Laguna Canyon Biological Resources Inventory

LAGUNA CANYON BIOLOGICAL- RESOURCES INVENTORY

Prepared for the City of Laguna Beach, California By Karlin G. Marsh, Biological Consultant With Contributions by James Pike, Consulting Ornithologist

May 28, 1993

Karlin C. Marsh Biological Consultant

~~~amtmre;-Pre.X-464;SitWra~fatifmia926-76 7W9.3829 Rural Route 1, Box 958, Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335 (814) 333-2016 LAGUNA CANYON BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES INVENTORY

Prepared for the City of Laguna Beach, California By Karlin G. Marsh, Biological Consultant Rural Route 1, Box 958 Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335 (814) 333-2016 Contributions by James Pike, Consulting Ornithologist 18744 Beach Blvd., Dpx. E Huntington Beach, California 92648 (714) 968-7977

May 28, 1993 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE INTRODUCTION ...... 1 PURPOSE OF STUDY ...... 1 1.1.1 History of City Resource Inventory Work ...... 1.1.2 What Lies Ahead ...... 2 1.1.3 Objectives ...... 4 PHYSICAL SETTING ...... 4 1.2.1 Area of Survey ...... 4 1.2.2 Topography and Hydrology...... 5 1. Hydrology...... 5 2 . Topography...... 7 1.2.3 Geology ...... 7 1.2.4 Soils ...... 8 PRIOR INVENTORIES ...... 9 1.3.1 Laguna Canyon ...... 9 1.3.2 Laguna Heights...... 11 1.3.3 General ...... 13 METHODS ...... 14 BIOLOGICAL SETTING ...... 16 BIOTIC COMMUNITIES ...... 18 Venturan-Diegan Transitional Coastal Sage Scrub ..... 18 Southern Cactus Scrub ...... 20 Cha arral ...... 21 hrass ands ...... 23 lernal Pools. Seeps and Wet Meadows ...... 26 Riparian Habitats ...... 28 Coast Live Oak Woodland ...... 33 Cliff and Rock Habitats...... 36 Watercourses ...... 40 A riculture...... 41 I+---eve oped Areas. Disturbed...... 41 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd) -PAGE 2.2 SITE DESCRIPTION...... 2.2.1 Laguna Canyon From Big Bend to City Dump. ... 1. Big Bend...... 2. Ravine Two...... 3. Ravine Three...... 4. Castlerock Ravine...... 5. Hillside Between Castlerock Drive and Old City Dump......

Stan Oaks Ravine Raquel Ravine G.T.E, Facility

2.2.2 DeWitt Parcel and Adjacent Portions of Laguna Canyon-. and Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional -Park...... 1. Laguna Canyon Floor...... Sun Valley...... DeWitt Panhandle...... Stoneridge Riding Club...... Annelieses's Preschool...... Upstream Reach of Lower Laguna Creek Wildlife of Laguna Creek...... 2. Laguna Canyon Slope......

Water Tank Ravine...... South Ravines...... ,...... Stans Lane Ravine...... Dump Ravine...... 3. DeWitt Ridge......

of Wood Canyon...... 4. Wood Canyon...... *..

West Headwater Branch...... Main Stem of Wood Canyon......

2.2.3 Laguna Heights...... *......

1. Ridgeline......

Main Ridge...... *...... Mathis Grade...... TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd) PAGE 2. South Branch. Mathis Canyon ...... 94 3. North Branch. Mathis Canyon ...... 102 2.3 WILDLIFE ...... 107 2.3.1 -Fish...... 107 2.3.2 Amphibians ...... 107 2.3.3 Reptiles ...... 107 2.3.4 Birds ...... 108 2.3.5 Mammals ...... 113 1. Marsupials...... 113 2. Insectivores...... 113 3. Bats ...... 113 4. Lagomorphs ...... 114 5. Rodents ...... 114 6. Carnivores ...... 115 7 . Hoofed Animals ...... 116 2.4 SENSITIVE BIOTA AND HABITATS ...... 117 3.0 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 138 3.1 DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES IN LAGUNA CANYON ...... 138 3.2 LAGUNA CREEK FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ...... 142 3.2.1 Flood Control ...... 142

3.3 UTILITY AND PATROL ACCESS ...... 144 3.4 REVEGETATION AND WEED CONTROL ...... 145 3.5 LAGUNA CANYON ROAD ...... 147 3.6 RECREATIONAL USE ...... 150 3.6.1 Avoiding Impact to Raptors and Mule Deer ..... 150 3.6.2 Avoiding Impact to Rare Plant Populations and Sensitive Avifauna and Reptiles...... 153 3.6.3 Monitoring...... 154 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd) PAGE 4.0 APPENDIX ...... 156 4.1 SPECIES LIST ...... 156 4.1.1 Native and Naturalized Plants...... 156 4.1.2 Selected Ornamentals ...... 178 4.1.3 Vertebrate Fauna ...... 187 4.2 REFERENCES ...... 198 4.2.1 Persons and Organizations Consulted...... 198 4.2.2 Bibliography...... 199 1.0 INTRODUCTION

This is a biological resource inventory of open space between Laguna Canyon Road from El Toro Road south to Big Bend, and Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park. It encompasses Laguna Canyon properties and the DeWitt and Laguna Heights land blocks.

1.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY

1.1.1 History of City Resource Inventory Work

This biological study of the east Laguna Canyon area has been prepared at the request of the City of Laguna Beach to complete the inventory process on all open spaces of substantive size within its corporate boundaries. This is probably the final report of a series begun in 1983 encompassing open spaces within the following land blocks: "Old City" (1983) Sycamore Hills (1983) South Laguna (1992) Laguna Canyon (1993) Two other regions of the City containing open space are the beachfront, including the marine, littoral and some undeveloped uplands beyond tidal reach, and the long, narrow strip of incorporated land on the Irvine Ranch immediately west of Laguna Canyon Road. The author conducted a beachfront field survey of upland parcels only in 1983 but did not complete an assessment report because funding had been exhausted on the "Old City" and Sycamore Hills inventories. Significant findings of the beachfront survey were: m Discovery of a range extension-population of Dudleya caespitosa, so called "sea lettuce", on the cliffs at Irvine Cove.

Location of a single vacant seafront land parcel south of Main Beach containing the regionally depleted coastal bluff scrub plant community.

0 Conclusion that indigenous seacliff rupicoles had been largely replaced by exotic succulents widely introduced as the oceanfront was developed. The community of Emerald Bay refused access to conduct inventories within its inholding.

The lands on the west side of Laguna Canyon Road have not been surveyed by the author. Until recently, the Irvine Co. was reluctant to allow access by city consultant personnel for this purpose. The author accompanied CALTRANS personnel during a brief focused survey for rare plant species between Laurel Canyon and Big Bend. A number of stands of many-stemmed dudleya (Dudleya multicaulis) were mapped within the area of potential effect of a widened Laguna Canyon Road, Nearby, near the mouth of Laurel Canyon, the author and others accompanied Dudleya expert Reid tioran (formerly curator of the San Diego Natural His- tory Museum Herbarium and describer of many dudleya species, including D. stolonifera) in an inspection of the Laurel Canyon ~aguna Beach dudleya (L stolonifera) colony. Later, she took CA Fish and Game Natural Diversity Data Base/Natural Heritage botanist Susan Cochrane to the site. State endangered species funds subsequently helped protect this beautiful area.

Some of the tributary canyons on the west side of Laguna Canyon Road in addition to Laurel were subject to an older survey for Orange County Flood Control which was quite comprehensive in scope (Marsh, G.A. and P.Y. OIBrien, 1974; see Section 1.3). Feldmuth and Associates and the Chambers Group have surveyed lands within the Laguna Laurel project area. A study of the Laguna Lakes is in progress at this time by Wetlands Research Associates. The Nature Conser- vancy is to conduct studies throughout open space setasides of The Irvine Co., presumably including those which bound Laguna Canyon. Finally, a comprehensive General Development Plan for the entire Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, to be commenced in 1993 will presumably include biological resource inventories and a Resource Management Plan focused on protecting key habitats and wildlife dispersion corridors in an outdoor recreational setting.

What Lies Ahead

The major portion of the open space within the subject study area, on the east side of Laguna Canyon Road between Big Bend and El Toro Road, extending east to Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park, is to be incorporated into Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, transferring management from the Laguna Greenbelt Authority to the County of Orange Harbors, Beaches and Parks. HBP is well-staffed, and its key personnel in the areas of design and operations are evironmental- ly oriented. Especially in the operations division, the people who run the parks, this leadership from above is reflected in the caliber of day-to-day management staff. On the design side, great effort is made to balance human activity with habitat protection. It has been the author's privilege to participate in many of these GDP/RMP inventory and planning projects, and to observe numerous instances where HBP Design "bent over backwards" to preserve sensitive biological resources in park planning. A good example of this can be seen at Modjeska Wilderness (Fleming) Park, operated as a nature preserve and environmental education center, where access is by reservation only and staff- supervised. On the Program Planning side of HBP, one of the key personnel is longtime Laguna Beach resident Eric Jessen who, through the years and often single-handedly has fought to preserve open space in Orange County. Jessen was instrumental in the "50% preservation ratio" for development projects in its unincorporated bounds. Much of the open space protected today in this burgeoning-growth county owes its existence to Mr. Jessen's skill at the negotiating table. However, on the negative side, Orange County Harbors, Beaches and Parks is charged with administering recreation- -al, not conservation open space. Open space, in accordance with CEQA, is typically set aside to mitigate adverse biological impacts of development. (Laguna Beach is, through the years, unique in the County in that it sets aside open space proactively, to save the land from development, rather than reactively, as a condition of approval for such development.) But the areas thus protected via the CEQA process are typically not preserved as undeveloped habitat but instead, as recreational land for public access, with trails, picnic areas and other amenities. While HBP design struggles to balance habitat resources and human recreational needs, the entire mission seems flawed from the start in that habitat preserves are not part of its defined objectives. While the subject of some criticism, the tack taken by Rancho Mission Viejo to set aside the Telega Preserve privately, as miti gation for the Telega development, reflects an accurate conclusion that recreation and preservation are at best incompatible bedfellows.

The conflict goes further, to the Greenbelt Authority itself. The Laguna Greenbelt was set aside through great effort and ultimately personal expense which, through increased taxes will affect every citizen of Laguna Beach. The Greenbelt would not exist today were it not for the wholehearted support of the City's citizenry. In return for this support, the people of Laguna Beach want access, along with their dogs, mountain bikes, etc. As discussed in Sections 2.3 and 3, there appears to be already substantive adverse impact to wildlife populations as a result of uncontrolled human access in the Greenbelt and Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park east of Laguna Canyon.

Other factors which have an ongoing deleterious effect on the open space's wildlife are the heavy, now round-the- clock traffic on Laguna Canyon Road (preventing wild animals from successfully crossing to utilize open space resources or find a mate on the other side), and the con- stricting effect of ongoing development in Aliso Viejo inland from the Greenbelt. The Greenbelt is a large island habitat. Laguna Canyon/El Toro Roads cuts it into three subislands. As documented by Soule et. al., 1988 and others, successive extinctions are likely among a variety of wildlife species, due to genetic isolation and vulnerability to predation, fire impact and other hazards (including ongoing human/bicycle/dog disturbance). These extinctions can be slowed by insuring the Greenbelt functions as a whole for wildlife. This should be a mission of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park GDP/RMP. 1.1.3 Objectives

The objectives of this report are to provide for the City of Laguna Beach:

0 A comprehensive description of the biological resources of the study area.

0 Recommendations for future management of that portion of the study area to be transferred to Laguna Coast Wilder- ness Park. Since this report is not the subject park's RMP, its recommendations can be made independently and may or may not agree with those of the RMP. If it so chooses, the City may adopt those suggestions it agrees with in establishing conditions of approval for transfer of the land to Harbors, Beaches and Parks.

Recommendations for open space management of the small parcels on the slopes of Laguna Canyon not to be incorporated in the regional park, including prohibition of development projects which would block wildlife dispersion routes, destroy rare plant populations, impact native oak or sycamore woodlands, or impede natural drainage courses.

Recommendations for the management and preservation of Laguna Creek as a habitat resource. 1.2 PHYSICAL SETTING

1.2.1 Area of Survey

The survey area consists of roughly 842 acres in Sections 7 and 18 of Township 7 South, Range 8 West and Section 13 in Range 9 West, as depicted on the Laguna Beach, California U.S.G.S. 7.5 min. quadrangle map. Within the study area are the following locales and parcels, from west to east:

The Big Bend of Laguna Canyon north of the "Old City" boundary. There is some overlap between the 1983 and 1993 inventories in this important area. Mapping of the habitats and rare plant populations is contained in large-scale maps which accompany this report. The description of resources from the slopes behind and west of Berkeley Industries is contained in the 1983 Citywide inventory, and reproduced in the 1993 report. That .Ftgure 1

Location portion of the Bend east of Berkeley Industries, including the U.S. Postal Service parcel is described for the first time in the 1993 report.

The east slope and floor of Laguna Canyon from Big Bend north to the vicinity of El Toro Road, with Laguna Can- yon Road forming the west boundary of the study area.

The "Laguna Heights" parcel located mostly in Section 18, extending from the smaller holdings within the Lag- una Canyon Property Owners' Association east to Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park, south to Temple Hill and north to the "De Witt" parcel. The Laguna Heights parcel was purchased several years ago by the City of Laguna Beach to prevent a large residential development project, and added to the Greenbelt.

a The "De Witt" parcel, extending north from the "Laguna Heights" parcel to a peninsula of land which juts west from the main body of Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park to the junction of El Toro and Laguna Canyon Road and north along the former to the Laguna Audubon development and right-of-way of the planned San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor. De Witt itself extends all the way to Laguna Canyon Road in the vicinity of the service road to the lower municipal water reservoir, in a fairly narrow strip bounded by stables and a preschool, north, and older rural residential development in Laguna Canyon south. The inland or east boundary of De Witt is at Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park. Topography and Hydrology

The study area consists of the floor and east slope of Laguna Canyon, the long north-south ridge above the canyon floor, extensions of this ridge projecting east and south above the Wood Canyon watershed, and the slopes and westerly floor of the latter, including upper reaches of the north and south branches of its major tributary, Mathis or "A" Canyon (the second name for the configuration of the two branches). 1. Hydrology

On the floor of Laguna Canyon, Laguna Creek is a perennial stream, often the source of serious rainy season flooding but, despite its location in a built-up area, possessing moderate to significant habitat value. Nat- ural sources of flow for the creek include the Laguna Lakes and the marshes, potholes and fens below them, and El Toro Creek, paralleling El Toro Road. The latter drainage also today carries significant nuisance water return from irrigation runoff associated with developments in its watershed. Within the years since

inception of the Laguna Audubon development, El Toro Creek's habitat has chanqed from one of inters~ersed groves of willows (moitly Salix lasiolepis),' moist meadows and meadow-marsh areas DoD~lated with numbers of regional ly rare blue grosbeaks (Guiraca caerulea) to a jungle-like forest of willow (S. gooddingii, S. laeviqata and S. lasiolepis). Onry on the Aliso and Wood Canyon park-panhandle do moist meadows persist; this area has been disturbed by agriculture and is overtaken by non-native Harding grass (Phalaris aquat ica) . Onsite, there are a number of steeply pitched ravines which direct storm flow into Laguna Creek. In the Site Description section 2.2.1, these ravines are coined with names of nearby streets or developments. Many, in their lower reaches contain groves of oak trees, an important habitat and visual amenity. In the wild reaches of some of the upper ravines, deer bear their fawns and raptors, including the rare northern harrier nest. Development has marred some of the lower ravines, with homes blocking or straddling watercourses. All the ravines except one appear to carry the ephemeral flow of storm runoff only. However, in lower "Water Tank Ravine" eminatina from the De Witt arc el there is a spring amidst a grove of sycamore trees (Platanus racemosa) which according to some local residents was a historic source of domestic water in Laguna Canyon.

Along the east boundary of the study area, Wood Canyon is mostly an intermittent stream. Some portions now carry sunlmer flow, possibly enhanced by upstream construction dust-control runoff. When development is completed upstream, Wood Canyon will likely carry permanent flow, to the probable detriment of its resional- ly remarkable forest of coast live oaks (~uercus a rifolia) and Engelmann hybrid oaks (Q. en elmannii x hridifolia). The south branch-of-yon todav contains one stretch of ~erennial water which appears to be entirely naturai in origin; this short reach is edged with lush oak forest undergrowth of California blackberry (Rubus ursinus), poison oak (Toxicodendron diversi1obum)nd~tifulfern flora

portions of the study area. However, the flow here is just a little in the summer, naturally increasing in winter. Urban runoff, in contrast is characterized by fairly abundant summer flow which changes the riparian setting from a drier to a wetter type, eliminating oaks and toyons (Heteromeles arbutifolia) and replacing them with often dense thickets of willows, rnulefat (Baccharis salicifolia and elderberry (Sambucus mexicana). At the confluence of Mathis and Wood Canyon, within the regional park east of the study area is Mallard Marsh, a naturally occurring wetland with an expanding stand of the sensitive yerba mansa (Anemo sis californica), a robust succulent, trailing herb showy white flowers.

The Mathis-Wood Canyon watershed is vital for the Laguna Beach deer population, for cover, fawning habitat and acorn browse. In years past, when the land was still part of the Moulton Ranch, the deer herd of Wood Canyon was remarkable, and an occasional mountain lion would somehow get past the San Diego Freeway barrier and travel to the San Joaquin Hills and into Wood Can- yon to prey on deer. Today, the scene, as discussed later is different, the deer are few, and the mountain bikers many.

2. Topography

Relief is substantial within this area, ranging from <140' at the floor of Big Bend to >1000' at the crest of the bald being revegetated just north of now-developed Temple Hill. Much of the undulating ridgeline between Laguna and Wood/Mathis Canyon is between 700'- 800' in elevation, raising from the floor of Laguna Canyon at the rate of 32' over 100' run, with the steepest portions approaching the ridge. The overall relief on the Wood Canyon side is somewhat more gentle, with a raise of 26' over 100' run typical. However, overall, the steepness of slopes combined with the density of brush vegetation limits their accessibility away from trails, a boon for smaller wildlife species able to subsist in areas dissected by corridors of concentrated human activity. 1.2.3 Geology

With the remarkable exception of the Big Bend cliffs, the entire study area is underlain by the Tertiary Age Topanga formation, a buff, yellowish, differentially erodible sandstone which becomes grot-toed with caves important for wildlife where exposed on the sides of Laguna and hathis Can- yon. Much of the midsection of Laguna Canyon appears to extend along a faultline separating the Topanga and Tertiary Vaqueros formation. The Vaqueros, a well-cemented gritty sandstone extends across the canyon at Big Bend, and forms there the spectacular cliffs studded with Laguna Beach dudleya.

Additional faulting has been mapped near and along a portion of the backbone ridge between Laguna and Wood Canyon.

tArLHl\H I IUi\ Figure 3 SEDl MENTARY ROCKS from Vedder et. al., 1957

Alluvium, beach sand,.artificial fill Gravel, sand, salt.

Continental and marine terrace deposits Silt, sand, pravel, and rubbk. Stream terrace deposits, Qt; manne terrace deposits, Qtm; mrine terrace deposits m'th nonmrine cooer, Qtn; undifferentiated terrace @mats, Qtu. Subscripts indicate relative kvels mth 1 the hst. fl NEWPORT LAGOON AREA : $tT C ,.df' ;' " Unnamed gandstone 5 Light-gray masssoe fine-grazned sandstone; some beds contain limy concretions; Pliocene and early Pkisb Niguel formation cene(?) in age. Light-gray Siustone and sandstone, locally con- glomcracic.

AREA EAST OF CRlSTlANlTOS FAULT

part is very sandy; ss, coarse-grained sandstone lens; sts, siltstone and sandstone kns; c ,conglonurate lens; bc, breccia kns. Oso nscmbcr, fco, white medium- to coarse-groined massiw sandstone adgrit.

Y af La Vida member Chocolate-brown Lo gray siltstone; some limy conerctionasy beds; local thin andesitic tuffs.

Montere shale Light-gray to gray-brmn aiLeous shale and siltalone mMthsome limy beds; coquina locally present near base; thin andmitie tuffs locally d;ss, sands&na bc, brmia knr; cg, congLate lens.

San Onofre breccia Blue-gray schist breccia m'th some inferbedded grit, sandstone, ad siltstone; ss, sandstone Icns; diat, diatomaceous siltstone; sts, siblone and sandstons , kns.

San Onofre breccia and Topanga formation undifferentiated Shdhred arcos alon fault rones conlpin TO& belong- ing to .W the k onofre twao anti ~opangu 1- 1- CAr LMI~MI IUIY Figure 3 SEDIMENTARY ROCKS from Vedder et. al., 1957

Alluvium, beach sand,.artificial fill Gravel, uand, a&.

Continental and marine terrace deposits Sill, uand, praocl, and rubbk. Stream terrace depomb, Qt; nrcmw terrace d-ta, Qtm; marine terrace dqmda with pnmurine coocr,.Qtn;.undifferarh'~d terrace deposrta, Qtu. Suknpta andrd relataw k8ehrpiUI 1 UU IoWeaf.

NEWPORT LAGOON AREA

Unnamed endstone ' Light-gray maumw fine-gratned aandslone; urn && conbin limy ~onneliona;Pliocene and early Pkialo- Nigusl formation erne(?) in age. Light-gray sillstone and 8ands(ow, locally eon-

Capistrano formation Li hl-gray aandy rillshe and fine-grained uandalone; AREA EAST OF CRlSTlANlTOS FA1 Lrpart containe limestone concrelione; u per part ir ~ctyuandy; ss. coarue-grained sandstone fk; sts, rilbtone and randstone IcM. c ,eonglomerob [ h;bc, brsotia kna. 080 nrsnbat, fco, white me- w..,- diurn- Lo coarue-grained mauaiw aandrlonc and gril. Soquel member Buff and white sandstone, interbedded gray (0 ch~cola&-brm.mUsfone; 1 gril myprarant; st, nbtone knu

La Vida member Ckaeolalc-brownLo gray ahlone; ronu concrefionaty bsds; local fhin and fuffu.

Montere ;hale Light-gray lo praydrown dceow shale and dWnr with mw limy bab; coquina bcolly praranl near base; fhin adyilieluff8 lody reaenf;ss, aandrbnr kna; bc, br- klu; cg, congLat6 lena. -

San Onofre breccia Blw-gray nhwt breecrecraroiU mw inkbeddad gd, aandshe, and mlbtone; ss, wndslons kna; dial, diabnuueoua mlblone; sts, tillstona and randxtone . kna.

San Onofre brecciaand Topanga formation undifferentiated Sh$hed area olon jauU ronu TO& belong- mg to both Uu &!an Onofw br- ed Topanga jornlafion. Paularino member Light-gray tuflaeeous siltstone,. sandstone, and grit; bc, interbedded and zntertongued sedimentary breccia composed almost entirely of andesite fragments in lower part; af, local andesite flows(?) and flow breccia in lower part.

AREA EAST OF CRISTIANITOS FAULT AN AREA EAST OF EL TOR0 AIR STATION ei'ned and coarse-grained sandstone; ally tuffaceous. p~-- Topanga formation undifferentiated Buff medium- to coarse-grained sandstone and grit; bluish ne- to coarse-grained Topan a formation Bommer member sandstone interbeL d near top; locally Buff coarse-grainef sandslone, grit, and con- I Buff coar8e-grar ned conglowrat ic sandstone tuffmeow. glomerate. c and grit.

Vaqueros formation Gray lo brown stllstone and sandy sibtone, buff fine- to medaum-gratncd sandstone, and coarse-grained sandstone and gtit.

Vaqueros and Sespe formations, undifferentiated Buff green, red, and white ctau~ysadlonc, Sespe formation &t, conglomerate, and sandy clau; in part Buff, red, white, and green coarse-grained nonmanne. clayey sandstone, grit, and eonglonrcrde; red and green sandy clay.

Sant.i am fnrmati nn .upper part, grsenrsh-gray coarse-praanea mwme and :grit with thin red and _preen fine-grained c-kycy

Silverado formation Upper part, buf coarse-grained sandstone and grit and olioe-gray medium- to coarse-grained sandstone; lowsr part, buff coarse-grained 80ndsl0nc and grit, clay, aid con lomcratic sands@e; day bed indi&dbydaehcdP ine m'lhin fonnahon.

Shallow intrusive andesite

Diabase sills and dikes

. LONG BEACH 33 MI. Areas where outcrops are exposed are mapped on large-scale aerial photographs accompanying this report. These are significant habitats and potential habitats for rare plants and animals, as discussed in Section 2.4 Predictive mapping of now inaccessible but potentially sensitive locales may be useful as new trails are planned in the future regional park.

1.2.4 Soils

Soil type plays a major role in the kind of vegetative cover an area will support. Clayey soils contain natural grasslands (sometimes with vernal pools), rocky soils, coastal sage scrub. Sandy ridgetops with a shallow imper- vious underpinning can support unusual xeric barrens studded with vernal pools, a juxaposition of wet and dry. The alluvium of canyon floors depending on its texture may be vegetated with associations ranging from grassland to the unique alluvial scrub found at the mouths of mountain canyons. (In areas of increasing moisture, riparian woodlands of oak, sycamore and ultimately, willow supplant habitats dependent on soil texture alone.)

Soils in the study area include the following, from west to east, described below:

Canyon bottom recent-origin alluvium mantles the floor of Laguna Canyon, an area now mostly vegetated in dead wood and imported stucco (houses), and eucalyptus and other non- native ornamentals.

Alo clay benches are spotty along the lower canyon slopes. Some are grass-vegetated; others are developed.

Cieneba-Rock outcrop complex mantles the slope of Laguna Canyon, with widespread vegetation of mesic coastal sage scrub of California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), orange bush monkeyflower (Diplacus aurantiacus-) and black sage (Salvia mellifera).

Several soil formations are found along the ridge. The most widespread is Cieneba sandy loam, shallow over bedrock and supporting coastal sage scrub dominated by California sagebrush. An area of Myford sandy loam is found on a hilltop north of the Mathis Grade Road. This is a very interesting area of dry sand, roadside vernal "pools" with interesting though not rare plants adapted to the juxaposition of wet and dry (Spergularia, Polycarpon, etc.) and nearby flats populated with xeric barrens species. To the south, the high bald knoll near Temple Hill, essentially an exposure of-Topanga sandstone is mapped as Chesterton "loamy" sand, a formation which develops within uplifted marine terraces. The knoll is at the terminus of the now mostly developed Temple Hill marine terrace. The Chesterton

Figure 4 Legend from Wachtell, 1978

SYMBOL NAME

Alo clay 9 to 15 percent slopes Alo cly. 15 to 30 percent slopes Alo clay, 30 Lo 50 prcent slopes Alo vulant clay. 9 to 15 prcmt slops Alo vrrlant clay. 15 lo 30 percent slopes Alo variant clay. 30 lo 50 prunt slops Anahelm IOJIR,IS to 30 percent sbs Anahelm loam. SO lo 50 percent slopes Anaheim clay loam, 15 to 30 prcent slow AnrlwLm sly loam. 30 to 50 prcent slops Anahelm clay loam, 50 to 75 prcent slops Balcon clay loam, 9 to IS prcmlsloprs BIlcan clay lw. 15 to 30 percent alopes Balcola clry IN. 30 to 50 prcmt slops Balcom-Rock outcrop complex. 15 to 50 percent slopes Laches Blrslnganm loam. 9 to 30 prcenl slopes Blaslngan* stony lorn, 9 to 30 percent slopes Blaslnfianm stony lorn. 30 to 65 percent slopes Blaslnganm-Rock wtcrop wmplcx. 9 to 30 percent slopes Blaslngun-Vista complex, 9 to IS percent sloprs Blaslngam-Vlsta complex. 15 to 30 percent slopes BOlSl lilt loam Bolsr silt lorn, d~alnrd blsa silty ttyloun Bolsa sllty clay loam, drained Bosanko clay. 9 to I5 percent slopes Bosanko clay. 15 lo 30 prcent slopas Bosanko clay. 30 lo 50 wrcent slopes Bosmko-Balcon complrx. 15 Lo 30 percent slopes Bosan~Balcwcomplex. 30 to SU percent slopes Botella lorn, 2 to 9 prcent alopes Botella c1.y loam. 2 to 9 prcent slops Botella clay lom. 9 lo 15 parcent slopes Caltegurs clay lorn. 50 to 75 prcent slops, eroded Caplstrano smdy loam. 2 to 9 percent slops Caplstrm sandy Iw,9 to IS percent slopes Cheslrrton lomy sand, 2 to 15 percent alopra Chestorton loamy sand. IS to 30 prcent slopes Chlno sllty clay loam Chlw silty clay loam, drained Clench sandy lam, IS to 30 percent slopes Clemba rmdy lom. 30 to 15 prcent slopes. eroded NGEAND WESTERN PART OF RIVERSIDE COUNTIES, CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. AGRICULTURA

SOIL LEGEND

SYMBOL NAME SYMBOL

ClmbJ-Bluinglaw-Rock outcrop Complex. 9 to 30 percent SlopeS Pits Clen~Rockoutcrop complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes AMnonr flm undy loam. 2 to 9 percent slopes Clrnaba-Rock outcrop complex. 30 to 75 percent slopes Ramona grrvelly fine sandy lom. 9 to 15 percent SlopeS Conalltor lomy sand Rincan clay loam. 2 to 9 percent slopes Conalltor hyund, moderately fine substratum Rincon clay lm. 9 to 15 percsnt Slopes Cropley clay. 0 to 2 percent slopes Rlncon Clay lW, 15 lo 30 prtsnt SlopIS Cropley clay. 2 to 9 percent slopes Rivewash EscondMo wy fin undy lorn, 9 to 15 percent slopes Rock outcrop-Cieneba complex. 30 to 75 percent slops ErcondlQo wry fIW sandy lawn. 15 to 30 percent slopes kn Andreas rmdy loan, 15 to 30 percent slops Exchtguf-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes Sm Emigdlo fine sandy lm, 0 to 2 percent slopes Frlnt flm undy lorn, 30 to 70 percent slopes Sm Emlgdlo flne wndy lom. 2 to 9 percent slopes G~blmvawlly clay lorn, 15 to H) percent slops Sn Emlgdlo fine smdy loam, moderately flne sbstratum. Gwntrm gravelly very flne wndy loam. 2 to 9 percent slopes 0 to 2 percent slops Hanford smdy loam. 2 to 9 prcent slopes Waba grmlly lomy sand. 0 to 5 perwnt slopes hnecnc flm sandy loam Woba cobbly lorny smd. 0 to IS percent slops Humem fln sandy lorn, halnsd Soper loam. 15 to 30 percent slopes usPosas vavelly loam. 15 to 50 percent slopes Sopr loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes CIuahlln vmlly loam. 30 to 50percent slopes Sopcr grmlly loam. 15 to 30 percent slopes Mvlna loamy sad. 0 to 2 percent slopes Soper &ravelly loam. 30 to 50 percent slopes mrlna lorny sand, 2 to 9 percent slopes Soper cobbly loan. 15 to 50 percent slopes Matt loamy sand Sopcr-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes Melt louy sad, moderately fine subsbatum Sorrento sandy lorn. 0 to 2 percent slopes Who sandy lorn, 0 to 2 pucent slopes tonento loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes Who loan. 0 to 2 percent slopes brrento lonn. 2 lo 9 percent slops Mocho lom, 2 to 9 percent slopes kentoclay lorn. 0 to 2 percent slopes Modjerk8 vavel)y loan, 0 to 2 percent slopes Stwrento sly lom, 2 to 9 percent slopes WdJr8k8#rtvtlly lorn, 2 to 9 pucent sloprs Thrgto-Hlstlc FlwrqwnLI Modjeska gravelly tom. 9 to 15 percent slopes 1ldal flats Modjeslr gravelly loam. 15 to 30 percent slopes TollhOuso-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes Myford undy lorn. 0 b 2 percent slopes Vlda warre sndy lonn, 9 to 15 percent slopes Word smdy loam. 2 to 9 pacnl slopes Vista corns sandy lom. 15 to 30 percent stopes Myford sandy loam. 2 to 9 pacenl slopes, eroded Vlsta come sandy lorn. 30 to 65 percent slopes Mylord sandy lm. 9 to 15 percent slopes Vlsta-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes Mylord smdy lm. 15 to 30 percat slopes Xeralflc Arents, loamy. 2 to 9 percent slopes Myford sandy lorn, 9 to 30 percent slopes. eroded Xeralflc kents, lomy. 9 to 15 percent slopes Word undy lorn. thlck urrlece, 0 to 2 percent slopes Xerorthmts loamy, cut md fill weas. 9 to 15 percent slopes Myford sandy loam. thlck sulxa, 2 to 9 mrcenl slopes Xuortkents lomy, cut mi 1111 meas. 15 to 30 percmIt slopes Nxlmlento clay lom. 15 to 30 pcrcent slopes Yorba gravelly sandy lorn, 2 to 9 percent slopes Naclmiento clay lorn. )O to SO percent slopes Ywba grwelly smdy loam, 9 to 15 percent slopes Omnl sltt loam, dralmd Yorba gravelly sandy loan, 15 to 30 percent slopes Omni cly Yorba cobbly smdy loan, 9 to 30 percent slopes Onnl clay, drained Yorba cobbly sandy loam. 9 to 30 percent slopes, arodad Yorba cobbly sandy lorn. 30 to 50 psrcent slopes has the capability of supporting vernal pools, though none are found on the knoll.

Northward on the ridge, soils change. Present here is grassland-vegetated Alo clay, Soper loam, supporting sagebrush scrub, and Cieneba sandy loam, vegetated with cactus and scrub. An area approaching the ridge on the Laguna Canyon side near the north boundary is mapped as Rock outcrop-Cieneba, and it is indeed, full of outcropping, a good place to spot the rare orange-throated whiptail lizard (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus). A horse-trail laces this slope, widened in spots where otherwise sure-footed steeds have stumbled across clasts of sandstone rubble.

On the Mathis/Wood Canyon side of the ridge are two projecting ridge fingers. The southerly is mantled with Cieneba sandy loam, Rock outcrop-Cieneba complex (favored mountain-bike jumps) and one area of Myford sandy loam complete with a well-developed vernal pool with a resident rattlesnake (Crotalus viridus). This area was once open grazing land, but has mostly grown back into pioneer sagebrush scrub.

The northerly projecting ridge is cloaked with Soper loam, an area, somewhat grassy of Alo clay and distally Rock outcrop-Cieneba and Cieneba-Rock outcrop extending up adjacent sideslopes. (What is the difference? The most common element in a complex is listed first; hence the difference here is fairly minor.) Chaparral and cactus scrub are widespread.

Most of the slopes of Wood and Mathis Canyon within the survey area contain the latter two soil formations; lots of outcropping is exposed and cactus scrub proliferates, a boon for resident sensitive coastal cactus wrens (Campylor- hynchus brunneicapillus cousei).

However, in the upper reach of the south branch of Mathis Canyon is an area mapped as Soboba gravelly, sandy loam, an alluvial floodplain/fan formation. This mapping may be in error.

1.3 PRIOR INVENTORIES

With the exception of the DeWitt land block, the study area has been subject to past biological surveys. Comprehensive surveys of adjacent portions of the Greenbelt/Regional Park open space are also useful, for analysis of the interrelationship of onsite and offsite lands. While not exhaustive, the following summarizes - important past and concurrent biological analyses.

1.3.1 Laguna Canyon

Benner, Michael A. in ECOS Management Criteria, 1977. Change for Amendment 77-1, to the General Plan in Laguna Canyon, Orange, Co., CA. 9 This biological assessment of the Laguna Canyon Property Owner's Association land block unfortunately has not survived to the present, except for its vegetation map, which was, for the time, a good effort at understanding plant cover in the canyon. The map acknowledges that steeper portions of the survey area were not walked; given the excessiveness of the canyon's topography, this is most understandable. While of small scale, on USGS topo. base, the map is useful for orientation and springboard for more detailed delineations.

Some areas mapped as grassland and ruderal have subsequently regrown to indigenous coastal sage scrub or are in the process of such recovery. Fuel modification has, however kept the annual grass sere in place adjacent to some of the residential edge.

Benner in pers. comm. noted that owls (great horned, barn) flew out of some of the outcrop caves he explored. Local residents still see these owls in the canyon today.

Marsh, Karlin G., 1988a. Findings of Preliminary Biologi- Old Laguna Canyon Dump Site, O.C.A.P. No. 629-

This survey was conducted for the Laguna Canyon Property Owners' Association in response to a City proposal to place a homeless shelter on the dump site. The survey, not widely circulated is reproduced in part in this report (Sec. 2.2.1). It found mesic oak woodland with a diversity of understory flora, sycamore woodland, and stands of many- stemmed dudleya about outcrops adjacent to the primary impact area. During the field study, Ken Lauher of LCPOA commented that the rare ring-tai led cat (Bassariscus astutus) had been seen about caves on the canyonside. Marsh, Gordon A.and Patrick Y. O'Brien, 1974. Environmental lmpact on the Plants and Animals of ~a~unaCanyon by the Construction of Flood Control Alternatives.

The focus of this survey was seven tributaries of Laguna Creek which drain into the canyon from the west. These were proposed at the time as sites of flood control dams. Four of the tributaries, B through E (Laurel) are adjacent to the study area. Colonies of Laguna Beach dudleya were found in Lateral Canyon 9, across from the extensive population on the Big Bend Cliffs, and possibly in Lateral Canyon C, just north. Engelmann and Engelmann hybrid oaks were noted in several canyons; (these also occur in the study area at Big Bend).

Lateral Canyon D is now named Stoneridge Canyon (for the stable across the road) and is proposed as a temporary visitor's parking and entry site to the wilderness park west of Laguna Canyon Road.

Dams were also proposed by O.C. Flood Control which would have straddled lower El Toro Canyon and the El Toro/Laguna Canyon confluence.

The report is scholarly and comprehensive, containing in particular, good discussions of the avifauna and mammalian fauna of Laguna Canyon and providing sighting data still useful 19 years hence.

1.3.2 Laauna Heiahts

Nelson, Steven G., 1980. Laguna Heights Biological Assess- ment.

This report contains a brief, generalized discussion of biotic resources within the 472 acre parcel, proposed at that time for (partial - 112 acres) residential development. Key resources noted were coastal sage scrub, oak woodland and canyon, ridge and saddle wildlife corridors and crossover points.

This report was prepared for Warmington-Carma.

Marsh, Karlin G., 1982. Laguna Heights Biological Assess- ment.

Covering the same area as Nelson, 1980, this report describes the site in greater detail, but focuses primarily on the 31+ acre development portion of Laguna Heights. As noted later in Section 2.2.2, the northern portion of Laguna Heights was not surveyed at that time.

A comprehensive literature review at the beginning of the report discusses many studies on lands peripheral to the study area not included herein.

Pertinent portions of this fairly long report are reproduced in Section 2.2.2.

The study was prepared for the City of Laguna Beach, which ultimately purchased the land to block its development.

Marsh, Karlin G., 1989. Alta Laguna Park Biological Assess- ment.

On the south end of Laguna Heights, this city park, now constructed was to have extended north along the upper slope of the Mathis Canyon headwater now filled in to provide a recreational area. A soccer field proposed on the subject slope was deleted from the park plan after significant biological resources were found. These included a California gnatcatcher territory and a fairly extensive seep zone and small vernal marsh at the Quaternary Marine Terrace (Chesterton)/Tertiary Topanga sandstone contact. The marsh was (and is) an important habitat for deer and smaller mammals.

LSA/Vail Speck Taylor, 1991. Vegetation and Sensitive Species Map, Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park.

This comprehensive mapping project fortuitously extends on- to a substantial portion of the study area, covering all of Laguna Heights and part of Laguna Canyon, thus providing existing vegetation mapping for all of the site with the exception of DeWitt and adjacent parts of Laguna Canyon. The mapping is not always accurate, reflecting some lack of ground truthing particularly with respect to native grasslands. However, the cover type delineation is quite good at the scale presented. Numerous sensitive species locations were overlooked, however, perhaps reflecting a lack of ground truthiqg and overdependence on existing literature (or perhaps an inopportune survey period; the long drought still ongoing when mapping was done correlated with the disappearance of many populations of sensitive annuals and short-lived perennials).

Sweetwater Environmental Biologists, 1992. Biological Re- sources Report for the Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park, Orange Co., CA.

This survey, like the foregoing map considers adjacent portions of Laguna Heights/DeWitt even though they lie beyond park boundaries. There is little in the way of specific site descriptions in the report, though these are sometimes alluded to in the generalized descriptions of habitat types.

Of especial significance in this study is the discovery in the south branch of Mathis Canyon of a large, previously unknown population of Laguna Beach dudleya. John Messina of Sweetwater also shared additional details of the find in pers. comm. The author subsequently relocated the population in a rugged tributary of the south branch coined "Bonn Drive Canyon". The Sweetwater report contains a lengthy summary of all rare biota detected in the park and adjacent open space. Some territories of sensitive wildlife species described by Sweetwater in areas along the edge of the park were concurrently or subsequently relocated by the author.

Among management recommendations to protect sensitive biotic resources is closure of Mathis and Wood Canyon during the raptor breeding season (Feb.-May) as both support concentrations of nest sites. The "El Toro Gateway", just north of the junction of Laguna Canyon and El Toro Road, proposed as a revenue generatorlequestrian staging area is acknowledged as the "only area in the entire Park that could serve as a potential (wildlife) movement corridor between the Park and similar habitats within Laguna Laurel, Laguna Canyon, and Sycamore Hills. Any use of this area should include a design that will facilitate this movement and not constrict it" (Sweetwater, 1992). In the author's opinion, this recommendation should have been more strongly stated, pushing for a No Project Alternative for the El Toro Gateway revenue generator.

In general, the impacts analysis, while very comprehensive focuses on planned facilities, not the increase of human use these will stimulate. However, toward the end, the following statement is made, which should be bold face, highlighted and framed:

"An indirect impact which is already very evident within the Park is the increased destruction of sensitive habitats occurring as a result of the use of unauthorized mountain bike trails. If this current trend is allowed to continue unchecked, many areas of the park may have sensitive species irreversibly damaged. "

Amen !

1.3.3 Genera 1

Some wildlife studies have been conducted in the past and are ongoing at the present time. As part of the California gnatcatcher habitat studies in the San Joaquin Hills, detailed transect analyses of coastal sage scrub adjacent to and possibly within the study area were begun in the summer of 1992 (David Bramlet, pers. comm.). Wildlife biologist Steve A. Loe has been conducting deer studies in Aliso and Woods Canyon Regional Park as part of its GDP EIR analysis (a process also involving the Sweetwater report summarized above).

Loe has reconfirmed that the key dispersion corridor in/out of the park (and adjacent subject study area) is at and northerly of the junction of El Toro and Laguna Canyon Road, with Laurel Canyon the principal corridor into the Irvine Co. San Joaquin Hills.

An earlier study of regional deer movement was conducted as part of the biological documentation for the San Joaquin Hills Transportation corridor:

Benner, Michael A. and Douglas Hogan, 1988. Mule Deer Act- ivity in the San Joaquin Hills. - Mule Deer Study San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor

-1. Dispersion -88"'8..8... -2 -----m -3 Corridors ---4 -5 -- - - .*...... - -... 0 .s .- Mllar Figure 8, from Benner and Hogan, 1988

-- Key dispersion corridors/habitats in the project region are upper Moro Canyon (within Crystal Cove State Park), the high ridge north functioning as a crossover point into Laurel Canyon, from whence deer either travel down to Laguna Canyon or cross over into Camarrillo Canyon just north and head up into the Laguna Lakes area. East of Laguna Canyon, Wood Canyon was identified in 1988 as the major mule deer habitat. More minor movement was noted (by the author, cited by Benner) south along the backbone of the Sycamore Hills. Benner and Hogan identify the crossover point linking deer populations east and west of Laguna Canyon at the LagunaIEl Toro Creek (and road) confluence. Big Bend is also identified by Benner and Hogan as an important deer crossover point (at least in the 1980's; this is supported by other mapping and by anecdotal pers. comm. [Maren Blacketer, Liz Brown]).

1.4 METHODS

The study area was surveyed by the author during ten field days between May 5 and June 22, 1992. Around 70 hours were spent in the field. The avian contributor, Jim Pike surveyed the area on seven field days between March 3 and 28, 1992, from about 7 AM - 3 PM each day. Mr. Pike's surveys were cosponsored by the Laguna Canyon BRI and the California gnatcatcher/coastal cactus wren surveys sponsored in this case by the City of Laguna Beach and managed by Ed Almanza.

The focus of the author's survey efforts included:

Field mapping of biotic community cover. e Search for and mapping of rare biota. Inventory of plant and animal species observed. e Characterization of geographic locales (canyons, ridge- lines, etc.) within the three portions of the study area: Laguna Canyon, Laguna Heights and DeWitt. Video-cam recording of habitats within the study area. e Assessment of management needs and ongoing sources of biological impact.

The focus of Mr. Pike's surveys was to determine the status of the California gnatcatcher and coastal cactus wren here, and to incidentally inventory all avifauna species encountered. To locate gnatcatchers and cactus wrens, tape recordings of these species' breeding songs were judiciously played to elicit a response from territorial male (and female) birds.

In addition to survey results, data contained in the reports cited in the previous section as well as several interviews with knowledgeable local residents were relied on to more fully depict the composition of the area's fauna populations. No focused wildlife studies or mammal live trap surveys were conducted as part of this BRI. A regionwide comprehensive deer survey which addresses strat- gies to ford the Laguna Canyon Road dispersion bottleneck is vitally needed. 14 Species nomenclature is according to Roberts, 1989, Laudenslayer and Grenfell, 1983 and AOU, 1983 and suppl. Biotic community nomenclature and numerical designation (in the mapping) follows Gray and Bramlet, 1991. Species and community sensitivity also follows Gray and Bramlet's summary of official and nonofficial rankings, as well as guidelines established in the 1983 Laguna Beach Biological Resources Inventory.

In the foregoing and following report sections, scientific names are cited with first use in Sections 1 through 2.1. Scientific names are mostly not cited in 2.2 Site Description. In Section 2.3, scientific namesre cited except for the avifauna section written by Mr. Pike. Scientific names of sensitive biota (but not their more common associated species) are cited with first use i? Section 2.4. The scientific names of all biota encountered onsite are listed in the 4.1 Appendix Species Lists. 2.0 BIOLOGICAL SETTING

Though impacted on the west by residential development and a heavily travelled highway and through much of the remainder by past cattle grazing and ongoing, increasingly intensive active recreational use, the study area continues to support indigenous habitats which are mostly in good condition. Larger wildlife, however are under stress and vulnerable species such as mule deer apparently decreasing in numbers because of varying kinds of onsite and peripheral human impact, including:

e Encroaching development north and east. Heavy traffic on Laguna and El Toro Road, posing a barrier to wildlife movement. e Onsite recreational pressure, including intrusion into key breeding/resting habitats eminating from heavy mountain biking, as well as dog-running, jogging and equestrian uses. Dog- running/walking is most detrimental where it occurs at deer watershed crossover points such as the southern ridge on Laguna Heights; deer avoid areas frequented by dogs (and thus scented by their excreta). The recently concluded 6-7 year drought, which resulted in high fawn mortality (Loe, 1992).

The habitat itself is under stress along major jeep trails. Para- doxically, impact would be less if these were maintained and graded; erosion cuts great, dangerous fissures on jeep road slopes; to avoid these, vehicles and bikers detour into habitat along the edge, successively widening these routes at the expense of fringing vegetation. Rare plant habitats along the Mathis Grade found by the author in 1982 have apparently been obliterated by mountain bikes creating side trails over outcrop areas. Horseback riders are contributing to erosion and widening on the trails above the lower municipal reservoir on the De Witt parcel, in an area containing rare plant and animal species.

On the floor of Laguna Canyon, Laguna Creek especially upstream supports lush forested wetland vegetation. However, the stream itself is sullied with litter and varyingly polluted, apparently by stable runoff and highway oil and grease.

Invasion of exotic ruderals is apparently less today than 10-15 years ago, reflecting recovery of the land following human and cattle disturbance. Benner ma~~edlarae stands of (black?) mustard (Brassica nigra) in the canyonmin 1977; this weed is less of a problem at present. Cardoon or artichoke thistle ( Cynara c ardun- culus) still infests some of the larger patches of grassland on theslopes above Wood Canyon, and may rquire herbicide control to eradicate it. The large vernal pool on the Mathis Grade is still infested with curly dock (Rumex crispus) and other weeds today; it obviously was an important drinking water source for cattle during ranching days. Down on the floor of the north branch of Mathis Canyon a short distance east of the study area are great thickets of nonnative cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) in an area not yet healed from the relatively recent impact of cattle on the Moulton Ranch. Some of the ruderal infestations will wane with the passing of time and healing of the land; others may persist indefinitely.

The strictly natural elements of the landscape consist of the ridges and hills, their dissected and outcrop-girded slopes, the deep, incised ravines below finally feeding into the three great canyons of Laguna, Mathis and Wood. The ridges and slopes are mantled mainly in coastal sage scrub admixed with coastal chaparral, so-called 3.1 coastal sage-chaparral scrub of the Orange County G.I.S. (Gray and Bramlet, 1991). Though different than the mix described in that publication, this mosaic cover is by far the most widespread here.

Pure stands of 3.2 coastal chaparral are found on northerly exposures and more rocky sites, where it eventually grades into 2.4 southern cactus scrub, the key habitat of the coastal cactus wren. Pure stand 2.3 coastal sage scrub is concentrated near and on the ridges; a mesic form classifiable as 2.3.2 California sagebrush- orange bush monkeyflower scrub grows on the west-facing slopes of Laguna Canyon.

Both the non-native 4.1 annual grassland and native 4.3 southern coastal needlegrass grassland occur in limited areas along/near the northern ridge on the De Witt parcel, in moisture-retentive clay-rich soil. Down in Wood and lower Mathis Canyon (mostly offsite in the regional park, but some onsite as well) are 4.5 coast live oak savannahs and 7.4/4.2 sycamore riparian woodland savannahs with native grass species in the open understory. The more sheltered portions of the deep canyons support 8.1 coast live oak woodlands; in Wood Canyon and adjacent portions of Mathis, these assume 9.1 coast live oak forest stature.

Along Laguna Creek can be found wetland habitats ranging from 7.1 riparian herb to 7.3 mulefat scrub, 7.2 southern willow scrub, and finally in the northern portion on and above the DeWitt panhandle, 7.6/7.7 southern willow forest. These bands of riparian vegetation all bound a 13.1 perennial stream which grades below into a 13.4 flood control channel.

Finally, the most interesting of the study area's habitats and the bulk of its sensitive species are found about 10.0 cliff and rock habitats, including 10.1 xeric barrens, 10.2 mesic cliff faces and 10.3 rock outcrops (the latter often grading into 2.4 cactus scrub). 10.1 xeric barrens sometimes grade into 5.1 vernal pools; in the vicinity of Temple Hill, 10.3 Topanga and Quaternary marine terrace outcrops are associated with 5.2 freshwater seeps, as discussed earlier.

- A number of sensitive plant and animal species are found onsite; these are discussed in detail in Section 2.4. Perhaps the most important of these in terms of extent of cover and/or numbers are many-stemmed and Laguna Beach dudleya, the orange-throated whiptail and the coastal cactus wren. The following section 2.1 describes the composition of the study area's plant communities. Section 2.2 describes habitats within the site's three subareas, Laguna Canyon, Laguna Heights and DeWitt. Section 2.3 discusses the area's wildlife and 2.4, its sensitive biota and habitats. 2.1 BIOTIC COMMUNITIES

Numerical designations in the following text and on the large- scale biotic community maps which accompany the report follow Gray and Bramlet, 1991. The entire Orange County GIs listing and numerical designation of habitat types is contained in the legend for Table 3, Section 2.4. 1 (2.3) Venturan-Diegan Transitional Coastal Sage Scrub

Several subtypes of this community occur onsite but are difficult to map in the field without transect data. Generally speaking, the subtype 2.3.1 California Sagebrush-California ~uckwheatscrub is most widespread along the ridges; California sagebrush (Arte- misia californica) is perhaps the most ubiquitous plant species within the study area, and often grows in pure stands on sera1 ridge flats replacing the annual grasslands which had established there during the cattle range era, still persisting to 11 years ago.

On the slopes of Laguna Canyon, coastal sage scrub (CSS) is considerably more mesic and is classifiable as 2.3.2 California Sage- brush-Orange Bush Monkeyflower Scrub. Black Sage Scrub, 2.3.4 is difficult to detect on B & W aerial imagery, though some educated guesses annotated with question marks were attempted. Field base maps were too small in scale to facilitate accurate mapping. In query to "what does it matter?", or more bluntly put, "who cares?", the classification of subtypes of coastal sage scrub is assuming importance as a predictive tool for estimating suitable habitat for the California gnatcatcher, a songbird endemic to the community recently listed as threatened by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The gnatcatcher is believed to prefer 2.3.1 sagebrush- buckwheat scrub on fairly gentle terrain and with ample open interstices (which perhaps facilitate insect capture). These interstices can be natural, as at a CSS/grass ecotone or within CSS where there are many outcrop or xeric barren openings. They also can be artificial; the author has observed gnatcatchers in CSS openings provided by dumped fill dirt and by abandoned ranch roads. Typical characteristic shrubby plant species in coastal sage scrub onsite include the following:

1. GIs Code Number (Sclerophyllous-leaved woody shrubs are deleted entirely from this list and are placed in the 3.0 chaparral category.)

California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 3.1 California buckwheat (Erio onum fasciculatum) 2.3.1, 2.4 black sage (Salvia me1l-77 ifera .3.4, 3.1, 2.3.2 orange bush monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus) 2.3.2, 3.1 giant rye (El mus condensam3.2, grading into 7.3 coyote brush-t- ~acc-aris) 2.3.1, 2.3.2, grading into 7.3 coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) 2.3.1, 2.3.2, grading into 7.3 mesa bush mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus) 2.3.4 poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) 2.3.2, grading into 3.0

Others which are more minor suffrutescent components (not listed in order of frequency) are:

California encelia (Encelia californica) Box Springs goldenbushmcameria ach lepis) golden yarrow (Erio h llum confertiflorum4 deerweed (L otus-=T sco arius Pauma lupi?i~u+~ifo~ius) white sage (Salvia a iana chaparral b em'hm angustifolium) blue witch (Solanurn umbelTatum)

Several kinds of cacti may occur in CSS; however, areas where these are prominent are now classified as 2.4 southern cactus scrub.

CSS is a drought-dormant and partly drought-deciduous suffrutescent shrub community of cismontane and interior cismontane hills in southern California. In the mountains, it gives way to various types of chaparrals, in which it functions as a sera1 association in areas recovering from disturbance. Because of the rampant dev- lopment of CSS habitat, the once widespread community is now substantially depleted and fragmented, and the less vagile of its obligate fauna typified by the California gnatcatcher attaining endangered status. The study area constitutes a significant refugium for CSS in Orange County. Much of the community, especially on the Wood CanyonlMathis Canyon side of the ridge is in dense old growth, with only small patchy areas of interstitial herbs and grasses, and little herbaceous undergrowth. On the more recently burned Laguna Canyon side, interstitial grass/wildflower interstices are more frequent, especially near the ridge. Among future management strategies once this part of the greenbelt is incorporated into the regional park may be controlled burning to remove heavy old growth and open up interstices which would be beneficial - for deer and for gnatcatchers.

Where interstices occur, they are often the sites of a variety of native grasses and wildflowers (see Appendix species list). Open- ings on gentle slopes will be maintained over time by deer and bedding, if a healthy population is allowed to develop. (An overpopulation, on the other hand is detrimental to vegetative cover .)

(2.4) Southern Cactus Scrub

This xeric community is found principally on south-facing slopes on and adjacent to dry rock -outcrops and cliffs. It is essential habitat for the coastal cactus wren. The community is most widespread on the south-facing, cliff-girded slopes of Wood Canyon tributaries within the DeWitt and Laguna Heights parcels. Not coincidentally, this is also a stronghold of the coastal cactus wren. Territories are located in cactus patches of at least 400 to 800 square feet extent (Sweetwater, 1992) in the adjacent regional park and presumably onsite as well. As noted later by Pike, virtually every wide, dense prickly pear cactus patch contained a male and/or female wren, with seventeen territories found onsite and two additional just south of the Laguna Heights boundary. Twelve territories are in the Wood/Mathis Canyon watershed, five on the Laguna Canyon slope and two (just offsite) in the Canyon Acres Canyon watershed.

Southern cactus scrub onsite consists of the following prominent species, in rank of abundance.

hybrid western prickly pear (0 untia "occidentalis") oracle cactus (0 untia oricola+ coastal cholla 'haprolifera)

Though other sources, including Sweetwater, 1992 cite the local dominant as native coastal prickly pear, to the author, the robust colonies appear instead to consist mainly of the first two taxa cited above, with the cholla an occasional component.

Native Opuntia littoralis in aspect tends to be more diminutive in stature and prostrate in habit. Fairly unsullied 0. littoralis can be found on sandy riverine floodplains in interior Orange County and (formerly, at least) in the Chino Basin and Puddingstone Reservoir area north. The El Modeno volcanic flows support a elange of cacti which may still include persisting (possibly presettlement origin) colonies of uncontaminated O.littoralis, though impacted by fire and development. So called c.- occidentalis is believed to represent a series of hybrid crosses beteween 0. littoralis and introduced 0. ficus-indica, the cultivated Indian fig. These crosses (if- that is what they are) tend to exhibit rather diamond-shaped, large pads (joints) rather than the smaller oval pads of clean 0. littoralis. Spines are flattened rather than rounded in cross section; (this is a difficult character to inspect the field without getting stabbed). O.oricola, also quite abundant here, can grow in almost tree-like form as old specimens develop a definite trunk. Pads are orbicular and bear numerous spines and glochids (spiny fluff) at each of the many aureoles with which they are studded. The author visited cactus patches along roads and trails; patches hanging off the sides of cliffs were not ins~ectedat close ranae and mav contain undetected 0. 1ittoralis, though the combinatron of 0." ficus-indica swamping a?id the normal fire cycles would make longrterm persistence difficult. In cactus-dominated habitats onsite, other associated species include those characteristic of the related 10.3 rock outcrop habitat, California buckwheat, pine goldenbush (Ericameria pinifolia), lance-lea ved dudleya lanceolata), yellow pincushion flower (C- and others. as well as California encelia which is so characteristic of the allied ma ritime succulent scrub (2.2) melange of cacti and tender- leaved sh rub species in the nearby coastal influence. And as noted ea rlier, cactus scrub here is characteristically blended with coas tal mixed chaparral of lemonadeberry (Rhus- integrifolia) and laure1 sumac (Malosma laurin-a) While the importance of cactus scrub for the Federally proposed coastal cactus wren has received much publicity of late, the community hosts other characteristic denizens, including the orange-throated whiptail and other lizards, red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) and Pacific rattlesnake (C. viridis), desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida) and cactus mouse -(Peroyyscus eremicus). Cactus fruit are an important food for coyotes Canis latrans), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and numerous smaller mammals.

(3.0) Chaparral

Three kinds of chaparral cover are found in the study area. The most widespread is 3.1 Coastal Sage-Chaparral Scrub, which covers the bulk of the site's slopeland. This is a mosaic of coastal sage scrub and southern mixed chaparral cover which is too well blended to differentiate in mapping, though some analysts would simply assign it to the former community. On more mesic slopes, however, are extensive stands of dominant southern mixed chaparral, 3.2. And in a couple of tributaries of Laguna Canyon, this community shares cover with 3.7 scrub oak chaparral, itself then blending into 8.1 coast live oak woodland.

Chaparral (CH) is an "elfin forest" community of sclerophyllous, often thorny evergreen-leaved shrubs which are adapted to drought by water conservation and deep roots rather than the summer dor- mancy exhibited by coastal sage scrub or the water retention of cactus scrubs. CH is also fire adapted. Many species possess root-crown burls studded with normally dormant buds which issue new growth when the plant's superstructure is consumed by fire. Others typified by the Ceanothus genus are obligate seeders, pro- ducing abundant seed which germinates sometimes near-pure stands of ceanothus following a burn. (The deciduous-leaved woody shrub, - mesa bush mallow forms similar pure stands in black sage scrub after fire.)

Chaparral is an important community for wildlife, providing cover and food in the form of various edible berries and scrub oak acorns. Beneath the dense shrub canopy, there may be an understory of native grasses, delicate, trailing herbs and ferns, as well as dispersed colonies of poison oak. Sometimes in old stands, deep layers of leaf litter preclude understory growth but enrich the soil with a sponge of moist, black humus. In the humus and understory an invertebrate and vertebrate population may range from dusky-footed woodrats (Neotoma fuscipes) in haystack-like twig nests also hosting ectoparasite kissing bugs (Triatoma rotracta) to humus burrowing ringneck snakes (Diado his unctatus{me F salamanders (Batrachoseps spp.), an++ various in s of millepedes (Narceus spp.), predaceous ground beetle (Carabids), darkling ground beetles (Tenebrionids) and more minute kinds of insects. Scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens), California quail (Calli e la californica), wrentits (Chamaea fasciata), California T++t ras ers (Toxostoma redivi vum), yellow-rumped warblers (Dendroica coronata) and rufous-sided towhees (Pi ilo erythrophthalmus) are characteristic chaparral birds; severa these are low vagility, obligate resident species.

3.2 Southern Mixed Chaparral onsite is composed of lemonadeberry Rhus inte rifolia), often in pure stands, toyon (Heteromeles :mifs-xi can elderberry (Sambucus mexi cana) on mesic slopes and ravine draws, some laurel sumac (Malosma laurina) on dry, rocky slopes and holly-leaved redberry (Rhamnus ilicifolia) in very sheltered, mesic locales. Within the understory and openings in mesic chaparral stands here, one may encounter some of the following plants:

western wood fern (Dr o teris arguta) California polypody*urn ~alifornicum) poi son oak (Toxi codendron dlversi lobum)

wild cucumber (Marah macrocar us chaparral sweet-pea (Lath-+?T rus aetiflorus) common eucrypta (Eucr ta chrysanthemifolia) branching phacelia-rPye hacelia ramosissima) chaparral nightshade-m small-flowered melic gm(-Me

Local rarities occurring in limited relict populations in the very mesic chaparral of headwaters and tributaries of Mathis Canyon are southern disjunct hummingbird sage (Salvia spathaceae) and ocean spray (Holodiscus discolor), a montanejunct.

3.7 Scrub Oak Chaparral is represented here by a few stands of barberry-leaved scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia) within predominant southern mixed chaparral cover. A good example is in the south branch of the Castlerock Ravine tributary of Laguna Canyon. Engelmann oaks more or less hybridized with these scrub oaks are found in oak woodland at Big Bend, and canyons draining east into Laguna Canyon, as described by Marsh, G. and O'Brien, 1974. (4.0) Grasslands

Limited areas of grassland are found proximal to the ridge on the Laguna Canyon side, toward the north end on the DeWitt main and Wood Canyon lateral ridges and on the slope of the north fork of the south branch of Mathis Canyon. Grasslands in former cattle range are still mostly adventive in makeup; even fairly isolated patches within coastal sage scrub show, by presence of cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) and nonnative grasses the scars of the area's grazing era. However, while not plentiful, some locales of native grasses and herbs persist. The Mathis Canyon fork, for instance was a sea of golden buttercups (~anunculus-californicus), a native grassland wildflower in the s~rinaof 1992. Numerous bulb wildflowers can be seen in recovering native grassland on the west flank of the DeWitt ridge.

Grasslands, where sufficiently extensive support their own assemblages of invertebrate and vertebrate fauna species, the former including grasshoppers, crickets and other orthopterans and the latter such-reptiles as-the yellow-bellied racer . (Coluber constrictor mormon), song birds like Say's phoebe (Sa ornis saT western kim(T rannus verticalis), chipping sp* &la asserina), lark sparrow-7 Chondestes rammacus), a1 1 obserb bk(Sturnella neglecta) and horneea7- ark (Eremophila a1 es- -tris), not recorded here, numerous kinds of raptors, and mamma_er s such as the Audubon cottontail (S lvila us audubonii, plentiful on the floor of lower Wood Canyon), -5l?-b ac -ta~led hare (Lepus californicus) and California vole (Microtus californicus), the latter a favorite prey of the increasingly threatened black-shouldered kite (Elanus caeruleus), which nesti -onsite in 4.5 coast live oak- savannah.

The subtypes of grasslands occurring in the study area and/or adjacent portions of the regional park are these.

4.1 Annual Grassland, domin ated by adventive grass species such as slender and common wild oats (Avena barbata, A. fatua), ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), sof t chesshordaceus~, red brome (B. rubens) and foxtail barley (~ordeum-murinum ssp. leporinum), and adventive forbs such as summer mustardrassica eniculata), black mustard (E. ni ra), cardoon, f i 1aree-m ._ 'nespp. weed (Eremocarpus se ~gerus)and tarweeds (Hemlzon~a, etc.). -

Adventive grasslands became established in California with Euro- pean settlement and importation of cattle. Seed of competitive Eurasian species carried in fodder and ship ballast established a foothold in areas laid waste by overgrazing. Today the native community it replaced is believed to be reduced to less than 1/10 of 1% of its former extent (CNDDB; Jones and Stokes, 1987, Sliding Toward Extinction).

4.2 Elymus Grassland occurs near but not in the study area. It is the indigenous understory savannah within 7.4 southern sycamore riparian woodland in lower Wood Canyon, and is dominated by alkali or beardless wild rye (E. triticoides). Wildflowers such as species of Phacelia and related Pholistoma auratum (fiesta flower) add springtime color. During and just after the cattle grazing era in several of the County's riparian woodland-savannahs, alkali rye was replaced by swards of ripgut brome and bristly thickets of milk thistle (Silybum marianum). It is heartening to see the re- surgence of native grasses and the apparent self-limitiqg character of Silybum in areas like Arroyo Trabuco and Wood Canyon.

4.3 Southern Coastal Needlegrass Grassland is the indigenous prairie community of the cismontane and Great Valley areas of California south of the redwood belt. (Light-soi 1 flower fields dominated by native floweriferous herbs was and is still sparingly found on well-drained locales, the Antelope Valley of northern Los Angeles County a premiere example.)

Needlegrass grassland is best developed on moisture-retentive clay-rich soil, where it is typically replaced by wild oats and black mustard when disturbed. The untrammelled prairie is dominated by purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra); related foothill needlegrass (S. le ida) tends to dominate the small grassy openings in co~stahescrub which are maintained by deer, rabbits, etc. San Diego bent (Agrostis diegoensis) flourishes in small openings on stony or sandy ground. Native and non-native annual grasses may be found in interstices in between the clumps of perennial species; typical species are foxtail fescue (Vulpia m uros hirsuta), nitgrass (Gastridium ventricosum) and soft chess. -57Wi df owers of the native prairie onsite include the following: sharp-toothed sanicle (Sanicula ar uta) Pacific sanicle (S. crassicaulis?- woodland agoseris-(Agoseris hetero h lla) big gumplant (Grindelia robusta-+- smooth cat's ear (H ochoeris glabra) microseris (Microseris---r SDD. ,. . hi1lside he dge nettle (Stach s ri ida ssp. quercetorum) California buttercup (Ranuncu++ us ca i orn -icus) golden stars (Bloomeria croceal wild hyacin blue-eyed g lilac marip -s) amole lily

4.4 Deergrass Grassland exists in a small colony along the intermittent stream in the north branch of Mathis Canyon, within 4.5 coast live oak savannah. Principal plants are deergrass (Muhlen- ber ia rigens) and clustered field sedge (Carex praegram &t is partially shaded and intermittently moist. We1 1 developed deergrass grassland is rare in the County's foothills but extensive within the limited areas of undisturbed, spring-fed mountain meadows in the Santa Ana range.

4.5 Coast Live Oak-Savannah is a habitat of scattered oak trees with a grass/herb understory -or canyon bottom "potreros" of grassland at the edge of oak woodlands. Disturbed savannahs are dominated by ripgut brome and often, thickets of Italian thistle (Carduus ycnocephalus). Gopher holes are characteri stical ly marked by thite patches of doveweed. But as these mesic, partially shaded grasslands recover, as they are doing in both branches of Mathis Canyon, native grasses and wildflowers colonize. Some of the site's most beautiful wildflower displays can be seen in these sheltered savannahs.

Native savannah grasses include California brome (Bromus carinatus), Stipa species and small-flowered me1 ic (Melica imper'm The beautiful wildflower display in spring is made up of these species.

Pacific sanicle (Sanicula crassicaulis) California milkweede ias californicus) fringed Indian pink ( m-5-1 ene aciniata) dove lupine (Lu inus bicolor- Carolina geranium-e-yP;- eranlum carolinianum) mustang mint (Monardella lanceolata) hillside hedge nettle (Stachys ri ida ssp. quercetorum) winecup clarkia (Clarkia ur urea-f California butterrnnuncu-r us californicus) golden stars (Bloomeria crocea) wild hyacinth (Dichelostemma ulchellum) blue-eyed grass (SisyrinchiumPm The most mesic areas at streamside in these savannahs contains 4.4 deergrass grassland of deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens), clustered field sedge (Carex praegracilis) and sometimes basket rush (Juncus textilis).

As summer progresses, flower color in the woodland-savannahs is provided by California goldenrod (Solidago californica) and the aster-like flax-leaved fleabane (Erigeron foliosus). Fountain-like clusters of western wood fern add beauty to the now yellowed back- drop of savannah grasses at the forest edge.

4.6 Ruderal habitats are found in highly disturbed locales such as along road edges, areas proximal to equestrian stables and firebreaks and fallow land which has been disked. A variety of weeds occupy these primary-succession sites. As time passes, these will be replaced by annual grassland unless the site is wet and can support riparian or marsh species. The annual grassland itself will eventually be replaced by the climax community best suited to the site's exposure and substrate. This presumes, of course, that disturbance is not repeated, a rare event in this region.

- Common weeds in the study area (besides those species characteristic in the annual grassland community) include these: forbs prostrate pigweed (Amaranthus blitoides) fenne 1 \ . - - .. . - - . - .. . . - . - . dog may weed (Anthemis cot&) Aust ralian brass butto~tulaaustralis) telegra ph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora) pineaP P le weed (Matricaria matricarioides) commIon sow-thistle (~onchusoleraceus) tall st dandeli on spinY c lotbur wart -cr ess swee ta1 ys jointed ch arlock [Ra~hanusra~hanistrum) wild radish (R. sitivus) 1amb nett Russ spot blac bur ye1 1 whit chee ye1 1 knot purs scar shar thor dwar

Certain adventive annual grass species are also best classified as weeds rather than components of a matured annual grassland; (they may be common in primary succession grassland.) These include onsite:

foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum) Italian rye (Lolium multiflorum) littleseed canary grass (Phalaris minor) Arabian grass (Schismus barbatus, aonizer of xeric barrens)

(5.0) Vernal Pools, Seeps and Wet Meadows

These are the most tenuous of wetlands, but are often unique, fas- cinating habitats, rare and vulnerable to impact.

5.1 Vernal Pools are represented onsite by a well-developed but cattle-degraded pool on the Mathis grade, and some large roadside puddles on a 10.1 xeric barrens atop a knoll along the backbone ridge between Laguna and Mathis Canyon. Both pool areas are on Myford sandy loam, as noted earlier.

The Mathis grade pool is dominated by weedy growth of curly dock (Rumex crispus). The knoll pools have a more interesting assemblage of margin species, including polycarps (Polycarpon spp.), sand spurrys (Spergularia spp.), common calyptridium (Calyptridium rnonandrum) and toad rush (Juncus bufonius). Other plants associated with vernal pools here are these.

western r agweed (Ambrosia silostach a) weedy cud weed (Gna halium --+luteo-album grass poly (L thrum-77- sso ifolia scarlet pimp'~A~~nsis) toadf 1ax (Linaria canadensi s) Mexican r umcusmexicanus) Bermuda grass qCynodon dactylon)

Both pool areas were observed in late spring, in a state of desic- cation, so their fauna was not inventoried. Characteristic vernal pool animals found in the region include fairy shrimp (Anostraca), ostracods and other zooplankton, and the western spadefoot (Sca hio us hammondi), being considered for emergency listing by FeWildlife Service. Vernal pool habitats are rare in Orange County today, though they were once plentiful on the "Costa Mesa", now developed as Newport Heights, the city of Costa Mesa and southeast Santa Ana. Some of the largest pools persisted into the mid 20th century, as near the old Holly sugar refinery west of the Newport (now Costa Mesa) Freeway. They were the springtime locales of loudly chorusing treefrogs (Hyla re illa) and considered a nuisance by the local farmers. Recentf- y, biological surveys for freeways, housing projects and regional parks GDPs have revealed the presence of previously unknown pools, as at the old Saddleback Motorcycle Park east of Santiago Canyon Road, the old Whiting Ranch north of El Toro Road, the Horno Creek area of Rancho Mission Viejo and the Ramakrishna Monastery area of O'Neill Park. The Whiting Ranch pools were subsequently graded for development; the Saddleback Motorcycle Park pools were found to contain a population of Riverside faiFy shrimp (~treptocephaluswoottoni), for which Federal listing is pending at this time. The monastery pools lie in public and private open space; however, the largest have been severely impacted by cattle trespassing into the regional park back country. The Horno Creek pool, probably of artificial origin, or at least enhancement as a seasonal cattle watering pond, and other pools on Rancho Mission Viejo are safe in the short term because of the temporary downturn in the housing market. The only other extant pool area in Laguna Beach is on the high ridge between Hobo and Aliso Canyon, as described in the South Laguna BRI. The Binion ridge in adjacent Laguna Niguel contains some locales of remnant pooling near Badlands Park; this area is slated for development. A well-developed pool site in Dana Point containing spadefoot toads was lost to residential construction several years ago.

Therefore, although remnant and degraded, the vernal pools in the study area warrant protection and, in the case of the Mathis Grade pool, enhancement and weed control as part of a management plan for this part of the Greenbelt. A disturbed 5.2 Alkali Meadow is found on the lower floor of El Toro Canyon within the regional park immediately adjacent to the study area. Dominated -by Harding grass (Phalaris aquatica) admixed with ryegrass (Lolium) and cat-tails ('=this meadow is a key dispersion corrminkaqe between open spaces east and west; is designated in the ~lis6and Wood canyon ~e~ionalPark GDP as the locale for a park "revenue generator" and equestrian staging area within the "El Toro Gateway".

Alkali meadowland is also found about the periphery of the 6.3 cismontane alkali marsh, Mallard Marsh, on the floor of lower Wood Canyon within the regional park east of the study area. 5.3 Freshwater Seeps are found at the contact of the Quaternary marine terrace and underlying Tertiary Topanga sandstone east of the high knoll at the extreme southern edge of the study area. The largest of these forms a potrero of marshland within the blan- ket of coastal sage scrub which mantles the area. This potrero is important habitat for mule deer and numbers of smaller mammals, some of which have chewed nest burrows in wiry tufts of rushes here. "The vernal marsh is edged by a cluster of arroyo willows (Salix lasiolepis) flanked by chaparral shrubs, and a large room- sized opening covered with clustered field sedge (Carex rae raci- lis), through which emerge a few prickly sow thmsPh and western ragweeds (Ambrosia silostach a). Large tufts %%!ican rush with animal tunnels benea%r-% qrow a out the edge of the sedge meadow. Other plants of the moist-area are toad -rush (Juncus bufonius), saltgrass (Distichlis s icata), giant rye (Elcondensatus) and a substantial stan*wrinkled rush (+- uncus rugulosus). This area contains a lot of mule deer sign, including fresh droppings.

There are other smaller marshy areas on the same slope, associated with sandstone outcrops. These are marked by tufts of Mexican rush" (Marsh, 1989 -in Keith Co.'s, 1989). (7.0) Riparian Habitats

7.1 Riparian Herb vegetation is found along the lower reach of Laguna Creek in front of the GTE Dog Park. The creek has been straightened here as it flows into the hard-lined flood control channel. The riparian herb association is an early succession sere found either in periodically managed earthern-surfaced flood control channels or along new river sandbars and shores previously stripped by flooding. Sun-loving hydrophyte herbs and grasses dominate these open areas, which are often colorful flower gardens of white, yellow and pink hues. Within the association onsite are the following herbs, rushes, sedges and grasses.

celery (Apium graveolens) cut-leaved water parsnip (Berula erecta) common watercress (~asturtmf-e) common pla willow sma curly dock willow doc ye1 low mon tall umbre California lesser duc water bent rescue gra Johnson gr rabbit's-f narrow-lea tall cat-t Although the riparian herb association provides only limited cover, the water source it edges and sometimes floats upon is important for all kinds of wildlife. Frequently seen are such common wetland birds as black phoebes (Sayornis swallows (Hirundo pyrrhonota) and Brewer's c anoce ha'r~fcat-tail - bulrush cover is extensive these will be joined by red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius hoeniceus), marsh wrens (Cistothorus palustris) and ye1 low-th?-thlypis trichas). A ye1 low-throat was observed onsite in the unlikely habitat of a Pampas grass (Cortaderia -selloana) thicket at the back of the GTE dog park.

Among mammals frequenting the herb-lined channels, perhaps none is more characteristic than the raccoon (Procyon lotor), who searches for crayfish (Procambarus) and other wetland invertebrates.

he next step up riparian habitat succession is 7.3 Mulefat Scrub, ere admixed with the subsequent sere of 7.2 Southern Willow crub. In locales where water supply is limited, this brushy wetland will serve as the climax community. However, along Laguna creek itself, water is sufficiently ample to support the development of riparian forestland. The brush community, alternatively called scrub-shrub wetland, a Federal designation (Cowardin, 1979) is found in more recent1.y disturbed portions of Lasuna Creek (grading upstream into 7.6/7,7 Southern ~i'llowForest), ?n some of the tributary ravines, and east of the study area in lower Wood Canyon and -the lower reach of the north branch of Mathis Canyon, where it is extensive.

A related association transitional between scrub-shrub wetland and coastal sage scrub is so-called bajada scrub (not numerically designated in the Orange County GIs), here represented by large monocultural stands of coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) on flanks of the DeWitt ridge. (In large scale mapping accompanying _ this report, these are mapped as 7.3 because of the lack of a GIS number for bajada scrub.)

Another related association is dominated by the introduced Pampas grass, as at the rear of the dog park, where hillside seepage and irrigation runoff nourishes several species of scrub-shrub wetland plants. Pampas grass is an especially obnoxious invader in moist alkaline sandy ground near the coast, as at Back Bay and Sunset Aquatic Park. Inland, on moist sandy ground along streams and rivers, giant reed or king cane (Arundo donax) is a pestiferous invader which gives action-oriented flood control personnel equipped with Rodeo sprayers plenty to manage. There is an area of cane infestation on the east bank of Laguna Creek within the DeWitt panhandle. To see what cane can do to riparian habitat, visit the bank of the Santa Ana River in western Riverside and eastern Orange County. Dense, monotypic stands are of little use to wildlife, exclude other kinds of vegetation and contribute to flood hazard. The species efficiently disperses via fragmentation during floods and quickly colonizes abraided bars and shore- line, thereafter.

Other adventive and native components of scrub-shrub wetland, combining 7.2 and 7.3 are these. Adventives are starred. mu1 efat (Baccharis salicifolia) - domin ant arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) - domi nant *poi son hemlock (Conium maculatum) western ragweed (Ambrosia silostach a) mugwort (Artemisia douglasii?-- tall horseweed (Conyza canadensis) *weedy cudweed (Gna halium luteo-album) coastal goldenbush-r- Isocoma veneta ssp. vernonioi des, glabrous form) - Smtransition *bristly ox -to ngue (Picris echioides) *milk thist1 e (Si lybum mari anum) *prickly so wthistle (Sonchus asper) *common COC klebur (Xanthium strumarium) Mexican el *castor bea *white swee *hairy senn caterpilla *curly dock j imson wee *tree tobac Mexican ru *water bent giant rye *Dallis gra *rabbit1 s-f

The Orange County GIs describes the willow and mulefat scrub's important attributes for wildlife as "Insects and dense cover for breeding birds, surface water for amphibians, movement corridors for mammals1' (Gray and Bramlet, 1991). They also function as edges and extensions of vital canyon floor forest habitats, increasing these key environments for wildlife species. Sensitive avifauna of the scrublands seen in the Regional Park and/or El Toro Canyon (but not onsite) are yellow warbler (Demdroica etechia), yellow- breasted-. chat (Ictera virens) and blue grosbeakf- Guiraca caeru- -lea). 7.4 Southern Sycamore Riparian Woodland is found at two locales onsite, lower "Dump Ravine" and "Water Tank Ravine", and two larger groves close to the study area, in the lower south branch of Mathis Canyon and in the mid-section of Wood Canyon. The Calif- ornia sycamore (Platanus racemosa) is the dominant tree. Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) is a characteristic shrub which in marginal locales occurs without the sycamore overstory. Thickets of wild roses (Rosa- californica) and sometimes, poison oak (Toxi- codendron diversilobum), and th'e 4.2 savannah understory described earlier are typical, though some more dense sycamore groves have a leaf litter floor or one that is mesic and full of understory growth (as at the "Swamp Forest" in Arroyo Trabuco). The moist extensive example of the community in southern California is, according to Eric Jessen of HBP located within that drainage, now the Arroyo Trabuco Wilderness within O'Neill Regional Park. One of the goals of Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park's ACWHEA (Aliso Creek Wildlife Enhancement Project) revegetation plan is to bring back the sycamore woodland community in the lower Aliso Creek valley.

The California sycamore is a regular apartment house for cavity- nesting birds ranging from kestrels (Falco s arverius) and barn owls (Tyto alba) to primary excavators suchs-%--" t e Nuttall's wood- peeker (~icoidesnuttallii) and common flicker (Colaptes auratus) and secondary opportunist songbirds including ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens), house wren [Troglodytes aedon), plain titmouse (Parus inornatus) and the aggressive 'ntroduced starling (Sturnus Gris). Mistletoe (Phoradendron tomentosum) berries are eaten by phainopeplas (Phaino e la nitens), who assist in spreading the parasite from tree7-5- o tree moadcanopy of the sycamore and the grassy savannah below combine to make an attractive nestina and foraaina habitat for ra~torssuch as red- tailed hawk (~uteo-jamaicensii),-red-shouldered hawk (B. lineatus) and Cooper's hawk (Accipiter striatus). The wood1af;ds of both Wood and Mathis Canvon are identified bv Sweetwater. 1992 as important raptor nesting grounds warranting ciosure during their breeding season.

7.5 Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest occurs on canyon floors onsite, but is discussed and mapped with 8.1/9.1 Coast Live Oak Woodland/Forest.

7.617.7 Southern Willow Forest is extensive along the upper reach of Laauna Creek onsite. as it Dasses throuah the eauestrian facility and adjoining ~e~ittpanhandle. The forest has 'been maintained through periodic floods by subsequent plantings of willow slips by stable personnel. Though possessed of a weedy understory, the forest is lush and picturesque, and provides valuable habitat for amphibians, a variety of avifauna including herons and egrets, and - several kinds of mammals.

The dominant trees in this riparian gallery forest are red willow (Salix laeviqata) and arroyo willow (2. lasiolepis). Within the understory are mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) and elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) bushes, tangles of wild blackberry (Rubus ursinus)and festoons of exotic German ivy (Seneci o m-i kani oides) and Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis). Ornamental garden flowers such as nasturtiums(Tropaeo1um majus) are established in the understory. A variety of weedy species are here also. The additional willow forest herbs, sedges and grasses inventoried here are these: celery (Apium giaveolens) poison hemlock Conium maculatum) mugwort (Artemisia douglasii) milk thistle (Si 1- bum mari anum) prickly' sow t histle-7 Sonchus asper) common cockle bur (Xanthium strumarium) corrlmon waterc ress (Nasturtium officinale) Mexi can tea ( Chenopodium ambrosioi des) nettle- leaved goosefoot (C. murale caterpi llar phacelia (~haFeliacicitaria) common plantain (Plantago major) curly dock (Rumex cris us) scarlet pimpernel -d- Ana allis arvensis) white nightshade (Solanum amem creek nettle (Urtica dioca) tall umbre 1lassedge (cyperus era rostis.I water bent -9-71latus Indian ric miliacea) rabbit's-f oot grass (Polypogon mons eliensis) Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense7- The fauna of the forested wetland in Laguna Canyon includes both indigenous natives and introduced exotics. Local residents reported many of the cited wildlife species to the author. crayf is h (Procambarus sp.) goldfish (Carassius auratus) Pacific treefrog (H la re illa) bul lfrog (Rana cates++ eiana red-ear ed s~lider(Pseudoem s scri ta elegans) gopher snake (Pituo-jX---k+!- is me ano eucus) (The common kingsnake, Lampropeltis 9etulus is expected but not r eported) southern P acific rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis he1leri great blue heron (Ardea herodir great egret (~asmerodiusm ma1 1ard du Coop eras h red- tailed j ung le fow mour ning d parakeet speciemly Psittacidae) barn owl (T to alba) ye1 1ow-be1 l--ied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) Nuttall's woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii) (the downy woodpecker, -P. pubescens was also reported the past) 3 2 black phoebe (Sayornis ni ricans) ash-th roated flycatcher* bl iarchus cinerasce lji 1son 'S warb ler (Wi lsonia pusi lla) rufous-sided towhee0erythropthalmus) California towhee (Pipilo fuscus) song sparrow (Melos iza melodia) Lincolnls spar&iiFZZ)- white- crowned sparrow '(Zonotrichia leuco hr s) red-wi nged blackbird (Agelaius hoeniceus+ Brewer 's blackbird (Euphagus c e_7_anoce ha us) northern oriole (Icterus jalbula+ lesser goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria) opossum (Didelphis Beechey , ground- - -~ beecheyi) coyote (Canis latrans) raccoon (Proc on lotor) striped skunk--? ~eDhitisme~hitis) bobcat (Lynx rufus) and until recently: gray fox (Uroc on cinereoargenteus) rriountain lion*- Felis oncolor) mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

Observers report a drastic decrease of deer, foxes and bobcat and the disappearance of mountain lions in the last five years, a period of encroaching urbanization from inland coupled with a marked increase in traffic on Laguna Canyon Road. Nevertheless, the length of this list is an indication of the unusual value of Laguna Canyon's forested wetland.

(8.1) Coast Live Oak Woodland (including 7.5 Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest and 9.1 Coast Live Oak Forest)

These three associations are each dominated by coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). According to the Orange County G.I.S., "7.5" is a multi-layered forest located in medium to large intermittent drainages, usually in narrower ravines. The understory incorporates riparian and chaparral as well as obligate oak woodland shrubs, herbs and grasses. Probably, to be entirely accurate, the bulk of the oak-forested cover onsite should be placed in 7.5, since it does characteristically occupy the canyons. However, the author questions the GIs and other similar works which artifically split up the live oak woodland community according to where it is growing, and prefers to designate just a single entity dominated by this tree. (There is, however, a legal advantage to splitting 7.5 canyon-bottom woodlands into their own category as habitats within the "waters of the United States" and thus under the protection of the Army Corps of Engineers/EPA Clean Water Act Section 404 review process.) 8.1 is, according to the G.I.S., an open - woodland with what appears to be a partially open, partially closed savannah understory as well as a multi-layered shrub second canopy, growing on moderate slopes.

9.1 is similar to 8.1 but with a closed or semi-closed canopy. It is characterized as growing on moist north-facing slopes. In habitat mapping, the author chose to map very extensive areas of oak cover as in upper Wood Canyon and the north-facing slopes of Mathis Canyon as forest rather than woodland habitats. To the author, the separation of woodland and forest should be based on extent as well as density of tree cover. Forests function as reservoirs for obligate forest fauna, while woodlands are habitats for wildlife of ecotonal areas (those which exploit neighboring habitats but breed and rest within the trees), as well. The gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus, not resident here) and acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorous) are examples of the former; black- shouldered kites (Elanus caeruleus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), the latter.

Coast live oak woodlands and forests are found onsite in Mathis Canyon, where they are well developed, extensive and very scenic, in those tributaries of Wood Canyon north of Mathis which extend into the study area, and in the lower reaches of Laguna Canyon tributaries, becoming more extensive toward the ocean where, finally, at Big Bend, the intervening slopes between tributary mouthes contain continuous tree cover. For wildlife and scenic value, the study area's oak woodlands are its most significant resource.

Oak woodlands and forests are multistoried habitats. Coast live oak forms a broken to near-closed canopy. Beneath is a scattered to sometimes dense tall shrub layer of toyon, barberry-leaved scrub oak, lemonadeberry, holly-leaved redberry and other species. A lower shrub layer is usually dominated by poison oak but in some locales, this is replaced by the beautiful, delicately branched forest obligate, snowberry (Symphicarpos mollis). In canyon bottoms, thickets of giant rye or wild blackbery largely replace these knee-high shrubs. Clambering through the understory are vines and vine-like vegetation, of wild cucumber, chaparral honeysuckle, climbing penstemon (Keckiella cordifolia) with its bril- l iant scarlet blossoms, and the occasional ly arboreal tendri 1s of poison oak. In patchy openings are savannah grasslands with colorful wildflowers (see Association 4.5 above).

The forest floor may contain in areas of closed canopy, orlly a thick layer of decaying leaves, ultimately breaking down into rich, black humus, fragrant and musty when moistened by rain. Where a little light reaches the floor, delicate woodland herbs and ferns may thrive. Some of the former are miner's lettuce (Cla tonia perfoliata), common chickweed (Stellaria media), goosegrass-7- Galium aparine) and sticky cinqfoil (Potentilla glandul- -osa). The latter are some of the forest's most beautiful features. Mathis Canyon's south branch hosts reqionally rare silverback (pityrogramma trian ularis var. viscoia) as-we1 1 as maidenhair (Adi antum .ordi*(Pel laea andromedaefolia) , western wood and polypody"r Polypodium californicum) ferns. At the base of the Big Bend cliffs in Laguna Canyon, regionally disjunct western bracken ferns (Pteridium aquilinum) grow within an understory of coast live oaks and rare Engelmann (Q. engelmannii) oaks. Oak woodlands and forests are replete with habitat niches, within tree and understory canopy layers, beneath bark, on and in the forest floor. For many of its wildlife, the base of the animal foodchain is a great "mast" of insects and insect larvae. Some of the more common and obvious insects of oaks in the region are the often detrimental California whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), oak twig other buprestid beetles, drywood and chalcid wasps whose larvae live within tumor-like galls induced by chemicals they secrete. "Virtually every part of an oak is food to one or more species of insect. The number of insects in the food web of a large tree during one year may range into the millions" (Pavlik, et.al., 1991). Feastinq on this bonanza are arboreal salamanders (~neides -s), black -be1 1i ed slender salamanders (Batrachose s nigriventris , a1 ligator 1izards (Elegaria multi- carinata+ ringnecked snakes , Hutton 's vireos (Vireo huttoni), warbling vireos (1. jilvus) , Townsen d's wa rblers- - mroicatown- sendi), black-throated gray warblers (D. ni rescens), orange- crowned warblers (Vermivor- a celata) , plain T&F inornatus), ruby-crowne d kinglets (Regu lus.- calen dula), bushtits (Psal- triparus minimus) Nuttall 'S WOO~Deckers , rufous-sided towhees, hermit thrushes i~atharus guttatus.I, brown creepers (~erthia americana), white-breasted nuthatches (5i tta carolinens- several kinds of b ats, some of which roost in hollow trees. A second significant source of food is provided by a mast of acorns in the fall; the amount of these varies from year to year, contributing to population fluctuations within dependent species. Some of these are filbert weevils (Curculio spp.), birds such as band-tailed pigeon (Columba fasciata), acorn woodpecker (Melaner- pes formicivorus) and scrub jay and mammals like the western gray squirrel of the Santa Ana Mountains, the dusky-footed woodrat, Botta pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae) and mule deer. The latter is heavily dependent on acorn mast in the fall, when twig,- grass- and herb browse is dry and of little nutritional value. In our area, scrub jays play an important role in the dispersal of acorns from mother trees. "A scrub jay may bury as many as 5,000 acorns in one season but will relocate and consume only one-third to a half of this bounty" (ibid). On the negative side, pocket gophers are notorious consumers of young, tender oak seedlings. However, in the study area, the removal of cattle is coupled with significant seedling and sapling growth observed up in the branches of Mathis Canyon.

A third food resource in oak woodland are its herbivores. Those of adjacent savannahs and chaparral such as species of Microtus, Peromyscus and Perognathus are additional bounty for non-obligate predators. Tree canopies and hollows provide shelter for nests and dens. Carnivores of oak woodlands and forests include reptiles, raptors and several mammals. Some characteristic reptiles are California kingsnake, gopher snake, striped racer (Masticophis lateralis, which ranges into mesic chaparral) and southern Pacific rattlesnake which can be found in the cool shade near creeks in the heat of summer. The red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) also once commonly ranged through woodland, brushland and outcrop habitats in these hills, but is now rare here.

Raptors which nest or forage in oak woodlands are black-shouldered kites, red-shouldered hawks, Cooper's hawks, winter-resident sharp-shinned hawks (~ccipiter striatus) and great horned owls * (Bubo vir inianus) and western screech owl-s (Otus kennicottii, not vmi'hCarnivorous and omnivorous mammals which range through oak woodlands and surrounding habitats onsite include coyotes, bobcats and perhaps a few gray foxes and still an occasional mountain lion, and striped skunks and raccoons.

Because oak woodlands and forests are so valuable for wildlife, recreational pressure on these can be detrimental far in excess of the area impacted. Protective managment of woodlands and forest should be a priority concern within the regional wilderness park of which the study area is a part.

(10.0) Cliff and Rock Habitats

The last two communities described are the study area's most valuable wildlife habitats. The ones characterized in this section are, in the author's opinion the most interesting, unique and limiting of the site's environments.

Of all the G.I.S. designations, "10.1 Xeric Cliff Faces" most in- adequately describes the subject habitat. The County and site have several different kinds of xeric habitats which are not acknowledged within the 10.1 designation. This report and others prepared by the author expands the 10.1 designation to include the following unique xeric habitats.

a Uplifted marine terrace sandy barrens on hilltops overlooking the ocean.

a Ridge crest barrens, typically sandy (or gravelly), sometimes associated with vernal pools. Many of these barrens develop as sandstone or conglomerate bedrock weathers in place yielding pockets of sandy to gravelly soil. These are found in mountainous and hilly country throughout the county.

a Natural clay barrens on steep slopes within rock formations like the south county's Monterey formation.

a Xeric (south-facing) cliff faces, per se.

The flora and fauna of each of these habitats is distinct. On the cliff faces are rupicoles like the chalk lettuce (Dudleya ulver ulenta), Rafinesquia and Malacothrix. Clay barrens typlcalf-+ y sup - port a sparse growth of alkali-tolerant Atriplex species. Marine terraces support coastal sage scrub and an assemblage of psammo- phytes, with the sand plants in the xeric openings, where there may also be vernal pools. Ridge-top barrens are often the sites of lavish wildflower displays and are refugia for so-called fire follower herbs, at least those species who flourish in response to sun alone rather than sun following conflagration.

Onsite, there are hillside outcrop zones which are sufficiently extensive to be called xeric cliff faces. These exposures are not continuous but are broken up by fissuring, creating habitat for chaparral and cacti. Most of these exposures are on south-facing slopes of Mathis and other Wood Canyon tributaries, and in site mapping they are identified as 2.4 southern cactus scrub or 2.4/ 3.1 cactus/chaparral associations rather than 10.1 xeric cliffs. As noted earlier, these exposures are important habitats for the coastal cactus wren. Difficult to access, they are likely also good habitats for a variety of reptiles, including western fence iizard (Sceloparus occidentalis), western whiptail (Cnemido horus tigris), orange-throated whiptail (C. hyperythr* southern Pacific rattlesnake and other serpents.

Marine terrace habitat extends onto the southern edge of the study area from the Temple Hill ridge east. Windswept sandstone knobs and exposures can be seen at the end of Alta Laguna and beyond on the high, bare knoll at the southwest terminus of the Temple Hill ridge. A xeric barrens restoration project is underway here, using rupicoles like lance-leaved (Dudle a lanceolata) and many-stemmed dudleya (D. multicaulis), and -2-wish one mirabilis laevis), and psamkophytes such as southern suncups (Camissonia bistorta), croton (Croton californicus), white forgetmenot (Cr tantha intermedia), western-(~ichondra occidental*local ly indigenous woolly California goldenbush (Isocoma veneta var. vernonioides x oxyphyllus) and sandmat (Cardionema ramosissimum), the last an exem~larvand indicative com~onentof this association. As noted earlier, within marine teriaces, xeric and hydric habitats are often in juxaposition, as demonstrated about the outcrops secreted in coastal sage scrub just east of the knoll, where vernal seeps marked by tufts of Mexican rush issue from beneath bare rocks edged by low growth of herbs and grasses.

Two areas were found onsite which would be classifiable as sandy barrens not associated with decay of Quaternary marine terraceland. One has developed in response to grading for construction of the lower water reservoir on the DeWitt land block, and extends downslope from this tank. This artificial barren has regrown in patchy coastal sage scrub (California buckwheat does well in such environments), but still supports plants of sandy and gravelly barrens such as Orange County Turkish rugging (Chorizanthe staticoides ssp. chrysacantha). The other barrens looks more natural, and is located on a hilltop on the Laguna-Wood Canyon divide ridge within the Myford soil formation and in association with vernal pooling. A variety of interesting plants grow here, including glandular cudweed aster (Corethrogyne fila inifolia), fluffweeds - (Filago spp.), everlasting nest straw +St locline na halioides), peppergrasses (Lepidium spp. ), polycarpshomnd spurrys (S er ularia and Spergula spp.), pigmy stonecrop (Crassula connata), +--astarriea (Chorizanthe coriacea) and ~alifornm mlantagoerecta). Additional barrens plants are found in smaller openings associated with eroded outcrops; see plant species list for a complete inventory of the varied taxa of these interesting, limiting habitats. Forty four species have been inventoried onsite which grow in xeric, well-drained (and sometimes poorly drained) sites about ridgecrests and weathered outcrops.

The fauna of these areas is shared with that of 10.3 rock outcrops, discussed in that section as well as above, and with 2.4 cactus scrub. Fauna unique to loose sand habitats known or potentially occurring onsite are the rain beetles (Plecoma), etc.), velvet ants (Das mutilla spp.), the silvery legless lizard (Annie1la ulchmegohorned 1izard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvilleifme-blotched lizard (Uta- stansburiana), agile kangaroo rat (Di odom s agilia), Pacific pocket mouse (Pero nathus longimembris pacificus* and San Diego pocket mouse (P. ---r-fallax As befits these limiting kinds of habitats, xeric outcrops and barrens are refugia for a number of sensitive plant and animal species. Among the former onsite are Orange County Turkish rugging, many-stemmed dudleya, western dichondra (introduced), rosinweed (Calycadenia tenella) and foothill mariposa (Calochortus weedii var. intermidiusmng the latter potential or known onsite are the rain beetle, legless lizard, horned lizard, orange- throated whiptail, western whiptail, cactus wren and both species of pocket mouse cited; (the whiptails and wren are confirmed here).

10.2 Mesic Cliff Faces gird the Big Bend of Laguna Canyon and the Bonn drive tributary of Mathis Canyon. Both are habitats of the state-threat ened endemic rupicole, ~a~unaBeach dudleya (Dudleya stolonifera) . These shaded, near vertical exposures are again, limiting- env ironments, but well suited for species adapted to them. These include a variety of lichens, several of which are rare, and mosses, ferns, club or spike mosses, delicate wildflowers and native grasses. Smaller, shaded cliffs and outcrops edging tributaries of Laguna Canyon (especially in the vicinity of the Bend) are verdant, mossy and flowery in spring. Cascades of polypody fern, emerald-green spike moss (Sela inella bigelovii) mats and lance-leaved dudleya (Dudleya lanceolata+ rosettes, and drifts of lavender-pink punchbowl clarkia (Clarkia deflexa) bedeck these sheltered microhabitats. In Laquna Canyon, outcrops (10.3) which are shaded and mesic are edged with lemon yellow patches of rare many-stemmed dudleya; the east canyon slope in the study area is a significant locale for this diminutive species.

The high cliffs are also nesting habitat for hawks, owls, ravens (Corvus corax) and perhaps turkey vultures (Cathartes -aura). Eagles once nested in similar cliffs at the Aliso Canyon Gorge, and might have maintained sites at Big Bend as well. The author relocated by accident, the Mathis Canyon population of Laguna Beach dudleya recently discovered by Sweetwater Consultants, after fruitlessly searching for it along the main stem of the south branch. From the opposite ridge, a Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperi) on nest in a small tree in the Bonn Drive tributary had caught her eye. Upon examination with 10X high-resolution binoculars, just above the nest site on a shaded, somewhat overhanging cliff were the characteristic branchy inflorescences of thousands of Laguna Beach dudleyas. It was a matter of being in the right place at the peak of flowering; earlier binocular examinations of the secluded, rugged cliff had revealed nothing; (the small basal rosettes are difficult to see from far away).

In addition to kinds mentioned above, mesic cliff faces and shaded outcrops onsite host the following flora:

goldenback fern (Pit ro ramma triangularis) California toothwort* Cardamine californica) fringed Indian pink (Si lene laciniata) pigmy stonecrop (Crassula connata branching phacelim'lia ramo!issima) granny's hai rnet (Pterostegi a dr marioi des) miner's lettuce (Cla tonia erfoliata+ Nuttall's bedstrae mesa saxifrage California bee californica) San Diego

Other fauna of the mesic cliffs include Batrachoseps slender salamanders, which nestle beneath tufts of rivulet-watered mosses and ferns, swal lows (Hiruninidae) and swifts (~podidae), and that most ethereal of birds, the canyon wren (Catherpes mexicanus), whose haunting song echoes from these heights in Big Bend and both branches of Mathis Canyon.

10.3 Rock Outcrops are exposed in a series of linear bands along the steep upper slope of Laguna Canyon. They support 2.4 cactus scrub, 10.2 mesic cliff face flora and in "typical" settings, their own characteristic plants. Perhaps the most indicative are pine goldenbush (Ericameria pinifolia) and red bush monkeyflower (Mimulus puniceus, which here freely hybridizes with buff-yellow -M. aurantiacus, creating a range of flower color from salmon through orange and red). 2.4 cactus scrub and 3.1 chaparral community representatives (especially lemonadebery) are almost always resent as well. 2.3.1 California buckwheat is ~lentiful. Nuttall 's bedstraw, chaparral bedstraw (Galium an ustifo'lium) and lance-leaved dudleya are common; California bricke lbush Brickel- lia californica) occasional. Other kinds of* plants found about - outcrops include these:

bird's foot fern (Pellaca mucronata) Bigelow spike moss(Selaginel1a bigelovii)

bicolored cudweed-.- -- (Gna~haliumbicolor) whi te-everlasting (G. -kicrocephalumf' white forgetmenot (rryptantha intermedia) golondrina (Chamaes ce polycarpa) San Diego hosackia+- Lotus hamatus) Parry phacelia (Phacelia pm' wishbone bush (Mirabi lis californica) Kelloggls snapdragon (Antirrhinum lilac mariposa lily (Calochortus amole lily (Chloro alum omeridianum goldentop grdk- littleseed muhly grss (Muhlenber ia microsperma) crested stipa (Stipa coronata+ Rock outcrops share with 10.1 xeric cliff faces a variety of fauna fond of sunning on the smooth exposures and retreating to nearby crevices or vegetation (especially cactus) when danger looms. Perhaps the most characteristic outcrop species seen onsite was the orange-throated whiptail, a rare lizard with specialized food needs (termites) likely provided in the dead snags of cacti and fire-burned chaparral stubs about Laguna Canyon outcrops. Cactus wrens are associated with outcrops containing significant cactus growth; the desert packrat (Neotoma le ida) also favors these sites. Various lizards cited above (10.1+- and snakes sun on outcrops and den within them. Likewise, ravens and vultures like these places for preening or dining, and coyotes use them as overlooks and/or toilets. One bird characteristic of outcrops not observed during the survey but reported nearby is the rock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus), a diminutive bird with a curious bobbing walk as it makes its way across exposures in search of insect. j 13.0) Watercourses

The habitats within and proximal to watercourses are discussed earlier (7). The study area contains one 13.1 Perennial Stream, Laguna Creek. Upstream sources of its water are the Laguna Lakes and marsh/fen habitat below (Marsh and Roberts, 1983), marshy habitat along El Toro Creek, storm runoff and, more recently, nuisance water return from Leisure World, Laguna Audubon and the Sycamore Hills development. These are augmented by preexisting nuisance water return from the older rural residential and commercial properties in the canyon, storm runoff off the adjacent slopes and one or more permanent springs (the known spring in the lower reach of "Water Tank Ravine"). Laguna Creek is a worrisome source of canyon flooding, graphically demonstrated as these words are being written in early 1993. The need to correct flood problems in the creek must be balanced with the important habitat and wildllife water source it pravides, especially within and above the DeWitt open space panhandle.

13.2 Intermittent Streams onsite are both branches of Mathis Can- yon. Nearby, the main stem of Wood Canyon also falls within this type. urban-runoff above the head of wood Canyon may convert this drainage to a perennial stream, with potentially dire consequences to its reknown oak forestland.

13.3 Ephemeral Drainaqes are the tributary ravines to Laguna Can- yon and the other larger watersheds on and near the study area. These typically carry significant flow only during winter storms, though some may contain in rock-shaded grottoes high above the canyon floor, secret springs known only to deer and other wild creatures. 40 Lower Laguna Creek is a 13.4 Flood Control Channel, partly open and partly culverted. It is of minimal value to wfldlife.

(14.0) Agriculture The several stables in Laguna Canyon, including the large riding club in the upper portion are probably classifiable as 14.4 Dairies and Stockyards though the category does not specificm extend to equestrian uses. No other significant agriculture is present in the study area, although the interior portion func- tioned as rangeland in the recent past. 14.4 habitats can attract pest animals- such as cowbirds (~olothrusater), Norway (Rattus norvegicus) and roof rats (R. rattus), house mice (& musculus) and Beechey ground squirrels. The rodents can pose a vector problem especial ly during outbreaks of Bubonic plague; The cowbird is a serious threat to vireos and warblers attempting to breed in the adjacent, lush willow forestland, as they are nest parasites. Although contributor Jim Pike and the author failed to detect cowbirds in the stable areas, they should be monitored for through time and eradicated if they become numerous. The County's proposal to increase equestrian uses in the upper canyon will only exacer- bate the potential for a serious cowbird infestation. (15.0) Developed Areas

Most of the floor of Laguna Canyon within the study area is classifiable within the following categories: 15.2 Non-urban Residential 15.3 Non-urban Commercial/Industria1/Institutional 15.4 Transportation 15.5 Parks and Ornamental Plantings

Laguna Canyon Road, and vehicular service roads within the site are classified 15.4 15.3 land uses are concentrated along Laguna Canyon Road; 15.2 mostly older residences behind on the flats and creeping up the slopes. Some of the development in the canyon must have exerted substantial adverse environmental impact but, pre CEQA, was not addressed in that context. Particularly of concern are tracts like Castlerock which extend far up the canyonside, and individual residences which straddle ravine bottoms, blocking wildlife movement and posing a storm flood risk to themselves and others below.

In areas of rural density, intervening stands of Eucalyptus spp. and other ornamental trees are classified 15.5. In text, following a term erected by Eric Jessen, these are referred to as urban forests. They may in the mou.ths of tributary canyons become inter- - mixed with site-indigenous 8.1 southern oak woodland. The variety of flora in these man-made habitats is so extensive that a separate species list incorporating ornamental taxa was prepared. The more abundant trees are species of Eucalyptus, pine (Pinus), peppers (Schinus), Acacia, ash (Fraxinus), Myoporum, elm (Ulmus) and palms (Arecaceae). A showy variety of shrubs, vines and bedding plants are cultivated about residences; vacant land may contain outliers of chaparral, annual grassland or tender winter grasses like -Poa intermixed with semi-ruderal but showy- flowered herbs like Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae).

Suburban habitats attract their own assemblages of wildlife, species tolerant of man's presence and pertubation of the environment. These may include the following invertebrates.

earthworms (Annelida) pillbugs and sowbugs (Isopoda) long-legged spiders (Pholcidae) black widow spiders (~atrodectushesperus) and other combweb spiders which are less poisonous houseflies (Musca dbmestica) bottle flies'(Cal1i~horidae) German cockroaches (~latella germanica) subterranean termite~ulitermeshesperus) drywood termites (Incisitermes minor) silverfish (Thysanura)

Vertebrates of suburban and urban forest environments may include these:

garden slender salamander (Batrachoseps pacificus majo western toad (Bufo boreas) southern.alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus) rock dove (Columba livial .------varioui Psittacifor~((6arrots, parakeets) hummingbird species (Trochilidae) crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

coronata) song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leuco hr s) Brewer 's blackbird (Euphagus cyanoce*- hooded oriole (Icterus cucullatus)

. - deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) house mouse (Mus musculus) roof rat (~atGrattus) Norway rat~orvegicus)- raccoon (Proc on lotor) striped s&ems un mephitis)

In addition to these, several avian species not thought of as tol- lerant of man are known to breed or roost in the Laguna Canyon urban forest environment. These include red-tailed hawk (Buteo amaicensis), Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperi) and barn owl m' 42 In addition to landscaping, settlement and infrastructure, man- influenced areas onsite include the scars of grading and human- caused erosion, classified within habitat-type -,16 Disturbed (16.1- Cleared or Graded, 16.2 Other Disturbed). An example of a 16.2 "habitat" is the excessively widened and deeply eroded ridge road north of the high knoll, where corrective grading and road-edge revegetation are badly needed. 2.2 SITE DESCRIPTION

The following pages describe the study area's canyons, ridges and slopes, one by one. It is hoped these characterizations will be of use to park planners, managers and interpretive staff, and ultimately to the recreational users and canyon residents interested in knowing what can be seen where.

2.2.1 Laguna Canyon from Big Bend to City Dume

As contrasted with the multiple past and ongoing biological studies which include the Laguna Heights land block east, discussed in Section 2.2.2, there has been a relative paucity of work done in Laguna Canyon proper. As noted earlier, vegetation mapping was prepared for the Laguna Canyon General Plan by Michael Benner in 1977 (Benner in ECOS Management Criteria, 1977). This mapping is useful and reasonably accurate, though it does not include important rock outcrop habitats, potential locales for many-stemmed dudleya and nesting raptors, and possible denning sites for the rare and elusive ring-tailed cat. Unfortunately, Benner's accompanying report has apparently not survived.

Also as previously noted, an earlier report by Gordon Marsh and patrick 0'~r;en in -1974 (~nvironmental-~mpact on the Plants and Animals of Laguna Canyon by the Construction of Flood Control Alternatives, prep. for Orange County Flood Control) presents a detailed analysis of resources within proposed dam sites on the west side of Laguna Canyon, on the other side of the highwayfrom the study area of this report. General observations regarding wildlife in the canyon are useful, however in compiling the present study.

The author conducted a limited-scope study for the Laguna Canyon Property Owners Association in 1988 on the old city dump site, which was proposed at that time as the locale for a shelter for the homeless. The dump is adjacent to the SCE KV easement which extends up to and along the south boundary of the DeWitt property. Many-stemmed dudleya was found along the margins of sandstone outcrop faces just above the dump. The dense chaparral and woodland habitat of the north-facing slope- of the canyon above the dump contained a diverse assortment of wildflowers and ferns.

In this section, the resources of Laguna Canyon are described from Big Bend north to the DeWitt property. Street names are used to identify specific tributary ravines. Ravines and hillsides were surveyed on foot as far up slope as feasible; the remainder were binocular-surveyed from below and from the ridge above. This is an overview survey only. While many sensitive resource areas are identified, others in difficult locales have probably been overlooked. Site-specific biological surveys are warranted for future hillside construction in this canyon. Remaining natural stretches of Laguna Creek are also described.

1. Big Bend

The western portion of Biq Bend is described in the 1983 ~aguna'Beach Biological Resources Inventory. In the tributary numbering sequences, Ravine 1, on the north-facing slope of the Bend directly behind the Berkeley Industries parking lot is at the end of this earlier survey area and the beginning of the present study. Resources in the Bend west are described in the 1983 report as follows.

'The Big Bend study area is located in the northern end of the historic boundary of Laguna Beach (prior to in- corporation of the Sycamore Hills and connecting Laguna Canyon Road strip). This site includes all lands north of the Canyon Acres watershed and west of Laguna Heights, encompassing roughly 120 acres.

The study area was inspected by K. and G. Marsh on Nov- ember 16, 1982. 12 man-hours were spent in the field.

The Bend is a tight meander loop of Laguna Canyon, as it passes around areas of erosion-resistant exposures of Topanga and Vaqueros outcroppings. The now downcut canyon meander is situated in such a way that a shaded, forested, north-facing slope defined above by the Vaqueros cliffs is its most distinctive feature. As the meander bends from east to north, going upstream, the massive Vaqueros exposures are replaced by outcrop-strewn intermediate slopes and finally northwest-facing Topanga Formation cliffs pocketed with caves. A number of steeply dropping drainages dissect the precipitous slopeland, which drops at its southern apex from 700 feet to 140 feet above sea level across a horizontal distance of 875 feet. The entire Big Bend area is a significant visual landmark in a city replete with outstanding geologic formations and view promontories."

"Soils of the entire area1 are Rock Outcrop/Cieneba, in locations where 50% or more of the substrate consists of bedrock exposures, and Cieneba/Rock Outcrop, in areas of over 50% surficial soils. Cieneba soils are generally medium acidic.'

1. With the exception of the floor of Laguna Canyon. "The vegetation of the Big Bend slopeland consists of southern oak woodland below, a mix of coastal sage scrub and chaparral at mid-elevation, the outcrop exposures and their vegetation about three quarters of the way up and more coastal sage scrub and scattered chaparral above the Topanga outcrops, to the crest. The Vaqueros exposures extend to the ridge at the southern end of Big Bend.

The undeveloped floor of Laguna Canyon at the edge of the woodlands contains a mix of introduced grasses and forbs.

Each habitat zone is discussed in sequence from the canyon floor to the crest above.

The level floor of Laguna Canyon at the base .of the steep Big Bend slopes contains humus-rich alluvial loam, eroded in part from the slopeland above. The setting receives runoff from these slopes, and contains several kinds of moisture-dependent plant species in addition to a mix of annual grasses, ruderal forbs and weedy shrubs.

Shrub growth of castor bean and arroyo willow which de- fines the margins of a fallow field which fronts on Laguna Canyon Road is augmented with plantings of sycamore, wattles, red gum eucalyptus, weeping willow and fan palm. The field is vegetated by spiny clotbur, cheeseweed, lamb's quarter, alkali heliotrope, wild oats and other forbs and grasses." (Ed. note: This field, just west of Ravine 1 is known as the US Postal Service property.)

"A transition zone between field and forest near the base of the steep slopes is quite moist and semi- shaded. Here are thicket stands of poison hemlock, Mexican elderberry bushes, horehound, western ragweed, creek nettles and chaparral nightshade. In the shade of the oaks below are grassy areas (ripgut brome) with scattered elderberry, and patches of branching phace- 1i a, horehound and giant rye grass. Semi-ruderal herbs are distributed throughout the grass floor. Some of these are common chickweed, knotted hedge parsley, hedge mustard, Bermuda buttercup, goosegrass, Califor- nia goosefoot and white-stemmed filaree." (Ed. note - this describes the mouth of Ravine 1.)

"Many portions of the oak woodland contain outcrops, at the base of the slopes and on up the hillside. These shaded exposures are sometimes at the mouths of small drainages. Both native and horticultural plant species are found on the lower rocks and at their foot. Among the latter are English ivy, geranium, aptenia and calla lily. Poison oak, creek nettles, western clematis and blackberry vines, wild rose and fuchsia-flowering gooseberry bushes are among the natives found about outcrops and shaded stony areas. Lance-leaved dudleyas, mosses and polypody ferns grow on the surface of the outcrops." "The oak woodland understory is quite open below, grading into a dense, brushy habitat up the slope. Principal understory shrubs are toyon, holly-leaved redberry, scrub and scrub-Engelmann hybrid oaks and elderberry. Lower, second layer vegetation consists of species enumerated above (especi a1 ly poi son oak), and snowberry, climbing penstemon, Nuttall's bedstraw, and wood and bracken ferns. The latter fern grows here in a coastal disjunct population, and is more typically found in mesic middle elevation Santa Ana Mountains habitats, as in the Silverado CanyonIPine Canyon and Hot Springs Canyon watersheds. Herbs of the woodland floor consist of such species as common eucrypta and fiesta flower.

Along the shaded drainages within the diverse woodland association are scattered sycamore trees and one patch of wild grape.

Oak woodland extends along almost the entire lower slope in the Big Bend semicircle, and in patchy distribution, up the southern apex, where live oak trees are found in gullys between the massive Vaqueros cliffs at 600 - 700 feet elevation. Most of the upper slopes were, because of their precipitous gradient, examined through telescope and binoculars from the canyon floor and lower slope, and from several overlooks on the ridgeline above. Portions of the slopes below the Topanga Formation cliffs and west of the Vaqueros cliffs were surveyed on foot.

Below the Topanga outcrops and above the oak woodlands are belts of California sagebrush, California buckwheat and bush mallow. Fuchsia-flowering gooseberry and lemonadeberry shrubs are scattered throughout. Rock faces below the vertical cliff zone are capped in soils in which masses of blossoming mesa saxifrage plants were growing. Goldenback ferns, Pacific sanicle and lance-leaved dudleyas also grow about these lower exposures. Endemic Laguna Beach dudleyas are scattered as individuals or small populations across the vertical faces above; these cliffs are overhung by polypody ferns. More coastal sage scrub is found above, to the ridge1ine." "In the southern apex area, a trail ascends the slope, bearing southeast. The trail crosses a drainage which eminates in a cleft between the Vaqueros cliffs. Oaks are sparingly distributed to the top of the drainage. The lower channel is otherwise quite open and grassy, with scattered chaparral shrubs. A dense stand of coyote bush is found near its mouth, below the trail, along with a single (Pauma) bush lupine shrub at the trail. The slopeland away from the drainage grades from chaparral below (holly-leaved redberry, toyon, scrub oak) to coastal sage (California sagebrush, glandular cudweed, golden yarrow, etc.) above. Some of the latter areas contain a substantial admixture of toyon and giant rye grass. A single, ancient oak was found on benchland partway up the slope.

The Vaqueros cliffs, as viewed from below and above, contain a scattering of individual Laguna Beach dudleya rosettes across their vertical faces. The west exposures seem to have the most plants on them. Polypody ferns, Indian pinks and California fuchsias are also found on the faces, (the latter species growing out of crevices). The upper margins of the cliffs, and rock faces above them are fringed with many-stemmed dudleyas, at the time of inspection beginning to show new leaf growth. The populations of both rare and endangered dudleyas on and around these cliffs are quite substantial.

The ridge above Big Bend contains introduced grassland and has been subject to moderate disturbance along the ranch road at the crest. From that road, a motorbike trail follows a tributary ridge divide westward, between the southern apex of Big Bend and the canyon which flows southwest. ORV use here has impacted exposures of Vaqueros and Topanga outcrop. (This trail drops down the side of Big Bend; vegetation along its mid and lower slope reach is described above.)

Immediately below the main north-south axis ridgeline, grass vegetation is replaced by a dense mix of coastal sage scrub, giant rye grass and a scattering of toyon shrubs. Shaded banks in this area are carpeted with goldenback ferns, lichens and lance-leaved dudleyas; no Laguna Beach dudleyas are found, however. The entire study area is inhabited by mule deer. Deer trails drop across the Big Bend slopes in a number of places. These trails are found along the sides of brushy drainages and down the middle of grassy ones. A well defined pathway skirts along the bottom edge of the oak woodland all the way around the Bend, hence up onto the motorcycle trail." "Deer disperse across the divide onto the ridge between the unnamed canyon south of Big Bend and Laguna Canyon. Here, there is a well defined dispersion pathway and abundant fresh dropping and track sign. The trail branches into a number of small, ill-defined pathways near the southwestern terminus of the ridge. Clay barrens are seen here which may be maintained by long term deer use. Bedding areas were not as much in evidence as in areas to the east, on the mesa fingers extending off Temple Hill.

Deer are expected to disperse from Big Bend across the ridge into Mathis Canyon and adjacent slopeland as well as into Canyon Acres Canyon.

Among smaller mammals detected were pocket gophers, burrowing in humus-rich oak woodland and fallow field soil. Ground squirrels were observed in the latter area. A large animal den (appropriate size for fox, coyote or raccoon) was seen in a bank at the edge of the oak woodland. Authors noted the lack of dusky- footed woodrat nests in what seemed to be appropriate forested habitat. ~ubinalattributes this to proximity with the urban edge. Small mammal evidence was not specifically looked for on the high ridges above, or in the intermediate slopeland. Species expected would be those found in similar habitats by Lubina (and previously by ~undel*)elsewhere in the city open space.

No reptiles or amphibians were seen. The latter were not searched out, and the former were probably not detected because of cool, cloudy weather during the field inspection period.

Avifauna observed on the rocks included ravens engaged in courtship behavior (consisting of repeated bowing, with head feathers fluffed out), and resting turkey vultures. A Cooper's hawk and several red-tailed hawks were seen flying overhead. The cave-pocketed Topanga exposures should be good nesting sites for ravens, vultures and barn owls. Violet green swallows, white- throated swifts, and canyon and rock wrens may occur here. Oak woodland avifauna seen were common flickers, orange-crowned warblers, yellow-rumped warblers, wrentits, brown towhees and scrub jays. The latter four species, Anna's hummingbirds and a California thrasher were seen in brushland. Many other kinds of birds undoubtedly occur in the forested and brushy portions of the site."

1. John Lubina, coauthor (wildlife) of 1983 report. 2. Philip Rundel.

49 "The Big Bend slopeland is, because of its populations of Laguna Beach dudleya and many-stemmed dudleya, its spectacular cliff outcrops and its oak forestland, possibly, with respect to biota and aesthetics, the most valuable single area in the city. The area of significance extends from the lower margin of the oak woodland at the bottom of the slope to the ridgeline. On the southern apex, this very high value area extends from the crest of the Vaqueros outcrops across the divide to include many-stemmed dudleya and Orange County Turkish rugging populations in the rocky upper reach of the unnamed south canyon. The mule deer dispersion areas and small pockets of Orange County Turkish rugging on the ridge between this drainage and Laguna Canyon are generally classified as "high value" habitats. This latter ridge is potentially developable, but an access route would adversely impact the outcrop zone to the northeast.

Other areas of ridgeline, along existing ranch roads, are generally impacted and appear to be mostly moderate to low value habitats. However, future urban planning in these areas should consider (1) location of mule deer crossridge dispersion corridors, (2) mitigation of potential impacts on the highly valuable slopeland below, and (3) documentation of presence or absence of the sensitive San Diego coast horned lizard and sympa- tric orange-throated whiptail (and appropriate mitigation if one or the other species is found).

The authors recorr~mend that the Big Bend slopeland and cliffs, and the adjacent head of the south, unnamed canyon be acquired as permanent open space. This is a top priority recommendation. Motorcycle use of the trail across the outcrop and down the slope should be prohibited now, by fencing and signing access points on both ends,

The ridge between the south canyon and Laguna Canyon, and the canyon itself should also be evaluated for continued open space use, weighting the benefits of protection of watershed; mule deer dispersion corridors, and rare plant populations against the loss of social and financial benefits of limited development' (Marsh et.al ., 1983). The eastern portion of Big Bend was resurveyed on June 1, 1992. The cliffs were scanned with binoculars and a 15 X - 60 X zoom telescope, and populations of Laguna Beach and many-stemmed dudleya mapped on aerial photographs, The current survey area starts at Ravine 1, the easterly of two deep drainages which dissect the steep slope of the landform. As noted earlier, this ravine is behind the Berkeley Industries parking lot. Runoff nourishes the sycamore and scrub/shrub wetland hedgerow between the parking lot and the US Postal Service property.

Several concentrations of Laguna Beach dudleya encrust the cliffs girding the westerly drainage, described above. The easterly ravine supports two additional stands on headwater cliffs within its forked branches. This concentration of the Laguna Beach endemic is one of the three largest in existance, the other being within the Bonn Drive tributary of Mathis Canyon (discovered by John Messina in 1992) and the Aliso Canyon Gorge (described in the 1992 South Laguna B.R.I.). The latter represents the type locality (not Big Bend as stated in the 1983 Laguna Beach B.R.I.). An additional large population exists in Laurel Canyon. There are also small stands in Canyon Acres Canyon and in an Irvine ranch tributary of Laguna Canyon. On the basis of its Laguna Beach dudleya population alone, Big Bend is worthy of open space protection.

In addition to this State threatened succulent, the headwater cliffs above the north branch of Ravine 1 support a dense stand of many-stemmed dudleya. Addi- tional many-stemmed dudleya concentrations are found at the upper margin of the westerly ravine, and as discussed in the 1983 excerpt, outcrop exposures on the lateral ridge above support several groups of Orange County Turkish rugging.

The lower reach of Ravine 1, like the remainder of the lower slope of the Bend is forested with oaks. The woodland understory in the steeply pitched drainage is well structured, with ample second canopy and third canopy cover. Hutton's vireos, wrentits and other birds were singing here. The second canopy beneath the oaks is composed of toyon, holly-leaved redberry and Mexican elderberry. In the third canopy, there is ample poison oak as we1 1 as wild blackberry, fuchsia-flowering gooseberry, wild rose, giant rye, and chaparral honeysuckle and wild cucumber vines. Polypody ferns are draped over shaded outcrops.

At the mouth of the ravine, at the contact between oak woodland and disturbed grassland and dispersed urban forest ornamentals is a moist weedy thicket dominated by Italian thistle. Creek nettles and poison hemlock are indicators of perennial moisture accumulation here. Other components of the thicket are branching phacelia and California bee plant. In the woodland-savannah out- ward from the thicket, native California brome and California goosefoot share habitat with ripgut brome and star thistles. The property-line hedgerow between the ravine mouth and Laguna Canyon Road contains mature California sycamore trees which may have been planted here originally, and an understory of mulefat and castor bean. Beyond, to the east is the US Postal Service property, a vacant weedy field recently disked for fire control when inspected.

A dim wildlife trail comes out of Ravine 1. Additional wildlife movement was previously documented (see above) along the old jeep road which extends down onto the floor of the Bend from the high ridge above. In past years, local residents observed large numbers of mule deer along Laguna Canyon Road at the Bend. The Post Office property along with the adjacent large Berkeley Industries parking lot is an important area of open space on the floor of Laguna Canyon at this key wildlife crossing.

2. Ravine 2

This is the first ravine inland of Big Bend, draining onto the floor of Laguna Canyon just northeast of the Post Office property.

This branched ravine eminates on the east side of the high knoll ("Temple Hill the Lesser") on the ridge above. As described in Section 2.2.2, rock outcropping at the headland above the canyon contains a small stand of +I-50 many-stemmed dudleya plants, despite past bulldozer damage during the Big Bend Fire of 1983. Two larger stands are on mesic cliff faces below, visible from the bottom.

This ravine drains northwest, and its slopes are very mesic. Within the forked drainage gullies in the canyon's upper reaches are thickets of toyon-elderberry- lemonadeberry chaparral and poison oak, and wood and polypody ferns. The coastal sage scrub of the slopes is here and throughout the canyon study area mesic and diverse. Giant rye, a large phreatophyte grass, and orange bush monkeyflower, a colorful-flowering subshrub of sheltered exposures are both widespread. Other shrubby species inventoried on the upper slopes were bush mallow, golden yarrow, blue witch nightshade, California blackberry and fuchsia-flowering gooseberry. The herb and wildflower flora included branching phacelia, mugwort, wild cucumber, Pauma bush lupine, wild hyacinth, lilac mariposa and fringed Indian pink. Small patches of native San Diego bentgrass were distributed across the slope.

This is a two-branched ravine, with a flat semidisturbed lateral ridge in between the headwater forks. At the head of the larger, south branch below the aforementioned ridgeline many-stemmed dudleya population are many massive outcrops rimmed with polypody ferns, mosses, lichens and scarlet fringed Indian pinks. The lower slopes extending down to and beyond the confluence with the north branch contain a preponderance of mesa bush mallow, a characteristic coastal sage scrub fire follower which likely became widespread after the Big Bend Fire.

The shorter, less dramatic north branch was burned so intensely that some type conversion occurred. Formerly supporting an even cover of coastal sage scrub, the west-facing slopes in particular now contain a mosaic of scrub and disturbed, Russian thistle-infested grassland. Below, the slopes and bottom are dominated by bush mallow.

Far below, the mouth of this ravine abuts the parking area of an older complex of attached dwellings. The oak forestland of the Bend extends in a broad swath to the lower slopes of this ravine; beyond, the forest narrows somewhat but continues unbroken to Ravine 3, further north. Many large cliffs and outcrops gird the lower portions of this drainage. While most of these are free of sensitive plants, two as noted above are rimmed by many-stemmed dudleya. The cliff on the east edge of the drainage was fringed on June 1, 1992 with a bright yellow mat likely representing the flowers of hundreds, perhaps over a thousand individual plants of the rare vernal succulent.

Outcropping, beautifully stratiated is found all the way down to the mouth of this ravine, a room-like en- closure hidden away behind the parking lot. These shaded faces are draped with polypody and wood ferns. Above the ravine-floor cliffs, poison oak runs rampant. Other understory plants here are toyon and elderberry shrubs, branching phacelia and wild blackberry. On a cliff just west of the ravine mouth was a swath of pink-flowered punchbowl clarkia, the only population of this farewell-to-spring species observed in the study area. The lush setting was also graced by the scarlet flowers of climbing penstemon, and by flashes of yellow as fledgling orioles practiced flight training. Other birds seen here were ash-throated flycatchers and starlings, both secondary cavity-nesters.

3. Ravine 3

The second ravine north of Big Bend is also a two- branched drainage, sharing habitat similarities with the other canyons within the Bend. The extensive oak woodland which girds the lower slopes of the Bend extends to this canyon. Beyond, oaks are more widely scattered, in chaparral cover. A long ridge on the east side of this canyon demarcates the north edge of the sheltered and distinctive habitat of the Bend.

A smaller ravine dissects the lower slope of this long ridge. It is herein designated as Ravine 3 B.

Between Ravine 2 and 3, there is considerable outcropping exposed on the lower slope of Laguna Canyon, as behind Langlois Wholesale Food. These rock walls are rimmed with grasses, with oaks and chaparral growing above.

There is a house at the mouth of Ravine 3, obstructing access for inspection (as well as wildlife movement). The oak woodland is dense in the drainage above, especially on the north-facing slope. In the ravine bottom are admixed sycamores and some urban forest introduced trees. An outcrop peeking through the trees on the north-facing slope supports a small many-stemmed dudleya stand. The south-facing slope above the wooded canyon mouth is clad by a mix of chaparral and coastal sage scrub, a cover broken up by numerous rock outcrops.

Ravine 3 B is a fairly indistinct draw clad with chaparral, as well as some oaks below. It can be accessed above by an old road trace from the Castlerock neighborhood. On the rim of an outcrop in grassland- chaparral mosaic on the north-facing slope is a dense stand of many-stemmed dudleya. In excess of 100 individuals grow within the stand. Between Ravine 3 B and Ravine 4, Castlerock Ravine, at least three other outcrop exposures support stands of this rare succulent. PVC staking indicates that at least a portion of these may be within a proposed building site.

Along the base of the Laguna Canyon slope between Ravine 3 and Castlerock Drive, the hillsides today contain a mosaic of coastal sage scrub and grasses. 1969 aerial photographs depict a much heavier brush cover. Either fire or fuel abatement clearing has altered this preexisting habitat.

4. Castlerock Ravines

A. South Ravine

The aforementioned long ridge creates a sheltered bowl-like setting for the ravine which drains down to the horse stable at the lower end of Castlerock Drive. As viewed from above, this sheltering and a partial north-facing exposure combine to create mesic conditions promoting a dense growth of brushland and a nice grove of oak trees on the upper hillside. The brush cover is a mixture of chaparral, oak woodland and coastal sage scrub species, with poison oak dominating over much of the hillside. Elderberry bushes are also scattered through the melange. About the upper hillside oak grove is understory and edge chaparral shrub cover, including (barberry-leaved) scrub oak, toyon and (holly-leaved) redberry. A second oak grove grows on the canyon floor downslope. The west - southwest-facing slope of this bowl-like drainage contains a melange of mesic coastal sage scrub and scattered lemonadeberry chaparral. Giant rye is common here.

A pair of northern harriers appear to have established a territory in this canyon, showing especial interest in the higher oak grove. The male and female called frequently to one another as they circled and glided above the brushy slopes. The author's brief presence was protested.

This canyon originates at the low saddle on the ridge directly opposite the south fork of the north branch of Mathis Canyon. This area of ridgeline shows greatest potential for future broachment as these drainageheads continue to erode toward one another.

Below, near Laguna Canyon Road, a house sits squarely in the lower ravine, effectively blocking wildlife dispersion potential to the floor of the canyon (and the Irvine Co. lands west). This is unfortunate planning, which should be discouraged in the future. Oak woodland is widespread on the lower north-facing slope, admixed with planted pines, deodar cedars and other ornamentals. Rock outcrops are visible on this exposure above. The south-facing slope is developed in the lower reach, up to the loop street adjacent to the church parking lot. (The overgrown lane accessing Ravine 3 B extends from this loop street.)

Above the loop street, the upper ravine is undeveloped, although one house at the end of Castlerock overlooks the drainage.

A grove of live oaks extends along the north-facing slope above the loop street, admixed with chaparral as indicated in Benner's earlier mapping. Latter components include a dense patch of barberry-leaved scrub oak as well as some Engelmann x scrub oak hybrids, and toyon, lemonadeberry, Mexican elderberry and holly-leaved redberry. Within understory openings in the woodland are snowberry, fuchsia- flowering gooseberry and other plants.

Five colonies of many-stemmed dudleyas were seen in the upper reach, including a large stand on a north-facing slope outcrop, and smaller groupings of 10 to 50 individuals on rock exposures on the south and west-facing slope.

The ravine is branched above into five or six headwater forks. Undissected south and southwest-facing slopes contain coastal sage scrub; giant rye is prolific within those drainage courses which are not mesic or shaded enough to support chaparral or oak trees.

The northern harriers seen earlier in the upper part of the ravine were still in residence here on June 1, 1992, when the drainage course was inspected from below.

B. North Ravine

This drainage is substantially altered below by suburban development within the Castlerock neighborhood, which extends for a long distance up the side of Laguna Canyon. Old, 1969 era aerial imagery and ground reconnaissance revealed that the devel- oper's ambitions were to extend even further up the slope; traces of old roadways and other grading were noted on the hillside extending toward the ridge. This is a very significant intrusion onto the upper Laguna Canyon slope which might not have been permitted after the advent of CEQA. Today, the low-density suburban development has matured and visually meshes with the surrounding rural country- side. Horticultural plantings and tree specimens blend with remaining indigenous oak woodland; the development seems a visitant within rather than wholly a replacement of the preexisting natural setting, and is, indeed one of the more pleasant examples of living "at the edge" within the City. However, in its early days, the scars upon the land must have been painful ones.

The upper slopes of the north ravine are similar to those of the other west-draining watercourses north described in 5, below, except for the aforementioned scarring, now partly healed. Coastal sage scrub is widespread across the area of old scarring on the intermediate slope. On a vertical road cut

near the upper end of Castlerock Drive, a small stand of many-stemmed dudleya shares habitat with pigmy stonecrop and mosses. Just north, above the final bend in the improved street, a hillside cactus patch supports the coastal cactus wren.

A road scar on the upper slope between Castlerock Drive and the south branch of Stan Oaks Ravine crosses a large outcrop. Part of this area is fuel-modified but near Stan Oaks Ravine, the grassy habitat edging the exposure is undisturbed. Here, around 500 many-stemmed dudleya plants were inventoried, a significant population.

The lower reach of the Castlerock north ravine supports urban forest horticultural trees. Perhaps some native live oaks still exist in the melange, though their survival would be threatened by the summer irrigation needed by most ornamentals.

Observant residents in the Castlerock neighborhood have monitored wildlife through the years. Individ- uals at the wildland edge have been providing drinking water for deer and other animals. As deer become increasingly threatened in the Laguna Beach area by fragmentation of their breeding and fawning habitat from active recreational use in the Green- belt, these kinds of low-key human assists become increasingly valuable. A family group of deer have been able to survive and reproduce in the upper reach of the south Castlerock ravine thanks in part to continued maintenance of an artificial water source. Other mammal wildlife species noted by Castlerock residents are bobcats, coyotes, skunks, raccoons and opossums. Foxes disappeared locally about 8 years ago; a young mountain lion was observed about 5 years ago. There used to be a well used bat cave in the upper hillside. Avian species of comment are great horned owls, which nested in outcrop caves until about 3 years ago, red-tailed hawks, sharp- shinned hawks and kestrels, and both the blue-gray and California gnatcatcher. Reptile species of special interest seen include the increasingly declining red diamond rattlesnake and the rare and secretive rear-fanged semipoisonous nightsnake (information sources listed in Appendix).

5. Hillsides Between Castlerock Drive and Old City Dump

A series of rather weakly defined ravines symmetrically lace the west-facing slope of Laguna Canyon north to the DeWitt property. These ravines typically contain oak groves in their lower reaches, replaced above by a north-facing slope mesic melange composed of a greater or lesser amount of toyon, lemonadeberry and other woody shrub species, as well as poison oak and coastal sage scrub. South and west-facing slopes are clad in fairly mesic coastal sage scrub with ample giant rye phreatophyte growth. Mid-elevation hillsides are studded with sandstone rock outcrops, all potential habitats for many-stemmed dudleya. The ravine containing the old City Dump is similar to those north and south, but is discussed separately because of documentation from the prior well-timed spring study (Marsh, 1988) and the presence of two Edison easement roads, which provide transects across the otherwise difficult- to-access upper slope of Laguna Canyon.

In this section, three ravines are described from below, from south to north.

A. Stan Oaks Ravine

The lower portion of this drainage is skirted by Stan Oaks Drive, and several residences on large land parcels.

Lower Stan Oaks Ravine and its north-facing slope are wooded with oak trees and a surprisingly diverse understory, given its proximity to human development. The upper reach of the woodland in the ravine is adjacent to the large many-stemmed dudleya population described above. The savannah at the edge of the oak grove nearby was colorful with wildflowers earlier in the spring. Masses of yellow cat's ears, blue and white bicolored lupine and rose-pink tomcat clover ornamented the ripgut brome grassland here.

Within the woodland below are polypody and western wood ferns, melic grass, sticky cinqfoil, Califor- nia bee plant, wild cucumber and chaparral nightshade, as well as thicket undergrowth of poison oak and an understory canopy of toyon and Mexican elderberry. In June, western wood pewees still sang within the setting.

In the canyon above the development edge, coastal sage scrub is broken up by an extensive area of rock outcropping and cactus. This interesting site can be accessed by a somewhat difficult trail which wanders out of the GTE compound north and ultimately zig-zags its way up to the ridge above Laguna Canyon. This trail has been here in excess of 23 years; it was perhaps once an old cart road. Today it is used by a few daring mountain bikers, kids, and transients dwelling in a small "shack city" in lower Raquel Ravine.

The outcrop zone on the south-facing slope is flanked by prickly pear and coastal cholla cactus thickets, a likely habitat for coastal cactus wrens. Pine-goldenbush and California brickellbush edge the exposures. Lance-leaved dudleyas are plentiful but only a single many-stemmed dudleya was found. Yellow pincushion flower, sapphire eriastrum and Parry phacelia lend bright spots of color to the xeric setting. host exciting was a close observation of a rather docile orange- throated whiptail, the furthest south that this rare lizard was seen in Laguna Canyon during the survey.

The middle north-facing slope of Stan Oaks Ravine supports dense chaparral, with a second grouping of oak trees admixed in the upper reach below the canyonhead. At the head is an outcrop cliff with a cave, flanked above and below with chaparral. Lemonadeberry chaparral extends to the upper west- facing slope, replaced below by coastal sage scrub, rock outcrops and dispersed woody brush. Along the ravine's streamcourse are thickets of giant rye as well as elderberry bushes and chaparral.

A shaded outcrop on the north-facing slope is carpeted and edged with a substantial stand of 100 to 500 many-stemmed dudleya plants, sharing habitat with mosses and lichens.

Despite its excellent habitat up canyon, development along Laguna Canyon Road at the mouth of Stan Oaks Ravine poses a barrier to wildlife movement between this drainage and Irvine Co. open space west. In addition to Stan Oaks Drive, Gunderson Drive eminates at the canyon mouth, accessing residences on the lower slopes north. There is a broad swath of weedy disturbed grassland on the hillside between these residences and the natural coastal sage scrub upslope. This head high melange of wild oats and mustards had dried off in early June but had not been fuel modified, posing risk to the dwellings below. Raquel Ravine. This drainage is located at the south edge of the GTE property. Raquel Drive is located near the bottom of the ravine. At the historic Laguna Creek confluence, there is a plant nursery. Laguna Creek is now culverted underground just upstream of the nursery, and does not appear as an open channel again until it is well below the study area. However, local runoff is shunted down a landscaped dry creekbed that wanders through the nursery and supports a cluster of wi1 lows nearby.

Above the development area on the floor and lower slope of Laguna Canyon, there is a grove of coast live oaks and California sycamores in the lower reach of Raquel Canyon. Above, fairly dense and mesic chaparral of wild cucumber-festooned lemonadeberry, toyon and holly-leaved redberry grows on the upper north-facing slope, becoming admixed with coastal sage scrub below. West and south-facing slopes support coastal sage scrub. Rock outcrops are distributed across the hillside landscape. An obvious tilted strata band on the south-facing slope is capped with a chaparral-coastal sage scrub mosaic and subtended by a swath of black sage, giving way below to a mixture of sagebrush, buckwheat, lemonadeberry and cactus. A big cave- pocketed outcrop wraps around the rear of the ravine.

The aforementioned trai1 crosses through the oak- sycamore woodland of lower Raquel Ravine. Within this lush setting are a number of sleeping decks up in the oak trees. These might have originated as kids' tree houses but at present, judging from the refuse of sleeping bags, old clothes, beer cans and wine bottles, they appear to be transient shelters or perhaps an area where youths congregate to party. Though the understory is compacted by criss-crossing trails, unimpacted ground is still vegetated with wood ferns, as well as shrubby poison oak, fuchsia-flowering gooseberry, and giant rye. Interior canopy structure is provided by toyons and lemonadeberries.

North of Raquel Ravine are a network of trails (perhaps the remains of old roads) through the coastal sage scrub. At least in earlier years, these paths eventually joined up with a now overgrown old road which ascended the hillside upslope from the oak grove which edges the Laguna Canyon Dump. Fronting on Laguna Canyon Road is a broad, grassy field described in the next section. A wildlife trail descends from the Laguna-Wood Canyon ridge to the irrigated field. The trail is well used by coyotes; deer may also traverse it to browse on succulent weeds in the meadow. G.T.E. Faci lity. The aforementioned field1 is part of the General Telephone facility in Laguna Canyon. It is completely fenced with high chain-link except at the rear. Laguna Creek runs between interior and exterior fences, to the large underground culvert north of the nursery. The rear of.the field was originally terraced, and a V drain installed. This area has been reclaimed by the native coastal sage scrub. At the base of the slope, extending up to the mouth of what is herein coined GTE Ravine, scrub/shrub wetland has established. Coyotebrush and Pampas grass are widespread here, and black locust and Mexican elderberry also established. A female yellow-throat, a warbler usually found in cat-tail marshes was observed in the Pampas grass, where she may have been nesting.

The meadow is irrigated (possibly with reclaimed water, judging from the odor), and regularly mowed. Bermuda grass, some saltgrass, smooth cat's ear, dandelions, strawberry clover, scarlet and lavender pimpernels, broad-leaved plantain, black medick and other grasses and forbs grow in the field.

GTE Ravine is at the northeast corner of the field. This ravine's watercourse twists and turns. It is thus difficult to see very far up it from the bottom. The main stem is joined by a south tributary within dense oak woodland which extends to the ravine mouth. The north-facing slopes of both branches above support dense chaparral-coastal sage scrub mosaic. The coastal sage scrub of the main stem south-facing and west-facing slope is broken up by numerous outcrops and cliff faces. At least one of these high on the canyonside supports a stand of many-stemmed dudleya.

This last fairly natural reach of Laguna Creek before it is captured in the underground culvert is open and unshaded, lacking trees or shrubs. It supports riparian herb and freshwater marsh vegetation including narrow-leaved and some tall cat- tails, watercress, yellow monkeyflower, willow dock, willow smartweed, celery, cut-leaved water parsnip, broad-leaved plantain, tall umbrella sedge and floating lesser duckweed and algae. On the adjacent moist banks is a lot of curly dock, as

1. Subsequently designated as a City dog park.

61 well as water bent, rabbitsfoot, Dallis and rescue grass, common cocklebur and poison hemlock. The creek attracts swallows, lesser goldfinches and black phoebes.

Upstream, as it skirts the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter and Narine Mammal facility, the creek is wooded with willows and some sycamores (the latter planted). The streamcourse is narrow, and contains some washed-down litter. The water in early summer was heavily laden with algae. Within the willow understory are blackberries and other riparian plants. The creek in front of the Shelter is attractively landscaped with California natives, such as ceanothus and coffeeberry, as well as sycamore trees.

The hillside between GTE Ravine and the City Dump Ravine is vegetated with open coastal sage scrub. One small ravine dissects this slope. Toyons and elderberry bushes grow here.

The remainder of Laguna Creek and Canyon is discussed with the DeWitt Parcel in Section 2.2.2. This includes Dump Ravine, the Stans Lane area, the DeWitt panhandle, Stoneridge Riding Club and Annel- iese's Preschool.

2.2.2 DeWitt Parcel and Adjacent Portions of Laguna Canyon and Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park

The DeWitt land block extends from upper Wood Canyon, across the watershed ridge and hence onto the floor of Lag- una Canyon just south of the apex of the Sycamore Hills. Except for the preschool and riding club inholding, it shares a north as well as an east boundary with Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park. The Laguna Heights open space is to the south, and rural residential development in Lag- una Canyon to the southwest. A portion of the west boundary of DeWitt fronts on Laguna Canyon Road across the street from the so-called Superpark (Laguna Coast Wilderness Park). There is some low-density rural land use adjacent to the parcel in Laguna Canyon, consisting of an old farm residence, one or more mobile homes and several equestrian riding rings. This is the Stoneridge Riding Club, leased from Orange Coast Specialties. Additional rural-density structures including a church (now Anneliese's Preschool) are located in the narrow parcel between DeWitt, Stoneridge and the southwest boundary of Aliso and Wood Canyon Reg- ional Park, at the junction of El Toro and Laguna Canyon Road.

There is no improved access into the DeWitt parcel at present. Unimproved and mostly unmaintained dirt road access is available from 5 different directions, however. From Laguna Canyon Road there is an old, pothole-engraved paved road up to a domestic water reservoir (covered) located partway up the canyonside. From this point there is a trail up to the ridge. The trail splits into three alternate paths further up the slope. The old, unmaintained ridge road runs along the crest of the divide between Lag- una and Wood Canyon, .providing dubious access from the terminus of Alta Laguna Boulevard south and the Laguna Audubon development, north. Two trails enter the DeWitt parcel from Wood Canyon, one adjacent to the north boundary and the second from the long, undulating ridge which separates the north branch of Mathis Canyon from Wood Canyon's main stem.

Topographically, the DeWitt parcel consists of a broa? watershed divide ridge, cresting at 823 feet above se, level, and the dissected canyon slopes on either side. On the east is a headwater branch of Wood Canyon. South of the long undulating lateral ridge which bounds it is the head of the north branch of Mathis Canyon. The dissected slope of Laguna Canyon takes up the west half of the land block, dropping over 600 feet to the canyon floor below. Five distinct ravines drain west off the slope to the canyon bottom. The most well defined drains southwest within the northern portion of the property, mimicking the alignment of El Toro Canyon above. A narrow lateral ridge separates this ravine from El Toro Canyon's confluence with Laguna Canyon. The lower water reservoir is situated on this ridge partway up the side of Laguna Canyon. The higher water reservoir (also covered) is on the backbone of the main divide between Laguna and Wood Canyon in essentially the center of the land block,

On the floor of Laguna Canyon here, the creek remains in its natural condition, unlike further south where it is channelized or culverted. A broad gallery forest of willows fringes the stream.

The DeWitt parcel and environs is described below from west to east, beginning in Laguna Canyon, extending up its slope, surveying the divide ridge along the backbone of the hills above and then dropping down into upper Wood Canyon.

1. Laguna Canyon Floor

Adjacent to the DeWitt parcel along Laguna Canyon Road are, south, the Sun Valley neighborhood of Laguna Can- yon and, north, two rural density properties, Stone- ridge Riding Club and (on the old church property), Anneliese's Preschool and two tenant-occupied dwellings, The DeWitt frontage on Laguna Canyon Road extends from the access road to the lower water reservoir north a fairly short distance to the riding club. There is one tenant-occupied structure on the DeWitt property itself. Dogs are allowed to run free at night from this dwelling, inhibiting any potential mule deer movement from the DeWitt uplands to the creek (and ultimately across Laguna Canyon Road to Stoneridge Cove within the superpark). Sun Valley. This neighborhood area adjacent to DeWitt lies between the street to the city dump behind Laguna Self Storage and the road to the water reservoir. The hillside area about and above the dump is described in detail later. "Dump Ravine" is a sensitive and significant tributary of Laguna Canyon, containing numbers of many-stemmed dudleya stands, and oak and some sycamore woodland admixed with a lush phraetophyte shrub assemblage unique in the lower watershed.

The riparian zone along Laguna Creek is fairly narrow as the stream meanders through Sun Valley, past the U- Haul yard and in between homes and businesses fronting on Laguna Canyon Road and those facing Sun Valley Drive.

The Sun Valley neighborhood, like other settled areas of Laguna Canyon lies within man-created 'urban forest" environment of eucalyptus, pines, peppers, elms, mul- berries, palms and other ornamental tree types, with an understory of horticultural shrubs, vines and colorful- ly flowering bedding plants. The dwelling units are generally smaller and older than within the Castlerock neighborhood south, but are for most part well maintained with pride of place expressed in the beauty of the numerous floral plantings distributed through the semi-rural neighborhood. While most wildlife species seen here are urban tolerant kinds of birds and mammals, as described later, red-tailed hawks successfully nested in a eucalyptus grove at the upper end of Stan's Lane, an unusual event in an area of human settlement.

DeWitt Panhandle. The narrow panhandle of public property which extends to Laguna Canyon Road between the Sun Valley neighborhood-and the- riding club marks the lower end of a broad swath of forested wetland which extends from Water Tank Ravine north to the El Toro Creek confluence. The most significant and biologically valuable reach of Laguna Creek within this study area passes through these properties:

County of Orange: Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park from El Toro Creek south to the next property. Anneliese's Preschool Stoneridge Riding Club City of Laguna Beach: DeWitt parcel On the DeWitt panhandle, the creek during periods of flooding has been split into dual pathways. Both of these are forested with willows, though only the easterly channel carries water during normal conditions, and flow to the west channel is now blocked by a levee upstream. A fallow grassland-forb melange is secreted away between the willow strips below the levee, which is at the south boundary of the Stoneridge Club.

The forested wetland setting here consists of large red and arroyo willows, a large thicket of giant reed on the east bank of the active channel, an understory canopy of castor beans and poison hemlock and a ground cover thick with trailing wild blackberry canes. Nat- uralized nasturtiums add bright spots of color.

East of the creek is a flat spread thickly with horse manure. Horse manure runoff here and from the stables upstream undoubtedly contributes to the high level of eutrophication noted in Laguna Creek within the study area. This condition was probably worsened in 1992 because bounteous spring rains flushed a lot of manure and urine-soaked ground, where wastes had accumulated in-situ through the drought years. It should be pointed out that maintenance and housekeeping at the Riding Club are good for a facility of this type. It is, however, "in the nature of the beast' that concentrations of livestock go hand in hand with nutrient accumulation which sooner or later exacerbates eutrophication of proximal aquatic systems. The significant of this impact has to be balanced however with the residential development proposed by the owners of the Stoneridge facility's underlying land, Orange Coast Specialties.

The hillside above the creek on the DeWitt panhandle is cleared of its indigenous coastal sage scrub for a distance of roughly half way from the canyon floor to the lower reservoir. This area contains adventive grass cover. Beyond is natural brushland. Stoneridge Riding Club. This facility consists of older office structures and barns, stables and a large riding ring. The creek wends its way through the facility and is for most part allowed to develop a broad forested swath of willows along its length. The riparian habitat here is of outstanding quality and understory species diversity.

Though many non-natives are well established, understory structure is unusually good, creating a habitat inviting to a variety of wildlife. Red willow is the dominant tree of the overstory; arroyo willow is present but subordinate. A second canopy layer is provided by dispersed elderberry bushes beneath the willow gallery. German ivy is ubiquitous, festooning many of the large trees. Within the understory are many kinds of forbs as well as some suffrutescent perennials such as wild blackberry and chaparral nightshade. Robust forbs include poison hemlock, fennel, common cocklebur, mugwort, caterpillar phacelia, bristly oxtongue, prickly sow thistle, curly dock, Mexican tea or epazote, wild radish and white sweet-clover. Other, lower-growing forbs are scarlet pimpernel, celery, native ye1 low monkeyflower, broad-leaved plantain and, in the stream, watercress.

Adjacent to the large riding ring on the south end of this property, Laguna Canyon Road is edged with a disturbed scrub/shrub wetland dominated by huge examples of lamb's quarter probably fertilized by horse excreta. Castor bean, elderberry bushes and tree tobacco add brush structure to the road-edge thicket which grades south into the westerly forested wetland strip on the DeWi tt parcel.

The riding club land wraps up around the preschool property. The hillside contains coastal sage scrub, lemonadeberry chaparral and a cave-pocketed outcrop behind the stable. The outcrop is draped with Kellogg's snapdragon and dotted with lance-leaved dudleyas. The habitat behind the preschool is described in the next section.

Anneliese's Preschool. This is an interesting property. In front are two older rural residences, leased to tenants. Then there is a semi-fallow grassy area along the creek on the south side of the entry drive, and a parking area on the north side.

The creek's riparian zone is somewhat narrowed, and comparatively manicured and cleared of debris. Beneath the willow canopy are tall cat-tails, calla lilies, periwinkle, cut-leaf water parsnip, Algerian and German ivy and wild blackberry.

East of the creek is a paved parking lot, north and a fenced playground, south. Tucked in at the base of the hillside beneath deodars, cypresses, pine, eucalypts, queen palms and black locust trees is the preschool, housed in the church building, and the school farm, which has sheep and other animals. The facility for security reasons is entirely fenced. This poses a barrier to any wildlife movement down the slope.

Above the preschool is a natural slope wooded with live oaks and dense chaparral cover. On an outcrop high above the school in this mesic setting is a stand of many-stemmed dudleya close to the north boundary of the study area, thus completing a range for this rare species which extends the entire length of the west- facing slope of Laguna Canyon down to the Big Bend cliffs with their threatened, endemic Laguna Beach dudleyas.

Upstream Reach of Lower Laguna Creek. Below the El Toro Creek-Laguna Creek confluence, moist alkaline meadow and scrublshrub wetland habitat in the lower reach of the former stream is replaced by the beginning of the forested wetland habitat so prolific downstream (and further upstream on El Toro Creek). There are also several large oak trees at the confluence. The fairly narrow forested wetland is flanked by thicket growth of wild blackberries, Mexican elderberry bushes and poison hemlock. East of the confluence, alkali meadow marginal wetland is dominated by Harding grass. Italian ryegrass and cat-tails are also present on the flats. On the flanking, northwest-facing hillside is a melange of oak forestland, mesic chaparral, rock outcrops and cliffs and spotty areas of coastal sage scrub on drier faces. It is not known whether this interesting area in the regional park was surveyed for rare plants; the habitat appears appropriate for both Laguna Beach and many- stemmed dudleya.

Wildlife of Laguna Creek. As would be expected, the upper reach of the creek with its lush gallery forest is a magnet habitat for wildlife, as reported by area residents.

Aquatic life includes numbers of crayfish and mosquito fish, some goldfish, Pacific tree frogs and, within the preschool and riding club property, bullfrogs. No turtles except released pond sliders have been reported by area residents.

Gopher snakes and rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here. Several residents reported great blue herons (one eating a ground squirrel) and the American or great egret in the upper reach. Lesser goldfinches, song sparrows, brown and rufous-sided towhees, Anna's hummingbirds, black phoebes, Nuttall's woodpeckers, sapsuckers and wandering flocks of parrots have also been seen, or were noted during the survey.

Bobcats, a few coyotes, foxes and mule deer (less than in the past) and resident opossums, skunks and raccoons are among the mammals seen. A mountain lion passed through the area about two years earlier. The residents interviewed all agreed that the recent increase of traffic on Laguna Canyon Road poses a barrier for wildlife, and fewer observations have been made in the recent past than when the road was quiet at night. Laguna Canyon Slope

The slopes of Laguna Canyon within the parcel are similar to those south. Coastal sage scrub, fairly dense and mesic clads west and southwest-facing hillsides, while admixtures of coastal sage scrub and coastal mixed chaparral grow on northwest-facing exposures. True north-facing hillsides such as are found along the park boundary support oak trees, either in pure stand woodlands or in a melange of thicket growth incorporating chaparral and coastal sage scrub.

The canyonside's upper slopes are studded with numerous outcrops. At least some of these contain at their fringes, populations of many-stemmed dudleya. Stands of cacti and various rupicoles are typical in the vicinity of the outcrops. Fairly impressive, cave-grottoed cliffs are exposed along ravine watercourses.

Water Tank Ravine. The Water District road and the trails (old abandoned roads) above it provide logical, foot traversable access to this portion of the DeWitt property. The lower hillside in the vicinity of the residences south and rural equestrian setting onsite has been fuel modified for many years (as revealed by 1969 aerial imagery), and continues to be at present. Adventive grassland is disked for fire control. This altered habitat is replaced upslope north of the ravine by indigenous coastal sage scrub of California buckwheat and sagebrush, dotted with coyotebrush, deerweed, monkeyflowers, and lemonadeberry and laurel sumac shrubs. Gracenotes are provided by wildflowers such as coast Indian paintbrush and fringed Indian pink. The south-facing lateral ridge-crest is, as expected, quite xeric with a variety of characteristic herbs such as f luffweeds and sapphire eriastrum, fringing trails and other openings. A single Orange County Turkish rugging flower was seen below the tank; other larger stands may exist nearby.

The ravine here is very well defined, with two laterals dissecting its west-facing slope; (these are counted among the five ravines cited earlier). The northwest- facing slopes of these side drainages contain chaparral, coastal sage scrub and a few oak trees; southwest- facing slopes are as noted earlier covered with coastal sage scrub. Rock outcrops are numerous, following sedimentary strata layers on the canyonside.

The northerly side drainage has a large cave-grottoed cliff in its lower reach. On the northwest-facing slope nearby, a mesic, moss and fern draped outcrop may host a small stand of many-stemmed dudleya but was not readily accessible for close-range inspection. The bottom of the main stem of the ravine from the lower reservoir downslope to the suburban edge in Laguna Canyon contains scrub-shrub wetland of Mexican elderberry and lesser amounts of castor bean and the exotic legume shrub, senna. As the drainage reaches the floor of Laguna Canyon and is joined by the second tributary, this robust thicket wetland is replaced by a grove of California sycamore trees. Below, the final reach passes through urban forests of pine, eucalyptus, pepper, Chinese elm and other exotic trees.

Above the lower water tank or reservoir, the upper reach of the ravine supports a thicket of coastal sage scrub and chaparral. About the outcrops which gird the ravine is a melange of prickly pear cacti, hybrids of orange and red bush monkeyflower, pine goldenbush, California buckwheat and chaparral bedstraw, as well as wind-sheared lemonadeberry shrubs. On one large outcrop on the northerly ridge were a cluster of bird's-foot ferns, rare in the study area, as well as an abundance of lance-leaved dudleyas, some chalk lettuce dudleya and the drying remains, on May 21, of white forgetmenot, peppergrass, California plantain goldentop grass and foxtail fescue. Along the lower edge of the big exposure, which is easily discerned on aerial imagery was a California brickellbush, a species also rare in the study area.

Upslope on the north ridge, a juvenile orange-throated whiptail was encountered off the trail in axeric opening overlooking the El Toro - Laguna Canyon confluence. On a later trip, an adult animal was seen nearby.

While scrublshrub wetland does not extend upslope of the lower reservoir, the throat of the ravine above is quite mesic. The predominant cover is of lemonadeberry, laurel sumac, California sagebrush, orange bush monkeyflower, fuchsia-flowering gooseberry and giant rye. Wild cucumber vines clamber over the thicket growth. Along the upper part of the streamcourse are mesic pocket native grasslands in increasingly heavy clay ground. These little microhabitats contain small flowered melic grass, purple needlegrass, nitgrass, foxtail fescue, Pacific sanicle, wild hyacinth, golden stars, and blue-eyed grass. There is also some disturbed grassland habitat in the eroded clay grounds which extend down from the ridge. Present here are robust artichoke thistle, mustards and horehound.

Above the lower reservoir, the abandoned road splits into three tracks, two of which extend generally up the throat of the ravine and the third running along the lateral ridge on its north side. All the trails are deeply eroded. The northerly one is very steep in areas, going over outcrops and loose rubble. This widest trail is used by horseback riders, which are doing some informal modifications to make it more traversable. These, however tend to promote even greater widening of the path, with resultant loss of vegetation and potential for future erosion. Here is one area where some more professional trail maintenance could be of environmental benefit.

The two well developed tributaries of the north ravine enter the drainage from the east-southeast, and thus have well-developed north-facing slopes which are in their upper reaches heavily vegetated with chaparral as well as a few oak trees. The higher reservoir is at the ridgecrest at the top of the northerly tributary. Cliff outcropping is exposed on the west facing slopes at several levels, a continuation of exposed ledges and faces which flank the main stem. These canyons are steep and rugged; on-the-ground reconnaissance of them was infeasible. Their inaccessibility and excellent vegetative cover makes them good wildlife habitat refugia.

A subsequent visit to the lower portion of Water Tank Ravine on June 4, 1992 was timed to monitor populations of many-stemmed dudleya. Two groupings were spotted. In the upper-mid reach of the southerly tributary, the one with the spring and sycamore grove at its mouth, there is a small stand of +/-30 plants on flat outcropping of the north-facing slope, extending over to the upper rim of a cave-grotto in the streambed. On the lower north-facing slope of the second tributary from the south, extending into the channel area is a larger stand of +/-I50 plants. Interestingly, this grouping seems to extend to or across the previously cleared (pipeline?) swath between the ridgecrest reservoir and the access road. This swath was clearly visible in 1969 but has essentially been reclaimed by indigenous brushland 23 years hence.

Another highlight of the subsequent visit was seeing two additional orange-throated whiptails, both on the paved water tank access road near the brushy edge. One whiptail ran between the writer's feet and beneath her parked truck. The whiptails, as well as western fence lizards appeared to use the road to hunt and to bask, darting into the protective brush cover along the edge when danger loomed.

South Ravines. In addition to the 'lower water reservoir" or Water Tank Ravine and tributaries, there is one additional well developed drainage south, Stan's Lane Ravine, which flows into Laguna Creek near the Water Tank Ravine confluence. Further south is a ravine which runs along the Edison lines which border the property, then through or beneath the old city dump, ultimately emptying into Laguna Creek in the vicinity of Laguna Self Storage. This drainage is herein referred to as Dump Ravine. The upper hillside between the two ravines and the upper reach of the latter is reached by a SCE tower access road. This road is incorrectly depicted on recent topography mapping as extending to the bottom of the south ravine. The truth is that a second Edison access road goes up the lower canyonside from Laguna Self Storage, passing through the old City dump and snaking along the hillside above to a tower located mid-slope. There is no trail or feasible route overland between the lower road (nicknamed, the "race track") and the upper road. There is an overgrown trail going up the ridge along the south edge of the northerly of the ravines, dead- ending about a third of the way up the slope.

Outcropping oriented north-south, as before is exposed along several levels on the west-facing slopes flanking each ravine. These slopes contain cover of coastal sage scrub with scattered chaparral, while the north-facing slopes bear a dense elfin forest of chaparral, and dispersed oak trees. The southerly canyon contain quite a few oaks in its lower portion.

On the upper Edison Road roadcuts and flanking slopes, a lot of outcropping is exposed. This consists of sandstone and shaly sandstone with a network of caliche lenses. Thick growth of lemonadeberry blankets the hillside above. On the outcrop face along the trail two orange-throated whiptails (a breeding pair?) were seen. It can be surmised that the many inaccessible rock faces on the rugged upper and middle canyonside support significant numbers of these rare reptiles, judging from observations of adult and juvenile whiptails on the limited areas of accessible hillside.

Stans Lane Ravine: On the north-facing slope of this ravine north of the Edison trail, lemonadeberry is replaced by toyon in the chaparral. There may be some oaks near the drainagecourse, as indicated by aerial imagery. At the head of the ravine, outcrop cliffs are grottoed; the grottoes are streaked with bird guano and contain nesting material. Owls, ravens, and red- tailed hawks and other larger raptors could be expected to nest in the grottoes. Even more spectacular outcrops gird the inaccessible ravines north, good habitats for cliff-dwel ling reptiles, birds and mammals, potentially including the rare and secretive ring-tailed cat, reported by several canyon residents. Stans Lane extends up the bottom of this ravine, out of the Sun Valley neighborhood of Laguna Canyon. It con- fluences with Laguna Creek at essentially the same point as Water Tank Ravine. In the mesic brushy habitat east of the end of that street and an old lane above it, outcrops flanking a grotto in the lower creek are edged with around 500 many-stemmed dudleya plants. A grove of eucalyptus trees at the suburban edge below is the nest site for a family of red-tailed hawks. On June 4, 1992, the young birds were being fledged but were still squawking noisely for meals of ground squirrel and other tidbits. Still unwieldy fliers, the juveniles were ranging over to Water Tank Ravine. Interestingly, the adult hawks had taken up residence in a tree right above a group of residences, though in an area that fronted on open space. Red- tailed hawks are generally considered to be intolerant of human presence with a 1/3 to 1/2 mile radius nest critical zone (Peter Bloom, pers. comm.). For a pair to establish a new nest site so close to humans is unusual and interesting. Local residents said this was the third year of nesting.

Between Stans Lane and Dump Ravine is a short drainage, brushy below except where cleared for fuel abatement. An outcrop on the north side a short distance above the cleared area appeared to support a stand of many- stemmed dudleya, as viewed with telescope from the canyon floor. Close inspection was not considered feasible because of Doberman guard dogs at the residence at the top of the adjacent, private lane.

Dump Ravine: The Edison road on the upper slope loops southward into the head of the "south boundary" ravine, also referred to as the City Dump Ravine. This is a brushy, mesic setting, a melange of lemonadeberry-toyon chaparral, large swaths of giant rye and species- diverse coastal sage scrub with a triumvirate of dominant species: California sagebrush, California buckwheat and black sage. Festoons of wild cucumber are draped through chaparral shrubbery. Shaded openings contain rich green patches of small-flowered melic grass. Orange bush monkeyflowers dot the slope. Song sparrows inhabit the brushy bottoms. The north-facing slope of the canyon below is heavily forested with chaparral and dispersed oak trees. The abandoned City dump is located on a man-made bench on the lower canyonside above Laguna Self Storage.

The lower reach was surveyed by the author on January 22, 1988, for the Laguna Canyon Property Owners Associ- ation, with the following finding (Letter report to Ken Lauher, 1-23-88). The survey was focused on the old City Dump and its environs, proposed at that time as the site of a homeless shelter.

"In unincorporated Orange County, the (old City dump) is located on manufactured benchland within a tributary on the east side of Laguna Canyon, elevationally separated from the canyon bottom by about 60 to 80 feet. The now-abandoned dump lies within the nearly level manufactured fill bench which appears to encompass about an acre of land. The remainder of the parcel consists of a 546+' x 14' access strip to Laguna Canyon Road, steeply sloping land below the landfill bench (the side of the manufactured fi11), and natural canyonsides and ravines on the north, east and south sides. The durr~p site contains buried, partially buried and fully exposed refuse, including metal and concrete items. A pit is located at the remaining exposed lower reach of a ravine on the northeast corner of the fill; this was used to burn flammable refuse in the past. The dump was operated for many years prior to its abandonment, and a variety of refuse including paint can waste (potentially hazardous) was reportedly disposed of there (Ken Lauher, personal communication). The parcel is owned by the City of Laguna Beach."

"The manufactured landfill is vegetated with adventive annual grasses and weeds and is not biologically sensitive.

The access road is bordered by eucalyptus trees. If this road is widened, the trees would have to be removed. While not native, eucalyptus trees in win- drows like this one provide vertical habitat structure in areas where there is not an abundance of native trees. They are of value as perch and often nest sites for hawks, and perch sites for owls. Common flickers (present on site) drill for insects under the bark, an important food source for the species."

"The natural canyon slopes on the south and east side of the parcel contain chaparral brush and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees and groves. The vegetation here is structurally complex, providing many kinds of habitat niches for sonabirds and other kinds of wildlife. Wild rose (Rosa caiifornica), Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexi cam poi son oak (Toxi codendron diversimm),'eteromeles arbutifolia), holly- leaved redberry (Rhamnus ilicifolia), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina) and coast live oaks all provide fruit/seed food resources for wildlife species, further enhancing habitat value. The botanical diversity of these mesic slopes extends to herbaceous understory species as well. Noted during the brief inspection were masses of polypody fern (Polypodium californicum) on

73 the upper slopes in the shade of oak trees, and three additional fern species, western wood (Dryopteris ar uta), sporadic on the hillsides, and goldenback Pit ro ramma triangularis) and maidenhair (Adiantum $-+'ordanii in sheltered mossy niches on the steep north- facing banks below. The handsome early spring-flowering milkmaids (Cardamine californica) was in bloom when the site was examined. The presence of this native forestland herb is an indication of the site's botanical maturity and complexity. Other woodland herbs observed were mesa saxifrage (Je sonia par), fiesta flower (Pholistoma auritum*ching phacelia (Phacella ; common eucrypta (Eucrypta chr santhemi- miner's lettuce (Montia perfoliata* chickweed (Stellaria mediamific sanicle (Sanicula crassicaulis) and wiyd-anium (Geranium carolinia- -num). Fuchsia-f lowering gooseberry speciosum) , climbing penstemon (Keckiella cordifolia) and orange bush monkeyflower niplaucus aurantiacus) lend floral color to the lower shrub layer!'

"Some north and west-facing outcrops of Topanga sandstone were inspected for dudleyas, native succulents. The species Dudleya lanceolata was found. The site lies mid-way between two major populations of the state threatened-listed Laguna Beach dudleya (D. stolonifera) which occurs on we1 1-cemented coarse sazdstone bedrock on north-facing slopes, as at Big Bend, 4750' southwest of the project site, and in lower Laurel Canyon, 4000' northwest of the property. An exhaustive examination of north and west facing slope outcrops was not conducted here. The Topanga facies examined consisted of rather soft fine grained material; however characteristic tight (well cemented) coarse grained sandstone exposures were noted on the south facing slope, and this facies (or possibly outlier material of Vaqueros bedrock) may be present on or adjacent to the site in locales of correct exposure for the threatened species."

'Two canyons run down to the fill area. The larger is located at the back, (south) east side of the site. A grove of California sycamore (Platanus racemosa) trees is located at its mouth. As well as possessing considerable aesthetic value, these are valuable for cavity- nesting avifauna such as woodpeckers, ash-throated flycatchers, titmice and wrens. Mistletoe (Phoraden- dron) clusters in the canopy provided fruit for phainopeplas. In the understory, spotted towhees were heard scratching for forage during the site visit."

"The other canyon runs along the base of and up into the south facing slope. This sunny exposure is vegetated by coastal sage scrub of California sagebrush (Artemi- -sia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) oracle cactus (Opuntia oricola), coastal cholla (Opuntia prolifera) and other species. The cacti are found mainly about massive, tight sandstone outcrops, and provide habitat for desert-woodrats (Neotoma lepida) and possibly summer nest sites for the sensitive coastal race of the cactus wren. Other birds of the coastal sage scrub which were observed during the site visit were yellow-rumped warblers, wrentits, Bewick's wrens, ravens and turkey vultures. The Bewick's wren is a National Audubon Society Blue-listed species, though local populations are not yet depleted." 'The margins of the massive south facing outcrops which were easily accessible from the landfill area were inspected and found to contain many-stemmed dudleyas (Dudleya multicaulis). This drought-deciduous succulent is rated rare and endangered by the California Native Plant Society and is-a candidate for Federal Threat- ened/Endangered listing. About 10 plants were observed on the outcrop margin, growing on cap soil with Bigelow spike moss (Sela inella bi elovii). Additional suitable habitat was ~~seen on t e ot er side of the north tributary from the SCE service road, but was not inspected.

Sensitive fauna reported from the immediate vicinity of the proj t site include ring-tai led cat (Bassdsc~ astutus) mo untain lion e el is concolor) and San Diego horned 1 ard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei).

The ring-tailed cat, a fox-like relative of raccoon exists in regionally depleted populations in cismontane southern California and is considered a species of special status and concern in Orange County. It is a State of California protected furbearer. This mammal occurs in areas where outcrops provide cave and grotto den-sites. The soft, easily weathered facies of Topanga sandstone provide such locales. A ring-tailed cat was observed in early fall, 1987 approximately 100 yards north of the landfill" (reported by Lauher).

"A mountain lion was observed in November, 1987 on the west side of Laguna Canyon Road (Irvine Ranch) opposite the site by 12 members of the Laguna Canyon Property Owners Association. Other mountain lion sightings were made up and down Laguna Canyon through the summer of 1987 (Maren Blacketer, pers. comm.), and a photo was reportedly taken of the species near the intersection of Laguna Canyon Road and El Toro Road. There have been some older sight records of lions in the San Joaquin- Laguna Hills, in Shady Canyon, lrvine Ranch and Wood Canyon, now Aliso-Wood Canyon Regional Park. This series of recent sightings is of considerable interest because urbanization inland is continuing to sever historic dispersion corridors for the species between its core population in the Santa Ana Mountains and the coastal hi11 country."

"Ken Lauher reports observing horned lizards on the canyon slopes near the project site. The only species of this easily recognizable lizard present in Orange County is a Federal Threatened/Endangered listing candidate, the San Diego horned lizard. Lauher's is not the only report of the reptile in the project area; during prior surveys of the Laguna-Mathis/Wood Canyon ridge divide, the memorandum author interviewed other people who reported the lizards here.

In addition to the three sensitive fauna species described above, the project area with its grottoes and caves in Topanga sandstone is inhabited by numbers of nocturnal barn owl, a National Audubon Species of Spec- ial Concern, as observed by biologist Michael Benner during a survey of nearby property for ECOS Management Criteria, Inc. Ken Lauher reports that many barn owls are seen about the nearby rural residential neighborhood" (Marsh, 1988).

Revisiting Dump Ravine on June 3, 1992, other resources were discovered. The ravine, despite the scar at its mouth is quite exceptional in species and habitat diversity. The north-facing slope above the now reactiv- ated dump is very lush and diverse, with oak forestland and canyon-bottom sycamores interfingered with dense, mesic brushland of poison oak, wild roses, phacelias, mugwort, wild sweet-pea, climbing penstemon, monkeyflower, giant rye and the locally rare California false indigo. On the coastal sage scrub-vegetated west- facing slopes above the dump are mesic cliff faces and outcrops with large stands of many stemmed dudleya. An outcrop in the channel supports a sizeable stand of the rare succulent.

3. DeWitt Ridge

Main Ridge. Like the ridge south in Laguna Heights, the upland here undulates, with a series of promontories joined by saddles. There are at least seven distinct knolls on the DeWitt portion of the Laguna-Wood Canyon divide.

Coastal sage scrub mantles this upland, within a habitat continuum which extends from the upper slopes of Canyon Acres Canyon to Laguna Audubon and, ultimately, Leisure World, north. All in all, this is a vast and quite pristine coastal sage scrub habitat, and DeWitt lies at its crest. Onsite, a typical dryland coastal sage scrub is present. California sagebrush is dominant; in heavy clay soil on the ridge flanks, a monoculture of this misty gray-green shrub often exists. On the ridge crest, sagebrush is admixed with California buckwheat and other coastal sage scrub species, as well as individual and clumps of coastal chaparral shrubs such as lemonadeberry, laurel sumac and Mexican elderberry. Rock outcrops associated with the knolls support large stands of western prickly pear, as well as some oracle cactus and a little coastal cholla. Chaparral shrubs and orange x red bush monkeyflower also grow about the outcrops, creating little thickets with the cacti attractive to smaller wildlife species such as desert pack rats, observed here.

While the brush cover is quite dense, there are some patchy grassland openings, mostly on the upper flanks of the ridge where the soil is clayey. These support both native and adventive grassland (often amixture of these communities). Artichoke thistle or cardoon, wild oats and mustards are adventive representatives; purple needlegrass and low barley prominent natives. Areas of patchy cover have potential for harboring the Federally Threatened California gnatcatcher, which was reported earlier in the spring of 1992 from the vicinity of the higher water tank. Two additional gnatcatcher territories were found near the ridge during the survey.

The high water reservoir is enclosed by fencing. It is covered and is essentially a big water tank. Solar power collectors supply the facility's electrical needs. This compound sits upon a big outcrop fringed with buckwheat, cacti, and chaparral on the Laguna Canyon side. Lizards bask and agile kangaroo rats take dust baths in loose sand on the promontory. A Califor- nia kingsnake was seen here by greenbelt visitors.

The main divide ridge south of the reservoir is similar to other portions further south on Laguna Heights. Noteworthy however, is a large stand of coyotebrush which extends from the crest overlooking Laguna Canyon east across the ridge onto the upper east-facing slope of the north branch of Mathis Canyon, here interdigitated with grassland and coastal sage scrub. This species is a marginal phraetophyte like giant rye; its presence would seem to indicate a subsurface seepage zone or area of seasonal moisture accumulation, perhaps related to soil condition or presence of a subsurface hardpan. South into San Diego County as well as inland in the Santa Ana Mountains foothills, the shrub is often a component of so-called "Bajada Scrub"

Ridge Between North Branch of Mathis Canyon and West Headwater of Wood Canyon. This is a long, undulating ridge which, except for a small promontory is essentially at or just below the 700 foot level until it finally drops away toward Wood Canyon near the east boundary of the Greenbelt. A well-defined road extends along the ridge to the south boundary of the DeWitt parcel and not coincidentally, the S.C. Edison right of way, where another short road describes a triangle as it accesses a KV tower. Beyond this tower, a trail slinks down into -Wood Canyon. An equally narrow trail runs east along the ridge itself. The ridge trail offers good viewpoints into both Wood and Mathis North Canyons, described in other sections. Along the ridgeline proper, coastal sage scrub is dominant to the vicinity of the south boundary of DeWitt. The soil is heavy, and there are dispersed patches of grassland and cardoon infestation. Then the ridgecrest broadens as a lateral hillside slopes down into Wood Canyon. There is some vernal pooling along the edge of the roadway here. The mesa at the DeWitt boundary is covered with a monoculture of California sagebrush. There are dim wildlife trails through this brush, and a few small native grass openings which are substantially browsed Fresh deer tracks (2 track sets) were seen along the ridge between this mesa and the high reservoir; only a few isolated tracks were noted further east on the ridge. Numerous coyote tracks and scat piles were seen, however. But for deer, the passage from Wood Canyon at the time of the spring survey appeared to be the steep winding trail eminating at the confluence of the two headwaters of Wood Canyon rather than out at the terminus of the long ridge at the Wood-Mathis North confluence. These patterns of movement are likely to change in the fall when deer movement to permanent water sources is stimulated by the climax of the drought and drying of intermittent creeks and springs. However, increased human use of the bottom of Wood Canyon may be substantially affecting deer viability within and use of this regionally important habitat area, as discussed later.

Beyond the mesa, within the Laguna Heights land parcel, chaparral extends up both the slope of Wood and Mathis North Canyon and occurs in a mosaic with coastal sage scrub on the ridge crest. Aesthetically this is a more visually interesting area than the rather monotonous cover on the higher ridge to the west. Buckwheat, pine goldenbush, lemonadeberry, sages, cacti and monkeyflower share habitat with the ubiquitous California sagebrush. An endemic Weed's mariposa lily was noted here (the subspecies is widespread further south in the city).

4. Wood Canyon

West Headwater Branch. This branch of Wood Canyon lies partially within the DeWitt parcel. The long undulating ridge extending south from the high reservoir on the main divide (described above), separates this drainage and Wood Canyon's main stem below from Mathis Canyon, south. This ridge is topographically a logical wildlife pathway from the highlands down into Wood Canyon, though only limited deer use was noted during the spring survey. It could be, however, an important component of the regional wildlife movement corridor between Laguna Canyon and the Superpark west, and Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park.

The floor at the west headwater branch of Wood Cnayon is forested with coast live oak trees, which also extend up north-facing canyonsides to the coastal sage scrub/chaparral brushland edge. A pair of black- shouldered kites resides in this oak woodland. Observed earlier in the year by Sweetwater Consultants, at least one of the pair was still present in late May, 1992. A female marsh hawk (northern harrier) was, however chal- lenging the kite's hold on the territory (the distaff or offspring of the harrier pair over the ridge in Laguna Canyon?). She was seen on surveys a week apart.

Linear rock outcropping girds the south-facing slopes of the north and west headwater forks within this branch. Cacti are abundant above the ledges; chaparral is dense below the west outcrop. The north outcrop supports cactus wrens.

Fairly extensive grasslands extend down the east and north-facing slope, within the coastal sage scrub. Cardoon is well established in both swaths, which likely support both native needlegrasses and adventive wild oats and bromes. Down canyon from the north-facing slope grassland, oaks extend upslope from the forestland below, with clusters established within the coastal sage scrub. Rock outcropping is exposed in the gully between the grassland and the oaks.

There are several drainage forks at the head of this canyon. The oak grove is within and on the north-facing slope of the westerly fork downslope from the reservoir. Other forks contain chaparral growth.

Main Stem of Wood Canyon. The confluence of the west headwater and main stem of Wood Canyon is within the regional park east of the DeWitt boundary. The trail that descends into Wood Canyon from the end of the SCE service road comes out near the confluence. The west branch and main stem above are separated by a short ridge which projects southeast from the vicinity of the north boundary of the DeWitt parcel, crossing the northeast corner of the Greenbelt. An old road used today by mountain bikers runs along the ridge between Wood Canyon and the main divide. 10+ years ago, this was a well-used coyote 'highway". Today, a dim wildlife trail can be discerned to the north, near the north edge of the regional park, now very close to the development edge.

None of the main stem of Wood Canyon is within the study area; however, the upper west slope down to Mathis Canyon skirts along the east boundary. This slope contains a heavy cover of coastal mixed chaparral which toward the long undulating ridge above becomes admixed with coastal sage scrub. Chaparral grades into oak woodland below; the latter dominates the floor of Wood Canyon.

Wood Canyon +/- 10 years ago supported a large deer population, which is markedly reduced at present, according to recent biological studies within the regional park.

Reconnaissance of Upper Canyon Floor/West Branch Oak Forestland: The floor of the west headwater branch is not accessible from below. It is filled with near- impenetrable thicket growth of chaparral and oaks, replaced on the slopes by chaparral and coastal sage scrub. The bike trail ascends the north ridge through coastal sage scrub and cacti.

In upper Wood Canyon, oak woodland is patchy and thickety along the streamcourse with a variety of chaparral shrubs. These woodland-chaparral patches are interdigitated with coastal sage scrub extending down the canyonsides, and with areas of adventive and native grassland. The latter locales in woodland/savannah openings are enriched with such wildflowers as golden stars, blue-eyed grass and hillside hedge-nettle.

Further down-canyon, oak woodland becomes extensive, with a diverse understory which can range from a thicket jungle of poison oak to a more open and diverse woodland f lor containing snowberry, California goldenrod, flax-leaved fleabane, scattered fuchsia-flowered gooseberry, Nuttall's bedstraw and wood ferns. Toyon, holly-leaved redberry and other chaparral shrubs are scattered through the understory, further contributing to the woodland's park-like aspect. Large old live oaks in some portions develop a thick spreading canopy which excludes light. Beneath these "closed canopy" groves the forest floor is largely free of understory plants, instead being covered with a duff of leaf litter.

When surveyed in late June, 1992, the upper and middle portions of Wood Canyon Creek (well above the Mathis confluence) contained flowing water, which may in part be enhanced with dust-control water truck runoff. The uppermost reach of Wood Canyon was at that time being graded for construction. The creek is fringed with thickets of poison oak, wild rose, mugwort, phacelia, giant rye and fuchsia-floweriqg gooseberry. As noted earlier, Wood Canyon proper is located entirely within Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park, though the closely adjacent slopes are within the Laguna Greenbelt and City limits. The upper canyon from the development grading edge down to the KV powerlines is adjacent to the DeWitt parcel. This area grades from patchy oak stands to the dense oak forestland of the middle reach, which is adjacent to the northeastern portion of Laguna Heights.

The lower reach of Wood Canyon approaching the Mathis confluence changes in vegetation from an oak-dominated forestland to a mosaic of oaks and sycamores and finally to a oak-sycamore woodland-savannah. Mexican elderberry is abundant in parts of the understory, forming thickets with poison oak, creek nettles and occasionally, with arroyo willow and mulefat. Savannah openings within the shade of large sycamore groves contain native alkali or beardless wild rye and giant rye, as well as the ubiquitous adventive ripgut brome. Sprawl- ing coyote melons grow out in sunny openings, patches of California goldenrod in the shade of trees.

The streamcourse in the lower reach was dry in late June, and fringed by mulefat and elderberry bushes.

With the halt of cattle grazing, tree seedlings and suckers of sycamore and oak are now surviving herbivory, enabling the forest to regenerate itself. How- ever, this may also point to a lack of browsing pressure from deer. Mule deer have been abundant in Wood Canyon in the past, but none were seen during the latest survey. The heavy use of this area by mountain bikers, as well as development and grading at the head of the canyon may be intruding on and fragmenting former deer refugia, interfering with reproductive success and generally driving these ungulates out of the area. Careful deer monitoring is needed throughout the undeveloped San Joaquin Hllls. Where are the deer today? How many are left? Where are their critical refugium habitats, and how large must they be (free of recreational use pressure) for the "herd" to perpetuate itself?

Avian use of Wood Canyon continues unimpeded. The lower reach approaching the Mathis confluence is quite open; Corral Canyon, a grassy drainage developed above, joins Wood Canyon here. This area provides good raptor habitat, with scattered trees for perching and nesting, and large grasslands for hunting. Thicket clumps of elderberry bushes in the grassland are good habitat for the rare blue grosbeak, documented in the park. Sycamore groves upcanyon from the Corral confluence are utilized by cavity nesters such as house wrens and ash-throated flycatchers. Lesser goldfinches and house finches are common in the upstream elderberry thickets; Hutton's vireos and a few wood pewees were heard in the oak forestland further upstream during the brief visit.

As the Mathis confluence is approached, the long ridge between this watershed and Wood Canyon's main stem is girded by a sideslope wall of interesting outcropping. The ridgeline dips; oaks grow up into this saddle from hillside groveland below. Then the ridge raises to a final, coastal sage scrub-clad promontory before descending to the canyon floor at the confluence.

The Mathis Canyon watershed, which extends far up into the Greenbelt, is described in the Laguna Heights Section, next.

2.2.3 Laguna Heights

A detailed description of the 471.44 acre Laguna Heights land block is contained in Marsh, 1982. The bulk of the property was formerly encompassed by "Lot A", 436 acres located northerly of the former proposed development area centered about the high knoll which overlooks Big Bend and circles east around the flanks of Temple Hill. As noted earlier, the Carma Sandling Laguna Heights project failed to obtain approval from the City of Laguna Beach, which ultimately purchased the property for addition to the Laguna Greenbelt. Laguna Heights and DeWitt together constitute a very significant open space block between Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park and the Irvine Ranch wildland on the west side of Laguna Canyon, as well as the Canyon Acres Canyon undeveloped slopeland south and the Sycamore Hills City parkland north.

Major changes which have affected the Laguna Heights habitat subsequent to the November 22-26, 1982 field survey are these.

Fire and Drought

The Big Bend Fire took place in the late summer of 1983. This fire started in Laguna Canyon in the vicinity of Big Bend by an individual discharging a flare gun. The fire raced up the slope of Laguna Canyon and hopped the ridge as it moved toward upper Mathis Canyon and Temple Hill. The author witnessed the advancing flames. As the fire devoured tinder-dry coastal sage scrub, the buzz of rattlers echoed in the open space. Above, bombers circled and swooped down on the fire, discharging showers of flame retardant.

There was considerable physical pertubation to the land as a result of the fire, mainly from bulldozer work as fuel breaks were cut. One population of rare many- stemmed dudleya appeared to have been lost along the ridge as a result of this dozer activity; however during the ongoing 1992 survey, a thriving stand was rediscovered at the site.

Following the fire was an extended- drought, which was not broken until the rainy season of 1991-92. This long dry period interfered with the reestablishment of coastal sage scrub brushland in the southern portion of Laguna Heights and chaparral on the Laguna Canyon slope. Much of the area on the ridge still remains today in a seral adventive grassland, or in grass-coastal sage scrub mosaic (which is beneficial for this endangered California gnatcatcher, which was subsequently found in southern Laguna Heights). As discussed earlier, the vegetation on the Laguna Canyon slopes is similarly affected. Areas formerly containing chaparral now support a mesic scrub where giant rye, poison oak and orange bush monkeyflower are prolific. Some coastal sage scrub reverted to seral annual grassland where Russian thistle is prolific. Development

Subsequent to 1982 surveys, Temple Hill, immediately southeast of Laguna Heights was developed as a residential neighborhood. The land just north and west of Temple Hill, extending onto Laguna Heights was developed as city parkland. The head of a Mathis Canyon tributary was filled in to create additional flat land for the park (as well as to provide a disposal site for rock and soil removed from the crest of Temple Hill during its grading). Today, a parking lot, tennis courts, restrooms and picnic tables occupy the substantially modified terrain. However, the park was scaled back from what was previously planned; a proposed soccer field was deleted to preserve a hillside spring and marsh important for deer, and mosaic coastal sage scrub-grassland habitat which was occupied by the California gnatcatcher. In concert with residential and park development, Alta Laguna Boulevard was extended westward from its former terminus at Temple Hill. Prior to construction of the existing park, a small ridgeline viewsite and picnic area was installed at the end of the street extension. This mini-park was located astride what had been previously an important deer trail between the south branch of Mathis Canyon and the hillsides above Canyon Acres Canyon. With introduction of a lot of human and dog use, deer subsequently abandoned this trail in favor of one wrapping around the north and west side of the high knoll overlooking Big Bend, linking to other trails which descend the Bend.

Increased Recreational Use

Human use of the ridgeline open space has increased dramatically since it was added to the Laguna Greenbelt. Public vehicular use is effectively eliminated from the site because of locked access gates and washed out roads. However, in addition to hikers and dog-walkers there is now an abundance of mountain biking in the open space including both the ridge and Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park, east. This continuing source of disturbance may be adversely affecting native fauna. Particu- larly vulnerable would be mule deer and other larger mammals, whose habitat is being fragmented by increasingly heavily used mountain bike trails. There are also problems between fast-moving mountain bikes and unwary pedestrians on the trails. Recreational use issues are further examined in the management section of this resource inventory.

Habitat Restoration

A portion of the high knoll once slated for residential development and an outcrop adjacent to the terminus of Alta Laguna Boulevard are being revegetated with xeric barrens and rupicole species. The plant palette for this restoration was modelled on the flora of the Temple Hill marine terrace promontory before its development. The high knoll previously was largely devoid of vegetation because of years of ORV impact and "lover's lane" vehicular parking. Even the convoluted marine terrace rock exposures had been worn down, and the knoll was nothing more than a rock bald.

The revegetation area-on the knoll is protected from human impact by three strand smooth-wire fencing. A trail skirts the site.

The revegetation project has secured a fragile hold on these xeric outcrop areas, one showing promise but still threatened by invading Eurasian grasses and ruderals, drought and herbivory. Efforts to quell the latter by using excluder cages have not been successful, for it turns out that much of the herbivory originates with insects which slip through the hardware cloth (Brian Fink, pers. comm.). The revegetation project has met with some amount of public skepticism, pointing out the need for interpretive signage explaining the goals of achieving a minimalist landscape of drought and rock adapted species in this unique and interesting habitat.

Table One lists plant species which are reestablishing on the knoll and the Alta Laguna outcrop exposure, by virtue of direct human introduction and natural recruit- ment. The table is broken up into desirable, neutral and undesirable species, and relative abundance. Desir- able species are the ones which are part of the appropriate climax flora for Pleistocene marine terrace exposures. Neutral species are also found in natural exposures but are either well adapted nonnatives, or taxa which need to be monitored because their numbers can get out of hand, choking out the desired flora. Undesirable plants are Eurasian weedy grasses and forbs not appropriate to these special sites but established in deeper soil pockets or by virtue of spillover drift of irrigation water. Most of these move into the sites from adjacent disturbed grasslands; some are the result of hydromulch impurity on the nearby developed park slopes. Undesirable species require vigorous management, which can range from controlled burning and/or mowing the seed source areas to hand-pulling on the revegetation sites.

The revegetation program for this unique habitat type is to be applauded, and should continue to receive City support so that the promising beginning will bear fruit in a sustainable restored Pleistocene marine terrace habitat.

As described in "Physical Setting", the Laguna Heights land block extends north from the high knoll overlooking Big Bend to the DeWitt parcel southeast of the Laguna Canyon-El Toro Road junction. It incorporates about 1 1/4 miles of ridgeline between Laguna and Wood Canyon. In the Big Bend area, part of the Laguna Canyon slope lies within this parcel. This area was discussed earlier in Section 2.2.1.

On the east side of the long, north-oriented ridge divide is a major tributary of Wood Canyon variously referred to as A (for its wide A-branched form) or Mathis Canyon. Mathis Canyon cut deeply into the side of the ridge, and is itself dissected into two main branches. The north branch drains almost due south in its upper reach. A narrow hogback ridge separates it from the main stem of Wood Canyon, east. As noted earlier, this hogback is topographically, a natural dispersion route for wildlife moving between Laurel Canyon, west and Wood Canyon, since a westward-projecting spur of land off the DeWitt ridge provides fairly easy access to the Laguna Canyon crossover point. Between the north TABLE ONE P.l Harine Terrace Habitat Restoration Project Results of 5/5/1992 Monitoring Survey

Relative Abundance Desirabi lity Alta Laguna Knoll Desirable Neutral Undesirable MT Corethrogyne filaginifolia - 0 A X glandular cudweed **, Dudleya multicaulis - C C X RO many-stemmed dudleya RO Dudleya lanceolata - 0 X lance-leaved dudleya MT Cardionema ramossimum - C X sand mat Isocoma veneta - C 0 X woolly CA goldenbush Stipa lepida - 0 0 X foothill needlegrass Artemisia californica - 0 0 X CA sagebrush Eriogonum fasciculatum - 0 0 X CA buckwheat Lotus scoparius - deerweed 0 0 X RO Mirabilis californica - 0 0 X wishbone bush

Cryptantha intermedia - 0 U X white forgetmenot

MT Camissonia bistorta, etc. - - 0 X suncups RO Crassula connata - 0 - X dwarf stonecrop Plagiobothrys collinus - - 0 X popcorn f 1 ower RO Ericameria pinifolia - - 0 X pine goldenbush RO Gnaphalium bicolor - - 0 X bicolored leaf cudweed TABLE ONE P.2

Marine Terrace Habitat Restoration Project Results of 5/5/1992 Monitoring Survey

Relative Abundance Desirabi lity Alta SPECIES Laguna Knoll Desirable Neutral Undesirable **, Dichondra occidentalis - - 0 X MT western dichondra --Lasthenia chrysostoma - - U X goldfields MT Croton californicus - croton - U X Gna halium microcephalum - - U X -T-sma 1-flowered everlasting MT Plantago erecta - CA plantain RO Opuntia "occidentalis" - U - X western prickly pear Chlorogalum pomeridianum - U - X amole lily Dichelostemma pulchella - U - X wild hyacinth Calandrinia ciliata - U - X red maids RO Mimulus puniceus - red bush monkeyflower Hemizonia fasciculata - A 0 branching tarweed Hypochoeris jlabra - 0 0 smooth cat's ears Lamarckia aurea - 0 0 goldentop grass Vulpia myuros hirsuta - - Zorro fescue Spergularia maritima, etc.- 0 - sand spurry Filago ~allica- U narrow-leaved fluffweed TABLE ONE P.3 Marine Terrace Habitat Restoration Project Results of 5/5/1992 Monitoring Survey

Relative Abundance Desirabi lity Alta SPECIES Laguna Knoll Desirable Neutral Undesirable Silene gallica - windmill pink Gnaphalium luteo-album - - U weedy cudweed Plantago insularis - U - woolly plantain Bromus rubens - red brome A C Erodium botrys - C C broad-lobed filaree Coronopus didymus - C - wart cress Hordeum murinum leporinum - C U foxtai 1 barley Lolium multiflorum - Italian rye Bromus hordaceus - soft chess Brassica geniculata - 0 0 summer mustard Erodium cicutarium - 0 - red stemmed filaree Bromus diandrus - ripgut brome Cotula australis - 0 - brass buttons Rumex crispus - curly dock - U Isocoma veneta - glabrous U inland form, CA soldenbush (probable hydromilch introduction) Legend Abundance A - abundant ** - rare and endangered species C - common MT - marine terrace community indicator species 0 - occasional RO - rupicole U - uncommon and south branch is a second intermediate ridge, which broadens into a roundish mesa above. A park road is maintained up this ridge to the Laguna Heights boundary. Beyond, within the Greenbelt, the road has not been graded for some time and is in an advanced state of disrepair. This makes it even more of a challenge for speeding mountain bikers than the steep but sedate park road below. The south branch of Mathis Canyon is itself split into 6 well defined headwater tributaries. These cut deeply into the side of the ridge, with outcrop cliffs exposed onslopes and at headwaters, The majority of the tributaries face north, and deep within them are sheltered, mesic refugia habitats for regionally disjunct plants such as hummingbird sage, oceanspray and silverback fern, as well as rare and endangered Laguna Beach dudleya and many-stemmed dudleya. Endemic Orange County Turkish rugging has been observed on the opposite south-facing side of at least one tributary. As described in 1982, the following is a thumbnail overview of the biological setting of "Lot A", (at 436 acres, the vast bulk of the Laguna Heights parcel),

"The bulk of slopeland terrain in Lot A is coastal sage scrub vegetated. Major canyon bottoms contain southern oak woodland, bordered on upper slopes and channel reaches by chaparral. Prominent outcroppings occur on upper canyon slopes, particularly those which are oriented toward the southwest. There are some grassland patches, particularly on mesaland between the major branches of Mathis Canyon, Extensive canyon bottom woodland-grassland savannahs are found on the floor of lower Mathis and upper Wood Canyon, east of the property boundary" (Marsh, 1982).

1982 descriptions for the canyons and ridges within the land block are quoted below, followed by updates in biological condition and new findings revealed by the most recent survey, 10 years hence. 1. Ridgeline

Main Ridge. "The main north-south oriented ridgeline divide between Wood-Mathis and Laguna canyons contains impact areas of ruderal vegetation, jntroduced grassland and successional coastal sage scrub in the immediate vicinity of the ranch road. Away from the road edge impact zone, higher slopeland vegetation consists almost entirely of coastal sage scrub" (Marsh, 1982).

Today, the setting is much the same north of the area affected by the Big Bend fire. California sagebrush is the dominant species in what is dense, old rowth coastal sage scrub cover (too dense for Cali- ornia gnatcatchers). The disturbance zone along the idgeline "road" contains wild oats and bromes. Sev- eral areas of slopeland just below the ridge on the east side contains extensive cactus stands associated with outcrops. These host coastal cactus wrens (see Figure 12, Section 2.3).

Views into the upper slopes of Laguna Canyon described earlier reveal a markedly more diverse and mesic brushland than that found on the ridge proper, a function of the westerly exposure and near-continuous influence of moisture-laden maritime breezes and the fog that periodically moves up into the canyon from the ocean at its mouth.

As noted earlier, a population of many-stemmed dudleya found in 1982 but believed to have been extirpated by bulldozers during the Big Bend Fire was rediscovered. About 50 individuals are thriving on the margins of a rock outcrop overlooking the tributary canyon immediately northeast of Big Bend. The outcrop is screened by vegetation from the ridge "road" nearby and thus has not been impacted by recreational use, a fate suffered by two outcrops adjacent to the southerly ridge "road" extending down into Wood Canyon (see discussion later). This population is about 800 feet northeast of the high knoll and is also described in Section 2.2.1. Just north, a small mesa extends out over Laguna Canyon, becoming a lateral ridgeline below. Obviously impacted in the past, adventive grasses such as red brome and foxtail fescue replace coastal sage scrub on the sandy flats. Some native needlegrasses are also present.

The ridge rapidly loosen elevation north of this mesa which represents a northerly projecting spur of land off the high knoll. The "road" on the ridge becomes severely eroded on the steeply sloping land. Some chaparral growth extends to the ridgeline from cover in upper Mathis Canyon here. At the base of the steep slope, large rock outcrops east of the ridge contained stands of many-stemmed dudleya in 1982. Deep gullying of slopeland between the old paralleling (pipeline?) trail east of the ridge road and the outcrops prevented close range observation in 1992; however, binocular inspection revealed that the species is still present here, though no number count could be made.

Few non-avian wildlife species were seen on the ridge, likely because of the now substantial recreational (especially mountain bike) use to which it is subjected. However, during the early May part of the survey period, numbers of rattlesnakes were emerging from their outcrop dens, and there were several dogs bitten along the "road". A Pacific rattler was reported present along the steeply sloping eroded stretch during the May 5 PM survey. The only other reptile noted along the backbone ridge was a western whiptail near the DeWitt boundary. Others had also seen this relatively uncommon, now special-status species here.

The ridge levels out for a short distance at the north base of the severely eroded "road" stretch. Here, the southerly lateral ridge extends out between the north and south branch of Mathis Canyon. Coastal sage scrub extends across both ridges.

Beyond the junction of main and lateral ridges, the former again drops steeply to a saddle between the south lateral of the north branch of Mathis Canyon and a tributary ravine extending down into Laguna Canyon. At the head of the Mathis Canyon lateral, a grove of eucalyptus trees protrudes from mesic chaparral cover. As described later, the sheltered, north-oriented setting of this tributary appears to function as a refugium for montane disjunct oceanspray, a deciduous, fragrant-leaved shrub with race- mes of pinkish-white spirea-like flowers.

North, beyond the narrow saddle is a promontory hill. The "road" wraps around the east side of this peak and a narrower trail little used by mountain bikers goes up over the crest. Some wildlife activity was noted on the latter route. A few deer tracks were seen, as contrasted with none on the main "road" south. The western whiptail was also observed here. Coastal sage scrub admixed with chaparral, including large elderberry bushes girds the south slope of the hill, extending up from Mathis Canyon. As the crest is approached, this mosaic brushland is replaced by an extensive cactus stand likely indicating substrate rock outcropping. Then, the habitat opens up into a grass-coastal sage scrub mosaic, the latter a monoculture of California sagebrush which probably indicates sera1 recovery from past grazing disturbance.

On the east side of the hill, the 'road" passes through rather mesic coastal sage scrub-grassland mosaic. While the grasses in the mosaic are primarily adventive annuals, there are several kinds of native wildflowers here, including wild hyacinth, golden stars, blue-eyed grass, mountain dandelion and microseris. Beyond this hilltop is a second promontory. There is an open, semidisturbed sandy xeric barrens right at its peak dominated by glandular cudweed. While some portions are overtaken by filarees, others contain an array of low-growing native xeric barrens herbs, including everlasting nest straw, pigmy stonecrop and lastarriaea. The latter, Chorizanthe coriacea, rel-ated to Orange County Turkish rugging is quite rare in the local region. Other plants in this interesting habitat are foothill needlegrass, narrow-leaved fluffweed, sand spurrys, windmill pink and scattered deerweed shrubs.

North, along the crest, there is a vernal pool in the ridgetop pathway edged by red maids, sand spurrys, slender pectocarya and calyptridium.

The ridge then raises to a third promontory which is floristically unremarkable but has interesting fau- nal features. Several colonies of a beautiful day- flying moth, the brown ctenucha (Ctenucha brunnea) were observed on this ridge, all clustered and feeding on fiddleneck. f his- diurnal moth has a metallic blue body except for scarlet "shoulders" on either side of the thorax. The rather narrow wings are a brownish-black edged with white. The ample, drought-breaking rainfall of winter 1991-92 has brought forth not only rich displays of wildflowers, but a fine variety of insects dependent on this flush of vegetation, Unusual species like the ctenucha appeared in rarely occurring large numbers.

On the east slope of the ridge here are cactus stands associated with rock outcrop cliffs flanking the north branch of Mathis Canyon. Several cactus wren territories were noted here.

At the north end of this land block, the old Laguna Heights-DeWitt boundary is demarcated by SCE KV powerlines and towers running east - west. Dump Ravine, described earlier lies astride the boundary.

Mathis Grade. As described in 1982.

"The poorly maintained access road from the ridge divide into lower Mathis Canyon crosses two mesas connected by a narrow ridge, and then proceeds southerly along a ridge which separates the canyon's north and south branch.

The western, higher mesa is vegetated manly by disturbed introduced grassland intermeshed with coastal goldenbush, and some sagebrush along the margins. Some native grassland pockets are also found here.' "On slopeland toward Mathis' north branch are rock outcrops ringed with many-stemmed dudleya and mesa saxifrage.

The lower mesa contains proportionally more coastal sage scrub than the former one. Continuing down the ridge, grassland is replaced entirely by coastal sage scrub. The latter community is invaded by lemonadeberry chaparral further down slope. This lower ridge area is located on what appears to be a conglomerate dike or tilted "hogbackM outcrop. Add- itional populations of many stemmed dudleya are found about bedrock exposures here. The Nathis divide mesaland exhibits fairly substantial mule deer use. Many trails and bedding areas were observed, particularly in areas where vegetation cover consisted of grassland-sage scrub mosaic. Deer trails are visible on 1" = 400' aerial imagery. Trails (and an abandoned roadway) lead from the upper mesa down into canyon bottom oak forestland" (Marsh, 1982).

Today, Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park maintains its roadway partway up the Grade, to the boundary of Section 18 and the Laguna Heights land. Beyond, all is in a state of advanced disrepair which seems to provide great sport for mountain bikers. The majority of this ridge contains coastal sage scrub which is somewhat more diverse than that of the main ridge above. California sagebrush shares habitat with black sage, California buckwheat, California encelia, bush mallow, orange bush monkeyflower (often hybridizing with rupicole red bush monkeyflower), chaparral bedstraw, blue witch, foothill needlegrass and deerweed. On the north side of the ridge, chaparral and scattered live oak trees cover the canyon slope, extending to some portions of the crest below and above. The higher mesa shows increasing invasion of sagebrush, but adventive grassland areas infested with cardoon or artichoke thistle and over-the-head thickets of black mustard still persist in several areas. These locales are mapped as native grassland on the Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park vegetation and sensitive species map (LSA, 1991) but are definitely not this rare and threatened community type. (The LSA mapping, which extends across the Laguna Heights parcel and a portion of Laguna Canyon is for most part, an accurate interpretation of aeri a1 imagery. However, ground truthing has in some instances warranted refinement or reinterpretation of biotic community delineation.) The two rare plant IocaTities on this ridge described in the 1982 study are apparently extirpated by mountain bike impact and off-trail recreational use. The 6-7 year drought may also be to blame, but one of the two outcrop localities is substantially degraded by mountain bikes detouring off the old road. Of characteristic rupicole edge flora, only a small colony of Bigelow spike moss persisted here.

A new finding during the latest survey was a vernal pool, located on the high mesa edge just north of the old "road1'. Substantially impacted, this des.ic- cated pool was ringed by curly dock, knotweed, Ber- muda grass and some pineapple weed. The pool would be worth resurveying in earlier spring for interesting and sensitive aquatic fauna, including fairy shrimp and western spadefoot toad tadpoles. Hikers noted a rattlesnake lounging about the pool several weeks before the survey, perhaps attempting to dine on small rodents coming for a drink.

Also noted was a geologic 'find" of interest. At the margin of the lower mesa is an outcrop exposure of Turritella fossils. These high-spired gastropods are similar in form but larger than modern-day horn snails, abundant in estuaries like Upper Newport Bay.

In addition to Mathis Grade is a third segment of the ridge upland, the divide between the north branch of Mathis Canyon and the main stem and west headwater branch of Wood Canyon. The origin of this lateral ridge is on the DeWitt parcel; this long, undulating ridge was described in the DeWitt section earlier. A fourth, short ridge separates the west and main stem headwaters of Wood Canyon, with origin and terminus in the regional park. This upland cuts across the northeast corner of the study area.

South Branch, Mathis Canyon

As described in 1982, "The south branch of Mathis Canyon is in its upper reaches, very rugged canyon and arroyo-dissected terrain. The branch is composed of four major legs and numerous minor ones."

"The main stem leg, oriented east-southeast, is defined above by massive rugged sandstone and conglomerate outcroppings." "A11 are expected to harbor about their periphery, populations of many-stemmed dudleya and Orange County Turkish rugging."

"The northern leg, as described above, is flanked to the northeast by a tilted conglomerate dike. On the (opposite) north facing slope, the inaccessible leg contains about its margins, fern and moss-covered outcrops. These could also harbor endangered plant species such as many-stemmed dudleya (and possibly Laguna Beach dudleya)."

"The upper headwater slopes of the various canyon branch legs are coastal sage scrub vegetated. Drain- age channels are dominated by toyon, lemonadeberry and giant rye. Downstream and in north-facing slope major and minor legs, scrub oak is an added chaparral component. Scrub oak chaparral also vegetates the upper north-facing slope toward the eastern end of the property, and beyond its bounds in lower Mathis Canyon.

In the middle and lower reaches of the major canyon legs, chaparral is intermixed with or replaced by southern oak woodland and some riparian woodland. Tree species in order of importance are coast live oak, Engelmann-scrub oak, sycamore and arroyo willow. Oak woodland is found both in the main-stem canyon bottom and on its north-facing slope.

The (south) leg is very steep sided and rugged. Downstream areas are vegetated above by dense stands of toyon and below by oak woodland.

The main stem channel below the confluence with this leg contains in its oak woodland, understory vegetation of holly-leaved redberry, poison oak, giant rye, southern California blackberry, snowberry and ferns. The stream course is narrow and incised and the slopes above define a V shaped canyon."

"The lower reach of the main stem broadens out, and the brushy character of the groundcover changes to that of a shaded park-like setting with an open grass understory on level terraceland above the water-containing stream. In the lower branch, among the many kinds of mesic understory plants along the channel are the largest specimens of goldenback ferns ever seen by the author in thirteen years of southern California field exploration. An average sized goldenback fern, encountered usually in a shaded coastal sage scrub setting may have a stipe (frond stem) 4 inches high and a blade (leaf) whose length and width would be around 3 inches. These woodland golenbacks resemble bracken ferns in their dimensions. Stipes are at least a foot tall and the blades are 6 inches or more in length and width. The powdery undersides of the blades are silver rather than the typical yellow gold color, possibly placing these specimens within the P.L. variety viscosa; however, the blade surfaces are not sticky, another distinguishing character of the variety."

"Other species of interest associated with the mesic oak woodland here are milkmaids, a vernally blooming wildflower rare in the coastal hills, and the delicate maidenhair fern. Downstream, east of the property boundary, the canyon floor broadens into a woodland-savannah setting distinguished by stands of ancient sycamore trees. The savannah is located on a1 luvium, and at the confluence of Mathis and Wood Canyon is an unusual natural freshwater marsh with open areas of water. This locale, within a designated regional park, would be vulnerable to channel downcutting with addition of significant quantities of upstream runoff water" (Marsh, 1982).

Updating the setting 10 years to 1992 and further clarifying features of this most interesting drainage, the following new findings and observations can be made.

Within the Laguna Heights land block, there are four principl legs to the south branch of Mathis Canyon. On the northeast is a long, south draining canyon which closely skirts the lower portion of the lateral ridge between Mathis Canyon's north and south branch. This canyon dead-ends at the narrow saddle between the higher and lower mesa on the Mathis Grade ridge. Cactus patches about its head are inhabited by coastal cactus wrens. Below on the northeast-facing slope are patchy grasslands within coastal sage scrub cover. These appear from a distance to be native species-dominated. One large strip of grassland was in early May sprinkled with thousands of golden star blossoms across the summer- maturing tan-green meadowland. Oak woodland extends up the lower reach of this leg from extensive cover in the main stem of the branch. The intermediate ridge between is chaparral-clad, Where the upper edge of the chaparral comes in contact with the coastal sage scrub of the highlands, there is an ecotonal strip of what appears to be native grassland, which may be maintained by a comination of coastal sage scrub-origin allelopathic chemicals and herbivory by deer and rabbits.

A population of Orange County Turkish rugging spotted in 1982 was probably in this fork. A small stand of +/-50 plants was observed on the west ridge in 1992. The main stem, south, is substantially dissected with short, steep ravines, especially about its head. Oak woodland extends all the way up the bottom of the main stem, which is steep and V shaped above. On the south-facing slope above is a long outcrop cliff carpeted in early May with what appeared to be from a distance, thousands of bright yellow flowering many stemmed dudleya plants. How- ever, these blooms disappeared quickly and were probably a xeric slope vernal wildflower like yellow pincushion. Known populations of the dudleya did not come into full bloom until late May, and were rather pale-colored in 1992.

Extensive hillside outcrops at the head of the main stem hosted many-stemmed dudleya stands in 1982, as well as likely denning sites for rattlesnakes seen along the ridge. Cactus patches here are inhabited by coastal cactus wrens. As noted earlier, the dudleya is still present there in 1992 as verified in the field.

In 1991, Sweetwater Environmental Biologists botanist John Messina discovered an extensive population of State Threatened Laguna Beach dudleya in the south branch, growing on a 200' long, 5 foot high north-facing outcrop face above a narrow streamcourse. An estimated 20,000 individuals were found on this exposure according to Messina, making it a very significant population for the endemic succulent. As described later, the author was unable to relocate the colony in the area where Messina thought he had found it, between the "Bonn Drive tributary" and the "Laguna Heights Park" tributary on the main stem. (Messina was uncertain of the exact location of the stand.)

However, on June 22, the author relocated the population, not in the main stem but rather on the north-facing slope of the ''Bonn Drive" tributary. It was in full flower, visible from the opposite ridge. Just downslope was a Cooper's hawk nest.

On the north-facing slope of the south branch, two rugged legs cut down from the Temple Hill ridgeline. The westerly leg, several-branched above has headwaters abutting and partially buried by the new Alta Laguna City Park west of Temple Hill. It is referred to as the "Alta Laguna Park" tributary. The spectacular easterly leg extends up the east side of Temple Hill almost to Alta Laguna Boulevard at Bonn Drive. Extensive rock outcrop cliffs ring the head, and an escarpment extends down the west canyonside. This is the "Bonn Drive" tributary, the newly discovered ' Laguna Beach dudleya locality. In addition, during the 1983 Laguna Beach Biological Re- sources Inventory, biologist Fred Roberts bravely clambered down the upper precipice and was rewarded with 500 hummingbird sage plants. These were in addition to the population found earlier by Gordon Marsh and Reid Moran in the lower part of the leg to the east, which joins the main stem at the canyon mouth sycamore grove. This brought to four the number of known stands of hummingbird sage in the Laguna/San Joaquin Hi 11s disjunct distribution of this beautiful scarlet-blossomed wildflower. (A previously reported stand in the north fork of the south branch of Mathis Canyon was reinspected this year and proved to be the rather similar-aspect hillside hedge nettle).

The north-facing slope of the south branch of Mathis Canyon, including the "Bonn Drive" and "Alta Laguna Park" tributaries contains mixed oak woodland and chaparral on the lower portion replaced downcanyon above by a mix of chaparral and coastal sage scrub and upcanyon above by pure stand coastal sage scrub.

The main stem of Mathis Canyon up to the confluence of the "Alta Laguna Park" tributary (head-high poison oak thickets prevented further upcanyon exploration) was surveyed on May 13, 1992, with these findings.

Lower Mathis Canyon is open and grassy. There is an interesting freshwater marsh called Mallard Marsh at the confluence of Mathis and Wood Canyon. In the lower south branch of Mathis Canyon is a small sycamore-elderberry woodland savannah. The ephemeral streamcourse here is edged by a dryish scrub-shrub wetland of coastal goldenbush (the nonwoolly form of the interior valleys), mugwort, western ragweed, and some mulefat and arroyo willow. The 'savannah' is dominated by thick swards of ripgut brome.

On the north-facing slope flanking the lower reach of this branch, oak forestland is dense and extensive. The savannah margin along the edge of the oak forest is increasingly mesic. While ripgut still dominates, there are a variety of colorful native wildflowers and some native grasses present. Among the former, on this late spring day were winecup clarkias, bicolored lupines, golden stars, wild ger- aniums, tomcat clover, flax-leaved fleabane not quite in bloom and the last of the California buttercups. In the forest shade nearby, grasses shared habitat with delicate miner's lettuce and chickweed, ubiquitous Italian thistle in old cattle-disturbed locales, and understory shrubs and vines ranging from toyon and lemonadeberry to widespread poison oak and clambering cucumber vines. Here and upcanyon, forest understory structure is excellent, providing a multiplicity of habitat niches for wildlife, especially songbirds.

The sycamore grove is just beyond the city limits in the regional park. A short distance upcanyon, the main stem of the branch as well as its north-facing slope are within city jurisdiction. Here, the entire canyon bottom is forested with oaks, including large old specimens. The diverse understory incorporates poison oak, snowberry (which is increasing abundant upcanyon), fuchsia-flowering gooseberry, climbing penstemon, California blackberry and various chaparral shrubs. On sheltered banks and openings within the knee to waist high third canopy dominated by poison oak is a beautifully diverse fern flora, most remarkable on the trail bank near the stream crossing. Here are the unusual, disjunct silverback ferns described in the 1982 report, sharing habitat with maidenhair, western wood and polypody fern. The setting has an aspect akin to a northern or eastern forestland.

The canyonbottom trail then ascends the south-facing slope, ultimately wrapping around the back of the north fork of the south branch before joining the deteriorated roadway on the lateral ridge between the two branches of Mathis Canyon. From this point at the confluence of the "Bonn Drive" tributary, there is no defined trail which continues further up the main stem. However, part way up the dry slope, there is a dim path which extends upcanyon from the steep, rough trail. This path then drops precipi- tously back down to the streambed above the poison oak thicket at the "Bonn Drive" tributary confluence and hence up the west slope of the latter drainage. Better defined than a deer trail, this is one of a number of informal paths blazed by youngsters and hikers entering the greenbelt from the urban fringe. Such paths often promote hillside erosion because of their steepness, and may also expose the jurisdic- tional agency to undue liability risk.

By leaving the path and working along the crests of outcrops above the creek, it is then possible to reach the grottoed, narrow streamcourse and use it as a pathway upcanyon. The setting here is considerably drier than it is below the "Bonn Drive" tributary confluence. There is a fairly narrow oak woodland band on the lower north-facing slope, replaced above by a mix of coastal sage scrub and chaparral. The creek is deeply incised, flanked by grottoed sandstone outcrops draped with polypody ferns and studded with chalk lettuce dudleyas. In the lower part of this reach is an ephemeral waterfall as winter storm runoff flows over a +/- 6' high outcrop. Upstream, rock shelters and grottoes are created by sidewall erosion of outcropping. The rock material is sandstone; in several areas are fossil- ized seashells. A pectin fragment as large as a human hand was found in the channel. On shaded grotto slopes are an assortment of delicate herbs, ferns and primitive plants. Liverworts, lichens and mosses create a moist green carpet for polypody ferns, silverback ferns, miner's lettuce, California toothwort, a delicate trailing and etiolated stonecrop, and other fragile plants, as well as the hardier succulents, such as chalk lettuce.

In portions where the creek is not closely flanked by outcropping, the streamcourse is fringed by giant rye, poison oak and plentiful amounts of snowbery, as well as some basket rush, a species considered rare in Orange County, California goldenrod, mugwort, blackberries and ferns. However for much of the reach up to the next confluence, the creek flows in a natural "box culvert" flanked by rock walls and overhung with shrubbery, giving a feel of walking in a kind of tunnel.

At the confluence of the "Alta Laguna Parku tributary, the streamfloor broadens out. The channel here is just a little gully, too narrow to use as a pathway. The flats above are mostly oak-wooded, with a very dense and robust groundcover of poison oak and giant rye, effectively precluding further upstream exploration. As noted earlier, the upper reach supports oak woodland to its head, and is steep and V shaped in contour. There are no apparent areas of outcropping on the north facing slope along the streamcourse upstream of the Alta Laguna Park branch, though trees may hide rock faces. There is, however, extensive outcropping in the north-draining tributary branches, potentially appropriate for an additional population of Laguna Beach dudleya or a stand of many-stemmed dudleya.

In addition to its natural beauty and interesting vegetation, the south branch of Mathis Canyon is a significant magnet habitat for wildlife. Forest structure, food resources, water and sheltered setting all enhance the value of the habitat here. The abundance and variety of songbirds are especially noteworthy. Several species were near-unique to this habitat. The rarest of these was the canyon wren, heard singing in the lower mid-reach an ethereal echoeing - song un.iquely associated with deeply downcut cliff-girded canyons little disturbed by man. This species is quite uncommon in Orange County. Also noteworthy because of its presence in the early breeding season at this low coastal elevation was the western wood pewee, which typically nests only at higher elevations in the Santa Ana Mountains.

About the oak and sycamore woodland savannah near the mouth of the branch were ash-throated flycatchers, house wrens, starlings, Nuttall's woodpeckers and a kestrel, all cavity nesters, here in sycamore. The introduced starling can pose a problem for native cavity nesters but does not seem to be overly abundant here. Phainopeplas, northern orioles and lesser goldfinches were also seen. In dryish undergrowth upcanyon, rufous-sided towhees scratched in the leaves, and the song of the warbling vireo echoed through the oaks. On adjacent south-facing slopes in scrub were a pair of (now increasingly rare) Bewick's wrens, as well as California towhees and a flock of bushtits. Wrentits, of course were all through the open space, and these 'voices of the chaparral" frequently heard from the canyonsides. Scrub jays were frequently noted.

Soaring above were white-throated swifts, ravens, a red-tailed hawk and at least five turkey vultures. Messina found a turkey vulture roost in a tree at the canyon mouth within the park, east. A raptor night perch was noted in the oaks at the confluence of the branch's main stem and the "Alta Laguna Park" tributary.

Within a particularly scenic grottoed portion of the upper canyon, the author was challenged by a female Anna's hummingbird which might have had a nest secreted on the moss-clad cliffside.

Though not encountered, the branch's mesic, forested habitat is expected to support amphibians like slender salamanders and arboreal salamanders, and secretive reptiles such as the ringneck snake and southern alligator lizard. Though none were heard calling, there may be some Pacific tree frogs along the perennial portions of the streamcourse. A single deer was heard in the oak forestland in the lower portion of the north-facing slope tributary which drains into the branch at the sycamore grove. No tracks or other evidence of deer were noted further up the canyon, even beyond the area accessible to hikers. Compared with the abundance of deer in years past, the numbers in the city open space here seemed very low in 1992.

The north fork of the south branch was reexamined in part. A very steep trail climbs up the ridge between the main stem and north fork. An abandoned, bullet- riddled car lies nestled in the chaparral after what must have been a terrifying last ride down this trail. The fork is V shaped and vegetation-choked, so this trail provides the best view and access into its upper reaches. Oak woodland extends for some distance up the floor and lower north-facing slope. Other slopes contain coastal sage scrub and clusters of chaparral, with patchy grassland above.

As noted earlier, a suspected hummingbird sage population in an oak grove up canyon was reexamined and determined to be merely, a robust example of hillside hedge nettle. In the coastal sage scrub at the woodland edge, however, rosinweed, a wildflower soon to be listed by CNPS was growing. Orange County Turkish rugging had just finished flowering on the south slope of the ridge above. And best of all the high ridge trail proved to be the crucial vantage point from which John Messinals 'Ilost" Laguna Beach dudleya population was relocated, in rugged "Bonn Drive" tributary.

3. North Branch Mathis Canyon

As described in 1982, "the north branch of Mathis Canyon also contains significant areas of oak forestland, but is less mesic in character than the south branch. The branch is flanked on the east by tilted outcrop exposures. Outcrops also occur on the northern margins of lateral tributaries.

In contrast with the south branch, the stream channel here is dry except during winter storm periods. The woodland understory is quite open and grassy with scattered stands of California goldenrod and other herbs. Occurring nowhere else on the property but on the dry canyon floor below the rocky southwest facing canyonside are stands of slender woolly eriogonum (E.- jraci le) ." "Along the woodland margin on the north-facing slope are extensive stands of chaparral. Above is very dense, old growth sagebrush coastal sage scrub. 102 "The uppermost reach of the north branch of Mathis Canyon, near the ridge road, contains a stand of eucalyptus, and at and below the confluence of the three lateral legs, substantial oak woodland. The legs above the juncture contain chaparral, except for a mixed stand of live oak and toyon on the north-facing slope of the south leg. Fern-draped outcrops are visible .between the trees but are difficult to locate on foot from the ridge above."

Within the latter leg, viewed from above in 1992 is a beautifully mesic habitat of oak woodland, chaparral and subordinate coasta.1 sage scrub, promontory cliff outcrops and a diverse assortment of vegetation species, including toyons, lemonadeberries, holly-leaved redberry, scattered coast live oaks, giant rye, poison oak, sagebrush, monkeyflower and buckwheat. Grasses and mosses edge the massive outcrops. Down in the canyon bottom in this melange is a colony of what appeared from the ridge overview to be the montane shrub, ocean spray. This would be only the second locality for this disjunct in the San Joaquin Hills. The other, discovered by Fred Roberts, Jr. during the 1983 Laguna Beach Biological Resources Inventory is located in upper Dripping Cave Canyon, a tributary of Wood Canyon south of Mathis Canyon.

The aforementioned cluster of eucalyptus trees grows on the upper west slope of this leg of the Mathis Canyon north branch just below the ridge.

1992 overviews of the north branch's main stem reveal a series of long, southwest-facing outcrops on the east slope. These are located at several elevations on the canyonside. Numerous caves pocket the outcrops. These are sufficiently remote from human disturbance to function as raptor nest sites or wildlife denning areas. Cactus wrens inhabited cactus-clad outcropping at the west canyon head. On the opposite northeast-facing slope of the branch is dense cover of chaparral and oak woodland. A small clump of eucalyptus could be seen further down canyon. The longer, north headwater of the branch eminates from within the DeWitt parcel at the higher reservoir site.

The north branch's main stem drain essentially due south. About the headwater on DeWitt the slopes are covered with coastal sage scrub. There is a large area of grassland on the west slope, and above it, a fairly extensive stand of coyotebrush extending down from the Wood/Laguna Canyon main divide. There is a light scattering of sumac chaparral within the coastal sage scrub cover of the east slope above the SCE KV transmission line which demarcates the (now academic) DeWitt-Laguna Heights boundary. South of the property line, chaparral and rock outcropping increases on both slopes; the canyon throat narrows as the drainage veers from southeast to due south, and then southeast again. Chaparral becomes extensive beyond this point. Though not visible from the lateral ridge north, there is also quite a lot of cactus associated with the long outcrop faces, as evidenced by singing cactus wrens.

The lower reach, approaching the confluence with the southwest fork described earlier is increasingly diverse and interesting. Patchy little grasslands and outcrops provide diversity in the cover; the chaparral of the lower slopes becomes admixed with and finally replaced by oak woodland. At least a few of the outcrops are sufficiently mesic in exposure to support many-stemmed dudleya. What appeared to be a few blossoms were seen on one, from a distance with binoculars.

Scrub habitats within and flanking the wooded area were in late May flaming orange with massed monkeyflowers. The woodland, while extensive is patchy broken up by areas of scrub, rocks, chaparral and presumably, native grasses. This mosaic is a kind of habitat attractive to numbers of wildlife species; it is richly provided with horizontal and vertical structure, creating multitudes of habitat niches.

The floor of the north branch of Mathis Canyon was explored on June 22, 1992 up to the vicinity of the regional park boundary; further progress into the Greenbelt was blocked by dense jungle growth of chaparral, giant rye and phacelia. A trail which extends up the lower canyon leaves the floor at this point and climbs up to the Mathis Grade "Road".

Grassland extends up the mouth of the branch from the meadowland at the confluence but is eventually replaced above by a dense scrub/shrub wetland of mulefat, Mexican elderberry, and abundant understory and edge growth of common cocklebur and Italian thistle. Other forbs present in this thicket are western verbena, western ragweed, scarlet pimpernel, curly and willow dock, prickly sow thistle, Mexican tea, caterpillar phacelia, knotweed, lowland cudweed and tall horseweed. Some horticultural Bermuda grass is also established. The flanking north-facing slope is covered with oak trees, hiding scattered outcrops and small cliffs bedecked with blue snapdragon or Antirrhinum, mosses, lichens, polypody ferns and dudleyas. On the opposite south-facing slope is coastal sage scrub and a looming outcrop cliff.

The scrub/shrub jungle eventually peters out upcanyon. Here, oak woodland and patchy coastal sage scrub extend to the floor. A mostly adventive grassland-savannah admixed with a little alluvial scrub (e.g., croton, Indian lotus and previously reported slender woolly buckwheat) covers the floor beneath the oaks. The adjacent south-facing slope coastal sage scrub is broken up by numerous outcrop exposures fringed by Bigelow spike moss and scattered chalk lettuce dudleyas. The rare canyon wren was heard singing here as well as further up canyon.

Native grassland patches are established in protected locales further up canyon in the oak forested area. Regionally rare Mustang mint was in flower here, while the seed heads of winecup clarkia, golden bloomeria, blue-eyed grass and hillside hedge nettle could be seen. A very extensive stand of the clarkia was found. Native purple needlegrass, Cali- fornia brome and small-flowered melic form a grassy frame for the flowers.

The streamcourse wandering through the wooded floor is edged with rock, and interesting grasses, rushes and sedges, including ample Mexican rush, clustered field sedge and a little deergrass.

Mesic portions of the woodland understory contain the variety of ferns rivalling that of the south branch. Lush patches of maidenhair fern, fountain- like clumps of wood fern and a little bit of silverback fern are present. The mesic areas as along the lower north-facing slope also contain thickets of snowberry and poison oak, and chaparral shrubs.

The oak woodland is not continuous but is broken up into large groves separated by areas of coastal sage scrub. A very extensive grove upstream extends toward the park boundary. Here, the native understory grass, blue wild rye is first encountered, along with big patches of goldenrod, bright scarlet flowering climbing penstemon, more snowberries, fuchsia-flowering gooseberries, and clumps of maidenhair and wood ferns. The center of this large grove is almost a closed canopy, although a savannah understory persists, scattered with drifts of oak seedlings. The grove is edged by hybrid barberry- leaved scrub x Engelmann oaks. At the upper end of this woodland, the canyon narrows as it is twisted from a north to a west orientation. The floor is choked with brush and giant rye and the streamside trail disappears. A mountain bike trail climbs to the southwest ridge above. Thus the upper canyon, within the greenbelt is free of human disturbance and may be a significant refugium for deer and other wildlife. As noted earlier, oak woodland and rock outcrop faces are well distributed on the north-facing slope upcanyon from the park boundary; the rich habitat mosaic appears ideal for many kinds of fauna. Even in the lower canyon examined, recreational impact does not appear to be severe yet, though that may change as the regional park is developed and experiences a heavier level of visitor use. The entry to the trail is rather disguised. There is some mountain bike use, but moderate compared to Wood Canyon and Mathis Grade. 2.3 WILDLIFE

Wildlife characteristic of specific habitats and associations are enumerated in Section 2.1; species incidentally observed in the course of field surveys in 2.2. A listing of all species of known or suspected occurrence is contained within the Appendix (4.1). Scientific names are cited in Sections 2.1 and 4.1, but are omitted herein. The follo-wing is intended as a brief summary of the diversity of wildlife within and proximal to the study area. 2.3.1 -Fish Exotic goldfish are confirmed from Laguna Creek. During floods, goldfish and goldfish-carp hybrids wash downstream from the Laguna Lakes, where they have been plentiful. Likely, other non-native fish from the Lakes are introduced into the stream on a short-term basis during floods.

Mosquito fish are also present in the creek. These are regularly released into potential mosquito breeding areas by Orange County Vector Control District.

Bumphead minnows may also occur here as they are frequently found in perennial streams and flood control channels in urbanized parts of Orange County. None of these fish are native.

Amphibians

Seven amphibian species are present or expected. One, the Pacific treefrog, was observed. Two others, a slender salamander now classified as the black-bellied, and the bullfrog have been reported from Laguna Canyon.

The garden slender salamander (subspecies of the Pacific) and western toad are expected in rural residential areas, and the arboreal salamander in oak woodlands.

Repti les

Nineteen kinds of reptiles have been found or are expected in the study area. Presence of twelve or thirteen of these on or adjacent to the land block have been confirmed by this and/or other studies, or by canyon residents or Green- belt visitors. The diverse assortment consists of a turtle, a variety of lizards and several snakes.

The red-eared slider (subspecies of pond slider) is a pet- store exotic which has escaped or been released into Laguna Creek and persists there for a period of time. No native rare Pacific pond turtles have been reported but the creek might be capable of supporting them, were they to be introduced. Eight lizards are present or expected. These include four observed during the survey, western fence, side-blotched, orange-throated whiptail and western whiptail. Orange- throated whiptails are quite plentiful about rock outcrops on the slope of Laguna Canyon. The western fence lizard is the most common reptile in the study area. Scattered reports, not all reliable, of San Diego horned lizards persist in the study area. These now rare creatures would be found on sandy ground. One was observed along El Toro Creek within the APE of the San Joaquin Hills Transporta- tion Corridor by professor Joel Weintraub, Cal State Fullerton. The western skink has been reported from Shady Canyon and observed in Canyon Acres Canyon, so is expected onsite. The alligator lizard is expected in oak woodlands and "urban forest" habitats, and the rare silvery subspecies of the California legless lizard may be found in sandy areas of Myford soil or Quaternary marine terraceland. Ten kinds of snakes occur or are expected onsite, perhaps more. The only confirmed during the survey were the southern Pacific rattlesnake, a source of concern to dog walkers along the ridge trails, and the rear-fanged night snake. A shed rattlesnake skin was found, missing, of course, the rattles, which are retained, but with the characteristic undivided pit-viper scutes below the anus; (mostly harmless Colubrid snakes have divided scutes on the underside of the tail below the anus, undivided above). The red diamond rattlesnake has been largely supplanted by the southern Pacific in the cattle and man-disturbed rangeland of the San Joaquin Hills but a few still persist onsite. The species had previously been verified in the wild cliff-girded Canyon Acres Canyon just south, and was reported in Castle- rock Ravine by a resident.

This same individual caught a night snake at the upper end of Castlerock Drive, and was keeping it in a terrarium. This is a quite rare 'semipoisonous' Colubrid. Other Colubrid snakes reported in or near the study area are the yellow-bellied subspecies of the racer, found in grassland near Temple Hill, and the common gopher snake and kingsnake. The ringneck snake is expected in oak woodlands and mesic chaparral, the red racer subspecies of the coach- whip in sycamore woodland in Wood Canyon and the striped racer in thick chaparral and scattered oak areas. The two- striped gartersnake might occur in forested wetland in Laguna Canyon.

2.3.4 Birds

There are a large variety of birds in the study area. The avian fauna is of sufficient importance for commission of a focused study by contributor, James Pike, whose results are summarized below. In addition to Pike's recent, verified findings, Sweetwater, 1992 and Marsh, 6. and O'Brien, 1974 contain detailed records of the avifauna of the study region; their additional records are included in the Appen- dix species list. The author located four raptor nest sites missed by Pike's earlier spring survey, that of a black- shouldered kite in a tributary of Wood Canyon, a Cooper's hawk in the Bonn Drive tributary of Mathis Canyon, northern harrier high in a ravine tributary of Laguna Canyon and red-tailed hawk in the "urban forest" area of Laguna Can- yon. A second red-tailed hawk nest site behind the preschool was apparently not in use in 1992.

Following is the results of the Pike survey, prepared in early 1992.

Bird surveys were conducted along Laguna Heights and an eastern portion of Laguna Canyon in March of 1992. The primary focus of these surveys was to determine the status of California gnatcatchers (Polioptila californica) and cactus wrens (Camphlorhynchus brunneicapillus). Both the gnatcatcher and the coastal race of cactus wren are re- garded as a second priority "Species of Special Concern" by the California Department of Fish and Game and are presently being considered for inclusion on the Endangered Species List by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service.11n addition, all other bird species within the survey area were tallied.

Six visits were made between March 3 and March 17. An additional visit was made on March 28. Surveys were conducted between the hours of 7 AM and 3 PM. All slopes composed of coastal sage scrub were walked in an effort to locate gnatcatchers and cactus wrens. Tape recordings of the breeding songs of these two species were judiciously played in order to elicit a response from territorial male (and female) birds.

Four California gnatcatcher pairs were discovered off the eastern slopes of Laguna Heights, and a female was seen below the water tank along Laguna Canyon Road. Their locations have been plotted on a map, as have all the cactus wrens in the survey area. 17 territorial male cactus wrens were found, with 13 of these being confirmed pairs. 2 additional cactus wrens were found just south of the survey boundary and west of the paved end of Alta Laguna Road. Virtually every wide, dense patch of prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis) contained a male and/or female wren.

A total of 66 species of birds was counted. Common residents were California quai 1, Anna's hummingbirds, bushtits,

1. Subsequently, the California gnatcatcher was listed as threatened by U.S.F.W.S.

109 Bewick's wrens, wrentits, California thrashers, rufous- sided towhees, California towhees, scrub jays, and house finches. Rufous-crowned sparrows designated a "Candidate 2" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for possible inclusion on the Endangered Species List were fairly common on sage scrub slopes. A dozen were present in the southern half of the Laguna Heights survey sector. Song sparrows were common in damper areas, along with common yellow- throats and wintering hermit thrushes. Hutton's vireos were in wooded canyon bottoms (especially those with oaks), as were Nuttall's and acorn woodpeckers, and northern flickers. Canyon wrens were a fairly common resident on steep, rock faces. A lark sparrow and a Cassin's kingbird that were seen could be breeding outside the boundary of the survey area. Birds seen only in the neighborhoods off Laguna Canyon Road included hooded orioles (in eucalyptus trees), black phoebes, and dark-eyed juncos (near pines). Red-winged and Brewer's blackbirds, and killdeer were found near the creek and field adjacent to the GTE facilities. Ring-billed, California and Bonaparte's gulls, as well as common ravens and American crows, were seen overhead. Aer- ial foragers in the survey area included northern rough- winged and cliff swallows, along with white-throated swifts. Raptors spotted were a sharp-shinned hawk (a winter visitor), a red-shouldered hawk, several red-tailed hawks, an American kestrel, and a pair of northern harriers. The harriers were later seen exhibiting what appeared to be courting behavior in a different survey area west of Laguna Canyon Road and may be nesting in the region. Anec- dotal information indicated that Cooper's hawks had nested for the last several years in eucalyptus trees off Stans Lane. No active nest was spotted there nor were the nests of other species seen in the numerous shallow caves that dot the bluffs. It is likely, however, that barn and/or great horned owls utilize the caves as nest sites. Turkey vultures were frequently seen at the mouths of caves, and may also be using them for nesting.

Among wintering species, white-crowned and golden-crowned sparrows, and house wrens were quite common, as were yellow-rumped warblers in the residential areas. Other winter visitors were fox and Lincoln sparrows, ruby-crowned kinglets, cedar waxwings, a few purple finches, and a Say's phoebe.

March migrants included western kingbirds, Wilson and orange-crowned warblers, blue-gray gnatcatchers, and a couple of chipping sparrow. A very rare coastal transient, a Townsend solitaire, was found in a toyon shrub near Alta Laguna park.

Other birds tallied on surveys included greater roadrun- ners, mourning and rock doves, American robins, northern mockingbirds, and lesser and American goldfinches. Species seen:

TUVU turkey vulture AMRO American robin NOHA northern harrier WREN wrentit SSHA sharp-shinned hawk N 0MO northern mockingbird RSHA red-shouldered Hawk CATH California thrasher RTHA red-tailed hawk CEWA cedar waxwing AMKE American kestrel HUVI Hutton's vireo C AQU California quai 1 OCWA orange-crowned warbler KILL killdeer YRWA yellow-rumped warbler BOGU Bonaparte's gull COY E conlrnon ye1 lowthroat RBGU ring-billed gull WIWA Wilson's warbler CAGU California gull RSTO rufous-sided towhee ROD0 rock dove CAT0 California towhee MOD0 mourning dove RCSP rufous-crowned sparrow GRRO greater roadrunner CHSP chipping sparrow WTSW white-throated swift LASP lark sparrow ANHU Anna's hummingbird FOSP fox sparrow ACWO acorn woodpecker SOSP song sparrow NUWO Nuttall's woodpecker LISP Lincoln's sparrow NOFL northern flicker GC S P golden-crowned sparrow BLPH black phoebe WCSP white-crowned sparrow SAPH Say's phoebe DEJU dark-eyed junco CAKI Cassin's kingbird RWBL red-winged blackbirds WEKI western kingbird BRBL Brewer's blackbird NRSW northern rough-winged swallow HOOR hooded oriole CLSW cliff swallow PUFI purple finch SC JA scrub jay HOFI house finch AMCR American crow LEG0 lesser goldfinch CORA common raven AM GO American goldfinch BUSH bushtit CCWR cactus wren CNWR canyon wren BEWR Bewick's wren HOWR house wren R C K I ruby-crowned kinglet BGGN blue-gray gnatcatcher CAGN California gnatcatcher TOSO Townsend's solitaire H ETH hermit thrush 2.3.5 Kammals

Although recreational and urban pressures affect the study area, which is esentially an island habitat, mammalian wildlife still persists and in some cases thrives here. Thirty-seven native or naturalized species and four domesticated to semi-feral kinds are known or expected to occur here. Some of these may already be historic; reliably reported in the past but very possibly extirpated at this time. The area's most familiar and beloved species, the mule deer appears to be on the decline. Laguna Canyon Road now poses a barrier to movement, a death-trap for wildlife. Since animals are stimulated to move across the road to obtain water, not by mere curiosity or sexual urge, it is important in the short term to develop wildlife drinkers in the southern Sycamore Hills and in lower Laurel Canyon to supplement Laguna and El Toro Creek. As discussed before and later, the barrier this and El Toro Road create must in some way be eventually negated.

Of these forty-one kinds of animals, eleven were observed and sixteen additional reported by residents or in other studies. Twelve others, most confirmed by focused trapping studies in the project region are expected or possible here. This variety encompasses a marsupial, a shrew, a mole, four bats, three rabbits, seventeen rodents, eleven carnivores and three hoofed animals.

1. Marsupials

Opossums, introduced from eastern US are reported along Laguna Creek and in the rural residential area of the canyon. 2. Insectivores

The desert shrew has been verified from the San Joaquin Hills and is expected here (Marsh, G. and O'Brien, 1974). The broad-footed mole is expected in soft soil areas within oak woodlands.

3. Bats

The caves and grottoes within Topanga sandstone cliffs may be good roosts for these aerial insectivores. Marsh, G. and O'Brien, 1974 list four species potentially occurring in the area, the California myotis, and big brown, hoary and (Brazilian) free-tailed bats. Most bat activity would be about the Laguna Lakes at night. Bat caves have been observed in Topanga outcropping in the past by canyon residents. 4. Lagornorphs

The Audubon cottontail and brush rabbit were detected during the survey. The cottontail occurs onsite in grassy areas and is abundant on the floor of hood Can- yon near Mallard Marsh. The brush rabbit frequents chaparral and coastal sage scrub; its scat is signifi- cantly smaller than that of the former species.

The coastal bennetti i subspecies of the black-tai led jackrabbit is now a federal candidate for listing as threatened/endangered. Jackrabbits are reported from Laguna Canyon and likely occur in other portions of the study area.

5. Rodents

The Beechey or California ground squirrel is a pest species about stables and disturbed grassy areas on the suburban fringe. It is a plague vector; however, on the plus side it is a wild animal easy for all to see, and juveniles supplement the prey base for red-tailed hawks.

Botta pocket gophers are frequent in the rich soil of savannahs within oak woodlands, as well as in lawns and gardens in the rural residential area.

Four Heteromyid rodents are present or expected. The agile kangaroo rat takes dust baths in sandy Myford soil atop the ridge.The San Diego and California pocket mouse are reported from Laguna Canyon; the former is a new Federal candidate. The substantially endangered Pacific subspecies of the little pocket mouse may occur in sandy Myford soil or Quaternary marine terraceland along the ridge, though the best habitat was eliminated when Temple Hi 11 was developed.

Eight species of Crecetid rodents are of known or potential occurrence. Of these, one, the federal candidate desert packrat or woodrat was observed during the survey, and six more reported from Laguna Canyon by Marsh, G. and O'Brien. These, and an additional species trapped by John Lubina in Laguna Beach are enumerated below.

western harvest mouse, in moist meadows adjacent to watercourses.

cactus mouse, in cactus patches and areas of xeric rock outcropping.

California mouse, in oak woodland savannah.

deer mouse, everywhere. brush mouse, in dense, mesic chaparral.

dusky-footed woodrat, in mesic chaparral and oak woodlands.

California vole, in good quality grasslands.

The presence of the black-shouldered kite onladjacent to the DeWitt land block implys that voles are present in its grasslands.

Old world Murid rodents expected about rural residential and stable areas are house mouse, Norway rat and roof rat. These creatures have followed man from time immemorial.

6. Carnivores

Eleven carnivores are of known or potential occurrence. Two of these are domesticated, but run loose, thereby affecting local wildlife dynamics. These are of course, the domestic dog and the house cat. High use of the ridgeline near Alta Laguna Park by the former appears to have altered deer dispersion patterns in the study area. Cats exert pressure on lizard, bird and rodent populations at the suburban fringe. They also provide a portion of the food base for the local coyote population (see Sweetwater, 1992).

Among the native components of the carnivore population, the coyote and its signs are most frequently seen. Coyotes beat well defined trails to the suburban fringe, where they supplement their diet with house cats and little dogs, as well as ripe olives and other fruit. So long as its dispersion corridors remain intact, this species survives well in partially developed environments, and sometimes is the source of concern for human safety (especial ly small children) there. Loe, 1992 indicates that there may be an over- abundance of coyotes in the Aliso and Wood Canyon Park areas. Raccoons and skunks are also successful in suburbanized settings, where a native diet is supplemented by the fruits of garbage pails. The raccoon and both the striped and spotted skunk have been verified from the Laguna Canyon area. All can carry the rabies virus, making it important for pet owners here to have their animals vaccinated regularly.

Less frequently seen but apparently still extant are the gray fox and bobcat, both adversely affected by continuous traffic on Laguna Canyon Road. The mountain lion and regionally rare ring-tailed cat, a raccoon relative which reportedly once lived in Topanga caves above the canyon floor, both may be gone from the area.

7. Hoofed Animals

The study area until recently was an important habitat and refugium for mule deer. Recreational pressures, especially mountain biking and dog running, urban en- croachment, Laguna Canyon Road and the historically unprecedented six-seven year drought all combined to impact the local deer "herd". One of the most crucial issues in a management plan for the "superpark" should be development of actions to bring back the "herd" to its former stature (or at least not permit further losses). Of particular importance is the protection of resting and fawning grounds from recreational incur- sion.

Laguna Canyon has an ample horse population in its several stables, and a small flock of sheep at the preschool. Horses affect the environment in the northerly canyon, where their impact stimulates trail erosion, and promote proliferation of weedy growth, and water pollution in the vicinity of stables. Stables tend to attract cowbirds, ground squirrels and murine rodents, all of which can have a detrimental impact on the environment or on man himself. Sheep if allowed to range widely are very hard on indigenous cover; they crop to the ground if herded in dense flocks. However, the few sheep at the preschool are of greater benefit .in educational value than threat to the environment. Figure 13

Number Kev

1 - Deer used to walk down Skyline Drive. 2 - Old bedding and browse area on north slope of Canyon Acres Canyon. 3 - Key deer crossover point between Mathis and Laguna Canyon/Canyon Acres Canyon before development of Temple Hill, A1 ta Laguna Park and opening of Greenbelt to public use and dog walking. Now abandoned. 4 - South Branch of Mathis Canyon. Now-occupied deer habitats appear to be in the lower portions of forested tributaries, away from human activity. 5 - Numbers of deer crossed Laguna Canyon Road at Big Bend in the past. Deer trails could be seen even on steep slopes of tne Bend above.

6 .- Fawning area in upper Castlerock Ravine. Deer come to the suburban edge below where homeowners provi tie arinking water. Deer would 1 ikely not survive here without this human assist. 7 - North Branch of Mathis Canyon. Some track evidence seen far up in the canyon, in tributary. mountain bikers are discovering this beautiful and fragile canyon. 8 - Wood Canyon. Historically, this was one of the premier key habitats for deer in the San Joaquin Hills. Outstanding forest cover, browse, acorn mast, water. Today, canyon heavily used by mountain bikers, encroached upon by urban development upstream. 9 - Wildlife trail extends to ridge from-G.T.E. Dog Park. Recent beavy coyote use. Deer use unknown, but likely to cease now that the area below is laden with dog scent.

10 - Dump Ravine lush oak and sycamore woodland. Deer? 11 - A few deer use the'5.C.E. service road between upper Wood Canyon and the long undulating ridge oetween Wood and mat-is a logical pathway to the main divide ridge above, though both are used by mountain bikers and other recreationists. 12 - Stoneridge wildlife crossing, substantially used in the past by coyotes, bobcats, gray foxes and deer. Wfl dlife activity now suppressed by round- the-clock traffic on Laguna Canyon Road, dogs at residence on DeWitt panhandle. 13 - Regional junction for humans and wildlife between Irvine Ranch open space, 5ycamore HI I IS and San Joaquin Hi11s open space west of Laguna Canyon. Principal pathway to this junction from the west is via the Aliso 8 Wood Canyon Regional Park "El Toro Gateway", site of proposed ''Revenue Generator" and equestrian staging area.

14 -~~catnore~ill~ridgetop deer trail. Fate after construction of San Joaquin mtationCorridor? 15 - Laurel Canyon corridor into Irvine Ranch Open Space (wildlife). 2.4 SENSITIVE BIOTA AND HABITATS

Because of where it is, in largely urbanized cismontane southern California, and affected by the microclimates and microhabitats of its coastal mountainous setting, there are a large number of sensitive species and significant cover of sensitive habitats in the study area. In the following pages, habitats are ranked according to parameters established in the 1983 Laguna Beach Biological Resources Inventory and subsequently by the California Natural Diversity Data Base and the Orange County Geographic Information System project. Species are identified which are Federally listed, or proposed or candidate for threatened/endangered listing, State listed as above, State species of special concern, State (CNDDB) special animals, California Native Plant Society rare or endangered, National Audubon Society Blue-listed, species of local concern identified by the Orange County G.I.S. and special interest species disjunct in the San Joaquin Hills identified by the author. The biota herein summarized in tabular form include species which always have been considered rare or of special interest and now, a large number of additional taxa which were until recently widespread and fairly common but due to the widespread urbanization of the region now exist in small, fragmented populations. The study area's most widespread plant community, coastal sage scrub (within G.I.S. categories 2.3 and 3.1) has suffered a similar fate in the region and is now a habitat type of global and state concern.

On vegetation mapping which accompanys this report, sensitivity ranking is not indicated except on the legend, where the numerical designations are identified and categorized as to level of value/ threat. Most of the study area is of high value because it is within a continuous habitat block rather than fragments of poorly connected open space, and it supports indigenous vegetation (with the exception of some of the weedy grasslands on the DeWitt ridge and in fuel modification zones at the suburban edge). The DeWitt annual grasslands are considered of moderate value; while dominated by non-native species, they are of use to foraging raptors and, in the spring, deer. The development edge fuel-mod zones are ranked as of lower value, as are weedy areas in the vicinity of stables. The "urban forest" is categorized as of moderate value. Locales of sensitive biota, oak woodlands, sycamore woodlands, native grasslands and savannahs, willow forested wetland, undisturbed xeric barrens, vernal pools and mesic cliff faces are ranked of very high value. Wildlife dispersion corridors and trails, and suspected mule deer resting/fawning habitats are also categorized of very high value.

The following table delineates the status of the study area's habitats. The global and state rankings are interpreted following - the table; the "code" is the CNDDB computer code for the habitat type, while the numerals appearing in the left-hand column are the G.I.S. code numbers listed previously. TABLE TWO Habitat and Resource Value Laguna Canyon Biological Resources Inventory

O.C. CNDDB Oesiqnationsl G.I.S. Laguna Global State S~ecial Beach Value Habitat or Resource Type -Code -Rank -Rank ~nterest Rank 2.3 Venturan-Diegan 32500 62 S2.1 Yes high transitional coastal sage scrub (including 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.4, 3.1)

2.4 Southern cactus scrub N/A N/A most, very high (containing cactus wrens or O.T. whiptails) 3.2 Southern mixed 37120 - moderate-high chaparral 3.7 Scrub oak chaparral 37900 - high 4.1 Annual grassland 42200 - moderate 4.2 Elymus grassland high

4.3 Southern coastal 42100 63 very high needlegrass grassland

4.4 Deergrass grassland 42100 63 very high

4.5 Coast live oak N/A N/A very high if savannah native- dominated; moderate-high if not

4.6116.2 Ruderal, N/A N /A fuel modification zones disturbed lands

5.1 Southern hardpan 44320 62 very high vernal pool

5.2 Alkali meadow 45310 63 here, moderate-high because of predominance of non-native grasses TABLE TWO (Cant'd) Habitat and Resourn Value Laguna Canyon Biological Resources Inventory

O.C. CNDDB Designations G.I.S. Laguna Global State Special Beach Value Habitat or Resource Type -Code -Rank Rank Interest Rank 5.3 Freshwater seep 45400 64 S4.1 Yes very high

7.1 Riparian herb N /A N /A N /A Yes high

7.2 Southern willow scrub 63320 63 S2.1 Yes high

7.3 Mulefat scrub 63310 64 S4 Yes moderate-high

7.4 Southern sycamore 62400 64 S4 Yes very high riparian woodland

7.6/7.7 Southern willow 61320 62 S2.1 Yes very high forest

8.1 Coast live oak 71160 64 S4 Yes very high woodland (including 7.5, 9.1)

10.1 Xeric barrens and N /A N /A N /A Yes undisturbed cliff faces barrens very high; cliff faces high; disturbed marine terrace barrens moderate

10.2 Mesic cliff faces N /A very high

10.3 Rock outcrops N /A high

13.1 Perennial streams N/A very high

13.2 Intermittent streams N/A high

13.3 Ephemeral streams N/A moderate-high

13.4 Flood control N/A channels

14.4 Stables N /A low to none

15.2 Non-urban residential TABLE TWO (Cont'd) Habitat and Resource Value Laguna Canyon Biological Resources Inventory

O.C. CNDDB Designations G.I.S. Laguna Global State Special Beach Value Habitat or Resource Type -Code -Rank Rank Interest Rank 15.3 Non-urban commercial N/A N/A N/A no low to none

15.4 Transportation N/A N/A N/A no none

15.5 Ornamental Plantings N/A N/A N/A no moderate

16.1 Cleared or graded N/A N/A N/A no none

1 Designations by the California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB). N/A = not applicable because the CNDDB has not assigned a code or sensitivity ranking.

Global Ranks (worldwide status):

G1 = extremely endangered 62 = endangered 63 = restricted range, rare 64 = apparently secure 65 = demonstratably secure

State Ranges: status within the state, as above. A more precise degree of threat to the element is sometimes expressed by a decimal followed by a number. The possible range of values is 1-3 with 1 representing the most threatened and 3 signifying the least threatened.

Table Three, next lists species of concern in the study area. For the reader's interest, these are designated as taxa which were always rare here and those which are now considered sensitive because of habitat loss in the region. Federal, state and local status legend is given at the end of the table. C, C, m C, 2 h .r ? n -7 m 1-0 m C s U 0 E EcW 5w 0 0 aJ E aJ h s E OC, C, .r E E .r aJ .r C OaJ OaJCcn^z cnr- L .r UP UPP aJ P m s L aJ OCC 53 53%' w a ..) . u E L OU aJ L my- I E C m *3 u Pen EaJm aJ L-I TABLE THREE (Cont'd) Sensitive Animals Within Laguna Canyon BRI Study Area

Part.1 ,P.2 Animals

Species Presence Status BRI OC GIS Within Rarity Habitat Federal State CNDDB Audubon Listed LCBRI Origin GIs # reat egret Rep. - - SA - Yes rare in regionally 7.0, 13.1 9 Casmerodi us a1 bus ) Laguna Cyn. depleted habitat snowy egret Rep. - - SA - - rare in regional 1y 7.0, 13.1 (Egretta thula) near Wood Cyn. depleted habitat Cooper's hawk Obs . - CSC SA BL Yes rare. Nests, regionally 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 (Acci piter cooperi ) Bonn Dr. Cyn. depleted habi tat sharp-shinned hawk Obs . - CSC SA BL Yes rare regionally 7.0, 8.0 (Acci piter striatus) depl eted habi tat

4 go1 den eagle Rep. FP CSC, SA - Yes endangered. regionally 10.2, nesting, (Aqui 1 a chrysaetos) near FP 1! rep, depleted habitat a1 1 , foraging AIWCRP red- tai1 ed hawk Obs . - - - - uncommon. regional 1 y a1 1 (Buteo jamaicensi s) yes Nests depl eted habi tat Laguna Cyn. red-shoul dered hawk Rep. - - - BL Yes rare regional ly 7.0, 8.0, (Buteo 1ineatus) depleted habitat 9.0, 15.5 .northern harrier Obs. - CSC SA BL Yes rare. Nests, regionally 4.0, 3.7 - (Circus cyaneus) Castlerock depleted habitat nesting Cyn . black-shoul dered kite Obs. - F P S A - threatened. regionally 4.5 (El anus caeruleus ) yes Nests, Wood depleted habitat Cyn. trib. Her1in Rep. - CSC SA BL Yes extremely a1 ways 4.0, burns, 9.0 (Fa1 co col umbari us) near rare, AIWCRP regional 1y rare C, (El C, .r u n @L m m x

>, 1, h0 r- cC r- ? F aJ fe X F u 7 u 7 C, C, LC, m a+' ceraJC, law+ E aJL EC, m EC,~c7m aJ LO 0 WC, OaJC, OPC, USE .r r- .I- .r 7 .r .r aJ .r .r cn nn man mun 0) aJ m aJaJm aJ ccl LUX LUX LV)C aJ

aJ aJ LC, m LV) h 7 5 2 F u .r 7 u IuaJC, UC, maJo EMId L.r t* Iu 0 aJC, .rV) OaJC, .r 1- .r n Iu .r 7 .r a, nn cn nn aJaJIu Zk aJaJIu LUX UP LUX TABLE THREE (Cont'd) Sensitive Animals Within Laguna Cany~nBRI Study Area

Part 1, P.5 Animals

Species Presence BRI OC GIs Within Rarity Ha bitat Federal State CNDDB Audubon Listed LCBRI Origin GIs # San Diego pocket mouse Rep. C2 - - - no very rare regionally 10.1 (Perognathus fa1lax) depleted sandy flats habitat

Pacific pocket mouse Poss. C 2 CSC SA - Yes endangered regional 1y 10.1 longimembris or depleted sandy flats extirpated habitat

San Diego desert packrat Obs. C2 - - - no occasional , regional 1y 2.4 (Neotoma lepida intermedia) 1 obs., depleted 110.1, 10.3 ridge habi tat

ringtail Rep. - FP - - Yes endangered regionally 10.0 (Bassariscus astutus) or depl eted caves d IU extirpated habitat rJl long-tai led weasel Exp. - - - - Yes rare regionally 7.0 (Mustel a frenata) depl eted 13.0 habitat

American badger Poss. - CSC SA - Yes rare regional ly 4.0 (Taxidea taxus) depl eted habitat

gray fox Rep. - - - - Yes rare regionally 3.0, 2.0, (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) depleted 7.0 habitat mountain 1ion Rep. - CSC - - Yes extirpated? regionally 3.0, 7.0 ( felis concoaor) 01d reports depleted 8.0, 9.0, from Laguna, habitat 10.0 Wood Cyn. bobcat Rep. - - - - Yes rare regional 1y 3.0,7.0 (Lynx rufus) depl eted 8.0, 9.0 habitat 10.0 mule deer Obs . - - - - Yes decl ining regional ly 2.0, 3.0 (Odocoi 1eus hemi~nus) depl eted 7.0,8.0,9.0 habitat, recreational & hiahwav imnart TABLE 3 (continued)

STATUS CATEGORIES

Federal Status (as of June 1991)

FE: Species designated as endangered under the Federal Endangered Specics Act. Endangered = "any species in danger of extinction throughout all or a , signifiknt portion of its range." See 50 CFR 17.11 for most recent listing. FT: Species designated as threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Threatened = "species likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.' See 50 CFR 17.12 for most recent listing.

FPE: Proposed for listing as endangered.

FPT: Proposed for listing as threatened.

," C1,2,3: 'Candidate" species are taxa fhe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering for listing as endangered and threatened species. These species, howcver, have Q, yet to be the subject of a proposed rule. Catenow 1 acandidates are "taxa for which the Service currently has on file substantial information on biological vulnerability [relating to autecology and distribution] and threat@) to support the appropriateness of proposing to list the taxa as endangercd or threatened species." The development and publication of proposed rules for these species will take several years. Cafeeorv 2 (C2) candidates are "taxa for which information now in the possession of the Service indicates that proposing to list them as endangered or threatened species is possibly appropriafe, but for which substantial data on biological vulnerability and threat(s) are not currently known or on file to support the immediate preparation of rules." Thus, the two categories delimit level of information and not degree of threat or biological vulnerability.

The non-candidates (species previously considered candidates and included on past lists) constitute Cateeory 3 0.These former candidate specics have been grouped into three subcategories: extinct (3A), taxonomically invalid or not meeting the Service's definition of a "species" (3B). or too widespread or not threatened at this time (3C).

The most recent candidate lists are in Federal Register 49: 21664,22 May 1984 for invertebrates and Federal Register 54: 554,6 January 1989 for vertebrates.

lR,2R: *~ecornmendd'for Category 1 or Category 2 status by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. !) !)

TABLE 3 (continued)

State Status (as of June 19911

The definitions of rare, threatened, and endangered are shown below from Section 19090, Chapter 10 of the Fish and Game Code:

SP. Threatened = 'a species that, although not presently threatened with extinction, is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future in thc absence of the special protection and management efforts required by this Act.'

SE Endangered = 'a species is endangered when its prospects of survival and reproduction are in immediate jeopardy from onc or more causes."

SCE State candidate for listing as endangered.

Sm: State candidate for listing as threatened.

CSC: California Department of Fish and Game Species of Special Concern, as listed by CNDDB in August 1991. Thc rarity of these spccies has been documcntcd by Williams (1986) for mammals, Jennings (1983) for reptiles and amphibians, and Remsen (1978) for birds. d h) 4 FP: Fully-protected = Fish and Game Code sections relating to fully protected animals state that fully protectcd birds (Scction 3511). mammals (Scction 4700). reptiles and amphibians (Section SOSO), and fish (Section 5515), 'or parts thereof, may not be taken or possessed at any time and no provision of this codc or any other law shall be construed to authorize the issuance of permits or licenses to take any fully protected (animal) and no such permits or licenses heretofore hued shall have any force or effect for any such purpose; except that the commission may authorize the collecting of such species for necessary scientific research and may authorize the live capture and relocation of such species pursuant to a permit for the protection of livestock Legally imported fully protected (animals) or parts thereof may be possessed under a permit issued by the department.'

CNDDB SA: 'special animals' are species that meet requirements for one or more of the following categories as designated by CNDDB in August 1991: Species considered endangered or rare under Section 15380(d) of CEQA guidelines. Species that are biologically rare, very restricted in distribution, or declining throughout their range. Population(s) in California that may be peripheral to the major portion of a taxon's range, but which are threatened with extirpation within California. Species c1osely associated with a habitat that is declining in California at an alarming rate (e.g., wetlands, riparian, old growth forests, desert aquatic systems, native grasslands). Officially listed or proposed for listing under the State and/or Federal Endangered Species Acts. State or Federal candidate species for possible listing. California Department of Fish and Game Species of Special Concern. Designated as 'sensitive species' by the BLM or USFWS ,)

TABLE 3 (continued)

U.S. Forest Service (as of June 1991):

SS = 'sensitive species." Sensitive species are defined as "Those plant and animal species identified by a Regional Forester for which population viability is a concern, as evidenced by: a Significant current or predicted downward trends in population numbers or density; b. Significant current or predicted downward trends in habitat capability that would reduce a species' existing distribution."

Audubon

The Blue List ("BL') of the Audubon Society is a list developed by Audubon Society members throughout the nation. Birds on the list appcar to be declining in numbers and should be considered for possible state or federal protection if current trends continue (Tate, 1986). --Other. Status: Designations by consensus of local biologists indicating status within Orange County only. "Locally rare' indicates a species that is uncommon and appears to be diminishing in number. 'Local concern' indicates species of high educational and/or scientific interest, or species that are expected to decline in number and require monitoring.

A * PRIMARY HABITATS IV cn I Habitats where the species are most commonly found, and where important phases of the life history occur (i.e., breeding, nesting, etc) utilizing the Habitat/Land Cover Classification System for the Orange County GIs Project. The system has a broad range of habitat types which can be uscd when more specific inforrnatlon is available. '?' indicates data on primary habitat are lacking.

Habitat 7bes 26 Floodplain sage scrub 1.0 DUNES HABITATS 3.0 CHAPARRAL HABITATS 1.1 Southern cosrlal forcduna 1.2 Southern dune ruub 3.1 Coastal sagechaparral scmb 3.2 Southern mixed chaparral 20 SCRUB HABITATS 3.3 Chamix chaparral 3.4 Ceanothus cnuifolius chaparral 21 Southern coastal Muff mb 35 Ctanothus me~acar~uschaparral 22 Maritime wcculenl scrub 3.6 Southern maritime chaparral 2.3 Vcntunn-Dkgan tnnsilhal coastal rqp mb 3.7 Scrub oak chaparral 23.1 California sagebrush-California buckwheat scrub 3.8 Interior live oak chaparral 23.2 California sagebmshuanpbush monky llowcr mb 3.9 Manzanita chaparral 233 Purplesage mb 3.10 Mixed montane chaparral 23.4 Black sage scrub 3.1 1 -Nolina chaparral 24 Southern cadus scrub 2.5 Rivecsidian ~(~talsage mb TABLE 3 (concluded)

4.0 GRASSLAND HABITATS 9.2 Canyon livc oak forest 9.3 Coultcr pine forest 4.1 Annual grarrland 9.4 Knobcone pine forest 4.2 Elvmus gmsland 9.5 Southern interior cypress forest 43 Southern amstal needlepa yurtand 9.6 Bigconc spruacanyon livc oak forest 4.4 Darps¶glanland 45 Coast live oak savanna 10.0 CLIFF AND ROCK HABITATS 4.6 Rudcnl 10.1 Xeric cliff faca 5.0 VERNAL POOLS, SEEPS, AND WET MEADOWS 10.2 ' Mesic cliff faca 103 Rock outcrops S.1 Southan hardpan vernal pool 5.2 Alkali meadow 11.0 MARINE AND COASTAL HABITATS 53 Frahwata seep 11.1 Marine open wtcr and subtidal 6.0 MARSH UABITA'IS 11.2 Bay and lagoon open water . 11.3 Rocky shore and intenidal tone

6.1 Southern -Ul salt manh , 11.4 Sandy beach and tidal flab 6.2 Coastal brackish manh A 63 Cismontane alkali manh 12.0 LAKES, RESERVOIRS, AND BASINS a 6.4 Coastal freshwater manh 12.1 Open water 12.2 Fluctuating shorelina 12.3 Spreading grounds and detention basins 7.1 Riparian herb 7.2 Southern willow mb 13.0 WATERCOURSES 73 Mulefat mb 7.4 Southern sycamore riparian woodland 13.1 Perennial riven and streams 75 Southern coast fiioak riparian lorut 13.2 Intermittent streams and cmb 7.6 Southern armyo willow forest 13.3 Ephemeral drainaga and washa 7.7 Southern black willow forat 13.4 Flood control channels 7.8 Southern collanwood-willow riparian forest 7.9 White alder riparian forest 14.0 AGRICULTURE 7.10 Canyon live oak mine fmt 14.1 Dryland field crops 8.0 WOODIAND HABITATS 14.2 Irrigated row and field crops 14.3 Vineyards and otrhads 8.1 Qwt live oak woodland 14.4 Dairia and stockyards 8.2 California walnut woodland 14.5 Otha agriculnre 83 Cismontane juniper woodland 15.0 DEVELOPED AREAS 9.0 FOREST HABITATS 15.1 Urban 9.1 htlive oak forest 15.2 Non-urban residential TABLE 3 (concluded)

153 Non-urban eommemiavindustn'a~nstilutional 15.4 Tnnsporta~ion 153 Parks and ornamental plantings 15.6 Other dmloped am

16.0 DISTURBED AREAS

16.1 cleakd or graded 16.2 Other disturbed areas

SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

Time of year when species occur within Orange County. "?" indicates data on seasonal occurrence has not yet been confirmed with local experts.

' TIME OF YEAR FOR OBSERVATION A oW Time of the year when species are mostly readily detected, either by dircct observation, calls, tracks, burrows, or scat. "?" indicates data has not yet been confirmed with local experts. Legend, ct.

Presence: Obs - observed; Rep. - reported by locals or in other studies Exp. - expected; Poss - of possible occurrence Federal Status: FP - fully protected against taking (Bald Eagle Act) TABLE FOUR Sensitive Plants Within Laguna Canyon BRI Study Area

Species (all present) Status Rarity Habitat Federal State CNDDB CNPS Listed LCBRI 0rigin GIs#

silverback fern (Pit ro ramma - - - - - dtsjunct a1 ways 8.1 triangul aris var. + viscosa 1 pop., rare Mathis s .br. here

western bracken fern (Pteridi urn - disjunct. always aquil inum var. pubescens) 1 POP. rare here Bib Bend

rosi n weed - uncommon. regional ly 10.1 (Calycadena tenel 1a) 1' pop. depl eted xeric Mathis trib. habitat barrens in 2.0 western dichondra C3C - S? 4 Yes introduced always 10.1 (Dichondra occidental is) in reveg. kare openings in 2.0 +/-I0 many-s temmed dudl eya C2 - S2.11 1B Yes occasional always rare (Dud1 eya m~l-ticaul is) +/-4000 plants, in 30 pops.

Laguna Beach dudl eya C f ST S1.l 1B Yes occasi ona1 endemic (D. stoloni fera) +/-40,000 plants in 2 pops.Bonn Dr. Cyn, Big Bend

Engelmann oak - - S2- 4 Yes uncommon gradual .warming 8.1, 9.1 (Quercus engelmanni i) S3.2 hybrids in & drying of Mathis, climate in past Big Bend 10,000 yrs.

hummingbird sage - - - - Yes disjunct a1 ways rare 3.2 mesic, (Salvia spathaceae) 2 POPS. , here 13.3, 8.1 Mathis tri bs. openings TABLE FOUR (Cont'd) Sensitive Plants Within Laguna Canyon BRI Study Area

Species (a11 present) Status Rarity Habitat Federal State CNDDB CNPS Listed LCBRI 0rigin GIs # Orange County Turkish rugging C3B - - 1B Yes coastal always rare 10.1 xeric (Chorizanthe staticoides ssp. endemic here barrens, 10.3 chrysacantha), 2 POPS., Mathi s ridge, water tank-C. 51 plants ocean spray - - - - - disjunct always rare 3.2 mesic, (Hol odi scus discol or) 1 POP. , here 13.3 Wood trib. foothilt mariposa 1ily - - - proposed yes County regional 1y 10.1, (Calochortus weedi i var. 1B endemic. depl eted 2.0 intermedi us) 1 POP. habitat Wood ridge basket rush - - - - Yes very rare, rare habitat 13.3 in 8.1 (Juncus texti1 i s ) 2-3 POPS. in Mathis Cyn. TABLE 4, (continued)

' STATUS CATEGORIES:

Federal Status (as of June 1991):

FE: Species designated as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Endangered = "any species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." See 50 CFR 17.11 for most recent listing.

J?R Species designated as threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Threatened = "species likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.' See 50 CFR 17.12 for most recent listing.

FPE: Proposed for federal listing as endangered.

FPT: Proposed for federal listing as threatened.

C1,2,3: "Candidate" species are taxa the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering for listing as endangered and threatened species. These species, however, have yet to be the subject of a proposed rule. Cate~orv1 (C1) candidates are "taxa for which the Service currently has on file substantial information on biological vulnerability [relating to autecology and distribution] and threat(s) to support the appropriateness of proposing to list the taxa as endangered or threatened species." The development and publication of proposed rules for these plants will take several years. Cateeorv 2 ((2)candidates are "taxa for which information now in the possession of the Service indicates that proposing to list them as endangered or threatened species is possibly appropriate, but for which substantial data on biological vulnerability and threat(s) are not currently known or on file to support the immediate preparation of rules." Thus, the two categories delimit level of information and not degree of threat or biological vulnerability.

The non-candidates (plants previously considered candidates and included on past lists) constitute Categorv 3 (C3). These former candidate plants have been grouped into three subcategories: extinct (3A), taxonomically invalid or not meeting the Service's definition of a "species" (3B), or too widespread or not threatened at this time (3C).

The most recent candidate list is in Federal Register 55: 6184,21 February 1990. \

TABLE 4: (continued)

State Status (as of June 1991)

The definitions of rare, threatened, and endangered are shown below from Section 19090, Chapter 10 of the Fish and Game Code:

SR: Rare = 'a species is rare when, although not presently threatened with extinction, it is in such small numbers throughout its range that it may become endangered if its present environment worsens."

ST: ' Threatened = 'a species that, although not presently threatened with extinction, is likely ro become an endangered species in thc foreseeable future in the absence of the special protection and management efforts required by this Act."

SE: Endangered = "a species is endangered when its prospects of survival and reproduction are in immediate jeopardy from one or more causes."

A SCR, SCT, Ucn SCE: State candidate for listing as rare, threatened, or endangered.

CNDDB Desi~nations

'Special Plants" is a broad term used to refer to all the plant taxa inventoried by the Natural Diversity Data Base, regardless of their legal or protection status. Special Plant taxa are spedes, subspecies or varieties that may fall into one or more of the following categories:

Officially listed by California or the Federal Government as Endangered, Threatened or Rare;

A candidate for state of federal listing as Endangered, Threatened or Rare under Section 15380(d) of the CEQA guidelines;

A Bureau 91 Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or U.S. Forest Service Sensitive Species;

Taxa listed in the California Native Plant Society's lnventorv of Rare and Endan~eredVascular Plants of California;

Taxa that are biologically rare, very restricted in distribution or declining throughoul their range but not currently threatened with extirpation; TABLE 4 (continued)

Population(s) in California that may be peripheral to the major portion of a taxon's range but are threatened with extirpation in California:

Taxa closely associated with a habitat that is declining in California at an alarming rate (e.g. wetlands, riparian, old growth forests, desert aquatic systems, native grasslands, valley shrubland habitats, vernal pools, etc).

The state has applied a ranking designations as follows:

S1 = extremely endangered S2 = endangered S3 = restricted range, rare S4 = apparently secure S5 = demonstratably secure SH = all sites are historical

A W m A more precise degree of threat to the element is sometimes expressed by a decimal followed by a number. The possible range of value is 1 - 3 with '1" representing the most threatened and "3"signifying the least threatened. "?" indicates uncertainty with regard to ranking.

U.S. Forest Service Status (as of June 1991): SS = "sensitive species." Plants considered "sensitive" under the provisions of the Pacific-Southwest Region (R-5)Sensitive Plant Program, Section 2670 of the Forest Senrice Manual. Sensitive species are defined as those plant and animal species identified by a Regional Forester for which population viability is a concern, as evidenced by: a. Significant current or predicted downward trends in population numbers or density; b. Significant current or predicted downward trends in habitat capability that would reduce a species' existing distribution."

CNPS Status based on California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (Smith and Bere, 1988'):

List Ik. Plants Presumed Extinct in California The plants of List 1A are presumed extinct because they have not been seen or collected in the wild for many years. Although most of them are restricted to California, a few are found in other states as well. There is a difference between "cxtinct" and "extirpated." A plant is extirpated if it has been locally eliminated. It may be doing quite nicely elsewhere in its range. All of the plants constituting List 1A meet the definitions of Sec. 1901, Chapter 10 (Native Plant Protection) of the California Department of Fish and Game Code and are eligible for state listing. TABLE 4- (continued)

Lbt 18: Plants Rare, Threatened or Endangered in California and Elsewhere The plants of List 1B are rare throughout their range. All but a few are endemic to California. All of them are judged to be vulnerable undcr present circumstances or to have a high potential for becoming so because of their limited or vulnerable habitat, their low numbers of individuals per population (even through they may be wide ranging), or their limited number of populations. All of the plants constituting List 1B meet the definitions of Sec 1901, Chapter 10 (Native Plant Protection) of the California Department of Fish and Game Code and are eligible for state listing.

Lbt 2: Plants Rare, Thrurtened or Eodaagercd in California, But More Common Elsewhere Except for being common beyond the boundaries of California, the plants of List 2 would have appeared on List 1B. Based on the "Native Plant Protection Act," plants are considered without regard to their distribution outside the state. All of the plants constituting List 2 meet the definitions of Sec 1901, Chapter 10 (Native Plant Protection) of the California Department of Fish and Game Code and are eligible for stale listing.

Iist 3: Plants About Whicb We Ned More Ioformation4l Review Iist The planu that comprise List 3 are an assemblage of taxa that have been transferred from other lists or that have been suggested for consideration. The necessary information that would assign most to a sensitivity category is missing.

list 4: Plants of Wted Distn'butioa--A Watch ijst The planu in this category are of limited distribution in California and their vulnerability or susceptibility to threat appears low at this time. While these plants cannot be called "rare" from a statewide perspective, they are uncommon enough that their status should be monitored regularly. Many of them may be significant locally. Should the degree of endangerment or rarity of a plant change, they will be transferred to a more appropriate list.

Other Status: Designations by consensus of local biologists indicating rarity of a species within Orange County only.

Habitats where the species are most commonly found, utilizing the Habitatbnd Cover Classification System for the Orange County GIs Project. "?" indicates data on primary habitat are lacking. For many species, only the general habitat type is provided (e.g., "2.0" rather than "2.3 or 2.4") due to scarcity of data on habitat affinity at this time. 3.0 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Management of open space in the study area must address divergent land uses such as: Recreational activities within the future regional parkland

Development step-outs in-Laguna Canyon

Access to utility infrastructure

Flood control and water quality in Laguna Canyon Creek

Efficient traffic flow on Laguna Canyon Road.

Goals of management planning include:

e Maintenance of a viable and diverse wildlife population

Protection of sensitive biota and habitats

Rehabilitation of previously scarred land.

Perhaps the most pressing of these areas of conflict is the clash between Laguna Canyon Road and onsite recreational activities and maintenance of a viable large mammal population. Because this is the most difficult and important management need, the report deals with it last, after addressing issues which are somewhat (?) easier to resolve.

3.1 DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES IN LAGUNA CANYON

Future development in Laguna Canyon should be limited to small step-outs onto vacant lots to construct individual custom homes or business enterprises. Tract development is overly consumptive of the remaining buildable open space and should be discouraged. These guidelines are suggested when reviewing applications for new construction.

1. Development should not block known cross-canyon wildlife dis-

persion corridors.. - These are located at the following sites along the canyon floor.

Big Bend, including U.S. Postal Service and Berkeley Indus- tries properties.

a GTE1s meadow

a OeWitt panhandle and Stoneridge Riding Club

Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park panhandle between Laguna Audubon and the preschool, at and north of the Laguna-El Toro Canyon confluence along the latter drainage. 2. Development should not impact identified sensitive habitats or species. Sensitive habitats within the canyon include:

e Oak woodland e Willow forested wetland Mesic cliff faces and significant rock outcrops e Extensive areas of coastal sage scrub, such as would be consumed by tract development.

Sensitive species habitats in the canyon include those of

e Laguna Beach dudleya e Many-stemmed dudleya e Orange County Turkish rugging Engelmann oak e Western bracken fern e Orange-throated whiptai 1 Red diamond rattlesnake (upper Castlerock Canyon) e Great blue heron Great egret e Red-tailed hawk nests Northern harrier nest Barn and great horned owl nests r Coastal cactus wren e California gnatcatcher e Blue grosbeak Ringtail e Mule deer fawning/resting sites (e.g., upper Castlerock Canyon).

Focused surveys should be conducted for sensitive species on develop~~entsites, since the foregoing survey was general in nature and likely overlooked locales of rare biota. In addition to a field walkover, these surveys should include interviews with knowledgeable residents of adjacent properties, since discovery of secretive or seasonally resident fauna can be difficult on a one-time visit.

3. Development should not straddle drainagecourses. The numerous ravines which drain off of the Laguna Canyon slope carry winter storm flow which can be ample.- These intermittent drainagecourses are also natu~al corridors for wildlife moving between the higher canyonside and Laguna Creek. Development within these ravines can block storm flow and will certainly obstruct wildlife movement.

4. Additional open space preservation should be considered within Laguna Canyon. - Key candidates for open space protection are these: Big Bend

The Big Bend cliffs down to Berkeley industries along with surplus parking lot-helipad and other vacant ground within this business property -and the U.S. Postal Service vacant lot should be considered of first priority for additional open space acquisition in this part of Laguna Beach. Citywide, only the Esslinger/Mahboubi Fardi property in and around Hobo Canyon is of greater biological significance and acquisition need. One of the world's three largest known populations of endemic Laguna Beach dudleya grows on the Big Bend cliffs. The cliffs are a visual landmark of citywide and regional significance, and are one of Orange County's best examples of the sensitive 10.2 mesic cliff face habitat. Other significant resource of Big Bend are:

0 Major cross-canyon wildlife dispersion corridor.

Populations of other rare plants, including Orange County Turkish rugging at the ridge, many-stemmed dudleya on the ridge and face, and disjunct western bracken fern and fairly "pure" Engelmann oak at the base of the cliffs.

0 The cliffs are a likely habitat for raptor and owl nest sites. A turkey vulture congregation (and potential nesting) area exists or existed in the recent past at the top of the cliffs. There is also potential for denning ring-tailed cats here.

Stoneridge Riding Club and Anneliese's Preschool

These two adjoining properties are now inholdings surrounded on all sides by Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and astride the principal regional wildlife corridor between the Aliso and Wood Canyon watersheds and the Irvine Ranch. Wildlife movement takes place through the riding club during the night and crepuscular hours, though this is now reduced because of loose dogs at the pink house on the DeWitt block upslope and the continuous 24 hour flow of traffic on the highway. Wildlife movement is blocked on the preschool land by sheep paddock and playground fencing.

Acquisition of these two properties for inclusion into the park makes good planning sense. The Stoneridge facility could function as the equestrian center and trailhead rather than using valuable open space in lower El Toro Canyon for this purpose. The preschool property could function as at least interim and perhaps permanent park headquarters rather than, again consuming existing open spaces likely astride wildlife movement corridors for this purpose. Removal of barrier fences on the preschool and of the southerly riding ring on Stoneridge would enhance nocturnal and crepuscular wildlife movement. Habitat enhancement- could also include wetlands restoration along Laguna Canyon Road adjacent to and within the riding ring and along Laguna Creek as it passes through the preschool land. Several old residence structures might ultimately be removed unless they were deemed to be of historic value; in the interim, they could house park maintenance and management functions. A good-sized parking lot at the preschool might be adequate for employee and public parking, reducing the need for a large lot in Stoneridge Canyon, opposite.

Independently or in concert with County HBP acquisition of the riding academy and preschool, Laguna Beach or HBP (depending on who owns the land) should have the pink house on the DeWitt property vacated, and ultimately move the structure or tear it down. The dogs of the present tenants appear to be discourag- ing deer movement along historic corridor land to the creek and beyond. These dogs were loose when the area was surveyed; it was not determined whether or not they are kept in at night. It is particularly important to keep the DeWitt wildlife corridor open and unobstructed to the creek if "revenue generation" and wholesale equestrian center development of the Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park panhandle proceeds as out- lined in its General Development Plan.

6TE Meadow

On aerial imagery, a well-defined wildlife trail can be traced from the ridgeline down to this mid-canyon lawn-like meadow. It was not determined whether this trail was used significant- ly by deer, though ample coyote use was observed. Though deer are primarily browsers, tender forbs and grasses in the irrigated meadow would be a welcome supplement to their drought- season diet. For coyotes, the meadow and fringing Pampas grass and scrub/shrub wetland cover likely yield gophers, rabbits and other prey. The trail probably gets some human use as well; it appeared that transients were encamped in the small oak grove at the south edge of the meadow, and high school youths were hanging out there as well. Human use is, however, probably secondary to that of wildlife.

Subsequent to field surveys for this report, it was learned that the meadow was to be opened to the public as a dog park. This is a good use of the land if it reduces dog running/ walking up on the ridge off the end of Alta Laguna Boulevard. However, the two used in concert will function to further discourage deer movement between Wood/Mathis and central Laguna Canyon, even during the nocturnal and crepuscular hours, since the scent of dog feces appears to warn deer away from areas of substantial dog use; (this factor might be used beneficially by non-dog-owning homeowners suffering deer depradation to their gardens; one can envision, tongue in cheek, a lively revenue-generator for the dog park).

If the dog park operation is to be continued, site landscaping or enhancement is optional: nice to do but not "must do". However, were the property to revert to a simple open space use, allowing deer to visit this lowland, the removal of barrier fencing along Laguna Creek and the highway might be considered, along with enhancement of the creek with riparian tree and shrub plantings. Instead of maintaining a mowed field, allowing the site to evolve into a canyon-floor grassland would enhance its wildlife carrying capacity. Judiciously scattered plantings of clumps of elderberry bushes and sycamore tree groves would help restore the look of the indigenous presettlement canyon floor. This is not an action that is top priority; however, in future planning, it is something the City and/or GTE might want to consider.

3.2 LAGUNA CREEK FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

3.2.1 Flood Control

It is acknowledged that Laguna Creek periodically poses a flood hazard to the residences and businesses in the canyon. However, especially in the upper reach onsite, the creek possesses valuable habitat resources. These should be preserved and where appropriate, enhanced. Flood control strategies in channel areas bordered by significant natural riparian habitat should be as naturalistic as possible and resorted to only when alternate measures are inadequate. A soft bottom channel should be retained; otherwise, fringing riparian growth will be robbed of its water supply. Though of little significnce during winter storms because of the sheer volume of runoff, during periods of more moderate flow, riparian vegetation uptake and transpiration reduces volume lost downstream and within local microhabitats, moderates summer temperatures.

Some flood control strategies which permit retention or restoration of riparian vegetation are:

Broadened low flow channels with soft bottorn/slope.

"Wattling" eroded streambanks with willow and cottonwood cuttings.

Installation of naturalistic drop structures to minimize downcutting where it shows up.

In areas where more substantial improvements are mandated, dump riprap backfilled with earth and revegetated promotes better habitat quality than hardlined culverts or L trape- zoidal channels. However, riprap is consumptive of space, which in downstream reaches is at a premium. 3.2.2 Water Quality

Laguna Creek appears to be substantially polluted. Sources probably include upstream urban runoff, especially into the El Toro Creek tributary, oil and grease off parking lots, streets and highways, some onsite development area runoff, the canyon's several equestrian facilities and possibly the marine mammal shelter. Of these, stable runoff seems to be a substantial contributor which warrants management action. Some strategies to consider are offsite disposal of horse droppings and soiled bedding and channelization of paddock runoff into intermediate small man-made cat-tail/tule marshes, space permitting. The latter can be effective in the removal of stream-polluting nutrients; micro-organisms attached to the root masses of these emergents function as biological filters in the uptake of heavy metal and other toxic pollutants (see U.S. EPA, 1988). However, the area of marsh needed to accomplish effective cleanup of paddock runoff may be greater than the available room. There are likely additional management strategies of which the author is not aware; the city should be open to suggestions from the able and expert members of the local environment- alist community such as Biological Sciences, Social Ecology and Environmental Studies faculty at the several colleges and universities in the region.

With respect to the offsite disposal of stable scrapings, these, composted are excellent organic garden fertilizer. The city might consider a method of collection and a cen- tralized storage area from which local residents could obtain this "black gold". A modest voluntary contribution or fee could be collected to offset expenses. This is an example of a management strategy which is modest and local in scale; often a host of similar small actions are more effective in achieving good environmental quality than grandiose schemes cooked up by developers involving throwing great sums of money at a problem to mitigate it.

Another source of pollution to the creek is litter, either disposed of onsite or washed downstream during floods. Just as roads around the United States have "Adopt a Highway" programs where civic groups pick up refuse from a given stretch, Laguna Creek needs to be "adopted" by one or more volunteer organizations. Cleanup of litter and debris is a good activity for scouts and other youth groups. Such a program might be promoted through City Parks and Recrea- tion, the Canyon Residents Association or the Greenbelt. Cleanup activities might include:

Picking up cans, bottles and other litter.

Removing logs, brush, boards, etc. which could obstruct storm flow. Such debris probably has accumulated in or along the creek during the 1993 storm s,eason. a Chopping down the cane thickets along the creek (mainly on DeWitt). An adult familiar with herbicide handling might then apply Rodeo to the cut stubs when they resumed growth after a few days. (Alternatively, this could be done by the Orange County Public korks Weed Abatement crew directed by Bill Tidwell.) The cane patch would need to be monitored and retreated as needed.

Youth groups should be supervised by adults. Channel and bottom conditions should be checked by an adult before youth enter the creek. As much of the work as possible should be done from the bank; however in the upper stretches, riparian vegetation is too dense to permit bank access.

3.3 UTILITY AND PATROL ACCESS

The ridge road extends from the end of Alta Laguna Boulevard north to the development edge of Aliso Viejo beyond the upper municipal water reservoir on the DeWitt land block. A fork extends down the Mathis Grade to Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park. A separate road on DeWitt accesses the lower reservoir from Laguna Canyon Road.

In 1992, the ridge road was in a dreadful state of disrepair. This had not reduced its use by mountain bikers, however, but instead seemed to increase the challenge as deep fissures were dodged at breakneck speed, In an effort to avoid entrapment in these, service vehicles and probably the less intrepid bikers were going out to the edge, successively widening the most eroded portions. The Laguna Beach Fire Department stated that it had not graded the road because of protests from environmentalists. In the author's opinion, habitat quality would be better served by keeping the road properly graded in the narrow confines needed by service vehicles, and revegetating the scarred periphery with indigenous coastal sage scrub. Severely eroded slopes would need to be re- graded before locally gathered coastal sage scrub seed in hydromulch could be broadcast. Revegetation should be done in the late fall at the advent of the rainy season. The hydromulch palette can be a simple one of Artemisia californica, Salvia mellifera and Eriogonum fasciculatum. Local, coastal seed source is important, however for best site adaptability and minimization of gene pool pollution.

Protruding metal stubs just inside the Alta Laguna Boulevard gate are a hazard to service vehicle tires and should be removed. The gate should be left in place though perhaps repositioned so that wide vehicles can enter more easily; the present entry is tricky for trucks. No public vehicular access should be permitted.

The paved road to the lower water reservoir is pitted with potholes which need to be filled in. This road should also continue to be gated. Also, from time to time, the Edison access roads to towers in Wood and Dump Canyon will require maintenance by SCE. Most are presently overgrown with vegetation. The lower road in Dump Canyon should continue to be gated above the City dump, unless connected with the upper spur for equestrian access. hildl ife impact by service and patrol vehicles is minimal because of their very occasional use of onsite roadways.

3.4 REVEGETATION AND WEED CONTROL

In addition to the broad eroded swath created by detouring along the ridge road, other open space locales onsite which exhibit scarring are these:

0 The knoll west of Temple Hill 0 Old pastureland on the Mathis Grade 0 Periphery of Alta Laguna Park Slope below lower reservoir 0 Canyonside above top of Castlerock Drive Old city dump 0 Fuel modification zones at various locales along the development edge

Several of these are healing on their own. The Mathis Grade pastureland is now covered with successional growth of California sagebrush, replacing the grassland there 20 years ago. The fresh scars of the pipeline between the upper and lower reservoir so obvious in 1969 aerial imagery have completely disappeared. The eroded area below the lower reservoir has infilled with a light cover of coastal sage scrub. Interstitial xeric opening support Orange County Turkish rugging and other dryland herbs, and provide habitat for the California gnatcatcher and orange-throated whiptail. Likewise, the scars of old roadways climbing even further up Castlerock Canyon than the present development edge are still visible but contain a healing mantle of buckwheat, sagebrush and black sage; the remaining openings and rocky cuts exposed by this old pertubation are now habitats for regionally rare reptiles such as red diamond rattlesnake and night snake.

Fuel modification zones will continue to exist along the development edge. Some of these need maintenance, especially the one between Stan Oaks and Raquel Ravine which is overgrown with head- high dry grasses. Others are perhaps overvigorously cleared, such as the large many-stemmed dudleya habitat on the rock outcrop south of Stan Oaks Ravine. Many dudleya plants had been chopped down when the outcrop was cleared of grasses in 1992. This is an example of a situation where the landowner maintaining the fuel break needs to be shown the sensitive resources to be avoided during clearing.

Fuel breaks should be cleared by mowing with a weed-eater rather than by disking. Disking, rototilling and the like promote re- growth of flammable weeds rather than a stable grassland habitat.

- The old city dump will remain as a site of pertubation while it continues to be in operation. Because of its proximity to residences, only inert refuse such as concrete, paving, drywall and the like should be disposed here; this appeared to be in practice when the dump was looked at in 1992. At such time as the dump is closed, it should be covered with earth and revegetated. This otherwise scenic locale might be a good spot for a modest local day-use park with some picnic tables. Access should be gated above the Self Storage facility to prohibit public vehicular entry, especially at night. No lighting should be provided. The idea would be to create a small passive-use park in a natural setting, offering a pleasant view of the canyon, mainly for the use of its residents. Anything that smacks of "attractive nuisance" will likely be met by vigorous resident opposition.

From across Nathis Canyon, the unnatural green of the Alta Laguna Park fill slope is a visual scar. As revegetation takes hold on the fill slope, irrigation should be reduced and ultimately ceased. It should be the management goal to restore site-indigenous coastal sage scrub cover to the sides of the fill slope, so that it visually blends in with the natural cover on the canyonside below. All this takes time, of course, but continuance of irrigation will promote naturalization of non-native rough grasses such as red fescue, smooth brome and Italian rye. While these are fine at the edge of a golf course (eg., the "rough"), they should have no place in coastal sage scrub.

The high knoll overlooking Laguna and Canyon Acres Canyon was in years past a favorite night-time parking area and site of ORV play. The knoll, which once likely supported xeric outcrop vegetation similar to that found on Temple Hill before its development, ultimately became denuded and eroded. A recent attempt, described in text earlier has been made to return the knoll to this interesting marine terrace-xeric outcrop setting. Revegeta- tion projects are difficult in the best of circumstances; this one is challenged by the limiting nature of its environment, by invasion of weedy elements from the annual grassland at the periphery and by herbivory by vertebrate and invertebrate fauna. As noted earlier, a good start has been made, but much more remains to be done. Some general guidelines are these.

Plant in groupings rather than individually; individuals in the group seem to shelter each other and discourage wholesale herbivory. e Keep habitat islands where desired vegetation is establishing free of weeds and weedy grasses. This will require continued monitoring and maintenance.

How or burn the peripheral annual grassland to reduce seed source of weed and grass invasives in the revegetation area.

The rough, eroded lower slope extending out toward the north probably would be better vegetated in coastal sage scrub than xeric barrens flora, at least beyond the area of exposed rock outcropping. e Location of a water reservoir on or in the knoll will negate the revegetation success achieved thus far and destroy the parent outcrop habitat. Once the marine terrace sandstone is broken up by grading the pad or pit for the tank, its ability to support rupicole and psammophyte vegetation will be compro- mised. It would be difficult to put back the substrate over the buried tank in one intact, unbroken chunk.

e Prepare interpretive signing explaining the goals of minimalist rupicole/psammophyte revegetation on the outcrop. Many Green- belt visitors regard the knoll project as a failure, because they think revegetation should equal a thick mantle of plants. The signing should discuss the ecology of xeric barrens and illustrate some of the plant species used.

In addition to healing scarred land, vegetation management in the Greenbelt may include controlled burning of coastal sage scrub for California gnatcatcher-mule deer habitat enhancement (discussed later), cardoon (artichoke thistle) control in the DeWitt grasslands and vernal pool restoration.

Cardoon control, if deemed necessary would be performed by the Tidwell weed abatement team after the property was transferred to HBP. The team has had success with its program in other County regional parks, the Arroyo Trabuco Wilderness area of OtNeill Park a good example. Cardoon control would enhance the grasslands for raptor foraging.

Vernal pool restoration should be considered for the hathis Grade pool, presently overgrown with curly dock and other ruderals. Restoration should be done only if the pool contains no sensitive or unique fauna such as fairy shrimp, shield shriixp (Apus) or western spadefoot toads. It would involve removal of weeds, especially the dock, followed by inoculation with vernal pool plant and animal propagules gathered from extant good quality pools as on the Santa Rosa Plateau or coastal San Diego County. See Marsh, 1988b for specific guidelines.

3.5 LAGUNA CANYON ROAD

A primary objective of any management plan for the superpark should be maintenance of a viable and interconnected wildlife population. This population should contain a diversity of locally indigenous wildlife, including larger species such as mule deer, bobcat, gray fox and coyote. Larger sized animals require big home ranges. In addition, because relatively fewer individuals occupy any one area, interconnectedness of all portions of urban region's open space is essential for adequate genetic mixing. In its absence, inbreeding and ultimate magnification of detrimental characteristics may weaken the vitality and ultimately the viabi l- ity of fragmented populations. The Laguna Greenbelt is or will - become, as has been stated previously an open space island within a sea of urbanization. This island is further broken up by heavily used highways, particularly now that traffic continues unabated through the night. The Greenbelt must be reunited. A proposal has been put forth to reroute Laguna Canyon Road west of the Laguna Lakes. This rerouting would accommodate wildlife movement corridors. The author is now located out of state and has not had the opportunity to study the rerouting path. It is recommended that one or more vehicular tunnels be included in the plan, rather than depending on bridges or worse, culverts to accommodate wildlife movement. Culverts, even with soft bottom don't work for deer, though smaller mammals use them. Bridge underpasses are supposed to work for deer, but in the author's experience, deer (at least initially) are fearful to pass beneath them and will try instead to do an "end run", crossing the road at the bridge approach with fatal result (pers. obs. and pers. comm. with Sherry Meddick re: Rancho Santa Margarita Parkway Bridge over Arroyo Trabuco). Bridge underpasses are most successful if continuous tree and shrub cover is provided beneath them; however, bridge construction is typically coupled with wholesale vegetation removal. Subsequent tree revegetation is slow to establish and develop, taking many years to achieve adequate cover. Vehicular tunnels, on the other hand, provide natural, undisturbed wildlife overpasses which are a visual continuum of the surrounding landscape. These overpasses are well used as movement corridors (pers. obs., Kanan-Dume Road, Santa Monica Mountains).

The rerouting of Laguna Canyon Road reportedly begins/ends north of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor. Wildlife must still contend with crossing El Toro Road south of Laguna Audubon as well as navigating between the north and south side of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor, as the DeWitt and Aliso/ Wood Canyon Park panhandles are south and the Laguna Lakes area north. In environmental evaluations for the Corridor, much atten- tion was given to wildlife movement (to wit, the Benner-Hogan deer study). However, the mechanisms to accommodate these documented deer trails within Corridor design are unknown to the author. Again, vehicular tunnelling would be preferable to bridging, but is generally avoided in freeway plans because of the expense.

In addition to wildlife movement, how do planners propose to get people and horses across the Laguna-El Toro Road intersection between facilities onsite or in the Aliso/Wood panhandle and trails on the lrvine Ranch side? While a pedestrian crossing at the intersection controlled by the traffic light will work for hikers and bikers, horses may bolt and shy away from vehicles, especially if horns are honked or engines revved. A pedestrian/ equestrian underpass tunnel may not work because of the high water table and proximity to the Shady Canyon fault, and it is ques- tioned whether horses would use an overpass. Wildlife would not; an underpass would be used by many species but probably not deer.

One strategy for getting wildlife and people across the El Toro Road barrier would be to stub off the highway at the Transporta- tion Corridor, abandoning the stretch between it and Laguna Canyon road. Through traffic would use Laguna Canyon Road to access Lag- una Beach and Coast Highway. A second strategy would be to close this portion of El Toro Road during the night to allow wildlife movement. One or the other of these measures would work only if suitable wildlife pathways are accommodated over/under Laguna Can- yon Road both north and south of the Transportation Corridor.

Another good place for a vehicular tunnel would be at Big Bend. There was much discussion in the past about straightening the highway at the Bend, by slicing away part of the oak-savannah knoll on the west side. - But if the highway went beneath the knoll, with the present alignment functioning as just a service frontage road, the Big Bend wildlife crossing could function as it did in years past.

Another mitigative strategy less effective than those cited above but inexpensive to implement is reduction of traffic speed where El Toro and Laguna Canyon Road intersect wildlife dispersion areas. Reduced speeds and driver alertness are particularly important during the evening, night and early morning hours. The standard "deer xing" signs should be augmented with flashers which come on at twilight and stay on until dawn, with posted "reduced speed" signs when the lights are flashing (eg. "35 mph when lights are flashing"), and perhaps with rumble strips. Suggested areas to post in this way are:

El Toro Road from San Joaquin Hills T.C. ROW to Laguna Canyon Road e Laguna Canyon Road from Laguna Lakes to access road to lower municipal reservoir on DeWi tt. e Laguna Canyon road at Big Bend, from Post Office lot to Plectrin Dulcimer

An additional mitigation strategy suggested by wildlife biologist Steve Loe (pers. comm.) is the development of a wildlife water source near the southern apex of the Sycamore Hills. (A small pond could be hand excavated in the southernmost fen for this purpose.) Sycamore Hills wildlife are increasingly restricted to that landform. Once the transportation corridor is built, those remaining at the southern apex will be without a local water source. An additional wildlife drinker should be provided in lower Laurel Canyon, and several maintained privately by local residents, at the suburban edge in Laguna Canyon.

The noise and visual impact of traffic is also bothersome to human residents of Laguna Canyon. A screen of densely planted cedars is an effective aural and visual buffer at U-Haul. Where space permits, additional buffer plantings should be considered by canyon residents and businesses. 3.6 RECREATIOhAL USE

3.6.1 Avoiding Impact to Raptors and Mule Deer

The toughest issue to resolve in planning and management of regional parkland in the Laguna Greenbelt is how to balance large wildlife species resource needs and human recreational demands. A functjoning ecosystem needs all its parts. Smaller fauna can maintain territories, and raptors can hunt in large unbroken areas of terrain in between ridgecrest and canyonbottom trails. Deer and nesting raptors, however come in conflict with trail uses because they congregate in canyon floor forested habitat which is typically roaded or trailed, and attractive to humans. If humans insist in using all the "pretty" areas of the Greenbelt, leaving the discards for wildlife, desirable species will be impacted or lost. To protect these, certain canyons and their watersheds should be off limits to humans and others open only to hikers nad perhaps only seasonally, to avoid the time of raptor nesting and mule deer fawning (fawns are borne in June; raptors breed and nest in a period from early spring to mid summer).

Which canyons should be off limits? This is a question which should be addressed in context of the entire Green- belt, and supported by raptor nest site mapping and mule deer track-set and radio telemetry studies. The former has been accomplished on much of the Greenbelt within the Irvine ranch by raptor ecologist Peter Bloom. The same level of mapping is needed for the land block which includes the study area and Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park. Sweetwater, 1992 states that "A large diversity and number of raptors utilize the Park for nesting and foraging. Wood and lower Mathis Canyon support the heaviest concentration of existing and potential nest sites. These areas should be subject to closure during the spring raptor breeding season." Raptors exhibit varying levels of intol- erance to humans in the vicinity of nest sites. Kestrels and red-shouldered hawks are quite tolerant, as are owls, since they sleep by day. Harriers, Cooper's hawks and black-shouldered kites are moderately intolerant, requiring buffer zones of several hundred feet around their nests. Red-tailed hawks are reputed to be very intolerant, needing a buffer zone of 1/3 mile radius. However, red-tailed hawks have established nest sites in Laguna Canyon in the close vicinity of human habitation, and one wonders if certain individuals are learning to coexist with man. The most intolerant raptors of all are the eagles, which have abandoned entirely, aeries in the San Joaquin Hills including the Aliso Canyon Gorge, once home to both the bald and golden eagle.

Specific recommendations for raptor management are these: r ~ommissionl a mapping survey of raptor nest sites; (these are used year after year, so once a site is mapped, there is good likelihood it will be reused). r No trails or further development in upper Castlerock Canyon. This area appears to be a nesting locale for northern harriers as well as a fawning area for deer. r No trails into the Wood Canyon tributary containing the black-shouldered kite nest. r Close off paralleling trails, as in the Wood Canyon sycamore grove in the regional park. r Seasonal closure of Mathis and Wood canyon2 as recommended by Sweetwater, 1992. r Yearly monitoring of known nest sites by a raptor biologist. Specific recommendations for mule deer are these: r Commission jointly with Orange County HBP or recommend that it commissions a mule deer study ideally including a telemetry survey to determine the specific locations of high use bedding/fawning areas, key browse areas and dispersion routes. Ultimate management of the "herd" and location of human recreational use areas will be predicated on the results of the study. r Interim areas of recreational use and nonuse prior to completion of this study are suggested as follows: - The proposed El Toro Gateway revenue generator shall be deleted from the Aliso and Wood Canyon R.P. GDP, and the equestrian staging area there scaled back or relocated to Stoneridge Riding Club. - Seasonal closure of Wood and Mathis Canyon recommended before for raptors shall extend to August 15 (at which time fawns are accompanying does afield for foraging). - Portions of canyon and tributary drainages not now trailed shall not be sites of trail construction. Informal trails into sensitive areas (e.g. the Bonn Drive trail) should be closed off.

1. As for mule deer, below. 2. Above Mathis junction. - Mathis Canyon branches beyond the hathis Grade junction shall be off-limits to mountain bikes. This includes the hillside trail from the Grade down into the north branch. - Wood Canyon above the sycamore grove shall be off- limits to mountain bikes. - Areas of closure shall be maintained with signage, three-strand smooth-wire fence and gates. Fencing should not obstruct wildlife passage either by height or space between the wires. The cooperation of the mountain biking community should be sought if possible. - Dog walking should be discouraged on the ridge and redirected to the GTE dog park. - Areas remaining open to mountain biking can include onsite, the ridge road between the end of Alta Laguna Boulevard and the development edge of Laguna Audubon/ Aliso Viejo, and the Mathis Grade Road. Offsite, mountain bikers would probably exert reduced impact between Mathis Grade and the present Park entry near the Chet Holifield Building. However, the loop now used between the ridge road on DeWitt and upper Wood Canyon and hence down this drainage should be closed to bikers. - Trail areas open to equestrians may include Water Tank Ravine (this trail needs maintenance), and all trails and roads in the greenbelt open to mountain bikers. Equestrian use is currently low and local in nature, but would be expected to increase if the staging area is constructed as planned.

Because the Water Tank Ravine trail is the only one presently feasible from Laguna Canyon, where present equestrian use eminates, the riding community should contribute time and money to maintain this trail. As an exception to the "no new trails" recommendation above, consideration may be given to connecting the two ends of the Edison spur roads in Dump Ravine for hiking and equestrian use unless this drainage is revealed as a critical deer fawning area, a determin- ation which should be made before proceeding with trai 1 construction.

The deer population should be monitored annually through time, using track set/dropping pile counts as a meas- urement standard. 3.6.2 Avoiding Impact to Rare Plant Populations and Sensitive Avifauna and Repti les

Territories of California gnatcatcher and coastal cactus wren are established onsite despite ongoing high use by mountain bikers, hikers and dog walkers. Now-occupied habitats are set back from existing roads and trails. At least one California gnatcatcher territory near the end of Alta Laguna Boulevard and a second near the high water reservoir on DeWitt appear to have been abandoned consequent to opening the Greenbelt to public use.

Recommendations for gnatcatcher and cactus wren management are these:

No new trails (except as discussed above).

r Close off paralleling trails in CSS.

0 Controlled patch-burning of dense coastal sage scrub areas not now occupied by the species to open up habitat for gnatcatchers (and mule deer).

r No controlled burning in cactus wren areas. Cactus is damaged by fire. Cactus wren habitats on outcrops are also typically occupied by several other sensitive species which are poorly motile (though they can escape heat in subterranean burrows and beneath ledges), the orange- throated whiptail, red diamond rattlesnake and desert packrat.

Continued monitoring and adjustments of management practices.

Recommendations for rare plant and other biota protection are these:

r Rock climbing shall not be permitted in this portion of the Greenbelt. The most attractive sites for scaling typically host populations of Laguna Beach and/or many- stemmed dudleya as well as rare lichens and a fragile 10.2 mesic cliff face moss-fern-herb habitat.

r Informal "made trails" accessing key habitats, such as the Bonn Drive Canyon path should be closed, except for periodic monitoring of rare plant populations.

r Side trails which cross over rock outcrops, as on the Mathis Grdade shall be closed.

Some sensitive plants, such as foothill mariposa and Orange County Turkish rugging have showy flowers. Sign- age and an interpretation program should discourage flower picking in general and point out the vulnerability of sensitive flora.

a The location of rare plant populations as well as raptor nest sites and habitats of other sensitive biota should not be freely available to the general public. While most people would not wish to harm rare biota, there are enthusiasts who collect and even market rare plant specimens, falconers who raid raptor nests and "herp-nuts" who raid the hills for unusual snakes and lizards.

Sensitive locational data should be restricted in its cir- culation. Such is useful to park managers and resource monitors, and is of interest to nature enthusiasts and environmentalists. The decision to release locational information to the general public should be made on a case by case basis.

3.6.3 Monitoring

A biological resource inventory is not a document which is either complete or frozen in time as "the facts". The agencies ultimately responsible for open space within the study area should sponsor monitoring programs which continue through time and predicate adjustment of management practices. Some examples of monitoring programs needed are these.

a Cowbirds and other avian and rodent pest species needing control.

a State and Federal listed or proposed biota: CA gnatcatcher, CO. cactus wren, L.B. dudleya.

a Nule deer, as described above; deer trails, fawning, browse and bedding areas.

a Raptors, as described above.

a Coyote numbers, with control if needed.

Species for which locbtional data is now poor or non- existent, such as arboreal salamander, silvery legless lizard, San Diego horned lizard, red diamond rattlesnake, night snake, western screech owl, Heteromyid rodents, black-tailed hare, ring-tailed cat, bobcat, gray fox, mountain lion.

a Habitats being managed, such as coastal sage scrub and grassland, and Laguna Creek.

a Revegetation and enhancement sites such as the knoll revegetation project,\ridge road-edge rehabilitation and vernal pool restoration. Erosion on trails or eminating from offsite grading, irrigation, etc. Hillside "made" trails.

0 Sensitive trail-edge biota populations (O.C. Turkish rugging, many-stemmed dudleya, O.T. whiptail). 4.0 APPENDIX

4.1 SPECIES LISTS

4.1.1 Native and Naturalized Plants

Legend

Status, symbol left of scientific name

t+ - Sensitive (endangered, threatened, rare, disjunct) * - Introduced (no star) - Native, not of special status

Plant Community, right of common name

Symbol Community or Association

CSS Coastal sage scrub CSS/RO Southern cactus scrub, or Coastal sage scrub/rock outcrop mosaic Southern or mixed chaparral, or Scrub oak chaparral AGL Annual grassland SW/S Sycamore woodland-savannah: Southern sycamore riparian wood1 and and Elymus grassland NGL Native grassland: Southern coastal needlegrass grassland Coast live oak woodland/savannah sometimes including Deergrass grassland W Weed or ruderal VP Southern hardpan vernal pool Ak A1 kali meadow seeps Freshwater seep RH Riparian herb SSW Scrub/shrub wetland, equals Southern willow scrub and Mulef at scrub Southern sycamore riparian wood1 and Forested wetland, equals southern arroyo and black willow forest Coast live oak woodland and forest, Southern coast live oak riparian forest XB Xeric barrens (included in MCF Nesic cliff faces RO Rock outcrops H Horticultural introduction, naturalized

Abundance (within community), symbol right of community D - Dominant A - Abundant C - Common 0 - Occasional U - Uncommon PTERIDOPHYTES ADIANTACEAE - LIP FERN FAMILY Adiantum jordani K. Mull. OW - 0 to C in Mathis Canyon California maidenhair Pellaea andromedaefolia (Kaulf.) Fee. CSS/RO, OW - U var. andromedaefolia coffee fern Pellaea mucronata (D.C. Eat.) D.C. Eat. RO - U bird's foot fern Pityrogramma trian ularis (Kaulf.) Kaxon MCF, OW - 0 in Laguna var. triangu+ aris Canyon goldenback fern **Pit ro ramma triangularis var. viscosa OW - 0 in Mathis Canyon -) -) Weath. silverback fern

ASPIDIACEAE - WOOD FERN FANILY Dryopteris arguta (Kaulf.) Watt. OW, CH - 0 TO C western wood fern

DENNSTAEDTIACEAE - BRACKEN FERN FAMILY **Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn var. OW - 0 at Big Bend pubescens Underw. western bracken fern

POLYPODIACEAE - POLYPODY FAMILY Polypodium californicum Kaulf. MCF and shaded RO in OW, California polypody CH - C

SELAGINELLACEAE - SPIKE MOSS FAMILY Selaginella bigelovii Underw. Bigelow's or bushy spike moss

ANGIOSPERMS - FLOWERING PLANTS DICOTYLEDONES - DICOTS AMARANTHACEAE - AMARANTH FAMILY Amaranthus blitoides Wats. prostrate pigweed ANACARDIACEAE - SUMAC FAMILY Malosma laurina (Nutt. in T.& G.) Nutt. ex CH - 0 Abrarns. laurel sumac Rhus integrifolis (Nutt.) Benth. & Hook. CH - D lemonadeberry Toxicodendron diversilobum (T.& G.) Greene. OW, mesic CH, mesic CSS - poison oak C to A

APIACEAE (UMBELLIFERAE) - CARROT FAHILY *Apium 2raveolens L. RH, FW - 0 common celery Berula erecta (Huds.) Cov. cut-leaved water-parsnip

Caucalis microcarpa H. & A. California hedge-parsley *Conium maculatum L. FW, SSW - C common poison-hemlock Daucus pusillus Michx. CSS (mesic) - 0 rattlesnake weed *Foeniculum vulqare Mill. var. vulgare sweet fennel Sanicula arguta Greene ex Coult. & Rose. NGL - 0 sharp-tooth sanicle Sanicula crassicaulis Poepp. ex DC var. NGL, OW/S, CH/S - 0 crassicaulis Pacific sanicle

APOCYNACEAE - DOGBANE FAMILY *Vinca major L. escaped H - 0 in FW blue periwinkle

ARALIACEAE - GINSENG FAMILY *Hedera canariensis Willd. H escape - 0 to C in FW Algerian ivy ASUEPIADACEAE - MILKWEED FAMILY Asclepias californica Greene. OW/S - U California milkweed

ASTERACEAE (COMPOSITATE) - SUNFLOWER FAMILY Acourtia microcephala DC. sacapellote

Agoseris cf. heterophylla (Nutt.) Greene. wood1 and agoseri s SSW, VP - 0 to A

western ragweed *Anthemis cotula L. W - 0 to C along disturbed dog mayweed XB roadsides Artemisia californica Less. CSS - D coastal sagebrush Artemisia douglasiana Bess. in Hook. SSW, CH (mesic), FW - Douglas or California mugwort 0 to C Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz & Pavon) Pers. SSW - D mulef at Baccharis pilularis DC. ssp. consanquinea CSS (rnesic), SSW - 0 (DC.) C.B. Wolf. coyote bush or chaparral broom

Brickellia californica (To& G.) Gray. RO- 0 California brickellbush

**Calycadenia tenella (Nutt.) T.& G. southern rosinweed *Carduus pycnocephalus L. OW/S (disturbed) - C to A Italian thistle *Centaurea melitensis L. AGL - 0 tocalote Chaenactis qlabriuscula DC. CSS/XB - 0 on RO and XB yellow pincushion openings *Chrysanthemum coronarium L. H escape - 0 garland chrysanthemum Cirsium occidentale (Nutt.) Jeps. CSS - 0 cobweb thistle *Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. bull thistle Conyza candensis (L.) Cronq. common horseweed

Corethrogyne filaqinifolia (H.& A.) Nutt. var. latifolia Hall. tomentose glandular cudweed *Cotula australis (Sieber) Hook. f. W-0 Australian brass-buttons *Cynara cardunculus L. AGL - C in Wood Canyon cardoon or artichoke watershed Encelia californica Nutt. CSS - 0 California encelia

Ericameria pinifolia (Gray) Hal 1. pine goldenbush Ericameria pachylepis (Hall) Urbatsch & Bondy. CSS/AGL - U Box Springs goldenbush Eriqeron foliosus Nutt. flax-leaved fleabane Eriophyllum confertiflorum (DC.) Gray. CSS (mesic), CH - C golden yarrow Filago californica Nutt. California filago or fluffweed *Filago ~allicaL. XB (disturbed) - C narrow-leaved filago Gazani a 1 inearis (Thumb.) Druce. H escape - U gazani a Gnaphalium bicolor Bioletti. Bioletti's or bicolored cudweed Gnaphalium californicum DC. CSS (mesic) - 0 California everlasting Gnaphalium chilense Spreng. var. chilense VP - U cotton-batting plant *Gnaphalium luteo-album L. VP, SSW - 0 weedy cudweed Gnaphaliurn rnicrocephalum Nutt. RO, CSS, CH - 0 white everlasting Grindelia robusta Nutt. var. robusta Nutt. NGL - O big gumplant Hemizonia fasciculata (DC.) T.& G. AGL, XB (disturbed) - C fascicled tarweed

Heterotheca grandiflora Nutt. telegraph weed Holocarpha virgata (Gray) Keck. AGL - C virgate tarweed

*Hypochoeris qlabra L. NGL, AGL (xeric), smooth cat's ear XB - 0 to C Isocoma veneta var. vernonioides Jeps. SW, Wood Canyon watershed - coastal goldenbush C -I. -v. var. vernonioides x oxyphyllus XB - C on maritime ridges woolly coastal goldenbush

*Lactuca serriola L. prickly or wild lettuce Lasthenia californica DC ex Lindl. XB - hydromulch coastal goldfields introduction - 0 Malacothrix saxatilis (Nutt.) T.& G. RO, CSS - 0 var. tenuifolia (Nutt.) Gray. cliff malacothrix

Microseris D. Don. sp. microseris

*Picris echioides L. bristly ox-tongue

Senecio californicus DC. California butterweed

*Senecio mikanioides Ott. German-ivy *Si lybum mari anum (L. ) Gaertn. SSW, FW, OW - 0 OW/S - 0 milk thistle

-Solidago californica Nutt. California goldenrod *Sonchus asper (L.) Hill. SSW, FW - 0 prickly sow-thistle *Sonchus oleraceus L. common sow-thistle Stephanomeria virgata Benth. ssp. virgata W - U tall wreath-plant

Stylocline qnaphalioides Nutt. everlasting nest-straw *Taraxacum offi cinale Wi ggers. W - 0 to C in Laguna common dandelion Canyon lawns and fields *Tragopogon porrifolius L. AGL (H escape) - U purple salsify

*Xanthium spinosum L. disturbed moift AGL, spiny clotbur Laguna Canyon - 0 *Xanthium strumarium L. var. canadense FW, SSW - C m-)T.& G. commonecocklebur

BORAGINACEAE - BORAGE FAMILY Amsinckia intermedia F.& Pi. AGL - 0 common fiddleneck Cryptantha intermedia (Gray) Greene. XB, RO - C white forgetmenot or common cryptantha Pectocarya linearis (R.& P.) DC. VP, XB - 0 ssp. ferocula (Jtn.) Thorne slender pectocarya

Plagiobothrys collinus (Phil.) Jtn. California popcorn flower

*Brassica geniculata (Dfesf.) J. Ball. AGL - C shortpod or summer mustard *Brassica nigra (L.) Koch. AGL - C to A in clay black mustard Cardamine californica (Nutt.) Greene. OW, MCF - U California toothwort

1. Widespread on the Irvine Ranch side of Laguna Canyon Road.

162 Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm. k - 0 to C in irrigated lesser wart-cress landscape edges

Lepidium nitidum Nutt. shining peppergrass *Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv. k (escaped H) - 0 sweet-alyssum at landscape edges *Nasturtium officinale R. Br. RH, FW aquatic - C white watercress *Raphanus raphanistrum L. W - U in AGL jointed charlock *Raphanus sativus L. W - 0 to C in moist wild radish disturbed places, FW

*Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop. hedge-mustard

Streptanthus heterophyllus Nutt. San Diego jewel flower Thysanocarpus sp. Hook. CSS, MCF - U 1acepod

CACTACEAE - CACTUS FAMILY Opuntia "occidentalis" (0.0. auth., not CSS/RO - A, D in cactus Engelm & Bisel.) scrub hybrid western prickly pear Opuntia oricola Philbrick. CSS/RO (cactus scrub) - C oracle cactus Opuntia prolifera Engelm. CSS/RO (cactus scrub) - 0 coastal cholla

CAPRIFOLIACEAE - HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY (ADOXACEAE in part) Lonicera subspicata H. & A. var. johnstonii Keck. southern honeysuckle Sambucus mexi cana Presl . SW, CH, FW, SSW - 0 to C Mexican elderberry Symphoricarpos mollis Nutt. in T.& G. OW - C to A in Mathis spreading snowberry Canyon CARYOPHYLLACEAE - PINK FAMILY Cardionema ramoisissimum (Weinm.) XB (sandy) - 0 to C Nels. & Macbr. sand mat

Polycarpon depressum Nutt. California polycarp

*Polycarpon tetraphyllum (L.) L. W of disturbed XB/VB - 0 four-leaved polycarp *Silene gallica L. AGL - 0 windmill pink or common catchfly Silene laciniata Cav. ssp. major Hitchc. mesic, CH, OW, MCF - 0 & Maguire. fringed Indian pink *Spergula arvensis L. XB (disturbed) - U corn spurry Spergularia marina (L.) Griseb. XB/VP - 0 to C salt-marsh sand spurry *Sperqularia villosa (Pers.) Camb. XB - 0 villous sand spurry *Stellaria media (L.) Vill. OW - C common chickweed

CHENOPODIACEAE - 600SEFOOT FAMILY *Atriplex semibaccata R. Br. AGL (alkaline) - U Australian saltbush

*Chenopodium album L. W of moist places, lamb's quarters disturbed SSW - 0 to A *Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Mexican-tea, epazote Chenopodium californicurn (Wats.) Wats. AGL, OW/S - U California goosefoot

*Chenopodium murale L. nettle-leaved goosefoot *Salsola australis R. Br. W - 0 (on old CSS burns) Russian thistle CONVOLVULACEAE - WB.I&lNG-GLORY FAMILY Calystegia macrostegia (Greene) Brurnmitt. CSS - 0 (C on burns) chaparral morning-glory *Convolvulus arvensis L. AGL - U field bindweed Cuscuta californica H. & A. var CSS - U californica California witch's hair Cuscuta ceanothi Behr. CSS - 0 canyon dodder **Dichondra occidentalis House. XB - U (knoll restoration western dichondra area)

CRASSULACEAE - STONECROP FAMILY Crassula connata (Ruiz & Pav.) Berger. XB, NCF - C pigmy-stonecrop Dudleya lanceolata (~utt.)Britt. & Rose. RO, MCF, XB - 0 to C lance-leaved dudleya **Dudleya rnulticaulis (Rose) Moran. MCF, shaded RO - C in many-stemmed dud1 eya Laguna Canyon Dudleya pulverulenta (Nutt.) Britt. & Rose. RO - 0 chalk lettuce **Dudleya stolonifera Moran. MCF - 0 Laguna Beach liveforever

CUCURBITACEAE - GOURD FAMILY Cucurbita foetidissirna HBK. AGL - U calabazi 11a Marah macrocarpus (Green) Greene. CH, OW - C wild cucumber or Cucamonga rnanroot

EUPHORBIACEAE - SPURGE FAMILY *Chamaesyce rnaculata L. . spotted spurge Chamaesyce polycarpa (Benth.) Millsp. RO, XB - 0 var. polycarpa golondrina or small-seed sandmat Croton californicus Ruel1.-Arg. XB (sandy) - U California croton Eremocarpus setigerus (Hook.) Benth. AGL - 0 doveweed

*Euphorbi a 1athyri s L. OW (H escape) - U caper or gopher spurge

*Euphorbia peplus L. petty spurge *Ricinus communis L. SSW - C castor- bean

FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE) - PEA FAMILY Arnorpha californica Nutt. California false indigo

Lath rus vestitus ssp. laetiflorus OW, CH - U to 0 7--Greene) Broi ch. chaparral sweet pea Lotus hamatus Greene. CSS, RO - 0 San Diego or grab lotus Lotus scoparius (Nutt. in T.& G.) CSS - 0 Ottley ssp. scoparius coastal deerweed Lotus strigosus (Nutt. in T.& G.) Greene. XB - U strigose lotus Lupinus bicolor Lindl. AGL, OW/S - 0 dove or bicolored lupine Lupinus longifolius (Mats.) Abrams. CSS (mesic) - U Pauma lupine Lupinus succulentus Dougl. ex Koch. grass openings in CSS - U arroyo lupine, succulent annual lupine Lupinus truncatus Nutt. ex H. & A. grass openings in CSS - 0 collar lupine, truncate annual lupine

*Medicago lupulina L. var. lupulina W of irrigated fields and black medick lawns - U *Medicago polymorpha L. var. polymorpha W of irrigated fields and bur-clover lawns - C *Melilotus albus Medic. SSW, RH - U white sweet-clover Melilotus indicus (L.) All. yellow sweet-clover *Senna multiglandulosa (Jacq.) Irwin & SSW - 0 in "Water Tank" Barneby. trib. of Laguna Canyon hairy senna

Trifolium tridentatum Lindl. tomcat clover

FAGACEAE - BEECH FAMILY Quercus agrifolia Nee. var. agrifolia OW - D coast live oak Quercus berberidifolia Liebm. OW, CH - 0 barberry-leaved scrub oak

**Quercus engelmannii Greene. Engelmann oak (including hybrids)

GERANIACEAE - GERANIUM FAMILY *Erodium botr s (Cav.) Bertol. sandy, disturbed XB - C to broad- +obed filaree A *Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Her. xeric AGL, disturbed red-stemmed f i 1 aree XB - 0 *Erodium moschatum (L.) L'Her. W-U white-stemmed filaree

Geranium carolinianum L. Carolina geranium

HYDROPHYLLACEAE - WATERLEAF FAMILY Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia (Benth.) Greene OW, CH (mesic) - 0 var. chrysanthemifolia common eucrypta Phacelia cicutaria Greene ssp. hispida SSW, FW - 0 Beauchamp ex Thorne caterpi 11ar phacel ia Phacelia parryi Torr. RO, XB - 0 Parry's phacelia Phacelia ramoisissima var. suffrutescens CH, OW, MCF, SW/S - Parry. 0 to C branching phacelia Pholistoma auritum (Lindl.) Lilja ex Lindl. OW, SW/S - U blue fiesta flower

LAMIACEAE (LABIATAE) - MINT FA#ILY *Marrubiurn vulgare L. common horehound *Melissa officinalis L. ssp. officinalis H escape - 0 in moist garden or lemon balm ground Monardella lanceolata Gray. OW/S - 0, N branch, mustang mint Fiathi s Canyon Salvia apiana Jeps. CSS - U to 0 white sage

Salvia mellifera Greene. black sage

**Salvia spathacea Greene. OW, CH (mesic, in drainages), hummingbird sage U in biathis Canyon watershed Stach s ri ida Nutt. ssp. quercetorurn NGL, OW/S - 0 *e*. . . hillside hedge-nettle

LYTHRACEAE - LOOSESTRIFE FAMILY Lythrum hyssopifolia L. usually VP, here at edge of grass poly irrigated Alta Laguna Park in moist XB - U

MALVACEAE - MALLOW FAMILY Malacothamnus fasciculatus (Nutt.) CSS - A on burns Greene ssp. laxiflorus la ray) Thorne. mesa bush ma1 low

*Malva parviflora 1. cheeseweed

MYRTACEAE - MYRTLE FAMILY *Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnhardt. naturalized H in OW, mesic - red gum CH in drainages - 0 NYCTAGINACEAE - FOUR-O'CLOCK FAHILY Mirabilis californica Gray var. californica RO - O California wishbone bush

ONAGRACEAE - EVENING PRIMROSE FAMILY Camissonia bistorta (Nutt. ex T.& G.) Raven. SB - U southern suncup

Camissonia micrantha (Hornem. ex Spreng.) XB (hydromulch Raven. introduction) - U small primrose Clarkia deflexa (Jeps.) Lewis & Lewis. MCF - U punchbowl clarkia, lavender clarkia Clarkia purpurea (Curt.) Nels. & hacbr. OW/S - 0 to C ssp. quadrivulnera (Dougl.) Lewis & Lewis. four-spot clarkia, winecup clarkia Epilobium canum (Greene) Raven. MCF - 0 California fuchsia Epilobium ciliatum Raf. ssp. ciliatum seeps, irrigated wildland - green willow-herb, California cottonweed U

OXALIDACEAE - WOOD-SORREL FAMILY *Oxalis corniculata L. yellow sorrel *Oxalis pes-caprae L. W in urban forest - 0 Bermuda-buttercup or sour-grass

PAPAVERACEAE - POPPY FAMILY Eschscholzia californica Cham. var. CSS openings - U peninsularis (Greene) Munz. Californiapoppy

PLANTAGINACEAE - PLANTAIN FAMILY Plantago erecta korris ssp. erecta XB (sandy) - 0 to C California plantain *Plantago major L. Fk, RH - 0 common plantain

*Plantago insularis Eastw. XI3 (ti escape) - 0 woolly plantain

PLATANACEAE - SYCAMORE FAMILY Platanus racemosa Nutt. western sycamore

POLEMONIACEAE - PHLOX FAMILY Eriastrum sapphirinum (Eastw.) Mason. sapphire eriastrum

POLYGONACEAE - BUCKWHEAT FAMILY Chorizanthe coriacea Goodm. XB (sandy) - U lastarriaea

**Chorizanthe staticoides Benth. ssp. chrysacantha (Goodm.) Munz. Orange County Turkish rugging Erioqonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. CSS - A fasciculatum Cal ifornia buckwheat Eriogonum graci le Benth. AGL (xeric, sandy) - U slender eriogonum Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Gray. RH - 0 willow smartweed

*Polygonurn aviculare L. common knotweed Pterosteqia drymarioides F.& M. MCF, CSS (mesic) - U pterostegi a or granny's hairnet

*Rumex crispus L. SSW, FW, RH, VP curly dock (disturbed) - 0 to C Rumex salicifolius Weinm. willow dock PORTULACACEAE - PURSLANE FAMILY Calandrinia ciliata (R.& P.) DC. var. menziesii (Hook.) Macbr. red maids Calyptridium monandrum Nutt. in T & G. XB/VP - C common calyptridium Claytonia perfoliata Donn. var. perfoliata OW, NCF - C common miner's-lettuce

*Portulaca oleracea L. common purs 1 ane

PRIMULACEAE - PRIMROSE FAMILY "Anagallis arvensis L. var. arvensis W of lawns, VP, FW - C scarlet pimpernel *Anagallis arvensis var. coerulea (Schreb.) sport, in irrigated Gren. & Godr. x -A.a. - var. arvensis field - U 1 avender pimpernel

RANUNCULACEAE - CROWFOOT FAMILY Ranunculus californicus Benth. var. NGL, OW/S - 0 californicus California buttercup

RHAMNACEAE - BUCKTHORN FAMILY Rhamnus ilicifolia Kell. CH, OW - 0 to C holly-leaved redberry

ROSACEAE - ROSE FAMILY Heteromeles arbutifolia M. Roem. - CH, OW - C toyon or Chri stmas berry **Holodiscus discolor (Pursh) Maxim. CH (mesic in drainages) - U ocean spray Potentilla glandulosa Lindl. sticky cinquefoi 1 -Rosa californica C.& S. 7.5 riparian OW, SW, CalifoFnia wild rose SSW - 0 in Wood Canyon watershed Rubus ursinus C.& S. California blackberry

RUBIACEAE - MADDER FAMILY Galiurn angustifolium Nutt. ssp. CSS - 0 angustifolium chaparral bedstraw

*Galiurn aparine L. goosegrass Galium nuttallii Gray ssp. nuttallii CSS (rnesic), OW - 0 Nuttall's bedstraw

SALICACEAE - WILLOW FAMILY Sal ix 1aevi gata Bebb red willow Salix lasiolepis Benth. var lasiolepis FW - A arroyo willow

SAXIFRAGACEAE - SAXIFRAGE FAMILY Jepsoni a parryi (Torr .) Small. RO (shaded), PICF - 0 mesa saxifrage Ribes speciosurn Pursh. CH (mesic), Oh - 0 fuchsia-flowered gooseberry

SCROPHULARIACEAE - FIGWORT FAMILY Antirrhinum kelloggii Greene. Kellogg's or climbing snapdragon Antirrhinurn nuttalianum Benth. in DC CSS/XB - U Nuttall's snapdragon - Castilleja affinis H.& A. var affinis CSS - 0 coast Indian paintbrush Keckiella cordifolia (Benth.) Straw. OW - 0 to C climbing penstemon *Kicksia elatine (L.) Dumort. W of moist places, At4 - U sharp-leaved fluellin Linaria canadensis (L.) Dum-Cours. var. CSS/XB, VP edges - U texana (Scheele) Penn. larger blue toad-flax Mimulus aurantiacus Curt. ssp. australis mesic CSS - C (KcP~inn)Munz. orange bush monkeyflower Nimulus guttatus Fisch. ex DC. ssp. guttatus RH - 0 to C yellow monkeyflower Mimulus puniceus (Nutt.) Steud. RO (x with -K. aurantiacus) red bush monkeyf lower 0 to C Orthocarpus purpurascens var. CSS grass openings - 0 purpurascens red owl's clover Scrophularia californica C. & S. var. OW, mesic CH, MCF - 0 f loribunda Greene California bee plant

SOLANACEAE - NIGHTSHADE FAMILY *Datura stramonium L. var. stramonium pale-flowered thornapple Datura wrighti i Regel. SSW - U jimsonweed *Nicoti ana jlauca Grah. SSW - 0 tree tobacco

*Solanurn americanum hi11. white nightshade Solanum douglasii Dunal in D.C. OW, CH, FW - 0 chaparral nightshade Solanum umbelliferum Eschs. var. jlabrescens Torr, CSS, CH - 0 blue witch

TROPAEOLACEAE - TROPAEOLUM FAMILY *Tropaeolum majus L. escaped H, FW - 0, CSS - U garden nasturtium

URTICACEAE - NETTLE FAHILY Urtica dioica L, ssp. holosericea (~utt.) Thorne FW - 0 to C hoary nettle, creek nettle *Urtica urens 1. W of moist places - U dwarf nettle VERBENACEAE - VERVAIN FAHILY Verbena lasiostachys Link. SSW - U western verbena

MONOCOTYLEDONES - MONOCOTS AMARYLLIDACEAE - AMARYLLIS FAMILY tiloomeria crocea (Torr.) Cov. ssp. crocea NGL - C golden stars Dichelostemma pulchellum (Salisb.) Heller. NGL - 0 wild hyacinth

ARACEAE - ARUM FAMILY *Zantedeschia aethiopica (L.) K. Spreng. H escape in FW - U calla lily

CYPERACEAE - SEDGE FAMILY Carex praegracilis We Boott. OW/S - 0, seeps - C clustered field sedge Cyperus eragrostis Lam. FW, RH - 0 tall umbrella sedge Scirpus californicus (C.A. Mey.) Steudel. RH - U California bulrush

IRIDACEAE - IRIS FAMILY Sisyrinchium bellum Wats. NGL - 0 to C California bl ue-eyed grass

JUNCACEAE - RUSH FAMILY Juncus bufonius L. VP, seeps - 0 toad rush Juncus mexicanus Willd. seeps, VP, SSW - 0 Mexican rush Jvncus ruqulosus Engelm. seeps - 0 wrinkled rush **Juncus textilis Buch. OW along stream, Mathis basket rush Canyon - 0 Juncus xiphioides E. Mey. (FW) here, irrigated iris-leaved rush wildland edge in moist XB

LEMNACEAE - DUCKWEED FAMILY --Lemna minor L. RH aquatic - 0 water lentil or lesser duckwe.ed

LILIACEAE - LILY FAMILY Calochortus splendens Dougl. ex Benth. NGL, RO - 0 lilac mariposa lily

**Calochortus weedii Wood var. intermedius Ownbey. foothill mariposa lily

Chlorogalum pomeridianum (DC.) Kunth. RO, NGL/CSS-0 wavy-leaved soap plant, amole li ly

POACEAE - GRASS FAMILY Agrostis diegoensis Vasey. NGL/CSS, NCF - 0 leafy or San Diego bent Agrostis exarata Trin. var. minor Hook. W - U spike redtop

*Agrostis semiverticillatus (Forsk.) C. Chr. RH, FW, SSW, irrigated water bent fields - 0 *Arundo donax L. SSW/FW - C, upper giant reed Laguna Creek *Avena barbata Brot. AGL - A slender wild oat *Avena fatua L. AGL - C common wild oat *Brach odium distachyon (L.) Beauv. AGL - 0 *se brome

Bromus carinatus H. & A. California brome grass *Bromus diandrus Roth. AGL, OW/S - A common ripgut grass *Bromus hordeaceus L. ssp. hordeaceus AGL - C soft chess *Bromus rubens L. AGL (xeric) - A red brome *Bromus unioioides (Wi lld.) HBK. RH edge, AM - 0 rescue grass *Cortaderia selloana (Schuff.) Asch. SSW - 0 selloa pampas grass *Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (H escape) VP - G Bermuda grass irrigated meadows - A Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene ssp. seeps, irrigated fields - spicata U coastal salt grass Elymus condensatus Presl. giant wild-rye Elymus glaucus Buckl. ssp. jlaucus OW/S - 0 blue wild-rye Elymus triticoides Buckl. beardless wi ld-rye, alkali rye *Gastridium ventricosum (Gouan) Schinz & Thell. NGL - 0 to C nitgrass Hordeum depressum (Scribn. & Sm.) Rydb. NGL - 0 to C in clay low barley *Hordeurn murinum ssp. leporinum (Link.) AGL (disturbed) - C Arcangeli. foxtail barley *Hordeurn vulgare L. H escape - U cultivated barley "Lamarckia aurea (L.) Moench. XB, RO - C go1 dentop *Lolium multiflorum Lam. Italian ryegrass Melica imperfecta Trin. CH (mesic), OW - 0 small-flowered melic grass Muhlenbergia microsperma (DC.) Kunth. RO, XB - 0 littleseed muhly kuhlenbergia rigens (Benth.) Hitchc. Oh/S - U (4.4) California deergrass *Cryzopsis miliacea (L.) Benth. & Hook. Fh edge - 0 ex Ascher & Schweinf. smi lo grass or Indian ricegrass *Paspalurn dilatatum Poir. SSW, irrigated areas - dallis grass 0 to C

*Phalaris aquatica L. harding grass *Phalaris minor Retz W - U littleseed canary grass

*Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. FW, SSW, RH -C rabbitfoot grass

*Schismus barbatus (L.) Thell. Arabian grass *Sorghum halepense (L.) P.ers. FW edge, RH - 0 Johnson grass Stipa coronata Thurb. in Wats. var. RO - 0 coronata giant needlegrass, crested stipa Stipa lepida Hitchc. CSS/NGL, XB - C foothill needlegrass Stipa pulchra Hitchc. NGL - D purple needlegrass

Vulpia myuros (L.) K.C. Gmelin var. NGL, xeric AGL, MCF hirsuta Hack. margins - C foxtail fescue

TYPHACEAE - CAT-TAIL FAMILY Typha angustifolia L. narrow-leaved cat-tail

Typha domingensis Pers. slender cat-tai 1, tall cat-tai 1 1 4.1.2 Selected Ornamentals

PTERIDOPHYTES - FERNS DICKSONIACEAE - DICKSONIA FAKILY Cibotium schiedei - tree fern POLYPODIACEAE - POLYPODY FAMILY Nephrolepis cordifolia - southern sword fern Dryopteris cf. erythrosora - reddish wood fern

GYMNOSPERHS - CONIFERS, etc. ARAUCARIACEAE - ARAUCARIA FAMILY Araucaria excelsa - Norfolk Island pine CUPRESSACEAE - CYPRESS FAMILY Cupressus sempervirens - Italian cypress Juniperus chinensis cultivars - ornamental junipers Thuja orientalis - Oriental arbor-vitue Thuja plicata - western red-cedar PINACEAE - PINE FAMILY Cedrus deodara - deodar cedar Cedrus libani - cedar of Lebanon Pinus canariensis - Canary Island pine Pinus densiflora - Japanese red pine Pinus halepensis - Allepo pine Pinus radiata - Nonterey pine PODOCARPACEAE - PODOCARPUS FAMILY Podocarpus gracilior - fern pine TAXODIACEAE - TAXODIUM FAMILY Sequoia sempervirens - coast redwood

1. Most of these are not native to the region. They are "urban forest" (15.5) components. Species authors are not cited. ANGIOSPERMS - FLOWERING PLANTS DICOTYLEDONES - DICOTS ACANTHACEAE - ACANTHUS FAMILY Acanthus mollis - bear's breeches Thunbergia spp. - clock vines AIZOACEAE - CARPET-WEED FAMILY Aptenia cordifolia - dew plant Carpobrotus edulis - Hottentot fig Drosanthemum floribundum - rosea ice plant Lampranthus spectabilis - trailing ice plant ANACARDIACEAE - SUMAC FAMILY Schinus molle - California pepper Schinus terebenthifolius - Brazilian pepper APOCYNACEAE - DOGBANE FAMILY Nerium oleander - oleander Trachelospermum jasminoides - star jasmine Vinca major - blue periwinkle ARALIACEAE - GINSENG FAMILY Hedera canariensis - Algerian ivy Hedera helix - English ivy ASTERACEAE Achillea millefolium - white yarrow Chrysanthemum coronarium - garland chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum maximum - Shasta daisy Chrysanthemum parthenium - feverfew Euryops pectinatus - euryops daisy Gazinia linearis - gazinia Osteospermum fruticosum - freeway daisy Santolina chamaecyparissus - lavender cotton Senecio cineria - dusty miller Tagetes patula - marigold BERBERIDACEAE - BARBERRY FAMILY Nandina domestica - nandina BETULACEAE - BIRCH FAMILY Alnus rhombifolia - white alder Betula sp. - white birch BIGNONIACEAE - BIGNONIA FAMILY Campsis radicans - trumpet creeper Clytostoma callistegioides - orchid trumpet vine Jacaranda mimosifolia - jacaranda tree BRASSICACEAE - MUSTARD FAMILY Lobularia maritima - sweet alyssum Matthiola incana - stock BUXACEAE - BOX FAMILY Buxus microphylla var. japonica - Japanese boxwood CACTACEAE Ferocactus sp. - barrel cactus Opuntia ficus-indica - Indian fig Opuntia sp. - prickly pear CAMPANULACEAE - BELLFLOWER FAMILY Lobelia erinus - blue bedding lobelia CAPRIFOLIACEAE - HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY Lonicera japonica - Japanese honeysuckli2 CISTACEAE - ROCK ROSE FAMILY Cistus sp. - rock rose CONVOVULACEAE - MORNING-GLORY FAMILY Ipomoea spp. - cultivated morning-glories CRASSULACEAE - STONECROP FAMILY Crassula argentea - jade plant ERICACEAE - HEATH FAMILY Rhododendron indicum - azalea cultivars FABACEAE - PEA FAMILY Acacia longifolia - golden wattles Cytisus scoparius - Scotch broom Robinia pseudo-acacia - black locust Trifolium fragiferum - strawberry clover Spartium junceum - Spanish broom Vigna caracalla - snail vine Wisteria floribunda - wisteria vine FAGACEAE - BEECH FAMILY Quercus -ilex - holly oak GERANIACEAE - GERANIUM FAMILY Pelargonium hortorum - geranium cultivars HAMAMELIDACEAE - WITCH-HAZEL FAMILY Liquidamber styraciflua - sweet gum JUGLANDACEAE - WALNUT FAMILY Juglans cf. hindsii - black walnut Juglans regia - English walnut LAMIACEAE Melissa officinalis - lemon balm Mentha spicata - common mint 181 Salvia cultivars - sages LAURACEAE - LAUREL FAMILY Avocado americana avocado Cinnamonium camphora - camphor tree MAGNOLIACEAE - MAGNOLIA FAMILY Magnolia grandiflora - southern magnolia MALVACEAE - MALLOW FAMILY Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivers - hibiscus MORACEAE - MULBERRY FAMILY Ficus carica - edible fig --Morus alba - white mulberry MYOPORACEAE - MYOPORUh FAMILY blyoporum laetum - myoporum MYRTACEAE - MYRTLE FAMILY Callistemon citrinus bottlebrush Eucalyptus camaldulensis - red gum Eucalyptus globulus - blue gum Eucalyptus polyanthemos - silver dollar gum Eucalyptus sideroxylon - red ironbark Melaleuca sp. - melaleuca NYCTAGINACEAE - FOUR O'CLOCK FAMILY Bouganvillea cultivers - bouganvillea Mirabilis jalapa - four o'clock OLEACEAE - OLIVE FAMILY Fraxinus cf. uhdei - Shame1 ash Ligustrum lucidum - shining privet Ligustrum japonicum - Japanese privet -Olea europea - olive 182 ONAGRACEAE Epilobium cf. angustifolium cultivar - fireweed PAPAVERACEAE - POPPY FAMILY Eschscholzia californica - California poppy Papaver spp. - poppy cultivars Romneya coulteri - matilija poppy PITTOSPORACEAE - PITTOSPORUM FAKILY Pittosporum tobira - Japanese pittosporum PLLINBAGINACEAE - LEADWORT FAMILY Limonium sinuatum - winged sea lavender Plumbago auriculata - Cape leadwort PROTEACEAE - PROTEA FAMILY Grevillea robusta - silk-oak RHAMNACEAE - BUCKTHORN FAMILY Ceanothus cultivar - California lilac Rhamnus californica - California coffeeberry ROSACEAE - ROSE FAKILY Eriobotrya japonica - loquat Fragaria chiloensis - strawberry kalus sylvestris - apple Malus purpurea - purple flowering crab Photinia spp. - photinia Prunus armeniaca - apricot Prunus domesti ca plum Prunus lyonii - Catalina cherry Prunus persica - peach Pyracantha coccinea - pyracantha, firethorn Pyrus communis - pear Pyrus kawakamii - flowering pear -Rosa hybrids - ornamental tea roses, rambler roses, etc. RUTACEAE - RUE FAMILY Citrus limon - lemon Citrus paradisi - grapefruit Citrus sinensis - orange SALICACEAE - WILLOW FAMILY Populus sp. - poplar Salix babylonica weeping willow __C_ - SAPINDACEAE - SOAPBERRY FAMILY Koelreuteria paniculata - golden raintree SAXIFRAGACEAE - SAXIFRAGE FAMILY Hydrangea macrophylla - hydrangea SCROPHULARIACEAE - FIGWORT FAMILY Antirrhinum majus - snapdragon SOLANACEAE - POTATO FAMILY Lycianthes rantonnei - tree nightshade Petunia hybrida - petunia STERCULIACEAE - CACAO FAMILY Fremontodendron californicum - fremontia TROPAEOLACEAE - TROPAEOLUM FAMILY Tropaeolum majus - nasturtium ULMACEAE - ELM FAMILY Ulmus parvifolia - Chinese elm VALERIANACEAE - VALERIAN FAMILY Kentranthus ruber - red valerian VITACEAE - GRAPE FAMILY Vitis vinifera - grape 184 HONOCOTYLEDONES - MONOCOTS AGAVACEAE - AGAVE FAMILY Agave americana - century plant Yucca elephantipes - giant yucca AMARYLLIDACEAE - AMARYLLIS FAMILY Agapanthus orientalis - lily of the Nile Amaryllis belladonna - miracle lily, belladonna ARACEAE - ARUM FAMILY Monstera deliciosa - split-leaf philodendron Zantedeschia aethiopica - calla lily ARECACEAE - PALM FAMILY Arecastrum romanzoffianum - queen or cocos palm Phoenix canariensis - Canary Island date palm Washingtonia robusta - Mexican fan palm IRIDACEAE - IRIS FAMILY Gladiolus hortulanus - gladiolies Dietes vegeta - fortnight lily, moraea Iris douglasiana - Douglas iris LILIACEAE Aloe arborescens - candlelabra aloe Aloespp. - aloes - - Endymion hispanicus - Spanish bluebells, scilla Hemerocallis hybrids - day lily hybrids MUSACEAE - BANANA FAMILY -Musa paradisiaca var. sapietum - banana Strelitzia nicolai - bird of paradise tree Strelitzia reginae - bird of paradise POACEAE - GRASS FAMILY Agrostis exarata - spike redtop Cortaderia sel loana Pampas grass Cynodon dactylon - Bermuda grass Festuca spp. - lawn fescues Phyllostachys aurea - golden bamboo -Poa spp. - lawn bluegrasses -Zea mays - corn 4.1.3 Vertebrate ~aunal

Legend

Status symbol, left of name ** - Sensitive (as for plants, see 4.1.1 Legend) * - Introduced (No Stars) - Native, no special status

Occurrence symbol, right of name OBS - Observed or detected by authors (sightings, voice, nest, burrow, tracks, feces, feathers, shed skin, skeletal remains) REP - Reported by other observers, or in other studies of the area EXP - Reported from the region and expected onsite POSS - Of possible occurrence LC - Laguna Canyon AWC - Aliso and Wood Canyon Regional Park

Class OSTEICHTHYES

ORDER: CYPRINIFORHES

FAMILY: CYPRINIDAE (Cyprinid Fish) * Goldfish (~arassius.auratus) REP * Carp (Carassius carpio) EXP, washdown from Laguna Lakes (* here) Bumphead minnow POSS (Pimphales notatus) FAMILY: POECILIIDAE (Live Bearers) * Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) REP

1. Species authors not cited. Class AMPHIBIA

ORDER: CAUDATA (Salamanders)

FAMILY: PLETHODONTIDAE (Lungless Salamanders)

Black-bellied slender salamander REP-LC (Batrachoseps nigriventris) Pacific slender salamander EXP (Batrachoseps acificus) Arboreal Salamander+- Aneides lugubris) EXP

ORDER: SALIENTIA (Frogs and Toads)

FAMILY: BUFONIDAE (True Toads) Western toad (Bufo- boreas) EXP FAMILY: HYLIDAE (Treefrogs and Relatives)

Pacific treefrog (Hyla regilla) OBS, voice

FAMILY: RANIDAE (True Frogs) Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) REP - LC FAMILY: PIPIDAE (Pipid Frogs) *African clawed frog (Xenopus laevus) EXP - LC

Class REPTILIA

ORDER: TESTUDINES (Turtles)

FANILY: EMYDIDAE (Pond and biarsh Turtles) *Pond slider (Chrysemys scripta) REP - LC

ORDER: SQUAMATA (Lizards and Snakes)

FANILY: IGUANIDAE (Iguanids)

Western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) OBS, sighting Side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) OBS, sighting **San Diego coast hornedlizard REP - ridge, El Toro (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei) Canyon .- FAMILY: SCINCIDAE (Skinks)

Western skink (Eumeces skiltonianus) EXP FAMILY: TEIlDAE (Whiptai 1s and Relatives)

**Orange-throated whiptail OBS, sighting (Cnemidophorus h er thrus) **Western whiptail I--!%-Cnemido horus tigris) OBS, sighting FAMILY: ANGUIDAE (Alligator Lizards and Relatives)

Southern a1 ligator lizard EXP (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus)

FAMILY: ANNIELLIDAE (Legless Lizards)

**California legless lizard (Anniella pulchra) POSS

FAMILY: COLUBRIDAE (Colubrids)

**Ringneck snake (Diadophis unctatus) EXP Racer (Coluber constrictor+ REP near ~oachwhip(Mastico his flagellum) EXP Striped racer+ Masticophis lateralis) REP Gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) REP Common kingsnake **Two-striped POSS **Night snake

FANILY: VIPERIDAE (Vipers)

**Red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) REP Southern Pacific rattlesnake OBS, shed skin, (Crotalus viridis helleri) #s REP

Class AVES

ORDER: CICONIIFORMES (Herons, Storks, Ibises, and ~elatives)

FAKILY: ARDEIDAE (Herons and Bitterns) at blue heron (Ardea herodi as) REP - LC at egret (Casmerodius albus) REP - LC wy egret ({;r;t;a thula) REP - AWC tle egret u u CUSS) REP - AlJC

ORDER: ANSERIFORMES (Screamers, Ducks, and Relatives)

FAMILY: ANATIDAE (Swans, Geese, and Ducks) Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) REP - LC

1. Captured by resident at top of Castlerock Drive and kept in a terrarium. 189 ORDER: FALCONIFORMES (Vultures, Hawks, and ~alcons)

FAMILY: CATHARTIDAE (American Vultures)

Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) OBS, sighting, roosts, Mathis Canyon, Big Bend

FAKILY: ACCIPITRIDAE (Hawks, Old World Vultures, and Harriers)

**Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus) OBS, sighting, Wood Canyon, nests **Northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) OBS, sighting; app. nests, Laguna Cyn. **Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) OBS, sighting **Cooper's hawk cooperii) OBS, sighting. Nests Red-shouldered lineatus) OBS, sighting Red-tai led hawk (~uteoam OBS, sighting. Nests **Golden eagle (A uila chrysaetos REP - AWC **Prairie falcon*^ mexicanus) REP - AWC

ORDER: GALLIFORMES (Megapodes,-- Curassows, Pheasants, and Relatives) FAMILY: PHASIANIGAE (Quails, Pheasants, and ~elatives) *Ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) REP - AWC California quail (Callipepla californica) OBS, sighting *Jungle fowl (Gallus jallus x) OBS, sighting, LC

ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES (Shorebirds, Gulls, and Relatives)

FAMILY: CHARADRIIDAE (Plovers and Relatives)

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) OBS, sighting, voice

FAhILY: LARIIDAE (Gulls and Terns)

Bonaparte's Gull (Larus philadelphia) OBS, sighting Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) OBS, sighting California Gull (Larus californicus) OBS, sighting

ORDER: COLUMBIFORMES (Pigeons and Doves)

FAMILY: COLLIMBIDAE (Pigeons and Doves)

*Rock dove (Columba- 1ivia) OBS, sighting ... Band-tai led pigeon -mba fasciata) OBS?, feathers Mourning dove (Zenai da macroura) OBS, sighting ORDER: PSITTACIFORHES (Parrots)

*Parakeet, species unknown REP

ORDER: CUCULIFORKES (Cuckoos and Relatives)

FAMILY: CUCULIDAE (~~~icalCuckoos)

**Greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) OBS, sighting

ORDER: STRIGIFORMES (Owls)

FANILY: TYTONIDAE (Barn Owls) Common barn-owl (Tyto -alba) REP. Nests, Laguna Canyon

FAMILY: STRIGIDAE (Typical Owls)

Western screech-owl (Otus kennicottii) EXP Great horned owl (Bubo- virginianus) REP. Nested, at least formerly in Laguna Canyon

ORDER: CAPRIKULGIFORMES (Goatsuckers and Relatives)

FAMILY: CAPRIMULGIDAE (Goatsuckers) Lesser nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) REP - AWC

ORDER: APODIFORMES (Swifts and Hummingbirds)

FAMILY: APODIDAE (Swifts)

White-throated swift (Aeronaute saxatalis) OBS, voice

FAMILY: TROCHILIDAE (Hummingbirds)

Black-chinned humminqbird EXP (Archi lochus alexandri) Anna's hummingbird (Calypte -anna) OBS, sighting. Nests, Mathis Cyn. Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae) REP - AWC Rufous hummingbird EXP Allen's hummingbird EXP ORDER: CORACIIFORMES (Kingfishers and ~elatives)

FAkILY: ALCEDlNIDAE (Kingfishers) Belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) REP - AWC

ORDER: PICIFORMES (Woodpeckers and Relatives)

FAMILY: PICIDAE (Woodpeckers and Wrynecks)

Acorn Woodpecker sighting Yellow-bellied sa S, drill holes Nuttall's woodpec voice Downy woodpecker - LC Northern flicker sighting

ORDER: PASSERIFORMES (Perching Birds)

FAMILY: TYRANNIDAE (Tyrant Flycatchers)

Western wood-pewee (Contopus sordidulus) OBS, voice Black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) OBS, sighting Say's phoebe (Sa ornis sa a) OBS, sighting Ash-throated f *+ycatc er ryiarchus OBS, voice, sighting cinerascens) Cassinls kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) OBS, sighting Western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) OBS, sighting

FAMILY: ALAUDIDAE (Larks) Horned lark (Eremophila alpestris) REP - LC, OBS - AWC FAMILY: HIRUNDINIDAE (Swallows) Violet-green swallow (Tachyci neta thalassina) REP - LC Northern rough-winged swallow OBS, sighting (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) Cliff swallow (Hirundo pyrrhonota) OBS, sighting

FAMILY: CORVIDAE (Jays, Magpies, and Crows)

Scrub jay (Aphelocorna coerulescens) OBS, sighting American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) OBS, voice Common raven (Corvus corax) OBS, sighting

FAMILY: PARIDAE (Titmice)

Plain titmouse (Parus inornatus) REP

FAMILY: AEGITHALIDAE (Bushtit)

Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus) OBS, sighting

192 FANILY: SITTIDAE (Nuthatches)

White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) EXP

FAMILY: CERTHIIDAE (Creepers)

Brown creeper (Certhi a ameri cana) EXP

FAMILY: TROGLODYTIDAE (Wrens)

**Coastal cactus wren (Campylorhynchus OBS, brunneicapillus couesi) sighting, voice.

Breeds-- ~ Rock wren (Sal inctes obsoletus) REP - AWC, LC **Canyon wren7e- Catherpes mexicanus) OBS, voice, Mathis, Laquna Cyns. Bewick's wren (Thryomanes bewickii) OBS, sighting. Breeding in Mathis Canyon House wren (Troglodytes aedon) OBS, voice. Breeding in hathis Canyon

FAMILY: HUSCICAPIDAE (Old World Warblers, Gnatcatchers)

Ruby-cr owned OBS, sighting Bl ue-gr aY 9na -a) OBS, sighting **Cal ifornia gn OBS, sighting californi ca Western blueb REP - AWC, LC **Townsen d's SO nsendi) OBS, sighting Hermit thrush OBS, sighting America n robi OBS, sighting, voice Varied thrush REP, LC Wrentit (Cham- aea f asci ata) OBS, voice. Abundant

FAMILY: MIMIDAE (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) OBS, voice California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum) OBS, voice

FAMILY: MOTACILLIDAE (Wagtails and Pipits) Water pipit (Anthus spinoletta) REP - AWC FAKILY: BOMBYCILLIDAE (Waxwings)

Cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) OBS, sighting

FAMILY: PTILOGONATIDAE (Silky Flycatchers)

Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens) OBS, voice FAbiILY: LANIIDAE (Shrikes) **Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) REP - AKC, LC FAhILY: STURNIDAE (Starlings)

*European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) OBS, voice

FAMILY: VIREONIDAE (Typical Vireos)

Hutton's vireo (Vireo huttoni) CIBS, voice, sighting Warbling vireo (Vireo OBS, voice FAFilLY: EMBERIZIDAE (Wood Warblers, Sparrows, Blackbirds and Relatives)

Orange-crowned warbler (Uerrnivora celeta) OBS, sighting **Ye1 low warbler (Dendroica petechia REP - AWC Yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata) OBS, sighting (winter) Townsend's warbler (Dendroica tow- REP - AWC Common yellowthroat XGeothlypis trichas) OBS, voice , sighting Wilson's warbler (Wilsonia pusi lla) OBS, sighting **Yellow-breasted chatriavirens) REP - AWC Black-headed grosbeak mi cus REP - AWC rnelanocephalus) **Blue grosbeak (Guiraca caerulea) REP- AWC Luzul i Bunting -(-'ina amoena) REP - AWC Rufous-sided towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) 0BS, vo i ce California towhee (Pi ilo fuscus OBS, sight ing **Rufous-crowned sparrow--r Aim! sighting Chipping sparrow (S izella asserina sighti ng Lark sparrow (Chonh-7- estes rammacus OBS, sighting **Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) RE P - AW C, LC **Grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum)- REP - AWC Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca) OBS, sighting Song sparrow OBS, voice , sighting Lincoln's OBS, sighting OBS, sighting atricapi 1la) White-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) OBS, s ighting Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis OBS, sighti ng Red-winged blackb'r('~ge1aius'hoeniceus) OBS, sight ing **Tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor REP - AWC Western meadowlark (Sturnel 1a neglect8) REP - AWC, LC Brewer's blackbird (Eu ha us c -anoce halus) OBS, sighti ng Brown-headed cowbi rd*r+ REP - AWC; EXP in LC Hooded oriole (Icterus cucul latus) OBS, sight ing Northern oriolemus galbula) OBS, sighti ng

- FAMILY: FRINGILLIDAE (Finches)

Purple finch (Carpodacus OBS, sighting House finch OBS, voice, sighting Lesser OBS, sighting, voice American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) OBS, sighting FAkILY: PASSERIDAE (Lieaver Finches)

*House sparrow (Passer domesticus) EXP

Class MAMMALIA

ORDER: MARSUPIALIA (Opossums, Kangaroos, and Relatives)

FAMILY: DIDELPHIDAE (Opossums) *Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) REP - LC

ORDER: INSECTIVORA (Shrews and Moles)

FANILY: SORICIDAE (Shrews)

Desert shrew (Notiosorex crawfordi) EXP

FAMILY: TALPIDAE (Moles)

Broad-footed mole (Scapanus latimanus) EXP

ORDER: CHIROPTERA (Bats)

FAkILY: VESPERTILIONIDAE (Vespertilionid Bats)

California myotis (Myotis californicus) REP?, LC (bat cave) Big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) EXP Hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereuS) EXP

FAMILY: NOLOSSIDAE (Free-tailed Bats)

Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) EXP

ORDER: LAGOMORPHA (Rabbits, Hares, and Pikas)

FAMILY: LEPORIDAE (Rabbits and Hares)

Brush rabbit (S lvila us bachmani) OBS, sighting, scat Desert cottontail+ Sylvilagus audubonii) OBS, sighting, scat **Black-tai led hare (Lepus californicus) REP - LC

ORDER: RODENTIA (Squirrels, Rats, Mice, and Relatives)

FAMILY: SCIURIDAE (Squirrels, Chipmunks, and Marmots)

California ground squirrel (Spermophilus OBS, voice beecheyi ) FAKILY: GEOFiYIDAE (Pocket Gophers)

Botta pocket gopher (Thomornys bottae) OBS, burrows

FAMILY: HETEROkYIDAE (Pocket Nice and Kangaroo Rats)

**Little pocket mouse (Perognathus longimernbris) **San Diego pocket mou se (Pero nathus fallax) RE California pocket rno use +Pero nathus RE californicus) Pacific kangaroo rat (Dipodomys agilis) OBS, dust baths, tail drags

FAKILY: CRICETIDAE (Deer kice, Voles, and Relatives) Western h arvest mouse (Reithrodontomys REP - LC megalot- is) Cactus mo use (Perom scus eremicus) REP - LC Cal ifornia m louse7-7 Perom scus californic REP - LC Deer mous e ( REP - LC Brush mou se EXP **Desert wo odr OBS, sighting, scat Dusky-foo ted REP - LC Californi a v REP - LC FAMILY: biURIDAE (Old World Rats and Aice)

*Black rat (Rattus rattus) EXP *Norway rat msnorve icus) EXP *House mouse (Mususculus- ___qT_ EXP

ORDER: CARNIVORA (Carnivores)

FAbiILY: CANIDAE (Foxes, Wolves, and Relatives)

*Dog (Cani s f arni 1i ari s) OBS, sighting Coyote (Canis latrans) OBS, scat Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) REP - LC FARILY: PROCYONlDAE (Raccoons and Relatives) **Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) REP - LC Raccoon (Procyon lotor)' REP - LC FAklLY: MUSTELIDAE (Weasels, Badgers, and Relatives)

Long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) EXP Western spotted skunmogale gracilis) REP, El Toro Cyn. Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) OBS, scat

FAMILY: FELIDAE (Cats)

*Domestic cat (Felis catus) OBS

196 Mountain lion (Felis concolor) REP - LC, AWC Bobcat (Lynx rum REP - LC

ORDER: PERISSODACTYLA (Horses, Tapirs, and Relatives)

FAKlLY: EQUIDAE (Horses)

*Horse (Equus caballus) OBS

ORDER: ARTIODACTYLA (Pigs, Deer, and Relatives)

FAFIILY: CERVIDAE (Deer, Elk, and Relatives)

Mule deer (Odocoi leus hemionus) OBS, tracks, beds, trai1 s

FAMILY: BOVIDAE (Sheep, Goats, and Relatives)

Domestic sheep (Ovis-- aries) OBS 4.2.1 Persons and Organizations Consulted

Government: City of Laguna Beach. - Rob Clark Kyle Butterwick John Montgomery County of Orange ERA - Cathy Nowak

Environmental Consultants:

Ed Almanza Dave Bramlet Brian Fink Steve Loe John Messina

University of California: Museum of Systematic Biology - Gordon Marsh (emeritus)

Environmental Organizations: Laguna Greenbelt - Liz Brown Greenpeace - Sherry Meddick

Laguna Canyon Residents and Past Residents:

Lynne Atkinson A1 Buocolo Jeff Parker John Perrelette Charles Quilter Bi11 Svendsen Bill Tidwell

Laguna Greenbelt Recreational Users:

(not identified) 4.2.2 Bibliography

Abrarns, Leroy, 1968, 1974. Illustrated Flora of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA, Vol. I, 11, 111, IV.

American Ornithologists Union, 1983. Check-list of North American Birds, 6th ed. plus supplements through 37. Allen Press, Inc., Lawrence, KS. 877 pp.

Bailey, Liberty Hyde, 1948. Nanual of Cultivated Plants. MacMillan Co., New York, NY, 1116 pp.

Benner, kichael A., 1977. Vegetation hap in ECOS Management Criteria, 1977, Change for Amendment 777, to the General Plan in Laguna Canyon, Orange County, CA. Prepared for County of Orange.

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