Ramona Conservation Bank

Biological Assessment

March 19, 2012

Prepared for: Judd RR Investments, LLC 400 South Sierra Avenue, Suite 100 Solana Beach, CA 92075 Prepared by: Kearny PCCP Otay 311, LLC HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. 500 Stevens Avenue, Suite 208 7578 El Cajon Boulevard, Suite 200 Solana Beach, CA 92075 La Mesa, CA 91942

Ramona Conservation Bank Biological Assessment

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Title Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

2.0 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION ...... 1 2.1 Location and Legal Description ...... 1 2.2 Geographical Setting ...... 1 2.3 Land Use ...... 1 2.4 Geology, Soils, Climate, and Hydrology ...... 2 2.5 Fire History ...... 2

3.0 METHODS ...... 2 3.1 Southern Parcel ...... 2 3.1.1 Focused Species Surveys ...... 3 3.2 Northern Parcel ...... 4

4.0 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES DESCRIPTION ...... 5 4.1 Vegetation Communities ...... 5 4.1.1 Vernal Pools ...... 5 4.1.2 Basin with San Diego Fairy Shrimp ...... 6 4.1.3 Southern Willow Scrub ...... 6 4.1.4 Mule Fat Scrub ...... 6 4.1.5 Freshwater Seep ...... 7 4.1.6 Disturbed Wetland ...... 7 4.1.7 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (including disturbed) ...... 7 4.1.8 Non-native Grassland ...... 8 4.2 Plant Species ...... 8 4.2.1 Plant Species Present and Correlation with Habitat on Site ...... 8 4.2.2 Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Plant Species Present or Likely to Occur ...... 8 4.3 Wildlife Species ...... 9 4.3.1 Wildlife Species Present and Correlation with Habitat on Site ...... 9 4.3.2 Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Wildlife ...... 9 4.4 Overall Biological and Conservation Value ...... 13

5.0 LIST OF PREPARERS ...... 14

6.0 REFERENCES ...... 15

TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont.)

LIST OF APPENDICES

A Plant Species Observed B Animal Species Observed or Detected

LIST OF FIGURES

No. Title Follows Page No.

1 General Vicinity Map ...... 2 2 Bank Property Map ...... 2 3 Regional Context/Land Ownership ...... 2 4 Soils Map ...... 2 5 Vegetation and Sensitive Resources ...... 6

LIST OF TABLES

No. Title Page No.

1 Existing Vegetation Communities ...... 5

ii 1.0 INTRODUCTION

This Biological Assessment (BA) has been prepared for the proposed Ramona Conservation Bank (Bank). This BA provides the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), and County of San Diego (County) baseline biological information for the 210.25-acre parcels being considered for inclusion in the Bank.

2.0 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

2.1 LOCATION AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION

The Bank is located in Ramona, an unincorporated community in the inland mountain area of northern San Diego County (Figure 1). The Bank occurs north, south, and west of Highland Valley Road and west of Rangeland Road. It occupies unsectioned lands within Township 13 South, Range 1 West of the U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute San Pasqual quadrangle (Figure 2). The Bank consists of the following Assessor’s Parcel Numbers: 277-121-05, 277-121-08, 277-111-09, and 277-050-32 (Figure 3).

2.2 GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING

The site is located in the Ramona grasslands both north and south of Santa Maria Creek, in the western portion of Santa Maria Valley. The northern parcel is bounded by existing conserved lands to south, east, and west, and by Ramona Municipal Water District (RMWD) lands to the north. The southern parcel is bound by existing conserved lands to the north, undeveloped land to the east, and large lot residential development to the south and west (Figure 3). Starvation Mountain lies to the west and Mount Woodson to the southwest. Elevations range from approximately 1,341 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) to approximately 1,402 feet AMSL. Access to the site is via Rangeland Road, which parallels the eastern boundary of the parcel.

The Bank is located within the Draft North County Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) Subarea Plan. Once adopted, the North County MSCP Subarea Plan will provide a regional conservation planning framework for the unincorporated portions of northwestern San Diego County. The Bank parcels are being annexed into the South County MSCP to allow for use of the Bank to meet mitigation obligations for grasslands on Otay Mesa.

2.3 LAND USE

The site is used primarily for grazing cattle, dryland farming, and other agricultural practices (disking and irrigation). There are no existing structures on site. Surrounding land uses include RMWD sewage treatment ponds and open space to the north, and existing conserved lands to the east and west, and large lot development to the south and southwest.

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 1 2.4 GEOLOGY, SOILS, CLIMATE, AND HYDROLOGY

The parcels are located in the Peninsular Range Geomorphic Province of southern California. Eleven soil types are mapped on site (Figure 4): Bonsall-Fallbrook sandy loams (2 to 5 percent slopes), Fallbrook sandy loam (9 to 15 percent slopes, eroded), Bonsall sandy loam, Bosanko clay, Fallbrook sandy loam, Fallbrook rocky sandy loam, Las Posas sandy loam, Las Posas fine sandy loam (5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded), Greenfield sandy loam (2 to 5 percent slopes), Vista coarse sandy loam, and Visalia sandy loam (0 to 2 percent slopes; Bowman 1973). Bosanko clay occurs on the flatter portions of the site and is the dominant soil type mapped on the northern parcel. The various sandy loams occur on the gently sloping hills in the northeast corner and west-central portions of the northern parcel, and over the entire southern parcel. The parcel also supports numerous small to large rock outcrops.

The climate in San Diego County is generally mild and arid. Temperatures in Ramona are generally highest in August (mean high temperature is 91degrees Fahrenheit [˚F]) and lowest in December (mean low temperature is 37˚F). Average annual precipitation in Ramona is approximately 16.43 inches, with the highest average rainfall totals occurring in January, February, and March (3.40 inches, 3.42 inches, and 3.56 inches, respectively). The driest months are June, July, and August with approximately 0.08, 0.12, and 0.20 inch of rainfall per month, respectively (Weather.com 2008).

The site is located in the Ramona Hydrologic Subarea of the Santa Maria Valley Hydrologic Area, which is within the San Dieguito Hydrologic Unit/watershed. Overall site drainage is toward Santa Maria Creek, which flows northwesterly between the Bank parcels toward San Pasqual Valley. A small ephemeral stream occurs along the western portion of the southern parcels.

2.5 FIRE HISTORY

The rate of fires in San Diego County coastal shrublands generally increased over the last half of the twentieth century. Over 600 fires have occurred in the foothills and mountains of San Diego County between 1910 and 1999, and several major fires in excess of 50,000 acres have occurred in recent years. The 2007 Witch Creek fire burned lands near the Bank and may have burned a small portion of the northern parcel. The Bank did not burn in the 2003 Cedar Fire.

3.0 METHODS

3.1 SOUTHERN PARCEL

In 1999, 2000, and 2001, Vincent Scheidt mapped vegetation and completed general biological surveys on site. In 2000, LSA, Inc. (LSA) conducted protocol surveys for Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino; QCB). Mr. Scheidt conducted a burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) survey in 2001. Protocol trappings for Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi) and a jurisdictional delineation were conducted in 2003 by ENVIRA. Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. (PSBS) verified vegetation mapping, the jurisdictional

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 2 RIVERSIDE COUNTY

ORANGE SAN DIEGO Vail Lake COUNTY COUNTY

Fallbrook A¨

O'Neill Lake Aª

Warner Springs

Camp Pendleton Lake Henshaw WÛ Oceanside !"^$ A©Vista Lake Wohlford

San Marcos Escondido Carlsbad Sutherland Lake San Marcos Reservoir !"a$ A©

Project Site A© Julian Encinitas Lake Hodges WÛ Lake Ramona ! Ramona Lake Poway ?z Solana Beach Poway Del Mar WÙ ?z56 San Vicente Reservoir San Diego Miramar Reservoir ?z El Capitan Reservoir Pacific %&s( Santee Lake Jennings Ocean Santee !"_$ ?h Lakes Aª La Jolla !"^$ AÒ Alpine El Cajon Aù Lake Murray A× !"_$ Loveland Reservoir La Mesa ?j A£ Lemon AÀ Grove !"a$ AÀ Coronado Sweetwater Barrett Lake Reservoir S a National n D City ?j i e g Otay Reservoir o Dulzura San Diego B a y Chula Vista %&s( Imperial !"^$ Otay µ Beach AÛ TES A 8 4 0 8 UNITED ST O Miles MEXIC 1:506,880 Tijuana I:\ArcGIS\J\JRR-01 RanchoEsquilago\Map\BIO\BA\Fig1_Regional.mxd -KF General Vicinity Map RAMONA CONSERVATION BANK

Figure 1 APN 27705032

1 APN 277121050

A APN 277121080

µ 2,000 1,000 0 2,000 Feet 1:24,000 Job No: JRR-01 Date: 03/12/12 Source: USGS 7.5' Quad: San Pasqual I:\ArcGIS\J\JRR-01 RanchoEsquilago\Map\BIO\BA\Fig2_Location.mxd -KF Bank Property Map RAMONA CONSERVATION BANK

Figure 2 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

!! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! !

! ! ! !

! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! !

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! !

! ! ! !

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! !

! ! Lands Known to be Available at Time of Map Preparation

! !

! ! Lands Already in Preserve Status by TNC, County, or WRI

! !

! Gildred Lands Under Option By TNC at the Present Time - !

! ! Gildred Approximately 1400 Acres of Gildred Properties ! ! Gildred Gildred Lands Highly Desirable for the Grassland Preserve - ! !

! ! Approved for Development

! ! Open Space Easement outside PAMA ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! Water Districts, MSCP County-Owned, Airport and ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Other County Owned Lands ! !

! !

! Conservation Bank Boundary !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! San Dieguito ! Note: TNC = The Nature Conservancy; WRI = Wildlife Research Institute ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! River Park ! ! ! ! ! Joint! Powers ! ! !A! uthority ! ! Lemurian ! ! Fellowship

! !

! ! TNC

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! !

! Highland Valley !

Partners LLC ! ! !

! TNC ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! !

! !

! ! !

! !

d ! ! !

! ! ! o !

R ! !

! ! !

! TNC ! ! ! d TNC ! !

! n TNC

! Ramona Municipal Water District !

a !

l ! !

e ! ! !

Highland Valley g ! ! ! ! n Partners LLC ! !

a ! ! !

R ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! Ramona Airport !

! ! ! !

! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! TNC ! Ramona Airport ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! TNC ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! TNC ! ! ! ! TNC TNC ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!

! ! ! ! ! ! Sold to ! ! ! ! ! ! Private ! TNC ! ! TNC ! ! TNC County ! ! ! ! Highla ! ! ! nd Valley Road ! ! ! ! ! !

A ! ! ! ! r Hobbs c ! ! ! ! h WRI ! ! ! ! ! ! i ! ! ! ! e ! WRI ! ! !

! ! M ! ! !! ! ! o ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! o ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! r ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! e ! ! ! ! Hardy ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! t ! t

! ! i R ! !

! !

! ! ! g Ranch ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! µ g

o ! ! ! ! e ! ! L 2,000 1,000 0 2! ,000 a ! ! ! d ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! n ! r Feet

! ! ! ! ! o ! ! ! ! ! b ! 1:24,000 s

! O ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Job No: JRR-01 Date: 03/12/12 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! I:\ArcGIS\J\JRR-01 RanchoEsquilago\Map\BIO\BA\Fig3_ContextOwnership.mxd -KF !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Regional Context/Land Ownership ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! RAMONA CONSERVATION BANK ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Figure 3

! !

! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! !

! ! !

! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! Fallbrook sandy loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded

Vista coarse sandy loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes

Bonsall sandy loam, thick surface, 2 to 9 percent slopes Las Posas fine sandy loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes

Bosanko clay, 2 to 9 percent slopes Bonsall sandy loam, thick surface, 2 to 9 percent slopes

Visalia sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes

Tujunga sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes

Conservation Bank Boundary

Bonsall sandy loam, thick surface, Bosanko clay, 2 to 9 percent slopes 2 to 9 percent slopes Visalia sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes d a o R

Bosanko clay, 2 to 9 percent slopes n a l

Conservation Bank Boundary e g

Visalia sandy loam, n a

Highland Valley Road 0 to 2 percent slopes R

Las Posas fine sandy loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, erode d d a o R

y e l l a V

Fallbrook sandy loam, n a l

9 to 15 percent slopes, h g eroded i H

Bonsall-Fallbrook sandy loams, 2 to 5 percent slopes

Greenfield sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes

Rancho San Martin Drive Trayl

d or Road

e a

v o i Bosanko clay,

r R

D 2 to 9 percent slopes

R o

µ e l

t i

l c

350 175 0 35r 0

n a

b Feet a

n Fallbrook sandy loam,

m d

e n 1:4,200 A

e 9 to 15 percent slopes, eroded u

Job No: JRR-01 Date: 03/12/12 S

G I:\ArcGIS\J\JRR-01 RanchoEsquilago\Map\BIO\BA\Fig4_MB_Soils.mxd -KF Soils Map RAMONA CONSERVATION BANK

Figure 4 delineation, and conducted a general biological survey on site in 2004. In 2004 and 2005, protocol surveys for San Diego and Riverside fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis and Streptocephalus woottoni, respectively) were conducted by EDAW, Inc. (EDAW). In 2009 and 2010, HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX) verified vegetation mapping and the jurisdictional delineation, and conducted rare plant surveys, a burrowing owl survey, and protocol surveys for San Diego and Riverside fairy shrimp, Stephens’ kangaroo rat, and arroyo toad (Anaxyrus californicus). HELIX mapped vegetation on a 1"=300' scale topographic map with the use of an aerial photograph.

3.1.1 Focused Species Surveys

Focused surveys for several sensitive animals within the study area are described below.

San Diego and Riverside Fairy Shrimp

EDAW conducted a San Diego and Riverside fairy shrimp habitat assessment on site on March 29, 2004, following inundation of the site. Wet season surveys were conducted pursuant to USFWS protocol (1996a) for sensitive fairy shrimp on April 2 and April 16, 2004 (EDAW 2004). Additional wet season surveys for sensitive fairy shrimp were conducted by EDAW between November 10, 2004, and January 26, 2005 (EDAW 2005).

HELIX conducted wet season surveys for sensitive fairy shrimp pursuant to USFWS protocol (1996a) during the 2009/2010 rainy season (HELIX 2010a; Appendix A).

Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat

Due to the presence of potential habitat for the federally listed as endangered and state listed as threatened Stephens’ kangaroo rat, protocol surveys were deemed necessary.

In 2003, ENVIRA conducted trapping surveys for Stephens’ kangaroo rat pursuant to USFWS protocol (ENVIRA 2003). Trapping lines of 30 traps set 12 meters apart were set at 8 trapping areas (A through H). Traps were placed in suitable habitat on site concentrating on areas containing small mammal sign and/or suitable soils and vegetation. Each trap was baited with a mixture of birdseed (placed at the back of the trap). The traps were reset at dusk each night and inspected once during the night and at dawn each morning. All animals trapped were identified and released at the capture point.

In 2010, ENVIRA conducted trapping surveys for Stephens’ kangaroo rat pursuant to USFWS protocol (ENVIRA 2010; Appendix B). The protocol calls for 5 nights of trapping, preferably conducted during a new moon phase. One trapping session was held from March 1 to 6, 2010. Trapping lines of 20 to 30, set 12 meters apart, were set at 15 trapping areas (1 through 15). As in 2003, traps were placed in suitable habitat on site concentrating on areas containing small mammal sign and/or suitable soils and vegetation.

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 3 Quino Checkerspot Butterfly

A habitat assessment for QCB was conducted in the winter of 2000 by LSA. It was determined that the habitat on site was appropriate for QCB. As such, flight season protocol surveys were conducted by LSA in spring 2000. It should be noted that this area was subsequently removed from the USFWS QCB survey area and is not shown on the USFWS QCB Survey Map dated 2005.

Burrowing Owl

On April 20, 2001, Mr. Scheidt conducted a burrowing owl survey (2003). On May 6, 2010, HELIX biologists Jason Kurnow and Erik Piehel conducted a burrowing owl survey. Burrowing owls also have been looked for opportunistically during numerous other surveys.

Arroyo Toad

In 2010, HELIX biologists Mr. Kurnow, Jasmine Watts, Mr. Piehel, and Dale Ritenour conducted a habitat assessment and surveys for arroyo toad on site (HELIX 2010b;). Because arroyo toads are generally less active under the bright illumination of a full moon, surveys were avoided within 3 days of a full moon (which occurred on April 14, May 14, and June 12, 2010) to optimize the likelihood of detecting toads.

Rare Plant Surveys

Two rare plant surveys were conducted on site on April 17 and June 10, 2010 by HELIX biologists Sally Trnka and Mr. Ritenour, respectively. Rare plant species were looked for opportunistically during numerous other surveys.

3.2 NORTHERN PARCEL

Prior biological surveys of the northern parcel were conducted by Mooney & Associates as part of the proposed Oak Country Estates Property Draft Environmental Impact Report submitted to the County in 2003. Based on the Rangeland Habitat Conservation Bank Plan prepared by ENVIRA (2006), focused surveys following established USFWS protocol were conducted for arroyo toad, San Diego fairy shrimp, and Stephens’ kangaroo rat (O’Farrell (1989). Additionally, focused rare plant surveys were also conducted. Vernal pool watersheds were delineated based on previous work conducted in 1980 by New Horizon Planning Consultants.

Philippe Vergne of ENVIRA field-checked the date on September 26, October 16, and November 6, 2004.

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 4 4.0 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES DESCRIPTION

4.1 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

Nine vegetation communities/habitats occur within the project site: vernal pool, a basin with San Diego fairy shrimp, southern willow scrub, mule fat scrub, freshwater seep, disturbed wetland, Diegan coastal sage scrub (including disturbed), non-native grassland, and eucalyptus woodland. Additionally, disturbed habitat and developed land also occur on site (Figure 5; Table 1). These vegetation communities are discussed below.

Table 1 EXISTING VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

VEGETATION COMMUNITY/HABITAT* ACRE(S)‡ Vernal pool 0.27 Basin with fairy shrimp (no code) 0.32 Southern willow scrub (63320) 0.29 Mule fat scrub (63310) 0.09 Freshwater seep (45400) 2.89 Disturbed wetland (11200) 0.56 Diegan coastal sage scrub (including disturbed; 32510) 0.8 Non-native grassland (42200) 197.4 Eucalyptus woodland (79100) 5.0 Disturbed habitat (11300) 0.1 Developed land (12000) 2.5 TOTAL 210.22 *Vegetation categories and numerical codes are from Holland (1986) and Oberbauer (2008) ‡Upland habitats are rounded to the nearest 0.1 acre, while wetland habitats are rounded to the nearest 0.01; thus, totals reflect rounding

4.1.1 Vernal Pools

Vernal pools, a highly specialized habitat supporting a unique flora and fauna, are associated with two important physical conditions: a subsurface claypan or hardpan that inhibits the downward percolation of water, and topography characterized by a series of low hummocks (mima mounds) and depressions (vernal pools).

A total of 3 vernal pools were mapped on the northern parcel, representing approximately 0.27 acre. Vernal pool watersheds cover approximately 15.5 acres on site, which includes a portion of the watershed for an off-site vernal pool located between the northern parcel and Santa Maria Creek. The vernal pools were mapped by Mooney and Associates as part of the proposed Oak County Estates Property Draft Environmental Impact Report of November 2003 (ENVIRA 2006).

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 5 The vernal pools on site support species such as woolly marbles (Psilocarphus brevissimus), grass poly (Lythrum hyssopifolia), water starwort (Callitriche sp.), adobe popcornflower (Plagiobothrys acanthocarphus), curly dock (Rumex crispus), water pygmyweed (Crassula aquatica), annual hairgrass (Deschampsia danthonioides), mariposa rush (Juncus dubius), spike-rush (Eleocharis macrostachya), and purslane speedwell (Veronica peregrina). Although vernal pools on site have been degraded by past agricultural activities and cattle grazing, they continue to support a variety of native plant species, in addition the federally listed as endangered San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis).

4.1.2 Basin with San Diego Fairy Shrimp

Basins typically are ephemeral water-holding depressions that occur where soil has been compacted. The soil compaction allows water to pond readily, even in years of low rainfall when vernal pools typically remain dry. Basins are distinguished from vernal pools based on the absence of vernal pool indicator plant species (Corps 1997). Such standing water has potential to support sensitive animal species such as San Diego and Riverside fairy shrimp. One detention basin on site totaling 0.32 acre supports San Diego fairy shrimp. A previous owner constructed this basin for agricultural purposes, including 3-foot tall earthen berm surrounding the area. Plant species found within the basin during the 2010 fairy shrimp surveys include toad rush (Juncus bufonius), grass poly, curly dock, and lowland cudweed (Gnaphalium palustre). This basin held water for over 3 months during the 2009/2010 rainy season; had ponding depths of over 18 inches; and was used as a water source for cattle on site. No vernal pool indicator species were observed within the basin.

4.1.3 Southern Willow Scrub

Southern willow scrub consists of dense, broadleaved, winter-deciduous stands of trees dominated by shrubby willows (Salix sp.) in association with mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia), and with scattered emergent cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and western sycamore (Platanus racemosa). This vegetation community occurs on loose, sandy, or fine gravelly alluvium deposited near stream channels during flood flows. Frequent flooding maintains this early seral community, preventing succession to a riparian woodland or forest (Holland 1986). In the absence of periodic flooding, this early seral type would be succeeded by southern cottonwood or western sycamore riparian forest.

Approximately 0.29 acre of southern willow scrub occurs within the northwestern portion of the southern parcel and supports arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis; Figure 5).

4.1.4 Mule Fat Scrub

Mule fat scrub is a depauperate, shrubby riparian scrub community dominated by mule fat interspersed with shrubby willows. This vegetation community occurs along intermittent stream channels with a coarse substrate and moderate depth to the water table. Mule fat scrub is maintained by frequent flooding, the absence of which would lead to riparian woodland or forest (Holland 1986).

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 6 Vegetation* BFS Basin with Fairy Shrimp (No Code) SWS Southern Willow Scrub (63320) MFS Mule Fat Scrub (63310) FWS Freshwater Seep (45400) NNG DW Disturbed Wetland (11200) NNG DCSS Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (32510) DCSS-D Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub-Disturbed (32510) NNG Non-native Grassland (42200) EW Eucalyptus Woodland (79100) AG Agriculture (18310) DH Disturbed Habitat (11300) DEV Developed Land (12000) *Vegetation categories and numerical codes are from Holland (1986) and Oberbauer (2008) Sensitive Resources Hv Graceful Tarplant (Holocarpha virgata spp. elongata) NNG SDFS San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis) WESP Western Spadefoot Toad (Spea hammondii) SDHL San Diego Horned Lizard (Phrynonsoma coronatum) BUOW Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) GRSP Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannerum) COHA Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) MERL Merlin (Falco columbarius) Conservation Bank Boundary RSHA Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) Flying Overhead WTKI White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) TUVU Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) Flying Overhead SKR Stephens' Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys stephensi) DCPM Dulzura (California) Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus californicus femoralis) NSDP Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax) Extent of Graceful Tarplant Vernal Pool with Fairy Shrimp San Diego Fairy Shrimp Critical Habitat Stephens' Kangaroo Rat Occupied Habitat d

Arroyo Toad Critical Habitat a o R

d n a l e

Conservation Bank Boundary g n a

Highland Valley Road R Hv 70 Hv 10000 DEV Hv 1000 Hv 110 BUOW DW WTKI SWS DCSS Hv 500 WESP

GRSP SDFS GRSP BUOW BFS TUVU RSHA NNG Hv 331 DCSS-D SDFS

DCPM DCSS-D AG Hv SKR NNG SDHL d a

NSDP WESP Hv 870 o R

DCSS-D e l

Hv l

NNG a V

DW d n a l

Hv 300 h g i H

Hv 1791 NNG NNG NNG AG MFS

COHA NNG Hv 775 EUC MFS

DH EUC AG NNG NNG Hv 1700

AG MERL Hv 600 Rancho San Martin Drive Trayl

d or Road

e a

o i

r R

R o

e l

t i

l c

µ r

n a

b 350 175 0 350 a

m d

e n A Feet

e u

1:4,200 S Job No: JRR-01 Date: 03/12/12 G I:\ArcGIS\J\JRR-01 RanchoEsquilago\Map\BIO\BA\Fig5_MB_Veg.mxd -KF Vegetation and Sensitive Resources RAMONA CONSERVATION BANK Figure 5 On site, mule fat scrub is dominated by mule fat and arroyo willow. Approximately 0.09 acre of this vegetation community occurs in the western edge of the southern parcel (Figure 5).

4.1.5 Freshwater Seep

Freshwater seeps are composed of mostly perennial herbs, especially sedges and grasses, usually forming complete cover. This vegetation community is often low-growing but sometimes taller, growing throughout the year in areas with mild winters. Freshwater seeps are found scattered throughout most regions in California in areas with permanently moist soil, often in association with grasslands or meadows.

Dominant species in the freshwater seep on site include Mexican rush (Juncus mexicanus), basket rush (J. textilis), and iris-leaved rush. Approximately 2.89 acres of freshwater seep occurs within the northeast corner of the southern parcel (Figure 5).

4.1.6 Disturbed Wetland

This vegetation community is dominated by exotic wetland species that invade areas that have been previously disturbed or undergone periodic disturbances. These non-natives become established more readily following natural or human-induced habitat disturbance than the native wetland flora.

On site, disturbed wetland supports grass poly, curly dock, and Mexican rush. Approximately 0.56 acre of this vegetation community occurs in the northeastern portion of the site (Figure 5).

4.1.7 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (including disturbed)

Diegan coastal sage scrub is dominated by subshrubs with leaves that abscise during drought and are replaced by a lesser amount of smaller leaves. This adaptation of drought evasion allows these species to better withstand the prolonged drought period in the summer and fall in areas of low precipitation. Diegan coastal sage scrub may be dominated by a variety of species depending upon soil type, slope, and aspect. Typical species found within Diegan coastal sage scrub include California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), and black sage (Salvia mellifera). Disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub contains many of the same shrub species as undisturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub but is sparser and has a higher proportion of non-native annual species.

Species in this vegetation community on site include California sagebrush, California buckwheat, coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), and fascicled tarplant (Deinandra fasciculata). Approximately 0.8 acre of Diegan coastal sage scrub (including disturbed) occurs on site (Figure 5).

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 7 4.1.8 Non-native Grassland

Non-native grassland areas may have supported native grassland in the past, but have been overrun by exotic, introduced annuals. Areas recently used for dryland farming and being allowed to revert to grassland habitat are included in this category. The flora of non-native grasslands includes a dense to sparse cover of introduced grasses and often numerous species of showy-flowered, native, annual forbs (Holland 1986). Characteristic species of the non-native grassland within the Martz parcel include oats (Avena spp.), red brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), ripgut (Bromus diandrus), rancher’s fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii), shortpod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), ryegrass (Elymus sp.), purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra), and graceful tarplant (Holocarpha virgata ssp. elongata). Approximately 197.4 acres of non-native grassland occur within the Martz parcel.

4.2 PLANT SPECIES

4.2.1 Plant Species Present and Correlation with Habitat on Site

An inventory of plant species occurring on the Bank has been conducted as part of multiple baseline surveys conducted for prior proposed residential development of the Bank (ENVIRA 2006, HELIX 2010, PSBS 2007, Scheidt 2003).

4.2.2 Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Plant Species Present or Likely to Occur

One sensitive plant species was observed during biological surveys within the Bank: graceful tarplant (Holocarpha virgata ssp. elongata). This species is considered sensitive by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) and County. It is further discussed below and its extent on site is depicted on Figure 4. A list of sensitive plant species with potential to occur within the Bank is provided in Appendix A.

Graceful tarplant (Holocarpha virgata ssp. elongata) Listing: --/--; CNPS List 4.2; CA Endemic; County Group D Distribution: San Diego, Orange, and Riverside counties Habitat: Coastal mesas and foothills with grassland habitats Status on site: Species was observed within an 8.5-acre area within the northern parcel. A count of individual plants was not completed and would be expected to vary from year to year. Several hundred individuals were observed around rock outcrops in the southern parcel in 1999 (PSBS 2007). Approximately 18,024 individuals were observed on the southern parcel by HELIX in 2010 (Figure 5). MSCP Management Requirements: Area specific management directives have not been established for this species.

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 8 4.3 WILDLIFE SPECIES

4.3.1 Wildlife Species Present and Correlation with Habitat on Site

An inventory of animal species occurring on the parcel has been conducted as part of multiple baseline surveys conducted for prior proposed residential development of the Bank (ENVIRA 2006, HELIX 2010, PSBS 2007, Scheidt 2003).

4.3.2 Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Wildlife

A total of 18 sensitive animal species have been observed/detected within the Bank, including 2 federally listed as endangered species: San Diego fairy shrimp and Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi), which is also state listed as threatened. Of the other 16 animal species observed/detected, 11 are listed as a State Species of Special Concern or fully protected: western spadefoot (Spea hammondii), San Diego horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum), white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), San Diego horned lark (Eremophila alpestris actia), grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennettii), Dulzura (California) pocket mouse (Chaetodipus californicus femoralis), and Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax). The remaining 5 species are County sensitive: Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii), merlin (Falco columbarius), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), western bluebird (Sialia mexicana), and turkey vulture (Cathartes aura). These species are discussed below in order of crustaceans, amphibians, birds, and mammals and then alphabetically by scientific name. A list of potentially occurring sensitive animal species is included in Appendix B. An explanation of status codes for both plant and animal species sensitivity status is presented in Appendix C.

Crustaceans

San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis) Listing: FE/--; MSCP NE; County Group 1 Distribution: San Diego County Habitat: Seasonal pools that occur in tectonic swales or earth slump basins and other areas of shallow and standing water, often in patches of grassland and agriculture interspersed in coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Status on site: Observed in 3 vernal pools on the northern parcel (ENVIRA 2006). Observed within the water-holding basin on the southern parcel, and during general biological surveys in 2003 (Scheidt 2003), during the 2004/2005 wet season protocol surveys (PSBS 2007), and again during the 2009/2010 wet season surveys (HELIX 2010a; Figure 5).

Amphibians

Western spadefoot (Spea hammondii) Listing: --/SSC; County Group 2 Distribution: Throughout the Central Valley and San Francisco Bay area south along the coast to northwestern Baja California

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 9 Habitat: Occurs in open coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and grassland, along sandy or gravelly washes, floodplains, alluvial fans, or playas. Requires temporary pools for breeding and friable soils for burrowing. Generally excluded from areas with bullfrogs (Rana catesbiana) or crayfish (Procambarus sp.). Status on site: Observed in 2003 in the north central portion and within the freshwater seep in the northeastern portion of the southern parcel (PSBS 2007; Figure 5). Undetermined, but likely uses upland areas for foraging, as well as vernal pools for breeding in the northern parcel.

Reptiles

San Diego horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum) Status: --/SSC; County Group 2; Proposed NC-MSCP covered. Distribution: Northern California though coastal southern California into northern Baja California. Habitat(s): Coastal sage scrub and open areas in chaparral, oak woodlands, and coniferous forests with sufficient basking sites, adequate scrub cover, and areas of loose soil; requires native ants, especially harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex sp.), and is generally excluded from areas invaded by Argentine ants (Linepithema humile). Status on site: A carcass of this species was observed in non-native grassland at the western edge of the southern parcel (ENVIRA 2010; Figure 5).

Birds

White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) Status: --/Fully Protected; County Group 1. Distribution: Primarily occurs throughout coastal slopes of San Diego County. Habitat(s): Riparian woodlands and oak or sycamore groves adjacent to grassland. Status on site: Observed in the northeastern corner of the southern parcel by HELIX in 2010 (Figure 5).

Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii) Status: --/WL; County Group 1. Distribution: Occurs year-round throughout San Diego County’s coastal slope where stands of trees are present. Habitat(s): Oak groves, mature riparian woodlands, and eucalyptus stands or other mature forests . Status on site: Observed in the easternmost portion of the southern parcel by HELIX in 2010 (Figure 5).

Merlin (Falco columbarius) Status: --/WL; County Group 2 Distribution: Rare in San Diego County and can only be found during winter Habitat(s): Usually observed in grasslands but can occur in any habitat except dense woodlands Status on site: Observed in the southern portion of the southern parcel sitting on a telephone pole by HELIX in 2010 (Figure 5).

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 10 Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) Status: --/--; County Group 1. Distribution: In San Diego County, observed throughout coastal slope. Habitat(s): Riparian woodland, oak woodland, orchards, eucalyptus groves, or other areas with tall trees. Status on site: Observed flying overhead by HELIX in 2010 (Figure 5).

Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) Status: --/SSC; County Group 1 Distribution: In San Diego County, has widespread distribution but occurs in small numbers and only during winter Habitat(s): Usually observed in areas with tall trees or other vegetative cover but can be observed in a variety of habitats. Status on site: Observed in non-native grassland on the northern parcel (ENVIRA 2006).

Ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) Status: --/SSC; MSCP Covered; County Group 1 Distribution: Uncommon winter visitor to San Diego County, usually in fall and winter Habitat(s): Open grassland Status on site: Observed in non-native grassland on the northern parcel (ENVIRA 2006).

Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) Status: --/--; County Group 1 Distribution: Observed throughout San Diego County with the exception of extreme coastal San Diego where development is heaviest Habitat(s): Foraging habitat includes most open habitats with breeding occurring in crevices among boulders. Status on site: Two individuals were observed flying overhead in 2000 (PSBS 2007). One was observed flying overhead by HELIX in 2010 (Figure 5).

Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) Status: BCC/SSC (burrow sites); County Group 1; Proposed NC-MSCP covered; Proposed NC- MSCP Narrow Endemic. Distribution: From southern Canada into the western half of the United States, into Baja and central Mexico. This species is an uncommon and declining resident in San Diego County (Unitt 1984). Habitat: Open areas such as grasslands, pastures, coastal dunes, desert scrub, and edges of agriculture fields. Status on site: This species was observed in 1999, 2005, and 2006 during winter surveys or opportunistically on the southern parcel (Scheidt 2003, PSBS 2007). Species not observed during 2010 burrowing owl survey, but was observed sitting on a fence post on site along Highland Valley Road by HELIX during a rare plant survey in June 2010 on the southern parcel (Figure 5).

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 11 Grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) Status: --/SSC; County Group 1; Proposed NC-MSCP covered. Distribution: Primarily in the coastal lowland. Most of the population is believed to migrate out of California for the winter. Habitat: Grassland with sparse brush. Status on site: Observed on site in 2004 by PSBS (2007) and in 2010 by HELIX in the southern parcel (Figure 5).

California horned lark (Eremophila alpestris actia) Listing: --/SSC; County Group 2 Distribution: Coastal slopes and lowlands from Sonoma County to northern Baja Habitat: Sandy beaches, agricultural fields, grassland, and open areas Status on site: Observed in non-native grassland on the northern parcel (ENVIRA 2006).

Western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) Status: --/--; MSCP Covered; County Group 2 Distribution: Occurs throughout much of San Diego County, but concentrated in foothills and mountains Habitat(s): Montane coniferous and oak woodlands Status on site: Observed in non-native grassland on the northern parcel.

Mammals

Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi) Listing: FE/ST; County Group 1 Distribution: San Jacinto Valley and adjacent areas of western Riverside County as well as San Bernardino and northwestern San Diego counties. Habitat: Sparsely vegetated habitats of sagebrush or annual grasses. Status on site: Approximately 10.3 acres of occupied habitat occur within onsite grassland on the northern parcel (ENVIRA 2006, O’Farrell and Uptain 1989). Protocol trapping for this species on the southern parcel was positive in 2010 (ENVIRA 2010; Figure 5).

San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennettii) Listing: --/SSC; County Group 2 Distribution: Southern Santa Barbara County, south on the coastal slope to the vicinity of San Quintin, Baja California, Mexico. Localities on the eastern edge of its range include Jacumba and San Felipe Valley in San Diego County. Habitat: Occurs primarily in open habitats including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grasslands, croplands, and open, disturbed areas if there is at least some shrub cover present. Status on site: Observed in non-native grassland (ENVIRA 2006)

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 12 Dulzura (California) pocket mouse (Chaetodipus californicus femoralis) Status: --/SSC; County Group 2. Distribution: San Francisco Bay south to Baja California, and eastward to the edge of the Central Valley to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Habitat: Occurs in chaparral and coastal sage scrub, often adjacent to grassland. Status on site: Species captured on southern parcel during trapping for Stephens’ kangaroo rat in 2003 (ENVIRA 2003).

Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax) Status: --/SSC; County Group 2. Distribution: Los Angeles County and southern San Bernardino County, south into west-central Baja California, Mexico. Habitat: Open areas of coastal sage scrub and weedy growth, often on sandy substrates. Status on site: Species captured on the southern parcel during trapping for Stephens’ kangaroo rat in 2003 (ENVIRA 2003) and in 2010 (ENVIRA 2010; Figure 5).

4.4 OVERALL BIOLOGICAL AND CONSERVATION VALUE

Conservation of the 210-acre Bank Property provides high-value connectivity to existing preserved habitat in Ramona, as well as preserving sensitive plant and animal species and vernal pool habitat. The Bank supports approximately 0.27 acre of vernal pool habitat and 197.4 acres of non-native grassland. Sensitive species documented within the parcel include graceful tarplant, San Diego fairy shrimp, Stephens’ kangaroo rat, western spadefoot, San Diego horned lizard, white-tailed kite, sharp-shinned hawk, merlin, Cooper’s hawk, ferruginous hawk, red-shouldered hawk, burrowing owl, San Diego horned lark, grasshopper sparrow, western bluebird, turkey vulture, San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit, dulzura (California) pocket mouse, and northwestern San Diego pocket mouse. The parcel also has the potential to support numerous other sensitive species, including southern tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. australis), little mousetail (Myosurus minimus ssp. apus), burrowing owl, and arroyo toad (Bufo californicus).

As previously discussed, the parcel is bounded by existing conserved lands to the east and west, and by RMWD lands to the north. It is located in the Ramona grasslands which are a regionally important conservation area, supporting a variety of sensitive resources, including vernal pools and rare vernal pool species, Stephens’ kangaroo rat, wintering and breeding raptors, arroyo toad, riparian habitats, and grasslands. The Santa Maria Creek riparian corridor is a high habitat value area that supports species such as arroyo toad, which also use adjacent upland habitats. Preservation of the Bank Property would conserve 210 acres of high habitat value land within the Ramona grasslands and adjacent to the Santa Maria Creek riparian corridor, as well as conserving habitat for numerous sensitive species documented on site.

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 13 5.0 LIST OF PREPARERS

The following individuals contributed to the preparation of this report.

Barry Jones*† B.A., Biology, Point Loma College, 1982

Justin Palmer B.A., Geography, Emphasis in Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, San Diego State University, 2001

Aleksandra Richards M.A., International Relations, University of San Diego, 2010 B.A., Communications, Emphasis in Print Journalism, California State University Fullerton, 2008

______

*Primary report author †County-approved Biological Consultant

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 14 6.0 REFERENCES

Bowman, R. 1973. Soil Survey of the San Diego Area. U.S. Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the USDI, UC Agricultural Experiment Station, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Navy, and the U.S. Marine Corps.

California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC). 2006. California Invasive Plant Inventory. February. URL: http://portal.cal-ipc.org/weedlist.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2008. On-line Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants. V7-08c-interim. URL: http://cnps.web.aplus.net/cgi-bin/inv/inventory.cgi.

EDAW, Inc. 2004. Branchiopod (Fairy Shrimp) Survey Report for the Inundated Portions of the Berm at the Rancho Esquilago Site, Ramona, San Diego County, California. June 14.

2005. 2004/2005 Wet Season Branchiopod (Fairy Shrimp) Survey Report for Rancho Esquilago Site, Ramona, San Diego County, California. March 30.

ENVIRA. 2003. Presence/absence survey for Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat on the Rancho Esquilago Estates Proposed Development Project. April 21.

2005. Wetland/Jurisdictional Delineation of Waters Subject to Corps of Engineers and California Department of Fish and Game Regulatory Authority for the Esquilago Estates Project. September 10.

2006. Rangeland Habitat Conservation Bank Plan, Ramona, San Diego County, California. Revised. May.

2010. Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Presence/absence Trapping Studies for Rancho Las Pampas. March 11.

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX). 2010a. Draft Biological Technical Report for Rancho Las Pampas. May

2010b. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wet Season Protocol Level Survey for San Diego and Riverside Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis and Streptocephalus woottoni). July 28.

2010c. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Protocol Survey for Arroyo Toad (Anaxyrus californicus). August 26.

Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California.

Oberbauer, Thomas. 2008. Terrestrial Vegetation Communities in San Diego County Based on Holland’s Descriptions. Revised from 1996 and 2005. July.

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 15 O’Farrell, M.J. and C. Uptain. 1989. Assessment of Population and Habitat Status of the Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys stephensi). The Resources Agency, Sacramento, California.

Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. (PSBS). 2007. Rancho Esquilago Estates Biological Technical Report. May 7.

Vincent Scheidt. 2003. A Biological Resources Survey Report for the Rancho Esquilago Estates Development Project. December.

Weather.com.2008. http://www.weather.com/outlook/driving/interstate/wxclimatology/monthly/ graph

Biological Assessment for the Ramona Conservation Bank / JRR-01 / March 19, 2012 16 Appendix A PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED Appendix A PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED – RAMONA CONSERVATION BANK

FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABITAT‡

MONOCOTS

Agavaceae Agave americana American agave AG Iridaceae Sisyrinchium bellum blue-eyed grass NNG Juncaceae Juncus bufonius toad rush NNG, Basin Juncus mexicanus Mexican rush DW, FWS Juncus sp. rush DW Juncus textilis basket rush DW, FWS Juncus xiphioides iris-leaved rush DW, Basin, FWS Poaceae Avena barbata slender wild oat NNG, FWS Avena fatua wild oat Avena sativa cultivated oat AG, SWS Bromus diandrus common ripgut grass DCSS, NNG, AG, SWS Bromus hordeaceus soft chess NNG, DW, AG Bromus madritensis foxtail chess DCSS Bromus tectorum cheat grass Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass AG Distichlis spicata saltgrass NNG, DW Eymus sp. ryegrass AG Hordeum murinum barley NNG, FWS Hordeum sp. barley NNG, DW, AG Hordeum vulgare cultivated barley AG Lamarckia aurea goldentop DCSS Leymus condensatus giant wild rye SWS Leymus triticoides beardless wild ryegrass FWS Lolium multiflorum Italian ryegrass DW, FWS Lolium perenne English ryegrass Lolium temulentum Darnel ryegrass AG Nassella pulchra purple needlegrass AG Phalaris aquatica Harding grass NNG Phalaris sp. canary grass AG, DW Triticum aestivum wheat Vulpia myuros fescue NNG Themidaceae Brodiaea terrestris ssp. kernensis mesa brodiaea DW Dichelostemma capitatum blue dicks NNG Adoxaceae Sambucus mexicana blue elderberry

A-1

Appendix A (cont.) PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED – RAMONA CONSERVATION BANK

FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABITAT‡

EUDICOTS

Amaranthaceae Atriplex semibaccata Australian saltbush AG Chenopodium murale nettle-leaf goosefoot AG Salsola pestifer Russian thistle AG Salsola tragus Russian thistle NNG Anacardiaceae Toxicodendron diversilobum poison oak DCSS, SWS Apiaceae Apiastrum angustifolium mock parsley DCSS Daucus pusillus rattlesnake weed DCSS Apocynaceae Asclepias californica California milkweed DCSS Asteraceae Ambrosia psilostachya western ragweed NNG, DW, AG, FWS Anthemis cotula mayweed Artemisia californica California sagebrush DCSS Artemisia dracunculus tarragon RO Baccharis pilularis coyote brush DCSS Baccharis salicifolia mule fat NNG, MFS Baccharis sarothroides broom baccharis NNG Carduus pycnocephalus Italian thistle NNG Centaurea melitensis star thistle DCSS Cirsium vulgare bull thistle Cnicus benedictus blessed thistle NNG, AG Conyza canadensis horseweed AG Corethrogyne filaginifolia California-aster DCSS, NNG Cynara cardunculus cardoon NNG, AG Deinandra fasciculata fascicled tarplant NNG, DCSS, DW Filago gallica narrow-leaf filago DCSS Filago sp. filago NNG Gnaphalium californicum California everlasting DCSS, RO Gnaphalium palustre lowland cudweed Basin Grindelia sp. gum plant Hazardia squarrosa var. grindelioides saw-toothed goldenbush RO Hedypnois cretica Crete hedypnois NNG Helianthus annuus western sunflower NNG Heterotheca grandiflora telegraph weed AG Holocarpha virgata ssp. elongata† graceful tarplant AG, NNG Hypochaeris glabra smooth cat's-ear NNG Isocoma menziesii goldenbush NNG Lactuca serriola wild lettuce NNG, DW, AG, FWS

A-2 Appendix A (cont.) PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED – RAMONA CONSERVATION BANK

FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABITAT‡

EUDICOTS

Asteraceae (cont.) Lasthenia californica goldfields Layia platyglossa tidy-tips Psilocarphus sp. woolly-heads Silybum marianum milk thistle SWS Boraginaceae Amsinckia menziesii var. intermedia rancher's fiddleneck DCSS, NNG, AG Cryptantha intermedia nievitas RO Cryptantha micrantha cryptantha Cryptantha sp. cryptantha DCSS, NNG Heliotropium curassavicum salt heliotrope DW Plagiobothrys sp. popcornflower AG Pectocarya heterocarpa chuckwalla pectocarya NNG Brassicaceae Brassica nigra black mustard DCSS, NNG Capsella bursa-pastoris sheperd's purse Hirschfeldia incana perennial mustard AG, NNG, DW Raphanus sativus wild radish SWS, NNG, AG Sisymbrium irio London rocket Cactaceae Opuntia ficus-indica Indian Fig AG Caryophyllaceae Silene gallica common catchfly NNG, AG Silene multinervia many-nerve catchfly NNG Spergula arvensis ssp. arvensis stickwort NNG Convolvulaceae Convolvulus arvensis bindweed Dichondra occidentalis† western dichondra Crassulaceae Crassula connata pygmy-weed DCSS Cucurbitaceae Marah macrocarpus wild cucumber DCSS, RO Euphorbiaceae Croton setigerus dove weed AG, NNG Fabaceae Lotus purshianus Spanish-clover Lotus sp. lotus NNG Lupinus bicolor miniature lupine NNG Lupinus concinnus elegant lupine Melilotus indica Indian sweet clover Medicago sativa alfalfa Robinia pseudoacacia black locust AG Vicia villosa winter vetch DCSS, NNG, SWS, AG, FWS Fagaceae Quercus agrifolia var. agrifolia coast live oak SWS Geraniaceae Erodium botrys long-beak filaree DCSS, NNG, AG Erodium cicutarium red-stem filaree NNG, AG Geranium sp. geranium NNG

A-3 Appendix A (cont.) PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED – RAMONA CONSERVATION BANK

FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABITAT‡

EUDICOTS (cont.)

Hydrophyllaceae Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida caterpillar phacelia RO Phacelia minor wild Canterbury-bell Isoetaceae Isoetes sp. quillwort DW Lamiaceae Lamium amplexicaule henbit NNG Marrubium vulgare horehound DCSS, RO, NNG Trichostema lanatum woolly blue-curls AG, NNG Trichostema lanceolatum vinegar weed Lythraceae Lythrum hyssopifolium grass poly DW, Basin Myrtaceae Eucalyptus globulus blue gum EUC Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sp. eucalyptus Onagraceae Camissonia bistorta California sun cup DCSS, NNG, RO Camissonia strigulosa contorted primrose NNG Oenothera sp. primrose Orobanchaceae Castilleja exserta purple owl's clover Papaveraceae Eschscholzia californica California poppy DCSS Plantaginaceae Antirrhinum nuttallianum nuttall snapdragon RO Plantago sp. plantain Polemoniaceae Navarretia sp. skunkweed RO, NNG Polygonaceae Chorizanthe procumbens prostrate spineflower DCSS Eriogonum fasciculatum California buckwheat DCSS, DCSS, NNG Eriogonum sp. buckwheat AG Polygonum arenastrum common knotweed AG Rumex crispus curly dock NNG, DW, Basin, FWS Rumex salicifolius willow dock SWS Portulacaceae Calandrinia ciliata red maids AG, NNG Primulaceae Anagallis arvensis scarlet pimpernel NNG Ranunculaceae Ranunculus californicus California buttercup DW Ranunculus sp. buttercups NNG Salicaceae Salix laevigata red willow SWS Salix lasiolepis arroyo willow SWS, MFS Scrophularia californica ssp. Scrophulariaceae floribunda California figwort DCSS, RO Solanaceae Nicotiana glauca tree tobacco Urticaceae Urtica dioica ssp. holosericea stinging nettle

†Sensitive species ‡Habitat acronyms: AG=agriculture, Basin=water holding feature, DCSS=Diegan coastal sage scrub, DW=disturbed wetland, EUC=eucalyptus woodland, FWS=freshwater seep, MFS=mule fat scrub, NNG= non-native grassland, RO=rock outcrop, SWS=southern willow scrub

A-4 Appendix B ANIMAL SPECIES OBSERVED OR DETECTED Appendix B ANIMAL SPECIES OBSERVED OR DETECTED – RAMONA CONSERVATION BANK

FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

INVERTEBRATES

Apiidae Apis mellifera mellifera honey bee Bombyliidae Bombyliidae sp. bee fly Coleoptera Hippodamia convergens lady beetle Forficulidae Forficulidae auricularia European earwig Formicidae Camponotus sp. carpenter ant Pogonomyrex spp. harvester ant Gerridae Gerris remigis water strider Hesperiidae subfamily Pyrginae Erynnis funeralis funereal duskywing butterfly Pyrgus albescens western checkered skipper Hyrachnidae Hydrachna sp. water mite Pogonomyrmex californicus California harvester ant Pontia protodice checkered white Satyrium californicum California hairstreak Mutillidae Dasymutilla spp. velvet-ant Order Orthoptera Trimeroptropis sp. pallid-winged grasshopper Pieridae Anthocharis sara Sara orange tip Artogeia rapae cabbage white butterfly Polyommatinae Euphilotes battoides square-dotted blue Pompilidae Pepsis spp. tarantula hawk wasp Branchinecta sandiegonensis† San Diego fairy shrimp Class Maxillopoda copepod Class Ostracoda ostracod

VERTEBRATES

Amphibians

Bufonidae Bufo boreas western toad Hylidae Pseudacris regilla Pacific tree frog Pelobatidae Spea hammondii† western spadefoot Ranidae Rana catesbeiana bull frog

B-1 Appendix B (cont.) ANIMAL SPECIES OBSERVED OR DETECTED – RAMONA CONSERVATION BANK

FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

VERTEBRATES (cont.)

Reptiles

Phrynosomatidae Phrynosoma coronatum† San Diego horned lizard (carcass) Sceloporus occidentalis western fence lizard Sceloporus orcutti granite spiny lizard Uta stansburiana common side-blotched lizard Viperidae Crotalus sp. rattlesnake (skin)

Birds

Accipitridae Accipiter cooperii† Cooper’s hawk Buteo jamaicensis red-tailed hawk Buteo lineatus† red-shouldered hawk Elanus leucurus† white-tailed kite Alaudidae Eremophia alpestris horned lark Anatidae Anas platyrhyncos mallard duck Cathartidae Cathartes aura turkey vulture Charadriidae Charadrius vociferous killdeer Columbidae Columbina talpacoti ruddy ground dove Zenaida macroura mourning dove Corvidae Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow Corvus corax common raven Cuculidae Geococcyx californianus greater road runner Emberizidae Aimophila ruficeps canescens† southern California rufous- crowned sparrow Ammodramus savannarum† grasshopper Sparrow Chondestes grammacus lark sparrow Pipilo crissalis California towhee Zonotrichia leucophyrys white-crowned sparrow Falconidae Falco columbarius† merlin Falco sparverius American kestrel Fringillidae Carduelis psaltria lesser goldfinch Carpodacus mexicanus house finch

B-2 Appendix B (cont.) ANIMAL SPECIES OBSERVED OR DETECTED – RAMONA CONSERVATION BANK

FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

VERTEBRATES (cont.)

Birds (cont.)

Hirundinidae Petrochelidon pyrrhonota cliff swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis northern rough-winged swallow Icteridae Agelaius phoeniceus red-winged black bird Euphagus cyanocephalus Brewer’s blackbird Molothrus ater brown-headed cowbird Quiscalus mexicanus great-tailed grackle Sturnella neglecta western meadowlark Mimidae Mimus polyglottos northern mockingbird Strigidae Athene cunicularia† burrowing owl Sturnidae Sturnus vulgaris European starling Trochilidae Calypte anna Anna’s hummingbird Troglodytidae Troglodytes aedon house wren Turdidae Sialia mexicana western bluebird Tyrannidae Sayornis nigricans black phoebe Sayornis saya Say’s phoebe Tyrannus verticalis western kingbird Tyrannus vociferans Cassin’s kingbird Tytonidae Tyto alba barn owl

Mammals

Bovidae Bovus spp. cow Canidae Canis domesticus dog Canis latrans coyote Cricetidae Microtus californicus California vole Peromyscus maniculatus deer mouse Reithrodontomys megalotis western harvest mouse Geomyidae Thomomys bottae Botta’s pocket gopher

B-3

Appendix B (cont.) ANIMAL SPECIES OBSERVED OR DETECTED – RAMONA CONSERVATION BANK

FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

VERTEBRATES (cont.)

Mammals (cont.)

Heteromyidae Chaetodipus californicus femoralis† Dulzura (California) pocket mouse Chaetodipus fallax fallax† northwestern San Diego pocket mouse Dipodomys simulans Dulzura kangaroo rat Dipodomys stephensi† Stephens’ kangaroo rat Leporidae Lepus californicus black-tailed jackrabbit Sylvilagus audubonii desert cottontail Mustelidae Mustela frenata long-tailed weasel Procyonidae Procyon lotor raccoon Sciuridae Spermophilus beecheyi California ground squirrel

†Sensitive species

B-4