HomeMy WebLinkAboutHMP 2022-0003; RANCHO CARRILLO HOA SLOPE REPAIR; FINAL BIOLOGICIAL TECHNICAL REPORT; 2021-12-03December 3, 2021
Mr. Jason Harris
Director of Construction
AD Magellan
701 Palomar Airport Road
Carlsbad, CA 920011
MAY 19 2022
RE: Final Biological Technical Report for the Proposed Rancho Carrillo Slope
Repair Project, City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California
Mr. Harris:
On behalf of AD Magellan and the Rancho Carrillo Homeowners' Association (HOA), Busby
Biological Services, Inc. (BBS) has prepared this draft Biological Technical Report (BTR) to
provide relevant information for the proposed Rancho Carrillo Slope Repair Project
(proposed project) located in the City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California. The
proposed project is necessary to repair the slope and hillside that was impacted from long-
term erosion resulting from a section of unmaintained and broken concrete v-ditch crossing
the slope. This BTR provides essential project information and documents how the
proposed project complies with the Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in
the City of Carlsbad (Carlsbad HMP; City of Carlsbad 2004).
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The proposed project description and location are described below.
1.1 Project Description
The proposed project involves the stabilization and restoration of approximately 0.104 acre
of coastal sage scrub on a slope that was impacted from erosion resulting from an
unmaintained and broken concrete v-ditch crossing the slope along the eastern edge of the
proposed project area. Per email correspondence with Rosanne Humphrey, Senior
Program Manager at the City, evidence of severe erosion on the slope and an
unmaintained and broken v-ditch date back to at least 2016. Further erosion along the
slope resulted from recent, unauthorized draining of a swimming pool from an adjacent
residence at 6303 Chorlito Street, Carlsbad, California 92009.
The proposed project occurs within an Existing Hardline preserve within the HMP where
development is typically restricted; however, the City plans to authorize the repair work to
restore the slope to pre-impact conditions. The proposed repair work would include grading
and recontouring the existing slope in preparation for the restoration efforts. Grading and
recontouring would likely take 6 to 8 weeks and would likely require the use of a large
excavator for grading/recontouring and either the large excavator with a sheep's foot roller
or a smaller compactor for the soil compaction. In addition, the concrete v-ditch will be
repaired in place to restore its functionality and prevent stormwater and irrigation
discharges from eroding the slope. The grading/recontouring and v-ditch repairs would be
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followed by revegetation with coastal sage scrub species to stabilize the slope, prevent
further erosion, and restore the hillside to previous conditions. The actual duration of these
activities and appropriate equipment would be determined by the applicable contractors
who will implement the proposed project and will be provided to the City of Carlsbad prior to
initiation of the propose project. The habitat revegetation component will include follow up
maintenance for a period of five years.
1.2 Project Location
The proposed project occurs within the City of Carlsbad and within the U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS) San Luis Rey 7.5-minute quadrangle (USGS 2021; Attachment 1: Figures
1, 2, and 3). It is located west of Chorlito Street and just north of El Fuerte Street, between
Poinsettia Lane and Alga Road, and approximately 4.5 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean
and outside of the Coastal Zone. The proposed project site is bounded to the east by
urban/developed land and to the south, west, and north by various types of Diegan coastal
sage scrub.
1.3 City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan
During the development of the HMP preserve design, an interconnecting network of Core
Areas and Linkages, referred to as the Focus Planning Area, was identified to prioritize
areas that would be conserved in the future to create a 6,400-acre preserve system (City of
Carlsbad 2004 ). Core areas would provide large blocks of habitat to support breeding
populations of native species, and linkages would provide wildlife movement corridors and
habitat connections between core habitat areas. The Focus Planning Area was then used
to establish three types of conservation areas in the HMP preserve system: Existing
Hardline (open space areas that were already conserved), Proposed Hardline (properties
whose conservation and development areas were determined but not yet implemented),
and Standards Areas (properties that would provide conserved habitat, but did not yet have
defined conservation and development areas).
The proposed project is located within Rancho Carrillo Preserve, an Existing Hardline
preserve owned and maintained by the Rancho Carrillo Master Association (Attachment 1:
Figure 3). This 182-acre preserve was established during the development of the Rancho
Carrillo Master Plan in consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE), U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS; City of Carlsbad 2004 ). Because this preserve was
established before adoption of the HMP, long-term management was not required for this
preserve. Although current development projects within the HMP require long-term
management for associated preserves, pre-existing preserves often did not, and the HMP
only requires the same level of management established at the time of HMP adoption.
Therefore, the revegetation site will not be required to be managed in perpetuity after the
success criteria have been met, although the Master Association will be responsible for
maintaining the slope in good condition.
The proposed project is located within Linkage Area D, an Existing Hardline preserve area
that provides connectivity between Core 6 to the south and west and Core 5 to the north as
well as to additional open space outside of the City of Carlsbad located farther to the east.
The portion of Linkage Area D between Cores 5 and 6 is approximately 3 miles long and
includes coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grassland, and riparian habitats. It serves as a
movement corridor for birds and mammals.
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Core 6 is located across La Fuerte Street, immediately south and west of the proposed
project site. Core 6 is approximately 1,134 acres and contains a critical stand of southern
maritime chaparral, a major stand of grassland, and several vernal pools. In addition, the
coastal sage scrub in this area supports coastal California gnatcatcher (Poliopti/a
californica ca/ifornica). Additional habitats in Core 6 include chaparral, open water,
disturbed wetland, oak woodland, eucalyptus woodland, and riparian forest. Within the
southern maritime chaparral, a critical population of Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos
g/andulosa ssp. crassifolia) and a major population of summer holly (Comarostaphylis
diversifolia ssp. diversifolia) occur.
Core 5 is approximately 884 acres and supports critical stands of riparian forest; southern
maritime chaparral; and a large upland area that supports a mixture of chaparral,
chaparral/coastal sage scrub, coastal sage scrub, southern maritime chaparral, and
grassland. Within the southern maritime chaparral, critical populations of Del Mar
manzanita and Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) as well as a major population of
summer holly occur.
2.0 RELEVANT REGULATIONS
The following federal, state, and/or local regulations or policies apply to biological
resources on the proposed project site.
2.1 Federal Regulations and Programs
Applicable federal regulations and programs are discussed in this section.
Federal Endangered Species Act
The federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), administered by the USFWS, provides the
legal framework for the listing and protection of species (and their habitats) that are
identified as being endangered or threatened with extinction. Actions that jeopardize
endangered or threatened species and the habitats upon which they rely are considered
'take' under the ESA. The ESA is administered by the USFWS for freshwater fish and
terrestrial wildlife and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for
marine and anadromous species.
Federal Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act of 1972 (CWA), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), regulates potential impacts to wetlands, Waters of the U.S., and Waters of
the State. The USAGE administers Section 404 of the CWA, which regulates the discharge
of dredged or fill material into navigable waters, including both wetlands and other Waters
of the U.S. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), in conjunction with the
nine California Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB), administers Section 401
of the CWA, which requires a State Water Quality Certification or waiver for any activity
requiring a Section 404 permit.
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Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA}, administered by the USFWS, protects all migratory
bird species that are native to the U.S. or its territories. No permit is issued under the MBTA,
and the MBTA does not mandate specific protection; however, typical acceptable
requirements include nesting bird surveys during the avian breeding season and avoidance
measures if nesting birds are discovered within or adjacent to a project.
2.2 State Regulations and Programs
Applicable state regulations and programs are discussed in this section.
California Environmental Quality Act
CEQA requires an environmental review for projects with potentially adverse impacts on
the environment. Adverse environmental impacts are typically mitigated in accordance with
state laws and regulations.
California Endangered Species Act
The California ESA, administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
(CDFW), is similar to the federal ESA in that it provides the legal framework for the listing
and protection of species (and their habitats) within California that are identified as being
endangered or threatened with extinction.
California Fish and Game Code
The California Fish and Game Code (CFGC), including Sections 2081, Sections 1600
through 1616, Sections 1900, et seq., Sections 2511, 4700, 5050, and 5515, Sections
3503, 3503.5, and 3513, and Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Section 670.2 and
670.6, as administered by the CDFW, provide a wide-ranging protection for a variety of
resources, including wetland and riparian areas, resident and non-resident game birds,
non-game birds protected by the MBTA, nests and eggs, and species designated as
California "Fully Protected", California "Species of Special Concern", and/or threatened or
endangered.
California Native Plan Protection Act
The California Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA), as administered by CDFW, preserves,
protects, and enhances rare and endangered plant species within California. CDFW
requires a permit pursuant to Section 2081 (a and b) of the California ESA for take of plant
species designated as candidate, rare, threatened, or endangered.
California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act
The California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, administered by the SWRCB
and/or the RWQCB, regulates activities that may impact the quantity and/or quality of both
surface water and groundwater through protection for both isolated wetlands and Waters of
the State.
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California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act
The California Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act, administered by
CDFW, takes a broad scale, ecosystem approach to planning for the protection and
perpetuation of biological diversity throughout California by protecting both habitats and the
species within these habitats while also accommodating compatible land use. Within
California, there are currently 23 active NCCP plans covering more than 11 million acres,
and several draft NCCP plans are pending approval (see the detailed discussion in Section
3.3, below).
2.3 Local Regulations and Programs
Applicable local regulations and programs are discussed in this section.
North County Multiple Habitat Conservation Program
The North County Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) is a comprehensive,
multiple-jurisdiction planning program designed to develop an ecosystem preserve in
northwestern San Diego County intended to protect viable populations of key sensitive
plant and wildlife species and their habitats as well as ecosystem function while
accommodating continued economic growth. Each jurisdiction within the MHCP area will
implement the program through its respective subarea plan, which will describe specific
mechanisms required to implement the MHCP in their jurisdictions.
City of Carlsbad MHCP Subarea Plan/Habitat Management Plan
The Carlsbad HMP (City of Carlsbad 2004) serves as Carlsbad's subarea plan under the
MHCP. The Carlsbad HMP provides a comprehensive program to identify how the City of
Carlsbad, in cooperation with federal and state wildlife agencies, will preserve habitat
diversity and protect sensitive biological resources while allowing for additional
development that is consistent with the City of Carlsbad's General Plan and its Growth
Management Plan. The Carlsbad HMP allows issuance of citywide permits and
authorization for the incidental take of sensitive species in conjunction with private
development projects, public projects, and other activities, which are consistent with the
Carlsbad HMP. Through implementation of the Carlsbad HMP, these permits would be
issued under the federal and state ESAs as well as the California NCCP Act.
City of Carlsbad General Plan: Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation Element
The Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation (OSCR) Element of the City of Carlsbad's
General Plan addresses open space for resource conservation and recreation as well as
environmental quality topics, such as air and water quality. Open space in the City of
Carlsbad includes areas conserved as natural habitat, areas that fulfill both habitat
conservation and recreational needs, and areas designated primarily for recreational use.
The OSCR Element provides direction to modify existing programs or establish new ones
and to preserve and enhance Carlsbad's natural and recreational resources to (a) sustain
and improve the social, economic, aesthetic, and environmental health of the City of
Carlsbad; {b} assure they are accessible for all residents; (c) provide both active and
passive recreation opportunities; (d) enhance the community's environmental quality; (e)
and provide learning opportunities about the natural world for both residents and visitors.
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Carlsbad Municipal Code
The Carlsbad Municipal Code is a compendium of ordinances that have been adopted by
the City Council. It is periodically amended to remain consistent with state and federal laws,
City Council policy direction, and community standards. Applicable chapters from the
Carlsbad Municipal Code include 21.33 O-S Open Space Zone, 21.53 Uses Generally,
21.95 Hillside Development Regulations, 21.203 Coastal Resources Protection Overlay
Zone, and 21.21 O Habitat Preservation and Management Requirements.
3.0 METHODS AND SURVEY LIMITATIONS
The methods used for the background research and reconnaissance survey are described
below as are the survey limitations.
3.1 Literature and Database Review
Prior to conducting the field survey, BBS reviewed the Carlsbad HMP as well as the
Guidelines for Biological Studies (City of Carlsbad 2008). BBS also conducted a brief
aerial assessment (Google Earth 2021) to better understand the local context of the
proposed project site. In addition, BBS also searched historical databases for available
biological information and records of occurrence of sensitive biological resources within 1
mile of the proposed project site (CDFW 2021 a; County of San Diego 2021; USFWS 2021 ).
3.2 Field Reconnaissance Survey
BBS conducted a biological reconnaissance survey within the proposed project survey
area, which included the proposed project footprint plus a 150-foot buffer. The purpose of
this survey was to determine what vegetation communities occurred in the impacted area
prior to the erosion impacts, document the existing biological resources within the proposed
project survey area, assess the proposed project survey area for the potential to support
sensitive biological resources, and assess the proposed project survey area for potentially
significant impacts that could occur to sensitive biological resources from implementation of
the proposed project.
During the biological reconnaissance survey, BBS mapped the current vegetation
communities within the proposed project survey area by hand onto aerial imagery and also
assessed the proposed project footprint to determine what vegetation communities likely
occurred there prior to the slope impacts. BBS also recorded plant and wildlife species
within the proposed project survey area that were observed directly and/or detected
indirectly through sign (e.g., scat, tracks, burrows, vocalization); assessed the proposed
project survey area for any potential sensitive wildlife habitats; and assessed the proposed
project survey area for the presence of potential jurisdictional resources (Attachment 1:
Figure 4). No focused surveys for sensitive plants or wildlife were conducted during the
biological reconnaissance survey. In addition, representative digital photographs were
taken of the proposed project area (Attachment 2).
Vegetation community and land cover classifications follow Holland (1986) as modified by
Oberbauer (2008) to the extent that these resources provide appropriate classifications.
Nomenclature for plants follows Baldwin et al. (2012), and the plant species status was
taken from CDFW's Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List (CDFW 2021 b).
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Nomenclature and status for wildlife species was taken from CDFW's Special Animals List
(CDFW 2021 c).
3.3 Survey Limitations
The survey results reflect existing conditions at the time of the survey, which naturally
change over time. BBS did not conduct focused surveys or walk transects within the
proposed project survey area; therefore, the lists of plant and wildlife species include
species detected during the survey but are not intended to be extensive or all-inclusive.
4.0 RESULTS
BBS biologist, Darin Busby, conducted a biological reconnaissance survey of the
approximately 2.895-acre proposed project survey area, which includes the approximately
0.104-acre proposed project footprint and the 2. 791-acre, 150-foot survey buffer. Mr.
Busby conducted the survey on August 26, 2021, between the hours of 1030 and 1245.
Weather conditions during the survey included temperatures ranging from 80 to 88 degrees
Fahrenheit, wind speeds ranging from 1 to 3 mile per hour, no cloud cover, and no
precipitation.
The proposed project site is located on a steep, manufactured slope that is currently
dominated by a mix of native and non-native vegetation. Several existing 2-foot-wide
concrete v-ditches cross the manufactured slope to convey storm water and irrigation runoff
into a large 12-foot-wide concrete v-ditch at the bottom of the slope, just west of the
proposed project site. At the time of the biological reconnaissance survey, the majority of
these v-ditches were intact and appeared to be functional; however, two sections of the v-
ditch along the eastern edge of the proposed project were broken and no longer functional
(Attachment 1: Figure 4; Attachments 2: Photographs 1-3). In addition, jute netting, gravel
bags, and fiber rolls had been installed in the erosion impact area, possibly by the HOA, to
slow the erosion and stabilize the slope in the area.
The following sections describe the general botanical and zoological resources, the
sensitive biological resources observed and/or detected within the proposed project survey
area, and an assessment of the potential for sensitive resources to occur within and
adjacent to the proposed project survey area.
4.3 Vegetation Communities
The survey area was surveyed for vegetation communities and plants, with particular
attention given to areas within 150 feet of the proposed slope repair work area (work area;
Attachment 1: Figure 4). A total of five vegetation communities and land cover types occur
within the survey area, including Diegan coastal sage scrub, disturbed Diegan coastal sage
scrub, Rhus-dominated Diegan coastal sage scrub, southern willow scrub, and
urban/developed land (Attachment 1: Figure 4 ). The vegetation communities and land cover
types are summarized in Table 1, and a general description of each is provided below.
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Rhus-dominated Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub 0.016 0.530 0.546
Southern Willow Scrub 0.032 0.032
Urban/Develo ed Land 0.009 1.367 1.376
Total Survey Area {acres) 0.104 2.791 2.895
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
A total of approximately 0.416 acre of Diegan coastal sage scrub, a sensitive upland
vegetation community, occurs north of the proposed work area within the 150-foot survey
buffer (Attachment 1: Figure 4; Attachment 2: Photograph 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7). This vegetation
community ranges in height from approximately 2 to 4 feet in height and is dominated by
native species such as California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), coyote brush
(Baccharis pilularis), black sage (Salvia mellifera), and California buckwheat (Eriogonum
fasciculatum ssp. fasciculatum).
Disturbed Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
A total of approximately 0.524 acre of disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub, a sensitive
upland vegetation community, occurs within the proposed project survey area (Attachment
1: Figure 4; Attachment 2: Photograph 8), including approximately 0.079 acre within the
proposed work area and approximately 0.446 acre within the 150-foot survey buffer, north
and south of the proposed work area. This vegetation community ranges in height from
approximately 2 to 30 feet and is dominated native species such as coyote brush,
California sagebrush, California buckwheat, and non-native and ornamental species such
as fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.), and acacia (Acacia sp.). The
area within the proposed work area appears to have been dominated by disturbed Diegan
coastal sage scrub prior to the erosion impacts, as the perimeter of the proposed work area
is heavily dominated by fennel with scattered native species associated with Diegan coastal
sage scrub.
Rhus-dominated Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
A total of approximately 0.546 acre of Rhus-dominated Diegan coastal sage scrub, a
sensitive upland vegetation community, occurs within the proposed project survey area
(Attachment 1: Figure 4; Attachment 2: Photograph 7), including approximately 0.016 acre
within the proposed work area and approximately 0.530 acre in the 150-foot survey buffer,
north, west, and south of the proposed work area. This vegetation community ranges in
height from approximately 5 to 1 0 feet in height and is dominated by native species such as
lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), and coyote brush.
Southern Willow Scrub
A total of approximately 0.032 acre of southern willow scrub, a sensitive wetland vegetation
community, occurs at the western perimeter of the proposed project survey area
(Attachment 1: Figure 4; Attachment 2: Photograph 6) within the 150-foot survey buffer but
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completely outside of the proposed work area. This vegetation community ranges in height
from approximately 6 to 15 feet in height and is dominated by native arroyo willow ( Salix
lasiolepis) and non-native white pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana).
Urban/Developed
A total of approximately 1.376 acres of urban/developed land occurs within both the
proposed project survey area (Attachment 1: Figure 4 ), including approximately 0.009 acre
within the proposed work area and approximately 1.367 acres within the 150-foot survey
buffer. This land cover type is composed predominantly of roadways, landscaping,
residential dwellings, and concrete v-ditches (Attachment 1: Figure 4; Attachment 2:
Photograph 5). The vegetated portions of this land cover type range in height from
approximately 3 to 30 feet in height and is dominated by various non-native, ornamental
species, such as acacia, eucalyptus, oleander (Nerium oleander}, monkey puzzle tree
(Araucaria araucana), hottentot-fig (Carpobrotus edulis), cape leadwort (Plumbago
auriculata), Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus molle), and natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa).
4.4 Botanical Resources -Common Flora
Plant species detected within the proposed project survey area during the biological
reconnaissance survey are species common to the vegetation communities and land cover
types present in the survey area. A total of 27 plant species were observed within
proposed project survey area, of which 17 (63 percent) are considered non-native and/or
naturalized into the area and 10 (37 percent) are considered native (Attachment 3). None of
these species are considered sensitive plant species.
4.5 Zoological Resources -Common Fauna
Wildlife species detected within the proposed project survey area during the biological
reconnaissance survey are species common in the vegetation communities and land cover
types present in the survey area and adjacent to residential developments within the City of
Carlsbad. A total of 13 wildlife species were observed and/or detected (Attachment 4).
Representative species observed and/or detected include western fence lizard (Sceloporus
occidentalis), Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura),
house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), and black
phoebe (Sayornis nigricans), among others. None of these species are considered
sensitive wildlife species.
4.6 Sensitive Biological Resources
The proposed project survey area was assessed for sensitive biological resources,
including sensitive vegetation communities, sensitive plant and wildlife species, wildlife
movement corridors and nursery sites, and jurisdictional resources. Assessments for the
potential occurrence of sensitive biological resources are based upon known ranges;
habitat preferences for the species; and historical species occurrence records from the
California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB; CDFW 2021 a), San BIOS database (County
of San Diego 2021 ), and USFWS historical species occurrence data (USFWS 2021 ). The
following sections provide definitions for each of these sensitive biological resources and
describe the sensitive biological resources that are known to occur or have a potential to
occur within and/or adjacent to the proposed project site.
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Sensitive Vegetation Communities & Existing Hardline Preserve Areas
Sensitive vegetation communities are vegetation assemblages, associations,
subassociations, or land cover types that have cumulative losses throughout the region,
have relatively limited distribution, support or potentially support sensitive species, have
particular value to other wildlife, or are considered.
The proposed work area contains the following vegetation communities that are considered
sensitive:
• Approximately 0.079 acre of disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub
• Approximately 0.016 acre of Rhus-dominated Diegan coastal sage scrub
The entire approximately 0.104-acre proposed work area is located within Linkage Area D,
which is an existing hardline preserve area.
Sensitive Plants
For purposes of this report, sensitive plant species include those that are (a) listed as
threatened or endangered or proposed for listing by federal or state agencies; (b} California
Rare Plant Ranks (CRPR) List 1 or List 2 (CNPS 2021 ); (c) considered rare, endangered,
or threatened by CDFW (CDFW 2021 b} or other local conservation organizations or
specialists; (d) are covered or proposed to be covered by the Carlsbad HMP, and/or (e) are
Carlsbad HMP Narrow Endemic species (City of Carlsbad 2004). Noteworthy plant species
are considered to be those that are CRPR List 3 or List 4 (CNPS 2021 ).
No focused sensitive plant species surveys were conducted for the proposed project.
However, a literature review and database search resulted in a list of nine sensitive plant
species that that have historically occurred within 1 mile of the proposed project site
(County of San Diego 2021, CDFW 2021 a, USFWS 2021 ). None of these species are
expected to occur because the proposed project area lacks suitable habitat, contains a high
percentage of non-native species, and occurs within a steep manufactured slope that likely
contains imported soils. However, each of these species are briefly discussed below and
the rationale for the occurrence determination is provided.
San Diego Thorn-mint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia)
San Diego thorn-mint is a federally listed threatened species, a state-listed endangered
species, and a CRPR 1 B.1 species (seriously threatened in California and elsewhere). Its
coverage under the Carlsbad HMP as a Narrow Endemic species is contingent on other
MHCP subarea plans being permitted (City of Carlsbad 2004). It is an annual herb in the
Lamiaceae family that typically blooms from April to June. This species is found on heavy
clay soils in openings in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, grassland, and around vernal pools.
San Diego thorn-mint is known from San Diego County and in Baja California, Mexico, at
elevations between 150 and 3,085 feet above mean sea level (amsl; CNPS 2021, Calflora
2021 ).
San Diego thorn-mint is not expected to occur in the proposed project survey area and is
not expected to have occurred in the proposed work area prior to the disturbance. This
species was historically reported from the immediate proposed project vicinity (CDFW
2021a); however, suitable habitat and soils do not occur in the proposed project survey
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area. Because this species is not expected to occur, it is not discussed further in this
report.
Spineshrub (Adolphia califomica}
Spineshrub is a CRPR 2B.1 species (seriously threatened in California but more common
elsewhere). It is a perennial deciduous shrub in the Rhamnaceae family that typically
blooms from December to May. This species is often found in clay soils on dry slopes in
chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland. Spineshrub is known from San Diego
County and Baja California, Mexico, at elevations between 15 and 1,115 feet amsl (CNPS
2021, Calflora 2021 ).
Spineshrub is not expected to occur in the proposed project survey area and is not
expected to have occurred in the proposed work area prior to the disturbance. This
species was historically reported from the immediate proposed project vicinity (CDFW
2021 a); however, suitable habitat and soils do not occur in the proposed project area and it
was not observed within the proposed project survey area during the biological
reconnaissance survey conducted for the proposed project. Because this species is not
expected to occur, it is not discussed further in this report.
Thread-leaved Brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia}
Thread-leaved brodiaea is a federally listed threatened species; a state-listed endangered
species; a CRPR 1 B.1 species (seriously threatened in California and elsewhere); and a
Carlsbad HMP-covered, Narrow Endemic species (City of Carlsbad 2008). It is a perennial,
bulbiferous herb in the Themidaceae family that is native to and endemic to California; it
regrows annually from an underground corm and typically blooms from March to June.
Thread-leaved brodiaea is found in southern California from northwestern San Diego
County, southern Orange County, western San Bernardino County, eastern Los Angeles
County, and far southwest Riverside County (Calflora 2021 ). This species is typically found
in clay soils associated with vernal pools within grasslands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral,
and cismontane woodland at elevations ranging from 130 feet to 3,640 feet amsl (CNPS
2021, Calflora 2021 ).
Thread-leaved brodiaea is not expected to occur in the proposed project survey area and is
not expected to have occurred in the proposed work area prior to the disturbance. Suitable
habitat and soils for this species do not occur in the proposed project survey area.
Because this species is not expected to occur, it is not discussed further in this report.
Wart-stemmed Ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucosus}
Wart-stemmed ceanothus is a CRPR 2B.2 species (moderately threatened in California but
more common elsewhere). Its coverage under the Carlsbad HMP is contingent on other
MHCP subarea plans being permitted (City of Carlsbad 2004). It is an evergreen shrub in
the Rhamnaceae family that typically blooms from December to May. This species is found
in chaparral and coastal sage scrub typically near the coast. Wart-stemmed ceanothus is
known from Riverside and San Diego counties as well as from Baja California, Mexico, at
elevations between 15 and 1,115 feet amsl (CNPS 2021, Calflora 2021 ).
Wart-stemmed ceanothus is not expected to occur in the proposed project survey area and
is not expected to have occurred in the proposed work area prior to the disturbance.
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Suitable habitat and soils do not occur in the proposed project area and this species was
not observed within the proposed project survey area during the biological reconnaissance
survey conducted for the proposed project. Because this species is not expected to occur,
it is not discussed further in this report.
Summer Holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia)
Summer holly is a CRPR 18.2 species (moderately threatened in California and
elsewhere). Its coverage under the Carlsbad HMP is contingent on funding for
management of conserved areas (City of Carlsbad 2004 ). It is an evergreen shrub in the
Ericaceae family that typically blooms from April to June. This species is found in chaparral
and cismontane woodland. Summer holly is known from Orange, Riverside, Santa
Barbara, and San Diego counties as well as from Baja California, Mexico, at elevations
between 130 and 1,835 feet amsl (CNPS 2021, Calflora 2021 ).
Summer holly is not expected to occur in the proposed project survey area and is not
expected to have occurred in the proposed work area prior to the disturbance. This
species was historically reported from the immediate proposed project vicinity (CDFW
2021 a); however, suitable habitat and soils do not occur in the proposed project area and it
was not observed within the proposed project survey area during the biological
reconnaissance survey conducted for the proposed project. Because this species is not
expected to occur, it is not discussed further in this report.
Palmer's Grapplinghook (Harpagonella palmeri)
Palmer's grapplinghook is a CRPR 4.2 species (limited distribution and moderately
threatened in California). It is an annual herb in the Boraginaceae family that typically
blooms from March to May. This species typically is found in clay soils (occasionally
granitic) in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland. Palmer's grapplinghook is known
from southern California in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties as
well as from Santa Catalina Island, and it is also known from both Baja California and
mainland Mexico. It occurs at elevations between 150 and 3,970 feet amsl (CNPS 2021,
Calflora 2021 ).
Palmer's grapplinghook is not expected to occur in the proposed project survey area and is
not expected to have occurred in the proposed work area prior to the disturbance. This
species was historically reported from the immediate proposed project vicinity (CDFW
2021 a); however, suitable habitat and soils do not occur in the proposed project survey
area. Because this species is not expected to occur, it is not discussed further in this report.
San Diego Marsh-elder (Iva hayesiana)
San Diego marsh-elder is a CRPR 2B.2 species (moderately threatened in California but
more common elsewhere). Its coverage under the Carlsbad HMP is contingent on funding
for management of conserved areas (City of Carlsbad 2004 ). It is a perennial herb in the
Asteraceae family that typically blooms from April to October. This species is found along
ephemeral drainages, alkali marshes, and playas. San Diego marsh-elder is known from
San Diego County and from Baja California, Mexico, at elevations between 15 and 855 feet
amsl (CNPS 2021, Calflora 2021 ).
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San Diego marsh-elder is not expected to occur in the proposed project survey area and is
not expected to have occurred in the proposed work area prior to the disturbance. Suitable
habitat and soils do not occur in the proposed project area and this species was not
observed within the proposed project survey area during the biological reconnaissance
survey conducted for the proposed project. Because this species is not expected to occur,
it is not discussed further in this report.
Nuttall's Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa)
Nuttall's scrub oak is a CRPR 1 B.1 species (seriously threatened in California and
elsewhere) and a Carlsbad HMP-covered species. It is an evergreen shrub in the
Fagaceae family that typically blooms from February to April and May to August. This
species is found in sandy or clay loam soils in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and closed-
cone coniferous forest. Nuttall's scrub oak is known from southern California from Orange,
Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Ventura counties as well as from Baja California, Mexico,
at elevations between 50 and 4,035 feet amsl (CNPS 2021, Calflora 2021 ).
Nuttall's scrub oak is not expected to occur in the proposed project survey area and is not
expected to have occurred in the proposed work area prior to the disturbance. Suitable
habitat and soils do not occur in the proposed project area and this species was not
observed within the proposed project survey area during the biological reconnaissance
survey conducted for the proposed project. Because this species is not expected to occur,
it is not discussed further in this report.
Prairie False Oat (Sphenopholis interrupta ssp. californica)
Prairie false oat is an annual grass-like herb that was thought to have been extinct. It was
previously known from only two voucher specimens collected in 1886 from Baja California,
Mexico; however, it was rediscovered in central Carlsbad in 2020. As such, it does not
have an assigned sensitivity, and it is currently only known from this single location. Prairie
false oat appears to be found in clay lenses associated with vernal pools (San Diego
Natural History Museum 2021 ).
Prairie false oat is not expected to occur in the proposed project survey area and is not
expected to have occurred in the proposed work area prior to the disturbance. Suitable
vernal pool habitat and soils do not occur in the proposed project survey area. Because
this species is not expected to occur, it is not discussed further in this report.
Sensitive Wildlife
For purposes of this report, sensitive wildlife species include those that are (a) listed as
threatened or endangered or proposed for listing by USFWS or CDFW; (b) designated as
"Fully Protected" by CDFW; (c) considered "Species of Special Concern" by CDFW; and/or
(4) considered "taxa to watch" by CDFW (CDFW 2021c).
No focused sensitive wildlife species surveys were conducted for the proposed project. A
literature review and database search resulted in a list of seven sensitive wildlife species
that that have historically occurred within 1 mile of the proposed project (County of San
Diego 2021, CDFW 2021 a, USFWS 2021 ). Each of these species and its potential for
occurrence are discussed below.
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Orange-throated Whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythra)
The orange-throated whiptail is a CDFW watch list species and a Carlsbad HMP-covered
species. It is found in open coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and streamside growth with
loose sandy soils (Stebbins 2003) but also inhabits dense to extremely open stands of sage
scrub as well as chamise chaparral. It can also often be found in upland revegetation sites,
because these areas provide the open habitat it prefers. This species ranges from
southwestern San Bernardino County, south into Baja California, Mexico, and is found at
elevations from sea level to 2,000 feet amsl (NatureServe Explorer 2021 ).
The orange-throated whiptail has a moderate potential to occur within the proposed project
survey area but is not expected to occur within the small proposed work area. While no
orange-throated whiptails were detected during the brief biological reconnaissance survey,
historical records exist within 1 mile of the proposed project (CDFW 2021a), it is within the
known range of the species, and suitable habitat is present.
Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondil)
The western spadefoot is a CDFW species of special concern. It can be found in a variety
of lowland, foothill, and mountain habitats including washes, river floodplains, alluvial fans,
playas, alkali flats, temporary ponds, vernal pools, mixed woodlands, grasslands, coastal
sage scrub, and chaparral (CAHerps 2021, Stebbins 2003). This species' range extends
from the Central Valley and bordering foothills in California and from the coastal ranges
south of San Francisco Bay southwards to northwestern Baja California, Mexico
(NatureServe Explorer 2021 ). The western spadefoot can be found from near sea level to
elevations up to approximately 4,460 feet amsl (Zeiner et al. 1998; Jennings and Hayes
1994).
The western spadefoot is not expected to occur in the proposed project survey area and is
not expected to have occurred in the proposed work area prior to the disturbance. Suitable
ponding habitat does not occur in the proposed project survey area. Because this species
is not expected to occur, it is not discussed further in this report.
Coast Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillit)
The coast horned lizard is a CDFW species of special concern. It is found in a variety of
habitats including scrubland, grassland, coniferous forest, and broadleaf woodland with
areas for basking and loose soils. This species' range extends from the upper Sacramento
Valley southward along the Coast Ranges, southern Sierra foothills, and coastal slope of
the Peninsular Ranges of southern California into Baja California, Mexico. The coast
horned lizard can be found at elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 7,900 feet
amsl (Stebbins 2003).
The coast horned lizard has a moderate potential to occur within the proposed project
survey area but is not expected to occur within the small proposed work area. While no
coast horned lizards were detected during the brief biological reconnaissance survey,
historical records exist within 1 mile of the proposed project (CDFW 2021a), it is within the
known range of the species, and suitable habitat is present.
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Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica)
The coastal California gnatcatcher is a federally listed threatened species, a CDFW species
of special concern, and a Carlsbad HMP-covered species. It is a year-round resident that is
found primarily in coastal sage scrub habitat below 1,640 feet amsl. This species typically
breeds from March through July and nests predominantly in California sagebrush and other
coastal sage scrub species in proportion to their availability (Unitt 2004). This subspecies
of California gnatcatcher is found only in coastal southern California to El Rosario, Baja
California, Mexico (Unitt 2004 ).
The coastal California gnatcatcher has a moderate potential to occur within the proposed
project survey area but is not expected to occur within the small proposed work area.
While no coastal California gnatcatchers were detected during the brief biological
reconnaissance survey, historical records exist within 1 mile of the proposed project
(CDFW 2021 a), it is within the known range of the species, and suitable habitat is present.
In addition, coastal California gnatcatcher critical habitat occurs approximately 180 feet
north of the proposed project footprint.
Southern California Rufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens)
The southern California rufous-crowned sparrow is a CDFW watch list species and a
Carlsbad HMP-covered species. It is a fairly common, year-round resident of southwestern
California. This species prefers fairly steep grassy hillsides with moderate shrub cover, rock
outcrops, and canyons (Collins 1999) and generally requires large expanses of unbroken
native habitat to sustain viable populations (Unitt 2004 ). The southern California rufous-
crowned sparrow is restricted to coastal slopes of the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges
from northwest Los Angeles County south into northwestern Baja California, Mexico
(Collins 1999; Thorngate and Parsons 2005) at elevations between 200 to 4,600 feet amsl.
The southern California rufous-crowned sparrow has a moderate potential to occur within
the proposed project survey area but is not expected to occur within the small proposed
work area. While no southern California rufous-crowned sparrows were detected during
the brief biological reconnaissance survey, historical records exist within 1 mile of the
proposed project (CDFW 2021a), it is within the known range of the species, and suitable
habitat is present.
Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse ( Chaetodipus fa/lax fa/lax)
The northwestern San Diego pocket mouse is a CDFW species of special concern. It
prefers rocky habitat near shrubs in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grassland, and
woodland (Tremor 2017). This subspecies ranges from the San Bernardino and San
Gabriel mountains, east through the San Jacinto Mountains, and south along the coastal
slope of San Diego County and into northern Baja California, Mexico (Tremor 2017).
The northwestern San Diego pocket mouse has a moderate potential to occur within the
proposed project survey area but is not expected to occur within the small proposed work
area. While no southern California rufous-crowned sparrows were detected during the brief
biological reconnaissance survey, historical records exist within 1 mile of the proposed
project (CDFW 2021a), it is within the known range of the species, and suitable habitat is
present.
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San Diego Desert Woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia)
The San Diego desert woodrat is a CDFW species of special concern. It is found in woody
coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grassland, and woodland (Tremor 2017). This subspecies
ranges from the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains, east through the San Jacinto
Mountains, and south along the coastal slope of San Diego County and into northern Baja
California, Mexico (Tremor 2017).
The San Diego desert has a moderate potential to occur within the proposed project survey
area but is not expected to occur within the small proposed work area. While no southern
California rufous-crowned sparrows were detected during the brief biological
reconnaissance survey, historical records exist within 1 mile of the proposed project
(CDFW 2021 a), it is within the known range of the species, and suitable habitat is present.
Wildlife Movement Corridors and Habitat Linkages
Wildlife corridors are considered sensitive by local, state, and federal resource and
conservation agencies because they are essential to maintain populations of healthy and
genetically diverse wildlife species by allowing wildlife to move between adjoining open
space areas that are becoming increasingly isolated as open space becomes fragmented
from urbanization, rugged terrain, and/or changes in vegetation (Beier and Loe 1992).
The proposed project site is located within Linkage Area D, which is an approximately 3.0-
mile-long wildlife movement corridor that provides a habitat linkage between Cores 5 and 6
and includes coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grassland, and riparian habitats. It serves as a
movement corridor for birds and mammals (City of Carlsbad 2004).
Potentially Jurisdictional Resources
Jurisdictional resources are considered sensitive biological resources and are regulated by
the USAGE, CDFW, and RWQCB pursuant to federal, state, and local regulations.
A focused jurisdictional determination was not conducted for the proposed project.
However, a preliminary assessment for jurisdictional resources was conducted during the
biological reconnaissance survey. The only potentially jurisdictional resources within the
proposed project survey area include the southern willow scrub that occurs along the
western boundary of the 150-foot survey buffer (Attachment 1: Figure 4 ). The southern
willow scrub is located approximately 100 feet west and well outside of the proposed
project footprint. No potentially jurisdictional resources are located within or immediately
adjacent to the proposed work area.
5.0 BIOLOGICAL IMPACT ANALYSIS
The proposed project involves the stabilization and restoration of approximately 0.104 acre
of coastal sage scrub and the repair of the existing unmaintained and broken concrete v-
ditch along the eastern edge of the proposed project area. It is anticipated that the grading,
recontouring, and compaction of the existing slope will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks and
will likely require the use of an excavator and a sheep's foot roller or a small compactor.
Prior to the restoration effort, the concrete v-ditch will be repaired in place to restore its
functionality and prevent storm water and irrigation runoff from eroding the slope. The slope
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will be revegetated with coastal sage scrub species similar to those found in the vicinity to
stabilize the slope, prevent further erosion, and restore the hillside to previous conditions.
The actual duration of these activities and appropriate equipment will be determined by the
applicable contractors who will implement the proposed project and will be provided to the
City of Carlsbad prior to initiation of the propose project.
Impacts associated with the proposed projects are defined and analyzed in this section
according to the standards outlined in the Guidelines for Biological Studies (City of
Carlsbad 2008).
5.1 Impact Definitions
Biological resources may be either directly or indirectly impacted by a
project. Furthermore, direct and indirect impacts may be permanent or temporary in
nature. In addition, incremental impacts from multiple projects can be considered
cumulative. These types of impacts are defined as follows:
• Direct impacts are defined as any disturbance, alteration, or destruction of
biological resources that could result from project related activities. Examples of
direct impacts include diverting surface water flows, encroaching into wetlands,
clearing vegetation, and taking an individual species and/or its associated plant
communities.
• Indirect impacts are defined as any disturbance, alteration, or destruction of
biological resources that could result from project related activities. Examples of
indirect impacts include increased human activity, elevated noise and dust levels,
decreased water quality, soil compaction, and the introduction of invasive wildlife
(i.e., domestic cats and dogs) and plants.
• Permanent impacts are defined as those that result in the irreversible removal or
destruction of biological resources. Examples of permanent impacts include
constructing a building or permanent road on an area containing biological
resources.
• Temporary impacts are those impacts considered to have reversible effects on
biological resources. Examples of temporary impacts include the removal of
vegetation for construction activities and subsequently allowing the natural
vegetation to recolonize the impact area, the accumulation of dust on adjacent
vegetation during construction, or the increased noise levels that may interfere with
the breeding behaviors of wildlife species
• Cumulative Impacts are those impacts which are incremental impacts from two or
more past, present, or probable future projects whose individual impacts can be
individually minor but when combined are considerable. However, if a project
complies with the Carlsbad HMP (City of Carlsbad 2004), it typically would not result
in cumulative impacts to vegetation communities or to covered species.
5.2 Impacts to Sensitive Biological Resources
Direct, indirect, permanent, temporary, and cumulative impacts associated with
implementation of the proposed project were analyzed for their significance to determine if
avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures are required to reduce the impacts to
below a level of significance.
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Impacts to Sensitive Vegetation
No permanent impacts to sensitive vegetation communities would result from proposed
project implementation. The only permanent feature of the project is the repair of the
existing broken v-ditch, which will have the same footprint as the original v-ditch
(approximately 0.009 acre). Temporary direct impacts are unavoidable and temporary
indirect impacts could occur. The proposed project impacts are summarized in Table 2,
below and discussed below.
Temporary direct impacts would occur to approximately 0.095 acre in the proposed work
area during the slope repair and restoration efforts. This includes the area that was
impacted by the erosion, as well as an additional work buffer surrounding this area required
to stabilize the slope and prepare it for restoration. Of the 0.095-acre of proposed
temporary direct impacts, impacts to approximately 0.079 acre of disturbed Diegan coastal
sage scrub and approximately 0.016 acre of Rhus-dominated Diegan coastal sage scrub
would be considered significant and would require mitigation. Required mitigation
measures are discussed in Section 6.2, below.
0.079
Rhus-dominated Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub 0.016
Southern Willow Scrub
Permanent Impacts 0.009
Urban/Develo ed Land 0.009
Total Impacts 0.104
The proposed project could also result in temporary indirect impacts to adjacent sensitive
vegetation, including Diegan coastal sage scrub, disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub, Rhus-
dominated Diegan coastal sage scrub, and southern willow scrub. However, through
implementation of the avoidance and minimization measures in Section 6.1, below, which
include the Carlsbad HMP Adjacency Standards, these impacts are expected to be avoided.
As such, no additional avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures are required.
Impacts to Sensitive Plant Species
No sensitive plant species are expected to occur within the proposed work area or the 150-
foot survey buffer. Therefore, no direct or indirect impacts are anticipated. As such, no
avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures are required.
Impacts to Sensitive Wildlife Species
No sensitive wildlife species are expected to occur within the proposed work area;
however, birds covered by the MBTA, including the coastal California gnatcatcher, may
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forage within the proposed work area and nest within the 150-foot survey buffer. If the
proposed project can occur outside of the breeding season (February 15 to August 31 ), no
direct or indirect impacts would occur. If the proposed project must occur during the
breeding season, then implementation of the avoidance and minimization measures in
Section 6.1, below, would assure significant impacts to sensitive wildlife species are
avoided. As such, no additional avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures would be
required.
Impacts to Wildlife Corridors
The proposed project would impact a portion of Linkage Area D, which functions as a local
and regional wildlife corridor. While no permanent impacts are anticipated, temporary
direct and indirect impacts would occur during proposed project implementation.
Temporary direct impacts would occur within the approximately 0.104-acre proposed work
area from vegetation removal necessary to stabilize the slope and prepare the area for
restoration. Temporary indirect impacts could occur from increased noise and dust levels
in the adjacent portions of the wildlife corridor. Both the direct and indirect impacts are
anticipated to be temporary and are necessary for the slope repair and restoration, which
will ultimately improve the current conditions in the wildlife corridor. In addition, there is
ample space for wildlife movement within Linkage Area D and adjacent to the proposed
project for wildlife that may be temporarily displaced by the proposed project. As such, the
temporary direct and indirect impacts to wildlife corridors would not be significant.
Implementation of the avoidance and minimization measures in Section 6.1, below, would
offer resource protection. No additional avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures
would be required.
Impacts to Jurisdictional Resources
No potentially jurisdictional resources occur within the approximately 0.104-acre proposed
work area. Therefore, no direct impacts to jurisdictional resources would occur from the
proposed project. However, potentially jurisdictional resources occur within the 150-foot
survey buffer, approximately 100 feet west of the proposed work area. Indirect impacts to
these jurisdictional resources are not anticipated but could occur during proposed project
implementation. Implementation of the avoidance and minimization measures in Section
6.1, below, would offer resource protection. No additional avoidance, minimization, or
mitigation measures would be required.
6.0 AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES
Avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures are required for significant impacts to
sensitive biological resources according to the standards outlined in the Guidelines for
Biological Studies (City of Carlsbad 2008). Avoidance and minimization measures are
intended to avoid significant impacts, while mitigation measures are intended to reduce
project-related impacts to below a level of significance. The avoidance, minimization, and
mitigation measures required for the proposed project are described below.
6.1 Avoidance and Minimization Measures
Implementation of the following avoidance and minimization measures are intended to
avoid significant impacts to sensitive biological resources during proposed project
implementation.
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AMM-1: The Carlsbad HMP Adjacency Standards were developed to avoid and/or
minimization potential impacts to sensitive biological resources that occur in
sensitive resource areas within the City of Carlsbad. Through implementation of
the applicable Carlsbad HMP Adjacency Standards (e.g., erosion control
measures, native plant requirements, temporary irrigation runoff, signage and
fencing, temporary construction fencing, lighting, noise), the proposed project
would avoid significant direct and indirect impacts to sensitive biological
resources located immediately adjacent to the proposed project footprint.
AMM-2: Limits of work areas, staging areas, and access routes shall be specified in the
construction plans and delineated with temporary orange construction fencing. All
workers, activities, vehicles, equipment, and construction materials will be
restricted to within this fencing, which will be maintained until the completion of
all work activities.
AMM-3: A qualified biologist shall conduct a training session for all project personnel prior
to proposed activities. At a minimum, the training shall include a description of
potentially occurring sensitive biological resources in the area, the general
provisions of the ESA and the HMP, the need to adhere to the provisions of the
ESA and the HMP, the penalties associated with violating the provisions of the
ESA, the general measures that are being implemented to conserve sensitive
biological resources within and adjacent to the proposed work area.
AMM-4: A qualified project biologist shall review grading plans (e.g., all access routes,
staging areas, work limits), and monitor construction activities throughout the
duration of the proposed project to ensure work activities avoid impacts to
sensitive biological resources within and adjacent to the proposed work area.
AMM-5: Proposed project grading and slope recontouring adjacent to potentially
jurisdictional resources shall be scheduled during periods of minimum flow (i.e.,
summer through the first significant rain of fall) to minimize potential impacts to
these biological resources and water quality.
AMM-6: Slope recontouring and removal of vegetation that has potential to support
breeding birds and active nests should occur outside of the avian breeding
season (February 15 to August 31) to avoid direct and indirect impacts to
native/migratory birds. If slope recontouring and vegetation removal must occur
during the avian breeding season, the City of Carlsbad must be notified of the
work and a qualified biologist shall conduct a pre-construction nesting bird survey
within and immediately adjacent to the proposed project footprint no more than
three days prior to the start of slope recontouring and/or vegetation removal. If
nesting birds are detected, a letter report to the City of Carlsbad shall be
prepared and include proposed measures, such as nest avoidance or avoiding
significant construction noise levels greater than 60 dB Leq [decibels, equivalent
sound level], to be implemented to ensure that no significant impacts occur to
nesting birds.
AMM-7: Equipment storage, fueling, and staging areas shall be located in
urban/developed upland areas within the proposed work area at least 100 feet
from jurisdictional resources with minimal risk of direct drainage into these
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resources. All proposed project related spills of hazardous materials shall be
reported to the City of Carlsbad and shall be cleaned up immediately and
contaminated soils removed to an approved disposal area.
AMM-8: Erosion control measures shall be inspected on a regularly scheduled basis,
particularly during times of heavy rainfall. Corrective measures will be
implemented in the event erosion control strategies are inadequate.
Sediment/erosion control measures will be continued at the proposed project site
until such time as the revegetation efforts are successful at soil stabilization.
AMM-9: Fugitive dust shall be avoided and minimized through watering and other
appropriate measures.
AMM-10: The proposed work area shall be kept free of trash and debris, and pets of
project personnel shall not be allowed on-site.
AMM-11: Construction monitoring reports shall be completed and provided to the City of
Carlsbad summarizing how the proposed project is in compliance with all
avoidance and minimization measures. The project biologist should be
empowered to halt work activity if necessary and to confer with City of Carlsbad
staff to ensure the proper implementation of avoidance and minimization
measures.
6.2 Mitigation Measures
Unavoidable temporary direct impacts to sensitive vegetation would be mitigated to below a
level of significance through implementation of the following mitigation measure.
BIO-1: Unavoidable temporary direct impacts would occur to 0.095 acre of coastal sage
scrub, which requires mitigation at a 1 :1 ratio. Mitigation would include erosion
control measures and restoration of coastal sage scrub vegetation within the
proposed work area, consistent with the surrounding Diegan coastal sage scrub
vegetation. A draft Conceptual Restoration Plan is included as Attachment 5,
and a Restoration Plan shall be prepared that includes a species list and
quantities for a seed mix and/or container plants that are consistent with the
adjacent Diegan coastal sage scrub and that have been obtained from local
genetic stock. The Restoration Plan shall also detail the schedule for
maintenance, monitoring, and reporting; success criteria; and guidelines and
maintenance for the restoration and temporary irrigation. Restoration shall be
maintained for five years or until Year 5 success criteria have been met.
Please contact Darin at darin@busbybiological.com or 858.334.9508 or Melissa at
melissa@busbybiological.com or 858.334.9507 if you have any questions regarding this
letter report. Please see Attachment 6 for a summary of the preparers' qualifications.
Sincerely,
Q__~
Darin Busby
Principal Biologist
Melissa Busby
Principal Biologist
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ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Figures
Attachment 2: Representative Project Site Photographs
Attachment 3: Plant Species Observed
Attachment 4: Wildlife Species Detected
Attachment 5: Draft Conceptual Restoration Plan
Attachment 6: Summary of Preparer's Qualifications
Rancho Carrillo Slope Repair Project
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Baldwin, B.G., D.H. Goldman, D.J. Keil, R. Patterson, T.J. Rosatti, and D.H. Wilken, editors
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University of California Press. Berkeley.
Beier, P. and S. Loe, 1992. A checklist for evaluating impacts to wildlife movement
corridors. Wildl. soc. bull. 20: 434-440.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
2021 a Natural Diversity Data Base. https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB
2021 b California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). July 2021. Special Vascular
Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List. California Department of Fish and
Wildlife. Sacramento, CA.
2021 c California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). July 2021. Special Animals
List. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sacramento, CA.
California Herpetological Society (CAHerps)
2021 A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of California from
http://www.californiaherps.com/
California Native Plant Society (CNPS)
2021 Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California from
https://rareplants.cnps.org
Calflora
2021 Information on wild California plants at https://www.calflora.org
Collins, P.W.
1999. Rufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps), The Birds of North America
Online at https://naaee.org/eepro/resources/birds-north-america-online
City of Carlsbad
2004 City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan. November.
2008 Guidelines for Biological Studies. September 30.
County of San Diego
2021 SanBIOS GIS Database. Available at: http://www.sangis.org/.
Google
2021 Google Earth. US Department of State Geographer. Data SIO, U.S. Navy,
NGA, GEBCO. Available at: https://www.google.com/earth/.
Holland, RF.
1986 Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California.
State of California, The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game,
Natural Heritage Division, Sacramento, California.
Jennings, M.R., and M.P. Hayes
1994 Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California. Report
prepared for California Department of Fish and Game, Rancho Cordova,
California. 255 pp.
Busby Biological Services, Inc. I 4629 Cass Street #192 I San Diego, California 92109
23
•
Biological Technical Report Rancho Carrillo Slope Repair Project
NatureServe Explorer
2021 NatureServe Explorer from https://explorer.natureserve.org
Oberbauer, T., M. Kelly, and J. Buegge.
2008 Draft Vegetation Communities of San Diego County. Based on "Preliminary
Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California", Robert F.
Holland, Ph.D., October 1986.
Rebman, J.P. and M.G. Simpson
2014 Checklist of the Vascular Plants of San Diego County, 5th Edition. San
Diego. Natural History Museum, San Diego, California.
San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM)
2021 Rediscovering a "Lost" Plant in San Diego, article available at
https://www.sdnhm.org/blog/blog_details/rediscovering-a-lost-plant-in-san-
diego/149/
Stebbins, R.C.
2003 Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company.
New York, NY.
Thorngate, N., and M. Parsons
2005 Rufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps). In The Coastal Scrub and
Chaparral Bird Conservation Plan: a strategy for protecting and managing
coastal scrub and chaparral habitats and associated birds in California.
California Partners in Flight. http://www.prbo.org/calpif/htmldocs/scrub.html.
Tremor, S., D. Stokes, W. Spencer, J. Diffendorfer, H. Thomas, S. Chivers, and P. Unitt
2017 San Diego County Mammal Atlas. San Diego Natural History Museum. San
Diego, CA.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
2021 Critical Habitat Portal. Available at:
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/table/critical-habitat.html.
United States Geological Survey (USGS)
2021 San Luis Rey 7.5-minute quadrangle. On-line version.
Unitt, P.
2004 San Diego County Bird Atlas. San Diego Natural History Museum. San
Diego, CA.
Zeiner, D.C., W.F. Laudenslayer, Jr., and K.E. Mayer
1988 California's Wildlife. Volume I. Amphibians and Reptiles. California
Statewide Wildlife Habitat Relationships System, California Department of
Fish and Game, Sacramento, California.
Busby Biological Services, Inc. 14629 Cass Street #1921 San Diego, California 92109
24
ATTACHMENT 1
Figures
Oceanside
Encinita1
Source: National Geographic, Esri
'Vista
.vall ey
Center
Stn Marcos
....__Project Site
11;"'
FISC
W,"IB.Uf OJUH I ~
2 4
Miles
)
Escondido•
882 m
ti
ff
_,.
Lak
Sa tee Wint .Gard
let.pie Fld
• El Cajon
Regional Location
RANCHO CARRILLO HOA SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
Figure 1
,. '
.
./
. -J
--,, . {
--~Ff.~ --1' ~ ~ ..
~,k,=-::=-;,';"="'-=...,0./ •• '~
,,...,,.-. -:C*~iif-'-oc"\'\H ~ ..__ •
~.:,;::JB3~,•~:r :S,~--r~4"~~-"""""'~!'\-!-.:
"\ ~ f C
0 ll
1,000 2,000
Feet
roJ
RANCHO CARRILLO HOA SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
Figure 2
Slope Repair ork Area
Carlsbad Habitat Management Pia
~ Existing Hardline
Proposed Hardline
Carlsbad Focus Planning Area
(Z) Core
<S) Linkage Area
Source: City of Carlsbad 2021; Aerial Photo: Nearmap 2021
• P.~~! ~o ■ -•2
oco==:::::J
4
o~eet
roJect Location (Aerial)
RANCHO CARRILLO HOA SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
Figure 3
C) Slope Repair Work Area
(=) Survey Area
---➔ Suggested Temporary Access
0-Photo Location
■ Existing Culvert
Existing Concrete V-ditch
Existing Concrete V-ditch (To Be Replaced)
------
Vegetation
C) Southern Willow Scrub
C) Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
~ Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub -Rhus Dominated
C) Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub -Disturbed
Urban/Developed
Aerial Photo: Nearmap 2021 Existing Vegetation Communities and Proposed Slope Repair
• PSl~Cf. ~ '---=30==::::::J6
°Feet
RANCHO CARRILLO HOA SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
Figure 4
ATTACHMENT 2
Representative Project Site Photographs
Photograph 1. Damaged concrete v-ditch, and jute netting and gravel bags stabilizing slope
erosion in disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub within proposed work area (Facing west;
August 26, 2021).
~ ~
Photograph 2. Damaged concrete v-ditch, and jute netting and gravel bags stabilizing slope
erosion in disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub within proposed work area (Facing northwest;
August 26, 2021 ).
Photograph 3. Damaged concrete v-ditch, and jute netting and gravel bags stabilizing slope
erosion in disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub within proposed work area (Facing west;
August 26, 2021 ).
Photograph 4. Damaged concrete v-ditch, and jute netting and gravel bags stabilizing slope
erosion in disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub within proposed work area (Facing east; August
26, 2021 ).
Photograph 5. Suggested access point through landscaped vegetation to proposed work area
(Facing north; August 26, 2021 ).
'J
Photograph 6. Concrete v-ditch downslope, west, and outside of proposed work area (Facing
southwest; August 26, 2021 ).
Photograph 7. Concrete v-ditch downslope, west, and outside of proposed work area in
background (Facing east; August 26, 2021 ) .
.. . ~·. . il .. !&' •
Photograph 8. Diegan coastal sage scrub north of proposed work area (Facing southwest;
August 26, 2021 ).
ATTACHMENT 3
Plant Species Observed in Survey Area
Attachment 3: Plant Species Observed in Survey Area
Family Scientific Name*•
Agavaceae Agavesp.*
Aizoaceae Carpobrotus edu/is*
Anacardiaceae Ma/osma laurina
Anacardiaceae Rhus integrifo/ia
Anacardiaceae Schinus mo/le*
Apiaceae Foeniculum vu/gare*
Apocynaceae Carissa macrocarpa *
Apocynaceae Nerium oleander*
Araucariaceae Araucaria araucana*
Arecaceae Washingtonia robusta *
Asteraceae Ambrosia psilostachya
Asteraceae Artemisia californica
Asteraceae Baccharis pilularis
Boraginaceae Echium candicans*
Caprifoliaceae Lonicera sp.*
Chenopodiaceae Sa/sofa tragus*
Fabaceae Acacia sp.*
Fagaceae Quercus agrifo/ia var. agrifo/ia
Lamiaceae Salvia mellifera
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sp.*
Plumbaginaceae Plumbago auriculata*
Poaceae Bromus diandrus*
Poaceae Bromus rubens*
Poaceae Cortaderia selloana*
Polygonaceae Eriogonum fascicu/atum ssp.
fasciculatum
Rosaceae Heterome/es arbutifolia
Salicaceae Salix lasiolepis
*Non-native species
Vegetation Community
CSS: Diegan coastal sage scrub
CSS-R: restored Diegan coastal sage scrub
CSS-D: disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub
SWS: southern willow scrub
DEV: urban/developed
Common Name Vegetation
Community
agave DEV
hottentot-fig CSS-D, DEV
laurel sumac CSS, DEV, CSS-R,
CSS-D
lemonadeberry CSS, DEV, CSS-R,
CSS-D
Peruvian pepper tree CSS-D, DEV
fennel CSS, CSS-D, DEV
natal plum CSS-D, DEV
oleander DEV
monkey puzzle tree DEV
Mexican fan palm DEV
western ragweed CSS-D, DEV
California sagebrush CSS, CSS-R, CSS-
D,DEV
coyote brush CSS, CSS-R, CSS-
D,DEV
pride-of-Madeira CSS-D, DEV
honeysuckle CSS, CSS-D
Russian thistle DEV
acacia CSS-D, DEV
coast live oak DEV
black sage CSS, CSS-D
eucalyptus CSS, CSS-D, DEV
cape leadwort DEV
common ripgut grass CSS-D, DEV
red brome CSS-D
white pampas grass CSS, CSS-R, CSS-
D, SWS, DEV
California buckwheat CSS, CSS-D
toyon CSS, CSS-R, CSS-
D,DEV
arroyo willow sws
·,
ATTACHMENT 4
Wildlife Species Detected in Survey Area
Attachment 4: Wildlife S ecies Detected in Surve Area
REPTILES
Squamata
Phrynosomatidae Sceloporus western fence lizard occidentalis
BIRDS
Apodiformes
Trochilidae Ca/ypte anna Anna's hummingbird
Columbiformes
Columbidae Co/umba livia rock pigeon
Zenaida macroura mourning dove
Passeriformes
Aegithalidae Psaltriparus minimus bushtit
Aphe/ocoma
californica California scrub-jay
Corvidaea
Corvus American crow brach rh nchos
Fringlllidae Haemorhous house finch mexicanus
Mimidae Mimus po/yg/ottos northern mockingbird
Passerellidae Me/ospiza melodia song sparrow
Me/ozone crissalis California towhee
Troglodytidae Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's wren
Tyrannidae Sayornis nigricans black phoebe
')
ATTACHMENT 5
Draft Conceptual Restoration Plan
•
~ ...... .............
eJ i:,,.,.,. St
C;> Slope Repair Work Area
---➔ Suggested Temporary Access
■ Existing Culvert
Existing Concrete V-ditch
Existing Concret e V-ditch
(To Be Replaced)
,.,,,
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Vegetation
~ Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
C=> Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub -Rhus Dominated
~ Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub -Disturbed
0 Urban/Developed
.ti 2Sl~! 0, 15 "es,
Coastal Sage Scrub Container Plants
Species Name Common Name Center {feet) % Composition
Artemisia califomica California sagebrush 4 10
Baccharis pilularis coyote brush 4 10
Eriogonum fasciculatum California buckwheat 4 10
Heteromeles arbutifolia toyon 12 15
lsocoma menziesii coast goldenbush 4 10
Malosma laurina laurel sumac 12 15
Rhus integrifolia lemonade berry 12 20
Salvia mellifera black sage 4 10
Coastal Sage Scrub Seed Mixture
Species Name Common Name Density (lbs/acre)
Ambrosia psilostachya western ragweed 2
Deinandra fasciculata fascicled tarplant 5
Encelia californica California encelia 3
Eriogonum fasciculatum flat-top buckwheat 8
Eriophyllum confertif/orum var. confertiflorum golden-yarrow 4
Eschscholzia califomica California poppy 4
lsocoma menziesii var. menziesii golden bush 2
Leymus condensatus giant ryegrass 2
Lupinus hirsutissimus stinging lupine 3
Lotus scoparius var. scoparius coastal deerweed 6
Phacelia cicutaria phacelia 2
Pseudognaphalium beneolens fragrant everlasting 3
Stipa (Nassel/a) pulchra purple needlegrass 4
Verbena lasiostachys western vervain 2
Total 50
* The goal of the restoration is not only to stabilize the slope but also to mimic the surrounding
habitat. As such, container plant and seed mixture species and quantities presented above are
preliminary and would be finalized prior to implementation to be consistent with the species and
quantities present in the existing surrounding vegetation.
The approximately 0.104-acre Restoration Area will be restored with coastal sage scrub
container plants and seed mixture to mimic the surrounding vegetation communities.
The container plant list and seed mixture will be finalized in the Final Restoration P Ian
but are anticipated to contain the species and proportions included in this Conceptual
Restoration Plan. Container plants shall be 1 -gallon.
Plant Installation: A City-approved, qualified Restoration
Contractor must perform the plant installation. Above ground
temporary irrigation will be installed within the Restoration Area to
facilitate the establishment of the plants. Plant installation must
occur during the rainy season and will be overseen by a qualified
Restoration Ecologist. Following the completion of the plant
installation, the Restoration Ecologist will provide written
documentation that the plant installation has been completed.
120-day Plant Establishment Period (PEP): The Restoration
Ecologist will provide twice monthly monitoring during the 120-day
PEP to identify any issues with plant establishment and recommend
maintenance and/or remedial measures (e.g., weed abatement,
erosion control, trash removal, predator control). At the end of the
PEP, the Restoration Contractor and Restoration Ecologist will
conduct a site evaluation to determine that all PEP success criteria
have been met. These success criteria will be finalized in the Final
Restoration Plan and typically include absence of invasive species,
low percent cover (typically 10 percent or less) of non-native
species, absence of trash, and no erosion control or vandalism
concerns. Following the completion of the PEP, the Restoration
Ecologist will provide written documentation that the PEP has been
completed.
5-year Maintenance & Monitoring Period: The Restoration
Ecologist will conduct qualitative and quantitative monitoring.
Qualitative monitoring will be conducted once quarterly during the
5-year maintenance and monitoring period or until the success
criteria are met. Qualitative monitoring will include checking for
signs of erosion and condition of erosion control devices, estimating
native and non-native vegetative cover, and photo-documentation.
The Restoration Ecologist will recommend and, if needed, oversee
maintenance/remedial activities. Quantitative monitoring will be
conducted once annually during the 5-year maintenance and
monitoring period or until the success criteria are met. Qualitative
monitoring will include estimating vegetation cover, species
composition, and photo-documentation from established vantage
points. Success criteria will be finalized in the Final Restoration
Plan and will include measures for absence of invasive species;
absence of trash/vandalism; percent cover requirements for non-
native species, native species, and species richness; and
survivorship without artificial watering. Annual reports summarizing
the monitoring efforts, results, remedial/maintenance efforts, and
other relevant information will be prepared by the Restoration
Ecologist. Once the success criteria have been met, the
Restoration Ecologist will prepare a final report documenting that
the Restoration Area has successfully met the requirements.
Long-term Maintenance & Management: Long-term maintenance
and management of the Restoration Area will be the responsibility
of the Rancho Carrillo Homeowners' Association, and this area will
be managed with the adjacent areas also located in Linkage Area
D .
Conceptual Restoration Plan
RANCHO CARRILLO HOA SLOPE REPAIR PROJECT
ATTACHMENT 6
Summary of Preparer's Qualifications
Darin A. Busby, Principal Biologist
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Mr. Busby has over 26 years of biological experience in the fields of wildlife research and
education, and environmental consulting. His primary areas of expertise include conducting
focused surveys and monitoring for a variety of state-and federally listed sensitive plant,
invertebrate, amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal species; evaluating impacts to sensitive
biological resources; conducting both general and species-specific habitat assessments;
designing, implementing, and managing field studies for general biological surveys and
large-scale baseline ecological studies; performing wildlife movement studies; and
conducting jurisdictional wetland delineations. In addition, Mr. Busby has experience
preparing a variety of technical reports; managing project databases; and mapping with
Global Positioning Systems.
Mr. Busby is knowledgeable of local, state, and federal regulatory requirements, including
the City of San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Program and Multi-Habitat Planning
Area, County of San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Program, North County Multiple
Habitat Conservation Program and Subarea Plans, California Environmental Quality Act,
California Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and the federal
Endangered Species Act. He has worked on projects for a variety of clients, including
government agencies, utility companies, military installations, and private landowners and
developers, as well as local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.
PERMITS/CERTIFICATIONS/AUTHORIZATIONS
• USFWS Permit (#115373) -Approved to survey for and monitor nests of coastal
California gnatcatcher, survey for Quino checkerspot butterfly, and survey for all
California vernal pool branchiopods (fairy shrimp)
• USFWS Approval -Survey and monitor for desert tortoise, handle and monitor for
arroyo toad
• CDFG Scientific Collecting Permit (#006243) -Approved to survey for insects,
herpetofauna, birds, small mammals, and plants
• CDFG Memorandum of Understanding (#006243) -Approved to survey for
California black rail
• BLM -Approved to survey for and handle flat-tailed horned lizard
• Willow Flycatcher Survey Training Workshop, Kern River Preserve, 2003
• Certification in Wetland Delineation Techniques, Management, and Advanced
Hydric Soils.
• Federally, State, and Locally Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
EDUCATION
• B.S., Ecology & Evolution, University of California, Santa Barbara (1998)
• Wildlife Management Program, The School for Field Studies -Boston University,
Kenya, East Africa (1997)
Busby Biological Services, Inc. I 4629 Cass Street #192 I San Diego, California 92109