Morro Creek Natural Environment Study
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Morro Creek Multi-Use Trail and Bridge Project Natural Environment Study San Luis Obispo County, California Federal Project Number CASB12RP-5391(013) MB-2013-S2 05-SLO-0-MOBY December 2013 For individuals with sensory disabilities, this document is available in Braille, large print, on audiocassette, or computer disk. To obtain a copy in one of these alternate formats, please call or write to Caltrans, Attn: Brandy Rider, Caltrans District 5 Environmental Stewardship Branch, 50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401; 805-549-3182 Voice, or use the California Relay Service TTY number, 805-549-3259. This page is intentionally left blank. Summary Summary The City of Morro Bay is extending the existing Harborwalk with continuation of a paved pedestrian boardwalk and separate Class I bike path from the existing parking area and crossing on Embarcadero Avenue northward. The City also proposes to install a clear-span pre-engineered/pre-fabricated bike and pedestrian bridge over Morro Creek to connect to north Morro Bay on Embarcadero Road/State Route 41. In addition, the project will include improvements to beach access from the trail, and two interpretive sign stations that will display educational and other information about the cultural and natural history of the region. This project is receiving funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and with assistance from Caltrans. As part of its NEPA assignment of federal responsibilities by the FHWA, effective October 1, 2012 and pursuant to 23 USC 326, Caltrans is acting as the lead federal agency for Section 7 of the federal Endangered Species Act. The project site contains suitable habitat for federally threatened California red-legged frog and south/central California coast distinct population segment of steelhead. It also contains habitat that is suitable for federally endangered Morro shoulderband snail. In addition, the habitats within the project site have potential to support black and silvery legless lizards, state species of special concern. All potential impacts to these species would be minimized and/or avoided with implementation of the recommended measures described in Chapter 4. The project satisfies the criteria for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service California Red- legged Frog Programmatic Biological Opinion for Projects Funded or Approved under the Federal Highway Administration’s Federal Aid Program (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2011). A Biological Assessment has been prepared for the project to facilitate the required formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to further offset the potential project-related impacts to these sensitive species. The project site is not within federally designated critical habitat for California red-legged frog or Morro shoulderband snail. However, it is within federally designated critical habitat for south/central California coast distinct population segment of steelhead. The proposed project will require a Streambed Alteration Agreement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife because installation of the bridge would occur within its jurisdiction on the northern side of the bank of Morro Creek. However, the project would not remove or otherwise impact any sensitive riparian vegetation. The project occurs within the designated Coastal Zone and would therefore require acquisition of a Coastal Development Permit. Morro Creek Multi-Use Trail and Bridge Project i Summary This page is intentionally left blank. Morro Creek Multi-Use Trail and Bridge Project ii Table of Contents Table of Contents Summary ........................................................................................................................... i Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................... iii List of Figures ......................................................................................................................... vi List of Tables ........................................................................................................................ vii List of Abbreviated Terms ..................................................................................................... viii Chapter 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Project History ............................................................................................... 1 1.2. Project Description ......................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2. Study Methods .................................................................................................. 5 2.1. Regulatory Requirements ............................................................................... 5 2.2. Studies Required ............................................................................................ 7 2.3. Personnel and Survey Dates........................................................................... 8 2.4. Agency Coordination and Professional Contacts .......................................... 9 2.5. Limitations That May Influence Results ........................................................ 9 Chapter 3. Results: Environmental Setting ..................................................................... 11 3.1. Description of the Existing Biological and Physical Conditions ................. 11 3.1.1 Study Area ...................................................................................................... 11 3.1.2 Physical Conditions ........................................................................................ 11 3.1.3 Biological Conditions in the Biological Study Area ....................................... 14 3.1.3.1 Central Dune Scrub ................................................................................. 14 3.1.3.2 Ice Plant .................................................................................................. 16 3.1.3.3 Arroyo Willow Woodland/Riparian ........................................................ 16 3.1.3.4 Bulrush/Cattail Wetland .......................................................................... 17 3.1.3.5 Ruderal/Developed.................................................................................. 18 3.2. Regional Species and Habitats of Concern .................................................. 18 Chapter 4. Results: Biological Resources, Discussion of Impacts and Mitigation .......... 28 4.1. Natural Communities of Special Concern ................................................... 28 4.1.1 Jurisdictional Waters ....................................................................................... 28 4.1.1.1 Survey Results ........................................................................................ 28 4.1.1.2 Avoidance and Minimization Efforts ...................................................... 28 4.1.1.3 Project Impacts ........................................................................................ 30 4.1.1.4 Compensatory Mitigation ....................................................................... 31 4.1.1.5 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................ 31 4.1.2 Arroyo Willow Woodland/Riparian Habitat ................................................... 31 4.1.2.1 Survey Results ........................................................................................ 31 4.1.2.2 Avoidance and Minimization Efforts ...................................................... 31 4.1.2.3 Project Impacts ........................................................................................ 31 4.1.2.4 Compensatory Mitigation ....................................................................... 32 4.1.2.5 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................ 32 4.1.3 Central Dune Scrub Habitat ............................................................................ 32 4.1.3.1 Survey Results ........................................................................................ 32 4.1.3.2 Avoidance and Minimization Efforts ...................................................... 32 4.1.3.3 Project Impacts ........................................................................................ 33 4.1.3.4 Compensatory Mitigation ....................................................................... 34 4.1.3.5 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................ 34 4.1.4 Invasive Plant Species ..................................................................................... 34 Morro Creek Multi-Use Trail and Bridge Project iii Table of Contents 4.1.4.1 Survey Results ......................................................................................... 34 4.1.4.2 Avoidance and Minimization Efforts ...................................................... 34 4.1.4.3 Project Impacts ........................................................................................ 35 4.1.4.4 Compensatory Mitigation ........................................................................ 35 4.1.4.5 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................. 36 4.2. Special Status Plant Species......................................................................... 36 4.1.5 Sensitive Plant Species ...................................................................................