HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDP 2020-0001; COLLEGE BOULEVARD MITIGATION; MITIGATION PLAN; 2015-03-26College Boulevard -Reach A
and Basin BJ Project
Mitigation Plan
March 26, 2015
Prepared for:
Bent West, LLC
5796 Armada Drive, Suite 300
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Prepared by:
Alden Environmental, Inc.
3245 University Avenue, #1188
San Diego, CA 92104
FEB 1 ! 202Q
CITY OF CARLSBAD
PLP-.N\\lll'JS ~l'/lSlQ~l
.ALDEN
ENVIRONMENTAL, INC
Section
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project
Mitigation Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND IMPACTS ................................................................... l
2.1 Project Location ..................................................................................................... 1
2.2 Project Summary .................................................................................................... 1
2.3 Jurisdictional lmpacts ............................................................................................. 2
2.3.1 Waters of the U.S ......................................................................................... 3
2.3.2 Waters of the State ....................................................................................... 3
2.4 Sensitive Upland Community Impacts .................................................................. .4
2.4.1 Coastal Sage Scrub (including disturbed and Baccharis) ........................... .4
3.0 MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................... 5
3.1 Jurisdictional Mitigation ......................................................................................... 5
3.1.1 CDFW .......................................................................................................... 5
3.1.2 Corps ............................................................................................................ 6
3 .2 Upland Mitigation .................................................................................................. 7
4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED MITIGATION SITE .......................................... 7
4.1 Location and Size of Mitigation Area .................................................................... 7
4.2 Ownership Status .................................................................................................... 7
4.3 Mitigation Area Existing Functions and Services .................................................. 8
4.4 Mitigation Site Suitability ...................................................................................... 8
5.0 MITIGATION DESIGN ................................................................................................... 8
5.1 Wetland Enhancement ............................................................................................ 8
5.2 Wetland Re-establishment. ..................................................................................... 9
5.3 Upland Re-establishment ....................................................................................... 9
5.4 Target Functions and Services ............................................................................... 9
6.0 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ........................................................................................ 10
6.1 Rationale for Expecting Implementation Success ................................................ 10
6.2 Responsible Parties ............................................................................................... l 0
6.2.1 Project Proponent ....................................................................................... l 0
6.2.2 Restoration Specialist. ................................................................................ 10
6.2.3 Installation/Maintenance Contractor .......................................................... 10
6.3 Contractor Education ............................................................................................ 11
6.4 Implementation Schedule ..................................................................................... 11
6.5 Site Preparation .................................................................................................... 13
Section
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project
Mitigation Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont.)
Page
6.6 Fencing ................................................................................................................. 13
6.7 Wetland Habitat .................................................................................................... 13
6.7.1 Wetland Seed Mix ...................................................................................... 13
6. 7 .2 Wetland Container Stock ........................................................................... 15
6.8 Upland Habitat ..................................................................................................... 16
6.8.1 Upland Seed Mix ....................................................................................... 16
6.8.2 Upland Container Stock ............................................................................. 17
6.8.3 Material Salvage ........................................................................................ 18
6.9 Irrigation ............................................................................................................... 18
6. IO Wildlife Habitat Enhancement ............................................................................. 18
6.10.1 Small Animal Cover ................................................................................. 18
6.10.2 Pollinator Support ..................................................................................... 19
6.11 As-Built Conditions .............................................................................................. 19
7.0 MAINTENANCE PLAN ................................................................................................ 19
7. I Habitat Maintenance Activities ............................................................................ 19
7 .1.1 Trash Removal ........................................................................................... 20
7.1.2 Weed Control ............................................................................................. 20
7.2 Habitat Maintenance Schedule ............................................................................ .20
8.0 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS .................................................................................. 20
8.1 Container Stock .................................................................................................... 21
8.2 Native Species Richness ....................................................................................... 21
8.3 Native Species Cover ........................................................................................... 21
8.4 Weed Cover .......................................................................................................... 22
9.0 MONITORING PLAN ................................................................................................... 22
9.1 Installation Monitoring ......................................................................................... 22
9 .2 Maintenance Monitoring ...................................................................................... 22
9 .3 Annual Monitoring ............................................................................................... 23
9.4 Annual Reports ..................................................................................................... 23
9.5 Remedial Measures/Adaptive Management ......................................................... 23
9.6 Monitoring Schedule ............................................................................................ 24
10.0 COMPLETION OF PROGRAM .................................................................................... 24
I 0.1 Notification of Completion ................................................................................. .24
I 0.2 Agency Confirmation ........................................................................................... 24
I 0.3 Long-term Management ....................................................................................... 24
ii
Section
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project
Mitigation Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont.)
Title Page
11.0 CONTINGENCY MEASURES ..................................................................................... 25
11.1 Initiating Procedures ............................................................................................. 25
11.2 Funding Mechanism ............................................................................................. 25
11.3 Responsible Parties ............................................................................................... 25
12.0 REFERENCES CITED ................................................................................................... 26
LIST OF FIGURES
Number Title
Follows
Page
I Regional Location Map ............................................................................................... 2
2 Project Location Map .................................................................................................. 2
3 Corps Jurisdictional Impacts ....................................................................................... 2
4 CDFW Jurisdictional Impacts ..................................................................................... 2
5 CDFW Mitigation ....................................................................................................... 6
6 Corps Mitigation ......................................................................................................... 6
7 Seeding/Planting Areas ............................................................................................. 14
LIST OF TABLES
Number Title
I Impacts to Waters of the U.S ...................................................................................... 3
2 Impacts to Waters of the State .................................................................................... 4
3 Impacts to Sensitive Upland Communities ................................................................. 5
4 CDFW Mitigation ....................................................................................................... 6
5 Corps Mitigation ......................................................................................................... 6
6 Upland Mitigation ....................................................................................................... 7
7 Mitigation Plan Checklist ......................................................................................... 12
8 Wetland Seed Mix ..................................................................................................... 14
9 Hydroseed Application Specifications ...................................................................... 14
IO Wetland Container Stock .......................................................................................... 15
11 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Seed Mix ...................................................................... 16
12 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Container Stock Species .............................................. .17
13 Species Richness Success Criteria ............................................................................ 21
14 Native Species Cover Success Criteria ..................................................................... 21
15 Zero Tolerance Weed Species .................................................................................. 22
iii
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This habitat enhancement and restoration plan provides mitigation for impacts associated with
the College Boulevard-Reach A and Basin BJ Project (Project) including impacts to
jurisdictional features and sensitive upland habitats. The measures identified herein are intended
to meet the requirements of the project's Environmental Impact Report (EIR No. 98-02; SCH
No. 99111082; Recon 2001a) as well as pending permits/authorizations from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), California Department of
Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). All
restoration and enhancement activities will occur within proposed Parcel C of the Equestrian
Center North and South (ECNS) parcels.
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND IMP ACTS
2.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The Project is located within unsectioned lands in Township 11 south, Range 4 west of the
United States (U.S.) Geological Survey 7.5' San Luis Rey, California Quadrangle. Specifically,
the Reach A and Basin BJ components are located within the northeast quadrant of the City
beginning at the terminus of College Boulevard approximately 1,000 feet north of El Camino
Real and extending northward to the intersection of College Boulevard and Cannon Road
(Figures 1 and 2). The impact footprint of those Project components would encompass
approximately 27 acres and would pass through undeveloped lands. The Mitigation Site is
located within Parcel C of the ECNS parcels. The site is adjacent to the southern end of Reach A
that supports an equestrian facility along Agua Hedionda Creek (Figure 2). College Boulevard
lies south of the Project; Cannon Road lies north of the Project. Vacant agricultural land and the
Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park lie west of the Project, and vacant agricultural land lies east
of the Project. The Project is not located within the Coastal Zone.
2.2 PROJECT SUMMARY
The currently proposed Project involves the construction of two public improvements: a major
arterial roadway (Reach A) and a regional flood control detention basin (Basin BJ). A Biological
Technical Report (Alden 2015) was prepared in 2015 to present the currently proposed
biological impacts and corresponding mitigation measures. Reach A is the remaining link of
College Boulevard between existing Cannon Road and El Camino Real and is approximately
3,000 feet in length. The Project also includes creation of wetland habitat with upland habitat
buffers as mitigation for impacts from Reach A and Basin BJ construction. The habitat creation
would occur within Parcel C of the ECNS site.
Reach A and Basin BJ are adopted City of Carlsbad General Plan Elements and are considered
necessary regional public improvements. Reach A is a City Circulation Element major arterial
roadway segment that will complete a north-south link between El Camino Real and Cannon
Road. The roadway link is planned as a divided, four-lane public roadway. The road would be
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project Mitigation Plan -March 26, 2015 ~ALDEN
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constructed at 82 feet in width (I 02-foot right-of-way) with an 18-foot wide landscaped median.
Basin BJ is a City Drainage Master Plan facility and would be constructed to provide storm
water drainage protection for residential properties downstream of the basin.
Transportation improvements provided by the construction of Reach A are needed because there
are insufficient north-south transportation corridor connections between Oceanside and Highway
78 and southern Carlsbad. The projected future transportation demand exceeds capacity of
existing and/or alternative routes, and as a result, there is an increasing strain on transportation
infrastructure from population and economic growth. The current transportation system (without
Reach A) does not allow for efficient traffic movement and does not provide the necessary north-
south linkage described above. Additional traffic congestion results and creates commute delays,
higher accident rates, and general costs to businesses, commuters, and residents of north San
Diego County.
Basin BJ is a planned storm water control detention basin located at the northeast end of Reach
A. It is designed to hold 23 acre-feet of floodwaters in a 100-year storm event. The basin
encompasses approximately 5.5 acres in area. Basin BJ would be constructed by pulling back the
existing banks of a section of Little Encinas Creek (avoiding impacts to the ordinary high water
mark of the creek) and lowering the adjacent area grades to allow for overbank flooding and
peak flow storage. A 7.75-foot by 4-foot box culvert would be placed under Reach A, allowing
water to flow from the basin, under Reach A, and downstream in Little Encinas Creek.
Reach A improvements would necessitate the crossing of Agua Hedionda Creek; one unnamed
tributary to Agua Hedionda Creek; and a separate, mid Reach A streambed. Reach A is designed
to cross Agua Hedionda Creek via a bridge approximately 153 feet in length and 120 feet in
width. The bridge would sit approximately 15 feet above the creek's flow line elevation. All
bridge abutments would be placed outside of the creek's ordinary high water mark, and no in-
span bridge supports would be used. Slope armoring would be placed under and across the span
of the bridge. The unnamed tributary to Agua Hedionda Creek and the separate, mid Reach A
streambed would contain culverts where Reach A would cross them.
2.3 JURISDICTIONAL IMP ACTS
Jurisdictional wetlands and non-wetland waters are those areas that are subject to federal
regulation by the Corps pursuant to the Clean Water Act (i.e., WUS) and State regulation by
CDFW pursuant to California Fish and Game Code (i.e., WS).
Two named creeks (Agua Hedionda Creek [E] and Little Encinitas Creek [A]), one unnamed
tributary to Agua Hedionda Creek (D), and two unnamed streams (B and C) that have no clear
connection to any larger named creek or river are present in the study area (Figures 3 and 4).
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project Mitigation Plan -March 26, 2015 «\ALDEN
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2.3.1 Waters of the U.S.
A total of approximately 0 .31 acre of WUS is present within the current Project impact footprint
for Reach A and Basin BJ (Figure 3). WUS are also present on the ECNS Mitigation Site;
however, they would be avoided during implementation of mitigation for the Project.
Wetlands
A total of approximately 0.19 acre of Corps jurisdictional wetland is present within the Project
impact footprint for Reach A and Basin BJ (Table 1; Figure 3).
Non-wetlands
A total of approximately 0 .12 acre of Corps jurisdictional non-wetland WUS ( ephemeral
streambed) is present within the Project impact footprint for Reach A and Basin BJ (Table 1;
Figure 3).
TABLE 1
IMPACTS TO WATERS OF THE U.S.
CORPS JURISDICTIONAL FEATURE IMPACT
(Acres rLinear Feetl)
Wetland WUS
Freshwater marsh 0.09 (319)
Riparian (sycamore) woodland 0.01 (--)
Riparian (southern willow) scrub 0.08 (152)
Disturbed wetland (Arundo) 0.01 (--)
Subtotal Wetland WUS 0.19 (471)
Non-Wetland WUS
Ephemeral streambed 0.12 (829)
Subtotal Non-Wetland WUS 0.12 (829)
TOTAL 0.31 (1,300)
2.3.2 Waters of the State
A total of approximately 0.84 acre of WS is present within the Project impact footprint for Reach
A and Basin BJ (Figure 4). WS are also present on the ECNS Mitigation Site; however, they
would be avoided during implementation of mitigation for the Project.
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project Mitigation Plan -March 26, 2015 ~ALDEN
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Wetlands
A total of approximately 0. 72 acre of CDFW jurisdictional wetland WS is present within the
Project impact footprint for Reach A and Basin BJ (Table 2; Figure 4).
Non-wetlands
A total of approximately 0.12 acre ofCDFW jurisdictional non-wetland WS (streambed) is
present within the Project impact footprint for Reach A and Basin BJ (Table 2; Figure 4).
TABLE2
IMPACTS TO WATERS OF THE STATE
CDFW Jurisdictional Feature Impact
(Acres)
Wetland WS
Freshwater marsh 0.09
Riparian (mule fat) scrub 0.10
Riparian (southern willow) scrub 0.36
Riparian (sycamore) woodland 0.13
Disturbed wetland (Arundo) 0.04
Subtotal Wetland WS 0.72
Non-wetland WS
Stream bed 0.12
Subtotal Streambed WS 0.12
TOTAL 0.84
2.4 SENSITIVE UPLAND COMMUNITY IMPACTS
Two sensitive upland vegetation communities (Diegan coastal sage scrub and non-native
grassland) would be impacted by the Project. Mitigation for the non-native grassland impacts
would be met through a fee payment and therefore is not included in this plan. Impacts to Diegan
coastal sage scrub would be mitigated by the actions described in this mitigation plan. This
impacted habitat is described below.
2.4.1 Coastal Sage Scrub (including disturbed and Baccharis)
Coastal sage scrub is one of the two major shrub types that occur in California. This community
occupies xeric sites characterized by shallow soils. Coastal sage scrub is dominated by subshrubs
whose leaves abscise during drought. This adaptation allows these species to better withstand the
prolonged dry period in the summer and fall. Coastal sage scrub species have relatively shallow
root systems and open canopies, which may allow for the occurrence of a substantial herbaceous
component.
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project Mitigation Plan -March 26, 2015 t\ALDEN
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Coastal sage scrub occurs in patches throughout the Reach A and Basin BJ portions of the study
area. It does not occur on the Mitigation Site. It contains a suite of plant species such as
California sagebrush (Artemisia californica}, California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasiculatum),
California encelia (Encelia californica), broom baccharis (Baccharis sarothroides}, lemonade
berry (Rhus integrifolia), and laurel sumac (Malosma laurina). Coastal sage scrub-disturbed
contains many of the same shrub species as the undisturbed community in the study area but is
sparser and has a higher proportion of non-native, annual species such as tocalote ( Centaurea
melitensis) and oats (Avena spp).
Coastal sage scrub may be dominated by species of Baccharis (B. sarothroides [broom
baccharis] or B. pilularis [ coyote brush]) and may also include typical coastal sage scrub species
such as coastal sagebrush, California buckwheat, and black sage (Salvia mellifera) but in lesser
amounts. Coastal sage scrub in the study area is dominated by broom baccharis with lesser
amounts of California buckwheat.
The coastal sage scrub (including --disturbed and Baccharis) in the study area was not found to
support the coastal California gnatcatcher. A total of 2.61 acres of coastal sage scrub habitat
would be impacted by the project (Table 3).
TABLE3
IMP ACTS TO SENSITIVE UPLAND COMMUNITIES
Vegetation Community Habitat Impacts Group
Coastal sage scrub (including disturbed) D 1.71
Coastal sage scrub (Baccharis) D 0.90
TOTAL --2.61
3.0 MITIGATIONREQUIREMENTS
The objective of this effort is to provide for full mitigation for permanent impacts to
jurisdictional features (Tables 1 and 2) as well as impacts to coastal sage scrub (Table 3). This
plan is intended to meet the mitigation requirements designated in the EIR for the project as well
as those to be required in the Corps, RWQCB, and CDFW permits/agreements.
3.1 JURISDICTIONAL MITIGATION
3.1.1 CDFW
Mitigation for CD FW jurisdictional wetland/riparian communities/habitats is proposed at a 3: 1
ratio (Table 4) for wetland habitat and 2:1 for non-wetland riparian habitat (streambed). At least
1: 1 of this ratio would be met through habitat re-establishment/creation (to maintain no net loss).
The remaining requirement would be met through preservation and enhancement of existing
wetland/riparian habitats present within the mitigation area (Figure 5).
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project Mitigation Plan -March 26, 2015
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Table 4
CDFW Miti zation
Jurisdictional Impact Ratio Requirement Feature
Wetland 0.72 3:1 2.16
Streambed 0.12 2:1 0.24
TOTAL 0.84 2.40
In total, the project would provide 2.40 acres of wetland/riparian mitigation for CDFW impacts.
This would include a minimum 0.84 acre of wetland habitat creation to meet the 1: 1 no-net loss
requirement. The remaining 1.56 acre requirement would be met through preservation and
enhancement of existing habitat. The wetland mitigation area (Figure 5) is approximately 3.1
acres in size, which will allow for surplus re-establishment and preservation (0.70 acre) to help
ensure overall project success.
3.1.2 Corps
Mitigation for Corps jurisdictional impacts also is proposed at a 3: 1 ratio (Table 5) for wetland
habitat and 2: 1 for non-wetland habitat (stream bed). At least 1: 1 of this ratio would be met
through habitat re-establishment/creation (to maintain no net loss). The remaining requirement
would be met through preservation and enhancement of existing wetland/riparian habitats
present within the mitigation area (Figure 6). The impacts to Corps jurisdictional features are less
than those for the CDFW; therefore, the resulting Corps mitigation requirements are lower than
those for the CDFW. The Corps mitigation falls entirely within the mitigation for the CDFW
impacts.
Table S
CORPS MITIGATION1
Jurisdictional Impact Ratio Requirement Feature
Wetland WUS 0.19 3:1 0.57
Non-Wetland WUS 0.12 2:1 0.24
TOTAL 0.31 0.81
I . . .. . . The Corps m1t1gat10n 1s encompassed w1thm the CDFW m1t1gation
The project would provide 0.81 acre of mitigation for Corps impacts. This would include a
minimum 0.31 acre of wetland habitat re-establishment ( creation) to meet the 1: 1 no-net loss
requirement. The remaining 0.50 acre requirement would be met through preservation and
enhancement of existing habitat. The wetland mitigation area (Figure 6) is approximately 3.1
acres in size, which will allow for surplus re-establishment and preservation to help ensure
overall project success.
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project Mitigation Plan -March 26, 2015 .ALDEN
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Q Equestrian Center North/South Parcels
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3.2 UPLAND MITIGATION
In addition to the jurisdictional mitigation, the project must mitigate for impacts to sensitive
Diegan coastal sage scrub, per the EIR and City requirements. The habitat restoration includes
mitigation for coastal sage scrub impacts at a 2: 1 ratio (Table 6). Mitigation for impacts to non-
native grassland habitat will be met through a fee payment and are therefore not included in this
habitat restoration effort. A total of 5.22 acres of coastal sage scrub restoration will be
conducted as mitigation for project impacts. An additional 0.38 acre also will be restored as a
surplus. Combined, the project will provide a total of 5.6 acres of re-established coastal sage
scrub habitat adjacent to the wetland mitigation area.
TABLE6
UPLAND MITIGATION
Vegetation Community Project Ratio Requirement Impacts
Coastal sage scrub (including disturbed) 1.71 2:1 3.42
Coastal sage scrub (Baccharis) 0.90 2:1 1.80
Total Uplands 2.61 --5.22
4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED MITIGATION SITE
4.1 LOCATION AND SIZE OF MITIGATION AREA
The mitigation would be conducted within an approximately 8. 7 acre area within the overall
ECNS preserve area (Figure 3). This area supports, or has the potential to support: Diegan
coastal sage scrub and wetland/riparian habitats.
4.2 OWNERSHIP STATUS
The ECNS parcels are currently owned by Bent-West, LLC. Contact information for each entity
is provided below:
Bent-West, LLC
c/o Mr. Dennis O'Brien
5796 Armada Drive, Suite 300
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Currently the proposed compensatory mitigation parcels are not protected or preserved.
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project Mitigation Plan -March 26, 2015 ~ALDEN
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4.3 MITIGATION AREA EXISTING FUNCTIONS AND SERVICES
The ECNS Mitigation site is an equestrian facility, so it primarily supports disturbed lands
along with associated ornamental plantings. Agua Hedionda Creek flows through the site from
east to west, and wetland/riparian vegetation communities/wildlife habitats associated with the
creek (and an unnamed tributary to the creek) on the site support riparian (southern willow)
scrub and riparian (sycamore) woodland. Eucalyptus woodland is also associated with the
creek and adjacent lands, and some agricultural lands are present, as well. Non-native
grassland also occurs on the site. There is no coastal sage scrub on the ECNS Mitigation Site
or any other native, upland shrub community.
4.4 MITIGATION SITE SUITABILITY
The proposed mitigation area is considered suitable for the proposed wetland habitat
enhancement and re-establishment along Agua Hedionda Creek as a result of the presence of
appropriate soils and topography on site and the presence of existing wetland/riparian features.
The adjacent areas also are suitable for the proposed coastal sage scrub habitat re-
establishment.
5.0 MITIGATION DESIGN
To meet Corps, USFWS, CDFW, RWQCB, and City (hereafter referred to as "resource
agencies") mitigation requirements, as appropriate, this plan recommends measures to expand
existing jurisdictional features within and adjacent to Agua Hedionda Creek. In addition, Diegan
coastal sage scrub habitat also will be re-established in the area adjacent to the wetland
mitigation area. The required mitigation would include a minimum of 2.40 acres of wetland area
and 5.22 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub habitat. The overall effort includes a surplus of 0.70
acre of wetland habitat and 0.38 acre of Diegan coastal sage scrub habitat. It is anticipated that
the functions and services of the enhanced and re-established habitats within the target area
would be increased with the proposed mitigation measures.
5.1 WETLAND ENHANCEMENT
Agua Hedionda Creek within the mitigation area supports patches of native vegetation, along
with unvegetated stream channel. The proposed mitigation would preserve and enhance these
areas. The existing streambed would stay in place and no grading would occur within its limits.
The existing trees rooted within and along the channel also will be avoided, to the extent
practicable. Some trees may have to be removed in order to carry out the overall habitat
mitigation effort; however, every effort will be taken to avoid the need to remove existing trees.
Enhancement activities would include removing trash, cement, and other materials that have
been dumped within and adjacent to the stream over time. Container stock plants and native seed
also will be installed within the enhancement areas, as necessary, to help ensure improved habitat
function.
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project Mitigation Plan -March 26, 2015
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5.2 WETLAND RE-ESTABLISHMENT
In addition to enhancing the preserved wetlands, additional wetland habitat area will be re-
established ( created) by expanding the width of the existing Agua Hedionda Creek and creating a
second channel through it. Expansion of the Creek will involve removal of all of the Equestrian
facilities including the buildings, storage areas, corrals, roads, and the existing bridge. Once the
facilities have been removed, the site will be graded to create an expanded channel area that is at
an elevation within 2 -4 feet of the existing creek bottom. All of the Corps and CDFW re-
establishment mitigation (no net loss) will occur within this expanded, graded area. The habitat
goal is to create a mosaic of site appropriate wetland/riparian associated habitats through the
installation of a broad species mix. The habitats to become established are anticipated to range
from freshwater marsh adjacent to the central portions of the channel that experience steady
water flows to riparian scrub and forest habitats along the periphery of the wetland mitigation
area.
5.3 UPLAND RE-ESTABLISHMENT
In addition to the wetland mitigation, approximately 5.6 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub
habitat will be re-established (created) adjacent to the wetland mitigation area. As with the
wetland area, the upland habitat will be installed following removal of the equestrian and other
facilities on the site. The coastal sage scrub seed mix and plant palette are intended to provide a
broad range of species to create a diverse and functional upland habitat. Additionally, the upland
habitat re-establishment has been sited to provide both a native habitat buffer to the wetland
mitigation and habitat connectivity from Aqua Hedionda Creek to the proposed preserved upland
habitat area to the north of the site.
5.4 TARGET FUNCTIONS AND SERVICES
The goals of this mitigation effort are to enhance existing wetland habitat, and re-establish
wetland and upland habitats that would, at a minimum replace, the functions and services lost
through impacts to upland habitat and jurisdictional features. With the completed mitigation, it
is expected that functions and services (water filtration, sensitive wildlife and plant habitat,
etc.) would be improved and increased in by the end of the 5-year mitigation effort. This
realization of target functions and values would be documented by conducting quantitative and
qualitative analyses throughout the 5-year monitoring period.
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project Mitigation Plan -March 26, 2015 .ALDEN
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6.0 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The on-site habitat enhancement and re-establishment will consist of several components,
including:
• Initial site preparation
• Enhancement of preserved jurisdictional areas
• Re-establishment of additional jurisdictional areas/habitats
• Re-establishment of Diegan coastal sage scrub in the adjacent watershed areas
6.1 RATIONALE FOR EXPECTING IMPLEMENTATION SUCCESS
The site selected for the mitigation effort currently supports degraded wetland habitat along
Agua Hedionda Creek. This plan would enhance and expand the limits of jurisdictional area in
the Creek and would improve habitat quality and functions. Additionally, the adjacent wetland
watershed area is suitable for upland habitat restoration.
6.2 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
6.2.1 Project Proponent
Bent-West, LLC (or the owner at the time of implementation) will be responsible for financing
the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of the restoration/enhancement measures.
6.2.2 Restoration Specialist
Overall supervision of the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of this program will be the
responsibility of a restoration specialist with a minimum of 5 years of habitat restoration
experience. The restoration specialist will educate all participants with regard to program goals
and directly oversee all aspects of the project. In addition, the specialist will conduct all
monitoring data collection, annual assessments, and prepare all required reports. If necessary,
the restoration specialist will provide the project proponent and contractor with a brief report,
including a written list of items in need of attention following each monitoring visit. The
contractor will be responsible for carrying out all required measures in a timely manner. The
restoration specialist will notify the contractor and responsible party if any requested remediation
is not addressed. A checklist with the main tasks and responsibilities sis included in Table 7.
6.2.3 Installation/Maintenance Contractor
The installation and maintenance contractor(s) will have habitat restoration experience and will,
under the direction of the restoration specialist, be responsible for completion of grading, pre-
planting weed control, planting, seeding, and maintenance. The restoration specialist will
educate the contractor(s) on the installation and maintenance of native plant species.
After the installation is complete, maintenance personnel will initiate the 5-year maintenance
program under the direction of the restoration specialist. Maintenance crews will service the
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project Mitigation Plan -March 26, 2015 f\ALDEN
entire enhancement area regularly following installation. Service will include but not be limited
to weed control, trash removal, watering, fence repair, dead plant replacement, and re-seeding.
All activities conducted will be seasonally appropriate and approved by the restoration specialist.
The maintenance crew will meet the restoration specialist at the site when requested and will
perform all checklist items in a timely manner as directed by the restoration specialist. The
restoration specialist will ensure that maintenance personnel are capable of discerning between
native plant species and non-native weed species.
6.3 CONTRACTOR EDUCATION
Prior to the commencement of site activities, the contractor(s) will review all aspects of this plan
including permit requirements, site protection, maintenance inspections, landscape procedures,
and monitoring. The restoration specialist will make the Contractor and all other contractors,
subcontractors and the project supervisors aware of the agency permits and authorizations
associated with the project. Copies of project permits will be kept onsite at all times during
periods of active work and must be presented to any agency personnel upon demand.
6.4 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
Implementation of the mitigation program would commence in conjunction with the grading of
College Boulevard. The grading and initial site preparation ( expansion of Aqua Hedionda Creek,
building removal, etc.) will be a component of the College Boulevard project and shown on the
final grading plans for that project. Installation of the habitat mitigation (seeding, planting,
irrigation, etc.) will begin once the site preparation and grading activities are complete. Habitat
enhancement and re-establishment activities are anticipated to take between 6 and 8 weeks to
complete.
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Table 7
MITIGATION PLAN CHECKLIST
Construction Applicable Parties
Phase Task Project Grading Installation Maintenance Restoration
Proponent Contractor Contractor Contractor Specialist
Order seed and container stock X
Pre-construction Attend pre-construction meeting X X X X
Document pre-impact conditions X
Identify site limits and staging area X
Delineate mitigation boundaries X X
Remove existing buildings X X
Installation Grade mitigation area X X
Install container stock and seed X X
Install irrigation system X X
Prepare/submit as-built report X
Conduct maintenance monitoring X Five-year and annual monitoring
Maintenance & Maintain site for remainder of 5
Monitoring Period years -until signed off by resource X X
agencies
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6.5 SITE PREPARATION
As described above, the initial site preparation will involve removal of the on-site facilities and
grading of the areas adjacent to Agua Hedionda Creek to achieve the target elevations for upland
and wetland mitigation. The intent of this plan is to enhance and re-establish native wetland
habitat as well as the surrounding upland watershed areas. Once the initial grading is complete,
the site will be de-compacted to increase soil permeability and the potential for establishment of
native habitats. Weeds, refuse, debris, and deleterious soil will be removed and disposed of in a
licensed landfill.
6.6 FENCING
Prior to and during implementation of the mitigation effort, a temporary orange construction
fence will restrict access to the re-establishment/enhancement areas. Permanent fences will be
constructed along the boundaries between the mitigation area and adjacent development
preventing OHV and pedestrian use of the preserve area. Steel signs will be attached to the
fences and walls that will provide notice, in both English and Spanish, that the area is an
ecological preserve and that trespassing is prohibited.
6.7 WETLAND HABITAT
The target habitat within the wetland mitigation area has been designed to allow for a mosaic of
wetland associated species to become established as determined by specific conditions. To this
end, an overall wetland seed mix has been prepared that includes native wetland species that
occur within wetland riparian scrub/forest habitats (mulefat scrub, southern willow scrub,
freshwater marsh, etc.).
6.7.1 Wetland Seed Mix
Wetland seeding will take place within the wetland mitigation area (Figure 7) along Agua
Hedionda Creek. The wetland seed mix is presented in Table 8. The seed will be sourced from
the as close to the site as possible. The source and proof (tags) for all seed will be provided.
College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ Project Mitigation Plan -March 26, 2015 «\ALDEN
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Red willow
Arro o willow (Salix
Table 8
WETLAND SEED MIX
SPECIES
Elderberr Sambucus
TOTAL
POUNDS/ACRE
3
4
4
4
3
5
4
4
6
6
6
4
3
3
3
62
A hydroseed slurry will be evenly applied in two stages such that an even, homogeneous
distribution is made in each area. The first stage will include the seed, a small amount of fiber
mulch, and dye. This application will help ensure that maximum seed/soil contact is made. A
second layer will be applied immediately following the first. The second layer will include
additional fiber mulch, dye, and a tackifier. The tackifier will serve to help bind seed and soil
until germination. Hydroseed specifications are presented in Table 9.
Table 9
HYDROSEED APPLICATION SPECIFICATIONS
Material First Application Second Application
Seed As called for per site NIA
Long fiber wood mulch 500 lbs/acre 1,000 lbs/acre
Dye As necessary As necessary
Tackifier NIA 90 lbs/acre
Water Sufficient to maintain slurry Sufficient to maintain slurry
Hand seeding may be conducted in focused areas to help ensure targeted application of seed.
Areas not treated with the hydroseed slurry will be hand seeded following hydroseeding to make
sure all areas are seeded. These areas will be determined at the time of seeding and will include
areas where hydroseeding may not be possible, where existing native plants may be negatively
affected by the hydroseed slurry, or where it is thought that certain species may be appropriate in
small areas. Seed of different species will only be mixed when they are to be applied to the same
location. Individual species may be seeded separately as directed by the project restoration
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Q Equeslrian Center North/South Pan:els Q Overal Mitigation Alea (Parcel C)
(_) Colege Boulevard • Reach A
( Upland MitigaUon Arca (S.6 acres)' 0 Wetland Mitigation Alea (3.1 acres)
' ' ., 100-foot Wetland/Riparian Buffer 0 Exisdng Corps/CDFW Streambed
@ New Corps/CDFW Streambed
Seed Mix/Container Stock Areas Q Wetland
Q Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
1 Raquncl upland miligNOn ,s 5.22 acrn, wllh 0.31 acre ~
.
POUNDS/ACRE
6 6
·◊· .
0 50 100
E---3 !Feet
WETLAND CONTAINER STOCK'
1ALDEN
'N~ :"-
SPECIES I NUMBER PER ACRE
_200
200
ioo
200 Too so Too
200 so
100
100
100
1,600
Number
Per Acre To
10
Ts s
JOO
100
100 «o
Seeding/Planting Areas
COLLEGE BOULEY ARD· REACH A
AND BASIN BJ PROJECT MITIGATION PLAN
specialist. Hand broadcasters will be used to help ensure a consistent application of seed. An
inert carrier (sand, saw dust) may also be mixed with the seed to help maintain consistency.
Seeding will not be conducted during windy conditions. Seed will be raked into soil after
application to help increase seed/soil contact.
6.7.2 Wetland Container Stock
In addition to seed, native container stock will be planted in the wetland mitigation area (Table
10). The container stock will be sourced from the as close to the site as possible, likely from
Camp Pendleton. If container stock is unavailable from the project vicinity, the restoration
specialist may substitute species as necessary. The source and proof for all plant material will be
provided. All container stock will be inspected and approved by the restoration specialist prior
to being installed. Specifically, the restoration specialist will ensure that:
• The correct number, size, and species ordered are delivered;
• Plants are healthy and showing no sign of disease;
• Roots fill the containers, but are not root bound;
• There is no breakage of plants;
• Plants show no evidence of pests;
• Plants are in a state suitable for outplanting.
The restoration specialist will reject any plants not meeting these requirements.
Table 10
WETLAND CONTAINER STOCK1
SPECIES NUMBER PER
ACRE
Yerba mansa (Anemovsis californica) 200
Spiny rush (Juncus acutus) 200
Mexican rush (Juncus mexicanus) 200
San Diego marsh elder (Iva havesiana) 200
Freemont's cottonwood (Povulus fremontii) 100
Creeping wild rve (Levmus triticoides) 50
Fuchsia-flowered gooseberry (Ribes sveciosum) 100
Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) 200
California deergrass (Muhlenberf!ia rif!ens) 50
Black willow (Salix exif!l,la) 100
Arroyo willow (Salix lasiolevis) 100
Elderberrv (Sambucus niwa) 100
TOTAL 1,600
I All container stock 1s I gallon m size
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The installation contractor will be responsible for planting all container stock within four days
following delivery. Container stock staged on site will be placed in a protected area and watered
regularly prior to planting. Container stock will be planted in such a way as to mimic a natural
species distribution. The project restoration specialist will specify the locations for all planting.
Plants will be placed in natural groupings with appropriate spacing for the given species/target
habitat type. Holes for each plant will be dug twice as deep and twice as wide as the container
size. The hole will then be refilled to the halfway point, slightly compacted, and filled with
water. Once all the water has soaked into the soil, the container stock will be planted such that
the container plant soil level is slightly above ground level. Loose soil will be used to fill in the
areas around the root ball and help ensure that there are no air spaces. Remaining soil will be
used to create a watering basin around the plant.
6.8 UPLAND HABITAT
6.8.1 Upland Seed Mix
Upland seeding will take place within the upland habitat re-establishment areas (Figure 7)
adjacent to the wetland mitigation area. Within the upland area, the target vegetation habitat will
be Diegan coastal sage scrub. The species included in the mix were selected because they are
native and occur either on the project site or in the project vicinity. The Diegan coastal sage
scrub mix is presented in Table 11. The seed will be sourced from the as close to the site as
possible. The source and proof (tags) for all seed will be provided.
Table 11
DIEGAN COASTAL SAGE SCRUB SEED MIX
SPECIES POUNDS/ACRE
Broom baccharis Baccharis sarothroides 3
3
3
3
1
3
3
2
3
6
3
3
Goldfi 2
Lerno 1
SanD" 6
TOTAL 45
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Seed will be applied via the hydroseed application technique described above for the wetland
mitigation area. Focused hand seeding of specific species also may be conducted, at the
discretion of the restoration specialist.
6.8.2 Upland Container Stock
In addition to seed, native container stock will be planted in the upland areas (Table 12). The
container stock will be sourced from as close to the site as possible, likely Camp Pendleton. If
container stock is unavailable from the project vicinity, the restoration specialist may substitute
species as necessary. The source and proof for all plant material will be provided. All container
stock will be inspected and approved by the restoration specialist prior to being installed.
Container stock will be installed using the same methods as those identified for the wetland
mitigation area above.
Table 12
DIEGAN COASTAL SAGE SCRUB CONTAINER STOCK
SPECIES1
Species Number
Per Acre
Laurel sumac (Malosma laurina) 10
Coastal prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis) 10
Broom baccharis (Baccharis sarothroides) 15
Lemonadeberrv (Rhus intewifolia) 5
San Diego needlegrass (Stipa lepida) 300
California sage brush (Artemisia californica) 100
California buckwheat (Erio~onum fasciculatum) 100
TOTAL 440
I All contamer stock 1s I gallon except for Stzpa lepuia which are plugs
The installation contractor will be responsible for planting all container stock within four days
following delivery. Container stock staged on site will be placed in a protected area and watered
regularly prior to planting. Container stock will be planted in such a way as to mimic a natural
species distribution. The project restoration specialist will specify the locations for all planting.
Plants will be placed in natural groupings with appropriate spacing for the given species/target
habitat type. Holes for each plant will be dug twice as deep and twice as wide as the container
size. The hole will then be refilled to the halfway point, slightly compacted, and filled with
water. Once all the water has soaked into the soil, the container stock will be planted such that
the container plant soil level is slightly above ground level. Loose soil will be used to fill in the
areas around the root ball and help ensure that there are no air spaces. Remaining soil will be
used to create a watering basin around the plant.
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6.8.3 Material Salvage
The seed and container stock identified above is intended to be implemented without using any
native plant/soil material salvaged from the adjacent development projects. If salvaged upland
soil/plant material is made available to the mitigation project during the installation phase it will
be incorporated into the upland watershed areas, to the extent practicable.
6.9 IRRIGATION
A temporary, above ground irrigation system will be installed within both the wetland and
upland mitigation areas. The system will provide head to head coverage to ensure adequate
irrigation of both the installed seed mix and container stock species. The system will include
timers and ground moisture sensors to help prevent over watering. The timers will be set to
emulate a normal rainfall year in the event that actual rainfall does not reach normal levels.
6.10 WILDLIFE HABITAT ENHANCEMENT
In addition to seeding and planting, the restoration effort will include additional measures
intended to increase the potential for wildlife usage of the site, particularly in the early years
prior to full establishment.
6.10.1 Small Animal Cover
As an aid to wildlife establishment within the restoration area, shelter for small animal species
will be created. The first type of shelter involves placement of 20 half-inch thick plywood
boards, measuring 2 x 4 feet. These boards will provide shade, cover, and nesting locations for
species including mice, lizards, snakes, and numerous invertebrate species (i.e., insects, spiders,
etc.). The boards also provide an opportunity to monitor the wildlife usage of the site. During
regularly scheduled monitoring visits, the restoration specialist will be able to lift each board and
note the species present. There are no specific monitoring requirements or performance
standards for the boards. The boards are intended to be left in place and allowed to break down
naturally.
Additionally, shrub and brush material available on site will be collected by hand and stacked
into low brush piles to provide additional cover for small animals. Each pile will be
approximately 4 to 6 feet in diameter and 2 to 3 feet in height, provided sufficient material is
available. This can be especially beneficial during the initial stages of the effort when there will
be no cover available for small animals to utilize. The brush piles will be distributed throughout
the restoration area. The final number and size of piles will depend upon the amount of material
available on site. There are no specific monitoring requirements or performance standards for
the brush piles.
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6.10.2 Pollinator Support
Pollinator species may include bats, birds, and a host of insects that are integral in a diverse, self-
sustaining habitat. The upland habitat seed mixes include a variety of species with overlapping
flowering periods to help support a range of pollinators that will stimulate continued seed
production and provide pollen and nectar sources for foraging wildlife. To help facilitate
presence of insect pollinator species a total of 10 bee blocks (Sarver 2007, Xerces 2012) will be
prepared and scattered throughout the upland mitigation area. The bee blocks will provide
nesting locations for native wood and cavity-nesting bees during the initial plant establishment
period when there will be little substrate for bees to utilize. Bee species from the Apidae,
Colletidae, Halictidae, and Megachilidae families are expected to use the blocks. The bee blocks
will be made by drilling holes (3/32 inch to 3/8 inch in diameter) into the side of untreated 4 inch
x 8 inch by 12 inch blocks of wood. The holes will be drilled approximately 3/4 inch on center.
The depth of the holes will vary depending on the diameter of the hole. For holes less than 1/4
inch in diameter, hole depth will be approximately 3 to 4 inches. Depths will be 5 to 6 inches for
holes greater than 1/4 inch in diameter. The bee blocks will be oriented to face the morning sun
(east to southeast).
The restoration effort also will include support for ground-nesting bees in the form of small,
shallow sand pits. A total of 6 sand pits will be installed within the upland re-establishment
areas. Each pit will be approximately 2 feet deep and 4 feet in diameter. The pits will be filled
with a mix of sand, native soil, and organic material (plant chippings). In addition to ground
nesting bees, several other insect species may use these pits as foraging and nesting areas. Birds
also may use the pits for taking dust baths for feather maintenance, parasite control, and
temperature regulation.
6.11 AS-BUILT CONDITIONS
The revegetation specialist shall prepare and submit a map using showing the as-built conditions
of the mitigation area within 6 weeks of completion of site preparation and planting. Areas of
grading, seeding, and planting shall be shown on the map.
7.0 MAINTENANCE PLAN
7.1 HABITAT MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES
A 5-year maintenance program is proposed to help ensure the successful establishment and
persistence of the enhanced and re-established habitat. The maintenance program will involve
removal of trash, weed control, fence and signage repair/replacement, and any remedial
measures deemed necessary for restoration program success ( e.g., re-seeding and recontouring) .
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7.1.1 Trash Removal
The maintenance contractor will remove any trash encountered within the
restoration/enhancement areas during every maintenance event and dispose of it in a legally
acceptable fashion.
7.1.2 Weed Control
Particular maintenance emphasis will be placed on pro-active weed control within the mitigation
area. All weed species observed during restoration activities will be considered invasive and targeted
for removal. All workers conducting weed removal activities will be educated to distinguish
between native and non-native species, with special attention paid to rare and endangered plant
species.
Weeds will be removed by hand or with small machinery ( e.g., line trimmers) whenever possible,
but focused herbicide application may be used if needed and requested by the restoration specialist.
Herbicides will only be applied by workers licensed to use those chemicals. Additionally,
herbicide will not be used during wet or windy conditions.
Weeds will be removed from the restoration limits and disposed of in a legal manner. All weeds
will be removed prior to reaching 12 inches in height or before reaching seed. Leaf and branch
drop of native species should be left in place and not removed from the site.
7.2 HABITAT MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Regular maintenance, trash removal, and weed control of the mitigation area will be conducted
during the first 5 years following implementation of the mitigation program or until the
mitigation program is deemed successful. Maintenance personnel will visit the site at least
monthly for the 5-year maintenance and monitoring period. Additional visits will be conducted
as directed by the restoration specialist during the rainy season (generally December through
May) each year to keep weeds under control.
8.0 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The following sections provide performance standards to determine the successful completion of
the 5-year mitigation and monitoring program. Attainment of these standards indicates the
mitigation areas are progressing toward the habitat functions and services specified for this plan.
Methods used to measure these performance standards are described in the following text. If the
restored areas fail to meet the Year 5 standards after the full monitoring term, a specific set of
remedial measures will be developed, implemented, and the monitoring and maintenance period
would be extended until all Year 5 standards are met or as otherwise provided in this document.
If the site does not meet Year 5 standards, the monitoring and maintenance period would be
extended a full year until all are met. Only when the entire mitigation site has attained the Year 5
standards will the entire site be signed off.
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8.1 CONTAINER STOCK
During each annual monitoring event there will be no less than 80 percent of the initial planting
surviving container plants for all five years unless their function has been replaced by natural
recruitment. This would amount to 1,936 surviving plants each year in the upland area and 3,968
plants in the wetland area.
8.2 NATIVE SPECIES RICHNESS
Species richness cover success criteria have been established to determine the success of the
restoration effort. Separate richness target values have been established for the three general
habitat types anticipated to occur: coastal sage scrub, riparian scrub, and native grassland. The
richness criteria to be used in any specific location will be determined by the type of habitat
established.
Species richness will be measured by visual assessment in Years 1 and 2, and by quantitative
transect data in Years 3, 4, and 5. No specific richness criteria are established for Years 1 or 2,
but annual success criteria for species richness in Years 3, 4, and 5 are provided in Table 13.
Corrective measures will be implemented in areas not meeting the species richness goals in any
given year.
Table 13
Species Richness Success Criteria 1
Habitat Year3 Year4 Years
Coastal Sage Scrub 10 12 12
Wetland 10 14 14
I Pre-determined, non-relative values
8.3 NATIVE SPECIES COVER
Native species cover success criteria have also been established to determine success of the
restoration effort. Species cover will be measured by visual assessment in Years 1 and 2, and by
quantitative transect data in Years 3, 4, and 5. No specific cover criteria are established for
Years 1 or 2, but annual success criteria for species richness in Years 3, 4, and 5 are provided in
Table 14. Corrective measures will be implemented in areas not meeting the species richness
goals in any given year.
Table 14
Native Species Cover Success Criteria 1
Habitat Year3 Year4 Years
Coastal Sage Scrub 40 60 70
Wetland 50 70 80
I Pre-determined, non-relative values
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8.4 WEED COVER
General and target weed cover success criteria have been established for the restoration effort.
Given the size of the area and the extent of the weed seed bank, 100% weed eradication for all
weed species is not a realistic goal (Some species are highly invasive and others are easier to
eradicate). Therefore, species in Table 15 are zero tolerance species and will be controlled at
I 00% on a yearly basis. Other non-native species are more ubiquitous and can never be
completely eliminated and will therefore be managed to a level of I 0% or less. If the weed cover
success criteria are not met in any given year then remedial measures will be conducted.
Table 15
Zero Tolerance Weed Species
Latin name Common name Cal-IPC Ratine:1
Atriplex semibaccata Australian saltbush M
Carpobrotus spp. Ice plant, hottentot fig HIM
Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass M
Euphorbia lathyris Gopher plant NIA
Foeniculum vu/J!are Fennel H
Hordeumspp barley M
Nicotiana glauca Tree tobacco M
Ricinus communis Castor bean L
Salsola tra~s Russian thistle L
Silybum marianum Milk thistle L
Sorghum halepense Johnson grass NIA
Xanthium strumarium Cocklebur NIA
'H= Hi~h invasiveness, M= Moderate invasiveness, L= Low invasiveness N/ A= Not listed.
9.0 MONITORING PLAN
9.1 INSTALLATION MONITORING
The restoration specialist will be on site daily during the installation period to direct all habitat
restoration activities including site preparation, weed control, seeding, planting, and watering.
Upon completion, the restoration specialist will prepare an as built map and letter and confirm
that the 5-year maintenance and monitoring period may begin.
9.2 MAINTENANCE MONITORING
The restoration specialist will conduct regular maintenance monitoring visits during the 5-year
maintenance period. Visits will be conducted monthly in Year 1, every other month in Years 2-
3, and quarterly in Years 4-5. Additional visits may be required as conditions warrant. During
each visit the restoration specialist will assess the condition of the site and identify remedial
measures as necessary. A brief monitoring memo will be prepared and submitted to the
maintenance contractor following each maintenance monitoring visit.
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9.3 ANNUAL MONITORING
Annual monitoring visits will be conducted by the restoration specialist in the late spring each
year for the upland area and in the fall for the wetland area during the 5-year maintenance period.
During each annual monitoring the success of the restoration effort will be evaluated and species
richness and cover data will be collected. In Years 1 and 2 species richness and cover for each
site within the restoration area will be determined by visual assessment. In Years 3-5
quantitative transect data will be collected within the restoration area and control sites.
Quantitative transect data will be collected using the point intercept line transect sampling
methods described in the California Native Plant Society's Field Sampling Protocol (Sawyer and
Keeler-Wolf 1995). Two 50-m long sampling transects will be established in Year 3 within each
site (A-J). Additionally, off site control transects will be established in adjacent coastal sage
scrub (2 transects) and riparian scrub (2 transects) habitat. The ends of each transect will be
marked with a re-bar stake and recorded with a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit.
Species cover will be determined by dividing each transect into 50 half meter intervals. A point
will be projected into the vegetation each interval and any species intercepted by the point will
be recorded. Species also will be divided into herb (0-60 cm), shrub (60cm-3m), and tree
(greater than 3 m) layers. Percent cover will be measured by dividing the number of hits by the
number of possible hits. Total, native, and non-native cover values will be determined
separately.
Native species richness (the number of species) will be calculated by counting all of the species
encountered within a 5m wide belt transect along each transect (2.5m on each side). All plants
observed will be categorized by origin (native/non-native) and height layer.
Photographs will be taken each year from the same photograph points used prior to initiation of
site preparation. The photographs will help track project progress over time and will be included
in the annual report each year.
9.4 ANNUAL REPORTS
As part of the monitoring program, annual reports prepared by the restoration specialist will be
prepared and submitted evaluating the success of the effort to date, along with any
recommendations for future work that may be deemed necessary. Each annual monitoring report
will include data collected throughout the year in addition to the annual monitoring visit. To
detect the overall trend of the site, the annual monitoring report will contain comparisons of the
monitoring data for the years that data are collected.
9.5 REMEDIAL MEASURES/ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT
If the effort is not progressing as desired, corrective measures may be implemented. Corrective
measures may include, but are not limited to: additional planting or seeding, altered maintenance
effort, and increased watering regime
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9.6 MONITORING SCHEDULE
As described above, monthly inspections of the restoration and maintenance effort would be
performed during Year 1, every other month during Years 2 and 3, and quarterly for the
remainder of the 5-year maintenance and monitoring period. The first annual botanical
monitoring event will occur in the first spring following installation. Reports will be prepared
and submitted within 3 months of the fall annual monitoring visit.
10.0 COMPLETION OF PROGRAM
10.1 NOTIFICATION OF COMPLETION
The permittee shall notify the agencies upon the mitigation site obtaining the year 5 performance
standards through the submittal of the final (Year 5) monitoring report.
10.2 AGENCY CONFIRMATION
After receipt of the final monitoring report, the agencies may inspect the compensatory
mitigation site to determine if the enhancement and re-establishment has been conducted in
accordance with this plan.
10.3 LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT
Prior to initiation of project impacts, a complete draft Conservation Easement for the mitigation
area shall be provided to the Corps for review and approval prior to work in waters of the U.S.
This easement will be in favor of an entity approved by the Corps. This easement will state that
no other easements or activities ( e.g., fuel modification zones, public trails, drainage facilities,
walls, maintenance access roads) that would result in soil disturbance and/or vegetation removal
will be allowed within the biological conservation easement area. No later than 30 calendar days
after receiving Corps approval of the final draft conservation easement, the conservation easement
shall be executed and a final copy furnished to the Corps. These areas will be turned over in fee-
title to a non-profit organization committed to the preservation of sensitive lands. Long-term
management of the mitigation areas would be the responsibility of the organization accepting the
fee-title. As of the writing of this report, it is anticipated that the San Diego Habitat
Conservancy (SDHC) accept long-term responsibility of the restoration areas. Long-term
management would be conducted according to the HMP.
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11.0 CONTINGENCY MEASURES
11.1 INITIATING PROCEDURES
An integral part of a successful mitigation program is the ability to detect problems with the
mitigation early in the process, determine the cause of the problem, and attempt to modify the
mitigation program to accommodate emerging issues or situations. Minor problems, such as
trash, vandalism, isolated instances of plant mortality, or small-scale weed or pest infestations
will be rectified as they are discovered during routine site monitoring and would not warrant the
implementation of contingency measures.
If a performance standard is not met for all or any portion of the mitigation site in any year, or if
the final performance standards are not met, the Restoration Specialist will prepare an analysis of
the cause(s) of failure, and if determined necessary by the participating agencies, propose
remedial action for approval. These measures may include supplemental site grading,
manipulation, planting, changes to the plant palette, adjustment of the management of the site or
re-evaluate species composition or other design changes.
Should the mitigation area fail as a result of a natural disaster such as an earthquake or flood, the
project proponent will still be held responsible for any additional measures that are required to
re-establish the mitigation site. The Permittee is responsible to have the site meet performance
standards in order to receive sign-off, regardless of the problems encountered.
11.2 FUNDING MECHANISM
The Permittee shall be responsible for all costs associated with any remedial measures.
11.3 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
The Permittee shall be the responsible party for any remedial measures.
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12.0 REFERENCES CITED
Alden. 2015. Biological Technical Report for College Boulevard -Reach A and Basin BJ.
March 26.
Recon. 2001. Calavera Hills Master Plan Phase II, Bridge and Thoroughfare District No. 4, &
Detention Basins Certified Environmental Impact Report (EIR 98-02; SCH No.
99111082). November.
Xerces 2012. Invertebrate Conservation Fact Sheet, Nests for Native Bees. Xerces Society.
http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/nests _for_ native_ bees 1.pdf,
Portland, Oregon.
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