116 6.6.4 Vegetation ............................................................................................... 117 6.6.5 Sensitive Resources ............................................................................... 117 6.6.6 Management Actions .............................................................................. 118 6.7 La Costa Canyon Park Preserve ........................................................................ 124 6.7.1 General Site Characteristics ................................................................... 124 6.7.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................. 125 6.7.3 Fire History ............................................................................................. 125 6.7.4 Vegetation ............................................................................................... 125
6.7.5 Sensitive Resources ............................................................................... 125 6.7.6 Management Actions .............................................................................. 125 6.8 La Costa Romeria Preserve ................................................................................ 131 6.8.1 General Site Characteristics ................................................................... 131 6.8.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................. 132 6.8.3 Fire History ............................................................................................. 132 6.8.4 Vegetation ............................................................................................... 132 6.8.5 Sensitive Resources ............................................................................... 132 6.8.6 Management Actions .............................................................................. 132 6.9 Lagoon Lane Preserve ........................................................................................ 139 6.9.1 General Site Characteristics ................................................................... 139 6.9.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................. 140 6.9.3 Fire History ............................................................................................. 140
6.9.4 Vegetation ............................................................................................... 140
6.9.5 Sensitive Resources ............................................................................... 140 6.9.6 Management Actions .............................................................................. 140 6.10 Lake Calavera Preserve ..................................................................................... 145 6.10.1 General Site Characteristics ................................................................... 145 6.10.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................. 148 6.10.3 Fire History ............................................................................................. 148 6.10.4 Vegetation ............................................................................................... 148 6.10.5 Sensitive Resources ............................................................................... 148 6.10.6 Management Actions .............................................................................. 149 6.11 Los Monos Preserve ........................................................................................... 160 6.11.1 General Site Characteristics ................................................................... 160
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6.11.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................. 161 6.11.3 Fire History ............................................................................................. 161 6.11.4 Vegetation ............................................................................................... 161 6.11.5 Sensitive Resources ............................................................................... 161 6.11.6 Management Actions .............................................................................. 161 6.12 Poinsettia Park Preserve .................................................................................... 167 6.12.1 General Site Characteristics ................................................................... 167 6.12.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................. 168 6.12.3 Fire History ............................................................................................. 168 6.12.4 Vegetation ............................................................................................... 168 6.12.5 Sensitive Resources ............................................................................... 168 6.12.6 Management Actions .............................................................................. 168 6.13 Research Center Preserve ................................................................................. 173
6.13.1 General Site Characteristics ................................................................... 173 6.13.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................. 174 6.13.3 Fire History ............................................................................................. 174 6.13.4 Vegetation ............................................................................................... 174 6.13.5 Sensitive Resources ............................................................................... 174 6.13.6 Management Actions .............................................................................. 174 6.14 Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve .......................................................... 178 6.14.1 General Site Characteristics ................................................................... 178 6.14.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................. 179 6.14.3 Fire History ............................................................................................. 179 6.14.4 Vegetation ............................................................................................... 179 6.14.5 Sensitive Resources ............................................................................... 179 6.14.6 Management Actions .............................................................................. 179
6.15 Village H Preserve .............................................................................................. 184 6.15.1 General Site Characteristics ................................................................... 184 6.15.2 Soil Characteristics ................................................................................. 185 6.15.3 Fire History ............................................................................................. 185 6.15.4 Vegetation ............................................................................................... 185 6.15.5 Sensitive Resources ............................................................................... 185 6.15.6 Management Actions .............................................................................. 186
7.0 References .................................................................................................................. 192
Appendices
A. City of Carlsbad Open Space Plant Species List, 2009-2010 B. Animal Species Observed C. Coastal Sage Scrub Monitoring Plan (Revised in 2013)
D. Thread-leaf Brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) Monitoring Plan E. Zero and Moderate Tolerance Exotic Species F. City of Carlsbad Integrated Pest Management Plan G. Sample Pesticide Use Reporting Form H. City-owned Preserves with Trails
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 26 of 296
List of Figures
Figure 2-1 Average monthly temperature regime at weather station at Carlsbad McClellan Palomar Airport, CA, from 1971 and 2020 ........................................... 10 Figure 2-2 Annual precipitation at weather station at Carlsbad McClellan Palomar Airport, CA, from 1971 and 2020 .......................................................................... 11 Figure 3-1 Shrub Percent Cover (2010–2016) on City-owned Preserves (CSS) .................... 27 Figure 3-2 Average Species Richness in CSS plots .............................................................. 28 Figure 3-3 Trend in Plant Cover in Thread-leaved Brodiaea Index Plots (+/- 1s) ................... 33
List of Maps
Map 1-1 Location of City-owned Preserves......................................................................... 2 Map 1-2 Management entities and the HMP Preserve System .......................................... 3 Map 1-3 Conservation Status of Lands within the HMP Preserve System ......................... 4 Map 1-4 HMP Core Areas, Linkages, and Special Resource Areas ................................... 5 Map 4-1 Regional fire history, with extent of fire called out by decade. ............................ 71 Map 6-1 Preserve Aerial: Aura Circle Preserve ................................................................ 86 Map 6-2 Preserve Soils: Aura Circle Preserve .................................................................. 87 Map 6-3 Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: Aura Circle Preserve ............. 88
Map 6-4 Preserve Aerial: Aviara Park Preserve ................................................................ 92 Map 6-5 Soils at Aviara Park Preserve .............................................................................. 93 Map 6-6 Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: Aviara Park Preserve ............ 94 Map 6-7 Preserve Aerial: Batiquitos Drive Preserve ......................................................... 98 Map 6-8 Preserve Soils: Batiquitos Drive Preserve .......................................................... 99 Map 6-9a Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: Batiquitos Drive Preserve ............................................................................................................ 100 Map 6-9b Erosion Control: Batiquitos Drive Preserve ....................................................... 101 Map 6-10 Preserve Aerial: Carrillo Ranch Preserve ......................................................... 105 Map 6-11 Preserve Soils: Carrillo Ranch Preserve ........................................................... 106 Map 6-12 Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: Carrillo Ranch Preserve ............................................................................................................ 107 Map 6-13 Preserve Aerial: Carlsbad Village Preserve ...................................................... 111
Map 6-14 Preserve Soils: Carlsbad Village Preserve ....................................................... 112
Map 6-15a Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: Carlsbad Village
Preserve ............................................................................................................ 113 Map 6-15b Brow Ditches and Erosion: Carlsbad Village Preserve ..................................... 114 Map 6-16 Preserve Aerial: The Crossings Preserve ......................................................... 120 Map 6-17 Preserve Soils: The Crossings Preserve .......................................................... 121 Map 6-18 Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: The Crossings Preserve ............................................................................................................ 122 Map 6-19 Brow Ditches and Erosion Control: The Crossings Preserve ........................... 123 Map 6-20 Preserve Aerial: La Costa Canyon Park Preserve ............................................ 127 Map 6-21 Preserve Soils: La Costa Canyon Park Preserve ............................................. 128 Map 6-22 Fire history: La Costa Canyon Park Preserve ................................................... 129 Map 6-23 Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: La Costa Canyon Park Preserve ............................................................................................................ 130 Map 6-24 Preserve Aerial: La Costa Romeria Preserve ................................................... 134
Map 6-25 Preserve Soils: La Costa Romeria Preserve..................................................... 135 Map 6-26 Preserve Fire history: La Costa Romeria Preserve .......................................... 136
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Map 6-27a Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: La Costa Romeria Preserve ............................................................................................................ 137 Map 6-27b Brow Ditches and Erosion Control: La Costa Romeria Preserve ..................... 138 Map 6-28 Preserve Aerial: Lagoon Lane Preserve ........................................................... 142 Map 6-29 Preserve Soils: Lagoon Lane Preserve ............................................................. 143 Map 6-30 Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: Lagoon Lane Preserve ....... 144 Map 6-31 Preserve Aerial: Lake Calavera Preserve ......................................................... 151 Map 6-32 Preserve Soils: Lake Calavera Preserve .......................................................... 153 Map 6-33 Fire History: Lake Calavera Preserve ............................................................... 155 Map 6-34a Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: Lake Calavera Preserve .......... 157 Map 6-34b Erosion Control: Lake Calavera Preserve ......................................................... 159 Map 6-35 Preserve Aerial: Los Monos Reserve ................................................................ 163 Map 6-36 Preserve Soils: Los Monos Reserve ................................................................. 164
Map 6-37 Fire History: Los Monos Reserve ...................................................................... 165 Map 6-38 Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: Los Monos Reserve ............ 166 Map 6-39 Preserve Aerial: Poinsettia Park Preserve ........................................................ 170 Map 6-40 Preserve Soils: Poinsettia Park Preserve ......................................................... 171 Map 6-41 Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: Poinsettia Park Preserve ............................................................................................................ 172 Map 6-42 Preserve Aerial: Research Center Preserve ..................................................... 175 Map 6-43 Preserve Soils: Research Center Preserve ...................................................... 176 Map 6-44 Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: Research Center Preserve ...... 177 Map 6-45 Preserve Aerial: Veterans Park and Macario Canyon Preserves ..................... 181 Map 6-46 Preserve Soils: Veterans Park and Macario Canyon Preserves ...................... 182 Map 6-47 Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: Veterans Park and Macario Canyon Preserves ............................................................................... 183
Map 6-48a Preserve Aerial: Village H Preserve .................................................................. 187 Map 6-48b Ownership and Designations: Village H Preserve ............................................ 188 Map 6-49 Preserve Soils: Village H Preserve ................................................................... 189 Map 6-50 Vegetation Communities and Sensitive Species: Village H Preserve .............. 190 Map 6-51 Brow ditches: Village H Preserve ...................................................................... 191
List of Photos
Photo 6-1 Aura Circle Preserve ........................................................................................... 83 Photo 6-2 Aviara Park Preserve ........................................................................................... 89 Photo 6-3 Batiquitos Drive Preserve .................................................................................... 95 Photo 6-4 Carrillo Ranch Preserve .................................................................................... 102 Photo 6-5 Carlsbad Village Preserve ................................................................................. 108 Photo 6-6 The Crossings Preserve .................................................................................... 115 Photo 6-7 La Costa Canyon Park Preserve ....................................................................... 124 Photo 6-8 La Costa Romeria Preserve .............................................................................. 131 Photo 6-9 Lagoon Lane Preserve ...................................................................................... 139 Photo 6-10 Lake Calavera Preserve .................................................................................... 145 Photo 6-11 Los Monos Preserve .......................................................................................... 160 Photo 6-12 Poinsettia Park Preserve ................................................................................... 167 Photo 6-13 Research Center Preserve ................................................................................ 173
Photo 6-14 Veterans Park Preserve(top) and Macario Canyon Preserve (bottom) ............ 178 Photo 6-15 Village H Preserve ............................................................................................. 184
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List of Tables
Table 1-1 Other HMP Preserves and Preserve Managers in the City of Carlsbad ............... 1 Table 2-1 Characteristics of Soils Found on City-owned Preserves (U.S. Department of Agriculture 1973) ......................................................................... 12 Table 3-1 Vegetation Community Acreages for the City-owned Preserves ........................ 17 Table 3-2 Number and Location of Vegetation Community Assessments.......................... 25 Table 3-3 Sensitive Plants Known to Occur on the Preserve ............................................. 31 Table 3-4 Thread-leaved Brodiaea Counts within Index Plots ............................................ 33 Table 3-5 Coastal California Gnatcatcher Trends 2009–2018 ............................................ 35 Table 3-6 Sensitive Animals Known to Occur on the Preserve........................................... 37 Table 3-7 Moderate-Tolerance Weed Species Observed ................................................... 40 Table 3-8 Zero-Tolerance Weed Species Observed ........................................................... 44 Table 4-1 Summary of Monitoring ASMDs for Vegetation Associations and
Covered Species ................................................................................................. 59 Table 4-2 Selected Species to Be Monitored or Documented, and Time of Optimum Detectiona ............................................................................................ 77 Table 6-1 Site Characteristics at Aura Circle Preserve ....................................................... 84 Table 6-2 Management Activities and Specific Actions for the Next 5 Years at Aura Circle Preserve .................................................................................................... 85 Table 6-3 Site Characteristics at Aviara Park Preserve ...................................................... 90 Table 6-4 Management Activities and Specific Actions for the Next 5 Years at Aviara Park Preserve ........................................................................................... 91 Table 6-5 Site Characteristics at Batiquitos Drive Preserve ............................................... 96 Table 6-6 Management Activities and Specific Actions for the Next 5 Years at Batiquitos Drive Preserve .................................................................................... 97 Table 6-7 Site Characteristics at Carrillo Ranch Preserve ................................................ 103
Table 6-8 Management Activities and Specific Actions for the Next 5 Years at Carrillo Ranch Preserve .................................................................................... 104 Table 6-9 Site Characteristics at Carlsbad Village Preserve ............................................ 109 Table 6-10 Management Activities and Specific Actions for the Next 5 Years at Carlsbad Village Preserve ................................................................................. 110 Table 6-11 Site Characteristics at the Municipal Golf Course ............................................. 116 Table 6-12 Sensitive Plants Identified or Potentially Occurring On-Site ............................. 117 Table 6-13 Sensitive Wildlife Identified On-Site ..................................................................... 118 Table 6-14 Management Activities and Specific Actions for the Next 5 Years at The Crossings Preserve ........................................................................................... 119 Table 6-15 Site Characteristics at La Costa Canyon Park Preserve .................................. 125 Table 6-16 Management Activities and Specific Actions for the Next 5 Years at La Costa Canyon Park Preserve ............................................................................ 126
Table 6-17 Site Characteristics at La Costa/Romeria ......................................................... 132
Table 6-18 Management Activities and Specific Actions for the Next 5 Years at La Costa Romeria Preserve ................................................................................... 133 Table 6-19 Site Characteristics at Lagoon Lane Preserve .................................................. 140 Table 6-20 Management Activities and Specific Actions for the Next 5 Years at Lagoon Lane Preserve ................................................................................................... 141 Table 6-21 Site Characteristics of Lake Calavera Preserve ............................................... 148 Table 6-22 Sensitive Floral Species Identified on Lake Calavera Preserve ....................... 149 Table 6-23 Sensitive Fauna Species Observed on Lake Calavera Preserve ..................... 149 Table 6-24 Management Actions at Lake Calavera Preserve for the next 5 years ............ 150 Table 6-25 Site Characteristics of Los Monos Preserve ..................................................... 161
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Table 6-26 Management Activities and Specific Actions for the Next 5 Years at Los Monos Preserve ................................................................................................ 162 Table 6-27 Site Characteristics for Poinsettia Park Preserve ............................................. 168 Table 6-28 Management Actions for Poinsettia Park Preserve for the next 5 years .......... 169 Table 6-29 Site Characteristics of Research Center Preserve ........................................... 173 Table 6-30 Management Actions at Research Center Preserve......................................... 174 Table 6-31 Site Characteristics of Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve .................... 179 Table 6-32 Management Actions at Veterans Park and Macario Canyon Preserves for the next 5 years ............................................................................................ 180 Table 6-33 Site Characteristics of Village H Preserve ........................................................ 185 Table 6-34 Management Activities and Specific Actions for the Next 5 Years at Village H Preserve ............................................................................................. 186
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List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
ASMD Area-Specific Management Directive
CAGN coastal California gnatcatcher
CCC California Coastal Commission
CDFG California Department of Fish and Game
CNLM Center for Natural Lands Management
CNPS California Native Plant Society
COHA Cooper’s hawk
DBH diameter at breast height
DCSS Diegan coastal sage scrub
ESA Endangered Species Act
GIS geographic information system
GME General Management Entity
GPS global positioning system
HMP Habitat Management Plan
HRS Habitat Restoration Services
IPM Integrated Pest Management
LBV least Bell’s vireo
MHCP Multiple Habitat Conservation Program
NCCP Natural Community Conservation Planning
NGO non-governmental organization
OSMP Open Space Management Plan
PUR Pesticide Use Reporting
PMP Preserve Management Plan
SDGE San Diego Gas & Electric
SDNHM San Diego Natural History Museum
SKW Sawyer/Keeler-Wolf
SMC southern maritime chaparral
SWFL southwestern willow flycatcher
TAIC Technology Associates International Corporation
USFS U.S. Forest Service
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
WRCC Western Regional Climate Center
W-UI Wildland-Urban Interface
WURMP Watershed Urban Runoff Management Plan
YBCH yellow-breasted chat
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CITY OF CARLSBAD PRESERVES
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of this Preserve Management Plan
The purpose of this preserve management plan (PMP) is to provide management, monitoring, and
reporting guidelines that will serve the conservation goals for certain properties owned and managed
by the City of Carlsbad (city) during the 2022–2026 period. The previous PMP served the 2017–
2021 period, which represented 5 of a total of 13 years of management of these properties.
The PMP specifically addresses the 629.1 acres1 of natural preserve land for which the city is
directly responsible as the Preserve Manager and landowner. There are other Preserve Managers
in charge of the other preserves, which are all components of the city’s Habitat Management Plan
(HMP) preserve system (Table 1-1 and Map 1-1 through Map 1-4).
TABLE 1-1 OTHER HMP PRESERVES AND PRESERVE MANAGERS IN THE CITY OF CARLSBAD
• Biological Management Entity
‒ Center for Natural Lands Management (Carlsbad Oaks North, Encinas Creek, La Costa Villages, Kelly Ranch, Calavera Hills Phase II, Robertson Ranch, Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve, La Costa Glen, and Cassia)
‒ San Diego Habitat Conservancy (Emerald Pointe Estates, Carlsbad Raceway, Laurel Tree Lane, Muroya, and Quarry Creek, Daybreak, Sonata)
‒ University of California Reserve System (UC Los Monos)
‒ Urban Corps Habitat Services (Southern Preserve, City Ventures, La Costa Collection, Poinsettia Place, New Crest, Paseo del Norte, Morning Ridge)
‒ HRS, Inc. and Dudek Environmental (Manzanita Partners, Poinsettia Station Vernal Pool Preserve)
‒ Helix Environmental (Fox-Miller, North Coast Calvary Chapel)
• City of Carlsbad (695.6 acres of natural areas and developed parks)
‒ Aura Circle, Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad Village, Carrillo Ranch, La Costa Canyon Park, La Costa/Romeria, Lagoon Lane, Lake Calavera, Los Monos, Poinsettia Park, Research Center, The Crossings, Veterans Park, Macario Canyon, and Village H.
• Other Public or Semi-Public Organizations
‒ North County Transit, San Diego Gas & Electric, Cabrillo Power, State Parks
• Private/Homeowners Association/Business Association
‒ A variety of unmanaged preserves owned and maintained by 92 different private HOAs or BAs
• Wildlife Agencies (CDFW)
‒ Agua Hedionda Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Carlsbad Highlands Ecological Reserve (includes Calavera Mountain), Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve (managed by CNLM), Summit, and the Brodiaea Preserve.
1 The previous PMP listed a total of 594.2 acres. Three new preserves were added to this PMP—Aura Circle Preserve, Aviara Park Preserve, and Village H Preserve—increasing the total to 629.1 acres.
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1.2 How This Plan Is Organized
This PMP follows the recommended format from Appendix D of the Carlsbad Open Space
Management Plan (OSMP) (TAIC 2004), which is consistent with the standard format for
preserve management plans as defined by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
(CDFW).
The first sections of this plan provide an overview of the conservation status and current natural
resources condition of the parcels as a group. They serve as a descriptive inventory of wildlife
and native plant habitats, which occur on, or use these lands. A statement follows the key habitat
issues, preserve goals, and Area-Specific Management Directives (ASMDs) which are tied to the
conditions of the HMP and Implementing Agreement. These objectives guide appropriate public
uses of the preserve, preserve-level and subregional monitoring activities, operation and
maintenance needs, and personnel requirements. Guidance is provided for incorporating new
information gained from adaptive management of the preserve and other nearby similar preserve
areas, and new information contained in the MHCP Three-Year Status Summary Reports.
Finally, this plan serves as a budget planning aid for preserve activities and investments, with
details in Appendix E. Also included or appended are individual parcel and ASMD descriptions
(Section 6.0); species lists (Appendix A and Appendix B); and a list of control priorities for
exotic plants (Appendix C).
The following 15 properties owned by the city and managed by the Center for Natural Lands
Management (CNLM), totaling 629.1 acres, are covered in this PMP:
• Aura Circle Preserve, 15.1 acres
• Aviara Park Preserve, 5.6 acres
• Batiquitos Drive Preserve, 2.7 acres
• Carrillo Ranch Preserve, 16.6 acres
• The Crossings Preserve, 203.2 acres
• Carlsbad Village Preserve, 13.1 acres
• La Costa Canyon Park Preserve, 8.9 acres
• La Costa/Romeria Preserve, 13.0 acres
• Lake Calavera Preserve, 255.3 acres
• Lagoon Lane Preserve, 2.7 acres
• Los Monos Preserve, 20.4 acres
• Poinsettia Park Preserve, 11.4 acres
• Research Center Preserve, 2.5 acres
• Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve, 43.5 acres
• Village H Preserve, 15.1 acres
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 38 of 296
1.3 Administration and Management of the Preserve
1.3.1 Management Context
The NCCP/HCP take permit/authorization requires that this PMP achieve the city's obligation to
protect and enhance wildlife values pursuant to its Subarea HMP, Implementing Agreement, and
OSMP. The HMP objectives and standards are related to the individual properties in Section 6.0,
Parcel Descriptions and Management Summary. Roles and responsibilities for implementing this
plan are described in Section 5.1.
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2.0 Biophysical Overview of Properties
The following sections describe the biophysical milieu of the city-owned preserves collectively.
For more detailed information and maps on specific parcels, refer to Section 6.0.
2.1 Geographic and Topographical Setting
The preserves considered in this PMP are scattered across the city of Carlsbad, from within three-
quarters of a mile of the ocean (Batiquitos Drive Preserve) to the eastern boundary of the city,
5 miles inland (Carrillo Ranch Preserve). Likewise, the topography within the boundaries of the
individual parcels show a range of features, including lakes and minor watercourses to steep
slopes of canyon walls with over 30 percent grades.
2.2 Property Boundaries and Adjacent Land Use
Understanding this intensive urban context will guide the setting of priority activities on the
individual parcels, as certain biological threats emanate from the urban setting. Property
boundaries and adjacent land uses are depicted and described in Section 6.0, Parcel Descriptions
and Management Summary.
2.3 Climate, Hydrology, Geology and Soils
2.3.1 Climate
The local climate defines what plant and animal communities can potentially exist on preserve
lands, in combination with hydrological and soil conditions. The HMP preserve system, given its
Southern California coastal location, experiences a Mediterranean climate. The presence of a cold
offshore current and semi-permanent high-pressure ridge over the Pacific Ocean creates a climate
that is similar to that found in Europe, South Africa, and Australia, and is characterized by mild
winters, cool summers, infrequent rainfall, moderate daytime onshore breezes, high relative
humidity, and frequent early morning clouds that disperse to hazy afternoon sunshine. Rainfall
occurs in winter when the oceanic high-pressure center is at its weakest and farthest point south,
and as the fringes of mid-latitude storms occasionally move through the area.
Data from one National Weather Service monitoring station located at Carlsbad McClellan
Palomar Airport characterizes the general climate conditions. Figure 2-1 shows the average
monthly temperature regime (AgACIS 2021).
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 41 of 296
SOURCE: AgACIS 2021
Figure 2-1 Average monthly temperature regime at weather station at Carlsbad McClellan Palomar Airport, CA, from 1971 and 2020
Annual precipitation is highly variable, ranging from just 5 inches to 20 inches (Figure 2-2), with
the average annual rainfall being 10 inches. January and February are the wettest months with an
average of about 1.8 to 2.3 inches of precipitation, while June, July, and August are the driest
months with a mean of 0 to 0.1 inch of precipitation. In addition to rainfall, coastal fog adds to
precipitation and plays an important role for coastal communities. The fall and winter are
punctuated by warm, dry Santa Ana winds. El Niño conditions occur periodically, about every
7 to 10 years, bringing wetter than usual winters to Southern California.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecAverage Temperature (°F)Month
Avg Max Temp Avg Min Temp Avg Mean Temp
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 42 of 296
SOURCE: AgACIS 2021
Figure 2-2 Annual precipitation at weather station at Carlsbad McClellan Palomar Airport, CA, from 1971 and 2020
2.3.2 Water Resources and Hydrology
All the parcels discussed in this plan are located within the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit of the San
Diego Basin Plan (Regional Water Quality Control Board as adopted 1994, amended 2006). The
Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit contains seven coastal watersheds and ten subareas that drain into any
one of four major coastal lagoons or directly to the Pacific Ocean, and includes portions of
Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, and the County of
San Diego. It contains four major coastal lagoons—Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, Batiquitos, and
San Elijo—and the Loma Alta Slough.
2.3.3 Geology and Soils
Forty-two different soil mapping types exist on the city-owned preserves covered in this PMP.
Characteristics of these soils are presented in Table 2-1, and individual soil maps for each parcel
are in Section 6.0, Parcel Descriptions and Management Summary. Soils in Carlsbad are a
patterned complex of over 95 different loams, clays, and sands, among others. These soils are
organized into landscape associations by their underlying origin, geology, and geomorphic
position. They are then subdivided into mapping units based on their soil profile, surface texture,
slope, and erodibility.
0
5
10
15
20
25
InchesYear Total Inches
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TABLE 2-1 CHARACTERISTICS OF SOILS FOUND ON CITY-OWNED PRESERVES (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 1973)
Soil Code Description Erodibilitya Depth (in.) Range Siteb
AtD Altamont clay, 9 to 15 percent slopes Moderate 26-38 Clayey
AtD2 Altamont clay, 9 to 15 percent slopes, eroded Moderate 24-30 Clayey
AtE2 Altamont clay, 15 to 30 percent slopes, eroded Moderate 20-28 Clayey
CbC Carlsbad gravelly loamy sand, 5 to 9 percent slopes Slight to Moderate 32-39 Sandy
CfC Chesterton fine sandy loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes Slight to Moderate 12-24 Acid Claypan
ClD2 Cieneba coarse sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes, eroded Slight to Moderate 10-20 Shallow Loamy
ClG2 Cieneba coarse sandy loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes, eroded High to Very High 10-20 Shallow Loamy
CmrG Cieneba very rocky coarse sandy loam, 30 to 75 percent slopes High to Very High 5-15 Shallow Loamy
CnG2 Cieneba-Fallbrook rocky sandy loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes High to Very High 20-34 Loamy
CsC Corralitos loamy sand, 5 to 9 percent slopes Slight to Moderate 60+ N/A
DaE Diablo clay, 15 to 30 percent slopes Moderate to High 25-36 Clayey
DaE2 Diablo clay, 15 to 30 percent slopes, eroded Moderate to High 20-32 Clayey
DaF Diablo clay, 30 to 50 percent slopes High 20-28 Clayey
DoE Diablo-Olivenhain complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes Moderate to High 25-37 Claypan
ExG Exchequer rocky silt loam, 30 to 70 percent slopes High to Very High 8-13 Shallow Loamy
FxE Friant rocky fine sandy loam, 9 to 30 percent slopes High 3-15 Shallow Loamy
FxG Friant rocky fine sandy loam, 30 to 70 percent slopes High to Very High 3-12 Shallow Loamy
GaE Gaviota fine sandy loam, 9 to 30 percent slopes Moderate to High 9-20 Shallow Loamy
HrC Huerhuero loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes Slight to Moderate 20-43 Claypan
HrD2 Huerhuero loam, 9 to 15 percent slopes, eroded Moderate 20-40 Claypan
HuC Huerhuero-Urban land complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes N/A N/A N/A
LeC Las Flores loamy fine sand, 2 to 9 percent slopes Slight to Moderate 20-40 Claypan
LeC2 Las Flores loamy fine sand, 5 to 9 percent slopes Slight to Moderate 18-37 Claypan
LeD Las Flores loamy fine sand, 9 to 15 percent slopes Moderate to High 16-31 Claypan
LeD2 Las Flores loamy fine sand, 9 to 15 percent slopes, eroded Moderate 42-52 Claypan
LeE Las Flores loamy fine sand, 15 to 30 percent slopes Moderate to High 16-28 Claypan
LeE2 Las Flores loamy fine sand, 15 to 30 percent slopes, eroded Moderate to High 16-26 Claypan
LeE3 Las Flores loamy fine sand, 9 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded Moderate to High 16-20 Claypan
LrG Las Posas stony fine sandy loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes High to Very High 26-40 Shallow Loamy
LvF3 Loamy alluvial land-Huerhuero, 9 to 50 percent slopes, severely eroded Severe N/A Not Suitable
MlC Marina loamy coarse sand, 2 to 9 percent slopes Slight to Moderate 60+ N/A
Rm Riverwash N/A N/A Not Suitable
SbC Salinas clay loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes Slight to Moderate 60+ N/A
ScA Salinas clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes Slight 60+ N/A
SnG San Miguel-Exchequer rocky silt loams, 9 to 70 percent slopes Moderate to Very High 18-23 Shallow Loamy
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 44 of 296
Soil Code Description Erodibilitya Depth (in.) Range Siteb
StG Steep gullied land Very High N/A N/A
TeF Terrace escarpments N/A 4-10 N/A
TuB Tujunga sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes Slight 60+ Sandy
VaB Visalia sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes Slight 60+ N/A
VaC Visalia sandy loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes Slight to Moderate 60+ Loamy
a Erodibility Rating System- Slight indicates that water erosion is a minor problem and the soil is suitable for intensive use if other factors are favorable. Moderate and Severe indicate that protective and corrective measures are needed before and during the time the soil is used.
b Range Sites are kinds of rangeland that produce significantly different kinds and amounts of vegetation. Each site has a different potential for production of forage and presents different management problems. Clayey - The estimated total annual yield is 1,000 to 2,400 pounds per acre. The estimated total annual yield that wildlife and livestock can graze is 900 to 2,000 pounds per acre. Claypan - The estimated total annual yield ranges from 400 to 1,500 pounds per acre. The estimated total annual yield that wildlife and livestock can graze ranges from 350 to 1,350 pounds per acre. Loamy - The estimated total annual yield ranges from 600 to 1,800 pounds per acre. The estimated total annual yield that wildlife and livestock can graze is 350 to 1,200 pounds per acre. Sandy - The estimated total annual yield ranges from 300 to 1,500 pounds per acre. The estimated total annual yield that wildlife and livestock can graze is 225 to 1,000 pounds per acre. Shallow Loamy - Estimated total annual yield ranges from 50 to 300 pounds per acre. Estimated total annual yield that wildlife and livestock can graze is 25 to 150 pounds per acre.
The soils of Carlsbad are a mix of coastal plain and foothill complexes. The coastal plain soils
include Huerhuero (formed from marine deposits) and the Marina-Carlsbad-Chesterton complex
(formed from wind-blown sands). Low, wave-cut terrace escarpments or cliffs occur along the
ancient seaward edge of the mesas which make up the coastal plain. The Diablo, Altamont, and
Las Flores soils formed from marine sandstone and shale, and are older (more uplifted) and finer
textured than their more coastal counterparts. The drainages that cut through these soils consist of
the clay-textured Salinas soil.
Starting at about 600-800 feet in elevation, rolling to hilly uplands replace the coastal mesas.
Soils of these foothills formed in place of granitic or gabbro parent material, rather than by ocean
deposition. These include the Cieneba (recognizable by its granitic boulders on the surface),
Fallbrook, and Vista soils on the slopes. In the alluvial drainages are Visalia and Tujunga soils,
which are deep and loamy.
Through use of the San Diego County Soil Survey online
(http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov/Manuscripts /CA638/0/part2.pdf), the Preserve Manager can
interpret soils on each parcel for their adaptability for various uses including recreation, habitat,
restoration, and others.
2.4 Cultural Features
Currently no cultural information has been assembled for these parcels, other than the golf course.
A search should be made at the San Diego Museum of Man for known cultural sites. In addition,
this information may have been assembled for individual development plans associated with the
parcels. The Preserve Manager is not responsible for cultural resource management.
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3.0 Overview of Field Activities
3.1 Vegetation Communities, Habitats, and Plant Species
A variety of vegetation communities, habitats, and plant species exist within the 16
discontinuous parcels that are considered in this plan. Below are descriptions of the common
vegetation communities that are present within the city-owned preserves. Maps of the
vegetation types by parcel are presented in Section 6.0, Parcel Descriptions and Management
Summary. Maps for 13 of the 16 HMP Preserves were updated in 2017 using the Vegetation
Classification Manual for Western San Diego County (Sproul et al. 2011) which provides a
more detailed assessment of vegetation communities than the Holland system. The minimal
mapping unit for each entry was roughly one-half acre. The three newly added preserves, Aura
Circle Preserve, Aviara Park Preserve, and Village H Preserve, are mapped in Oberbauer
modified Holland Vegetation Communities Classification System of San Diego County
(Oberbauer et al. 2008).
3.1.1 Vegetation Communities
This section summarizes the characteristics of each vegetation type that occurs on city-owned
properties. Table 3-1 shows acreages of the vegetation communities by type.
Long-term vegetation monitoring within the preserve system is accomplished through periodic
mapping (required by the HMP) and focused studies. Mapping is conducted within preserves
by the Preserve Managers every 5 years to document changes in vegetation community
boundaries over time. Vegetation communities were originally mapped using Oberbauer-
modified Holland classification system (Holland 1986, Oberbauer 2008), which is the
classification system upon which the HMP habitat targets are based. However, the Preserve
Managers now use Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County (VCM)
(SANDAG 2011), the current standard classification system for this area. This system is based
on alliances and associations, which are defined by the presence and abundance of diagnostic
species. This classification is much more fine-scaled, and provides more information about
variation within the habitat. Because the HMP requirements are tracked in the older
classification system, the city’s vegetation layer uses a crosswalk to the Holland-Oberbauer
system for tracking purposes. The vegetation descriptions below are grouped according to the
Holland-Oberbauer system, and each vegetation type includes a list of the VCM associations
observed in the city-owned preserves.
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (DCSS). DCSS is generally dominated by California sagebrush
(Artemisia californica), flat-top buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and laurel sumac
(Malosma laurina). Overall, the habitat is moderately tall (5–6 feet in height) and dense, but areas
locally dominated by laurel sumac and lemonade-berry (Rhus integrifolia) typically exceed 8 feet
in height.
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TABLE 3-1 VEGETATION COMMUNITY ACREAGES FOR THE CITY-OWNED PRESERVES
City-owned Preserves (acres)a
Vegetation Community AC AV BD CGC CR CV RC LCC LCR LCP LL LMR PP VP MC VH Total
Oberbauer modified Holland VCM
Chaparral
Southern Maritime Chaparral Adenostoma fasciculatum - Southern Maritime Association Chamise 2.1 5.5 2.2 5.0 9.0 23.7
Coastal Scrub, including transitional phases
Coastal Scrub
Isocoma menziesii Provisional Association
Menzies’ goldenbush
0.4 0.4
Isocoma menziesii/Distichlis spicata Association
Menzies’ goldenbush and saltgrass
0.3 0.3
Coastal Sage Scrub - Chaparral Transition Adenostoma fasciculatum (E. fasciculatum - A. californica - S.
mellifera) Association
Chamise, California sagebrush, and black sage
2.1 70.1 0.7 13.1 85.9
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Adolphia californica Association
California adlophin (also known as prickbush or spineshrub)
0.5 0.5
Artemisia californica - Eriogonum fasciculatum - Malosma laurina Association
California sagebrush, flat-top buckwheat, and laurel sumac
0.6 115.2 20.5 3.4 139.8
Artemisia californica-Salvia mellifera Association
California sagebrush and black sage
6.2 6.3 22.6 35.1
Encelia californica-Artemisia californica Association
Bush sunflower and laurel sumac
5.4 2.9 8.3
Rhus integrifolia Association
Lemonade berry
0.8 3.5 1.9 0.5 6.8
Salvia mellifera - Malosma laurina Association
Black sage and laurel sumac
5.4 1.9 31.8 39.0
unclassified 5.7 1.4 7.1
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub - Baccharis Dominated Baccharis pilularis – Herbaceous Association Coyote brush 9.2 0.7 0.3 10.2
Grasslands
Native Grassland Nassella pulchra Association
Purple needlegrass
0.4 0.8 1.2
Nassella sp Alliance
Purple needlegrass
8.4 8.4
Unclassified 0.0 0.0
Saltgrass Grassland Distichlis spicata - Annual Grasses Association
Saltgrass and annual grasses
0.2 0.2
Wildflower field Nassella sp Alliance
Wildflower field
0.4 0.4
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 49 of 296
TABLE 3-1 VEGETATION COMMUNITY ACREAGES FOR THE CITY-OWNED PRESERVES
City-owned Preserves (acres)a
Vegetation Community AC AV BD CGC CR CV RC LCC LCR LCP LL LMR PP VP MC VH Total
Oberbauer modified Holland VCM
Non Native Grassland Brachypodium distachyon Semi-Natural Stand Type Association
False brome
0.1 0.1
Erodium sp. Alliance
Filaree
3.3 3.3
Mediterranean California Naturalized Annual and Perennial Grassland Semi Natural Stands Association 8.7 3.0 1.5 11.9 3.3 28.5
Unclassified 0.0 0.0
Non Native Grassland - Broadleaf Dominated Brassica nigra Semi-Natural Stand Type Association
Mediterranean California naturalized annual and perennial grassland
10.2
9.7 19.9
Unclassified 2.2 2.2
Riparian Scrubs
Mulefat Scrub Baccharis salicifolia Association
Mulefat
7.8 3.9 11.6
Riparian Woodlands
Southern Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest
Salix lasiolepis Association
Arroyo willow
24.2 0.4 0.7 1.5 4.4 1.4 0.6 1.2 34.4
Salix lasiolepis/S. gooddingii Association
Arroyo willow and Goodding's black willow
23.9 23.9
Southern Riparian Woodland Platanus racemosa - Populus fremontii - Salix lasiolepis Association
Western sycamore, Fremont cottonwood, and arroyo willow
1.5 1.5
Salix gooddingii Association
Goodding’s black willow
0.8 0.8
Upland Woodlands
Coast Live Oak Woodland Quercus agrifolia - Artemisia californica Association
Coast live oak and California sagebrush
2.8 0.6 3.4
Open Coast Live Oak Quercus agrifolia - Toxidendron diversilobum – Grass Association
Coast live oak, poison oak, and grasses
4.6 4.6
Scrub Oak Chaparral Quercus (berberidifolia x acutidens) Association
Coast live oak, scrub oak, and Torrey’s hybrid oak
14.5 14.5
Eucalyptus Woodland Eucalyptus (globulus, camaldulensis) Semi-Natural Stands Association
Eucalyptus
0.8 6.1 6.9
Marshes and Wetlands
Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh Schoenoplectus acutus Association
Hardstem bulrush (also known as tule)
8.4 1.0 9.5
Scirpus californicus Association
California bulrush
4.9 4.9
Typha latifolia Association
Broad-leaved cattail
1.1 3.5 4.6
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TABLE 3-1 VEGETATION COMMUNITY ACREAGES FOR THE CITY-OWNED PRESERVES
City-owned Preserves (acres)a
Vegetation Community AC AV BD CGC CR CV RC LCC LCR LCP LL LMR PP VP MC VH Total
Oberbauer modified Holland VCM
Coastal Brackish Marsh Cressa truxillensis Provisional Association
Alkali weed
0.3 0.3
Freshwater Marsh Schoenoplectus acutus Association
Hardstem bulrush (also known as tule)
0.1 0.1
Southern Coastal Salt Marsh Salicornia bigelovii Provisional Association
Dwarf saltwort
1.1 1.1
Other Cover Types
Disturbed Habitat Disturbed Habitat 6.4 0.1 0.5 1.9 0.6 0.9 10.4
Disturbed Habitat - Southern Maritime Chaparral 3.3 3.3
Disturbed Habitat - Southern Willow Scrub 0.2 0.2
Disturbed Habitat – Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub 0.4 0.4
Disturbed Habitat - Fuel Break Fuel Break 4.7 3.8 8.4
Disturbed Habitat - Trail Trail 0.1 0.3 0.8 1.2
Disturbed Habitat - Storage area 2.8
Open Water Open Water 11.0 11.0
Urban/Developed Developed 0.8 7.7 11.1 0.2 3.6 0.2 0.8 2.1 26.6
Urban/Developed - Ornamental Landscaping; Golf Course Ornamental 1.7 2.2 0.3 2.0 1.2 0.4 0.0 7.8
Urban/Developed - Road Dirt Road 0.4 6.4 6.8
Unidentified (Due to change in preserve boundary) 0.0 0.7 0.1 0.5 0.3 3.7 5.5
Unidentified (New Preserve) 4.4 4.4
Totals a 15.1 5.6 2.7 203.2 16.6 13.1 2.5 8.9 13.0 255.3 2.7 20.4 11.4 43.5 15.1 629.1
a Acreage totals may not add up due to rounding. Vegetation communities indicated as 0.0 are present in amounts less than 0.1 acres.
Abbreviations: AC = Aura Circle Preserve; AV = Aviara Park Preserve; BD = Batiquitos Drive Preserve; CV = Carlsbad Village Preserve; CR = Carrillo Ranch Preserve; LCC = La Costa Canyon Park Preserve; LCR = La Costa Romeria Preserve; LL = Lagoon Lane Preserve; LCP = Lake Calavera Preserve; LMR = Los Monos Preserve; VP MC = Veteran Park/Macario Canyon Preserve; CGC = The Crossings Preserve; PP = Poinsettia Park Preserve; RC = Research Center Preserve; VH = Village H Preserve.
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DCSS is associated with the following VCM vegetation communities documented in the city-
owned preserves. Adolphia californica Association is dominated by California adolphia (also
known as prickbush or spineshrub). Artemisia californica - Eriogonum fasciculatum - Malosma
laurina Association is dominated by California sagebrush, flat-top buckwheat, and laurel sumac.
Artemisia californica-Salvia mellifera Association is dominated by California sagebrush and
black sage. Encelia californica-Artemisia californica Association is dominated by bush sunflower
and laurel sumac. Rhus integrifolia Association is dominated by lemonade berry. Salvia mellifera
- Malosma laurina Association is dominated by black sage and laurel sumac. Rather than Diegan
coastal sage scrub, Isocoma menziesii Provisional Association and Isocoma menziesii/Distichlis
spicata Association are more broadly associated with coastal scrub. These VCM communities are
dominated by Menzies’ goldenbush and Menzies’ goldenbush and saltgrass, respectively.
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub - Baccharis Dominated. This community is typically found on
disturbed sites or those with nutrient-poor soils. It is found within other forms of Diegan coastal
sage scrub and on upper terraces of river valleys. It is similar to Diegan coastal sage scrub but
dominated by Baccharis species. It is dominated by broom baccharis (Baccharis sarothroides)
and/or coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis). May also include California sagebrush (Artemesia
californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), sawtooth goldenbush (Hazardia
squarrosa), Menzies’ goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii), and black sage (Salvia mellifera) in lesser
amounts. It is associated with the VCM Baccharis pilularis – Herbaceous Association
documented in the HMP Preserves. Baccharis pilularis – Herbaceous Association is dominated
by coyote brush.
Southern Maritime Chaparral (SMC). SMC is usually defined by a dominance of scrub oak
(Quercus berberidifolia). Summer-holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia) may be
locally common, or occur as a scattered element. Other plant species found in varying amounts in
SMC include chamise (Adenostoma fasciculata), mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor), toyon,
and lemonade-berry. This community is typically 5–10 feet tall and relatively dense. It is
associated with the VCM Adenostoma fasciculatum - Southern Maritime Association documented
in the city-owned preserves. Adenostoma fasciculatum - Southern Maritime Association is
dominated by chamise. Codominant shrub species may include wart-stemmed ceanothus
(Ceanothus verrucosus), and Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia),
and various herbaceous species may be present.
Southern Mixed Chaparral. Southern Mixed Chaparral encompasses several on-site chaparral
associations which vary due to relative abundance of component species, slope exposure, and
possibly soil type. Characteristic plants in this habitat include chamise (often dominant), mission
manzanita, toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), black sage (Salvia mellifera), and scrub oak.
Incursions of narrow patches of flat-top buckwheat, laurel sumac, and California adolphia
(Adolphia californica) are sometimes isolated components.
California Sage-Chaparral Scrub Transition. This ecotonal community contains a high
proportion of both sage scrub and chaparral indicator species, as well as plants that regularly
occur in both scrub and chaparral communities (e.g., black sage, toyon). Soil fertility is poor, a
trait supporting chaparral growth. However, sage scrub representation is too high to map such
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 53 of 296
areas as clearly one vegetation type or the other. The community is generally 4-6 feet in height,
and shrub density is considered moderate, creating a form which physically is similar to sage
scrub. It is associated with the VCM Adenostoma fasciculatum (Eriogonum fasciculatum –
Artemisa californica - Salvia mellifera) Association documented in the city-owned preserves.
Adenostoma fasciculatum (Eriogonum fasciculatum – Artemisa californica - Salvia mellifera) is
dominated by chamise, California sagebrush, and black sage.
Valley Needlegrass Grassland. Native bunchgrasses, primarily purple needlegrass (Nassella
pulchra), dominate the cover. Substantial numbers of blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum) can
be found in mesic areas. Nonnative grasses and forbs are intermixed. Animal species associated
with grassland are discussed below, in the Nonnative Grassland section, due to the far more
extensive cover of nonnative grass habitat. It is associated with the VCM Nassella pulchra
Association and Nassella sp. documented in the city-owned preserves. Nassella pulchra is
dominated by purple needlegrass. Nassella sp. is dominated by wildflowers.
Saltgrass grassland. Saltgrass is a native grassland dominated by saltgrass (Distichlis spicata).
Soils are typically fine textured, alkaline, and poorly drained. It often co-occurs with alkali
meadows and riparian habitats. It is associated with the VCM Distichlis spicata – Annual Grasses
Association documented in the city-owned preserves. Distichlis spicata – Annual Grasses
Association is dominated by saltgrass and annual grasses.
Nonnative Grassland. Historically, areas now dominated by nonnative grasses probably supported
native grasslands and sage scrub. Conversion from these habitats probably resulted from a
combination of disturbances, including agricultural practices and urban development. Slender wild oat
(Avena barbata) is perhaps the most conspicuous dominant species, but brome grasses (Bromus spp.)
and red-stem filaree (Erodium cicutarium) are also strongly represented. In some areas, the canopy
can be dominated by black mustard (Brassica nigra) and shortpod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana).
Other common species in Nonnative Grasslands may include fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), tocalote
(Centaurea melitensis), horehound (Marrubium vulgare), and western jimsonweed (Datura wrightii).
The Oberbauer-modified Holland vegetation community is associated with the following VCM
vegetation communities documented in the city-owned preserves. Brachypodium distachyon Semi-
Natural Stand Type Association is dominated by false brome. Mediterranean California Naturalized
Annual and Perennial Grassland Semi Natural Stands Association applies to a nonnative grassland
landscape that lack clear dominant or co-dominant species. Within the preserves, there are areas that
fall under this classification that are further classified as Erodium sp. Association where varieties of
filaree are prevalent.
Southern Riparian Woodland. This community is found throughout San Diego County along
major rivers where flood scour occurs and smaller tributaries. It is comprised of moderate-density
riparian woodlands dominated by small trees or shrubs, with scattered taller riparian trees.
Typical species include mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), western sycamore (Platanus racemosa),
cottonwood (Populus spp.), willow (Salix spp.), and elderberry (Sambucus spp.). It is associated
with the VCM Platanus racemosa - Populus fremontii - Salix lasiolepis Association and Salix
gooddingii Alliance documented in the city-owned preserves. Platanus racemosa - Populus
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 54 of 296
fremontii - Salix lasiolepis Association is dominated by western sycamore, Fremont cottonwood,
and arroyo willow. Salix gooddingii Alliance is dominated by Goodding’s black willow.
Southern Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest. This community occurs along the sub-irrigated and
overflow lands along rivers and streams. It is comprised of winter-deciduous riparian forests
dominated by moderately tall broadleafed trees and arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) as the
dominate species. The tree canopy is closed or nearly closed with an understory of shrubby
willows. It is associated with the VCM Salix lasiolepis Alliance documented in the city-owned
preserves. Salix lasiolepis Association is dominated by arroyo willow. In some locations, this is
also documented as VCM Salix lasiolepis/S. gooddingii Alliance when arroyo willow and
Goodding’s black willow are co-dominant.
Mulefat Scrub. Stands of mulefat define this habitat which occurs within or along the margins of
floodplains and is associated with other riparian types. It is associated with the Baccharis
salicifolia VCM vegetation community documented in the city-owned preserves. Baccharis
salicifolia is dominated by mulefat.
Coast Live Oak Woodland. Coast live oaks also occur away from drainages and form a
woodland when the canopy branches are less dense and interlocking. The understory is again
dominated by poison oak, but lacks a streambed component. During the 2017 vegetation
mapping, coast live oak woodlands were split into the open coast live oak woodland and scrub
oak chaparral classifications.
Coast live oak woodland is associated with the VCM Quercus agrifolia - Artemisia californica
Association documented in the city-owned preserves. Quercus agrifolia - Artemisia californica is
dominated by coast live oak and California sagebrush. Open coast live oak woodland is
associated with the VCM Quercus agrifolia - Toxidendron diversilobum – Grass Association.
This VCM community is dominated by coast live oak, poison oak, and grasses. Scrub oak
chaparral is associated with the VCM Quercus agrifolia/Quercus (berberidifolia × acutidens)
Association. It is dominated by coast live oak, scrub oak, and Torrey’s hybrid oak.
Cismontane Alkaline Marsh. When standing water or saturated soils are present during most or
all of year, this plant community may establish. High evaporation and low input of fresh water
render these marshes somewhat salty, especially during the summer. Cismontane Alkali Marsh
often includes southwestern spiny rush (Juncus acutus), spearscale saltbush (Atriplex
triangularis), and Dombey's spike-sedge (Eleocharis montevidensis). It is associated with the
VCM Cressa truxillensis Provisional Association documented in the city-owned preserves.
Cressa truxillensis Provisional Association is dominated by alkali weed.
Southern Coastal Salt Marsh. Southern Coastal Salt Marsh is distributed along the coasts of
bays, lagoons, and estuaries from Point Conception to the Mexican border. It is similar to
Northern Coastal Salt Marsh but with a longer growing season and a greater abundance of woody
species in the higher, drier sites. Species associated with the southern coastal salt marsh differing
from the northern include Watson’s saltbush (Atriplex watsonii), saltwort (Batis maritima),
California box thorn (Lyeium californicum), shoregrass (Monanthochloe littoralis), California
seablite (Sueda californica), and Parish’s glasswort (Salicornia subterminalis). Southern coastal
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 55 of 296
salt marsh is associated with the VCM Salicornia bigelovii Provisional Association, dominated
by dwarf saltwort.
Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh. Freshwater Marsh is associated with inundated portions
of drainages and small ponds. The dominant plant may be broad-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia)
which forms a dense, 5- to 7-foot-tall canopy. Southwestern spiny rush is occasionally found at
the edges, along with saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and celery (Apium graveolens). During 2017
mapping, portions of the vegetation community were changed to southern coastal salt marsh.
Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh is associated with the VCM Schoenoplectus acutus
Association, Scirpus californicus Association, and Typha latifolia Association documented in the
city-owned preserves. Schoenoplectus acutus Association is dominated by hardstem bulrush (also
known as tule). Scirpus californicus Association is dominated by California bulrush. Typha
latifolia Association is dominated by broad-leaved cattail.
Urban/Developed - Ornamental/Revegetated Area . The slopes abutting commercial or
home developments are often planted with sage scrub and ornamentals. These include
eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.), Perez rosemary (Limonium perezii), and a nonnative gumplant
(Grindelia spp.) established with irrigation. In addition, this category includes areas of
eucalyptus near agricultural fields, landscape plantings near commercial buildings, and stands
of pampas grass (Cortaderia jubata). It is associated with the VCM Eucalyptus (globulus,
camaldulensis) Semi-Natural Stands Association documented in the city-owned preserves.
Eucalyptus (globulus, camaldulensis) Semi-Natural Stands is dominated by eucalyptus.
3.1.2 Vegetation Assessments
Characteristics of dominant vegetation communities are measured over time. One of the
management directives of the 2009–2011 PMP (per Section 4.3) was to collect baseline
characteristics of the dominant vegetation communities on the city-owned preserves. The primary
goal of this activity was to develop a baseline condition of habitat quality and to direct future
management actions. These directives were accomplished by using California Native Plant
Society (CNPS) Relevé Assessments, Oak Woodland monitoring plots and long-term Diegan
coastal sage scrub monitoring plots (see Section 6.0, Parcel Descriptions and Management
Summary, for plot locations).
3.1.2.1 CNPS Relevé Assessments
Method
General vegetation assessments were conducted using the CNPS Relevé Assessment protocol
(CNPS 2011). Data collected using this protocol primarily provides information regarding the
structure and species composition of each vegetation community, but also provides other relevant
information that is needed to document basic long-term changes in the vegetation community.
CNLM set up 20 Relevé Assessments on city-owned preserves (Table 3-2, and see Appendix 3 of
CNLM 2010 for results). Each assessment was located in an area thought to be most
representative of the entire vegetation community. CNPS Relevé Assessments were completed
again in 2020. The next assessment will occur in 2031.
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Results
The CNPS Relevé assessments provided a valuable insight to the cover and composition of
each plant community monitored (see Appendix 3 in CNLM 2021). In general, all sites have
high-quality habitat, with defined a vegetation assemblage that is characteristic of the specific
vegetation community (structure and composition) and a low percent cover of nonnative plant
species.
TABLE 3-2 NUMBER AND LOCATION OF VEGETATION COMMUNITY ASSESSMENTS
Site # of Relevé Assessments/ Vegetation Community DCSS Study Plot # of Oak Woodland Assessments
Carlsbad Village Drive 1 in DCSS
Lake Calavera 1 in RF, 2 in NG, 1 in CC, 1 in SOC 2 1
Veterans Park/Macario 2 in DCSS, 1 in SMC, 1 in DCSS/NG 2
Carrillo Ranch 1
La Costa Canyon Park 1 in DCSS
La Costa Romeria 1 in DCSS
The Crossings Preserve 2 in SWS 2
Poinsettia Park 1 in DCSS, 1 in SWS
Lagoon Lane 1 in RF
Batiquitos Drive Preserve 1 in DCSS
Los Monos 1 in SMC/DCSS
Research Center 1 in SMC
3.1.2.2 Oak Woodlands Assessments
Method
Data was collected from two oak woodland assessment plots. The goal of the work was to
provide more detailed information on coast live oaks and their microhabitat as a baseline-type
condition report. Each plot location was selected as a representative stand of oak trees at Lake
Calavera Preserve and Carrillo Ranch Preserve. Data collected from Carrillo Ranch Preserve was
within a stand of oaks on the western side of the property and included a census of all the oaks
(see Figure 8, CNLM 2010). The diameter at breast height (DBH) of each tree was measured and
a list of plant species within the study area was recorded. DBH measurements can provide some
information regarding the age of each tree and stand. After taking measurements from this plot,
CNLM staff altered the methodology for data collected at Lake Calavera Preserve, so that the
data collection could be more easily repeated in future years. At Lake Calavera Preserve, a plot
with a radius of 20 meters was developed. A global positioning system (GPS) coordinate of the
center of the plot was taken, and then collected data from the nearest tree from 0 going clockwise.
Coast live oak monitoring plots which were established in 2009–2010 at Carrillo Ranch Preserve
and Calavera Lake Preserve were revisited and monitored in 2017. At each 20-meter circular plot
each oak tree was assessed for condition, diameter at breast height (DBH in centimeters) was
recorded and seedlings counted (CNLM 2017).
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In addition to these monitoring activities, oak trees were assessed during the previous PMP period
for the presence of gold-spotted oak borers (Agrilus coxalis [GSOB]). City and CNLM staff have
been concerned about oak tree stress from drought conditions and from possible GSOB infection
at Carrillo Ranch Preserve and Lake Calavera Preserve. CNLM have been making continual
observations of oak trees over the last several years. During the 2016–2020 PMP period, the oak
trees were evaluated annually, including the placement of GSOB traps in 2017. In 2017, Coast
live oak monitoring plots, established in 2009–2010 were revisited (CLNM 2017).
No GSOB was detected.
Results
Nineteen oak trees (all mature) were found within the Lake Calavera Preserve plot, and 48 oak
trees were found at Carrillo Ranch Preserve, of which 19 were seedlings/samplings (less than
breast height in size). The average DBH of oak trees in the monitoring plots at Lake Calavera
Preserve and Carrillo Ranch Preserve is 24.9 cm (range 6 to 81 cm) and 11.2 cm (range 4 to 29
cm), respectively. In 2010, 26 individual oak trees were found at Lake Calavera Preserve with an
average DB of 20.4 cm (range 1.3 to 91 cm). In 2010, at least six of the oaks were small, with
DBH less than 2 cm. It is possible that these individuals were out-competed and died in the last 7
years, as this size class was not evident in 2017. However, the plot was very dense this year with
poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) and smaller oaks could have been missed. In 2009, 52
oak trees were found at Carrillo Ranch Preserve, of which 10 were smaller than breast height
(seedlings and saplings). This area is dense with oaks and native shrubs, so it is possible that
small individuals were missed during the count, but the total number counted was very similar
between years. No GSOB was detected (CNLM 2017)
3.1.2.3 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Monitoring Plots
Method
Although CNPS relevé assessments provide useful data for long-term preserve stewardship, more
detail and information about the structure and composition of a vegetation community is needed
to appropriately track and respond to change over time. The dominant vegetation community
within city-owned preserves is DCSS. This is also the dominant vegetation community in all city-
owned preserves. It supports many of the sensitive flora and fauna protected by the city's HMP.
Therefore, CNLM initiated a more thorough DCSS monitoring program at CNLM-owned and
managed properties in 2009, and used this same protocol at several city-owned preserves
(Appendix D). Six additional plots were added on unmanaged preserves owned by the Aviara
Master Association in 2014. CNLM permanently installed two plots at each of the Lake Calavera
Preserve, The Crossings Preserve and Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve (see Section 6.0,
Parcel Descriptions and Management Summary, for plot locations). These areas represent some
of the largest contiguous nature stands of DCSS and most representative (i.e., not restoration
areas such as at The Crossings Preserve) areas of these vegetation community on city-owned
preserves. In addition, they support the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica
californica; CAGN), which is one of the conditions of locating a DCSS plot to a given area. Data
collected from these plots are being used in concert with other data collected on other CNLM-
managed properties to evaluate long-term changes in the DCSS community in the City of
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Carlsbad. Data is collected every 3 years. Data collection occurred in 2010, 2013, 2016, and
2019. During the present PMP period, monitoring will occur in 2022 and 2025.
Results
Results of these DCSS plots indicate that the DCSS located on city-owned preserves is generally
of very good quality, defined as having the expected species assemblage and cover, with limited
disturbance from nonnative exotic species (Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2). Species richness data is
summarized in Appendix 4 of CNLM 2010 and in CNLM 2013 and CNLM 2016.
3.1.3 Plant Species
CNLM noted all plant species observed on each property (Appendix A) except the The Crossings
Preserve and Lake Calavera Preserve, for which this data was collected in previous years. A total
of 338 species were observed, of which 227 are native and 111 are nonnative (Appendix A).
Source: CNLM 2016
Figure 3-1 Shrub Percent Cover (2010–2016) on City-owned Preserves (CSS)
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
2010 2013 2016
Native Shrub Average Cover
nativeshrub
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 59 of 296
Source: CNLM 2016
Figure 3-2 Average Species Richness in CSS plots
(+/- 1 standard error)
3.1.4 Animal Species
Animal species documented in the city-owned preserves are listed in Appendix B. A total of 167
animal species have been observed on city-owned preserves.
3.1.5 Sensitive Species Covered by the HMP
Animal and plant species that are defined as “sensitive” are those that typically are endangered,
threatened or rare, or occupy a rare vegetation or soil type, and have a listing status developed by
a governmental agency or other organization. List of sensitive species that are most relevant to
this PMP include both federal and state list of threatened and endangered species, HMP
“covered” species lists, and MHCP “covered” species lists. The CNPS listing status is also
included as they also are relevant and serve, to some extent, as an early warning system to
troubled species. The HMP covered species are divided into several lists, Lists 1-3. List 1 are
species given coverage under the HMP; List 2 are species of whose coverage is dependent on
other subarea plans being permitted; and List 3 are species which are covered contingent on
funding of management of conserved areas in the region (i.e., not just Carlsbad).
The city's primary obligation for single species management and monitoring is to the HMP
covered species (all of List 1 and selected species from List 3). Other species on Lists 2 and 3
are not ignored for management and monitoring purposes, especially if a threat to the species
survival is discovered, but they are not given top priority. Management of this latter group is
generally focused on protecting the species habitat from degradation, which is accomplished for
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
2010 2013 2016Average # of SpeciesYear
Native Shrub
Native Forb
Native Grass
Exotic Forb
Exotic Grass
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 60 of 296
most sensitive species observed on city-owned preserves with the management system employed
by this PMP.
3.1.6 Sensitive Plant Species
The Crossings Preserve and Lake Calavera Preserve were surveyed for sensitive plants in 2004
and in the late 1990s, respectively (see Merkel and Associates 2005 and Cotton Beland
Associates 2000 for lists of survey dates). All other parcels were surveyed for sensitive plants in
2010 (see CNLM 2010 for details) and 2012 (see CNLM 2012 for details). All of these surveys,
consistent with most inventories in natural environments, are temporally and spatially limited and
inevitably capture a subset of the total species present at a given survey location.
The sensitive plants documented to date on these properties are listed in Table 3-3 along with
their sensitivity status.
Only two state and federally listed species, thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) and Del
Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia), have been observed. These species
are also Carlsbad HMP covered species (HMP List 1 and HMP List 3, respectively). Nuttall’s
scrub oak (Quercus dumosa), another HMP List 1 species, two HMP List 2 species, wart-
stemmed ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucosus) and sticky dudleya (Dudleya viscida), and two other
HMP List 3 species, summer-holly, San Diego marsh elder (Iva hayesiana), have been observed.
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TABLE 3-3 SENSITIVE PLANTS KNOWN TO OCCUR ON THE PRESERVE
Species
Locations Where Species Observed
Special Status a, b, c, d AC AV BDf CVf CRf LCCf LCRf LLf LCP LMR MC/VPf CGCe PPf RCf VH
Ashy spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens) 4 locations *** CNPS List 4
California adolphia (Adolphia californica) ** ** (~491) ** * >32 10 CNPS List 2
Clay-field goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii var. decumbens) ~203 8 CNPS List 1B
Del Mar Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp.
crassifolia
6 individuals A.1; HMP List 3; CNPS List 1B; FE, SE; NE
Engelmann Oak
(Quercus engelmannii)
1 State Vulnerable
Golden-ray pentachaeta (Pentachaeta aurea) 5 CNPS List 4
Lewis' evening primrose (Camissonia lewisii) ~20 CNPS List 3
Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) present 59 54 20 35 A.2.; HMP List 1; CNPS List 1B
Palmer's grappling-hook (Harpagonella palmeri) ~500 2,296 1442 estimated CNPS List 4
San Diego marsh elder (Iva hayesiana) Several patches A.2; HMP List 3; CNPS List 2
Seaside calandrinia (Calandrinia maritima) 60 CNPS List 4
Short-leaf dudleya (Dudleya blochmaniae) 0 A.1; HMP List 1; CNPS List 1B
Small-flowered microseris (Microseris douglasii ssp. playcarpha) 1,000 CNPS List 4; VP
Small-flowered morning glory (Convolvulus simulans) 25 23 3 CNPS List 4
Southwestern spiny rush (Juncus acutus var. leopoldii) 17 ~250 “occasional” CNPS List 4
Sticky dudleya (Dudleya viscida) ~50 HMP List 2; CNPS List 1B
Summer-holly (Comarstaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia) present A.2; HMP List 3; CNPS List 1B.
Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) Over 1000 observed A.1; HMP List 1; CNPS List 1B; FT, SE; NE, VP
Wart-stemmed lilac (Ceanothus verrucosus) 1 16 27 A.2; HMP List 2; CNPS List 2
Western dichondra (Dichondra occidentalis) Several patches Several patches 1 patch CNPS List 4
Wiggin’s cryptantha (Chryptantha wigginsii) >1,000 420 CNPS List 4
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 63 of 296
TABLE 3-3 SENSITIVE PLANTS KNOWN TO OCCUR ON THE PRESERVE
Species
Locations Where Species Observed
Special Status a, b, c, d AC AV BDf CVf CRf LCCf LCRf LLf LCP LMR MC/VPf CGCe PPf RCf VH
Abbreviations: AC = Aura Circle Preserve; AV = Aviara Park Preserve; BD = Batiquitos Drive Preserve; CV = Carlsbad Village Preserve; CR = Carrillo Ranch Preserve; LCC = La Costa Canyon Park Preserve; LCR = La Costa Romeria Preserve; LL = Lagoon Lane Preserve; LCP = Lake Calavera Preserve; LMR = Los Monos Preserve; MC/VP = Macario Canyon Preserve/Veteran Park Preserve; CGC = The Crossings Preserve; PP = Poinsettia Park Preserve; RC = Research Center Preserve; VH = Village H Preserve.
a MHCP Status - A.1 - MHCP covered species with site specific permit conditions, individual populations to be tracked using GIS. A.2 - MHCP covered species with habitat-based permit conditions, to be tracked as habitat, using HabiTrak. b Carlsbad HMP Status - List 1: HMP Species Given Coverage under the Carlsbad Subarea Plan. List 2: HMP Species Coverage Contingent on Other MHCP Subarea Plans being permitted. List 3: HMP Species Coverage Contingent on Funding for Management of Conserved Areas. c Federal Status - FE: Federally endangered; FT: Federally threatened; State Status- SE: State endangered; ST: State threatened; California Native Plant Society Status- CNPS List 1B: Rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere.; CNPS List 2: Rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere; CNPS List 3: need more information about this plant (Review List); CNPS List 4: Limited distribution (Watch List). d NE - Narrow Endemic species; VP- Vernal Pool species. e From documented sensitive species surveys in Cotton/Beland/Associates 2000 and Merkel and Associates 2005. f Data collected in 2010 (CNLM 2010).
* Many individuals located within the Diegan coastal sage scrub ** Scattered individuals located within the Diegan coastal sage scrub *** Scattered individuals located throughout property
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 64 of 296
Thread-Leaved Brodiaea
The most notable incidental observation during term of the first PMP was the occurrence of three
flowering thread-leaved brodiaea at Lake Calavera Preserve (see Section 6.0, Parcel Descriptions
and Management Summary, for their locations). Direct counts were employed between 2011 and
2013, with a total of 1,164 individual observed (vegetative state) in 2013, nearly five times as
many as observed in 2012. In 2014, five index plots were set up for long-term brodiaea count
assessments in lieu of conducting total counts (Table 3-4), the latter being extremely time-
consuming. The index plot methodology is the same the CNLM uses across Carlsbad which
allows for data comparison between plots (see upcoming sections regarding future brodiaea
monitoring). Total plant species richness and cover is also measured with the index plots. The
habitat in the occupied habitat is mostly nonnative grass, dominated by false brome
(Brachypodium distachyon) (Figure 3-3). The city has designed its trail to avoid the thread-leaved
brodiaea population.
TABLE 3-4 THREAD-LEAVED BRODIAEA COUNTS WITHIN INDEX PLOTS
Thread-leaved Brodiaea 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Total count (all quadrats): 165 116 81 82 89 63 116
Average count per plot (SE)* 33.0
(8.9)
23.2
(16.4)
13.5
(5.1)
16.4
(6.6 )
17.8
(4.8)
12.6
(3.6)
23.2
(16.4)
Number Flowering: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
* Average of all five plots
SOURCE: City of Carlsbad. 2020. City of Carlsbad Preserves Annual Stewardship Report. Prepared by Center for Natural Lands Management.
SOURCE: City of Carlsbad 2020
Figure 3-3 Trend in Plant Cover in Thread-leaved Brodiaea Index Plots (+/- 1s)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
2014 2015 2016 2017 2019 2020Percent Cover (%)Year
Litter
Native Forb
Native grass
Nonnative Forb
Nonnative Grass
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Nuttall’s Scrub Oak
Another notable observation during the term of the first PMP was Nuttall’s scrub oak, of which
59, 54, and 35 were observed at La Costa Romeria Preserve, Veterans Park/Macario Canyon
Preserve, and Research Center Preserve, respectively (see Section 6.0, Parcel Descriptions and
Management Summary, for their locations). Most individual were in areas not regularly used by
the public, and are relatively safe from trespass or inappropriate access.
Del Mar Manzanita
Del Mar Manzanita was observed in the late 1990s during surveys of the golf course area,
including The Crossing Preserve. Unfortunately, the total number of these individuals cannot be
determined from the golf course planning technical reports. Sensitive plant surveys were
conducted in 2012 and 6 individual Del Mar Manzanita were observed (see Section 6.0, Parcel
Descriptions and Management Summary, for locations).
3.1.7 Sensitive Animal Species
The sensitive animal species occurring or with potential to occur on these properties are listed in
Table 3-8 along with their MHCP and Carlsbad HMP status. The recorded locations of sensitive
animal species for each parcel are shown in Section 6.0, Parcel Descriptions and Management
Summary.
One federally listed species, the CAGN and one state and federally listed endangered species, the
least Bell’s vireo (Vireo belli pusillus; LBVI) have been observed. Both of these species are
Carlsbad HMP List 1 species. HMP-covered sensitive species include five HMP List 1 species,
the osprey (Pandion haliaeus), Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii; COHA), YBCH, southern
California rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens), and orange-throat whiptail
(Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi), and three HMP List 4 species, the spadefoot toad
(Scaphiopus [Spea] hammondii), southwestern pond turtle (Emys marmorata), and black-tailed
jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennetti). Other sensitive species include the white-tailed kite
(Elanus leucurus), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), and northern harrier (Circus
cyaneus).
Coastal California Gnatcatcher
CAGN are documented on 10 city-owned preserves. The city-owned preserves with documented
CAGN are Aura Circle Preserve, Aviara Park Preserve, Batiquitos Drive Preserve, Carlsbad
Village Preserve, La Cost Canyon Park Preserve, Lake Calavera Preserve, Los Monos Preserve,
Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve, The Crossings Preserve, and Poinsettia Park Preserve
(Table 3-5).
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TABLE 3-5 COASTAL CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER TRENDS 2009–2018
Site 2009 2010 2011 2013 2017 2018
Aura Circle Preserve NA NA NA NA NA 2 pairs
Aviara Park Preserve NA NA NA NA 1 individual
Batiquitos Drive Preserve 0 1 juvenile in summer 0 1 pair NA NA
Carlsbad Village Preserve 1 pair 1 pair 1 pair 1 single male NA NA
The Crossings Preserve 11 pairs 13 pairs 20 pairs 23 pairs NA 13 pairs
La Costa Canyon Park Preserve 1 pair 0 0 1 pair NA NA
La Costa Romeria Preserve 0 0 0 0 NA NA
Lake Calavera Preserve 4 pairs 2 pairs, 1 single male 4 pairs, 1 single male 2 pairs, 2 single males NA NA
Los Monos Preserve 2 pair, 1 single male 2 single males 1 pair 1 pair NA NA
Poinsettia Park Preserve 1 pair 0 0 0 NA NA
Veterans Park/ Macario Canyon Preserve
2 pair 3 pairs 4 pairs 3 pairs NA NA
Totals 21 pair, 1 single male 19 pair, 3 single males 30 pair, 1 single male 31 pairs, 3 single males NA NA
A total of 10 pairs and 1 single male CAGN were found in 2009, a total of 6 pairs and 3 single
male CAGN were found in 2010, a total of 10 pair CAGN were found in 2011, and a total of 8
pairs and 3 single males were found on all city-owned preserves except the The Crossings
Preserve (Table 3-6). There were 11, 13, 20, and 23 pairs of CAGN that were observed at the The
Crossings Preserve by Dudek and Associates from 2009 to 2011, and 2013, respectively. In 2013,
CAGN were located at Batiquitos Drive Preserve (1 pair), Carlsbad Village Preserve (1 single
male), 1 pair at La Costa Canyon Park Preserve (1 pair), Calavera Lake Preserve (2 pairs and 2
single males), Los Monos Preserve (1 pair), Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve (3 pairs),
and The Crossings Preserve (23 pairs).
One of the potential threats to the species at The Crossings Preserve is brown-headed cowbirds
(Molothrus ater; BHCO) which can parasitize CAGN by laying their own eggs in the nest and
disrupting CAGN breeding. BHCO are known to congregate at golf courses, likely because of the
available food and water, and as such, are commonly trapped and killed as part of management
activities. This not only protects the CAGN, but other species that BHCO parasitize. Although
cowbird trapping has been conducted at the The Crossings Preserve for over 10 years, there is
little knowledge as to whether it is effective at reducing parasitism on CAGN. Therefore, nest
monitoring of CAGN nests was performed in 2018 to assess any parasitism on the species.
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Sixteen pairs of CAGN were monitored for nesting activity. A total of 15 nests were located from
13 of the pairs. None of the pairs were parasitized by BHCO. Four nests were known to have
failed. Six family groups were observed, indicating nest success of some of the pairs. It seems
evident that BHCO trapping has positively influenced CAGN nesting success in 2018.
Least Bell’s Vireo
A total of 1 pair and 3 single male LBVI were observed at The Crossings Preserve in 2009. This
is the same number as in 2010, and each territory was essentially unchanged between years. The
males may have been paired, but due to the dense vegetation (and swampy soil) and an inability
to access these individuals, no confirmation was able to be made. No LBVI were observed in
2011 at The Crossings Preserve. Surveys were conducted in 2013, but only one migratory LBVI
male was observed. No LBVI have been observed on other parcels (during focused surveys), but
suitable habitat exists at Lake Calavera Preserve, Poinsettia Park Preserve and Lagoon Lane
Preserve. In 2019, surveys were conducted at Poinsettia Park Preserve, Lake Calavera Preserve
and The Crossings Preserve. No LBVI or southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax trailli
extiums; SWFL), a species known to occur within similar habitats as LBVI, were observed at any
sites during the survey period.
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
Southwestern willow flycatcher are a rare occurrence on city-owned preserves. Breeding
populations are generally restricted to only two locations in San Diego County – upper San Luis
Rey River and East Grade Road near Lake Henshaw (Unitt 2004, SDMMP 2017). No SWFL
were observed at Calavera Lake Preserve or The Crossings Preserve during the term of the first or
second PMP. A willow flycatcher was reported by Cotton/Beland/Associates (2000), but it was
not confirmed as ssp. extimus. In 2016, one SWFL was observed (heard) at Lake Calavera
Preserve during a single survey and was considered a migratory individual (CNLM 2016).
Other Sensitive Animals
YBCH territories have been observed at The Crossings Preserve and Lake Calavera Preserve
during each survey year of previous PMPs. COHA are regularly observed at Lake Calavera
Preserve, and other properties. Southern California rufous-crowned sparrows have also been
detected. Northern harriers were observed at Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve and Lake
Calavera Preserve in the past, and a white-tailed kite nest was observed in 2013 at Poinsettia Park
Preserve in the Eucalyptus trees along the western boundary of that preserve. Spadefoot toads
were observed by Merkel (2004) at Lake Calavera Preserve. In 2013, a male and female
southwestern pond turtle (Emys marmorata) were caught by the United States Geological Survey
at Lake Calavera Preserve as part of their habitat assessment of the lake area (Brown et al. 2015).
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 68 of 296
TABLE 3-6 SENSITIVE ANIMALS KNOWN TO OCCUR ON THE PRESERVE
Species
Locations Where Species Observeda
Special Statusb AC AV BD CV CR LCC LCR LL LCP LMR MC/VP CGC PP RC VH
Birds
Coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica)b 2 pairs 1 male 1 pair 1 male 1 pair 2 pairs, 2 males 1 pair 3 pairs 23 pairs 1 pair FT; SCC; HMP List 1
Cooper's hawk
(Accipiter cooperii)
Observed Observed Observed Observed Observed Observed Observed A.2; HMP List 1; SSC
Least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) Observed 1 male in 2013-migratory A.1; HMP List 1; FE, SE
Northern harrier
(Circus cyaneus)
Observed Observed Observed Observed SSC
SC rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens) Observed Observed Observed Observed A.2; HMP List 1
Sharp-shinned hawk
(Accipiter striatus)
Observeda Observeda SSC
Southwest willow flycatcherc (Empidonax trailii extimus) Observed Xb A.1; HMP List 1; FE, SE
Tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) Observeda BCC, SCC
Yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens auricollis) 2 territories 4 territories 1 territory A.2; HMP List 1; SSC
White-tailed kite
(Elanus leucurus)
Observed Occasional Observed Observed Observed Nest located SFP
Herptiles
Orange-throat whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi) Observed Observed A.2; HMP List 1; SSC
Southwestern pond turtle (Emys marmorata) 1 pair MHCP; SCC
Western spadefoot toad (Spea hammondii) Observeda A.2; SSC
Mammals
Southern Mule Deer
(Odocoileus hemionus fuliginata)
Observed SDMMP Species Management Focus Category
SS Species
SD black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennettii) Observeda Observeda A.2; SSC
Abbreviations:
AC = Aura Circle Preserve; AV = Aviara Park Preserve; BD = Batiquitos Drive Preserve; CV = Carlsbad Village Preserve; CR = Carrillo Ranch Preserve; LCC = La Costa Canyon Park Preserve; LCR = La Costa Romeria Preserve; LL = Lagoon Lane Preserve; LCP = Lake Calavera Preserve; LMR = Los Monos Preserve; MC/VP = Macario Canyon /Veteran Park Preserve; CGC = The Crossings Preserve; PP = Poinsettia Park Preserve; RC = Research Center Preserve; VH = Village H Preserve
a From sensitive species surveys in Cotton/Beland/Associates 2000 and Merkel and Associates 2005. 2010 data is from Dudek and Associates (pers.comm.) and all recent surveys b Unless otherwise stated 2013 data is presented: A.1 - MHCP covered species with site specific permit conditions, individual populations to be tracked using GIS; A.2 - MHCP covered species with habitat-based permit conditions, to be tracked as habitat, using HabiTrak; List 1: HMP Species Given Coverage under the Carlsbad Subarea Plan; List 2: HMP Species Coverage Contingent on Other MHCP Subarea Plans being Permitted; List 3: HMP Species Coverage Contingent on Funding for Management of Conserved Areas; BCC: United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Bird of Conservation Concern (USFWS Carlsbad Office website: http://www.fws.gov/carlsbad/ accessed January 2007; FE: USFWS Federally Endangered; FT: USFWS Federally Threatened; SCC: CDFG Species of Special Concern.; SA: California Special Animal; SE: State Endangered c Noted as migrant and unsure if spp. extimus (Cotton/Beland/Associates 2000)
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3.1.8 Nonnative Plants and Animals
Prior to the commencement of preserve management, many of the city parcels were being
invaded by nonnative plant species. Although many of these species are benign, some are very
invasive and degrade habitat very quickly. The prior PMPs outlined two lists of species, termed
“zero tolerance” and “moderate tolerance” species. Zero tolerance species are those that need
immediate eradication as they are very invasive and damaging to ecosystems. Moderate tolerance
species are those that are allowed to a certain threshold level and/or are difficult to completely
eradicate and tend to be less damaging to ecosystems than zero tolerance species. The goal of the
first PMP was to get the zero tolerance species removed/treated and under control to minimized
their threat to the habitat. Another goal was to note moderate tolerant species for future removal.
Most zero tolerant species were treated/removed during the term of the first PMP (see Section
6.0, Parcel Descriptions and Management Summary). In addition, black mustard and Sahara
mustard (in particular) and other moderate tolerance species were treated (as budget permitted).
All nonnative plant species observed are listed in Appendix A. A list of moderate tolerant
nonnative plant species which were observed is provided in Table 3-7; a list of zero tolerant
nonnative plant species observed is provided in Table 3-8.
Nonnative animals that have been detected include brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater),
great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), bull-frog (Lithobates catesbeianus), crayfish
(Procambarus spp.), sunfish (Lepomis spp.), red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta), and large-
mouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). All these species were detected at Calavera Lake Preserve
and cowbirds were also observed at Poinsettia Park Preserve, Lagoon Lane Preserve and The
Crossings Preserve.
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TABLE 3-7 MODERATE-TOLERANCE WEED SPECIES OBSERVED
Species City-owned Preserves Locations Size & Severity Management Actions Planned Actions (2022–2026)
African corn flag (Chasmanthe floribunda)
Carrillo Ranch Preserve Vegetated areas along creek High-density infestation Treated in 2011 None
La Costa Canyon Park Preserve Located in upland areas and in drainage Moderate density infestation Treated in 2010 and 2011 None
African daisy (Dimorphotheca spp.) La Costa Canyon Park Preserve Located in upland areas High-density infestation Treated in 2012 and 2013 None
Australian fire weed (Senecio lineaifolius var.
linearfolius) La Costa Romeria Preserve One individual in wetland drainage on eastern edge of property.
Low, but has potential to increase rapidly if area is burned or disturbed. Not removed None
Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae)
Carlsbad Village Preserve Edge of reveg, east side in northern quarter of DCSS Low-density infestation None were planned None
Poinsettia Park Preserve Scattered throughout property. Low-density infestations None were planned None
Black mustard (Brassica nigra)
Carrillo Ranch Preserve Scattered throughout site. Low-density infestations. None were planned None
Carlsbad Village Preserve In CSS west side, and east side Low-density infestations Treated annually between 2011-2021 Treat as necessary
La Costa Canyon Park Preserve In open and cleared areas. Low-density infestations Treated annually 2016-2021 Treat as necessary
La Costa Romeria Preserve Throughout property but mostly in grassland habitats. Low-density infestations Treated annually 2016-2021 Treat as necessary
Lake Calavera Preserve Found near north & south edges of lake; also found off Lake Blvd. Several patches Treated annually between 2011-2021 Treat as necessary
Los Monos Preserve Along fill slope below water reservoir Low-density infestations None were planned None
Poinsettia Park Preserve Scattered throughout property. Low infestations Treated annually 2016-2021 Treat as necessary
The Crossings Preserve Several areas around golf course mostly off SDGE easement roads (holes 10, 11, 13 & 17)
Very large and dense infestations near Hole 10. Other infestations are moderate
Treated some of these areas in 2010 & 2011; Treated annually 2016-2021
focused treatments and restoration of a 4-acre area near main trail; scattered treatments elsewhere
Treat as necessary
Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve In grassland areas and open habitats throughout properties. One infestation along Faraday Treated annually 2012-2021 Treat as necessary
Bristly ox-tongue (Picris echioides)
Carrillo Ranch Preserve Scattered. High where it occurs. None were planned Treat as necessary
Carlsbad Village Preserve Openings in hillside grasslands, wet areas Hundreds None were planned Treat as necessary
La Costa Romeria Preserve Scattered throughout preserve in grasslands. Low-density infestations. None were planned Treat as necessary
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TABLE 3-7 MODERATE-TOLERANCE WEED SPECIES OBSERVED
Species City-owned Preserves Locations Size & Severity Management Actions Planned Actions (2022–2026)
Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) Poinsettia Park Preserve In riparian and DCSS on southeastern portion of the preserve Low Treated in 2010 Treat as necessary
Canarygrass (Phalaris aquatica) Carrillo Ranch Preserve Near rock dam on western edge of preserve Low Treated in 2011 Treat as necessary
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) Lake Calavera Preserve Eastern side of lake near boundary Several hundred originally found. Only a few remain. Treated when observed Treat as necessary
Crete weed (Hedypnois cretica) La Costa Romeria Preserve Major threat to grassland habitat. High Treated several times Treat as necessary
Fuller's teasel (Dipsacus sativus) Lake Calavera Preserve Just west of Oak Riparian Park in drainage Mostly eradicated Follow up treatments if necessarySprayed once in 2011 Treat as necessary
Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) Carlsbad Village Preserve Dominant in nonnative grassland composing middle third of preserve Low-density infestation None were planned None
Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus)
Carrillo Ranch Preserve Along creek under oak trees Low-density infestation None were planned None
Lake Calavera Preserve Found near north and south edges of lake and along trails Several stands/clumps None were planned None
Poinsettia Park Preserve Far southern portion of the preserve High-density infestation; small area None were planned None
Mission prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) Batiquitos Drive Preserve Throughout northern half of DCSS-chaparral Several clumps None were planned None
Mustard (Hirschfeldia incana) Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve Scattered throughout preserve. Low-density infestation None were planned None
Nasturtium La Costa Canyon Park Preserve Slope near drainage on southeast edge of property Several individuals Sprayed in 2010 & 2011, several treatments between 2012-2016 Treat as necessary
Poinsettia Park Preserve Adj. to RV parking lot., about ¼ acre High-density infestation Treated in 2011 Treat as necessary
Oats (Avena barbata,
Avena fatua)
Carlsbad Village Preserve Nonnative grassland, throughout edges Low-density infestation None were planned None
La Costa Romeria Preserve Throughout property but mostly in grassland habitats. High level of severity None were planned None
Los Monos Preserve Along fill slope below water reservoir Low-density infestation Not removed None
Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve In grassland areas and open habitats throughout properties. Low-density infestations None were planned None
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TABLE 3-7 MODERATE-TOLERANCE WEED SPECIES OBSERVED
Species City-owned Preserves Locations Size & Severity Management Actions Planned Actions (2022–2026)
Oleander (Nerium oleander) La Costa Canyon Park Preserve In drainage Low-density infestation None None
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)
Carlsbad Village Preserve Openings in DCSS and SWS on western side and in ravine at bottom of west facing slope Low-density infestations Treated in 2011 Treatments as necessary
La Costa Romeria Preserve Northwestern portion of the preserve Low-density infestations None were planned None
Lake Calavera Preserve East side of lake near boundary; southern edges of lake Scattered patches Treated as observed New individuals will be treated as observed
Poinsettia Park Preserve Adj. to the RV park Low-density infestations None were planned None
Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve In the main canyon Low-density infestations None were planned None
Pride-of-Madeira (Echium candicans) La Costa Canyon Park Preserve On slopes adj. to homes Moderate City asked to have these individuals left in place None
Purple false brome (Brachypodium
distachyon)
Carrillo Ranch Preserve Scattered throughout site. Low-density infestation None were planned None
La Costa Romeria Preserve In grassland habitat. High-density infestation None were planned None
Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve Throughout the grasslands and open habitats. Low-density infestation None were planned None
Rose natal grass (Melenis repens)* Lagoon Lane Preserve Along Buttercup Rd. <10 Sprayed in 2010 Treat as necessary
Los Monos Preserve Along road leading from western gate to living quarters <10 Treated several times Treat as necessary
The Crossings Preserve Near hole 6 <10 Sprayed in 2011 Treat as necessary
Russian thistle (Salsola tragus)
Carlsbad Village Preserve Disturbed bare areas, northeastern section dozens None were planned None
Lake Calavera Preserve Mostly in disturbed area on north side of Lake Mostly low density except in 2015. Treated annually Treat as necessary
Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve Scattered throughout preserve. Low-density infestation None were planned Treat as necessary
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TABLE 3-7 MODERATE-TOLERANCE WEED SPECIES OBSERVED
Species City-owned Preserves Locations Size & Severity Management Actions Planned Actions (2022–2026)
Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii)*
Carlsbad Village Preserve Scattered throughout preserve. Low-density infestation Treated annually 2016-2021 Treat as necessary
The Crossings Preserve Scattered throughout preserve. Low-density infestation Treated annually 2016-2021 Treat as necessary
Lake Calavera Preserve North side of lake along trails Scattered individuals Many treatments; Treated annually 2016-2021 Treat as necessary
Los Monos Preserve Along fill slope below water reservoir Half acre or less Spot treatments Treat as necessary
Veterans Park Preserve Scattered throughout preserve. Low-density infestation Treated annually 2016-2021 Treat as necessary
Smilograss (Piptatherum miliaceum) Carrillo Ranch Preserve Scattered in riparian areas under oak trees. Low-density infestation None were planned Treat as necessary
Tocalote (Centaurea melitensis)
Carlsbad Village Preserve Openings in DCSS on west facing slopes Half acre None were planned Treat as necessary
La Costa Canyon Park Preserve Throughout property. High level of severity None were planned None
La Costa Romeria Preserve Throughout property but mostly in grassland habitats. High level of severity. None were planned None
Lagoon Lane Preserve On edges Not a threat None were planned None
Los Monos Preserve Along fill slope below water reservoir Acre None were planned None
Poinsettia Park Preserve Scattered throughout the property Low threat. None were planned None
Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve In grassland areas and open habitats throughout properties. Moderate infestations. None were planned None
Tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) Batiquitos Drive Preserve Scattered throughout Several individuals, but very small Sprayed in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2019, 2020 Treat as necessary
Carlsbad Village Preserve Edges throughout A few individuals Several treated Treat as necessary
La Costa Romeria Preserve In canyons of preserve and some edges. High where it occurs. Treated in 2010 & 2011; treated in 2014 and 2016 Treat as necessary
Lake Calavera Preserve Along Lake Blvd. ~200 individuals Treated Treat as necessary
Poinsettia Park Preserve Scattered throughout the preserve. Low-density infestations. None were planned None
Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve Near old encampments and on edges of preserve. Low-density infestations. Several treated Treat as necessary
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TABLE 3-8 ZERO-TOLERANCE WEED SPECIES OBSERVED
Species city-owned preserves Locations Size & Severity Management Actions Planned Actions (2022–2026)
Artichoke Thistle
(Cynara cardunculus) Lake Calavera Preserve Various 10 Treated 2020 Treat as necessary
Village H Preserve Varous 5 Treated 2020 Treat as necessary
Brazilian pepper (Schinus
terebenthifolius)
La Cost Canyon Park Preserve Various 6 Treated 2019 Treat as necessary
La Costa Romeria Preserve Various Several Treated 2016, 2017, 2019 Treat as necessary
Lagoon Lane Preserve Along edges Dense Treated 2019, 2020 Treat as necessary
Poinsettia Park Preserve One Treated 2019, 2020 Treat as necessary
The Crossings Preserve Various 15 Treated 2018, 2019, 2020 Treat as necessary
Bridal Creeper
(Asparagus spp.) Poinsettia Park Preserve Various ½ acre Treated 2020 Treat as necessary
Canary Island date palm
(Phoenix canariensis) Carrillo Ranch Preserve 1 Treated 2020 Treat as necessary
Lake Calavera Preserve 1 Treated 2020 Treat as necessary
Cape Ivy The Crossings Preserve ¼ acre Treated 2020 Treat as necessary
Castor bean (Ricinus communis)
Lake Calavera Preserve Various 20 - 30 Treated 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 Treat as necessary
Los Monos Preserve Along fill slope below water reservoir Small Treated in 2011, 2016, 2017, 2018 Treat as necessary
Poinsettia Park Preserve 5-7 Treated 2019, 2020 Treat as necessary
The Crossings Preserve Various 15 Treated 2016 Treat as necessary
Crown marigold (Glebionis coronarium)
Carlsbad Village Preserve Along northern half of service road/trail hundreds None None
La Costa Canyon Park Preserve Many near the SDGE tower and cleared area. Hundreds Not planned None
English Ivy
(Hedera helix) Lake Calavera Preserve Various 1/50 acre Treated 2020 Treat as necessary
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TABLE 3-8 ZERO-TOLERANCE WEED SPECIES OBSERVED
Species city-owned preserves Locations Size & Severity Management Actions Planned Actions (2022–2026)
Erect veldtgrass (Ehrharta erecta)*
La Costa Canyon Park Preserve Drainage area <10 individuals Treated <20 Treat as necessary
Lake Calavera Preserve Off Sky Haven Ln. near drainage; east side of lake in drainage <10 individuals Treated 100’s Treat as necessary
Eucalyptus spp. Poinsettia Park Preserve Many on western boundary of park Many Left in place per City request None
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Batiquitos Drive Preserve 20 Treated annually as needed Treat as necessary
Carrillo Ranch Preserve Several in oak woodland Low-density infestation Treated annually as needed Treat as necessary
Carlsbad Village Preserve Grasslands, openings in DCSS Few Treated annually as needed Treat as necessary
La Costa Canyon Park Preserve In drainage Low-density infestation Not treated Treat as necessary
La Costa Romeria Preserve Scattered throughout preserve Low-density infestation Treated annually as needed Treat as necessary
Lake Calavera Preserve East side of lake near boundary Several individuals Treated annually as needed Treat as necessary
Poinsettia Park Preserve Several small patches scattered throughout preserve. Low-density infestation Not treated Not planned
The Crossings Preserve Northwest side of property near SDGE easement roads; just east of hole 17; and northeast boundary near hole 15 Several individuals Treated annually as needed Treat as necessary
Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve Only a few scattered on edges and borders Low infestation Not treated Treat as necessary
Village H Preserve Scattered throughout preserve 100s Treated annually as needed Treat as necessary
Florist's smilax (Asparagus
asparagoides)
Carlsbad Village Preserve In DCSS on north-facing section nearby a Mexican elderberry Low density None planned None planned
Lake Calavera Preserve Northern boundary in drainage near trail Small Sprayed by contractors in 2011 Treat as necessary
Poinsettia Park Preserve In DCSS and riparian Low density None planned None planned
Fountain grass (Pennisetum sataceum) Los Monos Preserve Upper fill slope below water reservoir <15 individuals Treated in 2009&2011 and as needed thereafter Treat as necessary
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 77 of 296
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan City of Carlsbad Preserves 46 ESA / D202100262.00 2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan August 2021 TABLE 3-8 ZERO-TOLERANCE WEED SPECIES OBSERVED Species city-owned preserves Locations Size & Severity Management Actions Planned Actions (2022–2026) Iceplant (Carpobrotus spp.) Batiquitos Drive Preserve Several patches Large clumps Treated 2017 Treat as necessary The Crossings Preserve Near hole 6 and the northern edge of the preserve near SDGE easement roads Large clumps Treated in 2010 & 2011, no treatments thereafter Treat as necessary Carrillo Ranch Preserve Scattered patches throughout preserve Low, small clumps remain Treated in 2009 and 2010, 2018 Treat as necessary La Costa Romeria Preserve Along western and eastern boundaries with private property High-density infestation Not removed Not removed, used as fuel protection for neighboring homes Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) Carrillo Ranch Preserve Various 5 individuals Treated 2018, 2019 Treat as necessary La Costa Canyon Preserve Various 35 small, 12 large Treated 2016. 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 Treat as necessary Lagoon Lane Preserve Various 15 Treated 2018, 2019, 2020 Treat as necessary Poinsettia Park Preserve Various 10 Treated in 2019, 2020 Treat as necessary The Crossings Preserve Various 21 Treated 2018, 2019, 2020 Treat as necessary Myoporum (Myoporum laetum) La Costa Romeria Preserve Scattered in drainage channel. Low severity Treated in 2010 and as needed thereafter Treat as necessary Olive (Olea europaea) Batiquitos Drive Preserve Previously large stand <10 resprouting from time to time Removed and treated in 2009, re-treated in 2010, 2011, 2016, 2017, 2018 Treat as necessary Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) La Costa Romeria Preserve On eastern slopes Occasional Treated annual if observed Treat as necessary La Costa Canyon Preserve Various 4 Treated 2020 Treat as necessary Lagoon Lane Preserve Various 15 Treated 2018, 2019 Treat as necessary Lake Calavera Preserve All throughout drainages Occasional Treated annually if observed Treat as necessary Los Monos Preserve Along small drainage SW corner of preserve Occasional Treated annually if observed Treat as necessary Poinsettia Park Preserve Various 1 Treated in 2019 Treat as necessary The Crossings Preserve In main drainage and various locations 100 Treated annually if observed Treat as necessary Dec. 7, 2021Item #4 Page 78 of 296
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan City of Carlsbad Preserves 47 ESA / D202100262.00 2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan August 2021 TABLE 3-8 ZERO-TOLERANCE WEED SPECIES OBSERVED Species city-owned preserves Locations Size & Severity Management Actions Planned Actions (2022–2026) Periwinkle (Vinca major) Carrillo Ranch Preserve Previously along western edge Not recently observed Treated in 2010 and as needed thereafter Treat as necessary Stinkwort (Dittrichia graveolens) The Crossings Preserve 100 Treated in 2020 Treat as necessary Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) La Costa Romeria Preserve Scattered in drainage channel. 20 - 30 Treated in 2009 & 2010 as needed thereafter; Treated 2017, 2019, 2020 Treat as necessary Lake Calavera Preserve 1 Treated 2018 Treat as necessary The Crossings Preserve Various 25 Treated 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 Treat as necessary Dec. 7, 2021Item #4 Page 79 of 296
3.2 Summary of Issues and Threats in City-Owned
Preserves
The large, historical losses and fragmentation of habitat continue to have impacts on a day-to-day
basis both regionally and locally on the city-owned preserves. These threats are cumulative and,
to some extent, interactive. In addition, the introduction of many nonnative species (plant and
animal) into habitat areas threatens native species diversity, longevity, and viability. The invasion
threat of exotic plants is exacerbated in the mild climate of coastal Southern California, where
many horticultural introductions escape and thrive in natural areas.
In the City of Carlsbad, the interface between preserved parcels intended for wildlife habitat
conservation and the urban, built environment is the daily, local battleground for sensitive
resources facing edge effects. The threats and impacts identified below are those that Preserve
Managers are most likely to address on a day-to-day basis. Threats to habitats, species, and
ecological processes may come from legal or illegal activities, and are numerous. Due to the
highly fragmented configuration of preserves in the city and the high edge-to-core ratio, most
preserves areas are or will be affected.
The following list contains general threats information. Initial parcel species threats are outlined
in Section 6.0, Parcel Descriptions and Management Summary, for each parcel. Most of the
parcel-specific threats information have been collected during the first 3 years of management
and are used to develop goals and objectives for future management plans.
• Unwanted access to the properties for illegal recreation activities, and encampments present safety and security concerns, including an increased wildfire ignition risk. These uses have greatly increased in recent years, and will require continued surveillance and remediation.
• Altered fire regimes can result in declines of target management species as well as increased fuel hazards that place human life and values in the built environment at risk. This risk is
expected to increase as the climate continues to change.
• Soil erosion can result in an essentially permanent loss in the productive capacity of an affected site, or sedimentation of downstream riparian and estuarine habitat. Flooding, erosion and sedimentation are expected to increase during more frequent periods of extreme rain events, as predicted by climate change models.
• Fencing and artificial lighting may alter species composition in the affected area and restrict the necessary movement of species.
• Public access will continue to necessitate signage and other communication strategies to enforce rules that allow for uses compatible with biological objectives.
• Predator, exotic, and feral/domestic pet species can negatively impact sensitive species and reduce the likelihood of achieving other biological objectives. These conflicts are especially prevalent in urban preserves.
• Landscaping practices on adjacent properties may negatively affect biological objectives by introducing nonnative plants and animals and altering site conditions in the natural areas
(through irrigation, fertilization, pest control, pruning, etc.), thus promoting shifts in species composition to nonnatives and genetic contamination from nonnative cultivars on-site or nearby.
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 80 of 296
• Continued fragmentation of the otherwise undeveloped properties immediately adjacent to, or within the matrix of, habitats connected with the HMP preserve system will negatively affect the potential for reproduction and genetic exchange within species, as well as put greater demands on resources within the preserves for motile species. Fragmentation can also have
edge effects that lower the quality of habitat for certain species, affecting biological functioning.
• Persistent and increasing cover of nonnative plants may affect biological functions by reducing native biodiversity, including native plant species and native pollinators.
• Certain areas covered in this PMP have little potential to sustain healthy native communities
without an active restoration effort.
3.2.1 Ecological Threats Models
Ecological models are valuable tools to identify assumptions about how a particular habitat,
landscape, or species could respond to natural and artificial perturbations. A model is essentially a
theory and can be described using words, diagrams, computer programs, etc. While models
reflect current knowledge, they are meant to be modified over time as our knowledge of, and
experience with, a particular habitat or species changes. Models represent an assumption about
how a particular habitat or species could respond to management practices and thus provide a
rationale for the implementation of a particular management objective. Models also represent a
testable hypothesis for inclusion in an adaptive management scenario.
The descriptive ecological models presented within this PMP focus on listing, describing and
evaluating threats to two dominant and important plant communities, and one sensitive animal
that rate the highest in importance for management and monitoring. The term “threat” has been
defined in many ways and various terms have been used in lieu of threat (i.e., stressors, risk
factors). The definition of a “risk factor” (a.k.a. threat) by Regan, Hierl, Franklin, and
Deutschman document (Regan et al. 2006) is an “activity or process that threatens the viability of
a population and cause negative trends in population size.” That definition is the preferred
definition for the term “threat” as it is used in the rest of this PMP. Over the years, preserve
threats have been closely monitored and noted and management actions have been set out to
minimize these threats as listed in Table 3-9 and Table 3-10.
3.2.2 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub and Chaparral Threats Model
Two dominant plant communities are DCSS and SMC. The dominant plant species of DCSS is
California sagebush and the associated species include California buckwheat, laurel sumac, and
coyote bush. The dominant plant species of SMC is chamise. Associated species include wart-
stemmed ceanothus, summer holly, and Nuttall’s scrub oak.
DCSS and SMC vegetation communities are adapted to a particular fire regime with fires
occurring naturally, but most severely under the extreme Santa Ana heat and winds of late
summer and fall. During these conditions there would generally be a “complete burn” where all
above ground vegetation within the fire's path would be consumed. After such a fire, herbaceous
plants, which are known to sprout after fires (fire followers), would dominate the landscape for a
few years. Over time (3 to 5 years) the shrub lands would regain their dominance, and after 7 to
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 81 of 296
10 years a mature assemblage of plants and wildlife would again be found on-site. However,
post-fire vegetation recovery also depends greatly on many variables including fire intensity and
frequency, season, community age and diversity, slope, soil type, and weather, and the
availability of soil seed bank or other source material for natural regeneration.
Based on principle, it is not definitive whether or not it is imperative to provide management
proxies for the natural fire regime historically experienced in sage scrub and chaparral
communities in Southern California prior to human habitation. Complicating this decision is the
difference in historical fire regimes in DCSS and SMC communities related to species
composition and diversity, proximity to the coast, etc. At least one expert does believe that there
is a true risk of community type conversion due to frequent fires in addition to the possibility of
community “senescence” in the long-term absence of fire (Keeley 2007). The lack of fire in a
sage scrub community can result in canopy cover and species diversity reductions. A lower level
of native annuals is present and, in some cases, based on the length of time between fires, can
disappear altogether. Resident animal species that depend on these annual species are at risk of
disappearing from the community. Nitrogen-fixing organisms are also greatly reduced with
prolonged absence of fire (as summarized in Tierra Data 2005). Results from studies suggest that
DCSS is more resilient to short fire return intervals. However, it has also been noted that this
community appears to be at greater risk of type conversion to nonnative, annual grasslands. This
may be a result of too great a fire return interval (5–10 years) or the increase in the fire frequency
from the heavy annual grassland invasion. The apparent type conversion noted in the DCSS
community may also be exacerbated by drought coupled with the slow temperature increase over
the past ten thousand years. Additionally, post-fire re-sprouting in DCSS tends to be more
successful in younger shrubs and at coastal sites (as summarized in Tierra Data 2005). After 25 to
35 years, dominant sage scrub species begin to die in areas that have not burned for 60 years or
more (Tierra Data 2005).
There is some evidence that chaparral communities in particular can persist for a century or more
without being burned and will recover just as well as younger stands after a fire event (Keeley
2007). However, with absence of fire in a chaparral community, a shift may occur that favors the
vigorous crown sprouters, like oaks (Quercus spp.) and toyon. These species grow taller;
increasing in canopy cover, thereby out competing the obligate seeder species like ceanothus
(Ceanothus spp.) (Tierra Data 2005). Additionally, older chaparral stands that have gone for
many years without fire lack the native, annual understory, much like a sage scrub community.
And, like the sage scrub community, resident animal species that depend on these annual species
are at risk of disappearing from the community. At this time, it appears that the main threat for
both the DCSS and SMC communities is an altered fire regime, fire occurring at intervals that are
potentially too long for healthy community development. It is highly unlikely that the preserves
are threatened by too frequent of a fire return interval because of an aggressive fire suppression
policy of the local fire authority.
Another issue of concern is the encroachment of nonnative plants due to the urban nature of the
preserve system and the existing level of nonnative plant species. Although most of the city
preserves have a low cover of nonnative plant species, encroachment of these species is apparent
in various areas and needs to be monitored and controlled.
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As previously discussed, there are also threats other than just an altered fire regime and nonnative
plant species, but these two threats are the focus of our management and monitoring. In sum,
management objectives focus on assessing the DCSS and SMC communities' attributes,
researching the historical fire regime and the potentially negative effects of an altered fire regime
in these communities, and beginning conversations with the local fire department and regulatory
agencies regarding altered fire regimes and potential solutions.
3.2.3 Coastal California Gnatcatcher Threats Model
The CAGN was listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 1993 and
is currently listed as a Species of Special concern by CDFG. At the time of listing, the number of
pairs was estimated at between about 1,600 to 2,500 (Atwood 1990, 1992; MBA 1995; USFWS
1993). This listing was a result of concerns in a decrease in the numbers of this species due to loss
and fragmentation of their habitat, DCSS. At the time of the writing of the MHCP, Carlsbad was
thought to support the highest density and one of the more important coastal populations in the
MHCP (about 30 percent of the total MHCP CAGN) (MHCP 2003).
Although there have been no collective/concurrent surveys for this species throughout its historic
range, subregional and HCP level surveys have been conducted (USFWS 2009; CNLM/City of
Carlsbad 2010). In 2003, the USFWS began a San Diego region-wide survey effort (covering
approximately 40,000 hectares) using point counts (although most survey points are located in
southern San Diego County, less than 10 are in Carlsbad). In 2010 and 2013, the City of
Carlsbad, in conjunction with Preserve Managers in its jurisdiction, collectively and concurrently
surveyed about 75 percent of all suitable CAGN habitat in Carlsbad using focused surveys.
USFWS estimated 1,667 pairs in their sampling frame (CI=1,240–2,176) for 2009 surveys, which
was a similar result to their 2003 and 2007 surveys. Eighty-five pairs and 42 male CAGN were
reported in 2010 in the city of Carlsbad and 117 pair and 33 single males were reported in 2013.
CAGN were observed across the city and in small, medium, and large habitat fragments (range 1
to 900 acres) and suitable vegetation patch sizes (range 1 to 315 acres) (see Section 3.1.7 for city-
owned parcel data). Average density of CAGN in Carlsbad is between 8 and 12 acres per pair
(CNLM/City of Carlsbad 2010). Current density in Carlsbad is consistent with what was
estimated during the MHCP planning process for coastal areas, as are the estimates of minimum
(occupied) patch size (MHCP 2003). In summary, habitat conditions in Carlsbad are optimal for
CAGN.
In San Diego County, CAGN occur most commonly in DCSS dominated by California sagebush
and flat-top buckwheat. Although most of the CAGN habitat in Carlsbad preserves this
dominance, some protected areas, such as the Rancho La Costa Habitat Conservation Area, is
dominated by black sage and laurel sumac. These latter areas also support CAGN, but in lower
densities, which has been observed in other black sage-dominated areas (SANDAG 2003).
CNLM is currently monitoring DCSS habitat throughout the city, which includes collecting data
on structure and composition, which are important co-variates in studying potential reasons for
changes/fluctuations in CAGN population numbers. Monitoring results to date suggest that
suitable, and generally good-quality CAGN habitat exists throughout the city (summary of this
data within this plan and CNLM 2010 and CNLM 2013, for city-owned properties).
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CAGN are resident species that usually breed between February and July. Typical nests support
3-4 eggs and are usually 3-4 feet from the ground in shrub species, such as coastal sagebush and
buckwheat. Atwood (1999) studied nest success and found average number of fledglings per pair
between 2.3 and 3.0 per season (SD 2.1–2.55) in Orange County. Nest failure is usually a result
of predation by ground predators, such as raccoons (Procyon lotor) and other birds, primarily the
scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica). Due to the highly urbanized nature of the city of Carlsbad,
predation resulting from domestic animals, such as house cats, could lead to higher predation
rates than larger, more intact areas; however, coyotes (Canis latrans), as observed by CNLM
(CNLM 2010) and other Preserve Managers in Carlsbad, are very abundant, and cats are rarely
observed as they are likely quickly preyed upon by coyotes. Brown-headed cowbird nest
parasitism has also been known to cause nest failure (USFWS 1991 and others), which could be a
problem at locations such as The Crossings Preserve, which tend to attract cowbirds and where
this species has been observed.
Although habitat loss continues to threaten CAGN, habitat conservation planning throughout San
Diego County has assured many thousands of acres will be protected and the likelihood of this
species' persistence is high. Although lack of habitat connectivity is a problem in many areas of
San Diego, studies have shown that individuals have dispersed up to 5 miles and individuals are
capable of traversing man-modified landscapes (Mock and Bolger 1992). Therefore, movement
across Carlsbad in many areas may not be too restricted by roads and man-modified structures.
Primary threats to the species, in general, and in Carlsbad and on the Carlsbad parcels, include
habitat degradation by off-trail use, dogs off-leash, and nonnative plant species, and possible
habitat loss due to altered fire regime and subsequent habitat type conversion. Deterioration of
habitat structure will result in less acreage of suitable nesting habitat and a likely decrease in
productivity and persistence.
In sum, management objectives will be implemented that will combine the knowledge of the
biology of CAGN, monitoring of the species and its habitat needs, and the challenges posed by
the threats to the species.
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4.0 Management Strategy
This section describes the proposed management strategies and tasks for the parcels covered in
this PMP.
4.1 Definition of Terms Used in This Plan
Element. An element refers to any biological unit, public use activity, or facility maintenance
program as defined below for which goals have been prepared and presented.
Biological Element. This element consists of species, habitats, or communities for which specific management goals have been developed with the plan.
Public Use Element. Public use elements are any recreational, scientific, or other use activity appropriate to and compatible with the purposes for which this preserve area is managed.
Facility Maintenance Element. This is a general-purpose element describing the maintenance and administration program, which helps maintain orderly and beneficial management of the area.
Fire Management Element. These are any management activities appropriate for reduction of fire-related threats to property and natural resources.
Goal. This is a statement of the intended long-range results of management.
Biological Goal. This is a statement of the intended long-range results of management based upon feasibility of maintaining, enhancing, or restoring populations or habitat.
Public Use Goal. This is a statement of the desired type and level of public use compatible with the biological element goals previously specified in the plan.
Area Specific Management Directive. An ASMD is a management work element that meets
species- and habitat-specific needs in a phased manner that takes into account site-specific
circumstances. The ASMDs are paired with preserve management hypotheses (assumptions and
expectations for the response or outcome of management actions), which should be stated along
with the ASMDs and can be tested through monitoring the results of management actions and of
species and habitat status. ASMDs function as the individual projects or work elements that
implement goals and are useful in planning operation and maintenance budgets. ASMDs are
prioritized and described in detail in the annual work plans for each preserve area by Preserve
Managers. The individual Preserve Managers identify which management issues affect their
particular subunits and develop and implement the ASMDs, but in coordination with related
ASMDs throughout the rest of the city-wide preserves. Note that many ASMDs already exist as
they have been stipulated by the conditions for coverage in the MHCP conservation analysis and
in the Carlsbad Subarea HMP, and are incorporated into this PMP.
Adaptive Management. The City of Carlsbad expects that management and monitoring will
occur through an adaptive approach. Information gained through monitoring will influence the
city’s management decisions regarding the next steps in the adaptive process. This approach
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acknowledges the lack of complete understanding of a system while at the same time recognizing
the need to begin management activities. Adaptive management is a mechanism to learn more
about the system since controlled experiments may not be a biologically or economically
reasonable option before management action is necessary. Targeted measurement of key
environmental and biological variables before and after the management action can provide
insight into the effects of actions at a particular site. These actions can then be adapted to
optimize the achievement of management goals.
The trigger for a change in the management approach occurs when results have not achieved the
desired goal within a specified time frame. The assumptions underlying management goals must
be stated explicitly and considered as hypotheses to be tested through monitoring programs that
are, in effect, management experiments. The city will continue to use explicit models for
experiments, observational studies, and adaptive management to implement management actions
and test a priori assumptions.
4.2 Management and Monitoring Assumptions
The Preserve Manager is responsible for management and monitoring actions in the city-owned
preserves. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the curb,
management actions will occur to the curb. These areas are generally city right-of-ways. When
there is a gap between preserve boundary and the sidewalk, generally 10–20 feet, the
management responsibility lies with the Preserve Manager. The Preserve Manager is authorized
and responsible for management of this area. The Preserve Manager will be responsible for
annual maintenance of brow ditches on city-owned preserves. Mapped brow ditches are indicated
in Section 6. Preserve manager will work with the city to ensure unmapped brow ditches are
maintained. These may include brow ditches adjacent to the city-own preserves that effect on-
preserve habitat quality. The Preserve Manager will be responsible for minor erosion control
measures as indicated in Section 6, or that may arise during PMP implementation.
The Preserve Manager is not responsible for the following tasks which are the responsibility of
the City of Carlsbad (various departments):
• Fuel or fire zone management or fuel suppression.
• Staking of property boundaries.
• Trail construction or maintenance.
• Permit-required habitat restoration.
• Major erosion problems (defined as problems that require local, state, federal or other agency permits, excavation, grading, or other tasks up and beyond simple sand bagging or other
erosion control identified in Section 5 and the attached cost estimate).
4.3 Biological Element
The MHCP subregional plan includes policies and guidelines for coordinated implementation of
species protection across the entire MHCP preserve system. The following section outlines
ASMDs (square bullets) for vegetation associations and HMP covered species and methods to
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achieve these directives based on the MHCP Management and Monitoring Plan, the OSMP, the
MSP and the Center for Natural Lands Management experience. Although the ASMDs are
consistent with the MHCP Management and Monitoring Plan, and the OSMP and MSP, some of
the timelines for surveys are adjusted to reflect comments, suggestions and requirements that the
CNLM has received on PMPs for other Center- managed properties in Carlsbad. For example,
CNLM is not required on its properties to monitor shrub species on an annual basis, which is how
it is outlined in the MHCP Management and Monitoring Plan.
Because they are part of the overall HMP preserve, the overall biological and conservation goals
for the lands covered by this PMP are to help:
• Conserve the full range of vegetation types remaining in the city, with a focus on rare and sensitive habitats.
• Conserve areas of habitat capable of supporting the HMP species in perpetuity.
• Maintain functional biological cores.
• Maintain functional wildlife corridors and habitat linkages within the city and to the region, including linkages that connect CAGN populations and movement corridors for large mammals.
• Conserve rare vegetation communities.
• Conserve narrow endemic species and maintain populations of target species.
• Remove nonnative plant species that are detrimental to the preserve areas. Removal will be conducted in accordance with the City of Carlsbad Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan
(Appendix F). A sample Pesticide Use Reporting (PUR) Form is provided in Appendix G.
Parcel-specific ASMDs are also summarized in Section 6.
4.3.1 Vegetation Associations ASMDs
The ASMDs outlined below reflect the general objective of collecting information on the status of
vegetation communities, such as vegetation structure and composition, threats and “health” and to
address those threats summarized in Section 3.2.2. This information will help to collect ongoing
information and guide future management actions. Parcels specific ASMDs are also outlined in
Table 4-1 and Section 6; Section 4.7 identifies other monitoring and management tasks not
outlined below.
This PMP does not provide ASMDs for all vegetation associations known to occur, but rather for
the most dominant, or most sensitive, vegetation associations. In depth monitoring all vegetation
associates is not deemed as necessary and would require financial resources that are not available
at this time.
4.3.1.1 All Vegetation Associations
Vegetation maps for each site were previously developed prior to 2010 using the Draft Vegetation
Communities of San Diego County, based on the Holland classification system (Holland 1986,
Oberbauer et al, 2008). The Preserve’s vegetation maps were updated in 2017 using the VCM
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2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan August 2021
system (Sproul et al. 2011) which provides a more detailed assessment of vegetation communities
than the Oberbauer/Holland system. The minimal mapping unit for each entry was roughly ½
acre. This is the standard for the city-owned preserves at this time. Newly added preserves will be
mapped using this vegetation classification system.
Update vegetation maps in 2022 for Aura Circle Preserve, Aviara Park Preserve, and Village H using the VCM. Use ¼- to ½-acre minimal mapping unit. Complete in or digitize into GIS formats.
Remove or treat zero tolerance nonnative plant species (see Section 6.0, Parcel Descriptions and Management Summary, for parcel-specific details).
– Method: The Preserve Manager will routinely survey all parcels to map and note any zero tolerance nonnative plant species (see Appendix C). These species will be removed annually. This information will be provided in each annual report and used for revisions
to the PMP. Note: The city has asked that some zero tolerance species not be removed at this time (see Section 6.0, Parcel Descriptions and Management Summary). This includes the myoporum trees at Lake Calavera, some eucalyptus and pepper trees at the
Golf Course and others at other parcels. The city would like to use some of these areas for future mitigation purposes.
Remove black mustard from selected locations (see Section 6.0, Parcel Descriptions and
Management Summary).
– Method: Black mustard will be primarily /treated using herbicide and mowing. The
primary locations for these treatments are at Carlsbad Village Drive, Veterans/Macario, the Golf Course and Lake Calavera (see Section 6.0, Parcel Descriptions and Management Summary). Other locations may also be treated if budget permits.
Identify threats to these vegetation communities
– Method: The Preserve Manager will routinely visit these communities to assess currently known and potential future threats. This information will be added to the existing threats table and management recommendations will follow. This information will be provided in each annual report and used for revisions to the PMP.
4.3.1.2 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
The primary identified threats to DCSS appears to be the potential negative effects of an altered
fire regime, nonnative plant species, and unauthorized access. Habitat attribute data such as
percent cover, species diversity, and shrub height will be collected in the DCSS community to
ascertain these threats. This information will be useful in identifying and evaluating the potential
negative effects associated with an altered fire regime. For example, DCSS with a high cover of
nonnative annual grasses may be more susceptible to type conversion with an increase in the fire
return interval. This information will also be important to understanding future monitoring needs
for certain zoological species, such as the CAGN.
Questions:
1. What is the percent cover, species diversity, shrub height, and percent shrub mortality within the DCSS community? How does this attribute information assist in the determination of potential negative effects from an altered fire regime, and the potential effects of climate
change, as well as other threats?
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• Continue to monitor these communities using the DCSS plots established in 2010 (Section 5 for plot locations) located at the Golf Course, Veterans Park/Macario and Lake Calavera. Use data derived from these plots to determine long-term vegetation management policies.
– Method: See Appendix C. In sum, the Preserve Manager will collect data from the six
study plots within selected Diegan coastal sage scrub areas in 2022 and 2025 (CSS monitoring on city-owned preserves occurs every 3 years with the last year being 2019). Variables measured will include ground cover by species, percent bare ground and litter,
shrub height, and species composition (richness). Other variables to be measured include mortality, recruitment, and abundance estimates of shrub species.
– See Section 4.3.5 in regard to the assessment of Argentine ants within the DCSS plots.
• Assess the current status of DCSS the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Relevé Assessments locations that were previously established in 2010 (see Table 3-2).
– Method: Fill out the CNPS Relevé forms at Carlsbad Village Drive, Veterans Park/Macario, La Costa Canyon Park, La Costa Romeria, Poinsettia Park, Batiquitos Drive Preserve and Los Monos.
4.3.1.3 Coast Live Oak Woodland
Oak trees and oak woodlands are important as they provide habitat for many animal species and
are generally rare in coastal San Diego County. Oak trees are very slow growing, and weeds and
soil compaction limit regeneration. Oak trees in San Diego are also under threat of the gold
spotted oak beetle, and other beetles and pathogens, which are killing thousands of trees in the
County. Therefore, it will be important to assess oak trees to better minimize the threats to this
species and the woodland.
Questions:
1. What is the status of the health of selected oak trees and oak stands? Are the gold-spotted oak borer, or other harmful beetles, present?
2. Is natural regeneration and recruitment occurring in the oak stands and at levels that should
be sustaining?
• Identify any potential threats to oak woodlands and the species that depend on them.
– Method: Annual assessment of oaks at Lake Calavera and Carrillo Ranch Preserve. The assessments will include a visual examination of trunks, branches and canopy for harmful beetles and other pathogens and an overall assessment of health of oak trees.
– The threats assessment will include a survey of a sample of oak trees to look for the presences of the gold spotted oak borer and to document specific oak tree characteristics. Surveyor will fill out the current survey form (Southern California Citizen Scientist Tree
Health Survey provided by the U.S. Forest Service http://ucanr.org/sites/gsobinfo/files/63837.pdf). In addition, measurements (DBH and searches for seedlings) will be taken to develop age stand characteristics using the most current protocol. A 20-meter radius plot will be set up at Carrillo Ranch Preserve and the current 20-meter radius plot at Lake Calavera will be re-assessed. Within each plot each oak trees DBH will be recorded, seedlings will be counted, general tree conditions will be
noted, an assessment of the presence of GSOB will be conducted and a list of plant species within the plot will be developed. These activities will occur annually.
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– At Carrillo Ranch Preserve, one purple prism trap will be deployed to attempt to detect GSOB following the protocol outlined by Coleman et al. (2014) or updated protocol. The
method includes the installation of a purple prism trap installed on a 10-foot-high steel electrical tubing post during the highest portion of the GSOB flight season, which was found by Coleman et al. (2014) to be mid-June to mid-July. The trap has a sticky substance on it and attracts insects to it at which point they get stuck on the trap. Traps are checked weekly across 4 weeks of trapping. These activities will also occur annually.
– Sign of stressed, infected or dying trees will be immediately reported to the City of Carlsbad staff. If any harmful beetles, such as GSOB are observed, the County Department of Agriculture and/or Department of Forestry will also be contacted. The Preserve Manager will seek guidance from these organizations as to next steps to either protect or remove any affected trees. Measures could include cutting trees down and destroying them, insecticide treatment or others. Oak tree specialists or arborists should be considered for consultation.
4.3.1.4 Other Vegetation Associations
CNPS Relevé forms were filled out in several other vegetation communities in 2021 (see Table
3-2). The recommended return interval for such surveys is 10 years, which would not fall within
the term of this PMP. The CNPS Relevé locations previously assessed at Lake Calavera (1 in
Riparian Forest, 2 in Native Grassland and 1 in Chaparral), Veterans Park/Macario (1 in SMC),
The Crossings Preserve (1 in Southern Willow Scrub), Poinsettia Park (1 in Southern Willow
Scrub), Lagoon Lane (1 in Riparian Forest), and Research Center (1 in SMC) were be monitored
in 2021. The next assessment will occur in 2031.
4.3.2 Covered Species ASMDs
Since the threat level is low for most of the known covered and sensitive species on city
preserves, only selected species will receive monitoring attention during the next 5 years. Those
species selected for monitoring are those that are state or federally listed, may require
management actions, and/or are important regionally and thus require additional data to
supplement regional monitoring activities. This information will help guide future management
actions or keep the city in compliance with its HMP agreements. Parcels specific ASMDs are also
outlined in Section 6. Section 4.7 identifies other monitoring and management tasks not outlined
below. Table 4-1 summarizes monitoring activities.
The ASMDs outlined below focus on Carlsbad HMP List 1, Narrow Endemics (that have
potential to occur) and federally or state listed species, and include only those MHCP covered
species which are known to occur or are highly likely to occur on city-owned preserves. All other
sensitive plant and animal species, such as Carlsbad HMP List 2-3 or those with other sensitivity
ratings (i.e., CNPS), will be noted and mapped. Future PMPs will address any potential future
management and monitoring for all sensitive species.
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2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan August 2021
TABLE 4-1 SUMMARY OF MONITORING ASMDS FOR VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS AND COVERED SPECIES
Resource ASMD Frequency or Year
All Vegetation Associations Update vegetation maps
Monitor and survey for threats
Monitor and remove zero tolerance nonnative plant species
Remove black mustard from selected locations
CNPS Relevé
2022 for mapping of AC, AV, and VH; Annually for other ASMD’s
Diegan coastal sage scrub Assess structure and composition at existing DCSS plots
CNPS Relevé
2022 and 2025 for DCSS Plots
Oak woodland Conduct surveys to assess individual trees and sign for gold spotted oak borer or other disease/pests
Annual general assessments
Thread-leaved brodiaea Assess status and habitat condition using the 5 existing index plots Annually
Coastal California gnatcatcher (CAGN) Conduct California gnatcatcher surveys per the HMP citywide survey protocol 2022
Least Bell's vireo (LBVI)
Southwestern willow flycatcher (SWFL)
Conduct focused surveys and map general distribution (GIS)
Note status (number of pairs, single individuals, etc.)
2022, 2025
Southwestern pond turtle Protect via patrols and outreach Consist with preserve-specific patrol schedule
Orange-throated whiptail
Spadefoot toad
Golden eagle
California rufous-crowned sparrow
Bell's sage sparrow
San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit
Southern mule deer
Yellow-breasted chat
Harrison’s dun skipper butterfly
Map general distribution (GIS) of individuals or sign as observed during biological surveys and management activities
During biological surveys or as noted during other management activities
Raptors (Coopers Hawk, white-tailed kite, etc.) Map raptor nest sites as they are observed
Map individuals as they are observed
2022, 2025
During biological surveys or as noted during other management activities
Wildlife Connectivity Conduct wildlife movement studies with the use of motion-sensing wildlife cameras Annually
Exotic Species
Nonnative plants, red fox, opossum, black rats, cowbirds, bullfrogs, cats, dogs
Note these species are observed during biological monitoring activities (GIS)
Trap for cowbirds at Golf Course (2 traps x 2 months each)
Preserve Manager will work with the City of Carlsbad to raise funds for a nonnative animal removal program at Lake Calavera for WPT management purposes.
During other biological surveys
Annual cowbird trapping
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TABLE 4-1 SUMMARY OF MONITORING ASMDS FOR VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS AND COVERED SPECIES
Resource ASMD Frequency or Year
Argentine Ant Collect presence/absence and abundance data using the baited cards at the DCSS plots following USGS protocol (USGS, 2014).
2022 and 2015
Gold-spotted oak borer and shot-hole borer Focused survey in suitable habitat Annually
Coastal California gnatcatcher (CAGN) Determine if brown headed cowbird parasitism Annually
4.3.2.1 Thread-Leaved Brodiaea
Thread-leaved brodiaea (TLB) are known to occur at Calavera Lake Preserve. Over 1,000
individuals were observed in a very disturbed grassland area and near a trail and fuel management
zone. The threat of impact to this species by trail use or fuel management activities are low, as
long as the trail alignment is left as-is, and as long as mowing activities are contained within their
current areas (which does not include the TLB occurrence). The primary threat to this species is
nonnative grasses and forbs as previously determined by data collected in existing Index Plots.
Continued monitoring is recommended for this species.
Questions:
1. What is the trend in TLB in the existing Index Plots? What is the plant species composition
within this known occurrence? Are nonnative plant species detrimental to TLB?
Protect locations of these species.
– Method: The Preserve Manager will continue to remind city staff of the location and sensitivity of this occurrence.
Assess the habitat of this occurrence.
– Method: The five current Index Plots located in the TLB occurrence will be monitoring annually using CNLM’s TLB Index Plot Methodology (Appendix D). Data and
management recommendation will be summarized within each report annual report.
4.3.2.2 Raptors
A number of raptor species have been observed within the preserve areas. The presence of these
species is important as most need large acreage of land for adequate foraging (which is limited in
Carlsbad) and many need mature habitat to nest. These species play an important role as the
primary predator of small mammals and birds.
Map the locations of sensitive raptor species.
– Method: Sensitive raptor species will be noted and mapped as they are observed during focused CAGN/LBVI/SWFL surveys and as incidentally located.
Protect raptor nesting sites.
– Method: The Preserve Manager will ensure that proper management actions will be taken to protect raptor nests. For example, the Preserve Manager will not conduct management
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activities that could harm the nest or nesting activities. A white-tailed kite nest occurs in the Eucalyptus along Paseo Del Norte at Poinsettia Park. The Preserve Manager will
remind city staff of this location to avoid any impacts to the species.
• Conduct any necessary tree trimming or cutting outside the breeding season in areas used by
raptors.
• Eucalyptus trees will be checked for nests before removal. Eucalyptus trees have become as common a nest site as coast live oaks, according to the San Diego Bird Atlas Program (San Diego Natural History Museum [SDNHM] 2004).
4.3.2.3 Coastal California Gnatcatcher, Least Bell’s Vireo, and Southwest
Willow Flycatcher
As mentioned earlier, CAGN and LBVI have been observed within the preserve areas. A migrant
SWFL (but not confirmed as ssp. extimus) was observed in the late 1990s at the Golf Course, but
none have been observed since that time. These species will be monitored during the term of this
PMP to continue to evaluate their abundance and distribution, to supplement monitoring efforts of
all management entities in the City of Carlsbad and to ensure the city’s compliance with HMP
monitoring requirements.
CAGN monitoring is an important component to the management of the species, as it provides
population status information that will assist in determining whether the number of pairs and
individuals are increasing, decreasing or stable. This information, coupled with the DCSS study
plot data, will allow the city to evaluate current trends and potential causes for those trends, as
well as threats to the species.
Questions:
1. What is the current status (number of pair, single males, etc.) and distribution of CAGN, LBVI and SWFL on city-owned preserves? What are the changes in structure and
composition of suitable habitat for these species (addressed in Section 4.3.1.2 through 4.3.1.4)? Are CAGN nests being parasitized by brown-head cowbirds?
• Protect and monitor the vegetation communities and the habitat components that support the CAGN, LBVI and SWFL.
– Method: Conduct regular patrols to protect CAGN habitat from human impacts. Conduct vegetation monitoring pursuant to Section 4.3.1.1 and Section 4.3.1.2. Remove nonnative plant species that degrade habitat.
• Conduct surveys and generate GIS data for the location and distribution of CAGN, LBVI and
WILF.
– Method: Conduct a minimum of 3 surveys separated by at least 7 days for CAGN in the month of March and April. The year of these surveys will be at the discretion of the City of Carlsbad.
– Conduct nest monitoring of 10 pair of CAGN at The Crossings Preserve to determine if
there is any brown-headed cowbird parasitism. The year of this monitoring activity will be at the discretion of the City of Carlsbad.
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– Conduct up to 4 presence/absence surveys for LBVI and SWFL during April–July, 2022 and 2025. SWFL surveys will follow the recently amended (2010) USFWS SWFL survey
protocol (2000). Conduct these surveys at Lake Calavera Preserve, The Crossings Preserve, Lagoon Lane Preserve, Poinsettia Park Preserve and Carrillo Ranch Preserve.
• Avoid activities that may disturb these species during breeding season.
– Method: The Preserve Manager will avoid conducting activities, such as nonnative plant removal, during the CAGN/LBVI/SWFL breeding seasons.
• Conduct cowbird trapping.
– Method: Annual cowbird trapping will occur at the Golf Course. Trapping will consist of
a minimum of two traps opened between April 1 and June 1 each year.
4.3.2.4 Southwestern Pond Turtle
A male and female western pond turtle (WPT) were observed at Lake Calavera Preserve,
representing one of the two locations this species is known to occur in North County. Little is
known about this species at the Lake. It is unknown, for example, if they are successful at
breeding, and if so, where their nest sites are located. U.S. Geological Survey trapped for this
species and assessed other native and nonnative species at Lake Calavera Preserve between 2012
and 2013 and found several species that are detrimental to WPT, such as red-eared sliders,
bullfrogs and large-mouth bass (Brown et al. 2015).
Questions:
1. What is the status of WPT at Lake Calavera Preserve?
2. How can the threats to this species be managed?
• Protect WPT at Lake Calavera Preserve.
– Conduct regular patrols and ensure that the public is not collecting WPT or damaging their habitat.
• Monitor for the presence/absence of this species.
– The Preserve Manager will work with the City of Carlsbad to develop partnerships and raise grant funds for WPT monitoring activities and to develop an invasive animal control
program (i.e., this activity will not be funded by the city as part of this PMP).
4.3.2.5 All Other Covered or Sensitive Animal Species
No focused surveys are planned during the term of this PMP for other covered or sensitive
species which include the orange-throated whiptail, spade-foot toad, golden eagle, southern
California rufous-crowned sparrow, Bell’s sage sparrow, San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit,
southern mule deer, YBCH, Harrison’s dun skipper butterfly, and the southwestern pond turtle.
However, these species will be noted and mapped as they are observed during other biological
survey activities and incidentally during management activities.
• Protect and manage these species primarily through the removal of nonnative species within their habitats and patrol efforts.
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– Method: The Preserve Manager will remove nonnative invasive plant species (Zero Tolerance Species per Appendix C) to protect these species. The Preserve Manager will
conduct regular patrols to ensure that off-trail activities and other unwanted activities are minimized.
• Map occurrences of these sensitive species.
– Method: Note and map sensitive species occurrences and update databases.
4.3.3 Wildlife Corridors
Annual wildlife movement studies with the use of motion-sensing wildlife cameras will be
conducted as needed to understand movement through the city-owned preserves.
4.3.4 Nonnative Plants
Most zero tolerance nonnative species (Appendix E) have been controlled to the point that they
no longer threatened the preserve (see threats table, Table 3-10). For the next 5 years, the focus
will be on treating any new occurrences of zero tolerance species and continued control of the
primary moderate tolerance species, black mustard, which has infested several locations. No other
moderate tolerance species was determined to be a threat to the preserves. A description of the
black mustard level and a list of zero-tolerance species for each city-owned preserve are provided
in Section 6. Removal will be conducted in accordance with the City of Carlsbad Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) Plan (Appendix F). A sample Pesticide Use Reporting (PUR) Form is
provided in Appendix G.
• Remove/treat all zero-tolerance species as they are observed. A summary of zero tolerant species with potential to occur, and their proposed removal, is provided in Section 6.
• Remove/treat the moderately tolerant nonnative plant species, black mustard, at selected locations as outlined in Section 6.
• Annually inspect properties for new infestations of zero tolerant nonnative plant species.
4.3.5 Exotic and Domestic Animals/Mosquitos
• Prevent the spread of nonnative ant species by working with adjacent landowners to prevent over-watering by irrigation and improper drainage into the preserve.
• Trap brown-headed cowbirds to reduce the threat from this species. See Section 4.3.2.4.
• Prevent the risks and potential losses and liabilities from dog use of the Preserve areas open to the public. All dogs must be confined to a leash and must stay on formal trails. Stray or
loose animals will be reported to the County Animal Control office.
• Trim cattails in small pond at Lake Calavera Preserve near Tamarack entrance every other
year starting in 2023. Provide San Diego County Vector Control a small boat to access the pond for mosquito treatments (monthly) (see Section 6).
• Monitor for the presence/absence and abundance of Argentine Ants.
– Method: At each DCSS plot, using the USGS Argentine Ant baiting method to determine the presence/absence and abundance of this species (USGS 2014). This method involves
placing an index card on the ground baited with tuna or a cookie/peanut butter and waiting for 1 hour. One card will be placed at each corner of the DCSS plots (4 total).
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Ants are collected, identified and the total abundance on the card noted. Each card is also photographed after 1 hour.
• Monitor for the presence of gold-spotted oak borer and polyphagous shot-hole borer.
– Method: Conduct annual general assessments of oak trees, and other trees, for stress
related to GSOB and the polyphagous shot-hole borer.
– Gold-spotted oak borer will be monitored following protocols outlined in Section 4.3.1.3 of this PMP which includes annual trapping.
– Method: Shot-hole borer presence/absence surveys will occur annually. Surveys will include walking through southern willow scrub habitat, oak woodland and other suitable habitat that support the species. Any signs of this species will be mapped and noted. The
Preserve Manager will work with the city to develop a solution to the problem if it exists.
4.3.6 Erosion Control
Erosion control and brow ditch maintenance are required many of the city-owned preserves.
Erosion control measures and brow ditch maintenance require annual assessment and
maintenance. A summary of known and historic maintenance areas are as follows.
• Aura Circle Preserve. Brow ditches are on southwest corner and along the eastern boundary require periodic clearing and cleaning.
• Batiquitos Drive Preserve. Erosion control, consisting of straw wattles and hydroseed, were applied following olive tree removal and to date, thick vegetation has grown back into the areas disturbed by the olive trees and the removal effort. The straw waddles and silt fence were installed in 2016 along Batiquitos Drive and maintained throughout the year. The small amount of soil that slumped onto the sidewalk was promptly cleaned. New straw wattles were
installed in 2020.
• Carlsbad Village Preserve. Brow ditches on and off of the preserve require annual
assessment and cleaning. There is a potential slump area in the middle of the preserve that requires monitoring. Remedial measures may be necessary.
• The Crossings Preserve. Brow ditches occur throughout the preserve (11,837 linear feet) and are cleaned annually. Wattles along PAR and inside the course were added in 2020.
• La Costa Romeria Preserve. Erosion control occurred in the main drainage during the first PMP term. Gravel bags were installed in the areas that lack vegetation and on each side of an existing brow ditch. Approximately 100 gravel bags were installed in November of 2015 and worked well during the rainy season to slow water flow and erosion. Several hundred gravel bags were again installed in the winter of 2017–2018. Brow ditches, approximately 1,000 feet, were cleared and cleaned in 2018. It is estimated that brow ditch requires cleaning and clearing every 5 years and installed gravel bags will need maintenance every 3-5 years.
• Lake Calavera. Lake Calavera has many old illegal trails that, although blocked off for the last 5 years, are still very eroded as they lack vegetation. Approximately 500 gravel bags were installed within various ruts to slow down water flow and contain erosion in 2016. Straw wattles were installed in previous years along the slope at the Tamarack/Dam entrance
to minimize soil deposition onto the access road and trail. These wattles were inspected and replaced as needed prior to the rainy season and maintained annually.
• Village H. Erosion on the west parcel requires monitoring and remedial measures may be
necessary.
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Erosion BMPs in these areas will be maintained during the term of this PMP.
• Prioritize locations for control and erosion monitoring where the loss and destabilization of soil can have devastating and long-term effects on production capacity, wetland values, ecological processes, and sensitive species.
• Annually mitigate for minor erosion issues with the use of wattles, gravel bags, and silt fences. Specific erosion measures identified during the development of this PMP are outlined
in Section 6.
• Annually inspect and periodically maintain existing brow ditches at the Aura Circle Preserve,
Carlsbad Village Preserve, The Crossings Preserve, La Costa Romeria Preserve (see Section 6). Brow ditch maintenance is cleaning and vegetation clearing.
• Annually assess and control erosion at Batiquitos Drive Preserve, Carlsbad Village Preserve, Crossing Golf Course Preserve, Lake Calavera Preserve, and Village H Preserve (see Section 6).
• Alert the City of Carlsbad immediately to major erosion problems that are out of scope of the Preserves Manager duties and budget. Major erosion problems are defined as problems that require local, state, federal or other agency permits, excavation, grading, or other tasks up and beyond simple sand bagging or other erosion control identified in Section 6 and the attached cost estimate
4.3.7 Reporting, Updating, and HMP Coordination
Preserve Management entities are required to report annually to the City of Carlsbad, which in
turn, summarizes management activities and prepares an annual report to the wildlife agencies.
This commitment achieves the conservation goals of the Carlsbad HMP and the MHCP through
complying with reporting requirements, report updating, and regular and effective communication
and coordination.
The schedule and process for meetings and reporting below provide the City of Carlsbad's
structure for:
1. Compliance monitoring (Are the HMP and OSMP being implemented according to the Implementing Agreement and the conditions, policies, and guidelines established therein?)
2. Effectiveness monitoring (Is the management of the preserve system conserving the species
and habitats as expected?)
• Submit an Annual Work Plan and Annual Report each year for the city-owned preserves. A draft Annual Work Plan is due October 15 and a draft Annual Report is due November 15 to the Preserve Steward, city, and Wildlife Agencies for review and comment, and the final Work Plan and Annual Report is due by December 15. The Annual Report will summarize the activities accomplished during the year and any management and monitoring recommendations. The Annual Work Plan will outline the planned monitoring and management actions for the year and include a prioritization of specific management needs and ASMDs to be implemented in the adaptive management context. See the OSMP Appendix D for required content and format. The annual update will be reviewed by the Wildlife Agencies and Preserve Steward, and be available for public review and comment.
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• Attend monthly meetings with city staff to summarize work activities, discuss issues and determine management solutions.
• Attend the Quarterly Carlsbad Preserve Managers meetings to facilitate coordination among preserve areas/managers, to share ideas, address common problems, identify funding/grant opportunities (coordination of Section 6 and NCCP local assistance applications), etc. Attendance is required of Preserve Managers and the Preserve Steward.
• Maintain frequent communication between the city, Preserve Steward and Preserve Managers (ongoing as needed) by phone, e-mail, or in the field.
• Report emergency/critical issues to the city, Wildlife Agencies and/or Coastal Commission as needed (Preserve Manager and/or Steward to report depending on severity of issue).
4.3.8 Adaptive Management
Management of dynamic systems requires a similarly dynamic management structure that is
capable of appropriate response in the context of perpetual change. Natural areas that are
managed for conservation objectives are subject to a suite of changing conditions from the
biological (e.g., normal population dynamics, climate change) to the legal (e.g., resident species
being down-listed, de-listed, or listed) to the social (e.g., increasing pressures for recreational
use). Adaptive management was a concept developed in response to these challenges and was
defined as the systematic acquisition and application of reliable information to improve
management over time (Wilhere 2002).
Adaptive management embraces not only new scientific information but the possibility of new
management objectives. As examples, new objectives could be the result of a change in the legal
status of resident species, the need to consider a different restoration goal for the preserve because
of changing climatic conditions, or a change in the preserve context whereby it either became
connected with other preserves and acquired a ‘metapreserve’ context or became increasingly
fragmented and isolated, undermining some original management objectives.
The vision and application of adaptive management continues to grow with the maturity and
experience of land managers across the country. At present, adaptive management is expressed
and served by the following conditions:
1. Analysis and interpretation of information gathered from site and interpreted at a spatial scale that is appropriate for the site and the species: Mandatory (i.e., regulatory agency) monitoring
is supplemented with additional data collection and framed appropriately such that meaningful information is gained on resident species. As appropriate for the spatial scale of the species' range, additional information from beyond the preserve may be used for
interpretation. Similarly, the time scales of the species-lifespan, breeding cycles, etc.-help to determine how long information must be collected before it is biologically meaningful and can be interpreted for management purposes.
2. Appropriate management structure: We require that management plans for each preserve be updated every 5 years. This provides an opportunity to consider the management trajectory and review relevant information.
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3. Staff selection: Preserve managers are selected who have a strong background in biological sciences, are comfortable in searching scientific literature and conducting scientifically rigorous
field studies, and who have the ability to interact appropriately with the research community for management support.
4. Sound record-keeping: Just as adaptation in the evolutionary sense depends on inheritance from one generation to another of the trait of interest, so too adaptive management relies on a strong institutional memory that transcends individual managers.
5. Developing long-term relationships with researchers: The expertise needed to guide conservation-directed management is multi-disciplinary and best served by a team approach. Preserve managers accommodate requests from researchers to use the preserves for on-site research projects, barring any significant risks to native species and the environment. They also invest in relationships with the research community as an ongoing source of support for decision-making.
6. Management stability: One of the preconditions identified by Lee (1993) for genuine adaptive management is sufficient (institutional) stability to measure long-term outcomes. For example, CNLM’s agreements for preserve responsibility-whether pertaining to ownership, management,
or conservation easement compliance (or a combination)-are in effect in perpetuity. This provides the necessary stability and time frame for effective adaptive management.
Section 6 is based on research and monitoring activities that occurred in the previous 5 years. The
majority of the objectives and methods listed in the following section are a result of adaptive
management decisions that were arrived upon based on observations, data gathering and data
analysis during biological surveys, projects, and other activities during 2017-2021. Additionally,
the goals listed in Section 6 are similar in nature to the goals identified in the MHCP.
Recently there has been discussion and debate about making Adaptive Management “Climate
Smart” (Stein et al. 2014). The ecological model and monitoring programs outlined in this PMP
and past PMP have certainly considered climate change and its potential impact to natural areas,
and the management and monitoring programs set forth attempt to address potential changes
associated with climate change. However, the city and other municipalities are beginning to
develop guidelines for the regional to address climate change and be “Climate Smart” in these
decisions. The city has asked the designated Preserve Manager for city-owned preserves to
participate in this discussion.
• Work with the City of Carlsbad to develop a Climate Smart adaptive management framework
for city-owned preserves.
4.4 Public Use Element
Public use may include any recreational, scientific or other use activity appropriate to and
compatible with the purposes for which this preserve area is managed. The preserve, with proper
stewardship, is a significant amenity to the surrounding community, and has been used
historically for recreation. The Preserve Steward recognizes that informing and educating
adjacent residents and businesses of the preserve's value as open space and wildlife habitat will be
essential to maintaining the current resource levels found on-site. Without local support, there
will be ongoing degradation through misuse, vandalism, poaching and trash dumping. With an
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actively involved community there will be hundreds of eyes and ears keeping a vigilant watch
over the habitat.
At this time, there are public trails on or adjacent to Lake Calavera Preserve, The Crossings
Preserve, Village H Preserve, La Costa Canyon Park Preserve and Carlsbad Village Preserve
(Appendix H). Although informal, a trail also occurs on Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve.
None of the other properties are open to the public. The primary area that needs effective patrol
and public outreach is Lake Calavera Preserve and Village H Preserve with the number of users
increasing annually. Over 500 people per day will use Lake Calavera Preserve during the cooler
winter months and many visit all times of the year. The primary issue at Lake Calavera Preserve
is dogs-off-leash and the lack of dog feces pick up, even though there are 6 dog waste stations
provided in the area. La Costa Canyon Park Preserve and Carlsbad Village Preserve do not get
many users. Significant foot traffic and off-leash dogs are regularly observed at Village H
Preserve, and Poinsettia Park Preserve commonly has illegal trespass/drinkers on the western
boundary of the property. In addition, the Veterans Park area west of the Veterans Park/Macario
Canyon Preserve will be developed in the near future (including formalization of the informal
trails onsite), which will bring significantly more people to this area. Pressure from trail use, off-
trail use and encampments is becoming a significant and growing threat throughout the HMP
preserve system.
4.4.1 Public Use ASMDs
• The Preserve Manager will patrol and enforce rules and regulations on a regular basis and for a minimum of 1,500 hours per year across all properties based on the patrolling schedule (i.e.,
weekly, monthly, quarterly) for each city-owned preserve is provided in Section 6, with the priority patrols to occur at Lake Calavera Preserve and Village H Preserve.
• Prohibit public access to any city-owned preserves other than Calavera Lake Preserve, the Carlsbad Village Preserve, La Costa Canyon Park Preserve, Village H Preserve and Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve because other parcels contain at-risk resources, or because
they lack accessible or sufficiently ample terrain to implement a trail system. The City of Carlsbad is responsible for all trails, trail construction and trail maintenance within city-owned preserves.
• The Preserve Manager will work with the City of Carlsbad Trails Coordinator to suggest trail improvements and resolution of problem areas at Calavera Lake Preserve, Village H Preserve
and any other problem areas.
• The Preserve Manager will maintain existing fences, which include the three-strand wire and lodge-pole fencing at Lake Calavera Preserve and the chain link fence at the southern side of La Costa/Romeria Preserve (see Section 6 for details). Fences used to block unwanted trail use at Lake Calavera Preserve will also be maintained. Lodge-pole fencing Carlsbad Village
Preserve is maintained by the city.
• The Preserve Manager will participate in three volunteer events associated with National Public Lands Day, Earth Day, National Trails Day and any other event in which the city asks for attendance. The goal is for the Preserve Manager to educate the public and bring awareness of natural resources in local neighborhoods.
• The Preserve Manager, with permission from the city, will allow access to city-owned preserves for science and research as appropriate.
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• The Preserve Manager will enforce the following rules for access:
– Dogs on leashes only.
– No motorized vehicles.
– No unmanned vehicles.
– No horseback riding.
– Mountain biking allowed on designated multi-use trails only.
– Hiking on designated trails only.
– No collecting of plant and wildlife species.
– No hunting or shooting.
– No camping.
– No smoking or drinking of alcoholic beverages.
• The Preserve Manager will post appropriate signage on each city-owned preserve. Each sign will identify that the property is protected habitat, the city as the owner, contact information, a list of prohibited activities and other pertinent information.
• The Preserve Manager is not required to protect the Lake Calavera dam, spill way or associated structures and is not currently required to enforce the no human swimming or fishing rules at Lake Calavera Preserve.
• The Preserve Manager will update existing mini-kiosks (6 total) with educational literature.
• The Preserve Manager will remove debris and trash within the properties. The Preserve
Manager will ensure that dog feces are regularly cleaned up on a bi-weekly basis at Lake Calavera Preserve.
4.5 Fire Management Element
All fuel management is the responsibility of parties other than the Preserve Manager. There are
fuel zones along the northern and eastern boundaries of Calavera Lake Preserve and within the
northern areas of La Costa/Romeria Preserve. Other fuel modification activities occur at the
Carlsbad Village Preserve and Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve (mowing of mustard
stands in both of these areas).
4.5.1 Fire History
While fire history should be verified on the ground by searching for fire scars and observing
vegetation maturity, the city-owned preserves considered herein do not appear to be affected by
the common scenario of over-frequent fire and an increase in fire size. Within the span of
spatially recorded fires from 1910 to 2014 (http://frap.cdf.ca.gov/data/frapgisdata-subset,
accessed April 2016), Aviara Park Preserve, Lake Calavera Preserve, Los Monos Preserve, La
Costa Canyon Preserve, and La Costa/Romeria Preserve experienced fires. Since preserve
management commenced, there have been two small spot fires at Lake Calavera Preserve; one
along Lake Boulevard triggered by line-trimming activities and one near Sky Haven Street, likely
triggered by smokers. The 300-acre Poinsettia Fire in 2014 did not affect any city-owned
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preserves. Maps of these parcels and their respective fires are presented in Section 6. A regional
fire history is shown in Map 4-1.
The MHCP asks that the regional assumption of over-frequent fire be evaluated in the case of
each preserve management plan, as this relates to the potential for vegetation type conversion as
well as protection of fire-dependent species. Based on these maps, the city-owned preserves here
do not appear to be affected by the modern trend to more frequent and larger fires as is typical in
much of San Diego County. However, the fire threat in this urban preserve is serious, as may be
exemplified by the nearby Harmony Grove Fire of October 21, 1996. According to the after-
action report, this fire became the most serious emergency event in Carlsbad's history (Fire
Report http://www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us/fire /hgfd.html). Slightly over 3 hours after the fire began in
the unincorporated community of Harmony Grove, shifting winds drove the fire across the
southeastern boundary of the city, and into residential neighborhoods of La Costa. By midnight,
the winds subsided and the fire began to die out, leaving $11.8 million in private loss in the form
of 54 Carlsbad homes destroyed and dozens of others damaged. In 2014, the Poinsettia Fire
consumed almost 300 acres in central Carlsbad, but the fire department kept it from spreading
across the city and only one home was lost.
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4.5.2 The Fire Environment
The following points are key to the fire planning context for the city-owned preserves:
1. All of the city-owned preserves can be considered a wildland-urban interface (W-UI). W-UI can be defined as the portion of burnable vegetation within 1.5 miles of occupied structure densities greater than 1 unit/40 acres. Policy-specific criteria for defining a W-UI was
published in the Federal Register (January 4, 2001, 66 FR 751), which established a minimum density of one occupied structure per 40 acres (16 ha). In its identification of a W-UI, the California Fire Alliance (2001) defined W-UI as all areas within 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of wildland vegetation, roughly the distance that firebrands can be carried from a wildland fire to the roof of a house.
2. Under certain Santa Ana wind conditions (such as occurred in the county in October of 2003 and 2007), entire preserves could be consumed by fire more quickly than a fire suppression unit could be on-site. In mature chaparral or riparian vegetation, flame lengths could exceed 100 feet. In the mature riparian community, flame lengths could reach even higher.
3. Many of the city-owned preserves are connected to other conservation areas through native habitat corridors. Native vegetation in adjoining lands is part of the same fire context as the PMP preserve considered in this document. Fire can either spread from the PMP parcels onto
those lands, or reach the PMP parcels from them.
4. The native vegetation of the PMP parcels positioned adjacent to urban land use, as well as the
public access planned for the PMP lands predispose this property to a high wildfire risk. The fire threat comes largely from human-caused ignitions, such as from (prohibited) campfires set by the public for recreation, camping, or heat purposes. Other possible ignition sources could
come from arson, careless smoking, children with matches, or sparks from equipment used on-site or from off-road vehicles.
5. The plant and wildlife communities of the PMP city-owned preserves evolved with a natural
fire regime as a key natural ecological disturbance process, primarily driven by weather and the low moisture content of vegetation in late summer and fall. Native Americans also set fires as a land management tool, and burning for subsistence purposes had been a local practice for thousands of years. Native plants and wildlife have a range of adaptations to fire and open habitat conditions are created by fire. Development and fragmentation of habitats do not allow natural fire regimes to continue without placing adjacent homes and businesses at risk, thereby increasing pressure on fire protection agencies and land managers to suppress wildfires. In the modern setting of a wildland-urban interface, potential fire ignitions have become more frequent, and possibly much larger and more disastrous than was natural. Additionally, today's prevalence of exotic annual grasses and forbs has changed fuel load characteristics such that fires can ignite and carry through into shrublands more easily.
6. The risk of extreme fire scenarios to species that are the focus of management should be evaluated in the context of the managed preserve. The highest risk is with respect to too short a return interval between fires, which prevents plants from either accumulating sufficient
carbohydrate in their underground storage organs to resprout, or from accumulating sufficient seed bank storage in the soil to replace their populations post-fire. There is a risk that fires may be either too cool to germinate seeds that require fire stimulus, or so hot that the seed (or
other propagules) is killed. And, in these compressed and fragmented native habitats, there is a risk of an entire preserve being consumed by fire in a single event, and species unable to disperse into the post-fire environment. In this latter case, the highest risk is to animal species
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with narrow niche specialties, those with sedentary life histories, or with low dispersal capability.
To evaluate potential fire regime risks on some of the target management species of the PMP
city-owned preserves, certain key plant species are evaluated below. An evaluation of fire effects
on wildlife groups follows.
Nuttall’s scrub oak (Quercus dumosa). The prolific sprouting ability of Nuttall’s scrub oak
makes it a prominent component of the early postfire community. It is exceptionally persistent
with or without fire (Minnich and Howard 1984; Keeley et al. 1986). In coastal chaparral
communities of Southern California, Nuttall’s scrub oak generally becomes dominant during the
second decade after fire, and within 30 to 40 years communities on north-facing slopes have
closed canopies. The vegetation composition of these sites remains essentially unchanged without
further disturbance, with Nuttall’s scrub oak continuing to dominate (Hanes 1971). Seedlings
likely establish in unusually moist years but need litter, so this only happens in very old stands,
similar to scrub oak (Zedler 1977), with which Nuttall’s scrub oak will hybridize. No special fire
management is recommended. Continued existence of this species would not be expected to be
jeopardized by fire, and populations are expected to be stable with or without fire. It may increase
in cover without fire due to its height and ability to dominate the canopy.
Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia). A bulb of grasslands, seeps, and wet meadows,
this species is highly adapted to fire due to its underground storage structure. These plants are
normally dormant during the normal fire season, so are not directly affected, but benefit from
nutrient flush, canopy opening, and other aspects of altered competitive status. It is an obligate
resprouter. This adaptation is also true for western dichondra (Dichondra occidentalis), a
Carlsbad HMP-covered species. It is a rhizomatous perennial herb that is considered a fire
follower in both chaparral and coastal sage scrub. If present, its status would be favored by fire.
Summer-holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia). As with the manzanita
(Arctostaphylos spp.) also in the Ericaceae family, this plant has urn-shaped flowers. Its showy
red fruits give it its name. Although specific studies of fire adaptation of this species have not
been conducted, it is a reasonable expectation that, similar to the manzanitas, summer holly
would resprout after fire.
Coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica). CAGN prefer the cover and
structure provided by mature unburned DCSS. Likewise, the California thrasher (Toxostoma
redivivum) will recolonize burned sites only 4 to 5 years after a burn, and do not reach maximum
densities until 20 years post-fire (Cody 1998). Of the sensitive wildlife present on the preserves
covered under the Carlsbad HMP, the CAGN is likely the most challenging species with regard to
fire management. They would sustain at least short-term adverse effects from a fire event. DCSS
would likely begin to be recolonized by gnatcatchers after 7 to 8 years, but this would depend on
environmental conditions that influence both canopy closure and dispersal capability of the bird.
In contrast, researchers have reported that swallows, swifts, sparrows, and flycatchers are more
abundant in burned chaparral the first year following a fire. The SDNHM notes that this rebound
effect is “especially dramatic” on Costa's hummingbird (Calypte costae) (SDNHM 2003). This
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results from heightened levels of poodle-dog bush (Turricula parryi), beardtongue (Penstemon
spectabilis), and woolly blue-curls (Trichostema lanatum) that promote feeding and nesting.
Raptors. It is unusual for raptors to suffer mortality due to a direct impact of fire (U.S. Forest
Service [USFS] 2003). Adults can escape fire; however, fire could directly reduce raptor
populations if it impacts nesting trees. Low-intensity fires probably have little effect on raptors.
Most raptors are unaffected or benefitted when occupying burned habitat. Burned areas provide
little cover for prey species and raptors can take advantage of this vulnerability. Additionally,
because prey species often increase after fire, raptors can also benefit. COHA populations have
been documented to benefit from fire (Dodd 1988). Nonetheless, fires that destroy potential
nesting trees could impede reproduction of raptors when alternative nesting sites are scarce
(USFS 2003).
4.5.3 Goals
The fire management goals are to:
• Goal 1: Protect human life and safety as the first priority of every fire management activity.
This is the responsibility of the city’s fire department.
• Goal 2: Suppress 100 percent of all unplanned wildland fires, regardless of ignition source, to
the smallest size possible, protecting all habitat values at risk in a prioritized manner. This is the responsibility of the city's fire department.
4.5.4 Fire Management ASMDs
• Coordinate with local City of Carlsbad Fire Department units on wildfire suppression, especially the Battalion Chief that would be the first responder. The following should be coordinated with the Fire Department:
– Consistent with the Carlsbad HMP, identify access points for firefighting equipment. Identify locations for staging firefighting equipment that minimize impacts to sensitive resources, and are logical and safe for fire suppression.
– Identify evacuation routes, and which gates should remain unlocked for this purpose or with emergency access protocols.
– Identify no-bulldozing preferred zones and, in consultation with the Fire Department, a pre-defined anchor point(s) for stopping a fire, such as crossing a riparian drainage at a specific location. Identify safety hazard areas to firefighting personnel and place all the above on a map. Provide the Fire Department a paper copy of the map and post signs on gates or other access points providing emergency guidelines and a map for firefighters. Phone numbers should be listed on the sign and provided to the fire department.
• Post a fire prevention and safety sign for recreational users of the city preserves at key access points.
• Fuel breaks should only be as wide as necessary to protect resources at risk, and should be enforced adjacent to homes. Best management practices will include mowing, but not disking unless a sensitive species benefits from disking. Low-growing natives and shrub islands
should be the desired management condition, with highly flammable shrubs cut to minimum size or limbed up if left behind. The Preserve Manager will work with the Fire Department on this issue.
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• If improper management of the 60-foot fuel management areas are observed, report to the HOA or business owner's association, and request if necessary, inspections by the Carlsbad Fire Department. This fuel break must function for fire protection, as there is little other reasonable means of fire protection that is environmentally acceptable.
• Consistent with MHCP guidelines, review the known fire history and field verify the accuracy of the mapped fires. Update vegetation community maps and attributes every 5 years based on any fires. Field monitoring will be conducted as part of the habitat management efforts, and will include assessments of the post-fire recovery of habitats and covered species.
• If in the future it is believed to be beneficial to conduct prescribed burns for ecological benefit, consider requesting that the Fire Department conduct small burns as part of a training exercise.
• Post-fire habitat condition should be monitored for five years according to the 2014 HMP Post-Fire Monitoring Protocol, developed by the city’s Habitat Management Division. This
will allow the Preserve Manager to evaluate the trajectory of habitat recovery.
• Natural regeneration will be the primary approach for revegetation of natural areas post-burn
(CNPS 2019). Do not re-seed burned areas unless there appears to be no natural recovery from a seed bank. If seeding appears necessary, only use seed collected from native plant populations on the preserve or the immediate adjacent lands and only after verifying that
those populations are natural rather than themselves restored.
• Post-fire activities may focus on erosion and sediment control especially in riparian areas. As necessary, mechanical means will be used to control short-term erosion. This could include mulching, jute matting, wattles, culvert clearing, installation of debris racks in channels, or temporary water diversion structures. Erosion control through seeding will not be conducted
as a general practice, but only with proper justification in a written rehabilitation plan that contains success criteria. No short-term erosion control will be implemented using nonnative seed, or other actions that may inhibit natural regeneration. Ryegrass will not be used for post-fire seeding. Ryegrass is a nonnative which has been shown to persist for years in the restored environment. In addition, research has shown that ryegrass provides no more erosion control benefit than native species within the first year after a fire (Beyers et al. 1994).
• Areas of concentrated fire suppression activity should be rehabilitated immediately after fires and prior to the subsequent rainy season.
• If a fire line (a bare mineral soil line constructed as fire is burning used to contain a wildfire) is required within riparian habitat, hand line or burnout is preferred to bulldozer lines. Only
use bulldozers when necessary to minimize fire size. Avoid the use of aerial fire retardant or Class A foams within 100 feet of riparian habitat watercourse strip.
• Work with HOAs to reduce runoff adjacent to preserves, which may lead to overgrowth of
native vegetation resulting in greater fuel load within the preserve.
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4.6 Facility Maintenance Element
4.6.1 Facility Maintenance Goal and ASMDs
Goal 1: The physical facility and grounds maintenance program will provide the maintenance and
administration necessary to maintain orderly and beneficial management of the city-owned
preserves.
• Maintain signage, fencing, and gates.
– Fences will be maintained to discourage trespass and dumping. Gates will be replaced as necessary, but most likely every 20 to 30 years. Various signs are posted at main access points to the city-owned preserves. Signs delineate the limits of the preserve, identify the
Preserve manager, and list what activities are permitted or prohibited.
• While the Preserve Manager is not responsible for maintaining trails, periodically survey trails and identify erosion liabilities. Identify trails that are to be restored or allowed to return to a natural state.
• Maintain accurate business records on expenditures, staff, maintenance, and other
administrative duties.
• Maintain regular office hours in order to respond to public requests for information in a
timely manner and otherwise conduct business in a normal manner.
• Protect health and safety of staff and visitors to the property and maximize efficient use of
operating expenses allocated to this area.
– Regularly inspect and service all heavy equipment and vehicles.
4.7 MHCP Biological Monitoring Element
An MHCP-wide monitoring plan (MHCP Volume III) was developed to provide guidance and
direction for managing covered species and their habitats in compliance with the conditions for
coverage identified in the biological analysis of the MHCP (MHCP Volume II), along with
sample standardized survey protocols and data collection sheets. Although some monitoring
management activities are adjusted to fit the need of management of city-owned preserves, this
Preserve Management Plan is as consistent as possible with the monitoring and management
requirements of the MHCP monitoring plan, Carlsbad HMP and OSMP. Recommended and
required survey protocols will continue to be updated over time; therefore, current survey
protocols should be obtained from and confirmed with the Wildlife Agencies on an annual basis.
The monitoring programs will be aimed at achieving the goals outlined in Section 4.3, Biological
Element. The monitoring goals are set out for the third term (5 years) of management of the city-
owned preserves, which means they are based on the first 8 years of data collection and the
management and monitoring decisions derived from that data and information.
This section identifies species and general ASMDs, following guidelines set forth in the OSMP
and MHCP management and monitoring plan, as well as discussions with the wildlife agencies
and San Diego Management and Monitoring group. Site specific management related ASMDs are
summarized in Section 6. The monitoring results will be presented in annual reports and
management guidance will be provided in the revised PMP.
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Table 4-2 identifies species that are to be monitored and the optimum periods for surveying.
TABLE 4-2 SELECTED SPECIES TO BE MONITORED OR DOCUMENTED, AND TIME OF OPTIMUM DETECTIONA
Species Optimum Survey Period
Thread-leaved brodiaea Blooms between April and May
Summer holly Anytime
Nuttall's scrub oak September 1 (acorns present)
Western spadefoot toad During major rain events
Southwestern pond turtle March 15 through November 1
California gnatcatcher March 15 through June 30
California rufous-crowned sparrow Anytime
Southwestern willow flycatcher March 15 through August 30
Least Bell's vireo May 15 through August 10
Yellow-breasted chat April 1 through August 30
Cooper's hawk Anytime (winter)
San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit Anytime
Herpetofauna, orange-throated whiptail April 15 through August 31
a Only species known to occur on Carlsbad Preserve
4.7.1 Monitoring Goal and ASMDs
Goal 1: Guide and direct the management of covered species and their habitats, consistent with
the current requirements of the MHCP monitoring plan, Carlsbad HMP and OSMP and the goals
and ASMDs set forth in Section 4.3 of this PMP.
The Preserve Manager (or Preserve Steward) will:
• Follow the ASMDs and monitoring methods outlined in Section 4.3 for sensitive vegetation communities and species.
• Support the MHCP compliance monitoring requirement of the City of Carlsbad by providing information in annual reports on covered species locations and acres of habitat, monitoring the condition of the habitat, and reporting on the performance of other required management actions.
• Monitor weather and climate. The Preserve Manager will monitor weather and climate for annual reporting. Data will be used to interpret changes in the status of covered species or
habitat condition.
• Ensure compliance with the Carlsbad HMP and the MHCP and coordinate with the city’s
Habitat Management Division and San Diego Management and Monitoring Program. Keep up to date on changes in regional and HMP monitoring protocols to ensure clear understanding of the preserve-level and regional-level monitoring.
• Use a systematic process for data management and updates, consistent with the Carlsbad HMP and SDMMP. Field data collected to monitor the success of management actions and other
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ASMDs need to be consistently organized and analyzed so that adaptive management lessons can be shared and applied to other preserve areas. Species and monitoring data must be
collected, analyzed, and summarized with standardized methods so that data from individual preserves can be combined for citywide analysis and reporting, as well as for integration into subregional and regional monitoring programs.
– Using standardized data entry formats Preserve Managers will submit species and vegetation data to the Preserve Steward and city Habitat Management Division for analysis and integration into the HMP annual report. Summary data should be provided in
the GIS format specified by the city.
– Data types and formats will vary project to project; however, researchers should attempt to use consistent protocols and format whenever possible.
– Primary data will be collected by the Habitat Management division by all Preserve Managers and summarized citywide in a Triennial HMP Biological Monitoring Report.3
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5.0 Implementation Strategy
5.1 Roles and Responsibilities
The following identification of roles and responsibilities is summarized from the Carlsbad HMP.
There are six primary entities or general groups involved in implementation of the HMP,
including the City of Carlsbad, their Preserve Steward and Preserve Managers who have direct
responsibility for on the ground implementation on a daily basis, the Wildlife Agencies,
California Coastal Commission (CCC), the broader scientific community, environmental non-
governmental organizations (NGOs), and the general public who have the opportunity and/or
responsibility for reviewing and commenting on the associated planning documents, ongoing
implementation process, and analysis and reports. A brief description of the roles of these entities
follows.
5.1.1 Wildlife Agencies
The Wildlife Agencies include the USFWS and the CDFW. The USFWS and CDFW are
responsible for:
• Enforcing compliance by the City of Carlsbad with management and monitoring obligations of the MHCP, HMP and Implementing Agreement.
• Reviewing Annual Reports.
• Pursuant to the HMP, the CDFW will conduct the same level of monitoring on lands they own and manage (5 Ecological Reserves). Data management and analysis at the subregional or broader level are the responsibility of the Wildlife Agencies.
The distinction between compliance and effectiveness monitoring is important for understanding
legal responsibilities under the MHCP (currently, City of Carlsbad is the only MHCP jurisdiction
with an approved subarea plan). If compliance monitoring indicates that the cities are adequately
performing their required actions per the implementing agreement, but effectiveness monitoring
reveals that biological objectives are not being met due to unforeseen circumstances, then the
federal “No Surprises” rule (USFWS 1998a) takes effect; hence, rectifying the problem becomes
the financial responsibility of the Wildlife Agencies. For example, if the cities are performing all
required conservation and adaptive management actions for a covered species, but the species is
declining regardless due to an unforeseen circumstance, any specific research, management, or
conservation actions that are required above and beyond those conducted pursuant to MHCP
obligations become the responsibility of the state and federal governments. Any declines related
to changed circumstances, as defined in the implementing agreement, are the responsibility of the
take authorization holder (see MHCP Plan, Section 5.2), and should be addressed through
adaptive management practices to rectify the problem.
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5.1.2 California Coastal Commission
The CCC's primary mission is to plan for and regulate land and water uses in the coastal zone
consistent with the policies of the Coastal Act. With respect to the MHCP and the Carlsbad HMP,
the CCC is responsible for:
• Overseeing development and consistency with the HMP in the Coastal Zone.
• Review of Annual Reports per request.
5.1.3 City of Carlsbad
The City of Carlsbad will:
• Oversee implementation and maintain compliance with the HMP.
• Conduct compliance monitoring through the development project approval process.
• Conduct species and habitat monitoring via the Preserve Steward and Preserve Managers.
• Manage and maintain properties via the Preserve Managers.
5.1.4 Carlsbad HMP Preserve Steward
The Preserve Steward role evolved from the necessity for the city to have the services of a person
with the necessary ecology, conservation biology, biological resources management, and statistics
background to oversee the citywide monitoring, management, and maintenance of the whole
HMP preserve system. The city now has that expertise on staff (HMP Coordinator), and
therefore, the Preserve Steward role has changed to an adjunct-staff type of support role assisting
with oversight of land management across the HMP preserve system. The Preserve Steward is a
contracted consultant (currently Environmental Science Associates), and is responsible for:
• Assisting the city’s Habitat Management Division in the overseeing and coordination of citywide preserve management, monitoring and reporting.
• Communicating frequently with the Preserve Managers, city, and Wildlife Agencies.
• Providing science-based technical guidance and direction to Preserve Managers for survey design, data collection and analysis, as needed.
• Conducting biological surveys to support citywide long-term monitoring studies.
• Assisting with coordination of Preserve Managers, city departments, the Wildlife Agencies,
and public interest groups.
5.1.5 Preserve Manager
The Preserve Manager is the entity with on-the-ground responsibility for managing and
monitoring the preserve area covered in a given land management plan. Preserve Managers may
be employees of the city, qualified environmental non-profit organizations that manage natural
areas (like CNLM), or State agency (such as CDFW). The Preserve Manager is responsible for:
• Managing individual parcels according to the PMP.
• Monitoring species, habitats, and management actions according to the PMP.
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• Coordinating with the city, Preserve Steward, other Preserve Managers and the Wildlife Agencies regarding open space management issues, management, and monitoring.
• Collecting biological monitoring data according to MHCP-established protocols for preserve-level and regional monitoring.
• Submitting data to the city and Preserve Steward.
The Preserve Manager responsibilities for city-owned preserves extend to the curb. These areas
are generally city right-of-ways. When there is a gap between preserve boundary and the
sidewalk, generally 10–20 feet, the management responsibility lies with the Preserve Manager.
There are situations where this area is owned by the HOA and not within the conservation
easement, in which case the HOA is responsible.
5.1.6 Scientific Community, Environmental NGOs, and General
Public
This last group includes the broader community of individuals and interest groups that play a role
in the public process of open space planning and management within the NCCP context. The
primary NCCP management and monitoring coordinator at this time is the San Diego
Management and Monitoring Program. The scientific community, environmental NGOs and
general public have the opportunity to:
• Participate in the HMP annual public meeting
• Review Annual Reports.
• Observe activities and identify issues in preserve areas.
• Provide input to the Wildlife Agencies, CCC, and the city as needs arise.
5.2 Preserve Management Decision Authority
In general, Preserve Managers have full budget discretion, within the limits of their funding, to
implement preserve management and monitoring on non-city-owned preserves according to
individual preserve management plans. Actions and expenditures not specifically identified in
preserve management plans or work plans are allowed if required as a part of a reasonable
adaptive management response or to address another emergency situation.
For the city-owned preserves, the city is responsible for land management, therefore, budgets will
be spent by the Preserve Manager according to this PMP but budget discretion remains with the
city (annual approval of work plans and for adaptive management actions and expenditures not
specifically identified in the PMP).
If the Wildlife Agencies determine that additional budget needs to be spent on a particular task,
the Preserve Manager will comply with this decision. In general, the Preserve Manager will retain
control of the budget and will be in charge of how it is spent.
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5.3 Management, Monitoring, Operations and Maintenance
Budget Summary
Management of city-owned preserves will be funded by contracts via the City of Carlsbad. Refer to
Appendix E (to be inserted once Preserve Management Firm has been selected) for the associated
2022–2026 estimated budgets. Other funding resources could include volunteers or grants.
5.4 Reporting Requirements
Reporting includes 5-year management plans, annual reports and work plans, GIS, and other data
compilation.
5.4.1 Five-Year Management Plans
Management plans outline the primary goals of preserve management, the management
techniques employed, funding mechanisms and budgets, and Preserve Manager qualifications.
The HMP program requires that PMPs be revised every 5 years, which provides an opportunity to
reevaluate site conditions, level of success of management practices, threats, goals and objectives,
and management strategy.
5.4.2 Annual Reports and Work Plans
Annual reports summarize all management activities undertaken in a particular year and report
and discuss survey results. Annual work plans will outline specific projects and management
activities that will be undertaken in a coming year. Both documents will include budget
information, such as expenditures for the year and total remaining funds for the five-year
management period. The annual report and work plan will be submitted to the City of Carlsbad
by the October 31 of each year.
5.4.3 Meetings and Public Participation
The City of Carlsbad and HMP Preserve Managers continually communicate and partner to
manage and monitor natural areas located within the city. The Preserve Manager is expected to
attend quarterly meetings and provide the following information:
• Attend the city’s annual public HMP meeting. The Preserve Manager is encouraged to give a
presentation summarizing management and monitoring activities during the previous year.
• Attend quarterly Preserve Manager meetings led by the city and the Preserve Steward.
• Attend monthly meetings with the City of Carlsbad staff to discuss management activities and future actions.
• Attend monthly San Diego Management and Monitoring Program meetings held at the U.S. Geological Survey offices.
5.4.4 Data
Various data collected during the year will be entered into MS Access or MS Excel and/or GIS
databases for long-term storage and use. The Preserve Manager will submit all GIS layers, such as
project boundaries, vegetation, and sensitive species, each year to the city and Preserve Steward.
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6.0 Parcel Descriptions and Management Summary
6.1 Aura Circle Preserve
Photo 6-1. Aura Circle Preserve
6.1.1 General Site Characteristics
The approximately 15.1-acre Aura Circle Preserve is located south of Tamarack Avenue and west
of El Camino Real within the city (Photo 6-1, Map 6-1). General land use surrounding the
preserve is composed of residential developments. The preserve lies between residential
communities along Kelly Drive to the east and Avila Avenue to the west at the terminus of Aura
Circle. Table 6-1 summarizes key management attributes for this parcel.
The preserve is currently undeveloped and generally characterized as open space and gently
sloping hillsides. In the HMP, 9.5 acres of the 15.1-acre property was included as a Proposed
Hardline. A development project was planned for the remaining 5.6 acres; however, the developer
put the property up for sale, and the city purchased it in 2020 for habitat conservation, adding 5.6
acres to the HMP hardline to the 9.5 acres already accounted for.
Vegetation in the preserve includes Diegan coastal sage scrub (including disturbed), native
grassland, nonnative grassland, nonnative vegetation, disturbed habitat, and developed land.
nonnative. The preserve is subject to edge effects by the adjacent residential developments. There
are at least two encroachment areas along the western boundary of the preserve, including a
basketball court and baseball training cage. Mowing of the eastern boundary by an unknown
entity has been documented. Trash is documented on the preserve. An unauthorized bike trail
with jumps is present. Nonnative plant species are found in the preserve.
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TABLE 6-1 SITE CHARACTERISTICS AT AURA CIRCLE PRESERVE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 15.1
Elevation Range 38 to 239 ft.
Core/Linkage Area Core Area 6
Watershed Loma Alta Creek
6.1.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-2 depicts soils on Aura Circle Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for all soils
found on the city-owned preserves.
6.1.3 Fire History
There are no recorded fires for the period between 1910 and 2015 for this property. Refer to
Map 4-1 for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
6.1.4 Vegetation
Map 6-3 depicts vegetation communities on Aura Circle Preserve. Table 6-1 lists the vegetation
communities found on the city-owned preserves.
6.1.5 Sensitive Resources
Sensitive wildlife and plants were detected on the preserve during surveys conducted for the
previous proposed development project (Helix 2018) (Map 6-3). Two pairs of CAGN were
observed within the project site during focused surveys for the species conducted for the previous
proposed development project. One pair was observed nest building along the northern slope
within the preserve and a second pair was observed foraging along the southern slope within the
proposed development. A single Cooper’s hawk was observed flying over western portion of the
preserve. Two individual Del Mar Mesa sand aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolia) were
observed in 1999 within the northern end of the preserve: one in a small patch of Diegan coastal
sage scrub and the second near a disturbed area. The species was not detected in subsequent
surveys. Small-flowered morning glory, approximately 3,100 plants, were observed within the
northern and eastern portions of the preserve, primarily within disturbed habitat (Helix 2018).
Ashy spike-moss (Selaginella cinerascens) was found in four locations within disturbed Diegan
coastal sage scrub within the northern portion of the preserve. Refer to Table 6-2 for planned site
surveys.
6.1.6 Management Actions
Table 6-2 presents a list of planned management actions required on Aura Circle Preserve for the
next 5 years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the curb,
management actions will occur to the curb.
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TABLE 6-2 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS AT AURA CIRCLE PRESERVE
Management Activity Specific Actions
Biological Surveys ▪ Conduct California gnatcatcher surveys per the HMP citywide survey protocol (2022).
▪ Revise Vegetation Mapping using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County (2022).
▪ Confirm Del Mar San Aster identification (focused survey during1 of the next 5 years, timing at the discretion of the city).
▪ Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above and patrols.
Capital Improvements ▪ None recommended at this time.
Habitat Maintenance ▪ Map nonnative invasive plant species and prioritize removal (2022).
▪ Treat/remove any zero tolerant nonnative plant species as they are observed. Maintain low cover of moderate tolerant species. Currently identified priorities include the following.
▪ Remove/treat castor bean, fountain grass and fennel with chemical herbicide
▪ Line trim or mow mustard prior to seed
▪ Remove interior acacia/pepper trees (~20 individuals). Treatments may include cutting, stump treatment, and chipping.
▪ Treat ice plant within the interior of the preserve.
▪ Work with fire prevention to maintain defensible space annually. Actions may include removal of lower limbs of pepper trees along eastern boundary and mowing fuel zone.
▪ Inspect, clean, and clear brow ditch on SW corner and along the eastern boundary of the preserve, annually. (Brow ditches along eastern boundary may be the responsibility of home owners; however, the responsibility may fall to the Preserve Manager.)
Public Services ▪ Patrol bi-weekly. The following will be completed as needed during patrols.
▪ Knock down bike jumps.
▪ Remove trash.
▪ Maintain posts and signs.
▪ Identify and report encroachments.
▪ Post no trespassing signs and posts (2022).
▪ Stake property boundaries (2022).
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6.2 Aviara Park Preserve
Photo 6-2. Aviara Park Preserve
6.2.1 General Site Characteristics
The Aviara Park Preserve is a 5.6-acre area that is directly adjacent to existing unmanaged HMP
preserve land owned by HOAs (Aviara Premier Collection, Morning Ridge, Poinsettia Heights)
and Palomar Oaks Business Center Association (Photo 6-2, Map 6-4). Aviara Community Park
borders the preserve area along the southern boundary. The preserve area currently supports
north-facing slopes and hillsides dominated by southern maritime chaparral, disturbed southern
maritime chaparral, and a small area of southern willow scrub vegetation. Land use to the south
includes active recreational activity, including athletic fields and picnic facilities at Aviara Park,
dense residential development, and Poinsettia Lane—a main arterial road. Table 6-3 summarizes
key management attributes for this parcel.
Nonnative plant species pose a significant threat to the Aviara Park Preserve, especially after the
2014 Poinsettia Fire. While fascicled tarweed (Deinandra fasciculata), which is a native species,
appears to be the dominant post-fire colonizer, disturbance of any kind increases the likelihood of
nonnative species encroachment. Specifically, nonnative grasses, mustards, and various escaped
ornamentals have already successfully established in burned portions after the Poinsettia Fire.
The preserve is located directly adjacent to the Aviara Community Park, which is a community
sports complex that supports several baseball diamonds and grass fields. Though the preserve
area is mostly cordoned off from public access by a tall wire fence, habitat present within the
preserve is still vulnerable to edge effects, including but not limited to nonnative plant species
encroachment, trampling of vegetation, unauthorized dumping, exposure to urban pollutants
(fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other hazardous materials), harassment of wildlife,
introduction of nonnative animal species, increase or decrease in natural fire regime, soil erosion,
hydrologic changes (e.g., surface and groundwater level and quality), and a variety of other
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potential impacts due to the adjacent public recreational space. Issues may arise from
unauthorized public trails and access, including but not limited to pet waste, erosion,
nonnative vegetation, illegal trails, and homeless encampments.
Aviara Park Preserve was set aside as mitigation for habitat impacts from the Poinsettia 61
Project. Portions of this preserve will be undergoing restoration during the 2022-2026
management period. However, the Preserve Manager will be responsible for maintaining non-
restored portions of the site and any preserve-wide threats that will not be addressed by the
restoration activities.
TABLE 6-3 SITE CHARACTERISTICS AT AVIARA PARK PRESERVE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 5.6
Elevation Range 80 to 120 ft.
Core/Linkage Area None
Watershed Agua Hedionda
6.2.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-5 depicts soils on Aviara Park Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for all soils
found on the city-owned preserves.
6.2.3 Fire History
In May 2014, a majority the Aviara Park Preserve area burned during the Poinsettia wildfire that
covered approximately 362 acres within the city of Carlsbad. Site conditions were confirmed and
reevaluated in early January 2016 and once again in October 2017 by Dudek Habitat Restoration
Specialists, the city, and the resource agencies (Dudek 2018). Although native species appear to
be recovering from the fire, a significant number of non-native species have increased onsite.
Many of these will be removed as part of the onsite restoration. Refer to Map 4-1 for a depiction
of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
6.2.4 Vegetation
Map 6-6 depicts vegetation communities on Aviara Park Preserve. Table 6-1 lists the vegetation
communities found on the city-owned preserves.
6.2.5 Sensitive Resources
Sensitive resources detected on the preserve include wildlife and plants (Map 6-6). An individual
CAGN was observed during a site visit in 2017. Southern maritime chaparral habitats onsite
could potentially be used by the coastal California gnatcatcher for dispersal, foraging, and
breeding. Summer holly and Nuttall’s scrub oak have been observed within the least disturbed
portions of southern maritime chaparral present onsite. Refer to Table 6-4 for planned site
surveys.
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6.2.6 Management Actions
Table 6-4 presents a list of planned management actions required on Aviara Park Preserve for the
next 5 years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the curb,
management actions will occur to the curb.
TABLE 6-4 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS AT AVIARA PARK PRESERVE
Management Activity Specific Actions
Biological Surveys ▪ General biological assessment (in 2022 and every 5 years thereafter). General biological assessment will include wildlife and rare plant observations, as well as, documentation and prioritization of nonnative plant species for control and presence of other threats.
▪ Conduct California gnatcatcher surveys per the HMP citywide survey protocol (2022).
▪ Habitat monitoring at fixed photo points (annually)
▪ Revise Vegetation Mapping using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County (2022).
▪ Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above and patrols.
Capital Improvements ▪ None recommended at this time.
Habitat Maintenance ▪ Treat/remove any zero tolerant nonnative plant species as they are observed. Maintain low cover of moderate tolerant species.
Public Services ▪ Patrol monthly. The following will be completed as needed during patrols.
▪ Knock down bike jumps.
▪ Remove trash.
▪ Maintain posts and signs.
▪ Identify and report encroachments.
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6.3 Batiquitos Drive Preserve
Photo 6-3. Batiquitos Drive Preserve
6.3.1 General Preserve Site Characteristics
A majority of this 2.7-acre, long, narrow parcel is set on a steep slope along Batiquitos Drive
(Photo 6-3 and Map 6-7). While adjacent to a major road on one side, and a housing development
on the other, its steep topography limits public use of the area. Herbicide treatments will need to
continue into the term of this PMP. Table 6-5 summarizes key management attributes for this
parcel. The following management actions occurred during the previous PMP periods.
• Biological surveys. Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County in 2017.
• Erosion Control. Erosion control, consisting of straw wattles and hydroseed, were applied following olive tree removal and to date, thick vegetation has grown back into the areas
disturbed by the olive trees and the removal effort. The straw waddles and silt fence were installed in 2016 along Batiquitos Drive and maintained throughout the year. The small amount of soil that slumped onto the sidewalk was promptly cleaned. New straw wattles were
installed in 2020.
• Nonnative plant removal. Over 30 large olive trees were removed during the term of the first PMP. In 2016, approximately 10 tree tobacco and 20 fennel were treated, as well as dozen olive tree basal resprouts. In 2017, several patches of iceplant, approximately 10 fennel and 6 olive tree basal resprouts were treated. Tree tobacco treatments occurred again in 2018, 2019, and 2020, ranging in treatments of 18 to 50 individuals.
• Patrols. Regular patrols maintained a presence and picked up trash in all years.
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TABLE 6-5 SITE CHARACTERISTICS AT BATIQUITOS DRIVE PRESERVE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 2.7
Elevation Range 80 to 120 ft.
Core/Linkage Area None
Watershed San Marcos Creek
6.3.2 Soil Characteristics
May 6-8 depicts soils on Batiquitos Drive Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for all soils
found on the city-owned preserves.
6.3.3 Fire History
There are no recorded fires for the period between 1910 and 2015 for this property. Refer to
Map 4-1 for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
6.3.4 Vegetation
Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San
Diego County in 2017. Map 6-9a depicts vegetation communities on Batiquitos Drive Preserve.
Table 6-1 lists the vegetation communities found on the city-owned preserves.
6.3.5 Sensitive Resources
The only sensitive resources detected are the CAGN and wart-stemmed ceanothus (Map 6-9a).
One individual CAGN was incidentally observed during the summer of 2010 and one pair was
observed in 2013. One individual wart-stemmed ceanothus was observed. Refer to Table 6-6 for
planned site surveys.
6.3.6 Management Actions
Table 6-6 presents a list of planned management actions required on Batiquitos Drive Preserve
for the next 5 years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the
curb, management actions will occur to the curb.
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TABLE 6-6 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS AT BATIQUITOS DRIVE PRESERVE
Management Activity Specific Actions
Biological Surveys ▪ Conduct California gnatcatcher surveys per the HMP citywide survey protocol (2022).
▪ Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above and patrols.
▪ CNPS Relevé (done in 2021, not needed until 2031).
Capital Improvements ▪ None recommended at this time.
Habitat Maintenance ▪ Treat/remove any zero tolerant nonnative plant species as they are observed. Maintain low cover of moderate tolerant species. Currently identified priorities include tree tobacco.
▪ Maintain installed wattles annually (Map 6-9b).
Public Services ▪ Quarterly patrol.
▪ Maintain signs and posts as necessary.
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6.4 Carrillo Ranch Preserve
Photo 6-4. Carrillo Ranch Preserve
6.4.1 General Site Characteristics
This oddly shaped parcel surrounds the historic Leo Carrillo Ranch (Photo 6-4 and Map 6-10).
This historic site is owned by the City of Carlsbad. While the parcel totals 16.6 acres, only the
western portion, which is about 3 acres, is managed as natural open space. Table 6-7 summarizes
key management attributes for this parcel. The southern and eastern portions of the property are
landscaped with ornamentals that surround a dirt parking lot and are not part of the Preserve
Managers management responsibility. The northern strip of the parcel runs along a riparian zone
and oak woodland. The following management actions occurred during the previous PMP
periods.
• Biological surveys. Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County in 2017.
• Oaks and Gold Spotted Oak Borer. Coastal live oak trees are located at Carrillo Ranch Preserve. City and CNLM staff have been concerned about oak tree stress from drought conditions and from possible GSOB infection. CNLM have been making continual
observations of oak trees over the last several years. During the 2016–2020 PMP period, the oak trees were evaluated annually, including the placement of GSOB traps in 2017. No GSOB was detected. In 2017, Coast live oak monitoring plots established in 2009–2010 were revisited. There were 48 oak trees, of which 19 were seedlings/samplings (less than breast height in size). The average DBH of oak trees in the monitoring plots at Carrillo Ranch Preserve 11.2 cm (range 4 to 29 cm), respectively. Most coast live oak trees at Carrillo Ranch Preserve look healthy with few issues and little mortality. Due to the presence of GSOB in the region (e.g., Oak Riparian Park in Oceanside), monitoring of GSOB will continue.
• Nonnative plant removal. The northern strip of the parcel runs along a riparian zone and oak woodland that previously contained a variety of large nonnative invasive plants including tamarisk (Tamarix spp.), Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebenthifolius), giant reed (Arundo
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spp.), palms, and pampas grass. These nonnative species were removed or treated during the term of the first two PMPs. During the 2016–2020 PMP period, two reoccurring patches of
Vinca and nonnative grass species (Brassica sp.) were treated with herbicide in 2016, five Mexican fan palms were removed over 2019–2020, and a Canary Island date palm was removed in 2020.
• Patrols. Regular patrols maintained a presence and picked up trash in all years.
TABLE 6-7 SITE CHARACTERISTICS AT CARRILLO RANCH PRESERVE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 16.6
Elevation Range 240 to 280 ft.
Core/Linkage Area Link D
Watershed San Marcos Creek
6.4.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-11 depicts soils on Carrillo Ranch Preserve . Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for all soils
found on the city-owned preserves.
6.4.3 Fire History
There are no recorded fires for the period between 1910 and 2015 for this property. Refer to
Map 4-1 for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
6.4.4 Vegetation
Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San
Diego County in 2017. Map 6-12 depicts vegetation communities on Carrillo Ranch Preserve.
Table 6-1 lists the vegetation communities found on the city-owned preserves.
6.4.5 Sensitive Resources
The only sensitive resource identified on this parcel was the COHA. Refer to Table 6-8 for a list
of planned surveys for the site.
6.4.6 Management Actions
Table 6-8 presents a list of planned management actions required on Carrillo Ranch Preserve for
the next 5 years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the curb,
management actions will occur to the curb.
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TABLE 6-8 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS AT CARRILLO RANCH PRESERVE
Management Category Actions
Biological Surveys ▪ Conduct oak woodland crown health and GSOB assessments, annually.
▪ Conduct SHB assessments, annually.
▪ Conduct presence/absence surveys for least Bell’s vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher (2022, 2025).
▪ Conduct raptor surveys (2022, 2025).
▪ Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above and patrols.
▪ CNPS Relevé (done in 2021, not needed until 2031).
Capital Improvements ▪ None recommended at this time.
Habitat Maintenance ▪ Treat/remove any zero tolerant nonnative plant species as they are observed. Maintain low cover of moderate tolerant species.
▪ Fire breaks to be maintained by Carrillo Ranch staff.
Public Services ▪ Quarterly patrols.
▪ Maintain signs and posts.
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6.5 Carlsbad Village Preserve
Photo 6-5. Carlsbad Village Preserve
6.5.1 General Site Characteristics
This 13.1-acre parcel is a small canyon located uphill from Buena Vista Creek (Photo 6-5 and
Figure 6-13). An access road runs through the middle of the parcel for maintenance of the high
power lines that cut through the valley north to south. The property is bounded by a dog park and
Carlsbad Village Drive to the south, and to the north is contiguous with large section undeveloped
land. Housing developments bound the parcel to the east and west. The access road provides a
conduit, albeit unapproved by the city, for the public that wish to access the Buena Vista Creek
Ecological Reserve to the north. Table 6-9 summarizes key management attributes for this parcel.
The following management actions occurred during the previous PMP periods.
• Biological surveys. Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County in 2017.
• Nonnative plant removal. Acacia, eucalyptus trees, fennel, tree tobacco, and mustard were the primary nonnative species removed and treated. Targeted mustard treatments occurred over past 10 years.
• Signs. There is a mini-kiosk installed at Carlsbad Village. A map of the site, a brief narrative of the purpose of the site, and various brochures, were posted in the kiosk. The narrative also
provided city and CNLM contact information. Information or photos in these kiosks were updated on a monthly basis.
• Patrols. Regular patrols maintained a presence and picked up trash in all years.
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TABLE 6-9 SITE CHARACTERISTICS AT CARLSBAD VILLAGE PRESERVE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 13.1
Elevation Range 160 to 240 ft.
Core/Linkage Area Core 2 (only partially)
Watershed Buena Vista Creek
6.5.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-14 depicts soils on Carlsbad Village Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for all
soils found on the city-owned preserves.
6.5.3 Fire History
There are no recorded fires for the period between 1910 and 2015 for this property. Refer to
Map 4-1 for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
6.5.4 Vegetation
Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San
Diego County in 2017. Map 6-15a depicts vegetation communities on Carlsbad Village Preserve.
Table 6-1 lists the vegetation communities found on the city-owned preserves.
6.5.5 Sensitive Resources
The two primary sensitive resources observed are the CAGN and Wiggin’s Cryptantha, the latter
which occurs in the small clay lens near the eastern boundary of this parcel (Map 6-15a). Refer to
Table 6-10 for a list of planned surveys for the site.
6.5.6 Management Actions
Table 6-10 presents a list of planned management actions required on Carlsbad Village Preserve
for the next 5 years.
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TABLE 6-10 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS AT CARLSBAD VILLAGE PRESERVE
Management Category Actions
Biological Surveys ▪ Conduct California gnatcatcher surveys per the HMP citywide survey protocol (2022).
▪ Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above and patrols.
▪ CNPS Relevé (done in 2021, not needed until 2031)
Capital Improvements ▪ No planned activities.
Habitat Maintenance ▪ Treat/remove any zero tolerant nonnative plant species as they are observed. Maintain low cover of moderate tolerant species. Currently identified priorities include mustard.
▪ Inspect, clean, and clear brow ditches on and off preserve annually (Map 6-15b)
▪ Monitor potential slump area in the middle of the preserves and implement remedial measures if necessary (Map 6-15b)
Public Services ▪ Monthly patrol.
▪ Maintain signs, posts and kiosks. Periodically add new information to the kiosk.
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6.6 The Crossings Preserve
Photo 6-6. The Crossings Preserve
6.6.1 General Site Characteristics
This 203.2-acre preserve is a labyrinth of naturally vegetated fingers within and surrounding The
Crossings Preserve (Photo 6-6 and Map 6-16). Faraday Avenue bounds the preserve to the North,
while a series of industrial parks form its southern border. The City of Carlsbad maintains a trail
through the western portion of the property. The construction of the golf course necessitated the
production of an EIR and associated biological surveys (Cotton Beland and Associates 2000).
Table 6-11 summarizes key management attributes for this parcel. The following management
actions occurred during the previous PMP periods.
• Biological Surveys. The USFWS Biological Opinion stipulated 5 years of brown-headed cowbird trapping and surveys for CAGN which occurred in the first PMP term. Annual cowbird trapping and surveys continued to be implemented during subsequent PMPs for the past 10 years. Additional surveys conducted during the term of the first and second PMP
included sensitive riparian bird species, vegetation mapping, and sensitive plant surveys. Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County in 2017. There are 2 CSS plots in the preserve that are monitored on a rotating basis. The plots were surveyed every 3 years. LBVI and SWFL surveys occurred in 2016 and 2019; however, none were detected.
• Polyphagous shot-hole borer and Fusarium dieback. In 2016, CNLM staff surveyed for SHB and Fusarium dieback at various preserves in Carlsbad and some of the city-owned preserves to look for this problem. SHB was positively confirmed at The Crossings Preserve.
Between 2017 and 2020, CNLM revisited the infected area several times to assess change and update the city with management recommendations. In 2016, it was estimated that
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2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan
City of Carlsbad Preserves 116 ESA / D202100262.00
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan August 2021
approximately 100 willow trees were infected with SHB and Fusarium at the golf course. The area of infection was estimated to have expanded by approximately 50 percent in 2017, with
more trees likely infected. Most trees were small and less than 20 to 30 feet in height, and most were alive but stressed with limb dieback. In 2018, it appeared that the infected area increased as well, by approximately 10 to 20 percent. In the summer of 2018, CNLM and the
city met with the USFWS and CDFW to discuss SHB management options. The wildlife agencies supported tree removal and the city agreed to have trees removed in late September 2018. Approximately 70 willow trees (mostly Salix lasiolepis) were cut down with chain saws and chipped on-site at the golf course in 2018. The treatment area is located between the two bridges that cross the creek. The chips were spread out on the dirt access road as a form of mulch and erosion control. SHB issues at The Crossings Preserve seem to be contained.
Nonnative plants. Surveys for zero and moderate tolerant nonnative plant species occurred in the first two PMP terms. A 4-acre area was prepped and hydroseeded in 2011 to convert an
area largely dominated by mustard to DCSS. About half of the area has restored well, but the other half requires ongoing nonnative plant removal and maintenance. Many nonnative plant species, including fennel, black mustard, acacia (Acacia spp.), and pampas grass, were removed or treated during the term of the first and second PMP. Targeted mustard treatments occurred over past 10 years. During the last PMP term (2016 –2020), only a few treatments of black mustard were still needed in the restoration area and the site has increased significantly in native cover, primarily sage bush. Additional species treated in the preserve include castor bean, tamarisk, Mexican fan palm, fennel (primarily near hole 17 T-box),
Peruvian pepper, cape ivy, Arundo, and stinkwort.
Brow ditches. Brow ditches were maintained annually.
Patrols. Golf course staff patrol the site daily and are very thorough, which has minimized many potential off-golf course/trail problems. Regular patrols maintained a presence and picked up trash in all years.
TABLE 6-11 SITE CHARACTERISTICS AT THE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 203.2
Elevation Range 40 to 320 ft.
Core/Linkage Area Core 4 and Link F
Watershed Canyons de las Encinas and Agua Hedionda and Buena Creek
6.6.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-17 depicts soils on The Crossings Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for all soils
found on the city-owned preserves.
6.6.3 Fire History
There are no recorded fires for the period between 1910 and 2015 for this property. Refer to
Map 4-1 for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
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6.6.4 Vegetation
Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San
Diego County in 2017. Map 6-18 depicts vegetation communities on Crossing Golf Course.
Table 6-1 lists the vegetation communities found on the city-owned preserves.
6.6.5 Sensitive Resources
The following tables (Table 6-12 and Table 6-13) identify the sensitive species observed on The
Crossings Preserve. Surveys for LBVI, CAGN and SWFL, DCSS plots and other management
and monitoring activities are planned within this PMP.
TABLE 6-12 SENSITIVE PLANTS IDENTIFIED OR POTENTIALLY OCCURRING ON-SITE
Common Name Scientific Name CNPS List State Status Federal Status
California adolphia Adolphia californica 2.1a none none
Del Mar Manzanita Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp.
crassifolia
1B.1b none Federally Endangered
Lewis' evening primrose Camissonia lewisii 3c none none
Prostrate spineflower Chorizanthe procumbens 4d none none
Western dichondra Dichondra occidentalis 4.2e none none
Blochman's dudleyaf Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae 1B.1 none none
Decumbent goldenbush Isocoma menziesii var. decumbens 1B.2g none none
Southwestern spiny rush Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii 4.2 none none
Nuttall's scrub oakh Quercus dumosa 1B.1 none none
Ashy spike-moss Selaginella cinerascens 4 none none
Wiggin’s cryptantha Chryptantha wigginsii 4 none none
a Rare or endangered in CA, more common elsewhere. Seriously endangered in CA. b Rare or endangered in CA. Seriously endangered in CA. c Plants for which we need more information. Review list. d Plants of limited distribution. e Plants of limited distribution. Fairly endangered in CA. f Observed off-site, but adjacent to the Golf Course. g Rare or endangered in CA. Fairly endangered in CA. h Individuals observed on golf course were impacted by development.
Reference: Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course EIR Biological Constraints Analysis 1997, p.18-24 in Cotton Beland Associates 2000.
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TABLE 6-13 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE IDENTIFIED ON-SITE
Common Name Scientific Name State Status Federal Status
Northern harrier Circus cyaneus SSC SSC
Least Bell's vireo Vireo bellii pusillus State Endangered Federally Endangered
Orangethroat whiptail Cnemidophorus hyperythrus
beldingi
none none
White-tailed kite Elanus leucurus Fully Protected none
Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii none none
Burrowing owl Speotyto cunicularia SSC none
Southwestern willow flycatchera Empidonax traillii extimus State Endangered Federally Endangered
California horned lark Eremophila alpestris actia none none
Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus SSC none
Coastal California gnatcatcher Polioptila californica SSC Federally Threatened
Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia SSC none
Yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens auricollis SSC none
Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow Aimophila ruficeps canescens none none
Great blue heron Ardea herodias none none
San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit Lepus californicus bennettii SSC none
Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse Chaetodipus fallax fallax SSC none
San Diego desert woodrat Neotoma lepida intermedia SSC none
a Noted as migrant and not confirmed as ssp. extimus.
Reference: Crossings Golf Course EIR Biological Constraints Analysis 1997, p. 25-30 in Cotton Beland Associates 2000
6.6.6 Management Actions
Table 6-14 presents a list of planned management actions required on The Crossings Preserve for
the next 5 years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the curb,
management actions will occur to the curb.
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2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan
City of Carlsbad Preserves 119 ESA / D202100262.00
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan August 2021
TABLE 6-14 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS AT THE CROSSINGS PRESERVE
Management Category Actions
Biological Surveys Monitor coastal sage scrub plots and evaluate presence of Argentine ants (2022, 2025).
Conduct California gnatcatcher surveys per the HMP citywide survey protocol (2022).
Conduct presence/absence surveys for least Bell’s vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher (2022, 2025).
Conduct cowbird trapping annually. Two traps for 2 months each (April 1 to June 1).
Conduct SHB assessments, annually.
Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above and patrols.
CNPS Relevé (done in 2021, not needed until 2031).
Conduct nest monitoring of 10 pair of Coastal California gnatcatcher (CAGN)
Capital Improvements None recommended at this time.
Habitat Maintenance Clean out 11,837 linear feet of brow ditches that occur within the Golf Course, annually (Map 6-19).
Treat/remove any zero tolerant nonnative plant species as they are observed. Maintain low cover of moderate tolerant species. Currently identified priorities include black mustard, tamarisk, pampas grass, Mexican fan palm, Peruvian pepper, Cape ivy, and stinkwort.
Continue targeted treatment of black mustard annually. There are about 10 locations of a total of a few acres, and then one large field, about 5 acres, that will require annual mustard treatments . Monitor the 4-acre area near Hole 10 which was hydroseeded in 2011. Remove black mustard from these areas.
Preserve Manager shall NOT remove Eucalyptus north and south of Hole 18, nor the Eucalyptus and pepper trees located at the southeast corner of the golf course per Golf Course superintendent requirements.
Maintain wattles along PAR and inside course as added in 2020, annually (Map 6-19).
Public Services Conduct monthly patrols.
Maintain signs and posts as necessary.
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6.7 La Costa Canyon Park Preserve
Photo 6-7. La Costa Canyon Park Preserve
6.7.1 General Site Characteristics
This 8.9-acre parcel is predominantly south facing coastal sage scrub (Photo 6-7 and Map 6-20)
and is contiguous with larger undeveloped areas to the west and north (Box Canyon). In general,
the habitat is of high quality. A small eucalyptus stand occupies the eastern end of the property,
which is part of the City of Carlsbad's trail system, and so it was not removed. Pampas grass,
palms, and other nonnatives were removed from the drainage during the term of the first PMP.
This area gets some off-trail activity which is usually a result of individuals wanting to get from
the park to Box Canyon. San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) grades their access road along the
northern boundary. Table 6-15 summarizes key management attributes for this parcel. The
following management actions occurred during the previous PMP periods.
• Biological surveys. Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification
Manual for Western San Diego County in 2017.
• Nonnative plant removal. Pampas grass, palms, and other nonnatives were removed from
the drainage during the term of the first PMP. Treated nonnative plants during the 2016–2021 PMP included black mustard, crown daisy, tumble weed, Mexican fan palm, pampas grass, and pepper tree.
• Patrols. Regular patrols maintained a presence and picked up trash in all years. Mini-kiosk was painted and repaired annually and posted information was updated regularly. Posted
information included a site map, brief narrative of the purpose of the site, various brochures, and city and CNLM contact information.
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TABLE 6-15 SITE CHARACTERISTICS AT LA COSTA CANYON PARK PRESERVE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 8.9
Elevation Range 40 to 200 ft.
Core/Linkage Area Core 7
Watershed San Marcos Creek
6.7.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-21 depicts soils on La Costa Canyon Park Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for
all soils found on the city-owned preserves.
6.7.3 Fire History
There is one fire recorded in 1935 that completely covered the current extent of this property
(see Map 6-22). Several others, in 1943, 1970, and 1996, came very close. Refer to Map 4-1
for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
6.7.4 Vegetation
Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San
Diego County in 2017. Map 6-23 depicts vegetation communities on Crossing Golf Course.
Table 6-1 lists the vegetation communities found on the city-owned preserves.
6.7.5 Sensitive Resources
Sensitive resources identified include the CAGN, sticky dudleya, summer-holly, Palmer's
grapplinghook (Harpagonella palmeri), San Diego marsh elder, southwestern spiny rush and
small-flowered microseris (Microseris douglasii).
6.7.6 Management Actions
Table 6-16 presents a list of planned management actions on La Costa Canyon Preserve for the
next 5 years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the curb,
management actions will occur to the curb.
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TABLE 6-16 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS AT LA COSTA CANYON PARK PRESERVE
Management Category Actions
Biological Surveys ▪ Conduct California gnatcatcher surveys per the HMP citywide survey protocol (2022).
▪ Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above and patrols.
▪ CNPS Relevé (done in 2021, not needed until 2031).
Capital Improvements ▪ None.
Habitat Maintenance ▪ Treat/remove any zero tolerant nonnative plant species as they are observed. Maintain low cover of moderate tolerant species. Currently identified priorities include black mustard, crown daisy, tumble weed, Mexican fan palm, pampas grass, and pepper tree.
▪ Preserve Manager will NOT remove Eucalyptus along both sides of trail that connects La Costa Canyon Park to the apartments located to the east, nor the large Eucalyptus along the edges of La Costa Canyon Park and the pride-of-Madeira located along the western edge.
Public Services ▪ Monthly patrols.
▪ Maintain signs, posts and kiosk. Periodically add new information to the kiosk.
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6.8 La Costa Romeria Preserve
Photo 6-8. La Costa Romeria Preserve
6.8.1 General Site Characteristics
This 13.0-acre parcel is bordered by residential properties to the east and west, with La Costa
Avenue forming its northern border. It is not connected to other preserve areas (Photo 6-8 and
Map 6-24). There is a wide central path that runs the length of the parcel used by the public as an
unauthorized trail, mowed by the fire department each year. The gate that was installed in 2010
along the southern end has helped control access Table 6-17 summarizes key management
attributes for this parcel. The following management actions occurred during the previous PMP
periods.
• Biological surveys. Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County in 2017.
• Nonnative plant removal. Nonnative plant removal occurred on this property in all years. Treated nonnative plants during the 2016–2021 PMP included black mustard, pampas grass, pepper tree, acacia trees, tree tobacco, tamarisk, tumble weed, ice plants, chrysanthemum,
fennel, and limonium.
• Erosion control. Erosion control occurred in the main drainage during the first PMP term. Gravel bags were installed in the areas that lack vegetation and on each side of an existing brow ditch. Approximately 100 gravel bags were installed in November of 2015 and worked well during the rainy season to slow water flow and erosion. Several hundred gravel bags
were again installed in the winter of 2017–2018. Brow ditches, approximately 1,000 feet, were cleared and cleaned in 2018.
• Patrols. Regular patrols maintained a presence and picked up trash in all years.
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TABLE 6-17 SITE CHARACTERISTICS AT LA COSTA/ROMERIA
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 13.0
Elevation Range 120 to 200 ft.
Core/Linkage Area None
Watershed San Marcos Creek
6.8.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-25 depicts soils on La Costa/Romeria Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for all
soils found on the Carlsbad preserves.
6.8.3 Fire History
The Harmony Grove Fire in 1996 partially covered the current extent of this property (see
Map 6-26). Refer to Map 4-1 for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2003.
6.8.4 Vegetation
Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San
Diego County in 2017. Map 6-27a depicts vegetation communities on La Costa Romeria
Preserve. Table 6-1 lists the vegetation communities found on the city-owned preserves.
There is ornamental vegetation (ice plant [Mesembryanthemum spp.], pine [Pinus spp.],
eucalyptus and others) along the eastern and western boundaries, which will not be removed as
this vegetation forms part of the fuel management zone, or consists of larger trees, which provide
aesthetic resources to the neighbors with little threat to the preserve area.
6.8.5 Sensitive Resources
Sensitive resources observed include Nuttall’s scrub oak, California adolphia, small-flowered
morning glory (Convolvulus simulans), and summer-holly (Map 6-27a). Refer to Table 6-14 for a
list of planned surveys for the site.
6.8.6 Management Actions
Table 6-18 presents a list of planned management actions required on La Costa Romeria Preserve
for the next 5 years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the
curb, management actions will occur to the curb.
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TABLE 6-18 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS AT LA COSTA ROMERIA PRESERVE
Management Category Actions
Biological Surveys ▪ Conduct California gnatcatcher surveys per the HMP citywide survey protocol (2022).
▪ Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above and patrols.
▪ CNPS Relevé (done in 2021, not needed until 2031).
Capital Improvements ▪ No activities are planned.
Habitat Maintenance ▪ Treat/remove any zero tolerant nonnative plant species as they are observed. Maintain low cover of moderate tolerant species. Currently identified priorities include pampas grass, tree tobacco shrubs, myoporum shrubs, acacia trees, Brazilian pepper, and tamarisk trees, which were previously known to occur on the property.
▪ Install additional gravel bags (estimated 200 bags) to limit erosion in main drainage area (once in PMP term, as needed [Map 6-27b]).
▪ Conduct annual assessment and basic cleaning of brow ditches along La Costa Avenue. Major maintenance, clearing and cleaning may be necessary twice during PMP term (Map 6-27b).
▪ Mow flat area on southern part of preserve. (City will maintain restoration area on north side of parcel as part of mitigation for the culvert replacement project.)
Public Services ▪ Conduct monthly patrols.
▪ Maintain signs with posts.
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6.9 Lagoon Lane Preserve
Photo 6-9. Lagoon Lane Preserve
6.9.1 General Site Characteristics
This small 2.7-acre parcel is bounded on three sides by streets and on the forth by a housing
development (Photo 6-9 and Map 6-28). It is a recovering, previously disturbed, riparian area that
was once part of the small stream systems that fed Batiquitos Lagoon from catchments from
within the city of Carlsbad. Willows dominate the canopy, accompanied by mulefat and DCSS
elements that cascade down from the surrounding hillside from the west. Table 6-19 summarizes
key management attributes for this parcel. The following management actions occurred during
the previous PMP periods.
• Biological surveys. Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County in 2017. Surveys for LBVI and SWFL occur every 3 years. Surveys were conducted in 2013, 2016, and 2019. CNPS Relevé assessment was conducted in 2020.
• Polyphagous shot-hole borer and Fusarium dieback. Signs for SHB and Fusarium dieback were assessed annually beginning in 2017.
• Nonnative plant removal. Treated nonnative plants during the 2016–2021 PMP included tree tobacco, pampas grass, pepper tree, and Mexican palm fan.
• Patrols. Regular patrols maintained a presence and picked up trash in all years. Mini-kiosk was painted and repaired annually and posted information was updated regularly. Posted information included a site map, brief narrative of the purpose of the site, various brochures,
and city and CNLM contact information.
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TABLE 6-19 SITE CHARACTERISTICS AT LAGOON LANE PRESERVE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 2.7
Elevation 120 ft.
Core/Linkage Area None
Watershed San Marcos Creek
6.9.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-29 depicts soils on Lagoon Lane Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for all soils
found on the city-owned preserves.
6.9.3 Fire History
There are no recorded fires for the period between 1910 and 2015 for this property. Refer to
Map 4-1 for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
6.9.4 Vegetation
Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San
Diego County in 2017. Map 6-30 depicts vegetation communities on Lagoon Lane Preserve.
Table 6-1 lists the vegetation communities found on the city-owned preserves.
6.9.5 Sensitive Resources
Sensitive resources identified on the parcel include California adolphia and wart-stemmed
ceanothus (Map 6-30). Refer to Table 6-16 for a list of planned surveys for the site.
6.9.6 Management Actions
Table 6-20 presents a list of planned management actions on Lagoon Lane Preserve for the next 5
years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the curb, management
actions will occur to the curb.
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TABLE 6-20 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS AT LAGOON LANE PRESERVE
Management Category Actions
Biological Surveys ▪ Conduct presence/absence surveys for least Bell’s vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher (2022, 2025).
▪ Conduct assessment for signs for SHB and Fusarium dieback, annually.
▪ Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above and patrols.
▪ CNPS Relevé (done in 2021, not needed until 2031).
Capital Improvements ▪ None.
Habitat Maintenance ▪ Treat/remove any zero tolerant nonnative plant species as they are observed. Maintain low cover of moderate tolerant species.
▪ Preserve Manager will NOT remove large Eucalyptus along edges of Fire Station.
Public Services ▪ Quarterly patrols.
▪ Maintain signs, posts, and kiosk, annually.
▪ Add information to the kiosk regularly.
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6.10 Lake Calavera Preserve
Photo 6-10. Lake Calavera Preserve
6.10.1 General Site Characteristics
This relatively expansive 255.3-acre parcel surrounds Lake Calavera (Photo 6-10 and Map 6-31).
It is bordered by housing developments to the north and east; however, it is contiguous with
undeveloped natural lands to the south (CDFW’s Calavera Mountain/Carlsbad Highlands) and
west (CNLM’s Calavera Hills Habitat Conservation Area). The lake supports a variety of plants
and wildlife. Exotic plant species, such as mustard, pose threats near the lake's edges. Other
exotic plant species scattered through the eastern portion of the riparian areas’ palms and
myoporum trees reduce habitat quality.
Lake Calavera Preserve is extensively used by the public for walking and mountain biking (see
Trail map). The Lake Calavera Trail improvement project started in early 2010. This project
included delineating a formal trail system, installing erosion control measures and signage, and
public outreach. Mini-kiosks were installed at every major access point, providing trail maps and
other useful information. Dog feces pick up bags and trash cans were also installed, which has
resulted in a dramatic decrease in dog feces. Unwanted trails were blocked with fence or
vegetation. Unwanted activities have decreased since management of this preserve area
commenced; however, usage has greatly increased, bring new problems and issues every year.
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See Table 6-21 for site characteristics of this property. The following management actions
occurred during the previous PMP periods.
• Biological surveys. Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County in 2017. Focused surveys for thread-leaved brodiaea, CAGN, LBVI, and SWFL, as well as habitat assessments occurred on the property. Habitat assessments included the installation of CNPS Relevés, and oak woodland assessment plot,
and the three permanent DCSS plots.
– Thread-Leaved Brodiaea. There are 5 thread-leaved brodiaea study plots set up in 2014 which were monitored annually. Individuals were detected in every survey year; however, blooming has not occurred.
– LBVI and SWFL. Surveys for LBVI and SWFL occur every 3 years. Surveys were conducted in 2013, 2016, and 2019. One migratory SWFL was detected during 2016
surveys.
– Long-term Coastal Sage Scrub Monitoring. This program started in 2009 across
Carlsbad, and monitoring plots were established and monitored on city-owned preserves in 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019. Two permanent sample plots are delineated at Lake Calavera Preserve.
The number of gnatcatchers observed ranged from 3 to 4 territories and now more suitable habitat exists on the north side of the property after restoration projects were completed. Most vegetation communities south of the Lake are of high quality, with little disturbance from
invasive plant species (except for the nonnative grasslands). Vegetation north of lake is more disturbed, primarily because the top soil was graded off the site many years ago.
In conjunction with the Lake Calavera Trail project, a biological resources report was developed for the property (Merkel and Associates 2005). Summarized results of sensitive species observed, and those noted during prior PMPs are provided in this section.
• Polyphagous shot-hole borer and Fusarium dieback. Signs for SHB and Fusarium dieback were assessed annually beginning in 2017. No signs of die back were observed.
• Oaks and Gold Spotted Oak Borer. Signs for GSOB and stressed trees were assessed annually beginning in 2016. Stressed trees were documented and tested for GSOB; however, GSOB was not detected.
Coast live oak monitoring plots which were established in 2009–2010 at Calavera Lake Preserve were revisited and monitored in 2017. At each 20-meter circular plot each oak tree was assessed for condition, diameter at breast height (DBH in centimeters) was recorded and
seedlings counted.
• Capital improvements. The city and CNLM maintained wire and lodge-pole fences at Lake Calavera Preserve annually. Wire fences were regularly cut by vandals, mostly at the Tamarack entrance and at a few points along the fence along the southern boundary of Lake Calavera Preserve. CNLM staff quickly repaired any damages to limit any further consequences. Various “bottom rung” lodge-pole rails were cracked as a result of visitors standing on the fences, and these were replaced by CNLM or city staff.
• Nonnative plant removal. Nonnative plant removal occurred on this property in all years. Treated nonnative plants include pampas grass, tamarisk, Spanish bayonet, tree tobacco,
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2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan
City of Carlsbad Preserves 147 ESA / D202100262.00
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan August 2021
fennel, cardoon, palm, myoporum trees, black and Sahara mustard, ice plant, filaree, nettle, tecolote, artichoke thistle, English ivy, crown daisy, castor bean, Mexican palm fan, and
tumble weed. Targeted mustard treatments occurred over past 10 years.
Habitat restoration. The Lake Calavera Peserve has several active habitat restoration projects, resulting from mitigation requirements of the Dam Spillway project and Dam
Maintenance mitigation requirements. Oversight of these restoration projects is done by city staff. The work is being performed by other entities. The Spillway mitigation includes creating wetlands near the dam and some upland restoration near the southeast corner of the
preserve.
Erosion control. Lake Calavera Preserve has many old illegal trails that, although blocked
off for the last 5 years, are still very eroded as they lack vegetation. Approximately 500 gravel bags were installed within various ruts to slow down water flow and contain erosion in 2016. Straw wattles were installed in previous years along the slope at the Tamarack/Dam
entrance to minimize soil deposition onto the access road and trail. These wattles were inspected and replaced as needed prior to the rainy season and maintained annually.
Patrols. Regular patrols maintained a presence and picked up trash in all years. Routine patrols have reduced activities and damages to the preserve since 2011, and the public is gradually accepting the trail system and new regulations.
The primary problems currently at Lake Calavera Preserve are graffiti, kiosk vandalism, dogs off-leash, and dog feces (that are not picked up by pet owners). Graffiti was common on the spillway. Calavera Lake Preserve has more trash than the other preserves as it experiences the
most visitors and also receives trash that comes from Sky Haven Drive and Lake Boulevard. Weekly dog feces clean-up ranges from 15 to 20 lb, with more occurring in the summer months. Dog feces pick-up bags are provided, and most bags are used as the dog waste containers are often full at the time of collection. Although fishing is not allowed, it is still popular in the lake. Swimming is also not allowed, but it has decreased significantly. Skate boarding has increased since the rocks in the spillway washed away in the winter of 2011–12. The use of drones has increased. Most trail users are respectful of the new trail system and only minimal unwanted trail creation was observed.
Mini-kiosks were painted and repaired annually and posted information was updated regularly. Posted information included a site map, brief narrative of the purpose of the site, various brochures, and city and CNLM contact information. CNLM assisted the city with
continually stocking all map boxes at Lake Calavera Preserve with trail maps and information brochures.
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2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan
City of Carlsbad Preserves 148 ESA / D202100262.00
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan August 2021
TABLE 6-21 SITE CHARACTERISTICS OF LAKE CALAVERA PRESERVE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 255.3
Elevation Range 280 to 400 ft.
Core/Linkage Area Core 3
Watershed Agua Hedionda and Buena Creek
6.10.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-32 depicts soils on Lake Calavera Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for all soils
found on the city-owned preserves.
6.10.3 Fire History
There is one recorded fire from 1979 that affected Calavera Lake Preserve (Map 6-33). There
were two fires during the last 5 years. One was near Sky Haven Street and burned about 1 acre of
SWS and oaks. This area has largely recovered. Another small 1-acre fire occurred near Lake
Boulevard within the fuel zone and grassland area. These areas have also recovered. Refer to Map
4-1 for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
6.10.4 Vegetation
Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San
Diego County in 2017. Map 6-34a depicts vegetation communities on Lake Calavera Preserve.
Table 6-1 lists the vegetation communities found on the city-owned preserves.
6.10.5 Sensitive Resources
Sensitive species are observed on the Lake Calavera Preserve (Table 6-22, Table 6-23, and Map
6-34a)). The most notable addition to the sensitive species list is the thread-leaf brodiaea, which
was observed in 2010 for the first time. In addition, an individual least Bell’s vireo was observed
in the summer of 2014 near the dam spillway.
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TABLE 6-22 SENSITIVE FLORAL SPECIES IDENTIFIED ON LAKE CALAVERA PRESERVE
Common Name Scientific Name CNPS List State Status Federal Status
California adolphia Adolphia californica 2.1a none none
Western dichondra Dichondra occidentalis 4.2b none none
Clay-field goldenbush Isocoma menziesii var. decumbens 1B.1c none none
Southwestern spiny rush Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii 4.2 none none
Thread-leaf brodiaea Brodiaea filifolia 1B SEd FTe
a Rare or endangered in CA, more common elsewhere. Seriously endangered in CA. b Plants of limited distribution. Fairly endangered in CA. c Rare or endangered in CA. Seriously endangered in CA. d State endangered. e Federally threatened.
Reference: (Biological Resources Report for Lake Calavera Trails, Merkel and Associates 2005)
TABLE 6-23 SENSITIVE FAUNA SPECIES OBSERVED ON LAKE CALAVERA PRESERVE
Common Name Scientific Name State Status Federal Status
Monarch Danaus plexippus none none
Western spadefoot Spea hammondii SSC none
White-tailed kite Elanus leucarus Fully protected none
Northern harrier Circus cyaneus SSC none
Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus none none
Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii none none
Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus SSC none
Coastal California gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica SSC Federally Threatened
California thrasher Toxostoma redivivum none none
Least Bell’s vireo Vireo bellii pusillus SE FE
Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia brewsteri SSC none
Yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens SSC none
Tricolored blackbird Agelaius tricolor ST none
6.10.6 Management Actions
Table 6-24 presents a list of planned management actions required on Lake Calavera Preserve for
the next 5 years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the curb,
management actions will occur to the curb.
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2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan
City of Carlsbad Preserves 150 ESA / D202100262.00
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan August 2021
TABLE 6-24 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS AT LAKE CALAVERA PRESERVE FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS
Management Category Actions
Biological Surveys
Capital Improvements
Habitat Maintenance
Monitor coastal sage scrub plots and evaluate presence of Argentine ants (2022, 2025).
Thread-leaf brodiaea abundance counts index plots (annually).
Conduct California gnatcatcher surveys per the HMP citywide survey protocol (2022).
Conduct presence/absence surveys for least Bell’s vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher (2022, 2025).
Conduct raptor surveys (2022, 2025).
Conduct oak woodland crown health and GSOB assessments, annually.
Conduct SHB assessments, annually.
Work with city staff to raise funds for WPT surveys and nonnative animal removal from the Lake area.
Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above and patrols.
CNPS Relevé (done in 2021, not needed until 2031)
Fence and mini-kiosk maintenance.
Treat/remove any zero tolerant nonnative plant species as they are observed. Maintain low cover of moderate tolerant species.
Treat/remove black and Saharan mustard along the northern side of the Lake.
Trim cattails on as needed basis in small pond near Tamarack entrance. Provide San Diego County Vector Control a small boat to access the pond for treatments.
Assess and control erosion annually (Map 6-34b). Current priorities are as follows.
Add 200 burlap gravel bags within various ruts to slow down water flow and contain erosion as needed in 2024 and 2026.
Inspect, repair, and maintain straw wattles along the slope at the Tamarack/Dam entrance to minimize soil deposition onto the access road and trail.
City of Carlsbad's Trail Program will cover restoration of all rogue and other unwanted trails. The Trail Program will cover all trail improvements, signs, fences and other trail construction and public outreach needs.
The city removes vegetation from each side of the dam as part of federally mandateddam maintenance requirements.
Public Services Patrol 4-7 times per week to discourage illegal and unwanted activities, dumping and theconstruction of new bicycle jumps and paths.
Specially pick up dog feces on a biweekly basis.
Maintain perimeter signs and posts.
Participate in public outreach events as directed by city staff.
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6.11 Los Monos Preserve
Photo 6-11. Los Monos Preserve
6.11.1 General Site Characteristics
This 20.4-acre parcel is dominated by high-quality DCSS and chaparral with minimal cover by
exotics (Photo 6-11 and Map 6-35). Public access has been restricted by the presence of barbed-
wire fencing that is maintained by the city's water district. In general, this site gets little use and
requires little management. The city mows/weed whips the vegetation on the reservoir face every
year as part of federally mandated compliance obligations. Table 6-25 summarizes key
management attributes for this parcel. The following management actions occurred during the
previous PMP periods.
• Biological surveys. CAGN surveys and habitat assessments occurred and CAGN were observed. Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County in 2017.
• Nonnative plant removal. Treated nonnative plants included pampas grass, fountain grass,
castor bean, and tree tobacco.
• Patrols. Regular patrols maintained a presence and picked up trash in all years.
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2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan
City of Carlsbad Preserves 161 ESA / D202100262.00
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan August 2021
TABLE 6-25 SITE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOS MONOS PRESERVE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 20.4
Core/Linkage Area Core 5
Watershed Agua Hedionda and Buena Creek
6.11.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-36 depicts soils on Los Monos Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for all soils
found on the city-owned preserves.
6.11.3 Fire History
There was one recorded fire in 1982 during the period of recorded fires between 1910 and 2015
(Map 6-37). Refer to Map 4-1 for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
6.11.4 Vegetation
Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San
Diego County in 2017. Map 6-37 depicts vegetation communities on Los Monos Preserve. Table
6-1 lists the vegetation communities found on the city-owned preserves.
6.11.5 Sensitive Resources
The primary sensitive resource observed is the gnatcatcher (Map 6-37). Other sensitive animals
observed include the orange-throat whiptail, northern harrier, and southern California rufous-
crowned sparrow. The only sensitive plant species observed was the California adolphia. Refer to
Table 6-22 for a list of planned surveys for the site.
6.11.6 Management Actions
Table 6-22 presents a list of planned management actions required on Los Monos Preserve for the
next 5 years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the curb,
management actions will occur to the curb.
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TABLE 6-26 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS AT LOS MONOS PRESERVE
Management Category Actions
Biological Surveys ▪ Conduct California gnatcatcher surveys per the HMP citywide survey protocol (2022).
▪ Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above and patrols.
▪ CNPS Relevé (done in 2021, not needed until 2031).
Capital Improvements ▪ None, assuming that fencing is maintained by the city via the Water District.
Habitat Maintenance ▪ Treat/remove any zero tolerant nonnative plant species as they are observed. Maintain low cover of moderate tolerant species. Currently identified priorities include pampas grass, fountain grass, castor bean, and tree tobacco.
Public Services ▪ Conduct quarterly patrols.
▪ Maintain signs and posts.
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6.12 Poinsettia Park Preserve
Photo 6-12. Poinsettia Park Preserve
6.12.1 General Site Characteristics
This 11.4-acre parcel is bounded on three sides by urban development, and is contiguous with a
downstream open space to the north. The city's Poinsettia Park borders its eastern edge
(Photo 6-12 and Map 6-39). The Poinsettia Park preserve has good-quality DCSS and Southern
Willow Scrub. Sycamores line the riparian zone. Table 6-27 summarizes key management
attributes for this parcel. The following management actions occurred during the previous PMP
periods.
• Biological surveys. Sensitive plant and bird surveys, and habitat assessments occurred. Most recently, LBVI and SWFL surveys occurred in 2016 and 2019. None were detected. Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San
Diego County in 2017.
• Polyphagous shot-hole borer and Fusarium dieback. Signs for SHB and Fusarium dieback were assessed annually beginning in 2017. Signs of die back were detected; however, no samples were taken.
• Oaks and Gold Spotted Oak Borer. Signs for GSOB and stressed trees were assessed
annually beginning in 2016. Stressed trees were documented and tested for GSOB; however, GSOB was not detected.
• Nonnative plant removal. Nasturtium, acacia, eucalyptus trees, fennel, bridal creeper, black mustard, pampas grass, bridal creeper, castor bean, pepper tree, and Mexican palm fan were the primary nonnative species removed and treated. Some of the nonnative acacia and myoporum trees along Paseo del Norte were encroaching in the preserve, and so where trimmed back. The city did not want the ornamental vegetation along Paseo del Norte to be removed as it was planted there for aesthetic purposes.
• Patrols. Regular patrols maintained a presence and picked up trash in all years. Mini-kiosk was painted and repaired annually. Posted information included a site map, brief narrative of
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the purpose of the site, various brochures, and city and CNLM contact information. In 2018, a “party spot” was established on-site. Patrols targeted patrols and clean-up of this area in 2018
and 2019.
TABLE 6-27 SITE CHARACTERISTICS FOR POINSETTIA PARK PRESERVE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 11.4
Elevation Range 120 to 160 ft.
Core/Linkage Area None
Watershed Canyons de las Encinas
6.12.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-40 depicts soils on Poinsettia Park Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for all soils
found on the city-owned preserves.
6.12.3 Fire History
There are no recorded fires for the period between 1910 and 2015 for this property. Refer to
Map 4-1 for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
6.12.4 Vegetation
Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San
Diego County in 2017. Map 6-41 depicts vegetation communities on Poinsettia Park Preserve.
Table 6-1 lists the vegetation communities found on the city-owned preserves.
6.12.5 Sensitive Resources
Sensitive resources observed during the last 8 years include the CAGN, YBCH, and wart-
stemmed ceanothus, as well as a white-tailed kite nest in the eucalyptus on the southwestern side
of the parcel (Map 6-41). The unwanted brown-headed cowbird was also observed. Refer to
Table 6-28 for planned site surveys.
6.12.6 Management Actions
Table 6-28 presents a list of planned management actions on Poinsettia Park Preserve for the next
5 years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the curb,
management actions will occur to the curb.
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TABLE 6-28 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS FOR POINSETTIA PARK PRESERVE FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS
Management Category Actions
Biological Surveys ▪ Conduct California gnatcatcher surveys per the HMP citywide survey protocol (2022).
▪ Conduct presence/absence surveys for least Bell's vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher (2022, 2025).
▪ Conduct raptor surveys (2022, 2025).
▪ Conduct SHB assessments, annually.
▪ Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above and patrols.
▪ CNPS Relevé (done in 2021, not needed until 2031).
Capital Improvements ▪ None planned.
Habitat Maintenance ▪ Treat/remove any zero tolerant nonnative plant species as they are observed. Maintain low cover of moderate tolerant species. Currently identified priorities include fennel, bridal creeper, black mustard, pampas grass, bridal creeper, castor bean, pepper tree, and Mexican palm fan
Public Services ▪ Monthly patrol.
▪ Maintain signs, posts, and kiosk, annually.
▪ Add information to the kiosk regularly.
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6.13 Research Center Preserve
Photo 6-13. Research Center Preserve
6.13.1 General Site Characteristics
This small 2.5-acre, southwest-facing parcel is bordered by a series of industrial parks and offices
(Photo 6-13 and Map 6-42). Its southern end is adjacent to small undeveloped areas that extend
into the main basin just above Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Its dry, rocky, and low-growing chamise
chaparral habitat is relatively free from invasive plant species and represents high-quality habitat.
Table 6-29 summarizes key management attributes for this parcel. The following management
actions occurred during the previous PMP periods.
• Biological surveys. Habitat assessment and sensitive bird and plant surveys occurred on the preserve. Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County in 2017.
• Nonnative plant removal. About 10 pampas grass were removed in 2010 and nonnative plants have not been an issue since then.
• Patrols. Regular patrols maintained a presence and picked up trash in all years.
TABLE 6-29 SITE CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH CENTER PRESERVE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 2.5
Elevation Range 200 to 240 ft.
Core/Linkage Area Core 4
Watershed Canyons de las Encinas
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6.13.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-43 depicts soils on Research Center Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for all soils
found on the city-owned preserves.
6.13.3 Fire History
There are no recorded fires for the period between 1910 and 2015 for this property. Refer to
Map 4-1 for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
6.13.4 Vegetation
Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San
Diego County in 2017. Map 6-44 depicts vegetation communities on Research Center Preserve.
Table 6-1 lists the vegetation communities found on the city-owned preserves. Ornamental
vegetation maintained by the city lies adjacent to the parking lot and the native vegetation.
6.13.5 Sensitive Resources
Sensitive resources identified during the term of the first PMP are summer-holly and Nuttall’s
scrub oak (Map 6-44).
6.13.6 Management Actions
Table 6-30 presents a list of planned management actions on Research Center Preserve the next 5
years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the curb, management
actions will occur to the curb.
TABLE 6-30 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS AT RESEARCH CENTER PRESERVE
Management Category Actions
Biological Surveys ▪ CNPS Relevé (done in 2021, not needed until 2031).
Capital Improvements ▪ None.
Habitat Maintenance ▪ Treat/remove any zero tolerant nonnative plant species as they are observed. Maintain cover of moderate tolerant species. There are no current priorities.
Public Services ▪ Quarterly patrol.
▪ Maintain signs and posts.
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6.14 Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve
Photo 6-14. Veterans Park Preserve(top) and Macario Canyon Preserve (bottom)
6.14.1 General Site Characteristics
Veterans Park and Macario Canyon Preserves (43.5 acres) are adjacent to one another and are
jointly managed (Photo 6-14 and Map 6-45). The two parcels comprise a flat plateau with gentle
slopes extending down to Faraday Avenue to the south and southwest. It is composed mainly of
DCSS and SMC of good quality. Table 6-31 summarizes key management attributes for this
parcel. The following management actions occurred during the previous PMP periods.
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• Biological surveys. Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County in 2017. The two long-term coastal sage scrub monitoring plots were sampled every 3 years.
• Nonnative plant removal. Mustard, mallow, tumble weed pampas grass, fennel, and filaree were the primary nonnative species removed and treated. Targeted mustard treatments occurred over past 10 years.
• Patrols. Regular patrols maintained a presence and picked up trash in all years.
TABLE 6-31 SITE CHARACTERISTICS OF VETERANS PARK/MACARIO CANYON PRESERVE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 43.5
Elevation Range 80 to 280 ft.
Core/Linkage Area Core 4
Watershed Canyon de las Encinas
6.14.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-46 depicts soils on Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil
properties for all soils found on the city-owned preserves.
6.14.3 Fire History
There are no recorded fires for the period between 1910 and 2015 for this property. Refer to
Map 4-1 for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
6.14.4 Vegetation
Vegetation mapping was revised using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San
Diego County in 2017. Map 6-47 depicts vegetation communities on Veterans Park and Macario
Canyon Preserves. Table 6-1 lists the vegetation communities found on the city-owned preserves.
There is a very nice patch of native grassland.
6.14.5 Sensitive Resources
Sensitive resources identified during the last 8 years include the CAGN, COHA, northern harrier,
white-tailed kite, Nuttall’s scrub oak, California adolphia, western dichondra, Palmer’s
grapplinghook, and golden chaetopappa (Pentachaeta aurea [Map 6-47]). Refer to Table 6-32
for planned site surveys.
6.14.6 Management Actions
Table 6-32 presents a list of planned management actions required on Veterans Park/Macario
Canyon Preserve for the next 5 years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve
boundary and the curb, management actions will occur to the curb.
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TABLE 6-32 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS AT VETERANS PARK AND MACARIO CANYON PRESERVES FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS
Management Category Actions
Biological Surveys ▪ Monitor coastal sage scrub plots and evaluate presence of Argentine ants (2022, 2025).
▪ Conduct California gnatcatcher surveys per the HMP citywide survey protocol (2022).
▪ Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above and patrols.
▪ CNPS Relevé (done in 2021, not needed until 2031).
Capital Improvements ▪ None planned.
Habitat Maintenance ▪ Continue to remove zero tolerant nonnative plant species. Note moderate tolerant nonnative species. Treat 1-acre mustard patch near Faraday Avenue.
Public Services ▪ Monthly patrol.
▪ Maintain signs and posts.
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6.15 Village H Preserve
Photo 6-15. Village H Preserve
6.15.1 General Site Characteristics
The Village H Preserve is comprised of two parcels, east and west, totaling 15.1 acres (Photo 6-
15 and Map 6-48a). On Jan. 8, 2019, the city took ownership of the 61-acre Calavera Hills
Village H property, which consists of 46.0 acres of existing HMP Hardline, 12.6 acres of
undeveloped open space, and 2.3 acres used for RV Storage. The HMP hardline is comprised of
three parcels. The 36.2-acre parcel north of Carlsbad Village Drive has been managed by Center
for Natural Lands Management since 2006 as part of the Calavera Hills - Robertson Ranch
Preserve, which has its own Preserve Management Plan and is funded by an endowment. There
will be no further mention of this parcel. The two HMP hardline parcels south of Carlsbad
Village Drive (east and west) are located on either side of the Carlsbad Metropolitan Water
District (CMWD) storage area (Map 6-48b). Surrounding land use is residential development.
Table 6-33 summarizes key management attributes for this parcel.
Prior to city ownership, the HMP hardline and open space areas were unmanaged. Preserve
management must take into account the value of the preserve and adjacent open space as a
wildlife corridor and the current and future recreation use. After taking ownership of Village H,
extensive wildlife movement, roadkill and dog waste monitoring was initiated, and continue to be
performed by the city’s Habitat Management Division to better understand wildlife movement,
and the prevalence and off trail location of people and off-leash dogs. These studies will inform
the design and placement of a linear dog park, which is planned for the western portion of the
non-hardline open space adjacent to the existing trail, and a planned new connector trail, which
will connect the existing trail eastward to Tamarack Avenue.
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Movement of mostly bobcats, coyotes, skunk and raccoons has been documented moving north
south through the site to other preserves, and east-west through the M1-22 culvert under
Tamarack. Prior to city ownership, this area had a decades long history of off-leash dog use,
which has continued despite the placement of dog waste stations along the formalized city trail.
The presence of humans and dogs and dog waste is known to negatively affect wildlife (Burger et
al. 2014, Markovchick-Nickolls et al. 2007). This threat will only increase after the dog park,
parking lot and connector trail are installed. Currently, wildlife appears to be adapting by coming
out mostly at night when humans and dogs are not generally present. However, this threat must be
monitored (patrolling and wildlife movement studies) in the long-term to ensure that increased
noise, dogs and dog waste does not negatively affect wildlife in the future.
TABLE 6-33 SITE CHARACTERISTICS OF VILLAGE H PRESERVE
Descriptor Value/Category
Acreage 15.1
Elevation Range 154 to 308 ft.
Core/Linkage Area Linkage B
Watershed Canyon de las Encinas
6.15.2 Soil Characteristics
Map 6-49 depicts soils on Village H Preserve. Table 2-1 lists the soil properties for all soils found
on the city-owned preserves.
6.15.3 Fire History
There are no recorded fires for the period between 1910 and 2015 for this property. Refer to
Map 4-1 for a depiction of regional fire history between 1910 and 2015.
6.15.4 Vegetation
Although the non-hardline open space area is not technically an HMP preserve, this area has been
shown to be important for wildlife movement and, therefore, vegetation mapping includes the
entire area south of Carlsbad Village Drive (Village H South). This area consists of nonnative
vegetation (e.g., eucalyptus, acacia, non-native grassland) with patches of coastal sage scrub
(Map 6-50). A short loop trail passes through the Eucalyptus trees on the west side. Steep slopes
on the east and west sides have a heavy cover of Eucalyptus leaves and branches, which can clog
the brow ditches that are located on these slopes. Acacia are also prevalent on the slopes, but
there are also native lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia) as well as adolphia (Adolphia californica).
6.15.5 Sensitive Resources
Two special-status plant species were incidentally noted by ESA (2019); one Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii), and ten California adolphia (Adolphia californica). Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
2 City of Carlsbad. 2015. City of Carlsbad Wildlife Movement Analysis Final Report. Prepared for California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Local Assistance Grant P1282107
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 217 of 296
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan
City of Carlsbad Preserves 186 ESA / D202100262.00
2022–2026 Preserve Management Plan August 2021
and coyote (Canis latrans) actively use the area as a wildlife corridor (ESA 2019b, 2020), and numerous raptors have been observed nesting and foraging in the area. Refer to Table 6-34 for
planned site surveys.
6.15.6 Management Actions
Table 6-34 presents a list of planned management actions required on Village H Preserve for the
next 5 years. In locations where there is a gap between the preserve boundary and the curb,
management actions will occur to the curb.
TABLE 6-34 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS AT VILLAGE H PRESERVE
Management Category Actions
Biological Surveys Conduct California gnatcatcher surveys per the HMP citywide survey protocol (2022).
Revise Vegetation Mapping using the Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County (2022).
Conduct wildlife movement studies with the use of motion-sensing wildlife cameras as needed basis.
Record incidental observations of wildlife or rare plants detected during the surveys identified above.
Capital Improvements None planned.
Habitat Maintenance Map nonnative invasive plant species and prioritize removal (2022). This includes a phased removal of acacia trees and detailed map of other invasive, nonnative species.
Monitor erosion and determine if remedial measures are necessary (annually).
Control priority nonnative plant species at least twice annually.
Work with fire prevention to maintain defensible space annually. Action may include the following.
West parcel. Remove and limb up eucalyptus trees.
East parcel. Remove smaller eucalyptus trees, trim back of trees over hanging road.
Maintain M1-2 tunnel by cleaning up trash and removing large vegetation from ends (monthly).
Trim weeds along the curb area annually.
Clean brow ditch on west parcel annually
Public Services Weekly patrols. Patrol frequency may need to increase if an off-leash dog park is established adjacent to the preserve. It is important to protect the resources, educate the public, and demonstrate a strong enforcement presence. The following will be completed as needed during patrols.
Maintain signs and posts.
Remove trash and dog poop.
Identify and report encroachments.
Report trespass.
Install no trespassing signs and posts that clearly delineate the preserve area (2022).
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7.0 References
Websites
California Department of Fish and Game (http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/er/region5/crestridge/crestridge-acan-ili.html) (http://www.dfg.ca.gov/cpb/species/ssc/ssc.shtml)
(http://www.dfg.ca.gov/hcpb/species/t_e_spp/tespp.shtml) (http://www.dfg.ca.gov/whdab/html/animals.html)
California Department of Forestry
(http://www.fire.ca.gov/)
California Fire Alliance 2001 (http://www.cafirealliance.org/master_content/downloads/AllianceOnePager.pdf)
California Native Plant Society (http://cnps.web.aplus.net/)
Federal Register (January 4, 2001, 66 FR 751) (http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2001_register&docid=01-52-filed.pdf)
North County Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) (http://www.sandag.org/index.asp?projectid=97&fuseaction=projects.detail)
San Diego Bird Atlas Project (SDNHM) (http://www.sdnhm.org/research/birdatlas/support.html)
State of California's Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act of 1991 (http://www.library.ca.gov/crb/01/02/01-002.pdf)
U.S. Department of Commerce National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) 2006. (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html)
U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service
(http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/SpeciesReport.do?groups=Q&listingType=L)
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Appendix A
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APPENDIX A
City of Carlsbad Preserves Plant Species List,
2009-2021
Family and Latin Name Common Name
Property
VP/MC LCCP PP LCR CR RC CV BD LL LM CGCa LCb AC AV VH
LYCOPHYTES
SELAGINELLACEAE
Selaginella cinerascens Mesa spike-moss X X X X
Selaginella bigelovii Bigelow's spike-moss X X
LEPTOSPORANGIATE FERNS
DRYOPTERIDACEAE - Wood Fern Family
Dryopteris arguta coastal wood fern X
POLYPODIACEAE — Polypody Family
Polypodium californicum California polypody X
PTERIDACEAE — Brake Family
Pentagramma triangularis
ssp. viscosa
sticky silverback fern X X
Pentagramma triangularis fern X X X X
CONFIERS
PINACEAE — Pine Family
Pinus ssp. pine X
MONOCOTS
AGAVACEAE — Agave Family
Yucca schidigera Mohave yucca X X X X X X X X X
ALLIACEAE — Onion Family
Allium ssp. onion X
Allium haematochiton redskin onion X
AMARYLLIDACEAE — Amaryllis Family
*Amaryllis belladonna belladonna-lily X
ARECACEAE (PALMAE) — Palm Family
*Washingtonia robusta Mexican fan palm X X X
ASPARAGACEAE — Asparagus Family
*Asparagus asparagoides florists smilax X X
CYPERACEAE — Sedge Family
Carex triquetra triangular-fruit sedge X X
*Cyperus ssp. umbrella plant X X X
Cyperus eragrostis tall flatsedge X X X X X
*Cyperus involucratus African umbrella plant X X X
Eleocharis aciculatus needle spike-rush X X
Eleocharis macrostachya pale spike-sedge X
Eleocharis montevidensis Dombey's spike-sedge X
Scirpus californicus California bulrush X X
Scirpus pungens threesquare bulrush X
Scirpus robustus prarie bulrush X
Schoenoplectus americanus Olney's bulrush X
Schoenoplectus californicus California bulrush X X
Schoenoplectus pungens common threesquare X
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Family and Latin Name Common Name
Property
VP/MC LCCP PP LCR CR RC CV BD LL LM CGCa LCb AC AV VH
HYACINTHACEAE — Hyacinth Family
Chlorogalum parviflorum soap-plant/amole X X X
Chlorogalum pomeridianum
var. pomeridianum
wavy-leaf soap-
plant/amole
X
IRIDACEAE — Iris Family
*Chasmanthe floribunda African cornflag X X
Sisyrinchium bellum blue-eyed-grass X X X X X X
JUNCACEAE — Rush Family
Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii southwestern spiny rush X X
Juncus arcticus var.
mexicanus
Mexican rush X
Juncus bufonius toad rush X X X
Juncus dubius mariposa rush
Juncus mexicanus Mexican rush X
Juncus xiphioides iris-leaf rush X
LILIACEAE — Lily Family
Agave attenuata agave X
Agave americana American agave X
Allium praecox brandegee X
Bloomeria crocea common goldenstar X X
Calochortus weedii var.
weedii
weed's mariposa lily X
Calochortus splendens splendid mariposa lily X X X
Chlorogalum parviflorum small-flower soap plant X
Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. pomeridianum wavy-leaf soap-plant/amole X
Dichelostemma capitatum
ssp. capitatum
wild hyacinth X X
MELANTHIACEAE — Bunch Flower or Camas Family
Zigadenus fremontii Fremont's camas X X
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE) — Grass Family
Achnatherum coronatum giant stipa X X X
Agrostis pallens seashore bentgrass X
*Agrostis viridis water bent X
*Arundo donax giant reed X
*Avena barbata slender wild oat X X X X X X X X X
*Avena fatua wild oat X
Bothriochloa barbinodis cane bluestem X X X X
*Brachypodium distachyon purple falsebrome X X X X X
*Bromus diandrus ripgut grass X X X X X X X X X
*Bromus hordeaceus soft chess X X X X X X X X
*Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens foxtail chess, red brome X X X X X X X X X X X
*Cortaderia selloana Slloa pampas grass X X X X X X X
Distichlis spicata saltgrass X X X X
*Ehrharta erecta panic veldt grass X
*Gastridium ventricosum nit grass X X X X X X
*Hordeum spp. barley X X
*Hordeum marinum Mediteranean barley X X
*Lamarckia aurea golden-top X
Leymus condensatus giant wild-rye X X X X X X X
*Lolium multiflorum Italian ryegrass X X X X
*Lolium pereenne perennial ryegrass X
Melica imperfecta coast range melic X X X X X
*Melinis repens natal grass X X
Muhlenbergia microsperma little-seed muhly X X
Nassella pulchra purple needlegrass X X
Nassella lepida foothill needlegrass X X X X X X X
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Family and Latin Name Common Name
Property
VP/MC LCCP PP LCR CR RC CV BD LL LM CGCa LCb AC AV VH
Nassella pulchra purple needlegrass X X X X X X X
*Paspalum dilatatum dallis grass X
Paspalum distichum common knotgrass X
*Pennisetum setaceum African fountain grass X X
*Phalaris aquatica harding grass X
*Phalaris canariensis canary gress X
*Phalaris minor little-seed canary grass X X
*Piptatherum miliaceum smilo grass X X X X
*Poa annua annual bluegrass X X
*Polypogon monspeliensis annual beard grass X X X X X X X X
*Schismus spp. schismus X X
*Schismus barbatus Mediteranean schismus X X X
Vulpia microstachys fescue X X X
*Vulpia myuros var. myuros rat-tail fescue X X X X X X X X
Vulpia octoflora slender fescue X X X
THEMIDACEAE — Brodiaea Family
Bloomeria crocea var.
crocea
common goldenstar X X X X
Dichelostemma capitatum ssp. capitatum blue dicks X X X X X X X
EUDICOTS
ADOXACEAE — Adoxa Family
Sambucus mexicana blue elderberry X X X X X X X X X
AIZOACEAE — Fig-Marigold Family
*Carpobrotus chilensis sea-fig X
*Carpobrotus edulis hottentot-fig X X X X
*Mesembryanthemum crystallinum crystalline iceplant X X X
AMARANTHACEAE — Amaranth Family
Atriplex sp. saltbush X
*Atriplex semibiccata Australian saltbush X X
*Amaranthus albus white tumbleweed X X X X X X X
Amaranthus blitoides prostrate amaranth X
Chenopodium spp. goosefoot X
*Chenopodium album lamb's quarters X
*Chenopodium murale net-leaf goosefoot X
*Dysphania ambrosioides Mexican tea X X X X
*Salsola tragus prickly Russian-thistle,
tumbleweed
X X X X
Sarcoconia pacifica Pacific pickleweed X
ANACARDIACEAE — Sumac or Cashew Family
Malosma laurina laurel sumac X X X X X X X X X X X
Rhus integrifolia lemonadeberry X X X X X X X X X X X X
*Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper tree X X X X X X
Toxicodendron diversilobum western poison-oak X X X X X
APIACEAE (UMBELLIFERAE) — Carrot Family
Apiastrum angustifolium mock-parsley X X X X X X
*Apium graveolens common celery X X X X
*Conium maculatum common poison hemlock X X X X X X
Daucus pusillus rattlesnake weed X X X X X X X X
*Foeniculum vulgare sweet fennel X X X X X X X X X X
Lomatium dascycarpum ssp.
dascycarpum
woolly-fruit lomatium X
Lomatium lucidum shiny lomatium X
Sanicula arguta sharp tooth sanicle X X X
Sanicula crassicaulis Pacific sanicle X X
APOCYNACEAE — Dogbane Family
Asclepias fascicularis narrow-leaf milkweed X
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 235 of 296
Family and Latin Name Common Name
Property
VP/MC LCCP PP LCR CR RC CV BD LL LM CGCa LCb AC AV VH
*Vinca major greater periwinkle X X
ARACEAE — Arum/Duckweed Family
*Zantedeschia aethiopica calla-lily X X
ASTERACEAE (COMPOSITAE) — Sunflower Family
Acourtia microcephala purpleheads X
Amblyopappus pusillus pineapple weed X
Ambrosia psilostachya western ragweed X X X X
Ancistrocarphus filagineus woolly fishhooks X
Artemisia californica coastal sagebrush X X X X X X X X X X X
Artemisia douglasiana Douglas mugwort X X X X
Artemisia dracunculus mugwort X
Aster subulatus ssp. ligulatus slim aster X
Baccharis pilularis chaparral broom, coyote
brush
X X X X X X X X X X X
Baccharis salicifolia mule-fat, seep-willow X X X X X X X X X X
Baccharis sarothroides broom baccharis X X X
Brickellia californica California brickellbush X X X
*Carduus pycnocephalus Italian thistle X X X X X X
*Centaurea melitensis tocalote X X X X X X X X X X X
Chamomilla suaveolens pineapple weed X
Chaenactis artemisiifolia white pincushion X
Chaenactis glabriuscula pincushion X X X
*Chrysanthemum
coronarium
crown marigold X X X X X
Cirsium occidentale var.
occidentale
cobwebby thistle X X X X
Cirsium vulgare bull thistle X X
Conyza canadensis horseweed x X X X X X X X X
Corethrogyne filaginifolia var.
californica
California sand-aster X X
*Cotula australis Australian brass-buttons X X X X
*Cotula coronopifolia African brass-buttons X X X X X
Cynara cardunculus cardoon X X
Deinandra fasciculata fascicled tarweed X X X X X X X X X X
Encelia californica california encelia X X X X X X X X X X
Encelia farinosa brittlebush X X
Eriophyllum confertiflorum
var. confertiflorum
long-stem golden-yarrow X X X X X X X X X X
Filago arizonica Arizona filago X X X
*Filago gallica narrow-leaf filago X X X X X X X
*Gazania spp. gazania X X
Gnaphalium bicolor bicolor cudweed X X
Gnaphalium californicum California everlasting X X X X X X X X X X X
Gnaphalium canescens ssp.
beneolens
fragrant everlasting X X
Gnaphalium ramosissiumum pink everlasting X
Gnaphalium stramineum cotton-batting plant X X X X X X X X X X
Guttierrezia sarothrae matchweed X X
Grindelia camporum rayless gumplant X X X
Hazardia squarrosa var.
squarrosa
sawtooth goldenbus X X X X X X X X X X
*Hedypnois cretica Crete hedypnois X X X X X X X X
Hesperevax sparsiflora var.
sparsiflora
erect evax X X
Heterotheca grandiflora telegraph weed X X X X X X
*Hypochaeris glabra smooth cat's ear X X X X
Isocoma menziesii var.
decumbens
clay-field goldenbush X X
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 236 of 296
Family and Latin Name Common Name
Property
VP/MC LCCP PP LCR CR RC CV BD LL LM CGCa LCb AC AV VH
Isocoma menziesii var.
menziesii
spreading goldenbush X X X X X
Isocoma menziesii var.
vernonioides
coastal goldenbush X X X X X
Iva hayesiana San Diego marsh-elder X
*Lactuca serriola prickly lettuce X X X X
Lasthenia gracilis common goldfields X
Lessingia filaginifolia var.
filaginifolia
cudweed aster X
Mircoseris douglasii var.
playcarpha
small flowered microseris X
Osmadenia tenella osmadenia X X
Pentachaeta aurea golden-ray pentachaeta X
*Picris echioides bristly ox-tongue X X X X X X X X
Pluchea odorata salt marsh fleabane X X X X X
Porophyllum gracile odora X
Pseudognaphalium
beneolens
fragrant everlasting X X X
Pseudognaphalium biolettii bicolor cudweed X X X X X X X
Pseudognaphalium
microcephalum
white everlasting X
Psilocarphus tenellus slender woolly marbles X
Rafinesquia californica California chicory X
Senecio californicus California butterweed X
*Senecio linearifolius var.
linearifolius
fireweed X
*Senecio vulgaris common groundsel X X X X
*Silybum marianum milk thistle X X X X
*Sonchus asper ssp. asper prickly sow-thistle X X X X X X X X X
*Sonchus oleraceus common sow-thistle X X X X X X
Stephanomeria diegensis San Diego wreath-plan X X
Stephanomeria sp. wreath-plant x X X X X X
Stylocline gnaphaloides everlasting nest-straw X X X X X
Xanthium strumarium cocklebur X X X X X
Uropappus lindleyi silver puffs X X
Viguiera laciniata San Diego sunflower X
BETULACEAE — Birch Family
Alnus rhombifolia white alder X
BORAGINACEAE — Borage Family
Amsinckia menziesii var.
intermedia
rancher's fiddleneck X X X X X
Cryptantha clevelandii ssp.
clevelandii
Cleveland's cryptantha X
Criptantha clevelandii ssp.
unknown
Cleveland's cryptantha X
Cryptantha micromeris minute-flower cryptantha X X
Cryptantha intermedia nievitas cryptantha X X X X X X X X
Cryptantha microstachys tejon cryptantha X
Cryptantha muricata prickly cryptantha X
*Echium candicans pride of madeira X X
Harpagonella palmeri Palmer's grappling-hook X X
Heliotropium curassavicum salt heliotrope X X X X
*Myosotis discolor forget-me-not X
Pectocarya linearis ssp
ferrocula
slender pectocarya X X
Pectocarya peninsularis peninsular pectocarya X
Plagiobothrys collinus var.
gracilis
San Diego popcornflower X X X
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 237 of 296
Family and Latin Name Common Name
Property
VP/MC LCCP PP LCR CR RC CV BD LL LM CGCa LCb AC AV VH
BRASSICACEAE (CRUCIFERAE) — Mustard Family
*Brassica nigra black mustard X X X X X X X X X X X
*Brassica tournefortii Saharan mustard X X X
Cardamine oligosperma Idaho bittercress X
*Coronopus didymus lesser wart-cress X X X
Descurania pinnata tansy mustard X
*Hirschfeldia incana short-pod mustard X X X X
Lepidium nitidum var.
nitidum
shining peppergrass X X X X
*Lobularia maritima sweet alyssum X X X X
*Raphanus sativus wild radish X X X X X X X X
Rorippa nasturtium-
aquaticum
water-cress X X X X X
*Sisymbrium orientale hare's-ear cabbage X X
CACTACEAE — Cactus Family
Cylindropuntia prolifera coast cholla X X X
*Opuntia ficus-indica mission prickly-pear,
indian-fig
X X X X X
Opuntia littoralis coast prickly-pear X X X X X X X X X X X
Opuntia prolifera cholla X
CAMPANULACEAE — Bellflower Family
Triodanis biflora small venus looking-
glass
x X X
CAPPARACEAE — Caper Family
Isomeris arborea bladderpod X X X X X X X
CAPRIFOLIACEAE — Honeysuckle Family
Lonicera subspicata honeysuckle X X X X
Lonicera japonica japanese honeysuckle X
Lonicera subspicata San Diego honeysuckle X
Sambucus mexicana blue elderberry X
CARYOPHYLLACEAE — Pink Family
Cardionema ramosissima tread lightly X X
*Cerastium glomeratum mouse-ear chickweed X X
Polycarpon depressum California polycarp X X X X X
*Polycarpon tetraphyllum
ssp. tetraphyllum
four-leaf allseed X X X
*Silene gallica common catchfly X X X X X X
Silene laciniata ssp. laciniata southern pink X X
Spergularia salina salt marsh sand-spurry X
Spergularia arvensis stickwort starwort X
*Stellaria media common chickweed X
CHENOPODIACEAE — Goosefoot Family
Salicornia virginica pickleweed X X
*Salsola tragus Russian thistle X X
CISTACEAE — Rock-Rose Family
Cistus sp. rock rose X
Helianthemum scoparium peak rush-rose X X X X X
CONVOLVULACEAE — Morning-Glory Family
Calystegia macrostegia morning-glory X X X X X X X X
Convolvulus arvensis bindweed
Convolvulus simulans small-flowered morning
glory
X X X
Cuscuta spp. dodder X
Dichondra occidentalis western
dichondra/ponyfoot
X X X
CRASSULACEAE — Stonecrop Family
Crassula connata dwarf stonecrop X
Xylococcus bicolor pygmyweed X X X X X X X X
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 238 of 296
Family and Latin Name Common Name
Property
VP/MC LCCP PP LCR CR RC CV BD LL LM CGCa LCb AC AV VH
Dudleya edulis ladies' fingers X X X
Dudleya lanceolata lance-leaf dudleya X X X X X
Dudleya pulverulenta chalk dudleya X X X X X
Dudleya viscida sticky dudleya X
CUCURBITACEAE — Gourd Family
Marah macrocarpus var.
macrocarpus
manroot, wild-cucumber X X X X X X X X X X X
DIPSACACEAE — Teasel Family
Dipsacus sativus Fuller's teasel X
ERICACEAE — Heath Family
Arctostaphylos glandulosa
ssp. glandulosa
eastwood manzanita X X
Comarostaphylis diversifolia
ssp. diversifolia
summer-holly X X X
Xylococcus bicolor mission manzanita X X X X X X X X X
EUPHORBIACEAE — Spurge Family
Chamaesyce albomarginata white-margin sandmat X X
*Chamaesyce maculata spotted spurge X X X X X X
Chamaesyce polycarpa small-seed sandmat X X X X
Croton californicus California croton X X
Eremocarpus setigerus doveweed X X
*Euphorbia peplus petty spurge X X X X X X
*Ricinus communis castor bean X X X
FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE) — Legume Family
*Acacia spp. acacia X X X
Astragalus didymocarpus
var. didymocarpus
white dwarf locoweed X X
Astragalus trichopodus var.
longus
ocean locoweed X
Lathyrus splendens pride-of-california X
Lathyrus vestitus ssp.
alefeldii
San Diego sweetpea X
Lotus hamatus lotus X X X X
Lotus purshianus Spanish clover X
Lotus scoparius deerweed X X X X X X X X X X X
Lotus strigosus Bishop's/strigose lotus X
Lupinus bicolor miniature lupine X X X X X X
Lupinus hirsutissimus stinging lupine X
Lupinus truncatus collar lupine X
Lupinus succulentus arroyo lupine X X
*Medicago polymorpha California burclover X X X X X X
*Melilotus albus white sweet clover X X
*Melilotus indicus indian sweet clover X X X X X X X
Trifolium albopurpureum rancheria clover X X
Vicia ludoviciana var. ludoviciana deer pea vetch X
FAGACEAE — Oak Family
Quercus agrifolia var. agrifolia coast live oak, encina X X X X X X X
Quercus berberidifolia scrub oak X
Quercus dumosa Nuttall's scrub oak X X X X X
GENTIANACEAE — Gentian Family
Centaurium venustum canchalagua X X X X X
GERANIACEAE — Geranium Family
*Erodium botrys long-beak
filaree/storksbill
X X X X X
*Erodium brachycarpum short-beak filaree X
*Erodium cicutarium red-stem filaree/storksbill X X X X X X X X X X
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 239 of 296
Family and Latin Name Common Name
Property
VP/MC LCCP PP LCR CR RC CV BD LL LM CGCa LCb AC AV VH
*Erodium moschatum white-stem
filaree/storksbill
X X
Geranium carolinianum Carolina geranium X X X X
GROSSULARIACEAE — Gooseberry Family
Ribes indecorum white-flower currant X X
Ribes speciosum fuchsia-flower
gooseberry
X X X X
HYDROPHYLLACEAE — Waterleaf Family
Eriodictyon crassifolium var.
crassifolium
felt-leaf yerba santa X X X
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia
var. chrysanthemifolia
common eucrypta X X X X X X X
Nemophilla sp. blue eyes x X
Phacelia cicutaria var.
hispida
caterpillar phacelia X
Phacelia grandiflora giant-flower phacelia X
Phacelia ramosissima var.
latifolia
caterpillar phacelia X X
Pholistoma auritum fiesta flower X X
LAMIACEAE (LABIATAE) — Mint Family
*Marrubium vulgare horehound X X
Salvia apiana white sage X X X X
Salvia columbariae chia X X X X
Salvia mellifera black sage X X X X X X X X X X X X
Scutellaria tuberosa Danny's skullcap x
Stachys ajugoides var. rigida white hedge-nettle X X X X
Trichostema lanceolatum vinegar weed X
LYTHRACEAE — Loosestrife Family
*Lythrum hyssopifolia grass poly X X X X
MALVACEAE — Mallow Family
Malacothamnus fasciculatus chaparral bushmallow X X X X X X X X
*Malva parviflora cheeseweed X X
Sidalcea malveflora ssp.
sparsifolia
checker-bloom X X X
MYOPORACEAE — Myoporum Family
Myoporum laetum ngaio X X
MYRTACEAE — Myrtle Family
*Eucalyptus sp. eucalyptus X
*Eucalyptus globulus blue gum X X X
NYCTAGINACEAE — Four
O'clock Family
Mirabilis californica California wishbone plant X
Mirabilis laevis coastal wishbone plant X X X X X X X
OLEACEAE — Olive Family
*Fraxinus uhdei shamal ash X
*Olea europaea olive X
ONAGRACEAE — Evening-Primrose Family
Camissonia spp. sun cup X X X
Camissonia bistorta sun cup X X X
Camissonia ignota Jurupa hills sun cup X X X
Clarkia purpurea purple clarkia X X
Epilobium canum California fuchsia,
zauschneria
X X
Epilobium ciliatum ssp.
ciliatum
willow herb X
Oenothera elata great marsh evening-primrose X X X
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 240 of 296
Family and Latin Name Common Name
Property
VP/MC LCCP PP LCR CR RC CV BD LL LM CGCa LCb AC AV VH
OROBANCHACEAE — Broom-Rape Family
Castilleja exserta purple owl's clover X
Castilleja foliolosa woolly indian paintbrush X
Cordylanthus rigidus ssp. setigerus dark-tip bird's beak X X
OXALIDACEAE — Oxalis Family
*Oxalis pes-caprae Bermuda-buttercup X X X
Oxalis albicans ssp.
californica
California wood-sorrel X
PAEONIACEAE -- Peony Family
Paeonia californica California peony X
PAPAVERACEAE — Poppy Family
Eschscholzia californica California poppy X X X X X
PHRYMACEAE — Hopseed Family
Mimulus aurantiacus var.
puniceus
monkey flower X X X X X X X X X X X
Mimulus pilosus downy monkeyflower X
PITTOSPORACEAE — Pittosporum Family
*Pittosporum undulatum Victoria-box X
PLANTAGINACEAE — Plantain Family
Antirrhinum kellogii climbing snapdragon X X
Antirrhinum nuttallianum ssp.
nuttallianum
Nuttall's snapdragon X X X X X
Antirrhinum nuttallianum ssp.
subsessile
big-gland nuttall's
snapdragon
X X
Linaria canadensis large blue toadflax X X
Plantago erecta dot-seed plantain X X X X X X
*Plantago lanceolata English plantain X X
*Plantago major common plantain X
PLATANACEAE — Plane Tree or Sycamore Family
Platanus racemosa western sycamore X X X
PLUMBAGINACEAE — Leadwort Family
Limonium ssp. marsh-rosemary X
*Limonium perezii Perez's marsh-rosemary X X X X X
POLEMONIACEAE — Phlox Family
Eriastrum spp. wooly star X X
Gilia angelensis grassland gilia X
Linanthus dianthiflorus farinose ground pink X
Navarretia hamata pincushion X X X X
POLYGONACEAE — Buckwheat Family
Chorizanthe staticoides Turkish rugging X
Chorizanthe fimbriata var. fimbriata fringed spineflower X X
Chorizanthe procumbens prostrate spineflower X
Eriogonum fasciculatum var. fasciculatum coast california buckwheat X X X X X X X X X X X
Eriogonum elongatum var.
elongatum
tall buckwheat X X
Polygonum lapathifolium willow smartweed X X
Pterostegia drymarioides granny's hairnet X X X X X X X X
*Rumex conglomeratus whorled dock X X X
*Rumex crispus curly dock X X X X X X
PORTULACACEAE — Purslane Family
Calandrinia ciliata red maids X
Claytonia perfoliata ssp.
perfoliata
common miner's lettuce X X
Portulaca oleracea common purslane X
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 241 of 296
Family and Latin Name Common Name
Property
VP/MC LCCP PP LCR CR RC CV BD LL LM CGCa LCb AC AV VH
PRIMULACEAE — Primrose Family
*Anagallis arvensis scarlet pimpernel, poor
man's weatherglass
X X X X X X X X X X X X
Dodecatheon clevelandii
ssp. clevelandii
Padre's shooting star X X X X
Samolous parviflorus water-pimpernel X X
RANUNCULACEAE — Buttercup Famil
Clematis ligusticifolia yerba de chiva X X X
Thalictrum fendleri var.
polycarpum
Fendler's meadow-rue X
ROSACEAE — Rose Family
Adenostoma fasciculatum chamise X X X X X X X X X
Cercocarpus minutiflorus San Diego mountain-mahogany X
Heteromeles arbutifolia toyon, Christmas berry X x X X X X X X X X X X
Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia islay, holly-leaf cherry x X X
Rosa californica California rose X X
Rubus ursinus California blackberry X
RHAMNACEAE — Buckthorn Family
Adolphia californica spineshrub X x X X X X
Ceanothus verrucosus wart-stem-lilac X X X X
Ceonothus tomentosus Ramona-lilac X
Rhamnus crocea spiny redberry X X X X
RUBIACEAE — Madder or Coffee Family
Galium angustifolium ssp.
angustifolium
narrow-leaf bedstraw X X X X X
Galium aparine common bedstraw,
goose grass
X X X X X
Galium nuttallii ssp. nuttallii Nuttal's bedstraw X X
RUTACEAE — Rue Family
Cneoridium dumosum bushrue X X
SALICACEAE — Willow Family
Populus fremontii ssp.
fremontii
Fremont cottonwood X
Populus nigra lombardi poplar X
Salix exigua narrow-leaved willow X X
Salix gooddingii Goodding's black willow X X X X X X X
Salix laevigata red willow X X X
Salix lasiolepis arroyo willow X X X X X X X X X
SAURURACEAE — Lizard's Tail Family
Anemopsis californica yerba mansa X X X X
SAXIFRAGACEAE — Saxifrage Family
Jepsonia parryi coast jepsonia X X X
SCROPHULARIACEAE — Figwort Family
Castilleja affinis ssp. affinis coast paintbush X
Castilleja exserta ssp.
exserta
purple owl's clover X X
Cordylanthus rigidus ssp.
setigerus
dark-tipped bird's beak X X
Keckelia cordifolia climbing bush
penstemon
X
Mimulus aurantiacus coast monkey flower X X
Scrophularia californica ssp.
floribunda
California bee
plant/figwort
X X X X
SIMMONDSIACEAE — Jojoba Family
Simmondisia chinensis jojoba X X
SOLANACEAE — Nightshade Family
Datura wrightii western jimson weed X X X
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 242 of 296
Family and Latin Name Common Name
Property
VP/MC LCCP PP LCR CR RC CV BD LL LM CGCa LCb AC AV VH
*Nicotiana glauca tree tobacco X X X X X X X X X X
Solanum americanum white nightshade X X X
Solanum douglasii Douglas's nightshade X X X X X
Solanum parishii Parish's nightshade X X X X X X X
TAMARICACEAE — Tamarisk Family
Tamarix spp. saltcedar X X X X X
TROPAEOLACEAE — Nasturtium Family
*Tropaeolum majus garden nasturtium X X
TAMARICACEAE — Tamarisk Family
Tamarix sp. tamarisk X
TYPHACEAE — Cattail Family
Typha ssp. cattail X X X X
URTICACEAE — Nettle Family
Parietaria hespera pellitory X X X X
Urtica dioica ssp.
holosericea
hoary nettle X X X
*Urtica urens dwarf nettle X X X X
Hesperocnide tenella western nettle X X
VERBENACEAE — Vervain Family
Verbena lasiostachys vervain X X
VITACEAE — Grape Family
Vitis girdiana desert wild grape X
* Denotes nonnative species
Nomenclature follows: Checklist of the Vascular Plants of San Diego County, 4th Edition. Jon P. Rebman and Michael G. Simpson. 2006
VP/MC=Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve; LCCP= La Costa Canyon Park Preserve; PP= Poinsettia Park Preserve; LCR=La Costa Romeria
Preserve; CR =Carillo Ranch Preserve; RC=Research Center Preserve; CGC=The Crossings Preserve; CL=Calavera Lake Preserve; CV=Carlsbad Village
Preserve; BD=Batiquitos Drive Preserve; LL=Lagoon Lane Preserve; LM=Los Monos Preserve.
a. From the Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course EIR Biological Constraints Analysis, 1997
b. from the Lake Calavera Trails Biological Resources Report, 2005rom the Lake Calavera Trails Biological Resources Report, 2005
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 243 of 296
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 244 of 296
Appendix B
Animal Species Observed
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 245 of 296
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 246 of 296
APPENDIX B
Animal Species Observed
Species AC AV CL CV LM VP/MC PP LL BD LCR LCCP CR CGC RC VH
Birds
Acorn woodpecker X
Allen's
hummingbird
X X X X X
American coot X
American crow X X X X X X X X X X
American goldfinch X
American kestrel X X
American widgeon X
Anna's
hummingbird
X X X X X X X X X X X
Ash-throated
flycatcher
X X X X
Bewick's wren X X X X X X X X X X X
Belted Kingfisher X X
Black-headed
grosbeak
X X X X
Black phoebe X X X X X X X X X X
Blue grosebeak X X
Blue-gray
gnatcatcher
X X X
Brown-headed
cowbird
X X X X X
Bufflehead X
Bullock's oriole X
Bushtit X X X X X X X X X X X
California quail X X X X X X X X
California thrasher X X X X X X X X
California towhee X X X X X X X X X X X X
Cassin's finch X X
Cassin's kingbird X X X
Cedar waxwing X
Cliff swallow X X
Coastal California
gnatcatcher
X X X X X X X X
Common
merganser
X
Common moorhen X
Common raven X X X X X X X X
Common yellow-
throat
X X X X X X X X X
Cooper's hawk X X X X X X X
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 247 of 296
Species AC AV CL CV LM VP/MC PP LL BD LCR LCCP CR CGC RC VH
Costa's
hummingbird
X X
Double-crested
cormorant
X
Downy woodpecker X X
Gadwall X
Great blue heron
(fly-over)
X X
Great egret X X
Great-tailed grackle X X
Greater roadrunner X X X X X
Green heron X
Hermit thrust X
Hooded oriole X X X X X X
House finch X X X X X X X X X X X
House sparrow X
House wren X X X X X
Horned lark X
Hutton's vireo X X
Killdeer X
Least Bell's vireo X X
Lesser goldfinch X X X X X X X X X X
Lesser nighthawk X
Lincoln's sparrow X
Loggerhead shrike X
Mallard X X X
Mourning dove X X X X X X X X X X
Northern flicker X X X
Northern harrier X X X
Northern
mockingbird
X X X X X X X X X X
Northern shoveler X
Nuttall's
woodpecker
X X X X X X X X
Orange-crowned
warbler
X X X X X X X
Olive-sided
flycatcher
X
Pacific sloped
flycatcher
X X
Peacock X
Phainopepla X
Pied-billed grebe X
Poor-whil Y
Red-tailed hawk X X X X X
Red-shouldered
hawk
X
Red-winged
blackbird
X X
Ruby-crowned
kinglet
X
Ruddy duck X
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Species AC AV CL CV LM VP/MC PP LL BD LCR LCCP CR CGC RC VH
Rufous
hummingbird
X X X
Rufous-crowned
sparrow
X X X
Says phoebe X X X X
Song sparrow X X X X X X X X X X X
Sora X
Southwestern
willow flycatcher
X
Spotted towhee X X X X X X X X X X X X
Tree swallow X
Turkey vulture (fly-
over)
X X
Violet-green
swallow
X
Virginia rail X
Western kingbird X X X X X X X X
Western
meadowlark
X
Western scrub-jay X X X X X X X X X
Western tanager X
White-crowned
sparrow
X X X X X X X X
White-faced ibis X
White-tailed kite X X X X X
White-throated swift
(fly-over)
X X
Wilson's warbler X X X
Wrentit X X X X X X X X X X X X
Yellow warbler X
Yellow-rumped
warbler
X X X X X X X X X
Yellow-breasted
chat
X X
Insects
Acmon blue X
Alfalfa butterfly X
Anise swallowtail X
Behr's metalmark X X X
Buckeye X
Common dogface X
Cabbage white X X X X
California ringlet X X
California sister X
Common White X
Funereal duskywing X
Hartford's sulfur X
Lacustra duskywing X
Lorquin's admiral X X
Marine blue X
Monarch X X
Mourning cloak X X X X X
Painted lady X X X
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Species AC AV CL CV LM VP/MC PP LL BD LCR LCCP CR CGC RC VH
Pale swallowtail X X
Perplexing
hairstreak
X
Pygmy blue X X X
Queen X
Red Admiral X
Sara's orangetip X X X
Scorpion X
Southern blue X X
Sphinx moth X
West coast lady X
Western checkered
skipper
X
Western elfin X
Western tiger
swallowtail
X X X
Virginia lady X
Mammals
Agile kangaroo rat X
Big brown bat X
Botta's pocket
gopher
X
Brazilian free-tailed
bat
X
Cactus mouse X
California myotis X
Coyote X X X X X X
Deer mouse X
Desert cottontail X X X X X X X X X X
Ground squirrel X X X X X X X
Hoary bat X
Raccoon (tracks) X X X X X
Opossum (tracks) X X X
Southern mule deer X
Striped skunk X
Spotted skunk X
Western harvest
mouse
X
Woodrat X X X X X X
Long-tailed weasel X
Reptiles and
Amphibians
Belding's orange-
throated whiptail
X X X
Bullfrog X
California
kingsnake
X
Coachwhip X
Garden slender
salamander
X
Gopher snake X
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 250 of 296
Species AC AV CL CV LM VP/MC PP LL BD LCR LCCP CR CGC RC VH
Northern Red
diamond
Rattlesnake
X
Pacific treefrog X X X X X
Rattlesnake (skin
only)
X X
Side-blotched lizard X X X X
Southern alligator
lizard
X
Southern pacific
rattlesnake
X X
Striped racer X
Western fence
lizard
X X X X X X
Western spadefoot X
Western
threadsnake
X
Western toad X X
Whip snake X X
Invertebrates
Versatile fairy
shrimp
X
AC = Aura Circle Preserve; AV = Aviara Preserve; CL = Calavera Lake Preserve; CV = Carlsbad Village Preserve; LM = Los Monos
Preserve; VP/MC = Veterans Park/Macario Canyon Preserve; PP = Poinsetta Park Preserve; LL = Lagoon Lane Preserve; BD =
Batiquitos Drive Preserve; LCR = La Costa Romero Preserve; LCCP = La Costa Canyon Park Preserve; CR = Carillo Ranch Preserve;
CGC = The Crossings Preserve; RC = Research Center Preserve; VH = Village H Preserve
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Appendix C
Coastal Sage Scrub Monitoring
Plan (Revised in 2013)
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THE CENTER FOR NATURAL LANDS
MANAGEMENT-SAN DIEGO
Coastal Sage Scrub Monitoring Plan
(Revised in 2013)
Objective: Track the changes in structure and composition of the coastal sage scrub (CSS)
community.
a. Use data to evaluate the structure and composition of the CSS vegetation community and its correlation to predictions of vegetation changes based on theories postulated by ecological
and threats models.
b. Use data to evaluate changes or trends in “populations”, presence/absence and/or occupied/unoccupied habitat of sensitive animal species, primarily the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica)(CAGN).
c. Use data to evaluate changes in species richness.
d. Use data to evaluate changes over time from a baseline vegetation pattern.
e. Use data to guide vegetation management decisions (i.e. non-native plant removal, rare species range increases/introductions).
Background of Need:
The Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) manages several thousand acres of CSS in
San Diego County. These areas host many threatened, endangered and sensitive plant and
wildlife species, provide for wildlife movement and are some of the last remaining stands of CSS
in coastal San Diego. These areas were also specifically designated as important areas to
conserve under the regional Habitat Conservation Planning (HCP) conservation efforts.
As a result, the CNLM needs to be able to evaluate recruitment and vigor of this vegetation
community over time to guide management decisions and to evaluate changes in plant and animal
communities. This monitoring will also provide an opportunity to evaluate theorized predictions
of changes in vegetation communities resulting from urbanization, non-native species invasion,
climate change, increased edge, altered fire regime and fragmentation (to name a few).
Background of Ecological Model and Threats
CSS is a fire-adapted vegetation community with fires occurring naturally, but most severely
under the extreme Santa Ana heat and winds of late summer and fall and during drought
conditions. During these conditions there would generally be a “complete burn” where all above
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 255 of 296
ground vegetation within the fire’s path would be consumed. After such a fire, herbaceous plants
(fire followers), which are known to sprout after fires, would dominate the landscape for a few
years. Over time (3-5 years) the shrub lands would regain their dominance, and after 5-10 years a
mature assemblage of plants and wildlife would again be found on site (Dallman 1998).
The fire frequency in CSS is as frequent as chaparral due to the volatile oils and resins that occur
in CSS plants. The plants, such as white sagebrush (Saliva apiana), are able to resprout after a
fire or produce many seedlings from the dormant seed bank that lies in the soil. Seed germination
of some species may also be stimulated by fire (Holland and Keil 1995, Dallman 1998).
However, if the fire frequency and intensity are too great, plants in the CSS community, such as
black sage (Salvia mellifera) and California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) are permanently
killed and can no longer regenerate, slowly converting the CSS community to a non-native,
annual grassland (Southwest Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command 1998).
Each CNLM preserve in San Diego has a different fire history and a different predicted fire
future. For example, most of the Rancho La Costa (RLC) Habitat Conservation Area (HCA)
burned in the Harmony Grove fire in October of 1996, while the Manchester HCA has not burned
(except two very small fires) in its entirety since 1917. Prior to 1917 no data are recorded, so it is
uncertain as to when the last significant fire event occurred in the Manchester HCA.
Regardless of fire history and the current vegetation characteristics, there are many realized or
potential threats to the integrity of the CSS vegetation community (See RLC Habitat Management
Plan CSS Ecological Model and Threats Section (CNLM 2005) that need to be evaluated
including:
1. What is the effect of an altered fire regime at each HCA?
2. What is the potential effect of global climate change?
3. What are the effects of urban edge?
4. What are the effects of fragmentation and isolation?
5. What are the effects of altered wildlife usage patterns?
The answers to these threats questions lead to other questions that are associated with effects on
ecological processes and patterns, such as:
1. Are the variables investigated representing a threat?
2. At what spatial scale are the variables representing a threat?
3. How do the effects of the threats listed above effect the distribution and abundance of sensitive plant and wildlife species?
4. How do the threats listed above effect the distribution of non-sensitive plants and animals?
5. How do the effects of each threat alter ecological processes?
6. How do the various measured factors interact?
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Predictions
Fire. We predict that as a result of fragmentation, complete burns of preserves are now less likely
and that there will be fewer, smaller fires resulting in a mosaic of CSS with various age
structures.
Global Climate Change. We predict that rainfall patterns will change (likely decrease) over the
next 100 years resulting in a lengthening of the fire season, increased frequency of lightening
fires, increased frequency of drought, and areas burned. We predict:
1. Possible regime shifts (altered abundance and recruitment patterns in various native vegetation assemblages)
2. Altered invasion severity of exotic species due to changes from native-adapted variations in
weather phenomena
3. Lowered native seedling survival of species due to changes from native-adapted variations in weather phenomena
4. Lowered seed and/or clonal production of future generations due to changes from native-adapted variations in weather phenomena
5. Negative interactions between native wildlife and changes resulting from the above
mentioned predictions in vegetative cover
Habitat Fragmentation and Urban Edge. We predict that habitat fragmentation will reduce plant
diversity and migration and/or genetic exchange between plant populations. This could affect the
CSS community by reducing vigor within populations and eventually leading to extinctions of
specific plant species. Habitat fragmentation has resulted in an increase of urban edge on all our
preserves. We predict that this will result in increased pressures from non-native plant species,
illegal vegetation clearing, dumping, erosion, and other threats that will change the vegetation
structure and composition.
Monitoring Methodology
Approximately fifty plots will be established inside three of our preserves, and the number per
preserve allocated by the amount of acreage currently occupied by CSS in each preserve. These
plots will be placed in a stratified random manner across our preserves. Stratification will take
into account:
1. Size of preserve
2. Slope and aspect
3. Distance from preserve edge/urban edge
4. Presence or absence of CAGN or San Diego horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillii)
5. Fire history
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Plot Design and Setup 2009 - 2013
The original plot design was based on the Whittaker nested vegetation sampling design as in
Stohlgren et al. 1995. The design of the Whittaker nested vegetation sampling plot deviated from
that described in Stohlgren et al. 1995 by not including the 12 smaller 1-square meter rectangles.
The dimensions of the modified Whittaker nested vegetation sampling macroplot was 50 meters
long by 20 meters wide. Originally, three smaller nested plots were placed inside the sampling
macroplot, the largest of these three was 20 meters long and 5 meters wide, placed in the center of
the sampling macroplot, with the long axis corresponding to that of the macroplot. The two other
nested plots were at opposite corners of the sampling macroplot, and were 5 by 2 meters in
length, again with the long axis corresponding to that of the sampling macroplot. The long axis
of the modified Whittaker plots was set to cross the environmental gradient present at the
sampling macroplot location. Sampling was carried out for both continuous variables (percent
cover by species) and non-parametric and semi-continuous variables (count of dead shrubs,
species richness).
The sampling macroplot design was modified in 2011 after data analyses revealed that less area
could be sampled within each macroplot. It was found that saturation, or that area where adding
more area to a species search area only slowly adds further species, is reached at roughly 25-30
square meters. The two, 5 by 2 meter nested plots were deleted from the sampling effort and the
5 by 20 meter center, nested quadrat was reduced in size to 2 by 20 meters. During 2013, this
sampling frame was redesigned entirely, and in order to achieve a per-plot replication of species
richness, CNLM dispersed 1.9x1.9 meter quadrats at all corners of both the larger macroplot, and
at the outside corners of the original 5x20 meter sampling frame, for a total of eight quadrats per
css plot. This method should account for more dispersed area, and as Figure 1 suggests, will
achieve saturation at most plots at some point between 10 meters and 28.9 square meters of
survey area. This latest change in sampling design should remain unchanged in future years,
since it maximizes the original shape of each plot, is replicated, and reduces sampling effort as
much as is practicable.
We obtained shrub counts in our nested subplots and in the macroplot during our first year of
sampling (N = 17 macroplots), and found that any counting inside subplots and the macroplot, in
addition to noting species richness cannot be supported on our HCA endowments. Collecting
species richness in these subplots is the most time-consuming portion of each visit.
Current Plot Design (2013)
Beginning and end points are marked on GIS for each set of points representing the upper
segment of each plot. This upper segment is where point-intercept readings are carried out, along
with height measures every other point at 1 meter intervals, added as of 2013.
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Figure 1 CSS plot design with dimesions and landmark distances. All inside and outside corners were marked in the field during plot setup. Species richness quadrats are numbered in blue, and the shapes represented here are not exact. Each richness quadrat is 1.9 x 1.9 meters.
Point Intercept Data (Percent Cover)
Percent cover by species was gathered by running a metric measuring tape along the upper border
of each macroplot. The point-intercept transects were standardized to read hits at half meter
intervals, thus generating 99 “hits” along the long (50 meter) side of the macroplot. Living plants
were counted as a point or “hit,” if a 1.5 millimeter dowel is intersected in the vertical plane by
the living tissue of a plant. At each half meter, data pertaining to bare ground, rock, or litter
incident with the dowel was also collected. Occasionally, dead shrubs may be counted as “hits”
along the line, since they were read the first few years of this study, and can provide good
comparisons from previous years of live cover data.
The point-intercept transect measures will provide a method of quantifying change in abundance
by species and edaphic cover that may also tie into species richness changes observed within the
richness quadrats. For instance, non-native grasses and/or litter cover changes may be predictive
as explanatory variables in a multi-factorial analysis of the response variables mortality or species
decline. Other variables that may be tied into a model explaining the measured pattern may
include regional rainfall totals for the season and/or seasonal temperature averages, slope and
aspect of macroplots, fire history, and the presence or absence of animal herbivory.
Investigations by researchers who measure css regularly reveal that 50 meter transects are
optimal, and CNLM is further optimizing the measurement by totaling 99 points per transect.
Douglas Deutschaman’s Management and Monitoring Group at San Diego State University
(SDSU MMG) regularly monitor css plots using 50-meter point-intercept transects at whole-
meter intervals. This alone provides a robust measurement of cover by functional group. Setup
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 259 of 296
and species richness are the most time consuming portions of this effort, and adding an additional
50 points to the protocol does not add considerable time to each survey. CNLM may investigate
whether performing point-intercept at 50 meters on the whole-meter interval will negatively
affect any further analyses, but has not done so yet.
Species Richness
Species richness was originally gathered inside the three, nested subplots located inside each
macroplot; however, as discussed above, in 2011, species richness was only collected in the
nested center quadrat that was reduced in size from 5 by 20 meters to 2 by 20 meters. Each
species occurring within the subplot was recorded. Plants were identified to species and
subspecies whenever possible. Initial studies informed the reduction in the richness quadrat size,
and further informed the changes implemented during the 2013 field season (Figure 2).
CNLM changed design of species richness data collection in order to account for species richness
variation on a per-quadrat basis. Eight plots are dispersed throughout the css plots (Figure 1) in
an effort to maximize site heterogeneity, and to attain yearly average richness values. Figure 2
indicates, as did previous investigations, that a leveling off of additional species occurs on most
plots upon reaching 20 square meters of total search area. These data are not nested within
consecutively larger quadrats, but are summed by adding separate quadrat areas and species with
each quadrat. This is an imperfect method of generating species area curves, but illustrative
nonetheless of the range of values needed to maximize search effort. Most plots reach saturation
before 28.9 square meters of total search area.
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Figure 2 Species area curves for 15 long-term css monitoring plots in Carlsbad, California, measured during winter-spring 2013. Species richness was
collected in 1.9 x 1.9 meter quadrats dispersed throughout each css plot for a total area of 28.9 square meters sampled for plant species richness. Best fit lines follow a logarithmic pattern.
Shrub Height
During 2013, CNLM began measuring tallest shrub height at every whole-meter interval. This
will provide a measure of canopy height that may inform managers of animal usage patterns,
development or senescence of vegetation over time. This measurement should continue for the
foreseeable future until researchers (SDSU MMG included) find that cover by species correlates
sufficiently with height to make shrub height a non-useful measure.
Sampling intensity
CNLM met with Dr. Douglas Deutschman to inquire into methods of maximizing our return
from our effort. We could not afford to monitor more than approximately 20 macroplots per year.
Also, the effects of trampling could mislead our conclusions about trend over time if we re-visited
the same sites every year over the course of many years. It is necessary to capture the yearly
variation in conditions such as rainfall and temperature, and thus we knew that many replicates
would be needed in order to capture meaningful patterns.
Dr. Deutschman suggested a “rotating panel” approach. This approach incorporates visiting a
subsample of all macroplots on a yearly basis, ensuring to balance the replicates according to
0 10 20 30Square meters surveyed
0
10
20
30
40
50
Species countDec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 261 of 296
aspect and to spread these replicates across the landscape in order to capture variation in weather
or rainfall that may take place across our sample region. It was suggested that we re-visit eight
macroplots over the course of three years, while rotating 12 or more new macroplots over the
course of the three years. Thus, after the third year of sampling, 45 plots have been visited, and
the variation in measures among the eight re-visit macroplots can be compared to the rotating
macroplots. In this manner we can judge if yearly re-visits are necessary in the long-term, or if
more sites are needed each year.
For instance, one potential outcome is that the region in which we are sampling does not vary
substantially in factors influenced by weather or disturbance, and that by stratifying sub-sampling
across the region and visiting a subsample of the whole, we can adequately capture the variation
in vegetative and species richness measures without overtaxing our annual budgets. Another
potential outcome is that we will obtain substantial information from this rotating panel design to
indicate how many more sites should be visited on a yearly basis to capture the yearly variation
without visiting the entirety of our plots.
Analyses and sample size
CNLM again met with Dr. Deutschman in late 2011 to review data gathered over the course of
the three consecutive years since collection began in 2009. Another meeting is scheduled for
early December 2011 as of this writing. The considerations under his cognizance are how many
plots are needed in order to gain x percent certainty that x change in particular vegetation
functional group cover (exotic forbs, exotic grasses, etc.) while maintaining affordability of
sampling effort. This is at face value a sliding scale scenario whereby the most sensitive
measures (non-native grasses and native forbs) determine how precise our estimates should be,
and affordability also helps determine the precision of both the percent change that is meaningful
and the desired precision. The second meeting in December 2011 should help us further refine the
most desirable yearly sample size for these most sensitive response variables. Based on power
analyses based on the t statistics generated in the paired t tests, for the repeat plots that were
performed for three consecutive years, it would appear that a minimum of 12 separate plots will
need sampling every year, on a three or four year return interval. We are unsure at the moment
how many to visit yearly, but will know soon. Table 1 below contains some basic statistics of a
combination of the yearly repeat visit plots and the rotating plots also read, and thus totals to 60
plots altogether. Note that the variability of both exotic forbs and native grass cover relative to
the other categories (the basic utility of the coefficient of variation) is much higher.
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TABLE 1 SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR ALL PLOTS 2009-2011, INCLUDING REPEAT PLOTS.
Exotic forb Exotic grass Native forb Native grass Native shrub
N of Cases 60 60 60 60 60
Minimum 0 0 0 0 4
Maximum 42 62 56 29 87
Arithmetic Mean 6.767 12.7 9.75 4.4 45.567
Standard Deviation 11.115 12.163 10.042 6.559 19.793
Coefficient of Variation 1.643 0.958 1.03 1.491 0.434
Effect
20% of Mean 1.3534 2.54 1.95 0.88 9.1134
Table 2 (below) summarizes the number of plots needed annually to achieve a certain measure of
change over time.
TABLE 2 ANNUAL SAMPLE SIZE NEEDED TO DETERMINE CHANGE OVER TIME FOR EACH GROUP
Exotic forb Exotic grass Native forb Native grass Native shrub
20 % of mean value 1.35 2.54 1.95 .88 9.11
Effect size desired 5% 5% 5% 5% 10%
Annual sample size needed to detect effect size 14 12 13 4 12
The basis for comparison in rotating sampling plots is necessarily a paired design whereby each
unit gets compared to itself upon reaching the second return sampling event and thenceforth with
every subsequent return. Each shape and corresponding color in Figure 1 below refers to a set of
plots performed on each given year. The paired comparisons will take place between years, since
variation in the measures performed thus far indicate that spatial variability among plots is much
greater than year-to-year variability among plots. To put it another way, plots are very dissimilar
to one-another in cover and representation of this cover by shrubs, grasses, and forbs, and these
measures don’t change as much year-to-year as they do differ from one-another from site to site.
The set of plots visited annually may be determined by visiting the css dataset and finding out
which plots were read during the year three years prior to the current date. For instance, CSS plot
24 was read during 2012, and will therefore need to be revisited during 2015.
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Figure 3
rotating css plot analysis diagram. Each symbol represents a set of plots measured in a given year, repeating at regular intervals and analyzed using paired repeat measures methodology.
References
CNLM, 2005. Habitat Management Plan for the Rancho La Costa Habitat Conservation Area. The Center for Natural Lands Management. February.
Dallman, P.R. 1998. Plant life in the world’s Mediterranean climates. California Native Plant Society. University of California Press. Berkeley and Los Angeles.
Holland, V. L., and Keil, D. J., 1995. California vegetation. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.
Dubuque, IA.
Southwest Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command. 1998. Camp Pendleton wildland fire management plan update. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. California.
Stohlgren, T. J., Falkner, M. B., and L. D. Schell. 1995. A modified-Whittaker nested vegetation sampling method.Vegetation. 117:113-121.
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Appendix D
Thread-leaf Brodiaea
(Brodiaea filifolia) Monitoring
Plan
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CENTER FOR NATURAL LANDS
MANAGEMENT
Thread-leaf Brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia)
Monitoring Plan
I. Background
Thread-leaf brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) (TLB) is a federally listed as threatened species and
California State listed as endangered. TLB occurs on three Center for Natural Lands
Management (CNLM) Preserves, one City of Carlsbad Preserve (City) and one California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Reserve. CNLM-owned or managed preserves include
Rancho La Costa (RLC) (The Greens parcel), Village H of Calavera Hills/Robertson Ranch
(Calavera), and Carlsbad Oaks North (CON). The City of Carlsbad Preserve is Lake Calavera.
The CDFW Reserve is Buena Vista Creek Ecological Reserve (BVCER). CNLM owns RLC and
CON and manages via Conservation Easement the Calavera Preserve and the BVCER and Lake
Calavera are managed under contract. CNLM is required to monitor TLB populations per the
Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) Monitoring and Management Plan (CDFG,
USFWS, & CBI, 2003).
TLB is a corm bearing species and many TLB occurrences and thousands of TLB individuals are
distributed in both a clumped and patchy nature throughout the non-native grassland habitats on
CNLM owned or managed preserves. As such, annual TLB flowering response varies drastically
depending on weather, site conditions and site location making population counts and estimations
difficult and in many cases, inaccurate. Additionally, CNLM would not be able to directly count
all of the TLB known to occur on RLC due to the large population, and simply counting these
individuals would not benefit TLB in the long run. Population estimations for large rare plant
populations, such as TLB on RLC, could also yield unreliable trend information (McEachren and
Sutter, 2010a). The proposed trend within the MSCP for monitoring large, rare plant populations,
that are difficult to count or sample, is to develop an “index of population and habitat condition
that can be repeated over many years with the goal of showing the long-term range of natural
fluctuation within which conservation management must operate” (McEachren and Sutter 2010b).
This can be achieved by distributing permanent “index plots” in occupied rare plant habitat
(McEachren and Sutter 2010b).
CNLM has been monitoring the TLB occurrence on RLC since 2005. Monitoring began on
Calavera Hills/Robertson Ranch, Carlsbad Oaks North, and BVCER mostly since 2007 and at
Lake Calavera (via Index Plot) since 2013. Monitoring has included direct population counts and
Dec. 7, 2021 Item #4 Page 267 of 296
estimations and habitat assessments. A research project testing the effects of weed management
techniques on TLB and nonnative grasses was also initiated in 2006 at RLC (CNLM 2010).
II. Purpose and Objective
Purpose
At RLC, several large TLB occurrences were included in the monitoring and/or weed
management research project (CNLM 2010); however, many TLB patches and many TLB plants
in other portions of RLC were not included in either the annual monitoring or research project
because the research project required copious amounts of time. No time was left to monitor the
remaining TLB patches; although these patches were visited each year and in some cases, direct
flowering counts were conducted. Additionally, a method to track attribute information in other
TLB patches on CNLM preserves was also needed. This method should also be used to establish
baseline habitat conditions and to track change within occupied TLB habitat over time. CNLM
has decided to use index plots, as described in McEachren and Sutter (2010a) to monitor the TLB
occurrences on CNLM owned and managed preserves. The Index Plot method is not intended to
estimate population density, but rather, to track annual variation in both vegetative and flowering
production over time and relate these data to environmental variables for modeling purposes.
Objective
Track the vegetative and flowering density, species richness, and cover among TLB patches on
CNLM preserves using subjectively placed monitoring index plots. Additionally, identify
observed or potential threats (i.e., soil saturation, soil erosion, anthropogenic impacts) within or
adjacent to each Index Plot. Use this information to identify environmental correlations within
TLB occurrences, track occupied TLB habitat changes over time, and to inform management
decisions for occupied TLB habitat on all CNLM owned and managed preserves.
III. Methods
Install permanent monitoring plot indices in pre-determined TLB patches on CNLM owned and
managed preserves. Preserve Managers can subjectively choose the index plot locations based on
the distribution and density of known TLB patches. TLB patches to be targeted should include a
diverse range of site conditions, including sites in the northern CNLM-managed preserves and
sites in the south; sites that are closest to developed areas that are subject to edge effects (e.g.,
supplemental irrigation from landscaped slopes); sites that are spatially distributed on upper and
lower slopes; and sites that are composed of different dominant plant species. For example,
three Index Plots would likely suffice at the RLC HCA based on TLB geographic patch
distribution. A smaller number of Index Plot general locations will likely suffice for Calavera
and BVCER because these locations aren’t as spread out or dense as at RLC.
Complete counts within each Index Plot should be collected on an annual basis until such time
that a model may be developed that suggests maximal conditions for assessing population status.
Plots will continue to be assessed annually for cover estimation (visual only) by species, and
species richness. Annual counts should occur until the locations and annual counts are numerous
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enough to build a model that is predictive of best rainfall and temperature conditions for complete
counts of either vegetative and/or flowering.
1) Index Plot Size and Locations
Index Plot size and location will vary based on the distribution and density of TLB. The index
plots have been, and will be subjectively placed to ensure that TLB is located within each Index
Plot. Each index plot shall be placed to capture the most TLB present in that patch. For example,
if TLB is distributed in a band that is perpendicular to the slope on which it occurs, then the Index
Plot will also be placed perpendicular to the slope making sure to capture the majority of the TLB
in that patch. Each index plot will receive its own unique identification number, or name
beginning with the Preserve name or acronym followed by the number within that preserve; then
the frame count within that site. For instance, at Calavera Hills Village H location already
installed, and working one’s way downhill, the first frame location will be Calavera1TLB1, and
continued in this manner. As an additional site is expected to be installed, this will be
Calavera2TLB1, 2, etcetera.
1a. RLC
The size and shape of index plots at RLC and CON will vary, depending on previous survey
efforts and the size of the localities under study. For RLC, two 4 x 10 meter plots that are part of
each experimental unit should be sampled so that counts can stay consistent with previous efforts.
A third Index Plot grouping was subjectively placed in the large occurrence west of Goldstone
St., to the north of the SDGE access road, as indicated on Figure 1. Five quadrats were placed
here, and counted first during 2013.
1b. Calavera, CON, and BVCER
The Index Plot sizes at Calavera, CON, and BVCER will be smaller due to the fact that these
TLB populations cover a much smaller extent. The number of index plots and the size for each of
these two preserves has already been determined by the Preserve Manager. At Calavera Village
H, five locations were determined for individual sampling frames of ½ x 1 meter size. Carlsbad
Oaks North received smaller frames of 4 x 5 decimeters, since the patches are quite small at this
location. The same quadrat size of 4 x 5 decimeters was also used at the BVCER location in
2012, and this site is set up differently due to the density of this population and the small size.
Vegetative and flowering counts have been collected at these locations. However, it is expected
that another location at Village H will receive another series of quadrats, and/or possibly a
location at Village X.
1c. Lake Calavera
There are five index plots at Lake Calavera and each is 0.5 x 1 meter in size. They are spread
about the population near Lake Boulevard.
2) Permanent Identification of the Index Plot
At the Village H, Lake Calavera and CON locations, opposite corners of each sampling frame were
marked by rebar. BVCER has only one dense population, and this population (not yet proven to be
TLB) has had a rectangle installed around it, so that a regular array of 4 x 5 decimeter meter quarats
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could be used. In the case of the belts at RLC, the index plots are already permanently marked on
each corner with rebar. Mason string, or a tape measure can be used to delineate the boundaries of
these index plots for the purpose of performing counts. All four corners of each index plot at RLC
will be marked using a hand-held Geographic Positioning System (GPS), the center of each
sampling frame at the other preserves will be GPS’d, and maps will be made using an aerial
photograph so that surveyors can find the index plot in future surveys.
3) Density
Within each quadrat at Calavera Hills and at CON, a total count of all vegetative and flowering
TLB will be collected every year. Vegetative counts will occur in late January/early February
and flowering counts will occur in mid-May. Identify what a TLB individual is (i.e., Large
(adult) vegetative TLB usually have 3-5 overlapping leaves. Small (young) TLB usually only
produce one or two small leaves that are usually not overlapping). Rules for which plants will be
counted and not counted will be established. This includes edge rules for whether or not a TLB
plant will be counted if it falls directly under the index plot boundary edge so that future
biologists can count within the same index plot boundaries using the same rules. For example,
count all individuals that are rooted within the index plot.
For RLC, the following explains the reasoning, choice of, and method of reliably counting tlb:
Belts had to be chosen based on whether they were hit by broad-spectrum herbicide during late
spring 2012 by ACS Habitat Management, Inc. Ideally, control belts would have been the
maximal belts from which to continue counting in. Based on experimental results from the
previous four years of applicable data, during the 2012 season, only herbicide and control belts
were counted. However, in both macroplot 1 and macroplot 3, most control plots received some
herbicide application over TLB, and henceforward, counts based in these plots will no longer be
representative of natural variability. Only one control belt was left untouched in each macroplot.
In macroplot 1, only belt 10 (control) was unaffected by herbicide application. Therefore, to keep
some balance among those continuing counts, one control and one herbicide belt was chosen in
each macroplot in order to continue counts. The counting method will continue with a flip-flop
of vegetative counts, and to remain comparable to previous year’s counts for RLC, these will
need to be multiplied by two. Following this, in the late spring, all flowering within the belt will
be counted. The following lists the beginning points utilized throughout the experiment for
gathering vegetative counts, as one faces in the direction indicated:
Macroplot 1, belt 10, Control: facing south, start between zero and one on the right hand side of belt, with the long axis of a ½ x 1 meter quadrat facing away from the observer
Macroplot 1, belt 5, Herbicide: facing south, start between zero and one on the right hand side of belt, with the long axis of a ½ x 1 meter quadrat facing away from the observer
Macroplot 3, belt 12, Herbicide: facing north, start between zero and one on the left hand side of belt, with long axis of a ½ x 1 meter quadrat facing away from the observer
Macroplot 3, belt 14, Control: facing north, start between zero and one on the left hand side of belt, with long axis of a ½ x 1 meter quadrat facing away from the observer
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Appendix E
Zero and Moderate Tolerance
Exotic Species
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APPENDIX E
Zero and Moderate Tolerance Exotic Species
Zero Tolerance Exotics
Common Name Scientific Name
Acacia Acacia spp.
Creeping bentgrass Agrotis stolonifera
Tree of heaven Ailanthus altissima
Giant reed Arundo donax
Bridal creeper Asparagus asparagoides
Onionweed Asphodelus fistulosus
Saharan mustard Brassica tournefortii
Quaking grass Briza minor; B. maxima
Ice plant/Hottentot-fig Carprobrotus chilensis, C. edulis
Yellow star-thistles Centaurea solstitialis
Crown marigold Chrysanthemum coronarium
Bull thistle Cirsium vulgare
Pampas grass Cortaderia jubata, C. selloana
Artichoke thistle Cynara cardunculus
Scotch and Portuguese brooms Cytisus scoparius, C. striatus
Cape ivy Delairea odorata
Fuller's teasel Dipsacus sativas
Stinkwort Dittrichia graveolens
Veldtgrass Erharta calycina; E. longiflora
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus spp.
Edible fig Ficus carica
Fennel Foeniculum vulgare
Shamal ash Fraxinus uhdei
French broom Genista monspessulana
English ivy\Algerian ivy Hedera helix; H. canariensis
Black walnut Juglans nigra
Pepperweed Lepidium latifolium; L. draba
Japanese privet Ligustrum japonicum
Natal grass Melinus repens
Myoporum Myoporum laetum; M.pacificum; M. parvifoloium
Oleander Nerium oleander
Olive Olea eruopaea
African daisy Osteospermum spp.
Fountain grass Pennisetum setaceum; P. ciliare; P. clandestinum
Paradox canary grass Phalaris paradoxa
Canary Island date palm Phoenix canariensis
Castor bean Ricinis communis
Black locust Robinia pseudoacacia
Himalaya blackberry Rubus armeniacus
Fireweed Senecio linearifolius var. linearifolius
California and Brazilian pepper trees Schinus molle, S. terebinthifolius
Blessed milkthistle Silybum marianum
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Common Name Scientific Name
Johnson grass Sorghum halepense
Spanish broom Spartium junceum;
Tamarisk Tamarix aphylla, T. chinensis, T. gallica, T. parviflorum, & T.
ramosissima
Hedge parsley Torilis arvensis
Chinese elm Ulmus parvifolias
Periwinkle Vinca major
Mexican fan palm Washingtonia robusta
Spanish dagger Yucca gloriosa
Moderate Tolerance Exotics
Common Name Scientific Name
Belladonna-lily Amaryliis belladonna
Wild oats Avena barbata, A. fatua
False-brome Brachypodium distachyon
Black Mustard Brassica nigra
Italian thistle Carduus pycnocephalus
Tocalote Centaurea melitensis
African corn flag Chasmanthe floribunda
Poison hemlock Conium maculatum
Bermuda grass Cynodon dactylon
African umbrella plant Cyperus involucratus (C. alternifolius)
African daisy Dimorphotheca sinuata
Pride-of-Madera Echium candicans
Russian olive Elaeagnus angustifolia
Tall fescue Festuca arundinacea
Crete weed Hedypnois cretica
Gazania daisy Gazania linerais (G. longiscapa)
Shortpod mustard Hirschfedlia incana
Algerian sea lavender Limonium ramosissimum
sweet alyssum Lobularia maritima
Italian ryegrass Lolium multiflorum
Water-primrose Ludwigia hexapetala, L. peploides ssp. montevidensis
Crystalline iceplant Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
Nasturcium Nasturcium spp.
Tree tobacco Nicotiana glauca
Mission prickly-pear Opuntia ficus-indica
Buttercup oxalis Oxalis pes-capre
Virginia and thicket creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia, P. vitacea
Paradox canary grass Phalaris paradoxa
Bristly oxtongue Picris echioides
Smilograss Piptatherum miliaceum
Firethorn, pyracantha Pyracantha angustifolia; P. crenulata; P. coccinea
Wild radish Raphanus sativus
Russian-thistle Salsola tragus
Puncture vine Tribulus terrestris
Rose clover Trifolium hirtum
Cala lily Zantedeschia sp.
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Appendix F
City of Carlsbad Integrated Pest
Management Plan
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INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN
NOV. 30, 2017
Parks & Recreation Department
Public Works Department
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Section I - Purpose
The purpose of this Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan is to direct health conscious and
environmentally sensitive pest management strategies on city owned or controlled properties and
public rights of way, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local regulations.
Section II - Policy
The city will focus on the prevention and suppression of pest issues with the least impact on human
health, the environment, and non-target organisms. In particular, the use of chemical pesticides on city
owned or operated properties and public rights of way will be significantly reduced, according to these
guiding principles:
A. Emphasize the initial use of organic pesticides.
B. Limit the use of chemical pesticides where the general public congregates.
C. Use EPA level pesticides in a targeted manner, and only if deemed necessary by supervisory staff
- to protect public safety; to prevent a threat to sensitive species or native habitats; to assist in
meeting regulatory compliance requirements; or to prevent economic loss - when pests cannot
be managed by other tactics.
Section III - Goals
The goals of the IPM plan are:
A. Protect human health and the surrounding environment by implementing a range of
preventative strategies, and using the least-toxic pesticides available for pest control and
eradication.
B. Monitor presence of pests on a routine basis to ensure the most effective (combination of) pest
control tactics are being used. Reference Section VI. E. 6.
C. Minimize the quantity of products used for pest management.
D. Use species-specific products for pest management and carefully target application areas.
E. Chemical pesticides shall only applied to: protect public safety; to prevent a threat to sensitive
species or native habitats; to assist in meeting regulatory compliance requirements; or to
prevent economic loss - when pests cannot be managed by other tactics.
F. Provide public notification signs at perimeter of outdoor areas or at entrances of buildings,
where chemical pesticides are to be applied.
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Section IV – Response
One of the characteristics of an IPM approach that make it effective is that the basic decision making
process is the same for any pest problem in any location. The strategies and tactics may change, but the
steps taken to decide if and when treatment is needed, and which methods to use, are the same each
time. The IPM plan is built around the following components:
A. Routinely monitoring the pest populations and other relevant factors
B. Accurately identifying the pest
C. Determining injury and action levels that trigger treatments
D. Timing treatments to the best advantage
E. Spot treating the pest (to minimize human and other non-target organism exposure to
pesticides)
F. Selecting least disruptive tactics
G. Evaluating the effectiveness of treatments to determine future actions
Section V - General Preventative Practices
General preventative practices are simple landscaping procedures that eliminate sources of food, water
and shelter that attract pests to the building or grounds. The city shall use the following methods as the
foremost means for controlling pests and preventing outbreaks:
A. Install mulch and other landscaping best practices to promote soil and plant health.
B. Use weed-free soil amendments.
C. Plan and maintain landscape features to eliminate safe havens for pests and rodents.
D. Clean up plant debris, especially from fruit-bearing trees.
E. Remove invasive plants that are known to harbor or provide food for pests.
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Section VI - Pest Control Tactics
Integrated Pest Management uses a variety of pest control tactics in a compatible manner that minimize
adverse effects to human health and the environment. A combination of several control tactics is usually
more effective in minimizing pest damage than any single control method. The type of control(s)
selected will likely vary on a case-by-case basis due to differing site conditions.
The primary pest control tactics to choose from include:
Cultural
Mechanical
Environmental/Physical
Biological
Pesticide
A. Cultural Controls
Cultural controls are modifications of normal plant care activities that reduce or prevent pests. Cultural
control methods include adjusting the frequency and amount of irrigation, fertilization, and mowing
height. For example, spider mite infestations are worse on water-stressed plants; over-fertilization may
cause succulent growth which then encourages aphids; too low of a mowing height may thin turf and
allow weeds to become established.
B. Mechanical Controls
Mechanical control tactics involve the use of manual labor and machinery to reduce or eliminate pest
problems, such as handpicking, physical barriers, or machinery. Other examples include hoeing and
applying mulch to control weeds, using trap boards for snails and slugs, and use of traps for gophers.
C. Environmental/Physical Controls
The use of environmental/physical controls such as altering temperature, light, and humidity, can be
effective in controlling pests. Although in outdoor situations these tactics are difficult to use for most
pests, they can be effective in controlling birds and mammals if their habitat can be modified such that
they do not choose to live or roost in the area. Other examples include removing garbage in a timely
manner, and using netting or wire to prevent birds from roosting.
D. Biological Controls
Biological control practices use living organisms to reduce pest populations. These organisms are often
also referred to as beneficials, natural enemies or biocontrols. They act to keep pest populations low
enough to prevent significant economic damage. Biocontrols include pathogens, parasites, predators,
competitive species, and antagonistic organisms. Biocontrols can occur naturally or they can be
purchased and released.
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The most common organisms used for biological control in landscapes are predators, parasites,
pathogens and herbivores.
Predators are organisms that eat their prey (e.g. Ladybugs)
Parasites spend part or all of their life cycle associated with their host. Common parasites lay
their eggs in or on their host and then the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the host, killing it (e.g.
tiny stingless wasps for aphids and whiteflies)
Pathogens are microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause diseases in
pest insects, mites, nematodes, or weeds (e.g. Bacillus thuringiensis or BT)
Herbivores are insects or animals that feed on plants. These are effective for weed control.
Biocontrols for weeds eat seeds, leaves, or tunnel into plant stems (e.g., goats and some seed
and stem borers)
In order to conserve naturally occurring biocontrols, broad-spectrum pesticides should not be used since
the use of these types of pesticides may result in secondary pest outbreaks due to the mortality of
natural enemies that may be keeping other pests under control
E. Pesticide Controls
As defined in California Food and Agriculture Code Section 12753, “Pesticide” includes any of the
following: (a) any spray adjuvant; (b) any substance, or mixture of substances which is intended to be
used for defoliating plants, regulating plant growth or for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating
any pest…which may infest or be detrimental to vegetation, man, animals, or households, or be present
in any agricultural or nonagricultural environment whatsoever. The term pesticides includes organic
products and chemical products. Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides are all pesticides.
Pesticides may be used when other methods fail to provide adequate control of pests and before pest
populations cause unacceptable damage. When pesticides are to be used, considerations will be made
for how to apply them most effectively.
Pesticides that are broad-spectrum and persistent shall be avoided, since they can cause more
environmental damage and increase the likelihood of pesticide resistance. The overuse of pesticides
can cause beneficial organisms to be killed and pest resistance to develop. In addition, considerations
should be given to the proximity to water bodies, irrigation schedules, weather, etc., that may result in
the pesticide being moved off-site, into the environment.
1. Criteria for Selecting Treatment Strategies
Once the IPM decision making process is in place and monitoring indicates that pest treatment is
needed, the choice of specific strategies can be made. Strategies will be chosen that are:
a) Least hazardous to human health
b) Least disruptive of natural controls in landscape situations
c) Least toxic to non-target organisms other than natural controls
d) Most likely to be permanent and prevent recurrence of the pest problem
e) Easiest to carry out safely and effectively
f) Most cost effective in the long term
g) Appropriate to the site and maintenance system
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2. Selection of Appropriate Pesticides
The following criteria will be used when selecting a pesticide:
a) Safety
b) Species specificity
c) Effectiveness
d) Endurance
e) Speed
f) Repellency
g) Cost
When selecting pesticides, supervisory staff will rely on advisement from State of California certified
pest control applicators, to ensure that the most appropriate pesticide is selected.
3. Prioritized Use of Pesticides
Pesticides are to be utilized in a prioritized approach on city properties as follows:
a) Organic pesticides to be used first, when pesticides are deemed necessary.
b) Pesticides registered with the California Department of Pesticide Regulations Registrations
Branch to be used as a protocol.
c) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Toxicity Category III “Caution” label pesticides to be
used in a targeted manner by a certified pest control applicator, and only if deemed necessary
by supervisory staff - to protect public safety; to prevent threats to sensitive species or native
habitats; to assist in meeting regulatory compliance requirements; or to prevent economic loss -
when pests cannot be managed by other tactics.
d) U.S. EPA Toxicity Category II “Warning” label pesticides to be used in a targeted manner by a
certified pest control applicator, and only if deemed necessary by supervisory staff - to protect
public safety; to prevent threats to sensitive species or native habitats; to assist in meeting
regulatory compliance requirements; or to prevent economic loss - when pests cannot be
managed by other tactics.
e) U.S. EPA Toxicity Category I “Danger” label pesticides, to be used in a targeted manner by a
certified pest control applicator, and only if deemed necessary by supervisory staff - to protect
public safety; to prevent threats to sensitive species or native habitats; to assist in meeting
regulatory compliance requirements; or to prevent economic loss - when pests cannot be
managed by other tactics.
4. Certification and Permitting
Restricted use pesticides shall only be applied by, or under the direct supervision of, an individual with a
State of California, Department of Pesticide Regulations, Qualified Applicators Certificate.
Pesticides listed as "restricted" in the State of California shall be applied only under a restricted
materials permit, issued by the San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures.
The permit must be renewed annually for continued application.
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5. Employee Training
Staff and contractors must know the information on the chemical label and the MSDS before using or
handling the chemical. In addition, they will be trained annually and when a new pesticide is to be used.
The certified pest control applicators must know:
The immediate and long-term health hazards posed by chemicals to be used, the common
symptoms of chemical poisoning, and the ways poisoning could occur; and
The safe work practices to be followed, including the appropriate protective clothing,
equipment, mixing, transportation, storage, disposal and spill cleanup procedures applicable to
the chemical used
In addition to the training and annual continuing education required for certification, staff will
be encouraged to participate in pesticide application programs that are above and beyond
minimum compliance requirements.
6. Record Keeping
Monitoring the effectiveness of the IPM plan over time requires diligent tracking of several items: pest
populations and locations; management strategies employed; quantities and types of chemicals or other
products used; and the outcome of pest management activities. The certified pest control applicator is
responsible for maintaining, and submitting to the city as requested, records that include the following:
a) Target pest
b) Prevention and other non-chemical methods of control used
c) Type and quantity of pesticide used
d) Location of the pesticide application
e) Date of pesticide application
f) Name of the pesticide applicator
g) Application equipment used
h) Summary of results
7. Materials for Use – Least Toxic Pesticides
Pesticides are considered a secondary resort under the tenets of IPM. This control strategy is to be used
on city owned or controlled properties and rights of way after general preventative practices and non-
chemical options – including organic pesticides - have been fully explored. Least-toxic pesticides meet
the following criteria:
a) Products contain no known, likely, or probable carcinogens - as listed by the CA Office of
Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
b) Products contain no reproductive toxicants (CA Prop 65).
c) Products contain no items listed by the CA Department of Toxic Substance Control as known,
probable, or suspected endocrine disrupters
d) Active ingredients have soil half-life of thirty days or less.
e) Products are labeled as not toxic to fish, birds, bees, wildlife, or domestic animals.
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The term “least toxic” refers to pesticides that have low or no acute or chronic toxicity to humans, affect
a narrow range of species and are formulated to be applied in a manner that limits or eliminates
exposure of humans and other non-target organisms. Examples of least toxic pesticides include products
formulated as baits, pastes or gels that do not volatilize in the air and that utilize very small amounts of
the active ingredient pesticide, and microbial pesticides formulated from fungi, bacteria or viruses that
are toxic only to specific pest species but harmless to humans.
Least toxic pesticides include:
Boric acid and disodium octobrate tetrahydrate
Silica gels
Diatomaceous earth
Nonvolatile insect and rodent baits in tamper resistant containers
Microbe based pesticides
Pesticides made with essential oils (not including synthetic pyrethroids) without toxic synergists
Materials for which the inert ingredients are nontoxic and disclosed.
The term least toxic pesticides does not include a pesticide that is:
a) Determined by the U.S. EPA to be a possible, probable or known carcinogen, mutagen,
teratogen, reproductive toxin, developmental neurotoxin, endocrine disrupter or immune
system toxin.
b) A pesticide in the U.S. EPA’s Toxicity Category I or II.
c) Any application of the pesticide using a broadcast spray, dust, tenting, or fogging application.
8. Notification Signs
Chemical pesticide application notification signs shall meet the following criteria:
a) Posted at perimeter of outdoor areas or at building entrances, where chemical pesticides are to
be applied.
b) Posted at least 24 hours prior to application of chemical pesticides and shall remain for at least
72 hours after the application.
c) Include “Notice – Pesticide Treated Area,” and product’s/manufacturer’s name, scheduled date
of application, and pest to be controlled - e.g., weeds, insects, rodents.
9. Revisions
Staff will review this IPM plan annually at minimum, and update it as needed.
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Appendix G
Sample Pesticide Use Reporting
Form
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Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) Pesticide Application Request
Per the City of Carlsbad’s Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM Plan, November 2017), CNLM is
required to document a progressive process, beginning with hand-removal and organic
pesticides/herbicides and move to more stringent/synthetic products, only once determined that the
former were not effective in achieving the requisite purpose.
In accordance with the IPM Plan, documentation and tracking of the products used will be submitted for
City auditing and an ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of different products, costs, and the
condition of different project sites.
If use of the synthetic products is approved, adequate site posting will have to occur:
- Post the perimeter of the area to be treated and inside the kiosks, at least 72 hrs. in advance of
the application, and remove 24 hrs. after the application
- Posted signs shall indicate applied product, the method of application, the anticipated date of
application, and the company applicator’s name and phone number.
- All signage must include CNLM logo, be laminated, and would ideally be printed on yellow paper
I. Anticipated Dates/Frequency:
II. Pest/Species Name:
III. Location and Name of Site:
-Insert Map here
IV. Prevention and/or Non-Chemical Strategies Used:
- Type of prevention or non-chemical strategy used
- Dates of application
- Number of applications
- Equipment
- Quantity (include ratio of concentration to gallons used)
V. Photo Documentation
-Insert Photos here with captions: date, type of treatment, remarks/observations
VI. Summary of Results
VII. Proposed Synthetic Herbicide Application:
- Name and EPA category
- Application equipment
- Quantity (include ratio of concentration to gallons used)
- Name and license number of applicator
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Appendix H
City-owned Preserves with
Trails
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