November 15, 2011

Nate Farnsworth Planner/Development Services Department City of Rancho Santa Margarita 22112 El Paseo Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688-2824

Subject: Chiquita Ridge Biological Assessment and Constraints Report

Dear Mr. Farnsworth:

This letter reports the methodology and results of a biological literature review, site visit, and a biological constraint assessment conducted for lands owned and managed by the City of Rancho Santa Margarita known as Chiquita Ridge. The Chiquita Ridge property encompasses 92-acres of mostly undeveloped lands located in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange County, California.

Site Location The Chiquita Ridge property (study site) is located in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita in Orange County, California (Figures 1 and 2). The study site is located within Township 6 South, Range 7 West, Section 33 as mapped on the Canada Gobernadora, California U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute quadrangle (USGS 1997). Specifically, the site is located southeast of the intersection of Tijeras Creek Road and Antonio Parkway and is immediately south of Canada Vista Park.

Regulatory Setting Regulatory setting as presented in the Attachment A refers to potentially applicable laws, regulations, and policies that provide protection to biological resources and pose requirements on project proponents when potentially affecting such resources. In terms of biology, these laws, regulations, and policies are enforced by responsible and trustee agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and CDFG, as well as local jurisdictions and habitat conservation plans such as the County of Orange and the Orange County Southern Subregion Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP). These laws, regulations, and policies were developed to protect special-status and other sensitive biological resources including but not limited to plants, wildlife, wetlands, streams and rivers and their associated riparian areas and other upland plant communities afforded special protection such as coastal sage scrub. A brief review of applicable laws, regulations, and policies considered here in the context of future development of the property is provided in Attachment A.

Home Gardens Placentia Yorba Linda Woodcrest 91 SantaSanta AnaAna RiverRiver Anaheim 91 Corona Walnut Canyon Reservoir Olive Hills Reservoir El Cerrito LakeLake MathewsMathews

Villa Park

Orange Flood Control Basin Irvine Reg Park Lake Orange Irvine Reg Park Lake PetersPeters CanyonCanyon ReservoirReservoir 22 IrvineIrvine LakeLake 241 15 55 Tustin Foothills TemescalTemescal WashWash 5 55

LeeLee LakeLake Santa Ana 261 Tustin Rattlesnake Reservoir 261 SiphonSiphon ReservoirReservoir Heritage Park Lake 241 Cleveland National Forest 133 LambertLambert ReservoirReservoir Foothill Ranch Lake Elsinore Costa Mesa North Lake Portola Hills 241 SanSan DiegoDiego CreekCreek Irvine Lake Elsinore Upper Oso Reservoir Lake Elsinore William R Mason Reg Park Lake 405 Lake Forest LakeLake SantaSanta MargaritaMargarita SandSand CanyonCanyon ReservoirReservoir Study Site Lakeland Village Reservoir LagunaLaguna ReservoirReservoir LakeLake MissionMission ViejoViejoRancho Santa Margarita Newport Beach VeehVeeh ReservoirReservoir ElEl ToroToro ReservoirReservoir San Joaquin Hills Laguna Woods BarbarasBarbaras LakeLake Mission Viejo

Newport Coast Laguna Hills Coto de Caza 74 Las Flores Crystal Cove State Park Aliso Viejo

EmeraldEmerald BayBay Sulphur Creek Reservoir Crescent BayLaguna Beach Sulphur Creek Reservoir 73 1 Laguna Niguel Woods Cove

San Juan Capistrano Lake SanSan JuanJuan CreekCreek Lake

5

Doheny State BeachPalisadesPalisades ReservoirReservoir EastEast BasinBasin Dana Point Harbor Kern Dana Point San Clemente Case Springs Lake

San Bernardino Los Angeles

San Clemente State Beach Riverside Orange

0 2.5 5

P a c i f i c San Diego Miles O c e a n Source: ESRI StreetMap North America (2008) PacificPacific OceanOcean USA MEXICO

K:\Irvine\GIS\Projects\City_of_Rancho_Santa_Margarita\00794_11\mapdoc\RRFigure_1_chaquita_ridge_1122011.mxd) PulgasPulgas LakeLake Figure 1 Regional Vicinity Map Chiquita Ridge Iwata

Legend Bella Charca Study Site Boundary Amantes Estero

Verde Alondra Pinzon Sagrado

Villena

Skyline Empanada Pomelo

Helena Telura

Casanal

La Noche Olympiad Rd

Sillero Reata

Botorrita Sendero Regato

Tijeras Creek

Antonio Pky

Woodsong

0 250 500 1,000

Feet Source: Digital Globe Imagery CrestviewDr (2008)

MeanderingTrl K:\Irvine\GIS\Projects\City_of_Rancho_Santa_Margarita\00794_11\mapdoc\RRFigure_2_chaquita_ridge_1122011.mxd & RR (11-03-11) SS K:\Irvine\GIS\Projects\City_of_Rancho_Santa_Margarita\00794_11\mapdoc\RRFigure_2_chaquita_ridge_1122011.mxd Oso Pky Figure 2 Study Site Boundary Chiquita Ridge City of Rancho Santa Margarita November 15, 2011 Page 2 of 12 Methodology Literature Review Potential biological resource issues within the area of the study site were identified through a review of existing information, including a search of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) database and California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). A query of the CNPS database and CNDDB included the following USGS 7.5-minute California quadrangles: Canada Gobernadora, and surrounding quadrangles: Santiago Peak, Alberhill, Sitton Peak, Margarita Peak, San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, and El Toro. Attachment B provides a list of special-status species and communities reported in the databases for these quadrangles.

Additional information reviewed included the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey (NRCS 2011) the latest USFWS critical habitat maps were reviewed for the study site. Field Investigation On October 26, 2011, ICF International staff biologists Phillip Richards and Paul Schwartz conducted a general biological reconnaissance of the study site. The site visit was conducted between 1238 and 1703 hours with weather conditions consisting of clear skies, temperatures ranging from 68 Fahrenheit (F) to 71 F, and winds ranging from 0 to 3 miles per hour (mph). The survey was performed by walking meandering transects throughout the study site. During the site visit, all ˚ plant and wildlife species˚ observed were recorded in field notes. Plants were detected and identified through direct sight based on previous experience with the species or using the Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of California (Hickman 1993). Nomenclature and common names were taken from The Vascular Plants of Orange County, California, an Annotated Checklist (Roberts 2008). Special-status rankings for plant species were identified through a review of the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) Special Plants, Bryophytes and Lichens List (CDFG 2011b). Wildlife species were detected by sight, calls, tracks, scat, or other sign. Special-status rankings for wildlife were identified through a review of the CDFG Special Animals List (CDFG 2011c). Unless otherwise stated, plant communities were mapped in accordance with the Orange County Habitat Classification System (OCHCS) (County of Orange 1992) which is based on the Preliminary Description of the Terrestrial Natural Communities (Holland 1986). Vegetation mapping was conducted in the field using a recent aerial photograph at a scale of approximately 1 inch = 300 feet. Observed plant and animal species observed are listed in Attachment C. Representative photographs are provided in Attachment D.

Results Topography and Land Use The study site is in a mostly open area located between Antonio Parkway to the west, the 241 Toll Road to the east, and Canada Vista Park to the north. The only development on the study site City of Rancho Santa Margarita November 15, 2011 Page 3 of 12

consists of a paved road (accessed from Antonio Parkway), a large municipal water storage tank, and one single story ancillary structure. The developed portion of the study site is located near the center of the site and is completely surrounded by a chain-linked fence. The remainder of the site is undeveloped open space comprised of a mix of ridges and shallow canyons supporting a mixture of grasslands and coastal sage scrub. Several earthen drainage features are located on the site, including two primary ephemeral drainage features which convey flows east to west and off-site under Antonio Parkway into Tijeras Creek. The elevation of the site ranges from approximately 680 to 1,000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL). Soils According to the USDA NRCS soil survey, the soils associations located on and/or adjacent to the study site include the following: Bosanko Clay-9 to 15 percent slopes, Bosanko Clay-15 to 30 percent slopes, Bosanko Clay-30 to 50 percent slopes, Bosanko-Balcom Complex-15 to 30 percent slopes, Botella Clay Loam-2 to 9 percent slopes, Botella Clay Loam-9 to 15 percent slopes, Calleguas Clay Loam-50 to 75 percent slopes-eroded, Cieneba Sandy Loam-30 to 75 percent slopes-eroded, and Soboba Gravelly Loamy Sand-0 to 5 percent slopes. Plant Communities Plant communities mapped within the study site include: Developed, Cleared/Graded, Annual Grassland, California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub/Southern Coastal Needlegrass Grassland, California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub, and Mulefat Scrub. Figure 3 depicts the distribution of vegetation communities throughout the study site. Table 1 summarizes the approximate acreages of the vegetation communities mapped within the study site.

Table 1. Plant Communities

Abbreviation Vegetation Square Feet Acres DEV Developed Area (OCHCS 15.6) 75,539 1.7 CL/GR Cleared/Graded (OCHCS 16.1) 21,878 0.5 AG Annual Grassland (OCHCS 4.1) 2,766,316 63.5 CS-CBS/SCNG California Sagebrush – California 58,977 1.4 Buckwheat Scrub/ Southern Coastal Needlegrass Grassland (OCHCS 2.3.1/4.3) CS-CBS California Sagebrush – California 1,329,153 30.5 Buckwheat Scrub (OCHCS 2.3.1) MFS Mulefat Scrub (OCHCS 7.3) 25,299 0.6

The following describes the characteristics observed in the field of the vegetation communities supported on the study site.

n o y n a C o l o e d a m t o ante n illav P V a c a a n r n E a Legend e p l e e m g a H ra L e Study Site Boundary i M n

i l Telura y Potential Jurisdictional Feature k

S Vegetation Communities o iz r ll e Te Entrada Developed Area d n

e Cleared/Graded S

Annual Grassland

o

r

a California Sagebrush – e l t l i a

e o s S i r California Buckwheat Scrub/ R e V d n o o Southern Coastal Needlegrass t e y e o t a S r n g r e e Grassland A u R F

Ca California Sagebrush/ Ri lim a R b od a California Buckwheat Scrub aja

Mulefat Scrub k Cree ras ije T D r ive wa y

ek re C s ra je Ti )

1 y

1 k

- P

3 io

0 n - to

1 n

1 A ( AÎE S S

&

R R

d x m . 1 1 0 2 1 1 1 _ e g d i r _ a t i u q a h c _ 3 _ e r u g i F \ c o d p a m \ 1 1 _ 4 9 7 0 0 \ a t i r a g r a M _ a t n a S _

o

h e

c l

n a a v R n _ f e o e _ r y

t i G

C g \ n s ± t o c 0 125250 500 750 d e s j o

o d o r o P

\ w o

S Feet o I W d G

\ Source: Digital Globe Imagern y a

e n e n L e n i (2008L) L v g e k M r l

I d d

\ o i d a : o o d K R o d o r r o e R b k n w v r w e e w e l k o r o l o l g i l C c l C i Figure 3 o n S c A u a b W a T Tr Vegetation Communities Chiquita Ridge City of Rancho Santa Margarita November 15, 2011 Page 4 of 12

Developed Area (OCHCS 15.6) Developed areas within the study site include a paved access road, one municipal water storage tank, and one single story ancillary structure. In terms of vegetation cover, areas mapped as Developed support little to no vegetation.

Cleared/Graded (OCHCS 16.1) Cleared/Graded areas within the study site are mostly bare ground with a low percent cover of mostly ruderal (weedy) plants such as telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora), red-stemmed filaree (Erodium cicutarium), red brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), and scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis).

Annual Grassland (OCHCS 4.1) Areas mapped as Annual Grassland/Southern Coastal Needlegrass Grassland within the study site are characterized by a dense cover of grasses, forbs, and contain scattered individuals of native shrubs. Dominant species within the this vegetation community consist of Artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus ssp. flavescens), western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), California aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia), oat grass (Avena sp.), red brome, purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra), black mustard (Brassica nigra) and dove weed (Croton setiger). There are also scattered individuals and clusters of shrubs including California coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica), California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), horehound (Marrubium vulgare) and deerweed (Acmispon glaber). Other species found within this grassland community include miniature lupine (Lupinus bicolor), ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), scarlet pimpernel, Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus), telegraph weed, blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), common goldenstar (Bloomeria crocea), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), and narrow-leaved milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis). Purple needlegrass is a native bunch grass species observed in varying densities within this vegetation community. It should be noted that grassland communities consisting of 10% or more percent cover of native grasses would by definition of OCHCS qualify as a Southern Coastal Needlegrass Grassland (a.k.a. Valley Needlegrass Grassland) which is ranked by CDFG as a special- status vegetation community (or depleted natural plant community). Quantification of percent cover of native grasses was not conducted as part of this study; however, it is likely that portions of the study site, currently mapped as Annual Grassland, would classify as Southern Coastal Needlegrass Grassland.

California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub (OCHCS 2.3.1) Areas mapped as California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub within the study site are characterized by a dominance of mesophyllous drought deciduous shrubs including California sagebrush , California aster, California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), black sage (Salvia mellifera), California fuschia (Epilobium canum ssp. canum), coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis), white sage (Salvia apiana), narrow-leaved bedstraw (Galium angustifolia) and deerweed. Additional plants include scattered individuals of California coffeeberry, laurel sumac (Malosma laurina) and lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia). Dominant forbs, herbs and grasses found in this area include City of Rancho Santa Margarita November 15, 2011 Page 5 of 12

miniature lupine, Douglas’s nightshade (Solanum douglasii), coast Indian paintbrush (Castilleja affinis ssp. affinis), smilo grass, purple needlegrass, and scarlet pimpernel.

California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub/ Southern Coastal Needlegrass Grassland (OCHCS 2.3.1/4.3) Areas mapped as California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub/ Southern Coastal Needlegrass Grassland are characterized by a dense cover of annual grasses and forbs typical of the above described Annual Grassland/Southern Coastal Needlegrass Grassland as well as a substantial cover of species indicative of the above described California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub community. Dominant shrubs within this community include an open cover of sage scrub and grassland species and is dominated by California Sagebrush, California aster, California buckwheat, black sage, coyote bush, deerweed, Artichoke thistle, Italian thistle, horehound, oat grass, blue-eyed grass, field bindweed, ripgut brome, smilo grass (Piptatherum miliaceum), purple needlegrass, and scarlet pimpernel.

Mulefat Scrub (OCHCS 7.3) The mule fat scrub mapped on site is dominated by mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia) and Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana). Additional plants in this community include scattered individuals of coyote bush, and California coffeeberry. Wildlife Twenty-seven species of wildlife were detected during the site visit. Of the species observed, there are 24 birds and two mammals and one reptile species.

Species observed include regionally common species such as house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus helleri), California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis), Western Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica), and California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi). In addition, one special-status bird was detected – northern harrier (Circus cyaneus). The northern harrier is designated as a California Species of Concern (CSC) by CDFG. Attachment C lists all of the wildlife species detected during the site visit. Special Status Biological Resources There are 95 special-status species (57 plant and 38 animal species) reported as occurring in the vicinity of the study site. In addition, 10 vegetation communities defined as “depleted natural plant communities” are reported. Detailed information regarding habitat requirements for these special- status species and an assessment regarding the potential for these species and sensitive vegetation communities to occur on the study site are provided in Attachment A.

Special-Status Plant Species No special status plant species were observed in the study area during the site visit. Fifty-seven special-status plant species are reported as occurring in the vicinity of the study site. Of these 57 City of Rancho Santa Margarita November 15, 2011 Page 6 of 12

special-status plant species, 9 are special-status listed (federally and/or state) species and the remaining 48 are special-status non-listed species ranked by CNPS. The CNPS ranking of plant rareness is currently referred to as California Rare Plant Rank or CRPR.

Based on site conditions, vegetation communities present, soils, and species range, one special- status listed plant, thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea fillifolia, federally threatened, state endangered), and 12 special-status non-listed plant species were determined to have a potential to occur on the study site. The 12 special-status non-listed plant species include Coulter’s saltbush (Atriplex coulteri, 1B.2), Orcutt’s brodiaea (Brodiaea orcuttii, 1B.1), round-leaved filaree (California macrophylla, 1B.1), Catalina mariposa lily (Calochortus catalinae, 4.2), intermediate mariposa lily (Calochortus weedii var. intermedius, 1B.2), long-spined spineflower (Chorizanthe polygonoides var. longispina, 1B.2), many-stemmed dudleya (Dudleya multicaulis, 1B.2), Palmer’s grappling hook (Harpagonella palmeri, 4.2), Robinson’s peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii, 1B.2), Allen’s pentachaeta (Pentachaeta aurea ssp. allenii, 1B.1), white rabbit tobacco (Pseudognaphalium leucocephalum, 2.2), and California screw moss (Tortula californica, 1B.2).

Special-Status Wildlife Species Thirty-eight special-status wildlife species are reported as occurring in the vicinity of the study site. Of these 38 special-status wildlife species, 10 are special-status listed (federally and/or state) species and the remaining 28 are special-status non-listed species designated as California Species of Concern by CDFG.

Based on site conditions, vegetation communities, urban pressures, and species range, two special- status listed animal species, coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica, federally threatened) and least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus, federal and state endangered), and 20 special-status non-listed wildlife species were determined to have the potential to occur on the study site. The 20 special-status non-listed animal species include orange-throated whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythra), northern red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber ruber), Coronado Island skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus interparietalis), California mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata pulchra), coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillei), coast patch-nosed snake (Salvadora hexalepis virgultea), two-striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondii), grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), coastal cactus wren (Campylorhynchus Brunneicapillus), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens), pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), Mexican long-tongued bat (Choeronycteris Mexicana), western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus), western red bat (Lasiurus blossevillii), pocketed free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops femorosaccus), Dulzura pocket mouse (Chaetodipus californicus femoralis), Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax), and San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia).

Depleted Natural Plant Communities Ten depleted natural plant communities are reported as occurring in the regional vicinity of the study site and include the following: Canyon Live Oak Ravine Forest, Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest, Southern Coastal Salt Marsh, Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest, City of Rancho Santa Margarita November 15, 2011 Page 7 of 12

Southern Dune Scrub, Southern Foredunes, Southern Mixed Riparian Forest, Southern Riparian Scrub, Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland, and Valley Needlegrass Grassland. Of these 10 vegetation communities, only one – Valley Needlegrass Grassland – may occur on the study site.

Approximately 63.5 acres Annual Grassland have been identified in this report; however, as previously mentioned, purple needlegrass, a native bunch grass species, was observed in varying densities within this Annual Grassland vegetation community. It should be noted that grassland communities consisting of 10% or more percent cover of native grasses would by definition of OCHCS qualify as a Southern Coastal Needlegrass Grassland (or equivalent to Valley Needlegrass Grassland) which is ranked by CDFG as a special-status vegetation community (or depleted natural plant community).

Other Biological Resources In addition to special-status species and communities, other resources may provide special functions and values supporting the integrity of plant and animal populations at varied scales. Often these types of resources, such as wetlands and other hydrological features, are afforded protection under existing laws or through resource agency reviews of proposed actions. These types of resources are addressed here.

Raptor Nesting and Foraging Southern California supports a relatively high diversity of birds of prey (or “raptors”; orders Falconiformes [hawks, falcons, and eagles] and Strigiformes [owls]) compared to most temperate areas, and many of these species are in regional and/or rangewide decline. For most of the declining species, foraging requirements include extensive open grassland and scrub that is undisturbed or only lightly disturbed and provide an adequate prey base. Nesting site requirements include not only a suitable site for a nest, but limited disturbance, protection from nest predators, and productive foraging habitat that is sufficiently nearby. Both suitable foraging and suitable nest sites have declined severely in the region, especially for specialists such as falcons, eagles, and ground nesting species such as northern harrier and burrowing owl. In contrast, ecological generalist raptor species such as Cooper’s hawk, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, great horned owl, and barn owl have frequently benefited from man’s alteration of the landscape.

Several raptor species including northern harrier, red-tailed hawk, and American kestrel were observed foraging on the study site during the site visit. Since the study site is comprised of grass and shrub lands and ample raptor nesting habitat is available throughout the general area, the raptor foraging habitat on-site is considered high quality.

Federal and State Jurisdictional Waters, Wetlands, and Streambeds The study site contains several drainage features that convey flows into Tierjas Creek (Figure 3). These features and any associated riparian habitat may potentially be under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)- Santa Ana Region and CDFG. Potential impacts to these resources will need to be addressed through the USACE Section 404, RWQCB Section 401, and CDFG Section 1602 Streambed Alteration City of Rancho Santa Margarita November 15, 2011 Page 8 of 12

Agreement permitting processes. Attachment A provides a synopsis of the regulatory framework for these resources.

Trees Subject to the City of RSM Tree Preservation Ordinance The study site contains a few individual coast live oak trees (Quercus agrifolia). The City of Rancho Santa Margarita Municipal Code Section 7.04.050: Tree Protection, states the following: “No tree owned and maintained by the City shall be removed from public rights of way, parks and/or other public places without cause, except in cases where the tree is diseased or the City determines that it is an issue of public safety, health or general welfare of the community. Any such tree shall be replaced with another tree of similar type”.

Designated Critical Habitat According to the USFWS Critical Habitat Portal (USFWS 2011), the study site is located within designated critical habitat for coastal California Gnatcatcher.

Habitat Linkages and Wildlife Corridors Habitat linkages are areas that provide a communication between two or more other habitat areas that are often larger or superior in quality to the linkage. Such linkage habitat can be quite small or constricted, but can be vital to the long-term health of connected habitats. Linkage values are often addressed in terms of “gene flow” between populations, with movement taking potentially many generations.

Corridors are similar to linkages, but provide specific opportunities for individual animals to disperse or migrate between areas, generally extensive but otherwise partially or wholly separated regions. Adequate cover and tolerably low levels of disturbance are common requirements for corridors. Habitat in corridors may be quite different than that in the connected areas, but if used by the wildlife species of interest, the corridor will still function as desired.

Given the extent of existing open space and position between two busy vehicular thoroughfares, Antonio Parkway and 241 Toll Road, the study site is expected to contribute to wildlife movement.

Conclusion and Recommendations Based on the results of the literature search and site visit, the following summarizes potential biological constraints associated with the Chiquita Ridge property. Special-Status Plant Species No special-status plants (listed or non-listed) were observed during the site visit; however, based on site conditions, vegetation communities present, soils, and species range, one special-status listed plant, thread-leaved brodiaea, and 12 special-status non-listed plant species were determined to have a potential to occur on the study site. The 12 special-status non-listed plant species include City of Rancho Santa Margarita November 15, 2011 Page 10 of 12 Depleted Natural Plant Communities Approximately 63.5 acres Annual Grassland have been identified in this report; however, purple needlegrass, a native bunch grass species, was observed in varying densities within this Annual Grassland vegetation community. By OCHCS definition, grassland communities consisting of 10% or more percent cover of native grasses would qualify as Southern Coastal Needlegrass Grassland (a.k.a. Valley Needlegrass Grassland) which is ranked by CDFG as a special-status vegetation community. Quantification of percent cover of native grasses was not conducted as part of this study; however, it is likely that portions of the study site, currently mapped as Annual Grassland, would classify as Southern Coastal Needlegrass Grassland. Because impacts to depleted natural plan communities may require a higher mitigation ratio, it is our recommendation that further studies be performed to more accurately map the composition and cover of grassland species. Designated Critical Habitat According to the USFWS Critical Habitat Portal (USFWS 2011), the study site is located within designated critical habitat for coastal California Gnatcatcher. As a result, it should be anticipated that consultation with USFWS will be required should development of the study site proceed. Raptor Foraging and Nesting Habitats The study site supports only a few trees with the potential to support raptor nesting. Potentially suitable trees for raptor nesting are located both immediately adjacent to the study site in Canada Vista Park as well as within the oak and riparian canopy associated with Tijeras Creek located to the west. To avoid impacts to nesting raptors, it is our recommendation that construction activities be scheduled outside the breeding season (February 15 through September 15).

Several raptor species including northern harrier, red-tailed hawk, and American kestrel were observed foraging on the study site during the site visit. Since the study site is comprised of grass and shrub lands and ample raptor nesting habitat is available throughout the general area, the raptor foraging habitat on-site is considered high quality. As such, compensation or mitigation for impacts to raptor foraging habitat should be anticipated should development of the study site proceed. Federal and State Jurisdictional Waters, Wetlands, and Streambeds Jurisdictional features are present within the study site. It is our recommendation that a jurisdictional delineation be conducted to characterize the drainage features on the study site. City of RSM Tree Preservation Ordinance Trees protected under the City of Rancho Santa Margarita’s tree preservation ordinance are supported on and adjacent to the project site; therefore, it is our recommendation that a tree survey be performed to properly account for these protected resources. City of Rancho Santa Margarita November 15, 2011 Page 9 of 12

Coulter’s saltbush, Orcutt’s brodiaea, round-leaved filaree, Catalina mariposa lily, intermediate mariposa lily, long-spined spineflower, many-stemmed dudleya, Palmer’s grappling hook, Robinson’s peppergrass, Allen’s pentachaeta, white rabbit tobacco, and California screw moss. Given that potentially suitable conditions for these species are located on the study site, it is our recommendation that focused presence/absence surveys be conducted for each of these species during the appropriate season when proper identification can be achieved. Special-Status Listed Animal Species Based on the presence of suitable habitat and local knowledge of the species in the region, it was determined that coastal California gnatcatcher and least Bell’s vireo may potentially occur on the study site. As a result, it is our recommendation that protocol focused presence/absence surveys be conducted for both species. Special-Status Non-Listed Animal Species Based on site conditions, vegetation communities, urban pressures, and species range, 20 special- status non-listed wildlife species were determined to have the potential to occur on the study site.

The following two non-listed species are judged to potentially occur on the study site, but only for incidental foraging and would not pose a potential constraint: northern harrier and pocketed free- tailed bat.

The following 17 non-listed species are judged to potentially occur on the study site: orange- throated whiptail, northern red-diamond rattlesnake, Coronado Island skink, California mountain kingsnake, coast horned lizard, coast patch-nosed snake, two-striped garter snake, grasshopper sparrow, burrowing owl, coastal cactus wren, yellow-breasted chat, pallid bat, Mexican long- tongued bat, western mastiff bat, western red bat, Dulzura pocket mouse, Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse, and San Diego desert woodrat. Further studies are recommended to determine presence/absence of each of these species and, if present, to establish a general understanding of the densities and distribution throughout the study site.

The study site provides suitable foraging habitat for burrowing owl as well as suitable potential burrowing owl features in the form of California ground squirrel burrows. With that being said, in Orange County, populations of burrowing owls are fairly well known and no burrowing owls are reported as occurring in the general area. In addition, conditions at the time of the site visit suggests that the tall, dense herbaceous cover on the study site would likely preclude the species and if present, any individuals would likely be on site in a wintering/non-breeding capacity. Given the site conditions and the known status and distribution of this species in the County, protocol presence/absence surveys are not necessarily needed, but instead we recommend a pre- construction burrowing owl survey be conducted no later than 30 days prior to ground disturbing activities. City of Rancho Santa Margarita November 15, 2011 Page 11 of 12 Wildlife Corridors/Linkages Given the extent of existing open space and position between two busy vehicular thoroughfares, Antonio Parkway and 241 Toll Road, the study site is expected to contribute to wildlife movement. As future development plans become available it should be anticipated that analysis of impacts to wildlife movement will be required. Native Bird Species Impacts to nesting birds are a potential constraint to the future development of the study site. To avoid impacts to nesting birds, it is our recommendation that construction activities be scheduled outside the breeding season (February 15 through September 15); however, should activities be required during the breeding season, avoidance measures involving nest surveys, nest monitoring, and implementation of temporary construction exclusion buffers may be required.

Sincerely,

Korey Klutz Irvine and Los Angeles Biology Team Lead

Attachment A – Regulatory Setting Attachment B – Special-status Species List and Potential for Occurrence Table Attachment C – Observed Flora and Fauna Attachment D – Representative Photographs

Citations California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2011a. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch. Element reports for Canada Gobernadora, California USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle maps. Data date: October 2011.

California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2011b. Special Vascular, Bryophytes and Lichens List, October 2011. Sacramento, CA., City of Rancho Santa Margarita November 15, 2011 Page 12 of 12

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2011. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition, v8-01). California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA. Accessed on Tuesday, October 2011.

Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Waterways Experiment Station.

Hamilton, R. A., and D. R. Willick. 1996. The Birds of Orange County: Status and Distribution. Irvine, CA: Sea and Sage Press. 150+pp.

Hickman, J. C. (ed.). 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. 1,400 pp.

Holland, R. F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California. Sacramento, CA: Nongame-Heritage Program, California Dept. Fish and Game. 156 pp.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2011. Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Web Soil Survey. Available online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/ accessed October, 2011.

Roberts, F.M., Jr. 2008. The Vascular Plants of Orange County, California: An Annotated Checklist. San Luis Rey, CA., F.M. Roberts Publications.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency. 2007. Jurisdictional Determination Form Instructional Guidebook.

United States Geological Society (USGS). 1988. Canada Gobernadora, California [7.5-minute topographic map]. Reston, VA: U.S. Geological Survey. Color, revised 1997, scale 1:24,000. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Critical Habitat Portal. Department of the Interior. Available < http://criticalhabitat.fws.gov/crithab//> Accessed October 24, 2011. Attachment A Regulatory Setting

Federal Regulations

Clean Water Act The Clean Water Act (CWA) provides guidance for the restoration and maintenance of the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), USACE regulates the discharge (temporary or permanent) of dredged or fill material into Waters of the United States (WoUS), including wetlands. USACE issues Section 404 permits, including nationwide permit authorizations and individual permits, for activities that would affect WoUS.

Waters of the United States WoUS, as defined in Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) title 33, section 328.3, means: (1) All waters which are currently used, or were used in the past, or may be susceptible to use in interstate or foreign commerce, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide; (2) All interstate waters including interstate wetlands; (3) All other waters such as intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds, the use, degradation or destruction of which could affect interstate or foreign commerce including any such waters: (i) Which are or could be used by interstate or foreign travelers for recreational or other purposes; or (ii) From which fish or shellfish are or could be taken and sold in interstate or foreign commerce; or (iii) Which are used or could be used for industrial purpose by industries in interstate commerce; (4) All impoundments of waters otherwise defined as waters of the United States under the definition; (5) Tributaries of waters identified in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this section; (6) The territorial seas; (7) Wetlands adjacent to waters (other than waters that are themselves wetlands) identified in paragraphs (1) through (6) of this section. (8) Waters of the United States do not include prior converted cropland. Notwithstanding the determination of an area's status as prior converted cropland by any other Federal agency, for the purposes of the Clean Water Act, the final authority regarding Clean Water Act jurisdiction remains with EPA. Waste treatment systems, including treatment ponds or lagoons designed to meet the requirements of CWA (other than cooling ponds as defined in 40 CFR 423.11(m) which also meet the criteria of this definition) are not waters of the United States.

Frequently, a WoUS is demarcated by the ordinary high-water mark (OHWM), defined in CFR 328.3(e).

Regulatory guidance on the delineation of WoUS includes post-Rapanos guidance and requirements issued by USACE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) related to the Rapanos decision (USACE and EPA 2007), is described below.

Wetlands Three criteria must be satisfied to classify an area as a jurisdictional wetland (Environmental Laboratory 1987): 1) A predominance of plant life adapted to wet conditions (hydrophytic vegetation); 2) Soils that saturate, flood, or pond long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part (hydric soils); and 3) Permanent or periodic/seasonal inundation or soils saturation (wetland hydrology).

Rapanos Guidance USACE and EPA issued guidance related to the Rapanos decision on June 5, 2007. The guidance identifies those waters over which USACE and EPA will assert jurisdiction categorically and on a case-by-case basis. In summary, USACE will continue to assert jurisdiction over: 1) Traditional navigable waters (TNWs) and their adjacent wetlands, and 2) Non-navigable tributaries of TNWs that are relatively permanent and wetlands that directly abut such tributaries. Note: Relatively permanent waters (RPWs) do not include ephemeral tributaries, which flow only in response to precipitation, and intermittent streams, which do not typically flow year- round or have continuous flow at least seasonally (e.g., typically 3 months).

For non-RPWs, the agencies will determine whether a “significant nexus” exists using the data found in an Approved Jurisdictional Determination Form (described below). The significant nexus evaluation determines whether the existing functions of a non-RPW tributary affect the chemical, physical, and/or biological integrity of a downstream TNW. If a significant nexus exists, the agencies may assert jurisdiction over the following features: 3) Non-navigable ephemeral tributaries, wetlands adjacent to such tributaries, and wetlands adjacent to but that do not directly abut a relatively permanent, non-navigable tributary.

To assert the potentially jurisdictional features present on site, an approved jurisdictional determination (JD) or a preliminary JD must be sought from the USACE, as described below. Approved Jurisdictional Determinations An approved JD is an official USACE determination that jurisdictional or navigable WoUS are either present or absent on a particular site. The approved JD precisely identifies the limits of those waters on the project site. Approved JDs are documented in accordance with Regulatory Guidance Letter (RGL) 07-01 and require the use of the Approved JD Form (Rapanos form). Legally, an approved JD represents a USACE official determination that the JD’s findings are correct and is valid for 5 years (33 CFR Part 331). Under the Rapanos guidance, an approved JD is required for determinations for all “isolated” waters or wetlands and is subject to review by USACE and EPA.

Preliminary Jurisdictional Determinations Under RGL No. 08-02, dated June 26, 2008, USACE established the preliminary JD as an alternative to approved JDs. These determinations are non-binding written indication that there may be WoUS, including wetlands, on a project site and provide the location and acreage of such features. Preliminary JDs are used when a permit applicant elects to voluntarily waive questions regarding CWA jurisdiction, usually in the interest of expeditiously obtaining Section 404 authorization. A preliminary JD is not an official determination regarding the jurisdictional status of potentially jurisdictional features and has no bearing on approved JDs. A preliminary JD cannot be used to confirm the absence of jurisdictional waters or wetlands, is advisory in nature, and cannot be appealed.

A preliminary JD is documented using the preliminary jurisdictional determination form. For purposes of impact calculations, compensatory mitigation requirements, and other resource protection measures, a permit decision made on the basis of a preliminary JD treats all waters and wetlands that would be affected in any way, except by the permitted activity, as if they are jurisdictional. Although a preliminary JD may be chosen by the applicant, the district engineer reserves the right to use an approved JD where warranted.

2011 Draft CWA Guidance On April 27, 2011, the USACE and EPA issued draft guidance for determining jurisdiction under the CWA. The guidance supersedes the previous guidance from 2003 regarding SWANCC (68 Fed. Reg. 1991-1995) and 2007 Rapanos guidance. This document reiterated the guidance issued under the Rapanos decision, asserting that the following waters are protected by the CWA:

 Traditional navigable waters;

 Interstate waters;

 Wetlands adjacent to either traditional navigable waters or interstate waters;

 Non-navigable tributaries to traditional navigable waters that are relatively permanent (meaning they contain water at least seasonally); and

 Wetlands that directly abut relatively permanent waters.

The guidance further clarifies the criteria for defining TNWs, primarily consistent with previous guidance. In addition, a significant nexus evaluation is required for the “other waters” category of the regulations (see USACE Jurisdiction/Waters of the United States No. 3 above). The guidance divides these waters into two categories—those that are physically proximate to other jurisdictional and those that are not, and discusses how each category should be evaluated. Finally, the guidance reiterated that certain aquatic areas are generally not considered WoUS:

 Wet areas that are not tributaries or open waters and do not meet the agencies’ regulatory definition of “wetlands”;

 Waters excluded from coverage under the CWA by existing regulations;

 Waters that lack a “significant nexus” where one is required for a water to be protected by the CWA;

 Artificially irrigated areas that would revert to upland should irrigation cease;

 Artificial lakes or ponds created by excavating and/or diking dry land and used exclusively for such purposes as stock watering, irrigation, settling basins, or rice growing;

 Artificial reflecting pools or swimming pools created by excavating and/or diking dry land;

 Small ornamental waters created by excavating and/or diking dry land for primarily aesthetic reasons;

 Water-filled depressions created incidental to construction activity;

 Groundwater drained through subsurface drainage systems; and

 Erosional features (gullies and rills), and swales and ditches that are not tributaries or wetlands.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act This law, based on treaties with Great Britain (for Canada), Russia, Mexico, and Japan, makes it unlawful at any time, by any means, or in any manner, to pursue, hunt, take, capture, or kill migratory birds. The law applies to the removal of active nests of migratory birds. Migratory birds as defined under the act include most native birds in North America except galliformes and a few others (e.g., Wrentit, Chamaea fasciata). Permitted activities are allowed under USFWS regulations for hunting and for actions to prevent or minimize risks to human safety.

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act This act applies to any federal project where the waters of any stream or other body of water are impounded, diverted, deepened, or otherwise modified. Project proponents are required to consult with USFWS and the appropriate state wildlife agency. These agencies prepare reports and recommendations that document project effects on wildlife and identify measures that may be adopted to prevent loss or damage to wildlife resources. The term wildlife includes both animals and plants. Provisions of the act are implemented through the NEPA process and Section 404 permit process.

Federal Endangered Species Act Species listed as endangered and/or (in most cases) threatened by the USFWS under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) are protected under Section 9 of ESA, which forbids any person to “take” an endangered or threatened species. Take is defined in Section 3 of the ESA as “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.” The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1995 that the term “harm” includes destruction or modification of habitat. Sections 7 and 10 of the act may authorize “incidental take” for an otherwise lawful activity (a development project, for example) if it is determined that the activity would not jeopardize the species’ survival or recovery. Section 7 applies to projects where a federally listed species is present, and there is a federal nexus such as requirement for a CWA Section 404 permit (e.g., presence of waters of the United States). Section 7 requires federal agencies, in consultation with, and with the assistance of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as appropriate, to ensure that actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of threatened or endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat for these species. Section 10 applies when a federally listed species is present but no federal nexus is present.

State Regulations

California Fish and Game Code, Sections 1600-1616 The Fish and Game Code of California mandates that “it is unlawful for any person to substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow or substantially change the bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake designated by the department, or use any material from the streambeds, without first notifying the department of such activity.” CDFG jurisdiction includes ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial watercourses (including dry washes) and lakes characterized by the presence of 1) definable bed and banks and 2) existing fish or wildlife resources. Furthermore, CDFG jurisdiction is often extended to habitats adjacent to watercourses, such as oak woodlands in canyon bottoms or willow woodlands that function hydrologically as part of the riparian system. Historic court cases have further extended CDFG jurisdiction to include watercourses that seemingly disappear, but re- emerge elsewhere. Under the CDFG definition, a watercourse need not exhibit evidence of an OHWM to be claimed as jurisdiction.

Water features such as vernal pools and other seasonal swales, where the defined bed and bank are absent and the feature is not contiguous or closely adjacent to other jurisdictional features, are generally not asserted to fall within state jurisdiction. The state generally does not assert jurisdiction over human-made water bodies unless they are located where such natural features were previously located or (importantly) where they are contiguous with existing or prior natural jurisdictional areas.

Under recently revised Fish and Game Code Sections 1600–1616, the CDFG has authority to regulate work that will substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow of, or substantially change or use any material from the bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake. The CDFG also has authority to regulate work that will deposit or dispose of debris, waster, or other material containing crumbled, flaked, or ground pavement where it may pass into any river, stream, or lake. This regulation takes the form of a requirement for a Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement and is applicable to all nonfederal projects California Fully Protected Species The state of California first began to designate species as “fully protected” prior to the creation of the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Lists of fully protected species were initially developed to provide protection to those animals that were rare or faced possible extinction, and included fish, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals. Most fully protected species have since been listed as threatened or endangered under CESA and/or ESA. The regulations that implement the Fully Protected Species Statute (Fish and Game Code Section 4700) provide that fully protected species may not be taken or possessed at any time. Furthermore, CDFG prohibits any state agency from issuing incidental take permits for fully protected species, except for necessary scientific research.

California Endangered Species Act This act establishes the policy of the state to conserve, protect, restore, and enhance threatened or endangered species and their habitats. CESA mandates that state agencies should not approve projects that would jeopardize the continued existence of threatened or endangered species if reasonable and prudent alternatives are available that would avoid jeopardy. For projects that affect both a state- and federally listed species, compliance with the federal ESA will satisfy CESA if CDFG determines that the federal incidental take authorization is "consistent" with CESA under Fish and Game Code Section 2080.1. For projects that would result in a take of a state-only listed species, the project proponent must apply for a take permit under section 2081(b).

California Fish and Game Code (3503, 3503.5, 3505, 3800, 3801.6) These Fish and Game Code sections protect all native birds, birds of prey, and all nongame birds, including eggs and nests, that are not already listed as fully protected and which occur naturally within the state.

Native Plant Protection Act Provisions of the Native Plant Protection Act prohibit the taking of special-status plants from the wild and require notification of CDFG at least 10 days in advance of any change in land use. This allows CDFG to salvage listed plant species that would otherwise be destroyed.

Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act The RWQCB regulates actions that would involve “discharging waste, or proposing to discharge waste, with any region that could affect the water of the State” [Water Code 13260(a)], pursuant to provisions of the state Porter-Cologne Act. Waters of the State are defined as “any surface water or groundwater, including saline waters, within the boundaries of the state” [Water Code 13050 (e)]. Under the Porter-Cologne Act, the RWQCB regulates all such activities, as well as dredging, filling, or discharging materials into waters of the State, that are not regulated by the USACE due to a lack of connectivity with a navigable water body or lack of an OHWM.

Local Policies and Regulations

Orange County Southern Subregion NCCP/MSAA/HCP The proposed project is located within Sub Area 1 of the Natural Communities Conservation Plan/Master Streambed Alteration Agreement/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/MSAA/HCP) for the Southern Subregion of Orange County, which is managed by the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC). The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is not a designated “Participating Landowner” of the NCCP/MSAA/HCP. In addition, potential development of the “Chiquita Ridge Property” would not be considered a “Covered Activity” under the NCCP/MSAA/HCP. As such, coverage for potential or actual impacts to species covered by the NCCP/MSAA/HCP would not be extended to future development of the Chiquita Ridge property.

City of Rancho Santa Margarita General Plan City of Rancho Santa Margarita Municipal Code Sec. 7.04.050 Tree Protection states the following:

“No tree owned and maintained by the City shall be removed from public rights of way, parks and/or other public places without cause, except in cases where the tree is diseased or the City determines that it is an issue of public safety, health or general welfare of the community. Any such tree shall be replaced with another tree of similar type”.

Attachment B Special-Status Species Table

Attachment B

City of Rancho Santa Margarita – Chiquita Ridge Property

Special Status Species Potential of Occurrence

Flower Conservation Occurrence Special Status Plants Life Form and Habitat Comments Season Status Probability Considered Annual herb. Coastal scrub and mostly Fed: none Abronia villosa var. aurita January - Less than extirpated from broad alluvial fans and benches. Sandy State: none chaparral sand-verbena August Reasonable Orange County soils. Elevations from 260 to 5,250 feet. CRPR 1B.1 (Roberts 2008) Bulbiferous herb. Moist, grassy to bare openings within chaparral, coastal sage Species not known scrub, and cismontane woodland, often at Fed: END Allium munzii March - Less than to occur in Orange or near vernal pools, swales, or drainages. State: THR Munz’s onion May Reasonable County (Roberts Soil affinities include mesic clay and CRPR 1B.1 2008) gabbroic outcrops from 980 to 3,510 feet elevation. Perennial forb. Open habitats including drainages, terraces, upland clay slopes, Species not known alkaline playas, grasslands and on the Fed: END Ambrosia pumila April - Less than to occur in Orange margins of vernal pools. Soil affinities State: none San Diego ambrosia October Reasonable County (Roberts include coarse substrates, clays, and CRPR 1B.1 2008). alkaline areas from 70 to 1,400 feet elevation.

Suitable conditions Annual herb. Coastal scrub, coastal bluff Fed: none not present; found Aphanisma blitoides scrub, and coastal dunes areas at elevations March - Less than State: none only along the aphanisma up to 1,000 feet. June Reasonable CRPR 1B.2 immediate coast

(Roberts 2008).

Species not known Arctostaphylos Perennial shrub. Gabbro soils within Fed: none December - Less than to occur in Orange rainbowensis Chaparral from 700 to 2,600 feet State: none March Reasonable County (Roberts rainbow manzanita elevation. CRPR 1B.1 2008).

Perennial herb. Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, valley & foothill Site contains clay grassland. Soils are heavy, usually clays, soils, sage scrub and Fed: none Atriplex coulteri and often with some alkalinity. Tolerates March - valley and foothill State: none Low Coulter's saltbush some disturbance (e.g., light grazing) but October grasslands, however CRPR 1B.2 appears restricted to intact, natural the site lacks communities. Elevation range from 10 to alkaline affinities. 1,510 feet. Site is above known elevation range of species Only known Orange County Annual herb. Coastal bluff scrub, coastal Fed: none populations at San Atriplex pacifica dunes, coastal scrub, saltbush scrub, alkali March - Less than State: none Clemente State south coast saltscale grasslands, and alkali playas below 460 October Reasonable CRPR 1B.2 Beach. Believed feet elevation. extirpated from remainder of Orange County (Roberts 2008). Baccharis vanessae Deciduous shrub. Coastal scrub, chaparral, August - Fed: THR Less than Suitable habitat Flower Conservation Occurrence Special Status Plants Life Form and Habitat Comments Season Status Probability Encinitas baccharis cismontane woodland from 195-2,360 feet November State: END Reasonable present on site, elevation. CRPR 1B.1 however, this species is not known to occur in Orange County (Roberts 2008). Bulbiferous herb. Cismontane woodland, Fed: THR The site supports Brodiaea filifolia coastal scrub, playas, valley & foothill March - State: END Moderate suitable soils and thread-leaved brodiaea grassland, vernal pools. Clay soils. June CRPR 1B.1 habitat. Elevation range from 80-2,820 feet. Suitable habitat is Bulbiferous herb. Grasslands near streams, present, however, Fed: none Brodiaea orcuttii vernal pools, woodlands, chaparral and species not known May - June State: none Low Orcutt’s brodiaea coniferous forest. Clay and serpentine to occur in Orange CRPR 1B.1 soils below 5,300 feet elevation. County (Roberts 2008). Suitable soils not present on site. Fed: none Brodiaea santarosae Bulbiferous herb.Valley and foothill Less than Species not known May - June State: none Santa Rosa Basalt brodiaea grasslands with basaltic soil affinities. Reasonable to occur in Orange CRPR 3 County (Roberts 2008). Suitable habitat is present, however, Annual herb. Clay soils within cismontane Fed: none California macrophylla March - species not known woodland and valley and foothill grassland State: none Low round-leaved filaree May to occur in Orange from 490-3,935 feet elevation. CRPR 1B.1 County (Roberts 2008). Bulbiferous herb. Scrub, grassland, Fed: none Calochortus catalinae chaparral, and open woodland habitats. The site supports Feb – Jun State: none Moderate to High Catalina mariposa lily Often found in open areas and ridgelines suitable habitat CRPR 4.2 from about 50 to 2,300 feet elevation. Suitable habitat present on site, Bulbiferous herb. Scrub, grassland, however, this Fed: none Calochortus plummerae chaparral, and open woodland habitats in Less than species is not May – July State: none Plummer’s mariposa lily dry, rocky situations on granitic soils from Reasonable known to occur in CRPR 1B.2 about 328 to 5,576 feet elevation. southern Orange County (Roberts 2008). Bulbiferous herb. Dry chaparral, valley Calochortus weedii var. grassland and coastal sage scrub. It is Fed: none The site supports intermedius often on sandstone outcrops in areas from May – July State: none Moderate to High suitable habitat. intermediate mariposa lily about 590 to 2,805 feet elevation. Soil CRPR 1B.2 affinities include sandy or clay soils. Annual herb. Moist situations within annual grasslands, around the margins of Centromadia parryi ssp. Fed: none vernal pools, in alkaline meadows, and in May – Less than Site lacks suitable australis State: none brackish marshes and estuaries; also in November Reasonable habitat southern tarplant CRPR 1B.1 disturbed places at elevations up to at least 1,394 feet. Site lacks suitable Annual herb. Valley & foothill grassland, habitat, additionally, Centromadia pungens ssp. chenopod scrub, meadows, playas, riparian Fed: none April – Less than this subspecies is laevis woodland. Alkali meadow, alkali scrub; State: none September Reasonable not known to occur smooth tarplant also in disturbed places. Elevation range 0- CRPR 1B.1 in Orange County 1,574 feet. (Roberts 2008). Chaenactis glabriuscula Annual herb. Sandy areas on coastal bluffs Fed: none Site lacks coastal January - Less than var. orcuttiana and within coastal dunes from 10 to 300 State: none bluff and dune August Reasonable Orcutt’s pincushion feet elevation. CRPR 1B.1 habitat. Chorizanthe polygonoides Annual herb. Grasslands, coastal sage April – Fed: none Moderate Site supports Flower Conservation Occurrence Special Status Plants Life Form and Habitat Comments Season Status Probability var. longispina scrub and chaparral communities, often June State: none suitable habitat and long-spined spineflower with clay soils from about 95 to 4,755 feet CRPR 1B.2 contains clay soils. elevation. Site lacks suitable Comarostaphylis Fed: none Evergreen shrub. Chaparral from 100 to April - chaparral habitat. diversifolia ssp. diversifolia State: none Confirmed Absent 1,800 feet elevation. June Conspicuous shrub summer holly CRPR 1B.2 not observed Site lacks suitable Annual herb. Chaparral, coastal scrub hydrology and Fed: END Dodecahema leptoceras (alluvial fan sage scrub). Flood deposited April – Less than habitat. This species State: END slender-horned spineflower terraces & washes. Elevation range 656- June Reasonable is not known to CRPR 1B.1 2,493 feet. occur in the County (Roberts 2008). Site lacks suitable habitat. In Orange County, historically Dudleya blochmaniae Perennial herb. Dry rocky or stony places Fed: none known to occur April - Less than ssp.blochmaniae within annual grassland and coastal sage State: none from the coastal June Reasonable Blochman’s dudleya scrub below 1,500 feet elevation. CRPR 1B.1 region: Salt Creek south to San Clemente (Roberts 2008). Site lacks suitable habitat. Known Perennial herb. Shaded rocky slopes on Dudleya cymosa ssp. Fed: THR only from one volcanic soils in chaparral and coastal March – Less than ovatifolia State: none Orange County scrub at elevations ranging from roughly June Reasonable Santa Monica dudleya CRPR 1B.2 location (Santiago 490 to 5,490 feet. Canyon)(Roberts 2008). Perennial herb. Usually grows on poor soils often on clay or at the margins of Fed: none Suitable habitat Dudleya multicaulis gabbroic rock outcrops in coastal sage May – July State: none Moderate to High for this species is many-stemmed dudleya scrub and grassland communities from CRPR 1B.2 present. about 50 to 2,591 feet elevation. Site lacks suitable Perennial herb. Thin, rocky soil, often Fed: THR habitat. Known Dudleya stolonifera Less than associated with north-facing sandstone May – July State: THR only from the San Laguna Beach dudleya Reasonable cliffs at about 30 to 850 feet elevation. CRPR 1B.1 Joaquin Hills (Roberts 2008). Site lacks suitable habitat. In Orange County known to occur in Hot Perennial herb. Coastal bluff scrub, Fed: none Dudleya viscida Less than Springs, San Juan chaparral, coastal sage scrub below 1,800 May - June State: none sticky dudleya Reasonable and Lucas feet elevation. CRPR 1B.2 Canyons in the Southern Santa Ana Mountains (Roberts 2008). Site lacks suitable Perennial herb. Vernally mesic sites within habitat. Species Fed: none Eryngium pendletonense coastal bluff scrub, valley and foothill April - Less than not known to State: none Pendleton button-celery needlegrass grasslands and vernal pools June Reasonable occur in Orange CRPR 1B.1 from 50 to 360 feet elevation. County (Roberts 2008). Perennial shrub. Rocky coastal areas Fed: none Euphorbia misera December - Less than Site lacks suitable within coastal bluffs and coastal sage State: none cliff spurge August Reasonable coastal habitat. scrub from 30 to 1,700 feet elevation. CRPR 2.2 Annual herb. Open areas within coastal Fed: none Suitable habitat Harpagonella palmeri March - sage scrub, juniper woodlands. Clay soils State: none Moderate to High for this species is Palmer’s grapplinghook May below 2,700 feet elevation. CRPR 4.2 present. Flower Conservation Occurrence Special Status Plants Life Form and Habitat Comments Season Status Probability Site lacks suitable Evergreen tree. Chaparral, closed-cone Fed: none Hesperocyparis forbesii Identifiable habitat. pine forest. Elevation range 836-4,920 State: none Confirmed Absent Tecate cypress year round Conspicuous tree feet. CRPR 1B.1 not observed. Coastal dunes, coastal scrub, saline flats Fed: none Hordeum intercedens and depressions within valley and foothill March - Less than Site lacks suitable State: none Vernal barley grasslands and vernal pools. Elevation June Reasonable habitat. CRPR 3.2 range 15-3,280 feet. Site lacks suitable habitat. Known from upper Sandy or gravelly soils within chaparral or Horkelia cuneata ssp. Fed: none watersheds of San less commonly cismontane woodland and February - Less than puberula State: none Juan Creek and coastal sage scrub. Known from 200 to September Reasonable mesa horkelia CRPR 1B.1 Weir Canyons, 2,700 feet elevation. Santa Ana Mountains (Roberts 2008). Fed: none Site lacks suitable Horkelia truncata Clay soils within chaparral and woodlands Less than May - June State: none chaparral and Ramona horkelia from 1,000 to 4,900 feet elevation. Reasonable CRPR 1B.3 woodland habitat. Site lacks suitable Perennial herb. Alkaline sinks within alkaline/mesic chaparral, coastal scrub and Mojavean Fed: none habitats. In Orange Imperata brevifolia September Less than desert scrub, meadows and seeps, mesic State: none County known from California satintail - May Reasonable riparian scrub. Elevations below 3,985 CRPR 2.1 one location in feet. southern foothills (Roberts 2008). Site lacks suitable chaparral, woodland and Shrub. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, Fed: none Lepechinia cariodphylla Less than forest habitat. Site and closed-cone conifer forest from about April - July State: none heart-leaved pitcher sage Reasonable is below the 1,705 to 4,490 feet elevation. CRPR 1B.2 known elevation range of the species. Annual herb. Dry openings within Lepidium virginicum var. chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and alluvial Fed: none Site contains January - robinsonii fan sage scrub below about 2,900 feet State: none Low to Moderate suitable scrub July Robinson’s pepper-grass elevation. It is often locally found in close CRPR 1B.2 habitat. association with boulders. Site lacks suitable Bulbiferous perennial. Wet areas in Fed: none Lilium parryi July - Less than wet meadow and meadows and riparian montane coniferous State: none lemon lily August Reasonable riparian woodland forests from 4,300 to 9,200 feet elevation. CRPR 1B.2 habitat. Site lacks suitable habitat. This Monardella hypoleuca ssp. Perennial herb. Chaparral and cismontane Fed: none June - Less than subspecies is not lanata woodland from about 980 to 3,900 feet State: none August Reasonable known to occur in felt-leaved monardella elevation CRPR 1B.2 the County (Roberts 2008). Perennial herb. Chaparral, cismontane Site lacks suitable Monardella macrantha ssp. woodland, lower montane conifer forest, Fed: none habitat and is June - Less than hallii broadleaved upland forest, and State: none below the known August Reasonable Hall's monardella valley/foothill grassland, from about 2,394 CRPR 1B.3 elevation range of to 7,200 feet elevation. the species. Myosurus minimus ssp. Fed: none Alkaline areas within vernal pools from 70 March - Less than Site lacks suitable apus State: none to 2,100 feet elevation. June Reasonable habitat. little mousetail CRPR 3.1 Annual/perennial herb. Marshes and Fed: none Nama stenocarpum January - Less than Site lacks suitable swamps, such as at lake margins and State: none mud nama July Reasonable habitat. riverbanks, and grows at elevations CRPR 2.2 Flower Conservation Occurrence Special Status Plants Life Form and Habitat Comments Season Status Probability ranging from 16 to 1,640 feet. Extirpated and Perennial wetland herb. It inhabits both near extinction. In brackish and freshwater marshes, Fed: END Orange County, Nasturtium gambelii January - Less than streambanks, lake margins, and similar State: THR known from a Gambel’s water cress July Reasonable swampy areas and grows at elevations CRPR 1B.1 single 1908 ranging from 10 to 1,080 feet. collection (Roberts 2008). Site lacks suitable habitat. In Orange County, known to Annual herb. Coastal scrub, alkaline soils Navarretia prostrata Fed: none occur in vernal in valley and foothill grassland, and mesic Less than prostate vernal pool April - July State: none pools at San conditions in vernal pools at elevations Reasonable navarretia CRPR 1B.1 Clemente State from 50 to 2,295 feet. Beach and Costa Mesa (Roberts 2008). Conspicuous Evergreen shrub. Sandstone or gabbro Fed: none species not Nolina cismontana soils in chaparral and coastal scrub at an May - July. State: none Confirmed Absent observed, however, peninsular nolina elevation range of 450-4,180 feet. CRPR 1B.2 the site supports suitable habitat. Pentachaeta aurea ssp. Annual herb. Coastal scrub, valley and Fed: none Suitable scrub and March - allenii foothill grassland. Elevation range 246- State: none Low to Moderate grassland habitat June Allen’s pentachaeta 1,706 feet. CRPR 1B.1 present on site. Annual herb. Known from only 3 Site lacks suitable occurrences in the Santa Ana Mountains Fed: none habitat. Site is Phacelia keckii area of Orange and Riverside Counties at Less than May - June State: none below the known Santiago Peak phacelia an elevation range from 2,000 to 5,250 Reasonable CRPR 1B.3 elevation range of feet. Habitats are closed cone coniferous the species. forest and open chaparral. Suffruticose perennial. Scarce and local on Pseudognaphalium Fed: none Site contains areas sandy soil in washes, alluvial scrub, and August - leucocephalum State: none Low to Moderate of suitable sandy mule fat scrub. Elevations below 6,888 November white rabbit-tobacco CRPR 2.2 habitat. feet. Perennial evergreen shrub. Coastal Site is not coastally Fed: none Quercus dumosa influenced (within 2 km) closed cone February - Less than influenced. State: none Nuttall’s scrub oak coniferous forest, chaparral and sandy-clay August Reasonable Conspicuous tree CRPR 1B.1 loams within coastal sage scrub. not observed. Perennial herb. Rocky areas within chaparral or oak woodlands or the margins Fed: none Site lacks suitable Satureja chandleri of these areas within coastal sage scrub or March - Less than State: none chaparral and San Miguel savory grasslands. Prefers mesic rocky canyons July Reasonable CRPR 1B.1 woodland habitats. with trees and large shrubs. Known from 400 to 4,000 feet elevation. Annual herb. Uncommon on coastal bluffs Fed: none Senecio aphanactis January - Less than Site lacks suitable rock outcrops, and xeric barrens in open State: none chaparral ragwort April Reasonable habitat. coastal bluff scrub and coastal sage scrub. CRPR 2.2 Perennial herb. Uncommon at alkali seeps Fed: none Sidalcea neomexicana March - Less than Site lacks suitable and other moist alkaline site at an State: none Salt Spring checkerbloom June Reasonable habitat. elevation range 45 to 5015 feet. CRPR 2.2 Fed: none Suaeda esteroa Perennial herb. Coastal marshes at May - Less than Site lacks suitable State: none Estuary seablite elevations below 16 feet. January Reasonable habitat. CRPR 1B.2 Perennial herb. Meadows & seeps, marshes & swamps, coastal scrub, cismontane woodland, lower montane Fed: none Symphyotrichum defoliatum July - Less than Site lacks suitable coniferous forest, vernally mesic grassland State: none San Bernardino aster November Reasonable habitat. or near ditches, streams & springs, CRPR 1B.2 disturbed areas at an elevation range from 6-6,700 feet. Flower Conservation Occurrence Special Status Plants Life Form and Habitat Comments Season Status Probability Conspicuous shrub not observed. Site Perennial shrub. Dry rocky slopes within Fed: none Tetracoccus dioicus April - lacks rocky slopes, chaparral and coastal sage scrub from 500 State: none Confirmed Absent Parry’s tetracoccus May known in Orange to 3,300 feet elevation. CRPR 1B.2 County from one collection of Hwy 74 (Roberts 2008). Moss. Sandy soils within chenopod scrub Fed: none Site contains Tortula californica and valley and foothill grasslands from 30 N/A State: none Low to Moderate sandy soils and California screw moss to 4,800 feet elevation. CRPR 1B.2 grassland habitat. Perennial forb.Maritime chaparral and Fed: THR Verbesina dissita Less than Site is outside of maritime influences coastal sage scrub. April - July State: THR big-leaved crownbeard Reasonable the coastal zone. Known from 150-670 feet elevation. CRPR 1B.2 Perennial shrub. Chaparral and coastal Fed: none Viguiera purismae April - Less than Site lacks suitable bluff scrub. Known from 1120-1395 feet State: none La Purisima viguiera September Reasonable habitat. elevation. CRPR 2.3

Special Status Conservation Occurrence Habitat and Distribution Comments Wildlife Status Probability Invertebrates Branchinecta Endemic to San Diego & Orange Co. mesas. Vernal Fed: END Less than Site lacks potential sandiegonensis pools. State: none Reasonable ponding features San Diego fairy shrimp Endemic to western Riverside, Orange & San Diego Co's in areas of tectonic swales/earth slump basins in Streptocephalus wootoni Fed: END Less than Site lacks potential grassland & coastal sage scrub. Inhabits seasonally Riverside fairy shrimp State: none Reasonable ponding features astatic pools filled by winter/spring rains. Hatches in warm water later in the season. Fish Restricted throughout its life cycle to brackish water Eucyclogobius newberryi Fed: END Less than No surface water along the coast in lagoons, marshes, and for some Tidewater goby State: CSC Reasonable present distance up creeks. Los Angeles basin south coastal streams. Slow water Gila orcuttii stream sections with mud or sand bottoms. Feeds Fed: none Less than No surface water arroyo chub heavily on aquatic vegetation & associated State: CSC Reasonable present invertebrates. Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus Spend most of their adult lives in the ocean, but spawn Fed: END Less than No surface water Southern steelhead – in freshwater streams and rivers. State: CSC Reasonable present southern California DPS Headwaters of the Santa Ana & San Gabriel Rivers. May be extirpated from the Los Angeles River system. Rhinichthys osculus ssp. 3 Fed: none Less than No surface water Requires permanent flowing streams with summer Santa Ana speckled dace State: CSC Reasonable present water temperatures of 17-20C. Usually inhabits shallow cobble & gravel riffles. Amphibians Semi-arid regions near washes or intermittent streams, including valley-foothill & desert riparian, desert wash, Site lacks Bufo californicus Fed: END Less than etc. Rivers with sandy banks, willows, cottonwoods, & potentially suitable arroyo toad State: none Reasonable sycamores; loose, gravelly areas of streams in drier streams parts of range. Occurs primarily in grassland habitats, but can be Spea hammondii Fed: none Less than Site lacks potential found in valley-foothill hardwood woodlands. Vernal western spadefoot State: CSC Reasonable ponding features pools are essential for breeding & egg-laying. Site lacks streams Taricha torosa torosa Inhabits terrestrial habitats, but breed in ponds, Fed: none Less than or ponding coast range newt reservoirs, and slow-moving streams. State: CSC Reasonable features Special Status Conservation Occurrence Habitat and Distribution Comments Wildlife Status Probability Reptiles Inhabits permanent or nearly permanent bodies of water Actinemys marmorata in many habitat types; below 6000 ft elev. Require Fed: none Less than Permanent bodies pallida basking sites such as partially submerged logs, State: CSC Reasonable of water absent southwestern pond turtle vegetation mats, or open mud banks. Need suitable nesting sites. Inhabits low-elevation coastal scrub, chaparral, & Aspidoscelis hyperythra valley-foothill hardwood habitats. Prefers washes & Fed: none Potentially suitable High orange-throated whiptail other sandy areas with patches of brush & rocks. State: CSC conditions present Perennial plants necessary for its major food-termites. Occur with greatest frequency in areas of heavy brush, Crotalus ruber ruber such as chamise chaparral, but also occur in open areas Fed: none Potentially suitable Northern red-diamond at lower densities. Another frequent habitat element is High State: CSC conditions present rattlesnake boulders and rocky outcrops. Elevation range from sea level to just under 5000 feet. Grassland, woodlands, pine forests, chaparral, Plestiodon skiltonianus especially in open sunny areas such as clearings and Fed: none Potentially suitable interparietalis the edges of creeks and rivers. Prefers rocky areas near Moderate State: CSC conditions present Coronado Island skink streams with lots of vegetation, but also found in areas away from water. Most populations are in coniferous or mixed coniferous-hardwood forests with considerable to abundant downed logs and/or slash. At lower Lampropeltis zonata Site lacks preferred elevations it is generally associated with various (pulchra) rocky conditions; riparian woodlands connective to higher elevation Fed: none California mountain Low however, potentially forest. Some observations at lower elevations have State: CSC kingsnake (San Diego suitable vegetation been in narrow riparian bordered by chaparral or population) present coastal sage scrub, but such animals may be only rare dispersants. Rocks and rocky outcrops appear to be an important habitat element. Inhabits coastal sage scrub & chaparral in arid & semi- arid climate conditions. Critical factors are the presence of loose soils with a high sand fraction; an Phrynosoma blainvillei Fed: none Potentially suitable abundance of native ants or other insects, especially High coast horned lizard State: CSC conditions present harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex spp.); and the availability of both sunny basking spots and dense cover for refuge. Restricted to habitats with a strong but broken shrub Salvadora hexalepis component, especially somewhat open chaparral and Fed: none Potentially suitable virgultea Moderate black sage (Salvia mellifera) or relatively mature, State: CSC conditions present coast patch-nosed snake dense coastal sage scrub It is often in water and rarely found far from it, though Tributaries to Thamnophis hammondii it is also known to inhabit intermittent streams having Fed: none Tijeras Creek may Low two-striped garter snake rocky beds bordered by willow thickets or other dense State: CSC provide potentially vegetation. suitable conditions Birds Highly colonial species, most numerous in central valley Agelaius tricolor & vicinity. Largely endemic to California. Requires Fed: none Less than No suitable tricolored blackbird open water, protected nesting substrate, foraging area State: CSC Reasonable conditions present with insect prey within a few km of the colony. Dense grasslands on rolling hills, lowland plains, in Suitable Ammodramus savannarum valleys & on hillsides on lower mtn slopes. Favors Fed: none High grasslands are grasshopper sparrow native grasslands with a mix of grasses, forbs & State: CSC present scattered shrubs. Loosely colonial when nesting. Riparian bottomlands grown to tall willows & cottonwoods; also, belts of live oak paralleling stream Asio otus Fed: none Less than No suitable courses. Require adjacent open land productive of mice long-eared owl State: CSC Reasonable conditions present & the presence of old nests of crows, hawks, or magpies for breeding. Special Status Conservation Occurrence Habitat and Distribution Comments Wildlife Status Probability Open, dry annual or perennial grasslands, deserts & scrublands characterized by low-growing vegetation. Potentially Athene cunicularia Fed: none Subterranean nester, dependent upon burrowing Low to Moderate suitable conditions burrowing owl State: CSC mammals, most notably, the California ground present squirrel. Few cactus present so only slight Campylorhynchus potential for Southern California coastal sage scrub. Wrens require Fed: none brunneicapillus Low occurrence given a tall Opuntia cactus for nesting & roosting. State: CSC coastal cactus wren source population is reported in the area Less than Coastal salt & freshwater marsh. Nest & forage in Observed Reasonable grasslands, from salt grass in desert sink to mtn foraging, but Circus cyaneus Fed: none as a breeder; cienagas. Nests on ground in shrubby vegetation, breeding is rare in northern harrier State: CSC usually at marsh edges; nest built of a large mound of the County Present for sticks in wet areas. (Hamilton 1996) foraging Narrow patch of Empidonax traillii extimus mule fat scrub Fed: END Less than southwestern willow Riparian woodlands in southern California. vegetation is not State: END Reasonable flycatcher suitable for this species Summer resident; inhabits riparian thickets of willow Tributaries on-site and other brushy tangles near watercourses. Nests in Icteria virens Fed: none support potentially low, dense riparian, consisting of willow, blackberry, Low yellow-breasted chat State: CSC suitable mule fat wild grape; forages & nests within 10 feet of the scrub ground. Polioptila californica Obligate, permanent resident of coastal sage scrub Potentially californica below 2,500 feet in southern California. Low, coastal Fed: THR High suitable habitat coastal California sage scrub in arid washes, on mesas & slopes. Not all State: CSC present gnatcatcher areas classified as coastal sage scrub are occupied. Summer resident of southern California in low riparian Tributaries on-site in vicinity of water or in dry river bottoms; below 2000 Vireo bellii pusillus Fed: END support potentially ft. Nests placed along margins of bushes or on twigs Low least Bell’s vireo State: END suitable mule fat projecting into pathways, usually willow, baccharis, scrub mesquite. Mammals Habitats utilized include a wide variety of grasslands, Foraging Moderate as shrublands, woodlands, and forests, including mixed conditions present; forager Antrozous pallidus conifer forest. Roosts are in caves, mines, as well as Fed: none however, potential pallid bat crevices in rocks, buildings and trees. They have State: CSC roosting sites are

separate night and day roosts, hibernate in winter, and few (e.g., on-site Low for roosting the sexes segregate in summer. structure) Foraging Moderate as conditions present; Uses caves, mines, and buildings as nurseries and forager Choeronycteris Mexicana Fed: none however, potential roosts, up to about 6000 feet elevation. Roosts Mexican long-tongued bat State: CSC roosting sites are individually or in small groups. few (e.g., on-site Low for roosting structure) Favors rocky, rugged areas in lowlands where abundant suitable crevices are available for day roosts. Foraging Moderate as Night roosts are infrequently utilized. Roost sites conditions present; forager Eumops perotis californicus include natural rock, tall buildings, and large trees. Fed: none however, potential western mastiff bat Roosts open well up on a cliff or other steep face, at State: CSC roosting sites are

least 6.5 feet vertically above the substrate, to allow few (e.g., on-site Low for roosting flight from the roost. Roosts may be communal or structure) solitary. Lasiurus blossevillii These solitary bats prefer riparian areas dominated by Fed: none Low as forager Foraging western red bat walnuts, oaks, willows, cottonwoods, and sycamores State: CSC conditions present; Special Status Conservation Occurrence Habitat and Distribution Comments Wildlife Status Probability where they roost in these broad-leafed trees. They Low however, potential roost only in tree foliage. for roosting roosting sites in the form of broad- leaved trees are few (e.g., coast live oak) Moderate as Foraging forager conditions present; Variety of arid areas in southern California. Pinyon- Nyctinomops femorosaccus Fed: none however, area juniper woodlands, desert scrub, palm oasis, desert pocketed free-tailed bat State: CSC Less than lacks preferred wash, desert riparian, etc. Rocky areas with high cliffs. Reasonable roosting for roosting conditions Primarily annual & perennial grasslands, but also Outside known Dipodomys stephensi occurs in coastal scrub & sagebrush with sparse Fed: END Less than range and area too Stephen’s kangaroo rat canopy cover. Prefers buckwheat, chamise, broom State: THR Reasonable densely vegetated grass & filaree. Will burrow into firm soil. Chaetodipus californicus femoralis Prefer dense patches of chaparral with small openings. Fed: none Suitable habitat Moderate to High Dulzura Ranges in elevation from sea level to 7900 feet. State: CSC present pocket mouse Locally common resident of sandy herbaceous areas, usually in association with rocks or coarse gravel. Chaetodipus fallax fallax Habitats of the species as a whole include coastal Fed: none Suitable habitat Northwestern San Diego Moderate to High scrubs, chamise-redshank chaparral, mixed chaparral, State: CSC present pocket mouse sagebrush, desert wash, desert scrub, desert succulent shrub, pinyon-juniper, and annual grassland.

Habitats for this subspecies are dry and/or sunny Neotoma lepida intermedia Fed: none Suitable habitat shrublands, especially (but not requiring) areas with High San Diego desert woodrat State: CSC present cactus and abundant rocks and crevices.

An obligate resident of fine-grained sandy soils of Perognathus longimembris coastal strand, coastal dunes, river and marine Fed: END Less than Outside known pacificus alluvium, and coastal sage scrub in close proximity to State: CSC Reasonable range Pacific pocket mouse the ocean, and has never been collected more than 2 miles from the coast or above 600 feet elevation. Most abundant in drier open stages of most shrub, Urbanized area Taxidea taxus forest, & herbaceous habitats, with friable soils. Need Fed: none Less than would preclude American badger sufficient food, friable soils & open, uncultivated State: CSC Reasonable the species from ground. Prey on burrowing rodents. Dig burrows. the study area Conservation Special Status Vegetation Communities Occurrence Probability Status Southern Coastal Salt Marsh CNDDB Confirmed Absent Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest CNDDB Confirmed Absent Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest CNDDB Confirmed Absent Southern Dune Scrub CNDDB Confirmed Absent Southern Foredunes CNDDB Confirmed Absent Southern Mixed Riparian Forest CNDDB Confirmed Absent Southern Riparian Scrub CNDDB Confirmed Absent Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland CNDDB Confirmed Absent Canyon Live Oak Ravine Forest CNDDB Confirmed Absent Valley Needlegrass Grassland CNDDB Present Status Codes: END: Federally Endangered; THR: Federally Threatened; FPE: Federally proposed Endangered; FPT: Federally proposed Threatened; FC: Federal Candidate species; SE: State Endangered; ST: State Threatened; SR: State Rare (used for plants only); SCE: State Candidate for Endangered listing; SCT: State Candidate for Threatened listing; CSC: State Species of Special Concern. CRPR - List 1A (Presumed extinct in CA); List 1B (Rare, threatened or endangered in California and elsewhere); List 2 (Presumed extinct in CA, but more common elsewhere); List 3 (We need more information about this plant); List 4 (Limited distribution (watch list). Occurrence Codes: Confirmed Absent: Confirmed to be absent on the study area as a formal and/or practical matter. Typically based on results of focused surveys. Less than Reasonable: Although occurrence may be remotely possible, the likelihood of occurrence is less than that required for any potentially applicable regulatory threshold. Further, the likelihood of meaningful value of the site to any population(s) of this taxon is less than reasonable. Low: Occurrence of the species is reasonable but unlikely because of some combination of facts, for example: (1) the study area was the subject of unsuccessful searches conducted under relevant and reasonable circumstances, (2) potential habitat present is marginal or minimal in extent, (3) the best available information suggests the species is absent from the study area, and/or (4) available information sheds no clear light on the species likelihood on the study area, but it is known to be rare at best in the vicinity. Neither the species nor any indication of its presence was detected. Moderate: The study area is within the range of the species, and contains potentially appropriate habitat. Neither individuals nor diagnostic sign were detected. It is nevertheless reasonable that some individuals may have been overlooked. High: The study area is known to be within the range of the species, and contains potential habitat with a high likelihood of occupancy. Although no individuals or diagnostic sign were detected during current fieldwork by a qualified observer, it is likely that it is present to some degree given the best available information. Confirmed Present: Confirmed present by a qualified biologist or other reliable source and there is no specific evidence that the species has subsequently become absent. Depending on the species and other information available, it may or may not be possible to determine what portions of the study area are currently in use without further studies.

Attachment C Observed Flora and Fauna

Attachment C - Observed Flora of Chiquita Ridge Scientific Name Common Name Special Status MONOCOTS

Agavaceae - Agave Family Hesperoyucca whipplei Chaparral Candle

Iridaceae - Iris Family Sisyrinchium bellum Blue-Eyed Grass

Poaceae - Grass Family * Avena sp. Oat

* Bromus diandrus Ripgut Grass

* Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens Red Brome

* Cortaderia selloana Sellow's Pampas Grass

Leymus condensatus Giant Wild-Rye

* Piptatherum miliaceum Smilo Grass

Stipa pulchra Purple Needlegrass

Themidaceae - Brodiaea Family Bloomeria crocea Common Goldenstar EUDICOTS

Adoxaceae - Adoxa Family Sambucus mexicana Blue Elderberry

Anacardiaceae - Sumac Or Cashew Family Malosma laurina Laurel Sumac

Rhus integrifolia Lemonadeberry

Toxicodendron diversilobum Poison Oak

Apocynaceae - Dogbane Family Asclepias erosa Desert Milkweed

Asclepias fascicularis Narrow-leaf Milkweed

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Ambrosia acanthicarpa Annual Bur-Sage

Ambrosia psilostachya Western Ragweed

Artemisia californica California Sagebrush

Baccharis pilularis Chaparral Broom, Coyote Brush

Baccharis salicifolia Mule-Fat, Seep-Willow

Baccharis sarothroides Broom Baccharis

* Carduus pycnocephalus Italian Thistle Scientific Name Common Name Special Status Corethrogyne filaginifolia California Sand-Aster

* Cynara cardunculus ssp. flavescens Artichoke Thistle

Ericameria sp. Goldenbush

Ericameria palmeri var. pachylepis Broad-Scaled Goldenbush

Grindelia camporum var. bracteosa Bract Gumweed

* Helminthotheca echioides Bristly Ox-Tongue

Heterotheca grandiflora Telegraph Weed

Isocoma menziesii Spreading Goldenbush

Pseudognaphalium californicum California Everlasting

Pseudognaphalium canescens Everlasting Cudweed

* Silybum marianum Milk Thistle

Solidago velutina ssp. californica California Goldenrod

* Sonchus asper Spiny Sow-Thistle

Brassicaceae - Mustard Family * Brassica nigra Black Mustard

Cactaceae - Cactus Family Opuntia littoralis Coast Prickly-Pear

Convolvulaceae - Morning-Glory Family * Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed

Cucurbitaceae - Gourd Family Cucurbita foetidissima Calabazilla

Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family Croton setigerus Dove Weed

Fabaceae - Legume Family Acmispon glaber Deerweed

Lupinus bicolor Miniature Lupine

Lupinus longifolius Long-Leaf Bush Lupine

Fagaceae - Oak Family Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak

Geraniaceae - Geranium Family * Erodium cicutarium Red-Stemmed Filaree

Lamiaceae - Mint Family * Marrubium vulgare Common Horehound

Salvia apiana White Sage

Salvia mellifera Black Sage Scientific Name Common Name Special Status Myrsinaceae - Myrsina Family * Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel

Onagraceae - Evening Primrose Family Epilobium canum ssp. canum California Fuchsia

Orobanchaceae - Broom-Rape Family Castilleja affinis ssp. affinis Coast Indian Paintbrush

Paeoniaceae - Peony Family Paeonia californica California Peony

Phrymaceae - Hopseed Family Mimulus aurantiacus Bush Monkey Flower

Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family Eriogonum elongatum var. elongatum Long-Stemmed Buckwheat

Eriogonum fasciculatum California Buckwheat

* Rumex crispus Curly Dock

Rhamnaceae - Buckthorn Family Frangula californica California Coffeeberry

Rosaceae - Rose Family Heteromeles arbutifolia Toyon

Rubiaceae - Madder Family Galium angustifolium Narrow-Leaved Bedstraw

Solanaceae - Nightshade Family Datura wrightii Western Jimpson Weed

* Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco

Solanum douglasii Douglas's Nightshade

Verbenaceae - Vervain Family Verbena lasiostachys Western Vervain Scientific Name Common Name Special Status

Legend *= Non-native or invasive species Special Status:

Federal: FE = Endangered FT = Threatened

State: SE = Endangered ST =Threatened SR = Rare

CRPR – California Rare Plant Rank 1A. Presumed extinct in California 1B. Rare or Endangered in California and elsewhere 2. Rare or Endangered in California, more common elsewhere 3. Plants for which we need more information - Review list 4. Plants of limited distribution - Watch list

Threat Ranks .1 - Seriously endangered in California .2 – Fairly endangered in California .3 – Not very endangered in California

Note that in March, 2010, CDFG changed the name of “CNPS List” or “CNPS Ranks” to “California Rare Plant Rank” (or CRPR). This was done to reduce confusion over the fact that CNPS and DFG jointly manage the Rare Plant Status Review groups that the rank assignments are the product of a collaborative effort and not solely a CNPS assignment. Attachment C - Detected Fauna of Chiquita Ridge Scientific Name Common Name Special Status VERTEBRATES Reptiles Crotalus helleri Southern Pacific Rattlesnake

Birds Cathartes aura Turkey Vulture

Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier CSC

Accipiter cooperii Cooper's Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed Hawk

Falco sparverius American Kestrel

*Columba livia Rock Pigeon

Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove

Aeronautes saxatalis White-throated Swift

Calypte anna Anna's Hummingbird

Sayornis saya Say's Phoebe

Tyrannus vociferans Cassin's Kingbird

Aphelocoma californica Western Scrub-Jay

Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's Wren

Troglodytes aedon House Wren

Chamaea fasciata Wrentit

Phainopepla nitens Phainopepla

Dendroica coronata Yellow-rumped Warbler

Pipilo maculatus Spotted Towhee

Melozone crissalis California Towhee

Chondestes grammacus Lark Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys White-crowned Sparrow

Sturnella neglecta Western Meadowlark

Carpodacus mexicanus House Finch

Carduelis psaltria Lesser Goldfinch

Mammals Spermophilus beecheyi California Ground Squirrel

Odocoileus hemionus Southern Mule Deer Scientific Name Common Name Special Status

Legend *= Non-native or invasive species Special Status:

Federal: FE = Endangered FT = Threatened

State: SE = Endangered ST =Threatened CSC = California Species of Special Concern CFP = California Fully Protected Species Attachment D Site Photographs

Chiquita Ridge Biological Reconnaissance

Photograph: 1

Photo Date: October 26, 2011

Location: Northwest corner of property

Direction: View facing northeast

Comment: Photo depicts annual grassland vegetation adjacent to Canada Vista Park

Photograph: 2

Photo Date: October 26, 2011

Location: Northwest portion of property

Direction: View facing south

Comment: Photo depicts drainage feature and adjacent scrub located north of water storage tank

Photograph: 3

Photo Date: October 26, 2011

Location: Near center of property on the east side

Direction: View facing northwest

Comment: Photo depicts topography, scrub covered slopes, and annual grassland covered hilltops located north of water storage tank

1 Chiquita Ridge Biological Reconnaissance

Photograph: 4

Photo Date: October 26, 2011

Location: Near southeast corner of property

Direction: View facing west

Comment: Photo depicts drainage feature and associated vegetation located south of the water storage tank

Photograph: 5

Photo Date: October 26, 2011

Location: Near center of property

Direction: View facing east-southeast

Comment: View of access road leading to a water storage tank

Photograph: 6

Photo Date: October 26, 2011

Location: Near center of property on the west side

Direction: View facing east

Comment: View depicts mulefat scrub vegetation supported in one of the on-site drainage features

2