M E M O R A N D U M

DATE: May 28, 2015

TO: Prospective Bidders

FROM: Mauro Garcia, Parks Superintendent

SUBJECT: Addendum #1, Request For Proposals, Upper DeLaveaga Recreational Facility/Activity

The purpose of this addendum is to address potential information needed by bidders. The following changes, corrections, additions and/or deletions are incorporated into the bid. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with this addendum.

Attachments included in " Request For Proposals, Upper DeLaveaga Recreational Facility/Activity" dated May 27, 2015 have been amended as follows:

“DeLaveaga Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Project Biotic Report 5-25-15”

A signed copy of this document must be submitted with bid. Failure to do so may result in rejection of bid.

Company Name: ______

Authorized Representative: ______(Signature)

DeLaveaga Park STROKE CENTER RECREATIONAL FACILITY USE City of Santa Cruz

Biotic Report

Biotic Resources Group Biotic Assessments  Resource Management  Permitting

DeLaveaga Park STROKE CENTER RECREATIONAL FACILITY USE City of Santa Cruz

Biotic Report

Prepared for City of Santa Cruz parks and Recreation Department Attn: Mauro Garcia

Prepared by Kathleen Lyons Biotic Resources Group

With

Dana Bland Dana Bland & Associates

May 25, 2015

2551 S. Rodeo Gulch Road Soquel California  (831) 476-4803  [email protected]

DELAVEAGA PARK STROKE CENTER RECREATIONAL FACILITY USE

BIOLOGICAL REPORT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

DeLaveaga Park is located in the northern portion of the City of Santa Cruz, north of State Highway 1 and DeLaveaga Park Road (Figure 1). The Park supports an 18-hole golf course, driving range, hiking trails, a disc golf course and picnic areas. The park property also supports the County’s 911 Communications Center and remnants of the Stroke Center.

The project is a proposed an outdoor recreational facility at and around the former Stroke Center. The exact recreational facilities to be developed at the project site has not been determined; therefore, this biotic report describes the existing biological resources in the area, identifies sensitive plant communities, the potential for sensitive wildlife and provides guidance for avoiding or minimizing impacts to such resources from possible recreational use. The project study area includes the former Stroke Center and areas adjacent to other City features (i.e., Quonset hut, parcourse area).

The Biotic Resources Group and Dana Bland & Associates assessed the biotic resources of the project study area. Specific tasks conducted for this study include:

• Characterize and map the major plant communities within the proposed project study area; • Identify sensitive biotic resources, including plant and wildlife species of concern, within the study area, • Provide recommendations to avoid, minimize or compensate for potential impacts to sensitive biotic resources.

Intended Use of this Report

The findings presented in this biological report are intended for the sole use of the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department in evaluating the proposed project. The findings presented by the Biotic Resources Group in this report are for information purposes only; they are not intended to represent the interpretation of any State, Federal or City law or ordinance pertaining to permitting actions within sensitive habitat or endangered species. The interpretation of such laws and/or ordinances is the responsibility of the applicable governing body.

______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 1 May 25, 2015

Project Location

Figure 1. Project location on USGS topographic map

______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 2 May 25, 2015

2.0 METHODOLOGY

A survey to document site conditions and biotic resources within the study area was conducted by Kathleen Lyons (plant ecologist) and Dana Bland (wildlife biologist) on May 4, 2015. Study methodology included a field reconnaissance survey, aerial photograph interpretation, and accessing electronic databases. Database searches were conducted; the California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) “RareFind” (2015) and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Rare Plant Electronic Inventory (2015) for the Santa Cruz and surrounding quadrangles were accessed. Reports prepared for the greater project vicinity were also reviewed, including the City-Wide Creeks and Wetlands Management Plan (City of Santa Cruz, 2008) and the City of Santa Cruz GIS.

Prior to conducting the field survey, a potential list of special status or sensitive species was reviewed, utilizing species recognized by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and US Fish and Wildlife Service. The proposed project area was walked. The major plant community types within the project area, based on the classification system developed by CNDDB's California Terrestrial Natural Communities (CDFG 2010) and A Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995) and as amended to reflect site conditions, were mapped during the field survey. Plant community types as recognized by CDFW were used to the greatest extent feasible, however, modifications to the classification system’s nomenclature were made, as necessary, to accurately describe the sites resources, particularly for areas that the CDFW system provides no suitable classification. The plant communities were mapped onto an aerial image (Figure 2). The Jepson Manual (2012) was the principal taxonomic reference used for the botanical work.

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

DeLaveaga Park lies at the mid-portion of the geographic area known as the Central Coast Range and extends eastward to the San Francisco Bay Area Range (Hickman, 1993). The proposed project area has coastal influences as it occurs near the Pacific Ocean. Presently, the project area supports undeveloped areas of grassland and non-native trees groves and previously developed areas in and around the former Stroke Center (paving, foundations from former structures, and landscaping).

The project study area supports four plant community types: eucalyptus woodland, non-native annual grassland, native coastal prairie, and non-native landscaping. A man-made bioswale is located along the southern edge of the former Stroke Center. Each vegetation type, its California vegetation code, and state ranking (rarity) are listed in Table 1. The location of these communities is depicted on Figure 2.

Table 1. Vegetation Types at DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use CaCode1 Vegetation Type Plant Association State Ranking2 79.100.00 Eucalyptus Woodland Blue Gum Eucalyptus/Monterey - Cypress/Monterey Pine/Acacia/Coast Live Oak - Coyote Brush/Poison Oak 44.150.00 Non-native Annual Grassland Wild Oat/ Ripgut Brome/False Brome - Annual - Forbs 41.050.00 Coastal Prairie California Oatgrass/Purple Needlegrass/Blue Wild S3 Rye – Blue-eyed Grass/English Plantain - Landscaping Coast Redwood /Acacia/Pines – - Rosemary/Watsonia 1 – California vegetation code as per CDFW (CDFG, September, 2010); 2- Vegetation types are ranked between S1 and S5. For vegetation types with ranks of S1-S3, all associations within the type are considered to be highly imperiled.

______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 3 May 25, 2015 Project Location

Arana Creek 3d, approx. centerline

Figure 2. Plant community types in study area

______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 4 May 25, 2015

The study area is located adjacent to an intermittent tributary to Arana Creek; this tributary is designated as Arana Creek 3d in the City-wide Creeks and Wetlands Management Plan. The creek is located east of the former Stroke Center, extending from southward from the 911 Communications Center to Prospect Heights Street. The southern section of the creek enters a culvert under Prospect Heights Street (just east of DeLaveaga Elementary School) then travels beneath Highway 1, then ultimately empties into the main stem of Arana Creek behind Harbor High School.

The soils in the project area are mapped as Watsonville loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes (177) and Nisene- Aptos complex, 50-75 percent slopes (158).

3.1 Eucalyptus Woodland

This plant community type occurs along the tributary to Arana Creek (Arana Creek 3d) and on slopes west and east of the former Stroke Center (see Figure 2). The eucalyptus tree groves are the most prevalent habitat type in this portion of the park and the mapping of the eucalyptus woodland along Arana Creek 3d is consistent with mapping presented in the City-wide Creeks and Wetlands Management Plan.

The upstream portion of the Arana Creek 3d corridor is comprised of densely growing non-native blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus). The trees form a dense canopy. Woody understory species include coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), and scattered occurrences of non-native Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), French broom (Genista monspessulana), and cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sp.). No riparian-dependent plant species (i.e., willows) were observed in the upper portion of this drainage. A few young coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia) were also observed amid the eucalyptus canopy. No surface flow was observed in the creek during the May field visit; however, below-normal rainfall conditions existed in 2015. The City- wide Creeks and Wetland Management Plan identifies a 55-foot wide riparian corridor (extending from the creek centerline). In this area the eucalyptus canopy predominates. Figure 3 depicts the character of the eucalyptus woodland along Arana Creek 3d.

Figure 3. Eucalyptus woodland along Arana Creek 3d.

Hillsides west and east of the Stroke Center also support eucalyptus-dominated woodland. Blue gum eucalyptus is dominant and forms a dense tree canopy. Associated species include other non-native trees, ______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 5 May 25, 2015

such as Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), and acacia (Acacia sp.), as well as understory species of coyote brush, poison oak, coast live oak, Scotch broom, French broom, and cotoneaster. Figure 4 depicts the character of the eucalyptus woodland near the former Stroke Center.

Figure 4. Non-native eucalyptus-dominated woodland near former Stroke Center.

Wildlife Resources of Eucalyptus Woodland Eucalyptus is not native to California, and does not support a very diverse wildlife assemblage. Common wildlife species that utilize eucalyptus groves include alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus), Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna), and woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes annectens). Eucalyptus trees are locally important as they provide potential wintering habitat for monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). The large eucalyptus groves in the study area also provide potential roosting and nesting habitat for raptors such as red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) and great horned owl (Bubo virginianus).

3.2 Grassland

3.2.1 Annual Non-native Grassland. A portion of the study area supports non-native annual grassland. This grassland type occurs around the perimeter of the former Stroke Center and on a mostly level terrace east of the Stroke Center (see Figure 2). The southern portion of the terrace is dominated by annual, non- native grasses and forbs, most notably wild oat (Avena barbata), ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), false brome (Brachypodium dastachyon), rattlesnake grass (Briza maxima), annual ryegrass (Festuca perennis), and rattail fescue (Festuca myuros). Scattered occurrences of blue wild rye (Elymus glaucus) and California oatgrass (Danthonia californica), two native perennial grasses, were observed, yet cover provided by these two species was very low (less than 10%). Non-grass herbaceous species (i.e., forbs) were also observed. Common species include cat's ear (Hypochaeris radicata), plantain (Plantago lanceolata), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Mediterranean clover (Trifolium angustifolium), and Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus). Young shrubs/trees of coyote brush, Scotch broom, French broom and eucalyptus were also observed. The character of this grassland is depicted in Figure 5.

______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 6 May 25, 2015

Figure 5. Non-native annual grassland on central terrace.

3.2.2. Coastal Prairie. Grasslands west, south, and east of the 911 Communications Center support coastal prairie; the distribution of this vegetation type is depicted on Figure 2. The prairie at the project site is characterized by the dense growth of California oatgrass and purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra), two perennial native bunchgrasses. The density of these two grasses varies in the study area; however, is all areas mapped as prairie the cover provided by one of these species exceeds 20%; in many locations the native grass cover exceeds 60%.

Most of the mapped prairie, such as along the prairie west of the park access road, the easternmost terrace (parcourse area), and the slopes south of the Stroke Center are considered to be high-quality prairie habitats due to the density of native grasses and the presence of prairie-dependent forbs. The prairie immediately adjacent to the former Stroke Center and the patches of prairie around the various structures are of lesser quality due to their adjacency to non-native grassland, higher cover by non-native grass species and lack of connectivity to larger expanses of grassland.

Associated plant species within the prairie include several non-native species, such as rattlesnake grass, velvet grass (Holcus lanatus), ripgut brome, wild lettuce (Lactuca sp.), dandelion (Taraxacum sp.), English plantain, quaking grass (Briza minor), and hop clover (Trifolium dubium). Native species (in addition to California oatgrass and purple needlegrass) include blue wild rye, blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), sedge (Carex sp.), western rush (Juncus occidentalis), dwarf brodiaea (Brodiaea terrestris), and Ithuriel’s spear (Tritelia laxa). The easternmost prairie (parcourse area) also supports dense stands of golden brodiaea (Tritelia ixioides). The character of the prairie west of the 911 Communications Center is depicted in Figure 6.

Wildlife Resources of Grasslands Grasslands provide an important foraging resource for a wide variety of wildlife species. The grasses and forbs produce an abundance of seeds and attract numerous insects, providing food for granivorous and insectivorous wildlife. Sparrows, rabbits and rodents are commonly found in this habitat. Consequently, grasslands are valuable foraging sites for raptors such as hawks and owls, and other predators including coyote, fox, skunk and snakes. Aerial foraging species that occur over grasslands include bats and swallows. Common wildlife species that are expected to inhabit these grasslands include gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus), red-tailed hawk, mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), ______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 7 May 25, 2015

American robin (Turdus migratorius), savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Brewer’s blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephallus), American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis), and Botta’s pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae).

Figure 6. Coastal prairie west of the 911 Communications Center.

3.3 Landscaping

Landscape plants associated with the former Stroke Center occur in the study area. Planted landscape trees, such as pines, Monterey cypress, coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and coast live oak abut trees from the adjacent eucalyptus woodland. Some of the other planted species are rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), watsonia (Watsonia sp.), feather grass (Stipa tenuissima), rush (Juncus sp.), and cotoneaster. A man-made bioswale is located at the southern end of the Stoke Center facility. This depression has been planted with grasses and rushes; additional plant species include those tolerant of seasonal moisture rabbitsfoot grass (Polypogon monspeliensis), velvet grass, nutgrass (Cyperus sp.), toad rush (Juncus bufonius), and stinkwort (Dittrichia graveolens). The character of the bioswale is depicted in Figure 7.

Figure 7. Man-made bioswale. ______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 8 May 25, 2015

Wildlife Resources of Landscaping The wildlife resources of the landscaping habitat are expected to be similar to that described for the Eucalyptus forest, which abuts it. The bioswale may provide seasonal drinking water for some wildlife species such as small mammals and deer; however, the lack of input from buildings (i.e., roof drains, and parking lot), reduces the potential that ponded water is retained in this area for any significant length of time.

4.0 REGULATED AND SENSITIVE HABITATS

4.1 Regulated Habitats

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is a trustee agency that has jurisdiction under Section 1600 et seq. of the California Fish and Game Code. CDFW regulates all diversions, obstructions, or changes to the natural flow or bed, channel or bank of any river, stream or lake which supports fish or wildlife. Along watercourses CDFW jurisdictional limit typically extends to the top of bank or to the edge of riparian habitat if such habitat extends beyond top of bank (outer drip line), whichever is greater. The intermittent drainage (Arana Creek 3d) is located within the regulatory jurisdiction of CDFW (to top of bank); a defined bed and bank was observed (pending confirmation from this agency).

Water quality in California is governed by the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act and certification authority under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, as administered by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). The Section 401 water quality certification program allows the State to ensure that activities requiring a Federal permit or license comply with State water quality standards. Water quality certification must be based on a finding that the proposed discharge will comply with water quality standards which are in the regional board’s basin plans. The Porter-Cologne Act requires any person discharging waste or proposing to discharge waste in any region that could affect the quality of the waters of the state to file a report of waste discharge. The RWQCB issues a permit or waiver that includes implementing water quality control plans that take into account the beneficial uses to be protected. Waters of the State subject to RWQCB regulation extend to the top of bank, as well as isolated water/wetland features and saline waters. Should there be no Section 404 nexus (i.e., isolated feature not subject to USACE jurisdiction); a report of waste discharge (ROWD) should be filed with the RWQCB. The RWQCB interprets waste to include fill placed into water bodies. The intermittent drainage (Arana Creek 3d) is located within the regulatory jurisdiction of RWQCB (to top of bank); a defined bed and bank was observed (pending confirmation from this agency).

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regulates activities within waters of the United States pursuant to congressional acts: Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (1977, as amended). Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act requires a permit for any work in, over, or under navigable waters of the United States. Navigable waters are defined as those waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide to the Mean High Water mark (tidal areas) or below the Ordinary High Water mark (freshwater areas). The intermittent drainage (Arana Creek 3d) is located within the regulatory jurisdiction of USACE (to Ordinary High Water mark) (pending confirmation from this agency).

Activities within the riparian woodland along this tributary to Arana Creek (Arana Creek 3d) are regulated by the City of Santa Cruz. The City-wide Creeks and Wetlands Management Plan identifies Arana Gulch 3d as a Category A watercourse. The management plan identifies a desired riparian corridor width of 55 feet, a development setback of 75 feet, and the area subject to management plan guidelines as 100 feet (all distances measured from the creek centerline). Within the 75-100 foot zone, development is allowed, ______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 9 May 25, 2015

yet impervious surfaces must be minimized and measures implemented to control and treat runoff are necessary. Other allowable uses include revegetation, removal of invasive, non-native plant species, fencing, and pedestrian trails. Lighting must be hooded and directed downward, away from the watercourse. Within the 55-75 foot development setback area activities allowed are limited to revegetation, removal of invasive, non-native plant species, fencing, and unpaved pedestrian trails. Lighting is to be limited to low-level walkway, motion detector security, driveway or entry lighting. Generally, Watercourse Development Permits would be required for development within any zone of a Category A watercourse. A watercourse development permit may be required for this project, pending City review of the proposed development plan. A variance to the watercourse setbacks may also be requested and issued if impacts to the watercourse can be avoided or adequately mitigated. The approximate location of the 55-foot riparian corridor and 75-foot development setback for Arana Creek 3d is depicted on Figure 8.

4.2 Sensitive Habitats

Sensitive habitats are defined by local, State, or Federal agencies as those habitats that support special status species, provide important habitat values for wildlife, represent areas of unusual or regionally restricted habitat types, and/or provide high biological diversity (City of Santa Cruz General Plan and CDFW). As discussed above, the riparian corridor is considered a sensitive habitat by the City of Santa Cruz and activities within and adjacent to the creek are regulated by the City pursuant to the City-wide Creeks and Wetlands Management Plan.

CDFW classifies and ranks the State’s natural communities to assist in the determining the level of rarity and imperilment. Vegetation types are ranked between S1 and S5. For vegetation types with ranks of S1-S3, all associations within the type are considered to be highly imperiled. If a vegetation alliance is ranked as S4 or S5, these alliances are generally considered common enough to not be of concern; however, it does not mean that certain associations contained within them are not rare. The coastal prairie is a plant community types that is ranked sensitive (i.e., S3) by CDFW. The approximate extent of the coastal prairie within the study area is depicted on Figure 8.

______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 10 May 25, 2015

Figure 8. Extent of coastal prairie and watercourse setbacks.

______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 11 May 25, 2015

5.0 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

5.1 Special Status Plants

The biotic review focused on special status plant species that are officially listed by the State and/or Federal government and CNPS List 1B. No special status plant species have been recorded for this property as per the CNDDB. The species evaluated for potential occurrence on the property, as per CNDDB records, are listed on Table 2.

Of the special status plant species evaluated for their potential to occur on the property (see Table 2), only two species, have been documented in the greater project vicinity. The Santa Cruz tarplant (Holocarpha macradenia) is known from the US Armory within DeLaveaga Park (approximately 0.25 mile west of the project area) where it occupies coastal prairie grassland. The biotic review was conducted within the identification period of this species (typically blooms June-August, yet plants observed at Armory site in May 2015), and no tarplant were detected.

The robust spineflower (Chorizanthe robusta) is known from the Market Street area (approximately 1.25 southwest of the project area) where it occupies grassland with sandy substrate. The biotic review was conducted within the blooming period of this species (typically blooms May-June) and none were detected.

The site does not support suitable habitat for special status plant species and none were observed, or are predicted, to occur in the project area. Prairie-dependent wildflowers were observed in some prairie areas in the study area (i.e., dwarf brodiaea and pretty face), yet these species have no special status under CEQA.

5.2 Special Status Wildlife

Special status wildlife species include those listed, proposed or candidate species by either the Federal or the State resource agencies, as well as those identified as State species of special concern. In addition, all raptor nests are protected by California Fish and Wildlife Code, and all migratory bird nests are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Special status wildlife species were evaluated for their potential presence in the project area as described in Table 3 below.

No special status wildlife species are expected to occur on this site, as explained in Table 3. However, native birds are expected to nest in the eucalyptus woodland, and they are protected by CDFW Code and MBTA.

______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 12 May 25, 2015

Table 2. List of Special Status Plant Species with Potential to Occur at DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use, May 2015 Potential to Occur in Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Rare Plant Rank CESA FESA Project Area Amsinckia lunaris bent-flowered fiddleneck annual herb 1B.2 None None Low, not observed

Arctostaphylos andersonii Anderson's manzanita perennial evergreen shrub 1B.2 None None Low, not observed Arctostaphylos glutinosa Schreiber's manzanita perennial evergreen shrub 1B.2 None None Low, not observed Arctostaphylos ohloneana Ohlone manzanita evergreen shrub 1B.1 None None Low, not observed Arctostaphylos pajaroensis Pajaro manzanita perennial evergreen shrub 1B.1 None None Low, not observed Arctostaphylos silvicola Bonny Doon manzanita perennial evergreen shrub 1B.2 None None Low, not observed Low, no suitable Arenaria paludicola marsh sandwort perennial stoloniferous herb 1B.1 CE FE habitat Calyptridium parryi var. Santa Cruz Mountains Low, no suitable hesseae pussypaws annual herb 1B.1 None None habitat Low, no suitable Campanula californica swamp harebell perennial rhizomatous herb 1B.2 None None habitat Low, no suitable Carex saliniformis deceiving sedge perennial rhizomatous herb 1B.2 None None habitat Chorizanthe pungens var. Low, no suitable hartwegiana Ben Lomond spineflower annual herb 1B.1 None FE habitat Chorizanthe robusta var. Low, no suitable hartwegii Scotts Valley spineflower annual herb 1B.1 None FE habitat Chorizanthe robusta var. Low, no suitable robusta robust spineflower annual herb 1B.1 None FE habitat Collinsia multicolor San Francisco collinsia annual herb 1B.2 None None Low, not observed Low, no suitable Dacryophyllum falcifolium tear drop moss herb 1B.3 None None habitat Eriogonum nudum var. Low, no suitable decurrens Ben Lomond buckwheat perennial herb 1B.1 None None habitat Low, no suitable Erysimum teretifolium Santa Cruz wallflower perennial herb 1B.1 CE FE habitat Low, no suitable Fissidens pauperculus minute pocket moss moss 1B.2 None None habitat Grindelia hirsutula var. maritima San Francisco gumplant perennial herb 3.2 None None Low, not observed

DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 13 May 25, 2015

Table 2. List of Special Status Plant Species with Potential to Occur at DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use, May 2015 Potential to Occur in Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Rare Plant Rank CESA FESA Project Area Low, no suitable Hoita strobilina Loma Prieta hoita perennial herb 1B.1 None None habitat Holocarpha macradenia Santa Cruz tarplant annual herb 1B.1 CE FT Low, not observed

Horkelia cuneata ssp. sericea Kellogg's horkelia perennial herb 1B.1 None None Low, not observed Horkelia marinensis Point Reyes horkelia perennial herb 1B.2 None None Low, not observed Lessingia micradenia var. Low, no suitable glabrata smooth lessingia annual herb 1B.2 None None habitat Low, no suitable Malacothamnus arcuatus arcuate bush-mallow perennial evergreen shrub 1B.2 None None habitat Low, no suitable Microseris paludosa marsh microseris perennial herb 1B.2 None None habitat Low, no suitable Monolopia gracilens woodland woolythreads annual herb 1B.2 None None habitat Low, no suitable Pedicularis dudleyi Dudley's lousewort perennial herb 1B.2 CR None habitat Santa Cruz Mountains Low, no suitable Penstemon rattanii var. kleei beardtongue perennial herb 1B.2 None None habitat Pentachaeta bellidiflora white-rayed pentachaeta annual herb 1B.1 CE FE Low, not observed Low, no suitable Piperia candida white-flowered rein orchid perennial herb 1B.2 None None habitat Plagiobothrys chorisianus var. chorisianus Choris' popcorn-flower annual herb 1B.2 None None Low, not observed San Francisco popcorn- Plagiobothrys diffusus flower annual herb 1B.1 CE None Low, not observed Low, no suitable Polygonum hickmanii Scotts Valley polygonum annual herb 1B.1 CE FE habitat Rosa pinetorum pine rose perennial shrub 1B.2 None None Low, not observed Silene verecunda ssp. verecunda San Francisco campion perennial herb 1B.2 None None Low, not observed Low, no suitable Stebbinsoseris decipiens Santa Cruz microseris annual herb 1B.2 None None habitat

DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 14 May 25, 2015

Table 2. List of Special Status Plant Species with Potential to Occur at DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use, May 2015 Potential to Occur in Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Rare Plant Rank CESA FESA Project Area Trifolium buckwestiorum Santa Cruz clover annual herb 1B.1 None None Low, not observed CNPS Status: List 1B: These plants (predominately endemic) are rare through their range and are currently vulnerable or have a high potential for vulnerability due to limited or threatened habitat, few individuals per population, or a limited number of populations. List 1B plants meet the definitions of Section 1901, Chapter 10 of the CDFG Code.

DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 15 May 25, 2015

Table 3. List of Special Status Wildlife Species with Potential to Occur at DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use, May 2015 SPECIES STATUS1 HABITAT POTENTIAL OCCURRENCE ON SITE Invertebrates Ohlone tiger beetle FE Coastal terrace prairie with sparse None. No suitable habitat on site. Cicindela ohlone vegetation and openings, clay soils and/or mudstone outcrops Zayante band-winged grasshopper FE Openings in sand hills parkland None. No suitable habitat on site. Trimerotropis infantilis habitat with Zayante sandy soils Monarch butterfly * Eucalyptus, acacia and pine trees Possible in Eucalyptus woodland. No Danaus plexippus groves provide winter habitat records of monarchs for this area in when they have adequate CNDDB. protection from wind and nearby source of water Fish Steelhead FT Perennial creeks and rivers with None. This portion of creek is Oncorhynchus mykiss gravels for spawning. intermittent.

Tidewater goby FE, CSC Coastal lagoons and associated None. This portion of creek is Eucyclogobius newberryi creeks up to 1 mile inland intermittent.

Amphibians Santa Cruz long-toed salamander FE, SE Ponds for breeding with water at None. No suitable habitat on site; Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum least into June. Riparian, oak outside known range of the species. woodland, coastal scrub for upland habitat. California red-legged frog FT, CSC Riparian, marshes, estuaries and Unlikely to occur. No breeding Rana draytonii ponds with still water at least into habitat on site or nearby. No records June. of this species within 10 miles. Foothill yellow-legged frog CSC Perennial creeks with cobble None. No suitable habitat on site. Rana boylii substrate for egg attachment.

Reptiles Western pond turtle CSC Creeks and ponds with water of None. No suitable habitat on site. Actinemys marmorata sufficient depth for escape cover, and structure for basking; grasslands or bare areas for nesting. Birds Western snowy plover FT, CSC Sandy beaches, salt pond levees, None. No suitable habitat on site. Charadrius alexandrinum nivosus large alkali lakes Western burrowing owl CSC Nests and winters in grasslands None. Grassland lacks suitable Athene cunicularia hypugea with burrows and short vegetation burrows. Yellow warbler CSC Nests in dense riparian with None. Site lack suitable habitat. Dendroica petechia brewsteri cottonwood canopy and dense willow understory Tricolored blackbird CSC Dense bulrush and/or cattail None. No suitable habitat on site. Agelaius tricolor vegetation adjacent to freshwater marshes Mammals Pallid bat CSC Roosts in rock outcroppings, caves, None. No suitable habitat on site. Antrozous pallidus hollow trees, mines, building and bridges San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat CSC Woodlands including oaks, willow None observed on proposed project ______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 16 May 25, 2015

Table 3. List of Special Status Wildlife Species with Potential to Occur at DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use, May 2015 SPECIES STATUS1 HABITAT POTENTIAL OCCURRENCE ON SITE Neotoma fuscipes annectens riparian, Eucalyptus site; may occur within the Eucalyptus woodland. 1 Key to status: FE = Federally listed as endangered species FT = Federally listed as threatened species SE = State listed as endangered species ST = State listed as threatened species CSC = California species of special concern * = Species of local concern under City LCP

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6.0 PROJECT REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Thresholds of Significance

The thresholds of significance presented in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines were used to evaluate project impacts and to determine if implementation of the proposed project would pose significant impacts to biological resources. For this analysis, significant impacts are those that substantially affect, either directly or through habitat modifications: • A species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by CDFW or USFWS; • Riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by CDFW or USFWS; • Federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means; • Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites; • Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance; • Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation plan, Natural Community Conservation plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.

6.2 Project Recommendations

The proposed use of the study area for a recreational facility was evaluated for its potential direct and indirect impacts to biotic resources. As a site plan or specific use has yet to be determined, general recommendations are presented to avoid or minimize possible recreational uses on sensitive resources. If impacts cannot be avoided, recommendations for compensatory mitigation are outlined.

Recommendation BIO-1. Utilize Non-Sensitive Areas In general, recreational facility uses should be placed in no-sensitive habitats. Within the study area, these are areas formerly disturbed (i.e., former Stroke Center developed area) or areas that support common, non-native species (i.e., annual non-native grassland, landscape areas and areas supporting non-native trees (i.e., eucalyptus woodland). Construction of recreational facilities in these plant community types would not be considered a significant impact to local or regional botanical resources.

Recommendation BIO-2. Avoid Nesting Birds and Wintering Monarch Butterflies (if present) During Vegetation Removal The removal of trees and understory vegetation may impact nesting birds if any are present during removal. In addition, the use of amplified sound and night lighting immediately adjacent to the woodland habitat has the potential to significantly impact nesting birds (depending on decibel rating). Intensive recreational activities should be scheduled outside of the wintering period for monarch butterflies If tree removal is needed, the extent of removal should be further analyzed; however, the removal of a few trees is not expected to cause significant impacts to wintering monarchs, because of the substantial size of the woodland habitat remaining is adequate to provide sufficient roosting habitat for wintering monarchs (if present). The project should schedule vegetation removal during the non-nesting season for birds. For birds the non-nesting season ______DeLaveaga Park – Stroke Center Recreational Facility Use Biological Report 18 May 25, 2015

occurs between August 15 and March 1 of any given year. If this is not practical, no more than two weeks prior to any vegetation removal, a qualified biologist shall survey the areas to determine if any nesting birds are present. If active nests are observed, removal shall be postponed until the biologist has determined all chicks have fledged.

Recommendation BIO-3. Avoid or Minimize Impacts to Coastal Prairie Recreational activities should avoid impacts to coastal prairie, particularly the high quality prairie area on the far eastern terrace, west of the 991 Communications Center, and south of the former Stroke Center. The fragmented prairie patches near the former Stoke Center should be avoided to the greatest extent feasible. Recreational uses that could cause impacts to the prairie should be avoided; potential impacts could be trampling from intensive pedestrian or picnic use.

If uses are proposed with mapped prairie areas, construction within these areas, including construction or recreational access, should be minimized. Access ways should be clearly demarcated and areas with the least impact utilized, if feasible. Protective fencing should be installed to prevent construction and/or recreational access into undisturbed prairie.

If impacts to coastal prairie cannot be avoided a prairie mitigation plan should be developed and implemented to restore temporarily impacted areas (i.e., from construction access) to its pre-use condition. If permanent impacts occur, the mitigation plan should identify nearby and/or off-site prairie areas that can be restored and/or enhanced. Current mitigation projects have used a 4:1 mitigation ratio (4 acres of restored and managed prairie to 1 acre impacted). The mitigation plan may require salvage and replacement of prairie grasses, out planting of container stock plants, direct seeding of disturbed areas, and long-term maintenance and monitoring.

Recommendation BIO-4. Avoid or Minimize Impacts to Watercourse (Arana Creek 3d) A proposed recreational project will need to maintain the designated City setbacks from the Arana Creek 3d watercourse, unless a variance is requested. Arana Creek 3d is a eucalyptus-dominated watercourse with few native riparian species. The area provides opportunities for habitat enhancement, such as the removal of non-native species and replanting with native riparian- dependent plant species. Depending upon the features of a proposed project, including possible use of amplified sound and/or lighting, a watercourse development permit (or variance) from the City of Santa Cruz may be required. Additional mitigation measures may need to be developed to reduce impacts to a less than significant level, pending review of a project-specific grading and development plan.

Pursuant to the City-wide Creeks and Wetlands Management Plan structures should be placed outside the 75-foot riparian development setback area. If that is not feasible, a variance to a watercourse permit variance will be required to allow work within the development setback. Suitable compensation could be proposed to encroachment into the development setback. Possible actions include removal of eucalyptus, acacia, French broom, Scotch broom, cotoneaster, Monterey cypress, and Monterey pine from the riparian and development setback area and re- planting the areas with native species to enhance riparian woodland values and buffer recreational uses from the watercourse. These actions would be consistent with the watercourse development standards in the City-wide Creeks and Wetlands Management Plan.

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Recommendation BIO-5. Minimize Potential Impacts to Nesting Birds from Amplified Sound and Lighting If amplified sound is proposed, it should be used at the lowest level necessary. In addition, any lighting should be shielded from the watercourse and from shining into adjacent tree groves, consistent with the City-wide Creeks and Wetlands Management Plan. Amplified sound has the potential to significantly impact nesting birds in the woodland habitat adjacent to the former Stroke Center. Although the decibel level of any proposed amplified sound is not known at this time, the CDFW recommends buffers of 100 feet for nesting passerines, and 250 feet for raptors, between noises above ambient levels and the active bird nests. Loud noise levels, both day and night, during the bird nesting season may cause adult birds to abandon eggs or chicks, and may interfere with the ability of parent birds to forage and feed their young. Although the extent of lighting is not known at this time, lighting within the study area has the potential to impact birds nesting in the adjacent woodland. Excessive light may cause parent birds to abandon eggs or chicks, and may interfere with foraging, especially for birds active at night such as owls.

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7.0 REFERENCES AND LITERATURE CITED

California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2015. California Natural Diversity Data Base. Rarefind Program, Natural Heritage Division, Sacramento, CA.

California Native Plant Society, 2015. Electronic Rare Plant Inventory, Santa Cruz and surrounding eight quadrangles.

City of Santa Cruz. 2008. City-wide Creeks and Wetlands Management Plan. City of Santa Cruz Planning Department.

City of Santa Cruz. 2012. City GIS Information. City of Santa Cruz Planning Department.

Hickman, J. 1993. The Jepson Manual Higher Plants of California. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Baldwin (ed), 2012. The Jepson Manual Higher Plants of California. University of California Press.

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