C. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

1. Introduction

This section addresses the ecological resources within the Planning Area, and the potential for future development activities to impact ecological resources. In particular, this section provides a description of the wildlife, botanical, and habitat resources occurring or potentially occurring in the area with an emphasis on sensitive resources. Sensitive resources include state or federally listed threatened, endangered, rare, or fully protected species, species of special concern, and species, plant communities, or habitats of regional or local concern. This section also includes discussions of applicable local, state, and federal regulatory standards for resource protection to provide context for the analysis and characterization of potential project impacts. In addition to the programmatic assessment of potential project impacts, this section provides impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures to reduce project impacts and protect natural resources during and following development. Additionally, this section describes over-arching resource protection goals and, where appropriate, potential mitigation measures to help achieve the goals.

Information contained in this section is based on thorough field studies of the planning area conducted through all seasons during 2007 and 2008 by LFR Inc. (now ARCADIS Inc.), as well as prior surveys of specific portions of the Planning Area conducted by LFR in 2003. The EIR analysis also references survey data collected and assessed by others in the planning area including the following:

• 2008 Draft Pismo Creek / Edna Area Watershed Management Plan. Central Coast Salmon Enhancement. • Natural environment study for the Price Canyon Road Widening Project, San Luis Obispo County, California. Prepared for County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department. Garcia and Associates. 2003. • Final Environmental Impact Report for the Los Robles del Mar Specific Plan. 289 pp. plus appendices. Interface Planning and Counseling Corporation (Interface). 1996. • Biological Resources Assessment for the Price Canyon Investment Property. Olberding Environmental. 2008. • Jurisdictional Determination for the Price Canyon Investment Property. Olberding Environmental. 2008. • Special Status Plant Survey for the Price Canyon Investment Property. August 5, 2008 Olberding Environmental. 2008. • Final Plains Exploration and Production Phase IV Development Plan. Environmental Impact Report. 283 pp. plus appendices. Padre and Associates. 2004. • Final Plains Exploration and Production Phase IV Development Plan. Environmental Impact Report. Padre and Associates, 2008. PXP Produced Water Treatment Facility

Prior to performing the fieldwork, ARCADIS staff reviewed existing documents concerning the Planning Area and the surrounding areas, including a search of the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB; California Department of Fish and Game [CDFG], 2008) for the U.S.G.S. 7.5 minute series Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande NE, Lopez Mountain, Port San Luis, and San Luis Obispo topographic quadrangles. The California Native Plant Society’s (CNPS) Electronic

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C1 Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular (CNPS, 2008) was also queried for appropriate habitat within the Pismo Quadrangle and adjacent quadrangles.

NOP RESPONSES

The City received comment letters on the Notice of Preparation from the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Central Coast Salmon Enhancement that related to biological resources. The comments were related to the need to adequately study the aquatic habitat of Pismo Creek especially as it relates to the threatened steelhead. Key issues are stream flow modifications related to groundwater extraction, water quality and control of potentially polluted runoff into the creek. regulationsBeachregion.SpeciesXX.Other resources the Aand full larger andHabitat list policies, of utilizedPrice assessmentreferences Canyon/Arroyo review for this utilized prepared of assessment recent for Grande by ecologicalthe LFR biological Area, included an ARCADIS reports and assessment numerous ARCADIS’ completedCompany local, directin (ARCADIS) inthe and state, experienceoriginal around andin SensitiveAppendix federal Pismoin the 2. Environmental & Regulatory Setting

GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The approximately 1,771-acre (717-hectare) Planning Area straddles Price Canyon Road approximately two miles north of the City of Pismo Beach, in San Luis Obispo County, California. The Planning Area is characterized by moderate to steep terrain interspersed with occasional expanses of open, flat fields and valleys.

The Santa Lucia Range, which extends north to Monterey Bay, reaches its southern terminus to the northeast of the Planning Area. Both the east and west forks of Corral de Piedra Creek drain the southern slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains and merge just north of the Planning Area in Edna Valley to form Pismo Creek. Pismo Creek meanders in a southerly direction through the center of the Planning Area before reaching the Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach. Two tributaries drain into Pismo Creek from the east, Canada Verde and Tiber Canyon. At the mouth of Pismo Creek, a large lake and marsh system (later called Pismo Lake) originally covered over 30 acres (12 hectares) at the confluence of Pismo Creek, Arroyo Grande Creek, and other drainages (Hunt, 1993).

Vegetation in the Planning Area is strongly influenced by water availability and soil and rock formations. Rocks and soils derived from the Pismo Formation predominate throughout the Planning Area. The Pismo Formation is a thick series of marine sediments formed during the Miocene Epoch. Quartz- and feldspar-rich sandstones form the predominant rock type in the Planning Area and are represented by the Edna member of the Pismo Formation. In the oil field area north of the Planning Area, the sandstone contains bitumen and crude oil; the oil did not originate in the Edna member, but likely came from plankton-rich subsurface formations, including the older Monterey formation (Chipping, 1987). Outcrops of Monterey shales can be observed both south and north of the Planning Area (Dibblee, 2006).

Soils derived from the Pismo Formation include loamy sands of the Arnold, Briones, Gaviota, and Pismo group. The ridgetops and slopes of some mountains and foothills in the Planning Area tend to be covered with gray Briones loamy sands, which are about 26 inches (66 centimeters) deep, slightly acidic, and underlain by sandstone. In a few places, clay lenses and layers form under or over the Briones soils. Gaviota sandy loams occur primarily on ridgetops on both sides of Price Canyon Road and are comprised of residual material weathered from

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C2 sandstone. Soil layers are 13 inches (33 centimeters) or less, slightly acid to neutral and underlain by hard sandstone. Maritime chaparral and oak woodland are the most common vegetation types in areas with Briones and Gaviota soils, except for drainages that support wetland vegetation.

Pismo loamy sands occur in valleys and on slopes bordering portions of Pismo Creek and its tributaries, including the south side of Tiber Canyon and over large areas of south-facing slopes that extend towards the ocean. Pismo soils are rapidly draining loamy sands that are light brownish-gray, medium acidic, and about 19 inches (48 centimeters) thick. Vegetation types on Pismo sands include grasslands and woodlands. The Briones-Pismo complex occurs in the lowlands near Pismo Creek on the west side of Price Canyon Road as well as on ocean- facing slopes and is covered with grassland and some oak woodland vegetation. This complex consists of about 40% Briones loamy sand and 30% Pismo loamy sand. The Pismo-Tierra complex occurs in a horseshoe-shaped band surrounding a large portion of the knoll west of Price Canyon Road (North Ranch) and in limited amounts east of Price Canyon Road (South Ranch and southern parcels). Vegetation on the Pismo-Tierra complex consists primarily of oak woodland, with some grassland vegetation as well. This complex consists of about 40% Pismo soils and 30 % Tierra soils; Tierra soils have clay subsoil and tend to be very deep.

Arnold loamy sands consist of weathered material from soft sandstones, are light brownish gray, and may reach 33 to 59 inches (84 to 150 centimeters) in depth; these soils are slightly to strongly acidic. Arnold soils support much of the grassland vegetation on the northwest portion of the Planning Area. Elder sandy loams occur in places on both sides of Pismo Creek as well as in the long grassy valley along the southwestern border of the Planning Area. Elder loams are characterized by dark gray to grayish brown sandy loams about 37 to 60 inches (94 to 152 centimeters) deep or more; they are slightly acidic and are derived from alluvium that has weathered from sedimentary rocks.

Lopez very shaly clay loam covers the steep west-facing slopes immediately east of Pismo Creek as well as the top of the knolls on the west side of Pismo Creek; there is also an expanse of Lopez shaly clay loam on the east- and south-facing foothills of this knoll. Lopez shaly clay loams are gray and about 18 inches (46 centimeters) thick, underlain by hard shale. Oak woodland and maritime chaparral predominate in these shale soils, along with coastal scrub in places.

Near Pismo Creek, heavier soils are present. At the north end of the Planning Area adjacent to steep sandstone bluffs of the Pismo formation, Psamments and Fluvents line Pismo Creek. These soils are water-deposited loamy sands that commonly contain layers of organic matter and have standing water within ten to 20 inches (25 to 51 centimeters) of the surface most of the year (Ernstrom, 1984). Well-developed riparian forest and marsh vegetation occur in these areas. Bedrock is exposed in portions of the Pismo Creek channel.

Photographs provided in the Biological Assessment in the EIR Technical Appendix offer views of the communities observed on during field surveys. References to appendices in this section are in the Biological Assessment in the EIR Technical Appendix.

LAND USE HISTORY AND HISTORIC AERIAL PHOTO REVIEW

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C3 Price Canyon has been the site of a variety of land uses over the last few thousand years and land use has affected the environmental setting. The native Pismu Chumash and their predecessors lived in the vicinity of Pismo Beach and the Price Canyon area, with Pismo Creek serving as a fresh water source; cultural resources are found on site in a variety of locations.

Mining of bituminous sandstone also occurred in the region between about 1880 and 1930; the bituminous sandstone was shipped off for use as asphalt paving (Tim Limbers, pers. comm.). Oil development in the region began about 1906 in the Arroyo Grande oilfield (Mines and Mining, 1907; Padre and Associates, 2004).

A review of aerial photographs from 1939 to the present (1939, 1949, 1956, 1969, 1978, 1987, 2003, and 2006; Appendix B) reveals some of the changes in use of the Planning Area through time. The discussions below briefly describe land use activities that are visible in the historical aerial images shown as they relate to ecological resources.

The distribution of native communities has been affected by land use activities through time as is evidenced in the historical aerials. Many of the areas currently supporting large annual grasslands and cleared areas being used for agriculture (e.g., grazing and vineyards) have been routinely or periodically cleared or mowed for decades. Wooded areas (coast live oak woodland, central maritime chaparral, and central coastal scrub) have historically provided dense coverage on the ridges and hillsides. In general, the distributions are similar to the current distributions though in many areas, the interface between the wooded or shrub covered areas and the adjacent disturbed grassland has shifted slightly from decade to decade (see Appendix B).

Prior to the 1969 figure, the main road through Price Canyon, Corral de Piedra Road, follows the west side of Pismo Creek. The current configuration of Price Canyon Road is first visible in the 1978 aerial photograph.

The riparian and wetland areas on the Spanish Springs North Ranch are particularly visible in the 1949 and 1969 images. Seasonal wetlands and associated vegetation are also visible on South Ranch in the areas where such features are still exist.

Regulatory Setting

The following sections discuss applicable and potentially applicable local, state, and federal regulatory policies for the Planning Area.

The Planning Area has been addressed in local and regional planning documents and many of the ecological resources in the area are subject to state and federal resource protection regulations. The sections below summarize the programs that regulate land use options and resource protection requirements. In some cases applicable and potentially applicable regulations are organized by subject rather than by agency (e.g., wetlands and waters).

CITY OF PISMO BEACH GENERAL PLAN

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C4 The following is a summary of relevant City of Pismo Beach General Plan policies that address development of Price Canyon, as they relate to the protection of ecological resources. The following list is not comprehensive and in some cases only the text addressing ecological issues is included. This discussion is provided for reference and should not be relied on for policy consistency analysis.

Conservation/Open Space Element

Policy CO-3: Grading, Construction, Demolition

The City will ensure that the grading site is frequently watered, and that netting is used until new vegetation is established. The City will require that dirt be transported in trucks with liners and covers over the loads. Construction work may be halted when excessive winds create air pollution problems.

Policy CO-13: Oak Tree Protection

Native species of oak (e.g. Quercus agrifolia, Quercus lobata, Quercus chrysolepis) should be preserved within the City of Pismo Beach, both as an aesthetic resource benefiting the entire community and for their ecological value.

a. Applicability

The following requirements shall apply to all native oak species, except scrub oak (e.g. Quercus dumosa), measuring at least 6 inches in circumference at 4.5 ft. above natural grade.

b. Management Plan Required

All applications for development on parcels which contain oak trees which meet the criterion in “a” above shall include a proposed vegetation management plan. This plan shall be prepared by a registered arborist or landscape architect that is experienced in oak tree preservation. The plan shall include the following:

1. A site plan showing the location of all existing trees by diameter, species and location; groves of oaks that will not be disturbed by the development may be shown by location only. 2. Identification of all existing trees that are proposed to be removed. 3. Identification of all existing trees that will have proposed grading or construction which encroaches within the tree protection zone as defined below. 4. Identification of the protective measures that will be undertaken to avoid or reduce adverse effects on existing trees during grading, construction and following completion of the development project. 5. A monitoring and reporting program to verify compliance with the management plan.

c. Removal of Trees

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C5 Oak trees may be removed only under these conditions:

1. A tree is diseased and a registered arborist or landscape architect experienced in oak tree preservation has evaluated its condition and determined that protective measures would no longer be effective in reversing the decline of the tree. 2. The location of a tree presents a clear hazard to the public safety. 3. The location of a tree creates a demonstrably severe hardship to logical or harmonious configuration of the development for which no alternative design solution is feasible. This provision shall pertain to individual trees and shall not be used as a basis to allow removal of a grove of oak trees. Any tree removed for this reason shall be replace as specified in the City’s tree protection ordinance and standards.

d. Construction Adjacent to Trees

1. A tree protection zone shall be established for each tree that may be affected by the proposed development. The extent of this zone shall be calculated as one foot of radius for each inch of trunk diameter (measured at 4.5 feet above natural grade). 2. Disturbance of the natural grade of the earth within the protection zone by grading, trenching, compacting or filling should be avoided. Such disturbances may be permitted only when necessary for logical or harmonious development and a registered arborist or landscape architect determines that such activities will not adversely affect the health and survival of the tree. 3. Special measures such as fencing shall be required for tree protection during construction. 4. Landscape plans shall not include irrigated plantings within the tree protection zone.

e. Tree Protection Ordinance and Standards

To implement the details of this policy, the City shall prepare an oak tree protection ordinance and accompanying standards and guidelines for protection of oak trees.

Policy CO-14: Riparian Habitat

It is the policy of the City to preserve riparian habitat under the following conditions:

1. As part of discretionary planning permits, a biotic resources management plan shall be required. 2. The biotic resources management plan shall include standards for project development which will avoid habitat disturbance.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C6 3. The standards specified in the biotic resource management plan shall be utilized to determine the extent of development. The minimum standards that may be specified in the biotic plan for the preservation of habitat shall include: • Preservation of groupings of trees in which at least ten trees with a minimum six-inch diameter (measured four and one half feet above natural grade) will be preserved. • Plants may be removed from the habitat areas if diseased or if they present a hazard to public safety. Such conditions must be certified by a professional horticulturist or a certified landscape architect. Plants removed for these reason s must be replace with at least four minimum 15 gallon specimens of each species. • No significant disruption of riparian vegetation will be permitted. In addition, a minimum riparian buffer area shall be identified for each riparian habitat area at the time of development review. Except as specified in Policy CO-21 for Pismo Creek and Policy CO-23 for Pismo Marsh, the minimum width of the buffer area shall be as identified by the biotic resources management plan and generally not less than 25 feet. Development standards for the minor riparian habitat areas and their respective buffer areas shall be the same as provided in Policy CO-21 with respect to kinds and locations of allowable uses.

Policy CO-21: Pismo Creek Protection

Pismo Creek shall be retained in its natural state and protected from significant alterations. The following measures shall be employed to accomplish this intent:

f. Streamside Protection Zone – There shall be a minimum streamside protection zone to conserve the environmentally sensitive habitats of the creek. This buffer zone shall be measured from the outer edge of the riparian vegetation or, where there is no riparian vegetation, from the top of the creek bank. The minimum width of the buffer shall be as follows:

West Bank 100 feet / Cypress northward to City limits 25 feet / Cypress to the ocean

East Bank 100 feet / U.S. 101 northward to City limits 50 feet / U.S. 101 to Dolliver Street 25 feet / Dolliver to the ocean

A lesser buffer may be permitted if: 1) the minimum widths set forth above would render a parcel inaccessible or unusable for the purpose designated in the land- use plan; or 2) there is a showing by an applicant through the resource assessment study identified in item “h” that a lesser buffer will not result in loss of, or adverse effects on, streamside vegetation or the biotic quality of the stream. Alternative mitigations shall be required where lesser buffers are authorized. No new construction of vegetation removal, except for normal

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C7 maintenance, shall be allowed in the buffer zone with the exception of public roadways or bridges identified in the Circulation Element, paths, trails, fences, flood control structures, and other similar structures deemed not to adversely affect the creek.

b. N/A to project

c. Conservation Dedication – Any new development shall be required to dedicate as a condition of any discretionary approval, an easement for the protection of the streamside area consisting of 25 feet or more from the top of the creek bank. In addition, new development shall provide access amenities adjacent to the creek for the city to use as a greenbelt and / or recreation corridor.

d. Structures in the Stream Corridor- No structures shall be located within the stream corridor except: dams; structures necessary for flood control purposes; bridges, when supports can be located outside of critical habitat; a public pathway and pipelines, when no alternative route is feasible.

e. Limitations on Development – All development, including dredging, filling and grading, within the stream corridor shall be limited to activities necessary for flood control purposes, bridge construction, water supply projects, or laying of pipelines, when no alternative route is feasible. When such activities require removal of riparian plant species, revegetation with local native plants shall be required. Minor clearing of vegetation shall be permitted for hiking and equestrian trails, bike trails, view points, etc.

f. Minimize Impacts – All permitted construction and grading within stream corridors shall be carried out in such a manner as to minimize impacts from increased runoff, sedimentation, biochemical degradation, or thermal pollution.

g. Channeling – No concrete channeling or other major creek alteration shall be permitted, unless no viable alternative exists.

h. Resource Protection Plan – A Resource Assessment and Protection Plan shall be required and approved concurrent with city action on projects located on parcels which have a portion within the streamside protection zone. The plan shall include appropriate measures to protect the creeks biological and visual aspects.

Policy CO-22: Price Canyon Open Space and Study Area

Any development in Price Canyon and the surrounding hills shall emphasize the open space aspects of the Price Canyon corridor. Preferred views from Price Canyon Road shall be of open space rather than development.

Pismo Beach, in cooperation with San Luis Obispo County and affected property owners, shall prepare a visual and open space study for the Price Canyon corridor as illustrated in Figure CO-2. This plan shall focus on retaining the

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C8 corridor as a scenic entrance to Pismo Beach and an open space corridor separating Pismo Beach from the Route 227 corridor.

Policy CO-28: Natural Drainage Channels

Drainage channels shall remain in a natural open space state with minimal or no use of concrete channels. Dredging, filling and grading within stream corridors shall be limited to activities necessary for flood control purposes, bridge construction, water supply projects, or laying of pipelines when no alternative route is feasible. Revegetation and restoration of the natural setting shall be required.

Alteration of existing drainage patterns shall be prohibited unless special studies prove that the proposed alteration will not cause any adverse impacts downstream or to other aspects of the environment. Prior to approval of any new development, a detailed analysis of surface water runoff patterns shall be undertaken to determine storm drain needs and identify mitigations for any with possible adverse environmental impacts. No runoff that will negatively affect the Pismo Marsh shall be permitted.

Design Element

Policy D-12: Special Tree Preservation

A number of special and important trees or tree groupings exist within Pismo Beach and these trees should be preserved. Examples include:

a. Oak Trees Land Use Element LU-N-5 Oak Trees b. Monterey Pines and Monterey Cypress Land Use Element LU-F -7 Tree Preservation c. Eucalyptus Trees Land Use Element CO-7 Butterfly Habitat d. Monkey Trees Land Use Element e. Sycamores Conservation Element CO-22 Price Canyon

Land Use Element

Policy LU-R-3: Future Urban Development on Parcels 2 and 3 (excerpt below is incomplete and only addresses ecological issues)

1. Future Specific Plan Required

c. A detailed environmental inventory and analysis of the site, including an evaluation of the land’s suitabilities [sic] and constraints for development must be prepared.

2. Policy Criteria for Specific Plan

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C9 b. Any future plan shall limit development to a configuration that will avoid those portions of the site which contain sensitive environmental features, such as oak and riparian woodland, steep hillsides, rock outcroppings and cliffs, and floodplain areas.

d. A major emphasis for future land planning in the Price Canyon area shall be on providing an open space corridor and amenities. The specific plan should provide for dedication of various open space areas to the City, including lands on the north side of Pismo Creek, areas along the creek suitable for a streamside trail/pathway, and a large future park site in the event that it is determined a golf course is physically infeasible on these properties.

Policy LU-R-4: Golf Course and Recreational Development (Parcel 4) (the excerpt below only addresses ecological issues)

3. Guidelines for the Specific Plan

b. Riparian vegetation and habitat areas shall be left undisturbed to the extent practicable. e. Portions of the site not utilized for golf course development or for related facilities shall be reserved as permanent open space.

STATE REGULATIONS

California Fish and Game Code

The California Fish and Game Code (CFGC) regulates the taking or possession of birds, mammals, fish, amphibian and reptiles in the state. Potentially applicable sections of the Fish and Game Code include:

• Section 1602 protects Waters of the State • Section 3503 protects eggs and nests of all birds. • Section 3503.5 protects birds of prey and their nests. • Section 3513 protects all birds covered under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. • Section 3511 lists fully protected birds. • Section 5515 lists fully protected fish species. • Section 3800 defines nongame birds. • Section 4700 lists fully protected mammals. • Section 5050 lists fully protected amphibians and reptiles.

California Endangered Species Act

The California Endangered Species Act (CESA; CFGC Sections 2050–2116) generally parallels the main provisions of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S. Code [USC] 1531–1544) and is administered by CDFG.

The CESA prohibits the “taking” of listed species except as otherwise provided in state law. Under the CESA, take is defined as “ to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt,

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C10 pursue, catch, capture, or kill.” Section 2081 of the Fish and Game Code expressly allows CDFG to authorize the incidental take of endangered, threatened, and candidate species if all of the following conditions are met.

• The take is incidental to an otherwise lawful activity. • The impacts of the authorized take are minimized and fully mitigated. • Issuance of the permit will not jeopardize the continued existence of the species. • The permit is consistent with any regulations adopted in accordance with Sections 2112 and 2114 (legislature-funded recovery strategy pilot programs in the affected area). • The applicant ensures that adequate funding is provided for implementing mitigation measures and monitoring compliance with these measures and their effectiveness.

The CESA provides that if a person obtains an incidental take permit pursuant to the federal ESA for species also listed under the CESA, no further authorization is necessary under CESA if the federal permit satisfies all the requirements of CESA and the person follows specified steps (CFGC section 2080.1). In such cases, CDFG conducts a consistency analysis to confirm that the federal take authorization meets all state requirements.

California Fully Protected Species

The classification of Fully Protected was the State's initial effort in the 1960's to identify and provide additional protection to those animals that were rare or faced possible extinction. Lists were created for fish, mammals. amphibians and reptiles, birds and mammals. Most fully protected species were subsequently listed as threatened or endangered species under the more recent endangered species laws and regulations. Fully Protected species may not be taken or possessed at any time and no licenses or permits may be issued for their take except for collecting these species for necessary scientific research and relocation of the bird species for the protection of livestock.

California Native Plant Protection Act & “Rare” Species

One species in the Planning Area (Pismo clarkia) is listed as rare pursuant to the California Native Plant Protection Act. A discussion of the regulatory setting for Pismo clarkia is provided with the species account in the Sensitive Plants Section below.

FEDERAL REGULATIONS

Endangered Species Act of 1973

The federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides for the conservation of species that are endangered or threatened throughout all or a significant portion of their range, as well as the conservation of the ecosystems on which they depend. The ESA recognizes that conservation of threatened and endangered species can be facilitated through artificial propagation. Potential benefits of artificial propagation for listed species include supplementing natural

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C11 populations to speed recovery, reestablishing natural populations in suitable but currently vacant habitat, or both.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is responsible for administering ESA provisions with regard to West Coast salmon and steelhead. The ESA allows listing of Distinct Population Segments (DPSs) of vertebrates, as well as named species and subspecies, and steelhead protected under the ESA are listed according to DPS. The south-central California coast steelhead DPS occurs in the Planning Area.

Endangered Species Act Section 9

Under the ESA, it is illegal for any person, private entity, or government agency to take endangered species without federal authorization. Take of most threatened species is similarly prohibited. Under the federal law, take is defined as “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to engage in such conduct.” Harm is defined to mean an act that actually kills or injures fish or wildlife. Take may include significant habitat modification or degradation that actually kills or injures fish or wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, spawning, rearing, migrating, feeding, or sheltering. The incidental take of listed species can be authorized under Section 7 or Section 10 of the ESA as discussed below.

Endangered Species Act Section 7

Section 7 of the ESA requires all federal agencies to ensure that any action they authorize (permit), fund, or carry out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any species listed under the ESA, or to result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat. Any action that may affect a listed species requires consultation with the USFWS or NMFS or both. Provisions of Sections 7 and 10 of the ESA are similar, but Section 7 requires consideration of several factors not explicitly required by Section 10. However, Section 7 also has a statutory timeframe (135 days) and is a more streamlined program than the Section 10 process. The Section 7 process may only be utilized for projects that are federally funded, occur on federal land, or required a federal permit for implementation. The Section 7 consultation process for take results in a Biological Opinion prepared by USFWS or NMFS regarding whether implementation of the proposed action will result in jeopardy to any listed species or will adversely modify critical habitat. Take authorization occurs in the form of an Incidental Take Statement.

Endangered Species Act Section 4(d)

Incidental take of a species listed as threatened under the federal ESA may be broadly authorized under Section 4(d) of the ESA, which authorizes incidental take of such threatened species consistent with certain conditions. Section 4(d) is not applicable to species listed as endangered under the ESA. Through a Section 4(d) rule, the USFWS or NMFS may apply take prohibitions for threatened species but exempt certain programs or activities (such as hatchery operations or recreational fisheries) if they meet the requirements specified in the rule. The USFWS or NMFS may apply a Section 4(d) rule either at the time of listing or subsequently. A

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C12 familiar example is the 4(d) rule that protects anglers if they accidentally catch a listed fish species, provided that they release it unharmed.

The NMFS has published a 4(d) rule for several DPSs including the south central California coast steelhead DPSs. The rule provides take authorization for certain activities including research and enhancement actions and hatchery operations.

Endangered Species Act Section 10

Section 10(a) of the ESA establishes a process for obtaining an Incidental Take Permit, which authorizes non-federal entities to incidentally take federally listed wildlife or fish during otherwise lawful activities subject to certain conditions. Incidental take is defined by ESA as take that is “incidental to, and not the purpose of, the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity.” Preparation of a Habitat Conservation Plan, generally referred to as an HCP, is required for all Section 10(a) permit applications.

Critical Habitat

When a species is proposed for listing as endangered or threatened under the ESA, the USFWS must consider whether there are areas of habitat that are essential to the species’ conservation. Those areas are proposed for designation as “critical habitat.” It is a specific geographic area (or areas) that is considered by the USFWS/NMFS as essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection. Critical habitat may include an area that is not currently occupied by the species but that will be needed for its recovery. As discussed above, federal agencies are required under Section 7 to consult with the USFWS and/or NMFS on actions they carry out, fund, or authorize to ensure that their actions will not result in take of a listed species or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. In this way, a critical habitat designation protects areas that are necessary for the conservation of the species. A critical habitat designation has no effect on situations where a federal agency is not involved – for example, a landowner undertaking a project on private land that involves no federal funding or permit. An area designated as critical habitat is not a refuge or sanctuary for the species. Listed species and their habitat are protected by the ESA whether or not they are in an area designated as critical habitat. In consultation for those species with critical habitat, federal agencies must ensure that their activities do not adversely modify critical habitat to the point that it will no longer aid in the species’ recovery. Most activities in critical habitat that require a federal agency to consult with USFWS/NMFS can proceed as proposed or with reasonable and prudent modifications.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA; Title 16, United States Code [USC], Part 703) is one of the nation’s oldest environmental regulations enacting the provisions of treaties between the United States, Great Britain, Mexico, Japan, and the Soviet Union. All of the birds observed in the Planning Area, with the exception of the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), are covered by the MBTA. The MBTA authorizes the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to protect and regulate the taking of migratory birds. It establishes seasons and bag limits for hunted species and provides protection for migratory birds, their occupied nests, and their eggs (16 USC 703, 50

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C13 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 21, 50 CFR 10). The MBTA prohibits the destruction of occupied nests. The Migratory Bird Permit Memorandum (MBPM-2) dated April 15, 2003, clarifies that destruction of most unoccupied bird nests is permissible under the MBTA; exceptions include nests of federally threatened or endangered migratory birds, bald eagles, and golden eagles. The USFWS is responsible for overseeing compliance with the MBTA. Most actions that result in taking of or the permanent or temporary possession of a protected species constitute violations of the MBTA.

WETLANDS AND WATERS REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Pismo Creek is a perennial stream that drains into the Pacific Ocean less than two miles from the Planning Area and is considered a jurisdictional Water of the United States pursuant to the definitions of the federal Clean Water Act. As such, any dredge or fill activities below the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) of Pismo Creek would be regulated by the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (Water Quality Certification). The RWQCB has established the following measurable goals to be attained as it considers Section 401 certification for individual projects:

• Healthy Aquatic Habitat – By 2025, 80 percent of Aquatic Habitat is healthy, and the remaining 20 percent exhibits positive trends in key parameters.

• Proper Land Management – By 2025, 80 percent of lands within an watershed will be managed to maintain proper watershed functions, and the remaining 20 percent will exhibit positive trends in key watershed parameters.

• Clean Groundwater – By 2025, 80 percent of groundwater will be clean, and the remaining 20 percent will exhibit positive trends in key parameters. The OHWM is defined in the Corps 1987 Wetlands Delineation Manual as:

“That line on the shore established by the fluctuations of water and indicated by physical characteristics such as clear, natural lines impressed on the bank, shelving, changes in the character of soil, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, the presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means that consider the characteristics of the surrounding areas.”

The tributaries of Pismo Creek may also be subject to Clean Water Act regulation. As described in the guidance documents prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Clean Water Act jurisdictional determinations (Clean Water Act Jurisdiction, December 2, 2008, U.S. EPA and the Corps), the tributaries of Pismo Creek in the Planning Area can be described as “Non-navigable tributaries that are not relatively permanent” and as such, would be subject to federal jurisdiction based on a fact- specific analysis to determine whether they have a significant biological, chemical or physical nexus with a traditional navigable water (in this case the Pacific Ocean).

Many of the water features in the Planning Area have a clearly defined bed, bank and/or channel and meet the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) definition of a jurisdictional Water of the State. Covered features include Pismo Creek and its tributaries as well as open water ponds. Section 1602 of the California Fish and Game Code (Lake and

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C14 Streambed Alteration Program) charges CDFG with executing Streambed Alteration Agreements. Pursuant to the program, “an entity may not 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, or deposit or dispose of debris, waste, or other material containing crumbled, flaked, or ground pavement where it may pass into any river, stream, or lake…” The Department specifies that Fish and Game Code Section 1602 applies to all perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral rivers, streams, and lakes in the state. The regulatory definition of a stream is a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel that has banks and supports fish or other aquatic life. This includes watercourses with a surface or sub-surface flow that supports or has supported riparian vegetation. The area of the creek under state jurisdiction is defined as the area from top-of-bank to top-of-bank or the outer limit of riparian vegetation, whichever is greater. The CDFG has not officially adopted regulations pertaining to wetlands.

Other Planning Documents

The Pismo Creek/Edna Valley Watershed Management Plan prepared by Central Coast Salmon Enhancement identifies the following strategic management actions and projects:

• Identify sediment sources and work with landowners to stabilize creek banks and other point sources. • Off stream watering sources for livestock to reduce bacteria levels in the water. • Improve Pismo Creek estuary (lagoon) water quality including short term aeration and long term re-establishment of wetland vegetation tidal basin. • Water quality monitoring and stream gauging • Implementation of the PXP Stream and Trout Monitoring Plans. • Promote Low Impact Development (LID) principles for developments in the watershed. • Steelhead restoration planning and fish passage barrier removal projects. • Protect the stream flow from diversions. • Invasive exotic vegetation removal. • Public education outreach.

Environmental Setting

The following native and non-native plant communities were identified and mapped within the Planning Area, supporting approximately 418 species of plants. As Shown on Map IV-C.1- Existing Sensitive Species and Habitats, these include the following upland communities:

• Annual (non-native) Grassland • Coast Live Oak Woodland/Forest • Central Maritime Chaparral • Central (Lucian) Coastal Scrub • Existing Vineyard • Native Grassland • Disturbed/Ruderal • Non-native Plantings, including Tasmanian blue gum and vineyard plantings

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C15

Five natural wetland habitat types were also identified:

• Central Coast Cottonwood Sycamore Riparian Forest • Central Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest • Seasonally-flooded Vernal Swale • Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh • Central Coast Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest/Scrub

In addition to the natural habitats listed above, existing ponds and reservoirs were characterized and mapped. Approximately 283 species of native plants were observed in the Planning Area, or about 22% of the native plant species reported to occur in San Luis Obispo County (Hoover, 1970). In addition, 135 species of non-native species were also identified.

SENSITIVE HABITATS

Sensitive plant communities identified in this section have a California state ranking of S3.2 or higher, which are considered to be “threat” ranks by the California Department of Fish and Game in the Natural Diversity Database (CDFG, 2007).1

UPLAND COMMUNITIES

The Planning Area supports a mosaic of native, weedy, and planted vegetation that is described in the ensuing sections. The distribution of vegetation types in the Planning Area is determined by topography, soils and geology, hydrology, slope exposure, climate, and land use history. Six upland communities were identified in the Planning Area: Annual Grassland, Coast Live Oak Woodland/Forest, Central Maritime Chaparral, Central (Lucian) Coastal Scrub, Existing Vineyard, Native Grassland, Disturbed/Ruderal, Non-Native Plantings, and existing vineyards. The upland communities are presented in order of acreage mapped in the Planning Area, with communities with the greatest number of acres listed first. A general overview of vegetation composition and related environmental features is provided for each community described below, with discussions of community features observed in the Planning Area. The mapped acreages of each plant community are listed in Table IV-C.1 in the Impact Analysis section and provided at the end of each community description below. Photographs taken during the ARCADIS surveys are provided in the EIR Technical Appendix volume.

1 Note that higher ranks are designated with lower numbers. The state ranking system addresses the estimated number of existing acres for the sensitive habitat, as well as the threat to the acreage as determined by the Department. The S number is indicative of the total acreage and the threat level is represented by the decimal extension ranging from .1 (very threatened) to .3 (no current threats known). Sensitive habitats for this report are defined as S3.2 and above for habitats with an identified threat (.1 or .2 extensions).

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C17

Annual Grassland/Ruderal

Large portions of the Planning Area are dominated primarily by non-native annual grasses and other native and weedy annual species. The presence of annual grassland often suggests prior clearing of native perennial vegetation (e.g., native grasses such as Nassella and/or native shrubs and trees), which then is largely replaced by invasive non-native grasses and forbs, although some native species may persist.

Among the non-native grasses observed in the Planning Area are invasive annual Mediterranean grasses such as slender wild oats (Avena barbata), rip-gut brome (Bromus diandrus), soft chess (Bromus hordeaceus), red brome (Bromus madritensis subsp. rubens), foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum), and annual fescues (Vulpia species). Associated with these grasses are weedy mustards (Brassica rapa, B. nigra, and Hirschfeldia incana) and filaree (Erodium cicutarium, E. botrys) along with patches of Italian thistle, milk thistle (Silybum marianum), poison-hemlock (Conium maculatum), sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), and others.

Many native annual grassland herbs have been documented in the Planning Area (see Appendices). The surveys identified Pismo clarkia, lupine species (Lupinus bicolor, L. nanus, L. truncatus), red maids (Calandrinia ciliata), small sun-cups (Camissonia micrantha), coast tarplant (Deinandra increscens subsp. increscens), slender (Madia gracilis), and many other native wildflowers scattered in the annual grassland vegetation. Also present in sandy soils are native perennials such as California croton, California-aster, and others.

Ruderal vegetation is generally confined to continuously disturbed, compacted ground such as roadsides and parking areas. Ruderal species in the Planning Area can include weedy non- native grasses, as well as weedy forbs such as common knotweed (Polygonum aviculare), red spurrey (Spergularia rubra), and others.

In general, the grassland areas would be classified as Non-Native Grasslands in the CNDDB community classification system (Holland, 1986) and as California Annual Grassland Series within the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995). Non-native Grassland has a global rank of G4 (apparently secure, but factors exist to cause some concern; i.e. there is some threat or somewhat narrow habitat) and a state rank of S4 (apparently secure, but factors exist to cause some concern; i.e. there is some threat or somewhat narrow habitat), as listed in the CNDDB (2007).

There are approximately 735 acres (297 hectares) of annual grassland and ruderal plant communities in the Planning Area

Coast Live Oak Woodland/Forest

Coast live oak woodlands and forests in the Planning Area are dominated by a single tree species: coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). Coast live oak is an evergreen tree ranging from 40 to 75 feet (12 to 23 meters) in height, with a spreading crown, many massive branches, a dense canopy of thick waxy leaves, and a massive root system consisting of both deeply

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C18 penetrating roots and widely spreading lateral roots (Pavlik, 1991; Hickman, 1993). These trees can live for 300 years or more. Most healthy stands contain mixed age classes of oak trees, saplings, and seedlings.

Scientific studies suggest a positive correlation between oak tree density and deep soils that foster root growth and water uptake year-round (Barbour and Major, 1977; Holland and Keil, 1995). In the Planning Area oaks may be observed growing in mesic, non-saturated environments: north-facing slopes, upper margins of riparian forest, the bottoms of ephemeral drainages, and on the slopes and ridges of rocky sandstone hills that serve as deep reservoirs for water storage (Frank Davis, pers. comm.).

Another tree occasionally found in oak woodlands in the Planning Area is knobcone pine (Pinus attenuata), which is scattered on site in small numbers. California bay (Umbellularia californica) is also found in oak woodland habitats, especially near perennial drainages. In dense undisturbed coast live oak woodlands and forests in the Planning Area, the environment under the oak canopy is very shady. Shade-tolerant shrubs such as poison-oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), California coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), and snowberry (Symphoricarpos mollis) predominate in the understory, along with vines such as California blackberry (Rubus ursinus). Native shrubs characteristic of northern woodlands are also present in small numbers, including California huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) and oso berry (Oemleria cerasiformis), especially in mesic areas dominated by oak woodland vegetation. Herbaceous perennials in the oak woodland understory include bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens), coastal wood fern (Dryopteris arguta), hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea), meadow-rue (Thalictrum fendleri var. polycarpum), and wood mint (Stachys bullata). The sensitive black-flowered figwort (Scrophularia atrata) is also found in the oak woodland understory in a range of locations, especially east of Price Canyon Road. Native perennial grasses such as the native creeping thingrass (Agrostis pallens) and California brome (Bromus carinatus) occur sporadically in the understory. Annuals are infrequent but include fiesta flower (Pholistoma auritum), miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata), and bedstraw (Galium aparine). Where the understory has been cleared under the oak canopy, weedy annual species predominate, especially ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) and Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus).

In two locations along the margins of coast live oak woodland ARCADIS observed what is reportedly one of the rarest plants in San Luis Obispo County (Dieter Wilken, pers. comm.), the San Luis Obispo lupine (Lupinus ludovicianus). This low-growing herbaceous perennial was observed in two nearby locations on the western side of the Spanish Springs North Ranch at lots 12 and 15. A total of 11 individuals were observed in 2007. Although no other individuals were observed, additional individuals or populations may be present in the Planning Area. North Ranch Lot 15 would directly impact individuals of this species (as well as Pismo clarkia and Hoover’s bent grass). The driveways to Lot 15 and Lot 12 encroach upon or are immediately adjacent to this species as is the access road to these lots.

In several places in the Planning Area, the coast live oak woodland supports a preponderance of Wells’ manzanita as an associate species, suggesting that the area may have previously been dominated by central maritime chaparral and that through succession, the oaks gradually shaded and outcompeted most chaparral shrubs in that location. These woodlands were

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C19 mapped as coast live oak woodland when cover by coast live oak exceeded 50%, but this community could revert to maritime chaparral after a major fire.

Coast live oaks vary in density from continuous stands on north-facing slopes to scattered trees in coastal scrub, chaparral, or grassland habitats on a variety of slope exposures. Along some moist drainages, concentrated bands of oaks may form the dominant riparian vegetation; this mesic vegetation type is often referred to as coast live oak riparian forest.

This community would be classified as the Coast Live Oak Woodland Community in the CNDDB community classification system (Holland, 1986), and as the Coast Live Oak Series within the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995). Coast Live Oak Woodland has a global rank of G4 (apparently secure, but factors exist to cause some concern; i.e. there is some threat or somewhat narrow habitat) and a state rank of S4 (apparently secure, but factors exist to cause some concern; i.e. there is some threat or somewhat narrow habitat), as listed in the CNDDB (2007).

There are approximately 502 acres (203 hectares) of coast live oak woodland/forest in the Planning Area

Central Maritime Chaparral

Central maritime chaparral, sometimes called sandhill chaparral, is dominated by evergreen shrubs and scattered multi-trunked coast live oaks that grow together at varying densities from open stands to almost impenetrable thickets in coastal areas of the Central Coast underlain with sand or sandstone-derived soils. The woody chaparral shrub vegetation ranges from four to fifteen or more feet (1.2 to 4.6 meters) in height, although low-growing annuals and herbaceous perennials are scattered in exposed openings.

In general, maritime chaparral is an unusual vegetation type found primarily on sandy substrates in a few coastal locations in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties. Often these maritime chaparral associations are dominated by local endemic species of ceanothus (Ceanothus) and manzanita (Arctostaphylos) mixed with other widespread and endemic species (Holland, 1986; Holland and Keil, 1995). Central maritime chaparral in the Planning Area is particularly abundant on ridge-tops and south-and west facing slopes between 300 and 600 feet (91 to 183 meters) elevation. Dominants include several regional endemic species, including Wells’ manzanita (Arctostaphylos wellsii), a sensitive species of manzanita restricted to the rugged hills between Arroyo Grande and the Edna Valley. Lompoc ceanothus (Ceanothus cuneatus var. fascicularis) and Nipomo ceanothus (Ceanothus impressus subsp. nipomensis) also occur in this vegetation, though Nipomo ceanothus was only found in two locations. All three species are endemic to the Central Coast and are considered sensitive species by state or local organizations.

In addition, species that are found in chaparral vegetation in many parts of California, such as chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), birchleaf mountain- mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides), bush poppy (Dendromecon rigida subsp. rigida), black sage, poison-oak, and California coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica) are components of maritime chaparral vegetation in places in the Planning Area. Multi-trunked individuals of coast

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C20 live oak are also common; these increase in size and abundance with age of the stand since the last fire (Van Dyke, Holl, and Griffin, 2001). Large patches of Indian warrior (Pedicularis densiflora) and round-fruited sedge (Carex globosa) occur under the canopy of Wells’ manzanita. Hoover’s bentgrass (Agrostis hooveri) occurs in openings in the chaparral vegetation, along with other native grasses such as needlegrass (Nassella pulchra and N. lepida) and Coast Range melic (Melica imperfecta). A number of other herbaceous plants also occupy sunny openings in maritime chaparral, including herbaceous perennials such as coast horkelia (Horkelia cuneata subsp. cuneata) and soap plant (Chlorogalum pomeridianum subsp. pomeridianum) and annuals such as spoon-sepal spineflower (Chorizanthe obovata), suncups (Camissonia species), and Cleveland’s white forget-me-not (Cryptantha clevelandii). A number of sensitive species are found in openings in maritime chaparral, including Hoover’s bentgrass, San Luis Obispo mariposa lily (Calochortus obispoensis), saint’s daisy (Erigeron sanctarum), and California spineflower (Mucronea californica).

Fire plays a significant role in maintaining chaparral community heterogeneity and in nutrient cycling, and its role has been extensively documented (Christensen and Muller, 1975; Keeley 1987; Keeley and Keeley 1988). No records of any significant historic fires in Price Canyon in the Planning Area were identified. The maritime chaparral appears to be quite mature, dominated by dense stands of Wells’ manzanita and scattered coast live oak, with very little ceanothus present. Indeed, Nipomo ceanothus was located only in a few locations near roadsides where scarification may have induced chance germination in place of fire. Nonetheless, both Lompoc and Nipomo ceanothus are scattered in small numbers in the Planning Area and may have deposited abundant seed in the soil.

In several locations, mixed stands of Wells’ manzanita and coast live oak occur. As oaks age, the canopy and roots of the trees spreads outwards, shading and outcompeting other shrubs; where mature oaks and Wells’ manzanita produced continuous woody cover (with > 50% cover by oaks), this association was mapped as coast live oak woodland. Some of these manzanita/oak stands may revert to maritime chaparral after a fire.

In several places in the Planning Area, the density of maritime chaparral shrubs is significantly lower than normally observed, apparently representing natural (e.g., landslides) or anthropogenic (i.e., clearing) disturbance; these areas have been mapped as disturbed central maritime chaparral. Evidence for disturbance is found in historical aerial images as well as by observation of resprouting and recolonizing maritime chaparral shrubs and herbs in these areas. In every case, the disturbed areas are contiguous with extant maritime chaparral. These areas have historically supported less dense maritime chaparral than the surrounding areas as is evidenced in the historical aerials. In some cases, roads and other disturbances have occurred in areas mapped as disturbed central maritime chaparral, and it is not discernable whether or not these human disturbances contributed to the condition of the chaparral.

This community would be classified as the Central Maritime Chaparral in the CNDDB community classification system (Holland, 1986). For areas dominated by chamise, it fits best into the Chamise Series within the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer and Keeler- Wolf, 1995). Areas which support a mixture of endemic manzanitas, ceanothus, and oaks are not in the Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995) classification. Central Maritime chaparral has a

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C21 global rank of G2 (2,000-10,000 acres worldwide) and a state rank of S2.2 (2,000-10,000 acres statewide, threatened), as listed in the CNDDB (2007).

Communities “containing or supporting rare and endangered or threatened species” are treated as Environmentally Sensitive Habitats (ESH) in the County of San Luis Obispo’s Coastal Plan Policies document (1988, revised 2004). Since at least eleven sensitive plant species were observed in central maritime chaparral on site, this community may be considered ESH by the County of San Luis Obispo. In addition, the San Luis Obispo County Land Use and Circulation Element specifically refers to central maritime chaparral as a sensitive habitat (1980, revised 2007).

There are approximately 107 acres (43 hectares) of high quality central maritime chaparral in the Planning Area and an additional 46 acres (18 hectares) of disturbed maritime chaparral in the Planning Area

Central (Lucian) Coastal Scrub

Central coastal scrub is dominated by drought-tolerant, soft-leaved shrubs from three to six feet tall (0.9 to 1.8 meters) that are often summer dormant and winter active, producing most of their growth in the winter and spring months. Many species are partially or completely summer deciduous and/or dormant, unlike the more commonly evergreen shrubby dominants of maritime chaparral. Coastal scrub dominants have shallower root systems than chaparral dominants, and these roots may not reach moisture at depth during the dry summer months (Holland and Keil, 1995).

In the Planning Area, central coastal scrub is less abundant than central maritime chaparral; it occurs on the south-facing slope of the ridge west of Price Canyon Road (North Ranch), and at the margins of central maritime chaparral and oak woodland east of Price Canyon Road in a number of locations. Species composition of central coastal scrub varies from place to place in the Planning Area. The most common dominants are shrubs such as black sage (Salvia mellifera), California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), dune-heather (Ericameria californica), coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis subsp. consanguinea), and poison-oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum); the suffrutescent dune buckwheat (Eriogonum parvifolium), golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), deerweed (Lotus scoparius), and prickly-phlox (Leptodactylon californicum) also occur in places.

Herbaceous perennials such as California croton (Croton californicus), California-aster (Lessingia filaginifolia), and green everlasting (Gnaphalium californicum), are also common, as well as annuals such as doveweed (Croton setigerus), navarretia (Navarretia atractyloides), and spineflower (Chorizanthe species). The federally endangered/state-listed “rare” Pismo clarkia (Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata) also occurs in openings in the scrub vegetation.

Central coastal scrub has been removed and/or heavily disturbed in some locations; these areas have been mapped as disturbed central coastal scrub. Evidence for disturbance is found in historical aerial images as well as by observation of resprouting and recolonizing coastal scrub shrubs and herbs in these areas.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C22 This community would be classified as the Central (Lucian) Coastal Scrub in the CNDDB community classification system (Holland, 1986). Areas where California sagebrush is dominant are best described by the California Sagebrush Series within the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation, where coyote bush dominates as the Coyote Brush Series, where black sage dominates as the Black Sage Series (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995). Central Lucian Coastal Scrub has a global rank of G3 (10,000-50,000 acres worldwide) and a state rank of S3.3 (10,000-50,000 acres statewide, no current threats known), as listed(2007).

There are approximately 107 acres (43 hectares) of central coastal scrub in the Planning Area.

Native Grassland

Native grasslands are dominated by clumps of tufted or spreading perennial grasses ranging from one to four feet (0.3 to 1.2 meters) in height interspersed with wildflowers and occasional shrubs and trees. Native grasses include needlegrass (Nassella species), deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens), Hoover’s bentgrass (Agrostis hooveri), native fescues (Festuca and Vulpia species), coast range melic grass (Melica imperfecta), wild-rye (Leymus species), meadow barley (Hordeum brachyanatherum), and others (Barbour and Major, 1977; Barbour et al., 1993; Holland and Keil, 1995). These grasses vary in habit. Needlegrass, deer grass, Hoover’s bentgrass, melic grass, and meadow barley are all tufted grasses, which are often termed bunchgrasses. Wild-rye tends to be rhizomatous, forming large colonies. Other species may be annual, such as Vulpia.

Unlike annual grasslands in California, which are dominated by non-native annual grasses that go to seed and die completely in summer, most native perennial grasses do not completely die back in summer; a well-developed root system up to seven or more feet (2.1 or more meters) deep (Stromberg and Kephart, 2004) allows them to persist during the hot dry months and to continue to survive the same location from year to year. In patches between the bunchgrasses, annual wildflowers, such as lupines (Lupinus species), bloom in spring or summer, depending on the species. Two sensitive annual species occur in grasslands on site: the federally endangered and state listed Pismo clarkia and the sensitive San Luis Obispo owl’s clover. Herbaceous perennial species are also scattered in native grasslands, including blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), shooting stars (Dodecatheon clevelandii), and wild hyacinth (Dichelostemma capitatum). Summer-active annuals and herbaceous perennials such as tarweeds (Madia, Hemizonia, and Deinandra species) are also present among the grasses, along with patches of coastal scrub species.

In the Planning Area, native grasslands are found in several locations; these perennial grasslands tend to be found where the soil is dense and/or underlain with clay lenses and in locations that have not been previously cleared. Purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) and foothill needlegrass (N. lepida) are widespread in grasslands, and form dense colonies in places, along with blue-eyed grass, wild hyacinth, and western rush (Juncus occidentalis). Hoover’s bentgrass is scattered at the margins of chaparral and woodland vegetation, occasionally forming dense stands of native grassland. In moister locations, California meadow barley (Hordeum brachyanatherum subsp. californicum) is also present, as is alkali- rye (Leymus triticoides).

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C23 Mapping of native grasslands requires careful scrutiny of both native and non-native grasses, and native grasslands can be easily overlooked. When mapping this sensitive habitat, ARCADIS only mapped native grasslands in which native perennial grasses have greater than 10% cover. Field mapping of potential native grasslands should be conducted on foot by qualified botanists for the parcels that have not yet been directly surveyed.

The native grassland community dominated by needlegrass would be classified as Native Grassland or Valley Needlegrass Grassland in the CNDDB community classification system (Holland, 1986) and the Purple Needlegrass Series within the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995). Native Grassland has a global rank of G3 (10,000-50,000 acres worldwide) and a state rank of S3.1 (10,000-50,000 acres statewide, very threatened), as listed in the CNDDB (2007).

There are approximately 28 acres (11 hectares) of native grassland in the Planning Area.

Non-Native Plantings

Introduced species occur in the Planning Area, particularly near structures and in drainages. The most common non-native tree is Tasmanian blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus); occasional California black walnuts (Juglans californica subsp. hindsii), which are presumed to be introduced in this area, occur in drainages.

Tasmanian blue gum eucalyptus is listed as an invasive non-native species that threatens wildlands (Cal-IPC, 2006). The eucalyptus may be used by wintering monarch butterflies, although no roosts were observed during the wildlife surveys and the surveys were conducted during the appropriate time of year. A variety of migratory and resident songbirds, as well as raptors such as turkey vultures and a variety of hawks are known to use the eucalyptus. However, overall wildlife habitat value for this community is low because of the poorly developed understory, which eliminates heavy use by amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.

In addition, portions of North Ranch on the Spanish Springs parcels have been planted with wine grapes (Vitis vinifera). These plantings are concentrated on east-facing slopes formerly occupied by grassland vegetation.

The tree plantings of eucalyptus can best be described by the Eucalyptus Series within the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995); there is no corresponding CNDDB classification. As part of non-native stands, these and other planted species are not treated in either the CNDDB or CNPS classification.

There are approximately 0.7 acres (0.3 hectares) of non-native plantings in the Planning Area.

WETLAND COMMUNITIES

Areas with standing or flowing water or with seasonally or permanently saturated soils commonly support wetland communities. Freshwater wetlands are complex and variable, and

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C24 their species composition and overall structure are dependent on a number of factors. Water depth, seasonal fluctuations in water levels, rate of water movement, water and sediment chemistry (including salinity, pH, and quantity of organic matter), depth and texture of bottom sediments, amount of sunlight, and water and air temperatures are among the most important variables affecting overall wetland dynamics.

Along rivers and streams, fine-grained alluvial soils settle in the bottom of the drainages, and annual inundation after rains provide a significant load of nutrients, soil, and new germination sites.

Both the east and west forks of Corral de Piedra Creek drain the southern slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains and merge just north of the Planning Area in Edna Valley to form Pismo Creek. Pismo Creek meanders in a southerly direction through the center of the Planning Area before reaching the Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach. Two tributaries of Pismo Creek drain into Pismo Creek from the east, Canada Verde and Tiber Canyon. Smaller un-named drainages also descend from the rugged slopes on and surrounding the Planning Area.

Five wetland habitats were observed in the Planning Area, all directly associated with riparian drainages: Central Coast Cottonwood Sycamore Riparian Forest, Central Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest, Seasonally-flooded Vernal Swale, Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh, and Central Coast Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest/Scrub. It should be noted that while the sections below describe four separate habitat types using accepted vegetation classification methodology, in fact these habitats intergrade over short distances and comprise the riparian corridor from the center of the channel to creek banks and up and down the drainage; thus, the separation between habitats is not always readily visible to the casual observer. However, the habitat differences are distinct when defined by their vegetative components. The habitats are considered separately herein to reflect the differences in vegetative composition and to facilitate accurate planning for activities that could impact the drainages.

A comprehensive jurisdictional wetland delineation of the Planning Area was not conducted by ARCADIS during the field surveys; however, notations of potentially jurisdictional areas were made and are discussed in the sections below..

Like the upland communities, the wetland communities discussed below are presented in order of acreage mapped in the Planning Area.

Central Coast Cottonwood Sycamore Riparian Forest

Central Coast cottonwood sycamore riparian forests occur along perennial streams and rivers and are dominated by a mixture of riparian trees, including black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera subsp. trichocarpa), western sycamore (Platanus racemosa), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), red willow (S. laevigata), and shining willow (S. lucida subsp. lasiandra). Coast live oaks are also scattered along the upper banks of this riparian forest type, and California bay (Umbellularia californica) makes an occasional appearance. Winter-deciduous trees predominate, however, along with a diverse assemblage of associated perennial and shrubby species that thrive in soils that are seasonally to permanently wet, forming a multi-layered community in the shade of the trees.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C25 In the Planning Area, Central Coast cottonwood sycamore riparian forest forms a dense tangle of woody vegetation along Pismo Creek that crowds and shades out other growth in places, although openings and banks support mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia), creek clematis (Clematis ligusticifolia), California honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula subsp. vacillans), California blackberry (Rubus ursinus), poison-oak, common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus), Santa Barbara sedge (Carex barbarae), and other wetland species that are obligate or facultative wetland indicator species (USFWS,1996). In addition, invasive species are present in these wetland forests, especially cape-ivy (Delairea odorata) and mint (Mentha piperita).

Black cottonwood, western sycamore, mulefat, and Santa Barbara sedge are classified as facultative wetland plants (FACW), meaning that they usually occur in wetlands (67-99% of the time), but are occasionally found in non-wetlands, according to USFWS (1996). Red willow is classified at the upper end of this range (FACW+), and arroyo willow and shining willow are considered obligate wetland species (OBL), found in wetlands 99% of the time or more. Facultative wetland plants (FAC), found in wetland 33 to 66% of the time, include creek clematis and California blackberry (FAC+, consistently found at the upper end of this range).

In the CNDDB community classification system (Holland, 1986), the riparian vegetation is part of the Central Coast Cottonwood Sycamore Riparian Forest Community. This vegetation best fits into the Sycamore Series listed in the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995). Central Coast Cottonwood Sycamore Riparian Forest has a global rank of G3 (10,000-50,000 acres worldwide) and a state rank of S3.2 (10,000-50,000 acres statewide, threatened), as listed in the CNDDB (2007).

There are approximately 45 acres (18 hectares) of Central Coast cottonwood sycamore riparian forest in the Planning Area.

Central Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest

Many ravines descending from ridges in the Planning Area support Central Coast live oak riparian forest along the drainages. Although contiguous with coast live oak woodland on nearby slopes, this vegetation can be characterized as central coast live oak riparian forest due to the dense cover of oaks along with riparian associates such as arroyo willow, occasional cottonwood and sycamore clusters, California honeysuckle, mulefat, mugwort, California blackberry, poison-oak, and others. Colonies of giant chain fern (Woodwardia fimbriata) also occur in shady, wet places in coast live oak riparian forest habitats; giant chain fern sedge is a facultative wetland plant (FACW+), occurring in wetland 66 to 99% of the time, mostly at the upper end of this range.

Wetland indicator species such as Santa Barbara sedge and Indian rush (Juncus textilis) occur under the oak canopy upslope from flowing water in some locations, along with other understory species. Indian rush is classified as an obligate wetland indicator species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (1996), meaning that it almost always occurs in wetlands (99% or more of the time) and Santa Barbara sedge is a facultative wetland plant, occurring in wetland 66 to 99% of the time. The juxtaposition of this wetland species in the understory of coast live oak creates an unusual association that has a limited distribution in the region.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C26 In the CNDDB community classification system (Holland, 1986), the vegetation along the margins of the main drainages in the Planning Area is part of the Central Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest Community. The Central Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest Community would comprise the Coast Live Oak Series in the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995). Central Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest has a global rank of G3 (10,000-50,000 acres worldwide) and a state rank of S3.2 (10,000-50,000 acres statewide, threatened), as listed in the CNDDB (2007).

There are approximately 23 (9 hectares) of Central Coast live oak riparian forest in the Planning Area.

Seasonally-Flooded Vernal Swale

A number of seasonally-moist vernal swales occur in the Planning Area, primarily in sunny, broad, shallow drainages that eventually join tributaries of Pismo Creek, such as the drainage at the far west end of the Planning Area (North Ranch), as well as several drainages east of Pismo Creek (South Ranch). These drainages may contain freshwater marsh species or willow forest in the lowest areas, where flowing or standing water table is often visible; the vernal swale habitat tends to occur at the more upland margins of these other wetland habitats, and experiences saturated soils primarily during the rainy season and then gradually dries. As with other wetland habitats in the Planning Area, native species diversity is high. Dominant plants include bog rush, brown-headed rush (Juncus phaeocephalus), rigid hedge- nettle (Stachys ajugoides var. rigida), common spikerush (Eleocharis macrostachya), common rush (Juncus patens), wire rush (Juncus arcticus var. balticus), Mexican rush (Juncus arcticus var. mexicanus), alkali rye, and saltgrass (Distichlis spicata).

Common spikerush and hedge-nettle are classified as obligate wetland plants by USFWS (1996). Brown-headed rush, Mexican rush, and saltgrass are categorized as facultative wetland plants (FACW) by the USFWS (1996), meaning that they usually occur in wetlands (67-99% of the time), but are occasionally found in non-wetlands. Bog rush is a facultative wetland plant that often occurs in wetlands (FACW+), as is wire rush. Common rush and alkali-rye occur in wetlands about half the time (FAC --33% - 66% of the time), with alkali-rye designated as FAC+; facultative wetland indicators are often found on the drier margins of the vernal swales (USFWS, 1996).

Such swales are classified as Palustrine Emergent-Persistent (Juncus phaeocephalus) Seasonally-flooded Vernal-Drainage-Swale Wetland Type 50.2451 in Ferren et al. (1996). In the CNDDB community classification system, the vernal swales in the Planning Area would be part of the Vernal Marsh Community (Holland, 1986). The vegetation does not correspond well to any of the series listed in the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer and Keeler- Wolf, 1995). Vernal Marsh has a global rank of G3 (10,000-50,000 acres worldwide) and a state rank of S2.1 (2,000-10,000 acres, very threatened statewide), as listed in the CNDDB (2007).

There are approximately 16 acres (6.5 hectares) of seasonally-flooded vernal swale in the Planning Area.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C27 Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh

Marshes are characterized as permanently or seasonally inundated wetland communities dominated mostly by emergent sedges, rushes, cattails, and other semi-aquatic herbaceous perennials. Marshes generally occur in nutrient-rich, poorly-drained soils that are saturated most or all of the year. These communities are best developed in locations with slow-moving or stagnant shallow water. Such sites commonly occur along the margins of ponds and lakes, and along the margins of slow-moving streams and rivers. Although freshwater marshes often consist of bodies of water that are ponded and permanently saturated, vegetation is also classified as marsh vegetation if it is dominated by perennial monocots and other hydrophytic herbaceous perennials, even if these species occur along the margins of streams and rivers instead of around basins.

Herbaceous vegetation along Pismo Creek is dominated by monocots such as species of sedge (Carex species), rush (Juncus species), and flatsedge (Cyperus species) on the margins. Santa Barbara sedge (Carex barbarae) and Monterey sedge (Carex harfordii) are common, along with bog rush (Juncus effusus var. brunneus), iris-leaved rush (Juncus xiphioides), California bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus), small-fruited bulrush (Scirpus microcarpus), and tall flatsedge. Patches of willow dock (Rumex salicifolius), spotted smartweed (Polygonum punctatum), water smartweed (P. lapathifolium), willow-herb (Epilobium ciliatum), common monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus), water cress (Rorippa anagallis-aquatica), water parsley (Oenanthe sarmentosa), and other herbaceous marsh plants are found on streambanks, marshes, and in areas with slow moving water.

There are several places in the Planning Area where standing water is present in shallow depressions in grasslands, between willows, or in willow and oak understory that also support marsh vegetation. These areas are often bordered by vernal swale vegetation. Some of these marsh areas are particularly conspicuous in the 1969 aerial photograph of the Planning Area. Currently, some pond and reservoirs are located in areas that have historically supported marsh and vernal swale wetlands.

A particularly diverse assemblage of marsh species are found in these wetlands including black flatsedge (Cyperus niger), low clubrush (Isolepis cernua), Monterey sedge (Carex harfordii), water parsley (Oenanthe sarmentosa), and tinker’s penny (Hypericum anagalloides), along with bog rush, common monkeyflower, willow-herb, water cress, spotted smartweed, duckweed (Lemna species), marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyl ranunculoides and H. verticillata), and others.

Of these marsh species, Monterey sedge, water-parsley, water cress, tinker’s penny, marsh pennywort, spotted smartweed, water smartweed, duckweed, all species of Schoenoplectus, Scirpus, and Isolepis, Monterey sedge, and iris-leaved rush are obligate (OBL) wetland species, meaning that they grow in wetland habitats almost always (99% of the time or more). Facultative wetland indicators (FACW) observed on site, growing in wetlands 66 – 99 % of the time, include brown-headed rush, wire rush, bog rush, Santa Barbara sedge, and tall flatsedge. Black flatsedge is classified at the upper end of this range (FACW+) by USFWS (1996).

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C28 In the CNDDB community classification system (Holland, 1986) this vegetation is considered part of the Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh Community, which encompasses stream margins as well as saturated soil depressions. In the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995), the freshwater marsh vegetation along most riparian corridors fits best into the Sedge Series. Coastal and freshwater marsh has a global rank of G3 (10,000-50,000 acres) and a state rank of S2.1 (2,000-10,000 acres, very threatened), as listed in the CNDDB (2006).

There are approximately 14.7 acres (6 hectares) of freshwater marsh in the Planning Area.

Central Coast Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest / Scrub

Portions of Pismo Creek, along with adjacent tributaries and drainages support extensive populations of Central Coast arroyo willow riparian forest. By far, the most dominant tree in this habitat is arroyo willow, although red willow and shining willow are occasionally present. Coast live oak forms a dense canopy in contiguous oak woodland habitats and appears as an associate of riparian forest, although the soils in the wettest riparian forests are too moist for mature live oak trees to persist.

The arroyo willow riparian community in the Planning Area often intergrades with patches of coast live oak woodland in smaller stream corridors and adjacent wetlands. In most places, arroyo willow forms thickets along the creek banks, although other woody species sometimes serve as co-dominants. Arroyo willow and creek dogwood (Cornus sericea subsp. occidentalis) form large thickets along the western fork of Pismo Creek at the southwest end of the Planning Area (North Ranch), as well as in places along Pismo Creek and along south- trending drainages east of Pismo Creek (South Ranch). In more open drainages, coyote bush and mulefat are common. Large patches of California honeysuckle and giant creek nettle (Urtica dioica subsp. holosericea) also occur, along with mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis), California blackberry, oso berry, and poison-oak. Native herbs and grasses commonly present in this habitat include the native western verbena (Verbena lasiostachys), creeping wild-rye (Leymus triticoides), Santa Barbara sedge, bog rush (Juncus effusus subsp. brunneus), black flatsedge (Cyperus niger), and others.

Patches of willow that do not seem connected to a larger riparian drainage have been mapped as part of this community due to dominance by arroyo willow and the associated high water table (indicated by standing water and/or wetland indicator species).

Arroyo willow is considered an obligate wetland species (OBL), found in wetlands 99% of the time or more. Mulefat, giant creek nettle, tall flatsedge, and Santa Barbara sedge are classified as facultative wetland plants (FACW), meaning that they usually occur in wetlands (67-99% of the time), but are occasionally found in non-wetlands, according to USFWS (1996). Bog rush and black flatsedge are classified at the upper end of this range (FACW+). Facultative wetland plants (FAC), found in wetland 33 to 66% of the time, include alkali-rye and California blackberry, both designated as FAC+, wetland indicator species that are consistently found at the upper end of this range.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C29 In the CNDDB community classification system (Holland, 1986), the vegetation along Pismo Creek is part of the Central Coast Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest Community. The Central Coast Riparian Scrub Community comprises the Arroyo Willow Series in the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995). Central Coast Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest has a global rank of G3 (10,000-50,000 acres worldwide) and a state rank of S3.2 (10,000-50,000 acres statewide, threatened), as listed in the CNDDB (2007).

There are approximately 14.6 acres (6 hectares) of Central Coast arroyo willow riparian forest/scrub Planning Area.

Wetland Communities as Potentially Jurisdictional Waters

Pismo Creek is a perennial stream that drains into the Pacific Ocean less than two miles from the Planning Area and is considered a jurisdictional Water of the United States pursuant to the definitions of the federal Clean Water Act. As such, any dredge or fill activities below the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) of Pismo Creek would be regulated by the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (Water Quality Certification). The OHWM is defined in the Corps 1987 Wetlands Delineation Manual as:

“That line on the shore established by the fluctuations of water and indicated by physical characteristics such as clear, natural lines impressed on the bank, shelving, changes in the character of soil, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, the presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means that consider the characteristics of the surrounding areas.”

The tributaries of Pismo Creek may also be subject to Clean Water Act regulation. As described in the recent findings summarized in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency joint guidance document for Clean Water Act jurisdictional determinations (Clean Water Act Jurisdiction, December 2, 2008, U.S. EPA and the Corps), the tributaries of Pismo Creek can be described as “Non-navigable tributaries that are not relatively permanent” and as such, would be subject to federal jurisdiction based on a fact- specific analysis to determine whether they have a significant biological, chemical or physical nexus with a traditional navigable water (in this case the Pacific Ocean). Further consideration of the regulatory standing of these tributaries should be undertaken based on specific proposed activities below the OHWM.

As noted previously, Pismo Creek has a clearly defined bed and banks and does meet the CDFG definition for a jurisdictional Water of the State. The area of the creek under state jurisdiction is defined as the area from top-of-bank to top-of-bank or the outer limit of riparian vegetation, whichever is greater.

Project-related disturbances to Pismo Creek or its tributaries and the associated riparian resources will require consultation and permit approval (as needed) by the Corps, the RWQCB, and the CDFG. It also should be noted that the presence of state or federally listed botanical or wildlife species would require additional consideration under the state and/or federal Endangered Species Acts. As is discussed further in the Wildlife sections below, at

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C30 least two listed species are known to occur in Pismo Creek and/or its tributaries (steelhead trout and California red-legged frog).

At least one persistently wet area was observed in the Planning Area, in the southeast corner of the Godfrey parcel, and is considered an “isolated wetland” From a regulatory perspective. This wet area is presumably the result of a natural seep. The boundaries of the wet area are likely to fluctuate seasonally depending upon the amount of annual rainfall. The wetland supports a variety of native and non-native wetland plant species and is anticipated to meet the three parameters (hydric soils, positive hydrology, dominance of facultative or wetland plant species) that define a wetland according to the Corps definition (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1987). However, because the wetland is isolated from traditional navigable waters, it is not subject to federal jurisdiction.

From a State perspective, isolated wetlands are within the jurisdiction of the RWQCB and the agency should be notified in the early project planning stages if impacts to isolated wetlands not subject to federal jurisdiction are anticipated. The California Department of Fish and Game has not officially adopted regulations pertaining to wetlands.

There are at least four man-made reservoirs (ponds) within the surveyed project area, installed for uses including irrigation, stormwater management, and drinking water for livestock. Two of these ponds exist on the south side of Price Canyon Road and provide water for cattle and horses; these ponds are located in a drainage that supported extensive wetland vegetation in the same locations in the 1969 aerial image. A third pond occurs on the north side of Price Canyon Road near the northwest border of the site and is used for vineyard irrigation. This pond (known as Pit A) is kept full using well water provided from two nearby solar powered wells. Four additional ponds associated with the vineyards occur immediately adjacent to and on the north side of Price Canyon Road. In addition, at least two basins have been installed on the PVP Tract 2554 parcel in association with recent development in this area.

Weeds

Sensitive species and habitats are subject to competition and/or displacement by aggressive non-native weeds. Several weedy species found in the Planning Area are listed by the California Invasive Plant Council as invasive weeds (California Invasive Plant Council, 2006). Because disturbance during construction can create optimal conditions for weed establishment, guidelines for monitoring and eliminating the most aggressive invasive species should be incorporated into the overall management plan for the Planning Area.

SENSITIVE PLANTS

One state and federally listed threatened or endangered botanical species was observed in the Planning Area, Pismo clarkia (Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata). A total of fourteen plants considered sensitive were observed in the Planning Area. Eleven of these species are listed by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) and three are considered to be species of local concern in San Luis Obispo County (Chesnut, 2007; Dieter Wilken, pers. comm.; Interface,

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C31 1996). Of the eleven CNPS listed species, two are on List 1B.1 for plants considered seriously endangered in California; five are on List 1B.2 for plants that are rare and/or endangered in California or elsewhere, and in California, are endangered; and four are on List 4.2, plants of limited distributions that are endangered in California.

CNPS 1B list plants are considered sensitive species for the purposes of CEQA analysis though they are not afforded other statutory protection.

The discussion below addresses the sensitive species observed in the Planning Area.

Pismo Clarkia (Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata)

Pismo clarkia is an annual wildflower in the evening-primrose family that has thin branching decumbent stems reaching between six and 20 inches (15 to 50 centimeters) in height; often plants remain under ten inches (25 centimeters) tall in open sunny habitats, but may be taller in dense vegetation.

Pismo clarkia grows in sandy soils in the Arroyo Grande region, usually in grassland vegetation adjacent to coastal scrub, maritime chaparral, and woodlands below 600 feet (183 meters). It is restricted to the marine terraces and associated slopes between the San Luis Valley and Arroyo Grande, including Price Canyon and several of its tributaries, and is also known from Carpenter Canyon and one population on Nipomo Mesa in Black Lake Canyon.

Pismo clarkia is listed as federal endangered, as state rare, and is on the CNPS List 1B.1 for species that are rare or endangered in California or elsewhere and are seriously endangered in California. It is threatened by residential and commercial development, grazing, and competition with non-native grasses, including veldt grass (USFWS, 1998). It is endemic to a small portion of San Luis Obispo County.

The regulatory setting for Pismo clarkia is atypical and merits further discussion. Below is a brief summary of the applicable federal and state regulatory criteria providing protection for the Pismo clarkia.

Federal Regulation

The Pismo clarkia is a federally-listed endangered plant species. While the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) prohibits take of listed wildlife and fish, Section 9(a)(2)(B) of FESA prohibits destruction of federally listed plant species only on “areas under federal jurisdiction.” As such, federally listed plants are generally only protected if they occur on federal lands or during activities that are funded, permitted, or carried out by a federal agency (and are therefore under Federal jurisdiction). Additionally, FESA “federalizes” all state laws and regulations covering plant protection such that the federal government has enforcement authority if federally listed plant species are impacted in knowing violation of state law or while in violation of state trespassing laws. Specifically the language from the FESA Prohibited Acts Section discussing plants [Section 9(a)(2)(B)] makes it unlawful for any person “to remove and reduce to possession any such species from areas under Federal jurisdiction; maliciously damage or destroy any such species on any such area; or remove, cut, dig up, or damage or

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C32 destroy any such species on any other area in knowing violation of any law or regulation of any State or in the course of any violation of a State criminal trespass law;”

If a project meets any of the conditions above (i.e., occurs on federal land, is federally funded, requires federal approval, or has plant species protected by state law) an Incidental Take Statement (a type of permit) is required under Section 7 of FESA. If the project does not meet any of the conditions above, no federal permit is required or available.

State Regulation

The Pismo clarkia is protected under the Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA) of 1977 (CDFG Code Section 1900-1913; Appendix D), an older California regulatory act that predated the California Endangered Species Act (enacted in 1984). When the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) was adopted, most species previously listed as endangered or rare were assigned new listings of “endangered” or “threatened” to provide consistency with the Federal Endangered Species Act. However, a relatively small number of species were not assigned new listings and maintained the listing of “rare.” The Pismo clarkia is one of these species.

Unlike CESA, which provides a permitting process for take of threatened and endangered plant (and wildlife) species, the Native Plant Protection Act has no such provision. The Native Plant Protection Act provides only limited protection for plants and includes significant exemptions. The Attorney General’s office as well as the Department of Fish and Game have generally asserted that the Native Plant Protection Act takes precedence over the California Endangered Species Act. Therefore, the approximately 213 “rare” plants are provided certain protections under the California Endangered Species Act. Like plants that have been afforded listing by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), potential impacts to these species must be considered under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), though that process does not directly provide formal protection or statutory mitigation measures, unless imposed by the lead agency.

Discussion

In the absence of federal jurisdiction as described above, the primary regulatory protection for Pismo clarkia is through the NPPA and CEQA.

Application of the NPPA and in particular Section 1913 has been the subject of debate. The specification in Section 1913(b) that ‘the removal of rare plants from “building sites” shall not be restricted’ has been interpreted by some to allow for the removal of rare plants as part of new development projects by defining the term building site to mean the location of a proposed structure. As indicated on the CDFG website, CDFG considers the term “building site” to encompass work (e.g., landscaping or fire prevention measures) around an existing building.

CDFG recommends that compliance with the NPPA be ascertained through a Memorandum of Agreement between project applicants and CDFG to address potential project impacts and mitigation impacts to state-listed rare plants. This is discussed further in the section describing impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C33 Presence in the Planning Area: Pismo clarkia is scattered in sandy soils in both annual and native perennial grassland habitats in the Planning Area It is especially common west of Pismo Creek in grassland areas and in openings between oak tree clusters and in maritime chaparral. It is also scattered east of Pismo Creek in a several locations in similar habitats. It is uncommon to absent in areas that have been previously cleared. As noted previously, Pismo clarkia, like other annual species, may not always emerge or germinate successfully in the same location each year. As such, appropriately timed pre-construction surveys are recommended prior to disturbance activities to confirm the findings of previous surveys. Additionally, in response to the fluctuating sub-population sizes and locations, it is standard mapping practice to update and add to prior mapping efforts rather than to replace prior maps on an annual basis. As such, the assessment and mapping efforts in this study include data collected from 2003 to present and include all available data on Pismo clarkia locations in the Planning Area.

During the 2007 field surveys, ARCADIS estimated the total number of individuals present in the subpopulations on the site. More than 6,000 individuals occurred in 2007 with the largest subpopulation supporting more than 3,000 individuals. The other significant sub-populations generally supported between 100 and 300 individuals.

Pismo clarkia was also observed on the Price Canyon Investments parcel by ARCADIS and subsequently mapped but not quantified by Olberding Environmental. Although it was not observed on the Big Bird parcel in 2008, suitable habitat is present. As noted above, additional field mapping of Pismo clarkia may be necessary within disturbance envelopes supporting potentially suitable habitat during the spring/summer prior to construction activities to verify its distribution.

Wells’ Manzanita (Arctostaphylos wellsii)

Wells’ manzanita is endemic to sandstone-derived hills in San Luis Obispo County, with dense populations in the hills north and east of Arroyo Grande and Pismo Beach. Species reports also include east San Luis Hill, upper Coon Creek, and Atascadero. Like many endemic manzanitas and ceanothus species, Wells’ manzanita is abundant in the center of its very restricted range, and rare to absent outside this range. It should be noted that dense stands of manzanitas are characteristic of areas that have not burned in several decades (Davis et al. 1988, Odion et al. 1992, Van Dyke, Holl, and Griffin, 2001), and the lack of recent fire history in Price Canyon may be correlated with the dense stands of Wells’ manzanita observed at present.

Wells’ manzanita is classified as CNPS 1B.1 for species that are rare or endangered in California or elsewhere and are seriously endangered in California. It is reportedly threatened by residential development, energy development, and mining. It is endemic to a small portion of San Luis Obispo County.

Presence in the Planning Area: Wells’ manzanita is a dominant component of central maritime chaparral in the Planning Area. In addition, it is a frequent

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C34 associate in oak woodland habitats throughout the surveyed portion of the Planning Area. Because of its abundance in this region, individuals were not specifically mapped.

San Luis Obispo County Lupine (Lupinus ludovicianus)

San Luis Obispo County lupine is endemic to San Luis Obispo County and has been designated as the official county flower. It has been found on sand or sandstone-derived soils of the Santa Margarita and Pismo formations in sunny openings adjacent to chaparral or oak woodland, and its distribution historically extended from the Salinas Valley to Arroyo Grande. However, many previously reported occurrences have been impacted by development and/or grazing and few extant populations are known to remain. Dr. Dieter Wilken of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and the Center for Plant Conservation asserts that it is one of the rarest plants in San Luis Obispo County (Dieter Wilken, pers. comm.).

San Luis Obispo County lupine is categorized as CNPS 1B.2, a plant of limited distribution that is fairly endangered in California. It was included by the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office on their list of species of concern in 2004 (they no longer maintain this list -- USFWS, 2004, 2007). It is reportedly threatened by residential development, energy development, and mining. It is a San Luis Obispo County endemic, restricted to specific habitats within San Luis Obispo County.

Potential Presence in the Planning Area: San Luis Obispo County lupine was observed growing in two nearby locations on the western side of North Ranch. These areas are underlain by Briones –Tierra soils, an uncommon soil type in the Planning Area. These locations are also one of the few places along the oak margins in this location that hadn’t been cleared in 1949 and 1956. A total of 11 individuals were observed in 2007. Although no other individuals were observed, additional individuals or populations may be present in the Planning Area.

Hoover’s Bent Grass (Agrostis hooveri)

Hoover’s bent grass is found in soils derived from sandstone and siliceous shale in openings in chaparral, coastal scrub, and woodlands below 1,800 feet (549 meters). It is found on the Burton Mesa and in the Purisima and Casmalia Hills in Santa Barbara County north to the Los Osos Valley, and extends to the east slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains (Rinconada Mine) and the hills bordering the San Luis Valley on the south (Hoover, 1970; CNDDB, 2007). Its center of distribution is Arroyo Grande and its surrounding hills.

Hoover’s bent grass is categorized as CNPS 1B.2 for species that are rare or endangered in California or elsewhere and, within California, are fairly endangered. It is threatened by residential development, energy development, and mining. It is a Central Coast endemic, restricted to specific habitats in southern San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara County.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C35 Presence in the Planning Area: Hoover’s bent grass is scattered in the Planning Area in openings at the edges of central maritime chaparral and oak woodland. It is often found in association with other herbaceous perennials and subshrubs such as coast horkelia (Horkelia cuneata subsp. cuneata) and deer weed (Lotus scoparius). Due to the dense vegetation on the surveyed parcel, not all openings in chaparral were explored and, therefore, not all individuals have been mapped. Hoover’s bent grass was also observed on the Los Robles del Mar parcel in 1995 (Interface, 1996) and may be present elsewhere in the Planning Area.

San Luis Mariposa Lily (Calochortus obispoensis)

San Luis mariposa lily is a slender herbaceous perennial that arises from fibrous-coated bulbs each winter, reaching one to three feet (30 to 91 centimeters) in height by late spring or early summer. The basal leaves are about ten inches long (20 to 30 centimeters) and often are withered by the time the plant produces flowers in late spring and early summer. The flower stalks are narrow and branched, each bearing a few reduced inrolled leaves and producing distinctive flowers at their tips. Each flower consists of three one-inch (2.5 centimeters) yellowish sepals and three one-inch (2.5 centimeters) hairy yellow petals that narrow from a broad base to a reddish to purplish tip covered with long dark tufts of hairs. At the base of each petal is a glabrous (hairless) nectary hidden between the bordering hairs. The two to six flowers often open one at a time. The linear fruits are about one to two inches (3 to 4 centimeters) long. Because of the slender aspect of this plant, short flowering period, and very few flowers visible when blooming, the San Luis mariposa lily is difficult to spot amongst the shrubs and herbaceous species with which it coexists.

San Luis mariposa lily is endemic to a small portion of San Luis Obispo County and usually is found on serpentine in grassland, coastal scrub, and chaparral habitats, although it has been found growing on sandstone at Indian Knob, Carpenter Canyon, Canyon Number 1 (CNDDB, 2007), and immediately south of the Planning Area. Its localized range extends from the Cambria and the Cuesta Pass region southwards towards Arroyo Grande.

San Luis mariposa lily is categorized as CNPS 1B.2, a plant of limited distribution that is fairly endangered in California. It is threatened by residential development, energy development, grazing, recreation, road construction, and mining. It is a San Luis Obispo County endemic, restricted to a narrow portion of San Luis Obispo County.

Presence in the Planning Area: San Luis mariposa lily was observed by ARCADIS in a few small pockets adjacent to central maritime chaparral east of Pismo Creek. These locations tended to be at the top of ridges on small shelves of hard soil immediately adjacent to Wells’ manzanita and chamise. Less than 10 individuals were observed in 2007; these were located in different locations than previously mapped. In 2003, approximately 50 individuals were observed at one location of disturbed maritime chaparral on South Ranch; the San Luis mariposa lily was not observed at this location during the 2007 surveys, but is likely still present. This species is difficult to find and may be present elsewhere in the Planning Area.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C36

San Luis Obispo Owl’s-clover (Castilleja densiflora subsp. obispoensis)

San Luis Obispo owl’s-clover is found in grasslands in San Luis Obispo County, especially those dominated by purple needlegrass. It extends along the coast from the Monterey County border to the Pismo Beach area.

San Luis Obispo owl’s-clover is categorized as CNPS 1B.2, a plant of limited distribution that is fairly endangered in California. It is threatened by residential development, energy development, grazing, recreation, road construction, and mining. It is a San Luis Obispo County endemic, restricted to a narrow portion of San Luis Obispo County.

Presence in the Planning Area: San Luis Obispo owl’s-clover was observed in a few locations on the Big Bird parcel, especially mixed with other native grassland species on grassy slopes above ravines dominated by oak woodland. Dried plants with features of the San Luis Obispo owl’s clover were observed in September 2008 on the Spanish Springs parcel east of Price Canyon Road; identifying features are present when the plant is in bloom, so additional surveys in this area may be necessary in the spring prior to development. It may be present on other parcels as well, especially those parcels south of Spanish Springs and the Godfrey parcel that were not directly surveyed during the spring months.

Black-flowered figwort (Scrophularia atrata)

Black-flowered figwort is found in bishop pine forest, central maritime chaparral, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, and riparian scrub vegetation in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. In San Luis Obispo County, it is best developed on diatomaceous and calcareous soils near Avila and in the hills bordering the San Luis Valley (including Indian Knob and Price Canyon), south to Nipomo Mesa (Hoover, 1970; CNDDB, 2007). In Santa Barbara County, it is scattered in coastal sage scrub and other plant communities from Point Conception to Burton Mesa, and north to Coralville’s Canyon near Point Sal (Smith, 1998).

Black-flowered figwort was included by the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office on their list of species of concern in 2004 (they no longer maintain this list - USFWS, 2004, 2007). It is categorized as CNPS 1B.2 for species that are rare or endangered in California or elsewhere and, within California, are fairly endangered. It is threatened by residential development, energy development, and mining. It is a Central Coast endemic, restricted to specific habitats in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County.

Presence in the Planning Area: Black-flowered figwort is scattered in the Planning Area, especially south of the Spanish Springs and Godfrey parcels in oak woodland habitats. It was frequently observed in the understory of coast live oak trees at various elevations; because oak-woodland is so abundant in

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C37 the Planning Area, black-flowered figwort is likely to occur in many areas where it was not specifically mapped. It is best identified when in flower in spring and early summer and cannot be identified with certainty from vegetative features.

It is also found north of the Planning Area in shale-derived soils. The more common California figwort was the primary species of Scrophularia observed at Spanish Springs, however, although many individuals were not flowering at the time of ARCADIS surveys. Additional surveys in spring may be necessary to confirm the exact distribution of this species in future construction areas.

Lompoc (Coast) Ceanothus (Ceanothus cuneatus var. fascicularis)

Lompoc ceanothus, also called coast ceanothus, is an endemic variety of the more wide- ranging buckbrush ceanothus (Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus). It rarely exceeds ten feet (3 meters) in height, though prostrate forms have been observed at Point Sal (Smith, 1998).

Lompoc ceanothus is scattered in central maritime chaparral and moister phases of central coastal scrub from Morro Bay south to Nipomo Mesa in San Luis Obispo County. It also occurs in central maritime chaparral and central coastal scrub in northern Santa Barbara County. It should be noted that dense stands of Lompoc ceanothus are most common in the first 25 years after fire (Davis et al. 1988, Odion et al. 1992, Van Dyke, Holl, and Griffin, 2001); the lack of recent fire history in Price Canyon may explain the limited density of this species in any given area at present.

The Lompoc ceanothus is listed on CNPS List 4.2, a plant of limited distribution that is fairly endangered in California. It is a Central Coast endemic, restricted to specific habitats in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County.

Presence in the Planning Area: Lompoc ceanothus is scattered in many locations in central maritime chaparral in the Planning Area. Because of its widespread distribution in central maritime chaparral, it was not specifically mapped.

Saint’s Daisy (Erigeron sanctarum)

Saint’s daisy is found in hard sandy soils in coastal scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland communities in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. In San Luis Obispo County, it is found near Arroyo de la Cruz and Cambria, as well as in Carpenter Canyon.

Saint’s daisy is categorized as CNPS 4.2, a plant of limited distribution that is fairly endangered in California. It is a Central Coast endemic, restricted to specific habitats in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County.

Presence in the Planning Area: A few individuals of Saint’s daisy were observed at Spanish Springs amongst relatively open maritime chaparral on the north side of the ridge west of Pismo Creek (North Ranch) in 2007, as well as on a ridge-top east of Pismo Creek, in disturbed maritime chaparral. This

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C38 diminutive plant may be present elsewhere in the Planning Area, but is difficult to find.

Curly-leaved Monardella (Monardella undulata)

Curly-leaved monardella is found in isolated patches in sandy soils in openings in dune scrub and coastal sage scrub from Ventura County (one specimen) north in a few locations to Marin County.

Curly-leaved monardella is categorized as CNPS 4.2, a plant of limited distribution that is fairly endangered in California.

Potential Presence in the Planning Area: Curly-leaved monardella was found in open sandy areas on the top and upper slopes of the ridge west of Pismo Creek (North Ranch). It was not observed on any of the parcels south of Spanish Springs, which lack the open sand habitats observed to the north.

California Spineflower (Mucronea californica)

This annual herb is known from sandy soils from Atascadero to La Panza Range and south to Pozo. It is found sporadically along the coast from Morro Bay southwards to Nipomo Mesa, and also occurs on the sand sheets of northern Santa Barbara County. It has also been reported from limited localities in the Los Angeles Basin and the Cajon Pass area and Santa Ana River Wash near Redlands in San Bernardino County.

It is categorized as CNPS 4.2, a plant of limited distribution that is fairly endangered in California.

Presence in the Planning Area: California spineflower occurs in sandy openings in several areas that support central coastal scrub and central maritime chaparral at the Spanish Springs and Godfrey parcels. It was not observed on any of the parcels south of Spanish Springs, which lack the open sand habitats observed to the north. However, additional field mapping of California spineflower may be necessary to verify its distribution in development areas at the appropriate season prior to construction.

Small-seeded Fiddleneck (Amsinckia spectabilis var. microcarpa)

This local endemic species occurs in sandy soils along the coast of southern San Luis Obispo County from Morro Bay to Nipomo Mesa and into northern Santa Barbara County to Lompoc. It is a Central Coast endemic, restricted to specific habitats in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C39 It is considered to be a species of local concern in Santa Barbara County (Wiskowski, 1988) and is also included on a draft list of species of local concern in San Luis Obispo County (Chesnut, 2007).

Presence in the Planning Area: Small-seeded fiddleneck occurs in small numbers in sandy openings near central maritime chaparral and oak woodland at the Spanish Springs parcel and may be present elsewhere as well.

Nipomo Ceanothus (Ceanothus impressus var. nipomensis)

This subspecies is found in sandy soils in chaparral and coastal scrub vegetation on Nipomo Mesa; in addition, a few individuals were observed at Spanish Springs and north of the Planning Area as well. A closely related variety from Santa Barbara County, C. impressus var. impressus, occurs from Lompoc to Point Sal and Orcutt and has smaller darker green leaves with more strongly revolute margins and impressed veins, a more intricate branching habit, and smaller stature.

Research on C. impressus var. impressus suggests that it is a fire-dependent shrub and is most abundant in the first ten years after a wildfire (Davis et al., 1988, Odion et al., 1992). The fire regime for Nipomo ceanothus has not been studied, but it is quite likely that this plant would be more common in the Planning Area in the first decade after a fire.

Nipomo ceanothus is endemic to San Luis Obispo County in a small area; fewer than twenty individuals were observed in Price Canyon as a whole. The Price Canyon population was originally discovered by Howard McMinn, who described the variety nipomensis in 1942 (Fross and Wilken, 2006); this population may not have been observed in intervening years until its recent sighting by ARCADIS (Dieter Wilken, pers. comm.). Fross and Wilken (2006) state that Ceanothus impressus is “a species of special conservation concern, resulting from a highly restricted distribution and loss of habitat, especially in the case of variety nipomensis.” Ceanothus impressus is considered to be a species of local concern in Santa Barbara County (Wiskowski, 1988), and variety nipomensis is also included on a draft list of species of local concern in San Luis Obispo County (Chesnut, 2007).

Presence in the Planning Area: Several Nipomo ceanothus shrubs were observed in maritime chaparral on the top of the ridge west of Pismo Creek (North Ranch); an additional individual was observed on the Godfrey parcel, as well as immediately north of the Planning Area and south of Ormonde Road. This sensitive species may be present elsewhere in small numbers. These few individuals were all noted fairly near to a roadside, perhaps suggesting the presence of seed in the soil and their occasional germination after scarification following some type of soil disturbance, rather than germinating after fire, as this species normally does.

SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C40 Sensitive wildlife species identified in this section represent state or federally listed or otherwise sensitive wildlife species from the Pismo Beach Quadrangle or neighboring quadrangles that are known to occur or potentially occur in the Planning Area. The sensitivity status of each species is provided through the use of codes, defined as the following:

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) FE – Federally Endangered FT – Federally Threatened FSC – Federal Special Concern Species

California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) CE – California Endangered CT – California Threatened CSC – California Species of Concern

SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES FINDINGS

No state or federally listed threatened or endangered species were observed during the 2007/2008 surveys. However, the Planning Area is known to support two federally-listed species: the California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii; CRLF; threatened) and the south-central California coast steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus; threatened) and provides suitable habitat for several other sensitive wildlife species

Some of the sensitive species listed in the CNDDB for the Pismo Beach and surrounding quadrangles are not discussed below due to the lack of species-specific habitat requirements present in the Planning Area. Species such as the tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi) and western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) are examples of species whose habitat requirements are not met by the existing conditions in the Planning Area.

Several raptor species utilize the Planning Area and are discussed here because they could nest in or near the Planning Area. Raptor species observed in the Planning Area include the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter Cooperii), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and American kestrel (Falco sparvarious). Other raptor species such as the barn owl (Tyto alba) and western screech owl (Otus kennicotti) though not observed are also expected to use the Planning Area on a consistent basis. The loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) may also nest in the Planning Area. Raptors such as the northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), merlin (Falco columbarius), prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) and ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) may utilize or occur inconsistently in the Planning Area but are not expected to nest in the Planning Area. All raptors and their active nests are protected under the California Fish and Game code (Section 3503.5) and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).

All birds included on the federal list of migratory non-game birds, and their active nests, are protected by law under the federal MBTA.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C41 The following is a summary of sensitive wildlife species occurring or potentially occurring in the Planning Area. The species are listed in order of rarity and protection status.

Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus)

The south-central California Coast steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS; FT/CSC) occupies rivers from the Pajaro River, Santa Cruz County to Point Conception (Santa Barbara County) in the south. Steelhead trout are anadramous fish, hatching in fresh water, migrating to the sea, and returning to fresh water to spawn in gravel beds of rivers and streams. Steelhead trout require clean, cool, well oxygenated water to complete their life cycle. Spawning grounds require gravel beds of unobstructed areas of the streambed. Unlike Pacific salmon, steelhead may make more than one trip to the ocean during their life cycle. They may spawn up to four times in a lifetime following return trips to the sea for up to a year at a time. Water diversion and regulation along with habitat alteration and destruction are the main reasons for the rapid decline of this pacific coast salmonid.

Pismo Creek is included as part of the designated critical habitat for the south-central California Coast steelhead (Federal register Vol. 70, No. 170. page 52574).

Presence in the Planning Area: Pismo Creek is a documented historical steelhead creek and is included as part of the designated critical habitat for the south-central California Coast steelhead DPS. The creek in the location of the Planning Area provides suitable habitat for steelhead when water conditions are met although this creek is ephemeral under current conditions. Any proposed plan activities potentially affecting steelhead and their habitat in the creek will require evaluation and consideration under the Federal Endangered Species Act. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is the trustee agency for this species.

California Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora draytonii)

The red-legged frog's (FT/-) historical range extended from the vicinity of Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California, coastally, and from the vicinity of Redding, Shasta County, California, inland, south to northwestern Baja California, Mexico (United States Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS], 2000).

Breeding for the California red-legged frog takes place from late November to late April. Males usually show up at breeding pools two to four weeks ahead of females and commence vocalizations. Egg masses containing from 2000 to 5000 dark, reddish brown eggs are laid in pools among emergent vegetation. Eggs hatch in 6-14 days and tadpoles metamorphose in 3.5-7 months. Juvenile frogs reach maturity in 3-4 years. California red-legged frogs may live up to ten years (Storer, 1925; Jennings and Hayes, 1990).

Red-legged frogs reside in and around deep, cold, still or slow moving water of ponds, reservoirs, marshes, streams, and other typically permanent bodies of water, especially where cattails or other plants provide good cover (Stebbins, 1985). The absence of bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana)

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C42 and non-native predatory fish is essential in order for these microhabitats to sustain viable populations of red-legged frogs (Hayes and Jennings, 1988).

Observations of CRLF in Pismo Creek have been recorded as recently as spring of 2008 (Central Coast Salmon Enhancement 2008). A record in the CNDDB indicates that CRLF have been found in a tributary to Pismo Creek located immediately adjacent to the Planning Area. One bullfrog was detected audibly when it jumped from the bank and into Pismo Creek during the LFR wildlife survey. The full extent of the bullfrog population in Pismo Creek is not known, however, it is important to recognize that over time, bullfrogs can and do out compete California red-legged frogs in natural settings. It should be noted that a formal USFWS protocol level survey for the California red-legged frog was not conducted as part of the studies for this document.

Presence in the Planning Area: The California red-legged frog was not observed by ARCADIS during routine wildlife surveys; however, the species is known to occur in Pismo Creek and at least one of the tributaries in the Planning Area. Several of the stock ponds in the Planning Area offer suitable conditions for this species as well. Of note, a significant CRLF predator, bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana), were detected in Pismo Creek during the wildlife survey.

Southwestern Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata ssp. pallida)

The southwestern pond turtle (-/CSC) inhabits permanent or nearly permanent bodies of water in a variety of habitat types. Lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds are typical habitats where the southwestern pond turtle can be found. It requires basking sites such as rock islands, partially submerged logs, vegetation mats, or open mud banks. The southwestern pond turtle feeds primarily on insects, worms, fish, and carrion. A clutch of 3 to 11 eggs is laid April through August in soft, sandy soils near waterways (Stebbins, 1985).

Southwestern pond turtles are closely associated with perennial water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and streams. Pismo Creek through the Planning Area is a perennial creek that maintains suitable aquatic habitat for the southwestern pond turtle throughout the year.

Presence in the Planning Area: Two southwestern pond turtles were observed in Pismo Creek during field surveys.

California Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum frontale)

The California horned lizard (-/CSC) is found in a variety of habitats including grassland, oak woodland, and maritime chaparral. The California horned lizard requires loose sandy soils, preferably in the presence of low shrubs that provide shade and cover from predators. Additional requirements are open areas used for sunning, and the presence of ants and other insect prey. Eggs are laid in sandy soils from April through June (Stebbins, 1985).

All of the aforementioned habitat requirements for this species exist in the Planning Area. Encroachment of non-native invasive weed species (especially veldt grass) resulting in the loss of open sandy areas favored by California horned lizards threatens the success of this species in the Planning Area.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C43 Presence in the Planning Area: California horned lizards are known to occur in Price Canyon on neighboring parcels and while none were observed during the ARCADIS surveys, they are assumed present in suitable habitat throughout the Planning Area.

Silvery Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra pulchra)

The silvery legless lizard (FSC/CSC) is a pencil sized fossorial species reaching a length of approximately seven inches (18 centimeters) and spending much of its time in underground burrows. This lizard is found in loose loamy or sandy soil with patchy shrub cover, and frequents chaparral, coastal scrub, pine-oak woodland, and streamside growth of sycamores, cottonwoods, and oaks. The silvery legless lizard favors the loose litter under sycamore, oak, and cottonwood trees. The silvery legless lizard bares live young and typically one to four young are born in the fall. The diet of the silvery legless lizard consists primarily of insects and spiders (Stebbins, 1985).

Presence in the Planning Area: Silvery legless lizards were not observed during ARCADIS surveys. Coastal scrub, chaparral and oak woodland habitat in the Planning Area provides sandy soil in association with low shrub cover. The Planning Area has excellent habitat for the silvery legless lizard and the species is assumed to occur in suitable habitat in the Planning Area.

Western Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea)

The burrowing owl (SC/CSC) inhabits open country of grasslands, prairies, and fields. It often uses the burrows of ground squirrels and other small mammal species for shelter and nesting. It is generally a nocturnal raptor, but can often be observed roosting outside of burrow entrances during the day. The burrowing owl feeds mainly on insects, small mammals, birds and reptiles. Adult burrowing owls are heavily barred and spotted while the juveniles show more of a contiguous buffy pattern below. From six to eleven eggs are incubated by both male and female adult owls and young fledge approximately 28 days after hatching from the egg. The burrowing owls long legs are unique in comparison to other owls of its size.

Presence in the Planning Area: The burrowing owl was not observed. The Planning Area has suitable habitat for the western burrowing owl including many California ground squirrel burrows which are often used by the burrowing owl.

White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus)

The white-tailed kite (-/CSC; “Fully Protected”) depends upon relatively undisturbed oak woodland, grassland, and/or coastal sage scrub habitat for successful breeding. Small mammals are the normal prey item of this species. Three to six eggs are laid as early as mid-March and as late as the end of May. Young fledge approximately 35 to 40 days after hatching. White-tailed kite habitat often has a stretch of riparian corridor in which to nest (particularly cottonwoods, but including eucalyptus, willows, and live oaks), and adjacent open fields in which to hunt. Nests are usually well hidden in the tree canopy (Dixon et al., 1957).

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C44 White-tailed kites are known to occur on property surrounding the Planning Area and are expected to occur in the Planning Area itself. Kites favor the open terrain of grassland, oak woodland, and coastal scrub. Habitat existing in the Planning Area is considered of optimal suitability to support the white-tailed kite.

Presence in the Planning Area: The white-tailed kite was not observed in the Planning Area. The Planning Area has suitable foraging and nesting habitat for the white-tailed kite.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

The golden eagle (-/CSC; “Fully Protected”) is a fairly common raptor in the region preferring open country of foothills and mountainsides. Nests are typically built in tall trees as well as on cliffs and power line towers. The golden eagle generally feeds on medium sized mammals such as cottontail rabbits, ground squirrels, and jackrabbits, as well as on snakes and carrion. It is a large dark bird. Adult eagles have a brownish or tawny wash on the back of their head and neck. The tail is faintly banded on a dark background. Juveniles have no wash on the head and neck, white wing patches on the ventral side of the wing, and a white tail with a thick terminal band. Incubation of typically two eggs lasts approximately 44 days and young eaglets fledge in 66-75 days (Ehrlich et al., 1988).

Golden eagles are commonly observed in San Luis Obispo County. Rabbits and California ground squirrels observed in the Planning Area present suitable foraging opportunities for the golden eagle.

Presence in the Planning Area: A golden eagle was observed during field surveys. While the Planning Area presents suitable foraging habitat for the golden eagle, the species is not expected to nest in the Planning Area.

Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)

The prairie falcon (-/CSC) is a large falcon of the open country and prairies. It hunts small birds and mammals, and typically nests on cliff ledges and potholes in sandstone rock faces. This falcon is basically solid brown on the back and light on the front with brown streaking or spots on the chest and wings. Two brown stripes (malar stripes) under and behind the eye are conspicuous. It exhibits the typical falcon characteristics of long pointed wings and somewhat short tail. Two to seven eggs are typically laid and young fledge approximately 40 days after hatching.

There is suitable foraging habitat and potentially suitable but marginal nesting habitat for the prairie falcon in the Planning Area.

Presence in the Planning Area: The prairie falcon was not observed during the field surveys. The prairie falcon may occur occasionally as a transient through the Planning Area.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C45 Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)

The loggerhead shrike (FSC/CSC) is found in dry open habitat types including the grassland/chaparral interface. The loggerhead shrike is known for its habit of impaling prey items such as lizards, small mice, and large insects on the spines of thorn bushes or on barbed wire fencing. It generally hunts from low perches such as fence posts, wires, and the tops of low bushes. Shrikes lay five to six eggs in an open cup shaped nest well hidden in the crotch of a tree branch. Egg laying commonly begins in April and young fledge in about 34 days (Ehrlich et al., 1988).

Presence in the Planning Area: The loggerhead shrike was not observed in the Planning Area. The Planning Area has suitable foraging and nesting habitat to support the loggerhead shrike.

Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

The Cooper’s hawk (-/CSC) is a crow-sized raptor with relatively short-rounded wings and a long tail. It feeds predominantly on small to medium sized birds, but will also take mammals such as wood rats, small rabbits, and reptiles. The breeding season for the Cooper’s hawk begins in mid March to early April. Nests are typically built in the upper canopy of a dense stand of trees such as live oak or cottonwood. Nests are occasionally built atop a wood rat or squirrel nest (Meng and Rosenfield, 1988 in Roberson and Tenney, 1993). The Cooper’s hawk is generally considered a secretive species, but commonly breeds within urban settings.

The Cooper’s hawk was observed in the Planning Area during surveys by ARCADIS. The Cooper’s hawk is expected to utilize the Planning Area for foraging purposes on a year-round basis and may nest in the Planning Area.

Presence in the Planning Area: The Cooper’s hawk was observed in the Planning Area. The Planning Area offers excellent foraging and nesting habitat for the Cooper’s hawk.

Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor)

The tricolored blackbird (FSC/CSC) is endemic to California. Statewide the population has declined by almost 90% over the last 50 years to about 51,600 adults. Where colonies of 150,000 pairs were once reported during the 1930s, there is currently no colonies known to exist with more than 5,000 pairs (Beedy et al., 1991). The tricolored blackbird is found in freshwater marshy areas, farm and other ponds, with cattails, tules, and rushes. The species close association with freshwater ponds and marshes makes it susceptible to drought and drainage of wetlands. Tricolored blackbirds nest in colonies that usually consist of a least 50 or more pairs. Breeding takes place from April through June and may include more than one clutch of young. Fledging of young occurs 11-14 days after the two-week incubation period (Roberson and Tenney, 1993)

Presence in the Planning Area: The tricolored blackbird was not observed during field surveys. There is one stock pond on the Planning Area that could provide suitable habitat for the tricolored blackbird.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C46 Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis)

The ferruginous hawk (FSC/CSC) is a large raptor that is often observed perched on the ground in open fields, on power poles, or in trees while it searches for prey species (usually small to medium sized mammals). It has longer, more pointed wings than the red-tailed hawk, and its wings form more of a dihedral when soaring. It is not uncommon for this species to hunt from a high soar, or to hover for brief periods when hunting. It is generally found in dry, open fields and grasslands. Adults have rufous colored feathers extending down the tarsi to the ankle, crescent shaped white wing patches on the dorsal surface of the wings, and a large gape to the mouth which extends under the eye. The tail is generally off-white or gray with a faint terminal band.

Ferruginous hawks are known to winter in San Luis Obispo County.

Presence in the Planning Area: The ferruginous hawk was not observed in the Planning Area. The Planning Area contains suitable foraging habitat for the ferruginous hawk.

American Badger (Taxidea taxus)

The American badger (-/CSC) is found in open grassland, coastal scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland. Ground squirrels and other small rodents, such as the kangaroo rat, are common prey items of the badger. The American badger is generally nocturnal, but is sometimes observed active in the daytime. Burrow openings of this species are elliptical and approximately eight to twelve inches (20.3 to 30.5 centimeters) wide. Young are born in March and April (Whitaker, 1996).

The presence of California ground squirrels in the Planning Area presents a favored prey base for the badger. Scratch marks, honeycomb, and tailings observed at the entrance to some of the ground squirrel burrows may have been the result of a foraging badger.

Presence in the Planning Area: The American badger was not observed during field surveys. American badgers are known to occur in San Luis Obispo County. The Planning Area has suitable habitat for the American badger.

Species not observed and / or not likely to be present due to habitat limitations include:

California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense)

The information in this paragraph is adapted from the Federal Register: 65 FR 57242 (Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; final rule to List the Santa Barbara County distinct Population of the California Tiger Salamander as Endangered; Final rule) and from Western Reptiles and Amphibians (Stebbins, 1985). The California tiger salamander is a member of the family Ambystomatidae. It was formerly considered a subspecies (Ambystoma tigrinum californiense) of the A. tigrinum complex, but was recognized as a distinct species in 1991. The range of this species is limited to the Central Valley and coast of California.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C47 The California tiger salamander inhabits grassland and open woodland areas, breeding in the still or slow-moving waters of vernal pools, reservoirs, and streams. Adults spend the majority of their time in burrows of ground squirrels and pocket gophers, emerging during the first significant rains of the wet season and possibly traveling as far as 1.2 miles (1.9 km) to reach breeding areas. Females lay from 400 to 1300 eggs per breeding season, which they deposit individually or in small clusters on submergent vegetation or other stationary debris. Eggs hatch in 10 to 14 days. Initially, larval salamanders feed on algae, small crustaceans, and mosquito larvae. Gradually they include larger prey items such as tadpoles and smaller salamander larvae. Tiger salamander larvae reach maturity in 60 to 94 days.

There are seven records in the CNDDB for CTS found in San Luis Obispo County none of which are within five miles of the Planning Area. Never the less, several stock ponds in the Planning Area have aquatic habitat that could be considered potentially suitable for breeding by CTS. The larger of these potential breeding sources is thought to contain bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus); a non-native game fish that would prey upon CTS larvae and would likely preclude the potential for successful CTS breeding to occur. Three smaller stock ponds appear to have been created relatively recently and it is unlikely that these water bodies have been in existence of long enough duration to support breeding by CTS. Pismo Creek could be considered a potential CTS breeding source in the Planning Area; however, it does not provide the type of aquatic conditions necessary for CTS breeding (standing water for ten weeks extending into April). There are no other suitable aquatic habitats known to exist in the Planning Area. The upland habitat in the Planning Area (open grassland, oak woodland) could be suitable for CTS dispersing to or from a nearby breeding pond; however, there are no known CTS breeding ponds within 1.2 miles of the Planning Area (the distance recognized by USFWS as the maximum dispersal distance traveled by CTS away from a breeding site).

Presence in the Planning Area: Evidence of CTS was not found during general surveys. The Planning Area has potentially suitable upland and breeding habitat for CTS, however; the Planning Area is located more than five miles from the nearest CNDDB recorded observation of CTS. A lack of CNDDB records from the Planning Area and surrounding areas within five miles suggests that the species does not occur on or near the Planning Area.

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

The monarch butterfly does not have federal or state listing status, but is included as a sensitive species in the CNDDB. Winter roost sites have been found from Northern Mendocino County to Baja California, Mexico with several known sites on the central coast. The listing by CDFG is based on the limited wintering roost sites within the central coast portion of the butterfly’s West Coast wintering range. The monarch butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats, especially those supporting milkweed plants (Asclepias species), the primary food source of the caterpillars. These butterflies frequent grasslands, prairies, meadows, and wetlands, but avoid dense forests. In the winter, monarchs cluster together in large numbers in eucalyptus, cypress, and Monterey pine trees, often on the edge of open areas.

The closest known wintering monarch butterfly roost site is along Highway 1 in the City of Pismo Beach several miles from the Planning Area.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C48 Presence in the Planning Area: The Planning Area lacks suitably sized stands of eucalyptus, Monterey pine or other suitable trees that provide typical roost site conditions for wintering monarch butterflies. No winter roost aggregations sites were observed during surveys conducted at the appropriate time of year or have been reported to occur in the Planning Area.

WILDLIFE MOVEMENT

In addition to the sensitive species discussed above, it is important to consider that the Planning Area provides foraging, breeding, and dispersal habitat for a large number of common wildlife species as well. While these species are not given the same legal protection as those species classified as sensitive or rare, they play an integral role both as individual species and collectively in the functional value of the ecosystems.

The Planning Area is highly valuable to wildlife in the area because it is large enough to support diverse functional communities in terms of prey base, cover, foraging and breeding opportunities, and because it provides sufficient area for both physical and healthy genetic exchange within individual species. Currently, the 1,771-acre Planning Area is relatively un-fragmented, with Price Canyon Road representing the primary obstacle for wildlife dispersing through the area. The Planning Area presumably functions as an important dispersal corridor between inland and coastal locations and between the different habitat types in the area for deer, coyote, bobcat, mountain lion, fox and many other ground-dwelling wildlife species. In addition, the willow riparian corridor along Pismo Creek through the Planning Area is an important movement corridor providing food and cover for many wildlife species including aquatic and semi-aquatic species and species that prey on them. Willow riparian systems such as the one along Pismo Creek represent invaluable habitat for many passerine bird species migrating along the coast and provide complex food webs supporting high species diversity from invertebrates and amphibians to fishes, reptiles, and mammals.

3. Impact Analysis

Environmental Impact Significance Criteria

Appendix G of the CEQA guidelines provides a basis for determining if the project would have a substantial adverse effect on biological resources. For the purposes of this analysis, a significant impact from project activities could result from the following:

• Substantial adverse direct or indirect effect on any special-status species including habitat modification. • Substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other natural communities of special concern. • Substantial effect on any federally protected wetlands or other Waters of the U.S. • Substantial adverse effect or interference with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or wildlife nursery areas.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C49 • Conflict with any local policies protecting biological resources or adopted Habitat Conservation Plans or Natural Community Conservation Plans.

The City General Plan has policies that provide additional impact significance criteria:

• Based on policy CO-13 removal of native oak trees would be considered a significant impact. • Based on policy CO-14 substantial disruption of riparian vegetation would be a significant impact. (“No significant disruption of riparian vegetation will be permitted”). • Based on policy CO-21 encroachment within 100 feet of the riparian zone along the creek would be a potentially significant impact. • Based on policy CO-28 grading within the stream bank is potentially significant.

Analysis of Project Impacts

The impact characterization approach involved assessment of both the level and duration of each anticipated project impact. This information was then considered in the context of the proposed location(s) and the known or potentially occurring ecological resources in the area. Lastly, the impact was considered in the context of the established significance criteria.

The timing and duration of project activities are important in determining the effects on ecological resources. Some of the potentially occurring ecological resources are migratory and only occur in the project area during certain known times of the year. Other resources are only sensitive to a given impact during certain periods of their lives (for example during the breeding season). Conversely, some of the impacts will only occur during initial construction (e.g., vegetation clearing) while others are expected to occur in perpetuity based on occupancy of future developments (e.g., increased light pollution).

Impact Areas

Three general impact areas have been developed identified based on the expected development activities. Each impact area is generally described below. Map IV-C.2 Ground Disturbance and Fuel Modification shows the potential maximum extent of ground disturbing activities based on the PCSP site plan shown on Map I-8. The EIR technical appendix includes detailed maps overlaying the biotic resources and the proposed project. The maximum area of ground disturbance that could result in some level of impact to biotic resources is shown on Tables IV- C.1 Upland Habitat Impact Areas and IV-C.2 Riparian Habitat Impact Areas.

GRADING IMPACT AREA

The grading impact area is approximately 598 acres is includes those areas that will support future constructed development such as residential homes, commercial or visitor serving facilities, and/or associated infrastructure. Portions of the PCSP have preliminary grading information that is reflected on Map I-8 and Map IV-C.2. Specific grading is shown for the Planning Area roads and golf course, as well as some of the visitor serving development areas. Many of the proposed residential lots, along with other visitor serving uses, do not indicate a preliminary grading

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C50

scheme. Some residential lots are being proposed as ungraded lots that would each be developed with custom designed homes. The design and construction of custom homes will likely facilitate retention of individual oak trees on lots and other avoidance of natural resources. Therefore, the worst-case disclosure of the potential development area described herein is necessarily broad at this point in the planning process. For example, without a survey mapping individual oak tree trunks, the precise calculation of impacted or removed trees is not feasible.

FUEL MODIFICATION AREA

The fuel modification area is approximately 178 acres. Public Resources Code 4291 mandates a defensible space clearance requirement be maintained around buildings and structures to a distance of 100 feet. Two fuel management zones are expected for development in Price Canyon as described in the General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection).

Zone 1 extends from 0 – 30 feet from the back of a building or structure and is a firebreak that allows only low-lying, irrigated vegetation. Single specimens of trees or other vegetation may be retained in Zone 1 provided that they are well-spaced, well pruned, and create a condition that avoids spread of fire to other vegetation or to a building or structure.

Zone 2 extends from 30 – 70 feet and is a reduced fuel zone. Clearance distances between vegetation will depend on the slope, vegetation size, and other fuel characteristics (fuel compaction, chemical content, etc.). Properties with greater fire hazards will require greater separation between fuels. For example, properties on slopes and having large sized vegetation will require greater spacing between individual trees and bushes than those in flat areas. Based on input from Cal Fire, it is assumed that no oak tree removal will be required for fuel modification. Additionally, it is assumed that where a fuel modification zone extends into a riparian corridor, that the high moisture in the area will preclude a need for vegetation disturbance in this area.

VINEYARD IMPACT AREA

The vineyard impact area is approximately 166 acres and includes all proposed vineyard areas. It is assumed that most or all of the natural habitat will be permanently impacted in this area. However, it is recognized that individual resources such as scattered mature oak trees may be protected in this area and that well managed vineyards can provide limited ecological value in perpetuity.

IMPACTS TO BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

The proposed development footprint is shown overlain on the mapped habitats and sensitive species on Maps IV-C.3 through C.6 Development Impacts to Biotic Resources and the impacts are described following.

Oak Woodlands and Individual Oak Trees

Approximately 502 acres of coast live oak woodland/forest occur in the Planning Area. The disturbance envelopes shown on Map IV-C.2 would result in the potential removal of

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C54

approximately 126 acres of coast live oak woodland primarily occurring on the Godfrey parcel. However, as noted previously, the initial development of the residential areas is anticipated to include ungraded lots on which custom homes would subsequently be built. Mature oak trees add value and aesthetic presence to residential lots, and it can be inferred based on existing regulatory requirements to protect oaks that, in many cases, the actual development will avoid and protect individual oak trees currently mapped as impacted. This would reduce the total number of individual trees impacted, though impacts associated with infrastructure and other project elements will also require removal of oak trees. An additional 10.4 acres of coast live oak woodland occurs in areas proposed for vineyards. It is not known if complete removal of the oak woodland or individual oak trees would occur for vineyard installation, and as such, it is conservatively assumed that vineyard installation and operation would require complete removal of all oak trees and oak woodland. An additional 78 acres of oak woodland habitat occurs in the fuel modification zone. No oak tree removal will be required for fuel modification (Personal Comment, Robert Lewin, Division Chief CalFire). However, the oak woodland habitat includes the understory components and those plants likely would be subject to periodic disturbance and clearing to maintain a low fuel load within this area. A similar impact may occur elsewhere during project development where removal is not required but where cut, fill, or compaction will occur near an oak or where limbing is required. Any impact within the dripline canopy of an oak requires mitigation, however, non-lethal disturbances as described above do not require the same level of mitigation as tree removal. The impacts to oak woodland and individual oak trees would be potentially significant.

Impact BIO-1 – Site development would result in a substantial, long-term loss of Coast Live Oak Woodland/Forest and individual Coast Live Oak trees, both of which are identified as sensitive resources under the City’s General Plan as well as other regulatory documents protecting such resources within the region, a significant but mitigable impact.

Sensitive Plant Species

The Planning Area supports numerous sensitive botanical species. Approximately 19.6 acres supporting Pismo clarkia occur in the Planning Area and approximately 14.2 acres (72%) would be impacted by development (including the fuel modification areas) and vineyards. The rare San Luis Obispo County lupine occurs in the Planning Area and individuals would be impacted by project activities. Impacts to other sensitive botanical resources would occur throughout the Planning Area. The loss of sensitive botanical resources is considered Potentially Significant. A formal study of Pismo clarkia restoration techniques is currently being conducted in Price Canyon (unrelated to the Price Canyon Specific Plan); however, at this time, there is not a proven methodology to restore or replace impacted Pismo clarkia. Consequently, any impact to Pismo clarkia individuals or occupied habitat is considered significant and unmitigable.

San Luis Obispo County lupine was observed growing in two nearby locations on the western side of North Ranch). A total of 11 individuals were observed in 2007. North Ranch Lot 15 would directly impact individuals of this species (as well as Pismo clarkia and Hoover’s bent grass). The driveways to Lot 15 and Lot 12 encroach upon or are immediately adjacent to this species as is the connector road serving these lots. Available data indicates that this species is extremely rare, known from only a few locations, and no data is known regarding successful propagation of the species; consequently, any impact to San Luis Obispo County lupine

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C59 individuals or occupied habitat is considered significant and unmitigable. Occupied habitat is defined as habitat where the species currently exists or where it has been mapped previously within the Planning Area.

The other sensitive botanical resources known to occur in the Planning Area are more common than Pismo clarkia and San Luis Obispo County lupine, however, they are still considered sensitive due to rarity and habitat threats in the region and in the state. The highest concentration of these species is at the top of the hill in the center of the North Ranch. Several of the connector roads, driveways, and proposed lots directly impact Wells’ Manzanita, Hoover’s bentgrass, California spineflower and curly-leafed monardella among other species. Impacts to these and other California Native Plant Society (CNPS) listed species occur in smaller numbers in other portions of the Planning Area. The Proposed Project permanently protects approximately 722 acres of natural open space area (41% of the Planning Area), most of which is high quality native habitat that supports stands of all of the sensitive botanical resources occurring within the Planning Area. The avoidance and protection of large portions of the site supporting high quality native habitats that include CNPS listed sensitive species would result in an adverse but less than significant impact to these species.

Impact BIO-2 – Site development would result in the loss of sensitive botanical resources, including the federally-listed endangered/State-listed rare Pismo clarkia, as mapped on the following lots in the PCSP:

• North Ranch (NR): 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, and 22. (One additional un- numbered lot on the ridge between Lots 15 and 16 also requires a protective buffer.) • South Ranch (SR): 16, 18, 20, 25, 26, 38, 51, 52, 56, and 57 • PCI: 71, 91, and 92,

and San Luis Obispo County Lupine mapped on lots NR12 and NR 15, a significant but mitigable impact.

Grassland Foraging Areas

Approximately 736 acres of annual non-native grassland occurs in the Planning Area. Approximately 354 (48%) of the annual grassland in the Planning Area will be impacted by grading activities and an additional 146 acres will be converted to vineyards. Collectively, 500 acres (68%) of the annual grassland community will be lost. From a botanical perspective, the non-native annual grassland is not sensitive and does not merit protection except in areas where other sensitive resources occur within it (e.g., Pismo clarkia stands). However, many wildlife species, particularly raptor species such as the white-tailed kite and common burrowing species, rely on grasslands for foraging. Impacts to non-native grassland are potentially significant.

Impact BIO-3 – Site development would result in the loss and disruption of raptor and wildlife foraging habitat, particularly annual grassland, a significant but mitigable impact.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C60 Aquatic and Semi-aquatic Wildlife Species

The proposed development activities have the potential to produce substantial direct and indirect impacts on aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife species. Impacts from the proposed project may occur onsite and offsite and be either permanent or temporary in nature as described below.

Onsite direct impacts include potential alteration of the hydrography of Pismo Creek and its tributaries. This includes both the flow volume and consistency. Changes in flow volume and consistency may be detrimental or beneficial for wildlife. Direct impacts may also occur through the design of new infrastructure such storm drains that may impact flow characteristics of the drainages in the Planning Area. Increased flow velocity may provide the potential for scour of important gravel beds resulting in a potential loss of spawning habitat for steelhead in Pismo Creek. Construction of bridges or other crossings (e.g., pedestrian or infrastructure) may also result in temporary and permanent impacts to riparian vegetation providing cover, forage (e.g., invertebrate habitat over the water), and temperature/sun exposure regulation for the drainages. Water quality and adequate stream flow are essential factors in the viability of the aquatic habitat. Both of these factors are under pressure due to urban development and agricultural activities in the larger watershed. Other key factors include the presence of in-stream barriers to migration, surface water temperature increases related to tree canopy cover reductions, sediment loading and bacteria levels. Water testing in the upstream reach of the creek outside the Planning Area found potentially problematic levels of the following constituents: total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, pH, hardness, manganese, iron, phosphorus and zinc.

Groundwater extraction from the Price Canyon Alluvial Aquifer for irrigation purposes would impact flows in Pismo Creek and the level of impact would depend on the amount, duration, and season of pumping. The project description also includes beneficial reuse of reclaimed wastewater from the Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF) through a Groundwater Recharge and Recovery Program (GRRP) that could result in impacts that are detrimental (e.g., water quality degradation) and/or beneficial (e.g., improved annual flow characteristics).

As detailed in Impact GW-2 and as studied in several technical appendices (Balance 2008, Entrix 2008, Fugro, 2009, and Cleath-Harris 2009), the project description includes pumping water from the Pismo Creek alluvium aquifer for agricultural irrigation that could result in a decrease in stream flow and other stream characteristics that would potentially impact aquatic habitat for steelhead and other species. The proposal also includes beneficial reuse of reclaimed wastewater from the Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF) through a Groundwater Recharge and Recovery Program (GRRP) that could negatively or beneficially impact steelhead.

The Planning Area properties that include the Pismo Creek alluvial aquifer have the potential to offer a means to beneficially reuse reclaimed wastewater from the WWTF using a recharge and recovery program. The addition of high quality water to Pismo Creek could be used to offset the potential impact of pumping irrigation water from the alluvium. The technical “mechanics” of this concept to quantify the capacity and identify stream impacts and mitigation measures will require more detailed study and development of final designs.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C61 The County of San Luis Obispo recently approved the PXP Produced Water Treatment Facility project. The land use permit authorizes a treated water discharge into the creek of 1.3 cubic feet per second, roughly equal the base flow of the creek. This continuous discharge would approximately double the summer conditions and in serious drought would be the only flow in the creek. As a permit condition, at the request of NOAA Fisheries, PXP must create a Steelhead Stranding Plan for the contingency of summer drought and temporary treatment facility closure occurring at once.

Direct impacts could also include direct injury and mortality of aquatic wildlife during construction. Indirect impacts could include increased sediment in stormwater runoff during construction (temporary impact) and/or degradation of stormwater quality associated with pollutants from occupancy and use of the developed site. Potential impacts to sensitive aquatic and semi-aquatic species are potentially significant. Nesting bird impacts are discussed separately in Impact BIO-6 below

Impact BIO-4 – Site development would require disturbance of Pismo Creek and its tributaries potentially impacting protected and sensitive wildlife species including steelhead trout, California red-legged frog, western pond turtle, and tidewater goby, a significant but mitigable impact.

Pismo Creek and Tributaries

Pismo Creek runs through the Planning Area and is fed by numerous un-named tributaries. Isolated wet areas/seeps also occur in the Planning Area on a seasonal basis. As noted previously, Pismo Creek is designated as critical habitat for the federally threatened steelhead trout. The most significant seasonal swale complex occurs on the Spanish Springs North Ranch (Figure 4.1).

As discussed in Impact BIO-4, project activities could impact Pismo Creek and its tributaries by disturbing the vegetated riparian corridors, disturbing the bed, bank, or channel of a waterway, altering the flow characteristics or consistency, and/or altering water quality. All of these potential impacts are discussed in greater detail in Impact BIO-4. The creeks and other wet areas (including artificial ponds) provide some of the highest value habitat in the Planning Area and are known to support a variety of sensitive and protected resources. Impacts to Pismo Creek, its tributaries, and any isolated wetland areas or seeps are Potentially Significant.

The City of Pismo Beach General Plan requires protection of riparian and creek corridor resources in a number of conditions and also specifically addresses oak trees and other native trees that occur in the riparian areas, including a 100 foot riparian setback. Table IV-C.2 tabulates the areas of grading or fuel modification encroachments into the General Plan required 100 foot creek setback (15.89 acres) and within 50 feet of tributaries (43.77 acres).

Impact BIO-5 – Site development would potentially result in disturbance of the riparian corridor of Pismo Creek, its tributaries, and isolated wetlands, seasonal swales and seeps potentially impacting sensitive habitat and a wide variety of common botanical and

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C62 wildlife species that rely on the riparian resources for survival. Potential ground disturbance of fuel modification could disturb 15. 89 acres within the prescribed 100 foot creek setback and 43.77 acres within 50 feet of Pismo Creek tributaries, a significant but mitigable impact.

Nesting Birds

A diverse array of bird species nest and rear their young in the Planning Area. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA; Title 16, United States Code [USC], Part 703) covers all of the birds observed in the Planning Area and listed in Table 3 with the exception of the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris). The MBTA prohibits the destruction of occupied nests. The USFWS is responsible for overseeing compliance with the MBTA. Most actions that result in taking of or the permanent or temporary possession of a protected species constitute violations of the MBTA. The MBTA does not include a permit program allowing destruction of occupied nests under any circumstances. Impacts to nesting birds are considered Potentially Significant.

Impact BIO-6 – Site development may cause impacts to nesting birds, a significant but mitigable impact.

Wildlife Dispersal & Habitat Fragmentation

The Planning Area supports a diverse array of habitats that provide ecological services to different species at different times of year including significant wildlife movement corridors, foraging range and breeding areas within a larger regional framework. Many species travel widely throughout the Planning Area in upland and riparian habitats in the hills and the lowlands. The anticipated impacts associated with the project include losses of upland, woodland, grassland, and riparian habitat resources as well as the potential loss of individual botanical and wildlife resources that, in aggregate, have the potential to fragment the habitats and diminish movement of wildlife. Impacts to wildlife dispersal through the Planning Area are Potentially Significant.

Impact BIO-7 – Site development may disrupt wildlife dispersal in and through the Planning Area, a significant but mitigable impact.

Native Grasslands

Native grasslands occur in patchy distribution throughout the Planning Area but are particularly common and occur in large stands in the proposed development area on the Big Bird parcel. The potential grading would eliminate approximately 75% of the native grassland habitat in the Planning Area. Native grasslands are considered a rare plant community by the California Department of Fish and Game and the California Native Plant Society. Impacts to native grassland are Potentially Significant.

Impact BIO-8 – Site development will impact significant stands of native bunchgrass, a significant but mitigable impact.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C63 Potential Indirect and Cumulative Impacts

Indirect Impacts

The Planning Area currently supports little human activity. Once developed and occupied, anthropogenic impacts will occur throughout the Planning Area associated with vehicle traffic, noise, lighting, introduction of non-native plants and domestic animals, and people on trails. Impacts may also associated with irrigation practices and other surface water changes. Indirect impacts from buildout and occupancy of the developed areas are Potentially Significant.

Impact BIO-9 – Site development will result in indirect impacts on vegetation and wildlife habitats, including sensitive species and habitats due to occupancy of the site, public access into open space areas, and fencing, a significant but mitigable impact.

Cumulative Impacts

Sensitive plant and animal species are distributed widely through the Planning Area, particularly along the creek environments, along ridges and topographic features, in swales and low-lying areas, and in scattered populations in upland and woodland areas. The Planning Area and the surrounding lands have been impacted by human activities for centuries; however the use of the area has been relatively low impact and involved low levels of human occupation. The proposed development would significantly change the character and ecological functions and services of the Planning Area. The proposed development would include grading of approximately 598 acres, new vineyards covering approximately 166 acres, and fuel modification zones impacting approximately 178 acres. In total, approximately 942 acres will be disturbed, covering approximately 53% of the Planning Area.

The Planning Area adjoins large tracts of land that are undeveloped in many areas. The development potential of the surrounding areas was evaluated by Firma to develop the cumulative impact assessment. Some of the surrounding lands have either significant development constraints due to slope or are in agricultural preserves, making conversion to uses that would cumulatively impact ecological resources less likely in the short term. The oilfield property to the north maintains significant stands of intact woodland and chaparral plant communities. Lands to the southeast are subdivided into 2½ to 20 acre parcels and largely developed at the maximum density under County zoning. The Mankins parcel may also be considered to be ultimately developed because it is in the City’s “Area of Interest” in the Growth Management Element of the General Plan, but probably not before 10 years due to the current Williamson Act contract on the property.

In this cumulative development scenario, area-wide biological resources have been, or will be, adversely impacted to the south. Lands to the southeast are likely to see limited increased development. Lands on the north and northwest are likely to remain rural or semi-rural with relatively high biotic value and diversity for the foreseeable future. Oilfield operations are likely to continue to result in the protection of large relatively undisturbed areas.

The topography, the distribution of sensitive ecological resources, the parcel lines, and the relationship to existing infrastructure, all influence what constitutes practical and responsible

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C64 development in the Planning Area. The integration of these factors and others leads to impacts to sensitive ecological resources and disruption of ecosystem relationships throughout the Planning Area. Development would result in the loss of sensitive and common native plant communities, habitat fragmentation, disruption of wildlife dispersal and other behaviors, impacts to critical habitat and listed species, and reduction of the land’s carrying capacity to support ecological resources. Isolation and degradation of natural areas will limit the genetic exchange of botanical and wildlife groups in the Planning Area and the surrounding area. Small populations that tend to fluctuate in size from year to year are likely to decline without recolonization following low production years. Public access for recreation in Habitat Resource Areas reduces the value of these areas as habitats for native plants and animals. Surrounding development will modify drainage patterns, increase noise and human activity and allow non- native plants and animals to encroach into adjacent areas. The sensitive plants species in the Planning Area are rare because their natural range is very limited. As a result, incremental losses of small populations are cumulatively significant.

Impact BIO-10 – The direct and indirect cumulative effects on botanical and wildlife resources including sensitive species and plant communities as well as effects on prey populations and dispersal opportunities in combination with countless more subtle and complex ecosystem processes that are difficult to quantify or predict are potentially significant, but mitigable.

4. Mitigation Measures to Avoid or Reduce Environmental Impacts

Two levels of mitigation for impacts on biological resources are discussed below. The first level provides over-arching General Plan level policies (some of which are based on State and Federal regulations) that are intended to guide the nature of future development.. These include existing policies CO-13, 14, 21 and 28, which apply to all projects in the City and proposed policies LU-R-8, LU-R-9 and LU-R-46, which would apply to the Price Canyon Planning Area. While these current and proposed policies provide adequate program-level mitigation for planning purposes, the EIR analysis has identified impacts that could result from the Proposed Project that will require project-specific mitigation measures

General Plan-Level Policies

CREEKS AND RIPARIAN AREAS

Existing General Plan policies provide the foundation for resource avoidance and mitigation in natural areas with oak trees and the riparian environment. Policies CO-14 and CO-21 address avoidance an impact minimization of Pismo Creek and its tributary drainages through the use of development setbacks, easement dedication and replacement planting of areas disturbed for essential infrastructure, such as bridge crossings. The core principle for protection is in policy CO-14: “no significant disruption” of riparian resources. The General Plan specified development setback from Pismo Creek is 100 feet. For tributary streams and drainages the setback is specified to be determined on a project-by-project basis. The project-level mitigation measures below define the appropriate setbacks for riparian areas other than Pismo Creek in the Planning Area.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C65 At the General Plan level, it is recognized that the Price Canyon Planning Area and the reach of Pismo Creek within it represent an important segment of the larger Pismo Creek watershed. This watershed has identified water quality, stream flow and sensitive species issues. Because of this, the Project Description for the General Plan Update of Land Use Element Planning Area R includes new policy directives related to maintaining stream flow and water quality for the system’s keystone species, the threatened Steelhead trout:

Policy LU-R-8 Watershed Management and Creek Protection - Actions within the Planning Area potentially affecting Pismo Creek shall be consistent with good watershed management principles including implementing Low Intensity Development practices to manage storm water runoff and water quality, avoid placement of fish passage barriers, encourage riparian re-vegetation and bank stabilization, and working with appropriate agencies to further strategic goals for estuary water quality.

OAK TREES

General Plan policy CO-13 is intended to address development sites within the City that contain oaks trees. Generally, stands of oaks in the current city limits are scattered and individual parcels do not support many oaks. Therefore the application of the policy standard of no oak removal except under strict conditions works well to preserve individual trees. However, in the Price Canyon area, in order for there to allow for oak tree removal under his policy, a finding would need to be made that “the location of a tree creates a demonstrably severe hardship to logical or harmonious configuration of the development for which no alternative design solution is feasible. This provision shall pertain to individual trees and shall not be used as a basis to allow removal of a grove of oak trees.”

The current policy, as written, would not provide sufficient flexibility to allow for certain aspects of the Specific Plan, including the golf course and various infrastructure, which may necessitate the removal of large numbers of trees. Therefore, in order for the Specific Plan to be implemented, a mitigation strategy for the Planning Area includes 1) development of an Open Space and Habitat Management Plan (OSHMP) within the PCSP to identify avoidance and preservation areas, oak tree removal criteria and replacement requirements, and 2) a new General Plan policy specific to this Planning Area that allows limited oak tree removal subject to the EIR mitigation measures and the Open Space And Habitat Management Plan. The proposed new policy to establish a General Plan framework for oak tree management, removal and replacement is as follows and is incorporated into Mitigation Measure BIO-2 below:

Policy LU-R-46: In order to attain the specific objectives of the General Plan for development of the Planning Area, removal of oak trees will be allowed subject to a creation of an Open Space and Habitat Management Plan (OSHMP) as part of the Price Canyon Specific Plan, which shall include, among other elements, specific criteria for the inventory of any oak tree or oak woodland proposed for removal, criteria for implementation of impact avoidance and minimization measures, replacement standards, and long term monitoring of oak tree mitigation planting.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C66 PERMANENT PROTECTION OF HABITAT RESOURCE AREAS

The Planning Area biotic habitats provide significant functions and values such as wildlife movement corridors, foraging area, and breeding area and resources, within a larger regional framework, especially in relation to undeveloped lands to the north and west of the Planning Area. The anticipated impacts associated with development of the Planning Area include losses of upland, woodland, grassland, and riparian habitat resources as well as the potential loss of individual botanical and wildlife resources that, in aggregate, have the potential to fragment the habitats and diminish functions and services, and impact movement of wildlife. Therefore, a primary General Plan level consideration should be a strategy for the conservation and management of important natural open space areas.

Proposed General Plan Map I-5 Habitat Resource Zone shows the generalized open space areas and wildlife dispersal areas that are critical to minimize overall impacts to biological resources in the Planning Area. These areas support the majority of high quality native habitat in the Planning Area, protect large areas supporting sensitive species and habitats as well as common species, and are important in terms of functional value for watershed protection and for wildlife productivity (providing foraging, shelter, and breeding resources). The Habitat Resource Areas include large contiguous stands of upland plant communities including central maritime chaparral and coast live oak woodland, and wetland communities including Central Coast arroyo willow riparian forest, Central Coast cottonwood/sycamore riparian forest, Central Coast live oak riparian forest, freshwater marsh, and seasonal swales/drainages. Wildlife corridors are planned throughout the Planning Area to facilitate wildlife dispersal and use in perpetuity. The wildlife corridors identified are generally more than 150-feet in width except where the corridor follows what has historically been a narrow seasonal drainage. This natural open space includes Pismo Creek and the associated riparian corridor, large contiguous stands of dense oak woodland and maritime chaparral, the tributaries to Pismo Creek in the Planning Area, and associated areas of rare plant populations.

The Habitat Resource Zone also identifies a Special Open Space Management Zone on the Spanish Springs north ranch. The north ranch has an existing subdivision and many of the lots occur on steeper wooded upland terrain. These parcels have residential building sites approved by the County when the subdivision was approved though the anticipated impacts associated with these building sites are inconsistent with the standards developed through the EIR. Development of this building site pattern has the potential to diminish the viability of the wooded ridgeline portion of the north ranch for wildlife dispersal and will impact rare botanical species. The Special Open Space Management Zone is a subset of the Habitat Resource Zone in which certain kinds of development may occur subject to design standards that conserve open space and native vegetation to act as a wildlife dispersal corridor.

The proposed General Plan Planning Area policy addressing these issues is as follows:

Policy LU-R-9 Habitat Resource Zone is defined as the area of the delineated on [General Plan figure to be determined at a later date] with certain biotic values key to general wildlife dispersal (e.g., space, connectivity, foraging value, cover, etc.) and for preservation of sensitive botanical and wildlife species. The Price Canyon Specific Plan and individual property Specific Plans shall include an Open Space and Habitat Management Plan (OSHMP), that is consistent among the various documents, providing for the permanent conservation and management of wildlife dispersal corridors,

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C67 contiguous mixed habitat areas, suitable habitat buffer and setback standards, restoration and enhancement goals and long term management principles, including fire safety, generally conforming to the General Plan map Habitat Resource Zone. In the case of the Special Open Space Management Zone on the Spanish Springs north ranch, the OSHMP shall include measures to minimize exterior lighting, fences and other barriers, maximize retention of native plant cover while maintaining adequate fire safety measures and avoiding introduction of invasive exotic plants.

The Open Space and Habitat Management Plan required by this proposed policy has not been developed as part the draft Specific Plan. The proposed development plans shown in Section I of the DEIR have been determined in the preceding analysis to result in potential impacts to biological resources that require more precise mitigation to reduce the potential impacts to a less than significant level. These measures are detailed in the following discussion.

Project Level Mitigation Measures

The following project-level measures provide requirements to avoid, minimize, and mitigate project level impacts and reflect the guiding principles to:

1. Conserve and manage adequate contiguous areas supporting diverse and significant habitat resources by use of an Open Space / Conservation Easement, 2. Preserve and enhance wildlife dispersal connectivity to the larger region, and 3. Avoid impacts to ecological resources.

Mitigation Measure BIO-1: To mitigate impacts identified in Impacts BIO-1, BIO-2, BIO-8 and BIO-10 related to the fragmentation and loss of biotic resources, the conservation and management of the General Plan defined Habitat Resource Zone and all Planning Area Open Space land shall be implemented by an Open Space and Habitat Management Plan. The OSHM Plan cover the area in the Planning Area defined as the Habitat Resource Zone in policy LUE-R-9. The OSHM Plan shall be consistent with and implement the objectives and requirements of General Plan policies CO-14, CO-28, LUE- R-9 and LUE-R-46. The OSHM Plan would provide the Specific Plan-level development standards to implement these policies.

The OSHM shall address the implementation of habitat enhancement and restoration opportunities and wildlife dispersal and connectivity within and adjoining the Habitat Resource Zone development areas. Management measures such as types and purposes of fencing, landscaping restrictions (no invasive species), access and structure limitations in the open space, seasonal closures (if necessary), clearly defined fuel management measures for fire safety, and prohibitions on any other clearing of native vegetation shall be identified. The specific requirements for all habitat restoration plans required under CEQA shall be specified. These would include measurable quantitative performance criteria (e.g., % cover, species diversity, survival, etc.), required short-term and long-term maintenance activities (e.g., weed abatement, erosion control, irrigation, etc.), and formal monitoring and reporting requirements.

The OSHMP shall incorporate programs and strategies to meet the requirements of Mitigation Measures BIO-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C68 The OSHMP shall specify management of the Habitat Resource Area be conducted under a formal Open Space / Conservation Easement and Memorandum of Understanding with appropriate agencies by, and/or under the oversight of, a single management entity for all of the Planning Area.

The Open Space and Habitat Management Plan shall include the following:

• Resource Protection Measures During Construction o Pre-construction surveys o Temporary fencing o Staging areas o Access routes and restrictions o Construction monitoring (frequency and duration) o Relocation protocols for sensitive species potentially occurring in work areas • Allowable and Prohibited Activities in Habitat Resource Areas/Open Space (including agricultural use) • Riparian and Wetland Buffers (description and mapping) • Wildlife Corridor/Habitat Extension Corridor Plan (planting/screening, fencing, signage, prohibited uses, etc.) • Fuel Management Recommendations and Restrictions • Oak Management & Protection Plan • Habitat Restoration Plans (including the following): o Site Selection Program o Propagule Selection o Irrigation Program (if necessary) o Maintenance Program (e.g., weed abatement) o Erosion Control Plan o Scheduling o Measurable Performance Criteria o Monitoring Plan (minimum 5 years of monitoring) o Contingency Measures o Reporting Plan • Fencing Program (type, height, purpose, maintenance) • Trail, and Interpretive Signage Objectives • Adaptive Management Strategies & Protocols

An Environmental Awareness & Contractor Training Plan shall be developed and implemented for all construction activities under the OSHM Plan. The Training Plan shall provide a brief summary of the sensitive botanical and wildlife resources occurring in the Planning Area, the applicable local, state, and federal regulatory programs that cover sensitive resources, the impact avoidance and minimization measures to be employed during construction, the implications and penalties for non-compliance, and the roles, responsibilities, and contact information for the biological monitors and the construction personnel as they pertain to resource protection. Training shall include all contractors and subcontractors and shall be repeated if work is halted for a significant period and/or if construction personnel change.

If active measures are required to replace oak woodland or other habitat losses in the Planning Area, they should occur only in areas of degraded habitat suitable for

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C69 restoration. Conversion of one native habitat to another should not be considered mitigation. If habitat restoration and replacement are proposed, a formal restoration implementation plan including measurable performance criteria and long-term maintenance and monitoring requirements should be prepared. If habitat replacement is proposed through the acquisition of an off-site parcel, an analysis of the protected and impacted resources should be prepared to support the determination of the adequacy of the mitigation in off-setting project impacts.

Level of Significance after Implementation of the Measure

The OSHM Plan would provide the Specific Plan-level development standards to implement General Plan policies CO-14, CO-28, LUE-R-9 and LUE-R-46 and address some of the potential impacts identified in BIO-2 through BIO-9. The OSHM Plan would serve as the implementing document for avoidance and protection of potentially impacted resources identified in these impacts. The areas encompassed by the OSHMP support the majority of high quality native habitat in the Planning Area, protect large areas supporting sensitive species and habitats as well as common species, and are important in terms of functional value for watershed protection and for wildlife productivity (providing foraging, shelter, and breeding resources). The Habitat Resource Areas include large contiguous stands of upland plant communities including central maritime chaparral and coast live oak woodland, and wetland communities including Central Coast arroyo willow riparian forest, Central Coast cottonwood/sycamore riparian forest, Central Coast live oak riparian forest, freshwater marsh, and seasonal swales/drainages. Strict restrictions on the allowable uses of the Habitat Resource Areas shall be formalized through the Open Space and Habitat Management Plan. Permanent protection of oak trees and oak woodlands as mitigation for impacts allowing for a net loss of the resource is considered acceptable mitigation pursuant to California’s Oak Woodland Protection Act. The preservation of approximately 478 acres of managed open space in a permanent conservation easement, combined with measures specifying the establishment of habitat restoration areas for replacement mitigation, enhancement of wildlife dispersal areas and managed fuel modification would reduce cumulative Impact BIO-10 to less than significant.

Mitigation BIO-2 To mitigate impacts identified in BIO-1 related to the loss and fragmentation of coast live oak woodland/forest and individual oak trees (as well as other resources identified in BIO-2 and BIO-8), the OSHMP and PCSP shall specify that:

All site development plans shall maximize avoidance and preservation of existing oak woodlands and oak trees and maximize protection of large contiguous woodlands for the benefit of wildlife. Grading and development plans for proposed development and agricultural use shall demonstrate efforts to maximize preservation of existing oak woodlands and individual oak trees. In addition to permanent protection, oak impacts in the grading and vineyard areas shall be mitigated through replacement on a 2:1 basis per acre or a 4:1 basis per tree (replaced : impacted) for all trees six-inches or greater in circumference. All individual trees to be impacted shall be quantified and mapped in advance with a final verification survey to follow and confirm or update the actual impacts. Impacts to individual trees include disturbance (cut or fill) within the dripline of the tree canopy, limbing/pruning (>25% of the canopy disturbed), or complete removal.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C70 Existing oak woodland habitat to be preserved shall be indicated on final grading plans and development plans (including those identifying vineyard areas) and shall be protected in perpetuity under easement, deed restriction or a comparable legal vehicle that ensures permanent conservation.

Level of Significance after Implementation of the Measure

Development under the proposed Specific Plan would protect approximately 288 acres of coast live oak woodland in the protected Habitat Resource Areas (57% of the oak woodland in the Planning Area). Additionally, 78 acres of oak woodland occurs in the fuel modification zone and no oak tree removal is expected in this area. However, because this area will be subject to periodic thinning of understory components and potentially limbing of oak trees, this area is not considered protected and is considered partially impacted on a habitat basis, though not to the extent of the grading and vineyard areas. If the area of fuel modification is included with the open space area, approximately 366 acres (73%) of oak woodland in the Planning Area will remain following full buildout.

In addition to this protection required under proposed General Plan policies LU-R-9 and 46 and mitigation measure BIO-1, subsequent development applications would be required to demonstrate maximum use of avoidance methods, identify protection measures and mitigate for oak loss by replacement planting. Assuming that all of the oak woodland habitat in the open space would be protected in perpetuity under easement, this would provide a mitigation ratio of over 2:1 (protected:impacted) on a per acre basis. However, protection of existing oak trees and oak woodlands as mitigation for impacts allows a net loss of the resource.

With adoption of the proposed policies allowing removal of oak woodland/forest and oak trees and which implement the specified mitigation ratios, the impact would be considered adverse, but less than significant.

Mitigation BIO-3: To mitigate impacts identified in Impact BIO-2 related to Pismo Clarkia and other sensitive botanical species, mapped populations of Pismo Clarkia and San Luis Obispo lupine shall be avoided and a 50 setback from development and mowing shall be established in the PCSP. Mapped populations of all other sensitive botanical species including Wells’ Manzanita, Hoover’s bentgrass, California spineflower and curly-leafed monardella shall be identified in the PCSP as to be avoided to the maximum degree feasible and any loss of plants shall be mitigated at a 2:1 ration of individuals or ground coverage . At the time of subsequent tract maps, the avoidance, impact and mitigation of all sensitive species shall be provided in a Sensitive Botanical Species Avoidance, Protection and Replacement Plan. All known occurrences of Pismo clarkia and San Luis Obispo County lupine habitat shall be indicated on development plans (including those identifying vineyard areas) and final grading plans and shall be protected in perpetuity under easement, deed restriction, or a comparable legal vehicle that ensures permanent conservation. Prior to any site disturbance for development (grubbing, grading, clearing, etc.), a pre-construction survey of the disturbance envelope and a suitable adjacent buffer (50-feet) shall be conducted during the appropriate blooming period for Pismo clarkia (May – July) and San Luis Obispo County lupine (April – July) when known reference populations/individuals are blooming. Prior to site disturbance, all stands in or near a disturbance envelope shall be identified and fenced in the field at the limit of the buffer zone

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C71 (50-feet from the mapped habitat boundary for the species or around occupied areas observed in the field, whichever provides the larger buffer). Protection measures for all sensitive botanical resources during construction and through future occupancy of the area shall be detailed in the Open Space and Habitat Management Plan (Mitigation BIO-1). All native habitat restoration occurring in the Planning Area shall include CNPS-listed sensitive species appropriate to the habitat type as feasible in the plant palette and include specific performance criteria for their survival. All replacement plans shall identify measurable, quantitative performance criteria (e.g., % cover, species diversity, survival, etc.), required short-term and long-term maintenance activities (e.g., weed abatement, erosion control, irrigation, etc.), and formal monitoring and reporting requirements.

Occupied habitat is defined as habitat where the species currently exists or where it has been mapped previously within the Planning Area As an annual species, individuals within a given stand emerge in different areas each year based on seed dispersal from earlier years and on physical and climatic conditions. The seed bank is represented in the soil throughout the area where Pismo clarkia has previously emerged. No mowing for fuel modification shall be allowed in Pismo clarkia stands or the buffer area. In addition to any stands identified during pre- construction surveys, all of the following lots and the associated roads, infrastructure, and fuel modification zones in these areas will require protection buffers:

• North Ranch (NR): 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, and 22. One additional un-numbered lot on the ridge between Lots 15 and 16 also requires a protective buffer • South Ranch (SR): 16, 18, 20, 25, 26, 38, 51, 52, 56, and 57 • PVP Investment Group: 71, 91, and 92

To adequately protect the integrity of areas of San Luis Obispo County lupine mapped on lots NR 12 and NR 15, a 50-foot no disturbance buffer shall be established around all mapped occurrences of San Luis Obispo County lupine. No mowing for fuel modification shall be allowed in San Luis Obispo County lupine areas or the buffer area.

Level of Significance after Implementation of the Measure

The avoidance and protection of large portions of the site supporting high quality native habitats that include sensitive species and the establishment of no disturbance 50-foot protection buffers (avoidance and protection) around Pismo clarkia and San Luis Obispo lupine will reduce impacts to these resources to a less than significant level. For the other sensitive botanical species, the required Sensitive Botanical Species Avoidance, Protection and Replacement Plan will reduce impacts to these resources to a less than significant level.

Mitigation BIO-4: To mitigate impacts identified in Impact BIO-3 related to loss of raptor forage, the PCSP shall incorporate the protection of large contiguous stands of annual grassland as feasible, preferably using a minimum of 50 acres to maintain ecological functions for wildlife. The largest protected areas occur along the boundary between the Big Bird parcel and the South Ranch parcel. The Open Space Habitat Management Plan shall identify areas of protected open grassland and other habitats maintaining the foraging functions that these habitats currently provide on the site (e.g., raptor foraging). Future public use associated with development (e.g., trails) shall be designed to minimize disruption to ecological function by following the margins of the development envelopes rather than meandering through the

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C72 natural open space. No development lighting shall be directed into the natural open space. Light pools shall be directed down and lighting adjacent to natural open space shall be screened to prevent glare into natural open space areas. Motion sensor lights should only cover areas immediately adjacent to structures and should also be shielded from shining into natural open space areas. All site lighting should be minimized to the maximum extent feasible.

Level of Significance after Implementation of the Measure

It is recognized that protection of native plant communities and avoidance of construction on slopes directs development to annual grassland areas by default. Price Canyon and the surrounding area have a high carrying capacity for raptors and other common species that rely on grasslands (e.g., deer) and the displaced wildlife will disperse to the surrounding parcels or concentrate in the remaining open space areas in the Planning Area. The loss of annual grassland habitat and the introduction of development in the Planning Area will disrupt foraging areas and dispersal corridors. However, with the protection of significant open space area on site and protection of wildlife dispersal corridors allowing continued movement throughout the site (Mitigation BIO-7), the impact is considered adverse, but less than significant.

Mitigation BIO-5: To mitigate impacts identified in Impact BIO-4 and BIO-5 related to aquatic habitat, Sensitive Aquatic and Semi-aquatic Species, all development activities under the PCSP including structures, infrastructure, roads, and trails within 100-feet of the Pismo Creek riparian corridor and 50-feet of its tributaries shall be avoided and minimized to the maximum extent feasible.

Southern Steelhead

Development activities including structures, infrastructure, roads, and trails within 100-feet of the Pismo Creek riparian corridor and 50-feet of its tributaries shall be avoided and minimized to the maximum extent feasible. Creek crossings shall be limited to the minimum number required to safely and responsibly serve the Planning Area and shall be clear-span construction over the channel unless it is infeasible to do so. Project infrastructure such as stormwater outlets, pipeline crossings (e.g., water and sewer), and pedestrian crossings shall occur with vehicle crossings to the maximum extent feasible minimizing the number and size of each disturbance area. The Open Space and Habitat Management Plan (Mitigation BIO-1) shall detail measures to avoid and minimize impacts to steelhead during construction and during future occupancy and use of the developed area including but not limited to those described below. The Environmental Awareness & Contractor Training Plan (Mitigation BIO-1) shall address specific protection measures for work occurring in or near riparian and aquatic areas and shall identify significant steelhead habitat areas (e.g., potential spawning areas).

Construction activities within 100-feet of the riparian corridor for Pismo Creek and within 50- feet of its tributaries shall require full time monitoring by a qualified biologist to ensure that all protection measures are implemented and to identify the least impacting approach for activities that encroach on a drainage. The limits of disturbance and the limits of the buffer zones near work areas shall be clearly marked or fenced prior to any construction activities

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C73 and the fencing shall be inspected regularly by the biological monitor. All temporary fences and flagging shall be removed upon completion of construction (or of construction phase if future work in the area is not immediately pending).

Any required construction activities within the established buffer zones for the drainages in the Planning Area shall be conducted using the least intrusive means possible in terms of access, staging, scheduling, and equipment. Access routes should be approved in the field by the biological monitor who is responsible to document that the access routes follow the most environmentally sensitive alignment. All equipment and vehicle staging shall occur outside the buffer zones to the maximum extent feasible. Clearing of riparian vegetation shall be avoided and minimized to the maximum extent feasible and shall be conducted using hand tools (e.g., chain saws) to limb or cut vegetation to the ground rather than heavy equipment to pull vegetation from the ground. Soil disruption within the buffer zones shall be minimized to the maximum extent feasible. Construction activities within 100-feet of the riparian corridor for Pismo Creek and 50-feet of its tributaries shall be scheduled to avoid the wet season and shall be conducted when Pismo Creek and its tributaries are dry or at their lowest level (i.e., during summer or fall). By conducting activities during the dry season, it is anticipated that steelhead will not be present during construction. However, if water is present in the channel at the time of construction, a pre-construction reconnaissance level survey shall be conducted prior to any disturbance within the riparian corridor. If steelhead are present, they shall be relocated by a properly qualified and permitted biologist and excluded from returning to the work zone during construction. The specifications for steelhead exclusion shall be included in the Open Space and Habitat Management Plan (Mitigation BIO-1).

Any temporary modifications to the stream, the channel, or the riparian corridor shall be mitigated by the restoration of the habitat such that there is no net loss of functions and services through the Planning Area. Habitat restoration prescriptions shall be detailed in the Open Space and Habitat Management Plan (Mitigation Bio-1). This includes stream elements such as riffle zones, ponded areas, and sensitive gravel beds as well as riparian planting. To the extent feasible, all habitat restoration will be designed to improve habitat quality not just replace pre-existing conditions.

California Red-legged Frog

The discussions and measures above for southern steelhead all apply to the California red- legged frog. Prior to any disturbance within a riparian corridor, pre-construction reconnaissance level surveys for red-legged frogs shall be conducted by a qualified biologist. Full protocol surveys are not required because it is anticipated that the work will be done during the dry summer or fall when little or no water is present. However, the protocol techniques are appropriate. The work area shall be inspected each morning prior to commencement of construction activities by the biological monitor to ensure that no red- legged frogs are present. If red-legged frogs are identified in the work area, all activities within 500-feet shall cease until the individual(s) move out of the area on their own accord or they shall be relocated by a qualified biologist holding all necessary federal permits and authorization to do so. Relocation protocols shall be specified in the Open Space and Habitat Management Plan (Mitigation BIO-1). With implementation of the mitigation measures described above including monitoring, implementation of protection measures during design

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C74 and construction, and measures to ensure no adverse change to flow or water quality characteristics, impacts to California red-legged frogs will be adverse, but less than significant.

Other Sensitive Aquatic and Semi-aquatic Wildlife Species

All of the discussions and measures above for southern steelhead and California red-legged frogs apply to western pond turtles and other sensitive wildlife species potentially occurring within the riparian habitats in the Planning Area. The pre-construction surveys described above shall include all potentially occurring sensitive wildlife species.

Prior to approval of grading plans, a detailed Hydrology Study shall be completed that formally demonstrates that project activities will not adversely impact flow characteristics (volume, velocity, consistency, etc.) in Pismo Creek or its tributaries. The study shall include discussions of water balance, mechanisms to ensure that water quality is not degraded, and documentation that no net loss of base flow will occur.

Level of Significance after Implementation of the Measure

As discussed in Section IV-D (Drainage), Low Impact Development (LID) Integrated Management Practices (IMPs) are required as mitigation to ensure that a post-development runoff hydrograph has the same peak flow rate, and releases the same volume, as under pre- development conditions with no degradation to water quality. Natural flows from the undisturbed portions of the watershed shall be routed through natural channels around the developed areas and allowed to flow to their historic receiving waters. All stormwater discharges and management systems (e.g., bioswales) shall be designed and operated to ensure that there is no degradation of water quality entering Pismo Creek or its tributaries. Additionally, all stormwater management activities shall ensure that the existing seasonal baseline flow characteristics for Pismo Creek and its tributaries remain substantially unchanged or are improved for steelhead and other sensitive species. Applicable measures identified elsewhere in this EIR are WQ-1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and GW- 3.

The provisions of MM BIO-4 would require documentation that all regulatory permits are obtained prior to any impact activity. The permits would require both compensatory mitigation as well as field monitoring and reporting. The measure also establishes a Planning Area development setback of 50 feet for tributaries to Pismo Creek. With implementation of these measures potential impacts to aquatic habitat would be less than significant.

With implementation of the mitigation measures described above including monitoring, implementation of protection measures during design and construction, and measures to ensure no adverse change to flow or water quality characteristics, impacts to southern steelhead will be adverse, but less than significant.

With implementation of the mitigation measures described above including monitoring, implementation of protection measures during design and construction, and measures to ensure no adverse change to flow or water quality characteristics, impacts to California red- legged frogs will be Adverse, but less than significant.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C75 The measures required to protect the flow characteristics and volume of Pismo Creek and its tributaries and to ensure no adverse changes to the water quality for steelhead in the Planning Area will also ensure no adverse affects on the Pismo Lagoon and tidewater goby will result from project activities. With implementation of the mitigation measures described above including monitoring, implementation of protection measures during design and construction, and measures to ensure no adverse change to flow or water quality characteristics, impacts to sensitive aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife species and to denizens of the Pismo lagoon will be Adverse, but less than significant.

With implementation of the mitigation measures described above including monitoring, implementation of protection measures during design and construction, and measures to ensure no adverse change to flow or water quality characteristics, impacts to southern steelhead, California red-legged frog, and other sensitive aquatic and semi-aquatic ecological resources will be adverse, but less than significant.

Mitigation BIO-6: To mitigate impacts identified in Impact BIO-5 related to riparian area disturbance, a buffer (setback) of 100 feet shall be established and protected around Pismo Creek consistent with existing City of Pismo Beach policy and MM BIO-4. The buffer shall be measured from the outer edge of the riparian corridor or the top-of-bank if no riparian vegetation is present. Around the tributaries of Pismo Creek and the seasonal swale complex on the North Ranch, an average buffer of 50 feet shall be established from the outer edge of the mapped riparian corridor (or the top-of-bank if no riparian vegetation is present). Wherever possible, impact corridors shall be aggregated to include vehicle, pedestrian, and infrastructure crossings at the same location. If necessary to construct roadway infrastructure and pedestrian paths and trails, allowances will be made for encroachment up to 25 feet within the prescribed 100 foot and 50-foot buffer around riparian habitat and wetland resources and Pismo Creek in the Planning Area (25 feet is the minimum buffer).

Construction activities within the channel and/or riparian corridor of Pismo Creek and its tributaries or other adjacent aquatic or semi-aquatic features may require permitting by the California Department of Fish and Game pursuant to Section 1602 of the California Fish and Game Code (Lake and Streambed Alteration Program) and Section 401 and 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act administered by the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers respectively. Prior to any disturbance in Pismo Creek or its tributaries, including the riparian corridors and the buffers, permits shall be garnered pursuant to the regulatory programs listed above or written documentation shall be provided to the City of Pismo Beach demonstrating that such permits are not required.

Creek setback buffers shall be shown on all development and grading plans. Documentation shall be provided to the City of Pismo Beach for approval that identifies all encroachment into the setback buffers and that demonstrates that there are no practical alternatives that would reduce the number or size of the encroachments and that includes specific measures to ensure that the design and construction in these areas avoids and minimizes ecological impacts to the maximum extent feasible. Full time biological monitoring is required for all construction activities (including initial clearing, grubbing, and grading) within the buffer areas. Habitat restoration is required in all riparian and buffer areas temporarily disturbed during

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C76 construction. The restoration prescriptions shall be detailed in the Open Space and Habitat Management Plan.

Level of Significance after Implementation of the Measure

Through the establishment of riparian protection buffers of 100-feet for Pismo Creek and an average 50-feet for its tributaries (with a minimum no disturbance buffer of 25-feet) direct and indirect impacts to the drainages on site will be avoided and minimized. Because of the variable size of the seasonal swale complex on the North Ranch, the 50-foot buffer is required. Implementation of LID practices and a stormwater management system that ensures no adverse modification to stormwater (quality, flow characteristics and consistency) will avoid degradation of habitat quality in the creeks. The measures addressing construction of required encroachments for access and infrastructure described in Mitigation BIO-4 that will be detailed for implementation in the Open Space and Habitat Management Plan (BIO-1) will ensure that the design and construction of such features will avoid and minimize impacts to the maximum extent feasible. With implementation of these mitigation measures, impacts to Pismo Creek and its tributaries, and to the other seasonally wet or artificially created wet areas (e.g., stock ponds & irrigation ponds) will be adverse, but less than significant.

Mitigation BIO-7: To mitigate impacts identified in Impact BIO-6 related to nesting birds, all initial clearing shall be conducted outside the nesting seasons (typically March 1 to August 15) unless the area has been surveyed for active nests and cleared for construction. If initial clearing is required during the nesting season, surveys for nesting birds, including nesting raptors, shall be conducted to verify the presence or absence of nesting activity. Surveys shall occur over a period of two or three weeks (duration to be determined by a qualified biologist based on the time of year and the habitat to be surveyed) immediately prior to construction including the disturbance area and a buffer of 300-feet. If an active nest is found and work is proposed while the nest is active, a construction buffer of 300 feet shall be maintained until the young have fledged. In some cases, the size of the buffer may be adjusted by a qualified biologist based on the proposed activity, the species nesting, and the status of the nest, but shall be large enough to prevent disturbance. Permanent protection of large contiguous natural open space areas supporting grassland, tree, shrub, and riparian habitat will facilitate continued nesting throughout the Planning Area.

If initial clearing, grubbing, or grading activities are proposed during the breeding season (March 1 to August 15), a nesting bird survey report shall be prepared and submitted to the City of Pismo Beach for approval prior to implementation.

Level of Significance after Implementation of the Measure

Permanent protection of large contiguous natural open space areas supporting grassland, tree, shrub, and riparian habitat pursuant to MM BIO-6 will facilitate continued nesting throughout the Planning Area. Through avoidance of initial clearing activities during the bird breeding seasons, a requirement for pre-construction nesting bird surveys for any initial clearing, grubbing or grading required to occur during the breeding season, and a requirement

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C77 for a no-impact buffer around any active nest will reduce impacts to nesting birds to adverse, but less than significant.

Mitigation BIO-8: To mitigate impacts identified in Impact BIO-7 related to wildlife dispersal, Habitat Resource Areas and designated Wildlife Corridors shall be established and protected in the Planning Area allowing and encouraging wildlife dispersal and use to continue in perpetuity.

The PCSP and OSHM Plan (MM BIO-1) shall address the alignment of all roads, fences, development footprints and associated infrastructure to limit habitat fragmentation and maximize value and access to all remaining habitat for wildlife. Development shall not result in substantial barriers to wildlife dispersal, particularly along drainages and through areas are where different habitats meet that are favored by wildlife for movement. The inclusion of dispersal corridors comprised of drainage areas with suitable buffers and adjacent upland habitat shall be identified in the OMHM plan. Habitat corridor extensions proposed in the PCSP require the following:

• Suitable Habitat • Minimal Human Activity • Fencing • Wildlife Accessibility to and from large open areas • Wildlife Accessibility to and from large open areas

The habitat corridor extensions shall be a minimum of 250 feet in width (except at road crossings) and vegetated densely enough to screen the corridor from development lighting and human activities.

Level of Significance after Implementation of the Measure

With the inclusion of the protection and mitigation measures described above, including permanent protection of approximately 722 acres of natural open space and protection of dispersal routes throughout the Planning Area, impacts related to wildlife dispersal will be adverse, but less than significant.

Mitigation BIO-9: To mitigate impacts identified in Impact BIO-8 related to native bunch grass, native grasslands shall be avoided while allowing practical development. Impacted native grassland with greater than 10% cover over 0.25 acres or more shall be replaced at a 2:1 basis (replaced:impacted). Cover shall attain at least 10% in the restoration area.

Level of Significance after Implementation of the Measure

The restoration approach for native grassland shall be detailed in the Open Space and Habitat Management Plan. Impacted native grassland can be feasibly avoided or mitigated on site. Impacts to native grassland after mitigation will be adverse, but less than significant.

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C78 Mitigation BIO-10: To mitigate impacts identified in impact BIO-9 related to indirect impacts to wildlife, a lighting plan shall be developed to provide standards that meet safety requirements while minimizing light and glare in the Habitat Resource Areas. Pets shall be prohibited from using existing and planned wildlife corridors. All trail alignments should be reviewed by a qualified biologist to ensure that they avoid and minimize ecological impacts to the maximum extent feasible and minor adjustments should be allowable at the time of construction to further protect ecological resources. The PCSP shall include a conceptual Landscape Plan that specifies allowable species for street trees and public areas as well as allowable species for private areas. The Landscaping Plan shall require the use of native species from locally collected sources to the maximum extent feasible.

Level of Significance after Implementation of the Measure

The protection of the Habitat Resource Areas and wildlife dispersal routes will reduce the impacts of occupancy and use of the developed area by providing large natural areas and site- wide connectivity to wildlife displaced by the development activities. Implementation of the measures described above will reduce the level of indirect impacts from project occupancy to adverse, but less than significant.

LIST OF ABBRIEVIATED TERMS

Abbreviation Term AIPP Agricultural Irrigation Pumping Plan CDFG California Department of Fish and Game LID Low Impact Development CEQA California Environmental Quality Act MEIR Master Environmental Impact Report MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service OSHMP Open Space & Habitat Management Plan PCI Price Canyon Investment Group GRRP Groundwater Recharge & Recovery Plan USACE/the United States Army Corps of Engineers Corps USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFWS/the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Service

Price Canyon General Plan Update, SOI Change, Annexation and Specific Plan Program EIR IV-C Biological Resources. Page IV-C79