4 1919-Biological Resources Assessment

Home , Black turnstone, Callophrys mossii, Holocarpha macradenia, Oak titmouse, Sidalcea hickmanii, Trifolium amoenum

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019

Prepared for: Angelique Riordan 121 Oak Avenue San Anselmo, CA 94960

Prepared by: Prunuske Chatham, Inc. 400 Morris Street, Suite G Sebastopol, CA 95472

Table of Contents Page 1. Introduction ...... 3 2. Setting ...... 3 Figure 1. Project Location ...... 4 3. Methods ...... 5 4. Soils ...... 7 5. Existing Conditions ...... 7 6. Special-status Species ...... 9 Definition of Special-status Species ...... 9 Special-status Species Evaluation Criteria ...... 9 Jurisdictional Areas ...... 10 Sensitive Natural Communities ...... 10 Figure 2. Reported Occurrences of Special-status Species ...... 12 Special-status Plants ...... 13 Special-status Animals ...... 15 7. Conclusions and Recommendations ...... 19 General Protection Measures ...... 20 Seasonal Drainage ...... 20 Native Plants and Natural Communities ...... 20 Special-status Plants and Communities ...... 21 General Wildlife Species Protection Measures ...... 21 Special-status and Common Bird Species ...... 22 Special-status and Common Bat Species ...... 22 8. References ...... 23

Appendices Appendix A: Photographs Appendix B: California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database List Appendix C: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service IPaC Trust Resource Report

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019

1. Introduction Angelique Riordan, landowner, is proposing to construct a single family residence at 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County (APN 070-331-20; Figure 1). The 2.55-acre property is currently undeveloped. It is located within the City of Larkspur limits and zoned low-density residential (up to 5 DU/acre). The landowner is proposing to construct a multi-story residence with a driveway, parking, and garage. The residence will be located in the central portion of the site directly off Via Navarro. However, the project plans are preliminary the exact project footprint and building configuration has yet to be decided.

Prunuske Chatham, Inc. (PCI) was retained by the landowner to prepare a biological resources assessment of the proposed project. The City of Larkspur (City) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) are requiring a biological assessment. The following assessment has been completed to satisfy this requirement and to determine 1) the impacts of the proposed project on sensitive biological resources and 2) if there are any biological constraints associated with the proposed project. This report summarizes a field survey and follow-up botanical assessment of the project site, describes existing biological resources, reviews potential for special-status species occurrence, and provides general recommendations to protect biological resources during project implementation.

2. Setting The project site is located at 94 Via Navarro, north of Greenbrae, Marin County (Figure 1). The site is accessed off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to the west of Highway 101, then Eliseo Drive to Via Lerida, and then the site address. It is located 0.3 miles west of Highway 101. The site is mapped on the San Rafael 7.5’ USGS quadrangle (37.951792°N, -122.518085°W) and the elevation is range is approximately 250 feet along Via Navarro to 410 feet at the upper elevations of the property. Site drainage flows to Corte Madera Creek and then San Francisco Bay. The project site is bordered by residential parcels and small areas of open space.

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 3

Parcel

Figure 1. Project Location March 2019 94 Via Navarro ESRI Topo Greenbrae, Marin County 0 0.05 0.1 0.2 0.3 ± Miles

3. Methods Field Survey and Follow-up Botanical Assessment. A biological field survey of the project site was completed on February 19, 2019, by PCI’s Senior Biologist who is familiar with the region’s flora and fauna; the survey focused on the areas proposed for development and did not encompass the entire parcel. The field assessment was a general inventory of habitats within the project site and of species observed or potentially occurring within and in close proximity to the project site; it did not include focused surveys for special-status plants or animal species. Observations were limited in scope due to the seasonal phenology, distribution and/or rarity of some species. The potential for presence of special-status species and habitats was determined based on habitat conditions, presence or absence of unique habitat features, proximity of the project site to reported occurrences (CDFW 2019a), and geographic ranges of relevant species.

PCI’s biological assessment followed the protocol described in Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special-status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities (CDFW 2009) and county guidelines for biological studies (Marin County undated). During the survey, an inventory of all plant and wildlife species observed was compiled and is incorporated into the Existing Conditions text below. All plants observed were identified using the Jepson eFlora (Jepson Flora Project 2019) and Marin Flora (Howe et al. 2007) to the taxonomic level necessary to determine whether they were rare. Botanical nomenclature follows the Jepson eFlora.

Conditions during the survey were sunny with no wind or no cloud cover. The air temperature was 55 F at 11:00 a.m. The survey was conducted with the aid of binoculars (Swarovski™ 10 x 42). Visual cues, calls, songs, and direct observations were used to identify wildlife species. The project site was examined for presence of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. No aquatic sampling was completed as part of the assessment. The survey consisted of evaluating the proposed project site and the habitats within it. Habitats beyond these boundaries were not evaluated.

A follow-up botanical assessment was completed on April 26, 2019 by PCI’s Senior Vegetation Ecologist. This assessment focused on the area of planned disturbance; the purpose was to determine whether special-status plant species were present or likely to occur, and whether sensitive habitat was present.

Figure 1 shows the project location and regional context. Figure 2 illustrates the locations of known sightings of special-status plants and animals in the vicinity of the project site (CDFW 2019a). Representative photographs taken during the field survey are provided at the end of this report in Appendix A.

This level of assessment is standard at this stage of project review and is meant to guide City staff in making initial determinations for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 5

(CEQA), making recommendations for further study, and/or identifying mitigation, restoration, and enhancement opportunities. This biological assessment is specific to the project identified above; impacts beyond the project boundaries were not evaluated. It does not include an evaluation of the cumulative effects of the project within the context of potential future development at the site or within the region. This report represents PCI’s best professional effort to identify sensitive habitats, species, and resources of concern based on the proposed project.

Background Research. A background literature and database search was conducted to determine the potential for special-status species and sensitive habitats to occur within or adjacent to the project site. The search focused on reported occurrences for the San Rafael 7 ½’USGS quadrangle within a 5-mile buffer around the project site (Figure 2). General references, including aerial photographs, GIS maps, and soil survey reports were also consulted to evaluate the potential for unique biological communities and special-status species. The review included the following sources:

. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB)1 (CDFW 2019a) . California Sensitive Natural Communities (CDFW 2019b) . A Manual of California Vegetation Online (CNPS 2019a) . Calflora database (Calflora 2019) . CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (CNPS 2019b) . Information for Planning and Conservation (IPaC) Trust Resource List for the project area (USFWS 2019) . Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey (NRCS 2019) . Field guides and general references for plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates

1 The California Natural Diversity Data Base is a repository of information on sightings and collections of rare, threatened, or endangered plant and animal species within California. It is maintained by CDFW. CNDDB reports occurrences of special-status species that have been entered into the database and does not generally include inventories of more common animals or plants. The absence of a species from the database does not necessarily mean that they do not occur in the area, only that no sightings have been reported. In addition, sightings are subject to observer judgment and may not be entirely reliable as a result.

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 6

4. Soils Soils within the project site are mapped as Tocaloma-McMullin complex, 30-50% slopes and Tocaloma-McMullin-Urban land complex, 30-50% slopes (NRCS 2019). Tocaloma is derived from residuum weathered from sandstone and shale and occurs on hills. The typical profile is loam in the upper 19 inches, very gravelly loam from 19 to 39 inches, and weathered bedrock from 39 to 43 inches. It is a well-drained soil and the runoff class is medium. It is more than 80 inches to the water table and the soil is not prone to flooding or ponding. McMullin is derived from residuum weathered from conglomerate and occurs on hills. The typical profile is gravelly loam in the upper 4 inches, gravelly loam from 4 to 18 inches, and unweathered bedrock from 18 to 22 inches. It is a well-drained soil and the runoff class is high. It is more than 80 inches to the water table and the soil is not prone to flooding or ponding.

5. Existing Conditions The proposed residential development is located on an undeveloped parcel in the hills above the town of Greenbrae. Vegetation is dominated by thickets of non-native broom, coyote brush, oak woodland, and grassland and with rock outcrops. The site is very steep. A seasonal drainage flows through the middle of the property from the upper elevations to Via Navarro. Wooded canyons occur along the western and eastern property boundaries.

Currently, the building site is proposed in the central portion of the property within a 150-foot setback from Via Navarro. The majority of the building site will be located on a knoll dominated by non-native bamboo and French broom (Genista monspessulana) with scattered native coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) along the periphery. This thicket is very dense and largely impenetrable. The eastern edge of the building site will span an existing drainage bordered by patches of coyote brush, a single coast live oak tree (Quercus agrifolia), and areas of grassland and rock outcrops. The proposed driveway will be aligned along an existing bench from Via Navarro that supports grassland and rock outcrops.

Along the drainage and the lower elevations of the site, the open grassland areas are dominated by non-native grasses [wild oats (Avena fatua), Italian rye (Festuca perennis), rattlesnake grass (Briza maxima), foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum), false brome (Brachypodium distachyon)], and non-native forbs [field marigold (Calendula arvensis), scarlet pimpernel (Lysimachia arvensis), Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae), big heron bill (Erodium botrys), smooth cat’s ear (Hypochaeris glabra), Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus), black mustard (Brassica nigra), rose clover (Trifolium hirtum), narrowleaf cottonrose (Logfia gallica)], and native soaproot (Chlorogalum pomeridianum). Along the existing cut, rock outcrops support scattered patches of native foothill needlegrass (Stipa lepida), soaproot (Chlorogalum pomeridianum), and hog fennel (Lomatium dasycarpum).

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 7

The main drainage running through the parcel and within the building site originates at the upper elevations of the property and appears to form downslope of a hillside seep. It flows in a southwest direction through a densely vegetated woodland dominated by California bay (Umbellularia californica) and coast live oak. Some of the trees are several feet in diameter. The understory is dominated by French broom. Outside of the canopy of trees, the channel is dominated by wildoats, Italian thistle, and scattered coyote brush. Under the tree canopy above the building site, the Ordinary High Water Mark is approximately 10 inches above the channel bed and narrows to 8 inches at the lower elevations near the building site. Water was flowing in the channel at the time of PCI’s survey and the wetted channel width averaged 4 to 6 inches. The channel bottom is dominated by course granules and gravel. Sediment and litter deposits were present. At the bottom of the site, the drainage flows underground for a short distance through a plastic pipe before surfacing again near the street. This drainage is ephemeral – flowing only in direct response to precipitation in the immediate locality.

Elsewhere on the property, the upper elevations of the site are dominated by patches of native oak woodland with California bay laurel and coast live oak and extensive infestations of French broom. To northwest of the building site, the property is dominated by bunch grasses and an extensive field of native soaproot. These areas may support remnant patches of native grasslands, but the survey occurred outside the critical blooming period and exact species composition could not be determined. No work is proposed on these upper slopes. As noted above, the western and eastern edges of the property supports wooded canyons. The property was not surveyed extensively outside of the proposed building site.

Despite the proximity to urban development, the habitats within the property provide suitable foraging, roosting, breeding, and migration opportunities for a variety of wildlife species. Oak woodlands in particular is very valuable for wildlife, providing cover, nesting resources, food resources and movement corridors. A number of wildlife species were observed within the site and surrounding areas during the field survey. The property supports extensive wildlife trails and evidence of black-tailed deer were seen throughout (e.g., scat, carcass). Birds were the most abundant and prominent wildlife species. Birds observed included American robin, Anna’s hummingbird, Bewick’s wren, California towhee, chestnut-backed chickadee, northern flicker, oak titmouse, ruby-crowned kinglet, spotted towhee, turkey vulture, and western scrub-jay. The oak trees and native and non-native are prime bird nesting habitat. Bats may roost in the larger trees and forage over the site. See Special-status Animals below for further discussion about sensitive wildlife resources.

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 8

6. Special-status Species

Definition of Special-status Species In California, special-status plants and animals include those species that are afforded legal protection under the federal and California Endangered Species Acts (ESA and CESA, respectively) and other regulations. These species must be considered during project evaluation to comply with CEQA, during consultation with state and federal resources agencies, and in development of specific mitigation and avoidance measures for resource protection. Special-status species are defined as the following:

. Species listed or proposed for listing as threatened or endangered under the federal ESA; . Species listed or proposed for listing as threatened or endangered under CESA; . Species that are recognized as candidates for future listing by agencies with resource management responsibilities, such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW); . Species defined by CDFW as California Species of Special Concern; . Species classified as Fully Protected by CDFW; . Plant species, subspecies, and varieties defined as rare or threatened by the California Native Plant Protection Act (California Fish and Game Code Section 1900, et seq.); . Plant species listed by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) as California Rare Plant Rank 1, 2 and 3 under CEQA (CEQA Guidelines Section 15380); and some list 4 plants based on CNPS guidelines; . Species that otherwise meet the definition of rare, threatened, or endangered pursuant to Section 15380 of the CEQA Guidelines; and . Mountain lions protected under the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 (Proposition 117) and designated as a “specially protected mammal in California.”

Special-status Species Evaluation Criteria Special-status species were evaluated for their potential to occur within the project site. Potential for occurrence was classified as not present, low, moderate, high, or present based on the following criteria:

Not Present – Suitable habitat is not present within the project site and/or project site is outside the range of the species. Low – One or more key habitat components is absent from the project site; no known occurrences in vicinity, or habitat present but species not observed during field surveys that would be expected to discover species, if present, based on season and level of effort. Species is unlikely to occur within the project site.

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 9

Moderate – Some of the habitat components required by this species are present within the project site and/or marginally suitable habitat is present within surrounding areas. Species may occur within the project site. High – All of the habitat components required by this species are present within the project site and/or it is known to occur in surrounding areas. Species is likely to occur within the project site. Present – Species has reported occurrences within the project site and/or was observed within the project site during field surveys.

Jurisdictional Areas Wetlands and other waters of the U.S. and the state of California are considered jurisdictional areas. Wetlands and other waters include a variety of both permanent and ephemeral aquatic features. Regulations and policies that protect aquatic habitats have been enacted by a number of government agencies. Wetlands and waters fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, local Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Marin County. The addition of fill, removal of native riparian and wetland vegetation, or alteration of drainage patterns require permits and resource agency consultation.

The seasonal drainage running through the property and the project site is considered a jurisdictional waters based on feedback from CDFW. The drainage exhibits a defined bed and banks. It is an ephemeral drainage – flowing only in direct response to precipitation in the immediate locality. Drainages along the western and eastern property boundaries may also be considered jurisdictional waters, but no work is proposed in these locations.

Sensitive Natural Communities Sensitive Natural Communities are defined by CDFW as “communities that are of limited distribution statewide or within a county or region and are often vulnerable to environmental effects of projects” (CDFW 2009). CDFW maintains a list of vegetation alliances present within the state, and ranks each in terms of their rarity and vulnerability on both the global (G) and state (S) level (CDFW 2019b). Ranks range from 1 (very rare and threatened) to 5 (demonstrably secure). Natural communities with ranks of S1 to S3 are considered sensitive. In addition, other communities may be considered sensitive based on local policies.

The thickets of non-native broom that dominate the project site are not considered a sensitive natural community.

Native needlegrass grassland is considered sensitive by CDFW. The grassland and rock outcrop areas adjacent to and below the proposed building site support small remnant patches of native foothill needlegrass and a few associated native species. However, most of these patches are very limited in extent (three patches of 200-300 sf), have high cover of non-native and invasive

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 10

species, and generally have less than 10% cover of natives. Directly within rock outcrops, native cover is up to 25%. Given these conditions, the grassy areas within and below the proposed building site do not constitute significant native grassland habitat. However, the rock outcrop habitat does support higher quality—though very small—native grassland habitat and merits protection from construction impacts.

The grassland habitats dominated by bunchgrass and soaproot, upslope of the building site would also be considered sensitive natural communities, but no work is proposed there.

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 11

Map Not For Public Review. TheMarin occurrences western shown flax on this map represent the known locationspallid of the species bat listed here as of the date of this version. There may be additional occurrences or additional species withinNapa this area false which haveindigo not yet been surveyed and/or mapped.western Lack of information bumble in bee the CNDDB about a species or an area can never be used as proof that no special-status species occur in an area. white-rayed pentachaeta

white-rayed pentachaeta

western bumble bee tidewater goby salt-marsh harvest mouse Marin knotweedlongfin smelt

California Ridgway's rail western bumble bee Point Reyes salty bird's-beak California black rail

California black rail California Ridgway's rail California giant salamander salt-marsh harvest mouse marsh microseris Parcel Northern Coastal Salt Marsh

Figure 2. Reported Occurrences of March 2019 Special-status Species ESRI Aerial 2017 94 Via Navarro 0 0.05 0.1 0.2 ± Miles Greenbrae, Marin County

Special-status Plants Based on the background literature review, a number of special-status plants are reported in the project vicinity (Figure 2; CDFW 2019a, CNPS 2019b, USFWS 2019; Appendices B and C). Species with reported observations in close proximity to the project site and/or in habitat types of relevance (e.g., grassland, woodlands) were evaluated for potential occurrence in the project area; see Special-status Species Evaluation Criteria.

Based on a field assessment of the suitability of habitat within the project site and surrounding lands, in combination with the proximity of recorded sightings, only one special-status plant, white-rayed pentachaeta, was determined to have any potential to occur on the project site. However, no special-status plant species were observed during the field surveys, which included a visit during the typical blooming period of the pentachaeta. No impacts to special-status plants are likely. While the site supports a few native grassland species, those are situated within a matrix of highly disturbed, weedy vegetation unlikely to support rare plants.

Table 1. Special-Status Species Reported from Project Vicinity Listing Status Life Form, Blooming Scientific Name Common Name USFWS/ Period, and General Potential for Species Occurrence CDFW/ CNPS2 Habitat Perennial deciduous shrub. Blooms April- Not present. Documented July. Broadleafed occurrence within one mile. Amorpha upland forest Species report from 1875 Napa false californica var. --/--/ 1B.2 (openings), collection, exact location indigo napensis chaparral, unknown, population assumed cismontane extirpated. Species not observed woodland. 120-2000 on property. Impacts are unlikely. m. Annual herb, hemiparasitic. Blooms June- Chloropyron October. Coastal salt Point Reyes Not present. Species reported in maritimum ssp. --/--/ 1B.2 marsh. Usually in bird's beak baylands. Suitable habitat not palustre coastal salt marsh present within the project site. with Salicornia, Distichlis, Jaumea, Spartina, etc. 0-15 m.

2 Listing Status: FE-federally listed as endangered, FT-federally listed as threatened, SE-state listed as endangered, ST-state listed as threatened, Candidate SE-state candidate to be listed as endangered under CESA Candidate ST-state candidate to be listed as threatened under CESA, SR-state listed as rare. California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) 1A – Presumed extinct in California and rare/extinct elsewhere, 1B – Rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere, 2A – Presumed extirpated in California, more common elsewhere, 2B – Rare, threatened, or endangered in California, more common elsewhere, 3 - Plants for which we need more information, 4 – Plants of limited distribution. Suffixes: .1 Seriously endangered in California, .2 Fairly endangered in California, and .3 Not very endangered in California.

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 13

Listing Status Life Form, Blooming Scientific Name Common Name USFWS/ Period, and General Potential for Species Occurrence CDFW/ CNPS2 Habitat Low. Documented occurrence Annual herb. Blooms within 1.5 miles. Species report June-October. from 1883 collection, exact Holocarpha Coastal prairie, Santa Cruz FT/SE/ 1B.1 location unknown, population macradenia coastal scrub, valley tarplant assumed extirpated. No recent and foothill occurrences reported nearby and grassland (often clay, site conditions unlikely to support sandy). 10-220 m. this species. Impacts are unlikely. Low. Documented occurrence Annual herb. Blooms Marin western within one mile. Species report April-July. Hesperolinon flax from 1880s collection, exact FT/CT/ 1B.1 Serpentinite congestum (Marin dwarf location unknown, population chaparral and flax) assumed extant. Suitable grassland. 5-370 m. serpentine habitat not present.

Impacts are unlikely. Low. Documented occurrence Annual herb. Blooms within 0.3 miles, on north slope of March-May. Greenbrae hills, from 1946 Pentachaeta white-rayed FE/SE/ 1B.1 Woodland, grassland collection. Marginally suitable bellidiflora pentachaeta (often serpentinite). habitat present, but species not 35-620 m. observed during blooming period. Impacts are unlikely. Annual herb. Blooms Polygonum May-August. Not present. Species reported in Marin knotweed marinense --/--/ 3.1 Marshes and baylands. Suitable habitat not

swamps (coastal salt present within the project site. or brackish). Annual herb. Blooms Low. Documented occurrence April-June. Coastal within 0.3 miles, on north slope of bluff scrub, valley two fork clover Greenbrae hills, from 1946 Trifolium and foothill (Showy Indian FE/--/ 1B.1 collection. No recent occurrences amoenum grassland clover) reported nearby and site (sometimes conditions unlikely to support this serpentinite). Open, species. Species not observed. sunny sites, swales. Impacts are unlikely. 5-415 m.

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 14

Special-status Animals Based on the background literature review, a number of special-status animal species and species of local interest are reported in the project vicinity (Figure 2; CDFW 2018 and 2019a; Appendices B and C). Based on a field assessment of the suitability of habitat within the project site and surrounding lands, in combination with the proximity of recorded sightings, these species were evaluated for potential occurrence in the project area; see Special-status Species Evaluation Criteria. Species known to occur in the region, but with limited or no potential for occurrence within the project site due to the lack of suitable habitat or species not formally listed are not described further (e.g., California black rail, California least tern, California Ridgway’s rail, Delta smelt, green sea turtle, longfin smelt, marbled murrelet, salt-marsh harvest mouse, short-tailed albatross, tidewater goby, western snowy plover). All of these species occur in marine, bayland, estuarine, or old growth forest habitats; none of these habitat types are present on the property or in the immediately vicinity.

In addition, several migratory bird species of concern are reported for the project region (USFWS 2019). Some of these species may occur within the project site on a regular basis (i.e., Allen’s hummingbird, Nuttall’s woodpecker) but others are highly unlikely. These species are not described further in this report, but will be protected in accordance with the protected bird species recommendations below. See Protected Bird Species for additional information.

Special-status Animal Descriptions3

Oak titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus; BCC) – small, gray-brown bird of oak woodlands. Forages for insects and seeds, hopping from branch to branch. Breeding occurs from March through July. Nests in cavities in trees or nest boxes. Oak titmice are a year-round resident in Marin County. Oak titmice were observed during the field survey. Suitable foraging habitat is present and nearby oaks may provide suitable nesting habitat. Present

San Bruno elfin butterfly (Callophrys mossii bayensis; FE) – occurs in coastal, mountainous areas with grassy ground cover. All known locations restricted to San Mateo County. Host plant is Pacific sedum (Sedum spathulifolium) (eggs laid on plant and caterpillars feed on sedum). Adult flight season is late February to mid-April. There is a documented occurrence for this species in Marin County near Alpine Lake at an undisclosed time (limited occurrence information; CDFW 2019a). The project is outside the range of this species. Suitable habitat is not present. Not Present

3 Listing Status: FE-federally listed as endangered, FT-federally listed as threatened, BCC-Bird of Conservation Concern, SE-state listed as endangered, ST-state listed as threatened, Candidate SE-state candidate to be listed as endangered under CESA Candidate ST-state candidate to be listed as threatened under CESA, FP-State of California fully-protected species, SSC-California Species of Special Concern, and WL-Watch List.

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 15

Mission blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides missionensis; FE) – historically, occupied grassland and chaparral habitats in seven counties surrounding the San Francisco Bay. The majority of Mission blue butterflies are now restricted to San Bruno Mountain. Small isolated colonies are also reported at Twin Peaks in San Francisco (possibly extirpated?) and Golden Gate National Recreation Area in the Marin Headlands. Host plant is silver lupine (Lupinus albifrons). Eggs are laid on plant and caterpillars feed on lupine. Adult flight season is late March to early July. Adults are known to feed on buckwheat, golden aster, wild hyacinths, and other plants. Hilltops and ridges are important breeding grounds. Suitable host plants are not present within the project site. Suitable habitat is not present. Not Present

San Pablo song sparrow (Melospiza melodia samuelis; BCC, SSC) – subspecies of song sparrow that occur in saltwater marshes around San Pablo Bay and northern San Francisco Bay, breeding in gum plants (Grindelia spp.). This species breeds from March to July in wetland gum plants. Species occurs extensively along the lower Las Gallinas Creek and adjacent McInnis Park (CDFW 2017a). The project is outside the range of this species. Suitable habitat is not present. Not Present

Foothill yellow-legged frogs (Rana boylii, candidate for listing as threatened species under CESA, SSC) – found in or near partly shaded rocky streams from near sea level to 6,300 feet in a variety of habitats. Breeding generally occurs from mid-March to early June after high winter flows have subsided. Egg masses are attached to the downstream side of rock and gravel in shallow, slow, or moderate-sized streams. Tadpoles require 3 to 4 months to attain metamorphosis. Adults take aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, and tadpoles graze along rocky stream bottoms on algae and diatoms. During all seasons, this species is generally found in or within close proximity to streams. Primary threats to this species include water management practices, non-native predators, pesticides, recreational activities along streams, habitat loss, and disease. The nearest reported occurrence for this species is from San Anselmo Creek from 1913, 1.75 miles west of the property; this population is assumed to be extirpated (CDFW 2019a). Suitable aquatic habitat is not present. Not Present

California red-legged frogs (Rana draytonii, FT, SSC) – the largest native frog in the western U.S. with females reaching up to 5¼ inches in length and males being slightly smaller. They are most common in marshes, streams, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and other water sources with plant cover. Breeding occurs in deep, slow-moving waters with dense shrubby or emergent vegetation from late November through April. Floating egg masses are attached to emergent vegetation near the water’s surface. Tadpoles require 3½ to 7 months to attain metamorphosis. During the non- breeding season, California red-legged frogs can remain at the breeding site (in the presence or absence of water) or move into surrounding non-breeding habitats. Adults eat invertebrates and small vertebrates. Larvae are algal grazers. The nearest reported occurrence for this species are

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 16

reported near Peacock Gap Golf Course in San Rafael; 4 miles from the property (CDFW 2019a). Suitable aquatic habitat is not present. Not Present

Myrtle’s Silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene myrtleae; FE) – historically, occupied coastal dune, prairie habitat, dunes, and bluffs from San Mateo County north to the Russian River in Sonoma County. Four remaining populations occur in western Marin County and southwestern Sonoma County. Larvae typically feed on violets (Viola adunca) where eggs are laid. Adult flight season from late June to early September. Adults known to use a number of nectar plants [i.e., gum plant, yellow sand verbena, mints (Monardella sp.), seaside daisy, and nonnative bull thistle and false dandelion]. Suitable host plants are not present within the project site. Suitable habitat is not present. Not Present

Northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina; FT, ST, SSC) – occupy dense forest and woodland habitats. Breeding sites include tree or snag cavities or broken tops of large trees. Nocturnal hunter eating mostly small mammals, especially dusky-footed woodrats. Year-round resident in Marin County where it is known from breeding occurrences in old-growth and mixed forest habitats. Spotted owls are reported 2 miles to the west and southwest in densely forested habitats (CDFW 2019a). Due to the urban development and distance to densely forested habitats, the likelihood of spotted owl occurrence is low. Suitable forested habitat is not present. Not Present

Special-status and Common Bat Species There are approximately 15 bat species with known occurrences within Northern California, and a number of these species have a high probability of occurring within the project region. Bats are highly mobile; many are migratory. Foraging habitats range from woodlands, forests, and grasslands to open water. All of Marin County bats are insectivorous and feed by echolocation. Bats use caves, mines, buildings, bridges, tree hollows, and other natural and man-made crevices for roosting. Focused surveys for bats were not performed as part of this assessment; however, a number of bat species are likely to forage over the site and may roost in nearby trees and buildings. One special-status bat species is reported in the region – pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus; SSC; CDFW 2019a). They are reported from a 1891 collection to the north and a 1961 collection to the west; bat species are typically under reported in the CNDDB. Pallid bats are a crevice dwelling species. Roosting sites include caves, mines, crevices, buildings (frequently uses), and hollow trees during day, more open sites used at night. They are a social species and typically roost in groups.

Construction activities would not likely disrupt the foraging behavior of bats, as they are nocturnal and work will be restricted to daylight hours. Impacts on foraging bats are unlikely. Currently, no suitable roost trees are proposed for removal. However, if any trees over 6 inches at breast height are removed, bat protection measures should be in place.

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 17

Protected Bird Species Nesting native bird species are protected under both federal and state regulations. According to US Fish and Wildlife Service, under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA; 50 CFR 10.13), “it is unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, possess, sell, purchase, barter, import, export, or transport any migratory bird, or any part, nest, or egg or any such bird, unless authorized under a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior. Some regulatory exceptions apply. Take is defined as: ‘pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect.” Bald and golden eagles are also protected under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668-668c) of 1940.

Birds and their nests are also protected under the California Fish and Wildlife Code (§3503 and §3513). Under §3503, “it is unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird, except as otherwise provided by this code or any regulation made pursuant thereto.” Under §3513, “it is unlawful to take or possess any migratory nongame bird as designated in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or any part of such migratory nongame bird except as provided by rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior under provisions of the Migratory Treaty Act.” The federal Endangered Species Act and California Endangered Species Act also protect nesting threatened and endangered bird species.

Vegetation removal and/or construction activities in areas with suitable nesting habitat during the breeding period, typically mid-February to mid-August in this area, could result in nest abandonment or loss of native nesting birds unless appropriate actions are taken (e.g., preconstruction surveys, avoidance, monitoring, etc.; RHJV 2004).

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 18

7. Conclusions and Recommendations The proposed project includes constructing a single family residence at 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County. The 2.55-acre parcel is currently undeveloped. The landowner is proposing to construct a multi-story residence with a driveway, parking, and garage. The building site will be located in the central portion of the site directly off Via Navarro. The biological assessment focused on the project site where the development is proposed; a comprehensive survey of the entire parcel was not completed. Based on the background literature, data search, and field survey, the following biological resource determinations were made:

. The residence will be constructed on very steep, undeveloped land. The majority of the building site will be located on a knoll dominated by non-native bamboo and French broom with scattered native coyote brush along the periphery. The eastern edge of the building site will span an existing drainage bordered by patches of coyote brush, a single coast live oak tree, and areas of grassland and rock outcrops. The proposed driveway will be aligned along an existing cut from Via Navarro that is dominated by grasses and forbs and adjacent to rock outcrops. . The seasonal drainage originates upslope of the project site and flows in a southwest direction towards Via Navarro. The drainage exhibits a defined bed and banks. It flows through a plastic pipe at the lower elevations of the site before surfacing again near the street. This drainage is ephemeral – flowing only in direct response to precipitation in the immediate locality. CDFW has provided their opinion that the drainages would fall under their jurisdiction and be subject to a Section 1600 Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement. . The grassland and rock outcrop areas within the project site support small stands of native grasses and herbs within a matrix of weedy non-natives. Cover and quality of native species in grassland areas is very low, but is higher within the rock outcrop itself. . No special-status plant species were observed or have significant potential to occur. . The site supports habitat for a variety of native wildlife species (e.g., reptiles, amphibians, mammals, invertebrates). Wildlife may be venture into the project site on occasion. Birds were the most abundant wildlife species documented within the project site. Game trails were also prevalent. . The project site and the surrounding habitat support breeding/wintering/foraging habitat for a number of native bird species, including special-status species oak titmouse. Breeding birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, California Fish and Game Code, and federal and state ESAs. Protected birds may be present within the project site during construction (i.e., birds may nest in the native and non- native vegetation). . The site supports potential foraging habitat for special-status and common bat species. Nearby trees may support roosting habitat. Currently, no roost trees are

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 19

proposed for removal and construction will be limited to the day light hours and not disrupt bat foraging.

General Protection Measures . A copy of all project permits should be on site at all times and reviewed by construction crew personnel prior to beginning work. . The project limits should be clearly marked on the final design drawings and work confined within those boundaries. . Foot and vehicle traffic should be restricted to the designated work and staging areas. . Proper erosion control and other water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) should be implemented to avoid sedimentation and disturbance to downstream aquatic habitats. . All staging, maintenance, fueling, and storage of construction equipment should be conducted in a location and manner that will prevent potential runoff of petroleum products into downstream aquatic habitats. Oil-absorbent and spill-containment materials should be on site at all times. . All food trash that may attract predators should be properly stored and removed at the end of each construction day. Following construction, all trash and construction debris should be removed.

Seasonal Drainage Minimize the addition of fill, removal of native vegetation, shading over the channel, or alteration of drainage patterns of the channel running through the project site.

Restore areas of the drainage currently confined to underground pipes to a more open, natural channel configuration.

Develop a revegetation plan for the drainage to increase cover and complexity and improve wildlife habitat and plant diversity. The plan should be developed in consultation with a qualified revegetation specialist or ecologist. All site restoration should include only native species from Marin County.

Native Plants and Natural Communities Native trees are particularly susceptible to disturbance, especially within the root crown and root zone, commonly referred to as the Root Protection Zone (RPZ), which is defined as 1.5 times the dripline radius measured from the tree trunk. The RPZ also extends approximately three feet below the soil surface.

Minimize impacts within the Root Protection Zone:

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 20

Temporary protective fencing should be installed around RPZs or, at a minimum, the dripline perimeter of trees near work areas. Changes in drainage within protected tree perimeters should be avoided to the extent feasible. Soil compaction within protected tree perimeters should be avoided to the extent feasible. Heavy equipment, vehicles, and/or construction materials should not be parked or stored beneath trees or operated within the delineated protected perimeter.

Minimize tree pruning. Light pruning may occur at any time of year. Heavy pruning may cause problems due to vigorous sprouting and subsequent witches broom or powdery mildew diseases. Heavy pruning should be done on deciduous trees in the winter.

Incorporate removal of invasive species (e.g., French broom) into project design and restore with native vegetation. Dispose of any material with potential to germinate or resprout in a landfill. Monitor areas of ground disturbance for invasive species infestation. Remove non-natives throughout the property to minimize recolonization of restored areas.

Revegetation of disturbed soil should occur promptly after disturbance. All site restoration should include only native species from Marin County.

Special-status Plants and Communities Avoid impacts to the rock outcrop, which supports native grassland species. If construction footprint will come within 25’, install temporary exclusionary fencing to protect the area.

As feasible, protect or transplant native needlegrass from areas below building site. Transplanting is best done after the rainy season has begun; if plant salvage is to occur in the dry season, plants can be held in nursery containers and watered regularly until planting season.

General Wildlife Species Protection Measures Prior to construction, temporary wildlife exclusionary fencing (e.g., silt fence, which is a piece of synthetic filter fabric [also called geotextile]) should be installed between the buildings site and the upslope drainage. Openings should be restricted to areas of construction site access. This fencing will preclude animals from entering the work area.

Excavated holes, trenches, etc. greater than one foot in depth should be covered with boards or other appropriate materials or backfilled with dirt at the end of each working day. If trenches remain open overnight, earthen escape ramps should be constructed every 20’.

All wildlife encountered during construction should be allowed to leave the site under their own volition.

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 21

Special-status and Common Bird Species Vegetation removal (i.e., broom removal) or tree trimming should occur outside of the critical breeding period (typically February through August in Marin County).

If activities must occur during the normal breeding season, the work area should be surveyed by a qualified biologist prior to commencing. If active nests or behavior indicative of nesting are encountered, those areas plus a 50-foot buffer for small songbirds and 150-foot buffer for larger birds (e.g., owls, raptors) designated by the biologist should be avoided until the nests have been vacated.

If work occurs during the active breeding season and active nests are documented within the project site, ongoing construction monitoring should occur to ensure no nesting activity is disturbed. If the site is left unattended for more than one week following the initial survey, an additional survey should be completed.

Special-status and Common Bat Species Construction should be limited to daylight hours to avoid interference with the foraging abilities of bats.

Currently, no suitable bat roost trees are proposed for removal. However, if plans change, the following recommendations should be implemented:

Prior to tree removal/trimming (branches over 6” DBH), a qualified biologist should survey for bat roosts. If active bat roosts area identified within the vegetation to be removed, disturbance should not be allowed until the roost is abandoned or unoccupied. CDFW consultation may be required if special-status bat species are present.

If bats are present, a number of deterrent methods can be employed to encourage bats to relocate (for non-CDFW listed species). This could include changes to lighting, air flow patterns, and noise disturbance. Exclusion methods should be developed based on the species present and location of occupied roosts. Bat exclusion should not be performed during that maternity season (June through August) or during winter hibernation (November through February). Bat exclusion should be overseen by a qualified biologist.

If tree trimming/removal is postponed or interrupted for more than two weeks from the date of the initial bat survey, the biologist should repeat the pre-construction survey.

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 22

8. References

Calflora. 2019. Calflora database – Information on Wild California Plants for Conservation, Education, and Appreciation. Accessed at: http://www.calflora.org/.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2009. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sacramento, CA.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2018. Special Animals List – November 2018. Periodic publication.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2019a. California Natural Diversity Database, RareFind Version 5.0, Spotted Owl Viewer, and BIOS. California Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, CA. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2019b. Sensitive Natural Communities. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sacramento, CA. https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=153609&inline and

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2019a. A Manual of California Vegetation Online. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA. http://vegetation.cnps.org/

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2019b. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition). California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA.

Howell J.T., F. Almeda, W. Follette, and C. Best. 2007. Marin Flora. California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA. 510 pp.

Jepson Flora Project (eds.) 2019. Jepson eFlora. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/

Marin County. Undated. Preparation of Biological Site Assessments. County of Marin, Community Development Agency, Planning Division.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2019. Web Soil Survey. Accessed at: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm.

Riparian Habitat Joint Venture (RHJV). 2004. Version 2.0. The Riparian Bird Conservation Plan: A Strategy for Reversing the Decline of Riparian Associated Birds in California. California Partners in Flight.

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 23

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2019. Information for Planning and Conservation (IPaC) Trust Resource Report. https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/.

Biological Resources Assessment 94 Via Navarro, Greenbrae, Marin County May 2019 P a g e | 24

Appendix A

Photographs