May 2, 2018
Scott Phillips Associate Planner City of Half Moon Bay 501 Main Street Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
RE: Biological Resource Evaluation Conditions Update at 2801 Champs Elysee, Half Moon Bay, California
Dear Mr. Phillips,
The purpose of this letter is to provide an update on existing conditions and avoidance and minimization measures documented in a previous biological report for the area. The focus of this letter is a subset of one parcel (Project; APN: 048-133-010) which was encompassed within the North Cabrillo Highway Subdivision Project and is located at 2801 Champs Elysee in Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California (Project Area). In addition to describing current existing conditions, this letter report identifies and describes any potential existing sensitive habitats including riparian and wetland areas or other Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA), and “rare, threatened, or endangered” species not identified in previous reports for the Project Area and an approximately 200-foot buffer surrounding the Project Area (Study Area).
WRA performed the biological evaluation on March 5, 2018 in accordance with the City of Half Moon Bay (City) Local Coastal Program (LCP), including the Section 18.38.035 of the Zoning Code LCP Implementation Plan, and Chapter 3 of the Land Use Plan. The Study Area (Project Area and surrounding 200 feet) was included in the evaluation. This assessment is based on site conditions observed on the date of the site visit, related information available at the time of the study, and a review of previous reports completed for this property. Previous reports include the North Cabrillo Highway Subdivision Biological Resource Assessment Report (2011 BRA)1 which encompassed the current Project and adjacent areas, and a more recent Biological Resource Assessment for 2805 Champs Elysee Boulevard2 which the 200-foot buffer encompassed the current Project Area. This report contains an updated evaluation of potential impacts to special-status species or ESHAs that may occur as a result of development of the Project Area.
Description of the Study Area
The Study Area is located west of U.S. Highway 1 in the City of Half Moon Bay and is within an area of mixed residential and agricultural development. The Study Area is comprised of a
1 WRA. 2011. North Cabrillo Highway Subdivision Biological Resource Assessment. Prepared for City of Half Moon Bay. January. 2 Coast Range Biological, LLC. 2014. Biological Resource Assessment, 2805 Champs Elysee Boulevard (APN 048-121-160), Half Moon Bay, California. Prepared by Coast Range Biological and Biosearch Associates. Prepared for City of Half moon Bay. October.
relatively flat parcel dominated by ruderal vegetation and developed/disturbed habitat to the north, west, and east with a Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa) stands in the west and in the east. Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) stands are present in the central Study Area.
Within the Study Area, the approximately 0.10-acre Project Area is relatively flat and dominated by ruderal vegetation. The majority of the Project Area has been previously disturbed by past land uses and appears unmaintained. The proposed Project is a single-family residence with access drive from Champs Elysee Boulevard and new underground utilities. No trees are proposed for removal, and no trees are present in the proposed development area. Monterey pines and Monterey cypress are present immediately adjacent to but not within the Project Area. Pullman Ditch is not present within the Project Area.
Regulatory Setting Special-status Species
Special-status species include those plants and wildlife species that have been formally listed, are proposed as endangered or threatened, or are candidates for such listing under the federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) or California Endangered Species Act (CESA). These Acts afford protection to both listed and proposed species. In addition, the following are considered special-status species: the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Species of Special Concern; the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Species of Concern; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Birds of Conservation Concern; sensitive species included in USFWS Recovery Plans; and CDFW special-status invertebrates. In addition to regulations for special-status species, most birds in the United States, including non-status species, are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA). Bat species designated as “High Priority” by the Western Bat Working Group (WBWG) qualify for legal protection under Section 15380(d) of the CEQA Guidelines. Plant species on California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Rank 1 and 2 are also considered special-status plant species.
The California Coastal Act The California Coastal Commission (CCC), in partnership with coastal cities and counties, plans and regulates the use of land and water in the coastal zone under the California Coastal Act (CCA). The coastal zone varies in width from several hundred feet in highly urbanized areas up to five miles in undeveloped areas; and, offshore, the coastal zone includes a three-mile-wide band of ocean. Development activities, which are broadly defined by the CCA to include (among others) construction of buildings, divisions of land, and activities that change the intensity of use of land or public access to coastal waters, generally require a CDP from the CCC. The CCA includes goals and policies that constitute the statutory standards applied to planning and regulatory decisions made by the CCC and by local governments.
City of Half Moon Bay LCP Land Use Plan and Coastal Resource Conservation Standards The Half Moon Bay Land Use Policies and Map constitute the Land Use Plan of the LCP. The Zoning Code (Title 18 of the Municipal Code, including Chapter 18.20, which regulates Coastal Development Permits) together with the Zoning District Map constitutes the Implementation Plan of the LCP. The primary goal of the LCP is to ensure that the local government’s land use plans, zoning ordinances, zoning maps, and implemented actions meet the requirements of the provisions and polices of the Coastal Act at the local level. Coastal Resource Conservation Standards are described in Chapter 18.38 of the LCP and define sensitive habitat and coastal resource areas for conservation to include: sand dunes; marine habitats; sea cliffs; riparian
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areas; wetland, coastal tidelands and marshes, lakes, ponds, and adjacent shore habitats; coastal or off-shore migratory bird nesting sites; areas used for scientific study, refuges, and reserves; habitats containing unique or rare and endangered species; rocky intertidal zones; coastal scrub communities; wild strawberry habitat; and archaeological resources. Marine and water resources (including riparian habitats) are further defined in Chapter 3 of the Land Use Plan. Methods Special-Status Species Literature Searches A literature and database search of special-status species with documented occurrences in the vicinity of the Study Area resulted in a list of locally present special-status species. Database searches for known occurrences of special-status species included the Half Moon Bay 7.5 minute U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle and the seven surrounding USGS quadrangles. The following sources were reviewed to determine which special-status plant and wildlife species have been documented to occur in the vicinity of the Study Area:
2011 BRA Biological Resource Assessment 2805 Champs Elysee Boulevard2 California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) records California Department of Fish and Wildlife3 California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Electronic Inventory records4 USFWS Information for Planning and Conservation Trust Resource Report5 CDFW publication “California’s Wildlife, Volumes I-III”6 CDFW publication “California Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern”7 California Bird Species of Special Concern8 Western Bat Working Group, species accounts9 City of Half Moon Bay Certified LCP Land Use Plan
A site visit was conducted to search for suitable habitats within the Study Area for those species identified as occurring within the vicinity.
3 California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2018. Natural Diversity Database, Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch. Sacramento. 4 CNPS. 2018. Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 5 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2018. IPaC - Information for Planning and Conservation Trust Resource Report. Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office. Available online: http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/. Most recently accessed March 2018. 6 Zeiner, D. C., W. F. Laudenslayer, Jr., K. E. Mayer, and M. White. 1990. California's Wildlife, Volume I- III: Amphibians and Reptiles, Birds, Mammals. California Statewide Wildlife Habitat Relationships System, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento. 7 Thompson, R. C., Wright, A. N., and Shaffer, B. H. 2016. California Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern. California Department of Fish and Wildlife and University of California Press, Oakland, California. 8 Shuford, W.D. and Gardali, T., Eds. 2008. California Bird Species of Special Concern: A ranked assessment of species, subspecies, and distinct populations of birds of immediate conservation concern in California. Studies of Western Birds 1. Western Field Ornithologists, Camarillo, California, and California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento. 9 Western Bat Working Group (WBWG). 2018. Species accounts. Prepared by: Betsy C. Bolster. Available online at: http://wbwg.org/western-bat-species/. Most recently accessed March 2018.
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Site Visit
On March 5, 2018, WRA biologists traversed the Study Area on foot to determine (1) the presence of sensitive coastal resources or habitat areas (ESHAs); (2) presence of potentially jurisdictional features such as wetlands, waters, and riparian communities; and (3) if existing conditions in the Study Area have changed since the most recent assessment in 2011, with respect to habitat provided for any rare, endangered, or unique plant or wildlife species (special- status species).
The site visit is intended to identify suitable habitat for special-status species known to occur in the vicinity in order to determine their potential to occur within the Study Area. The site visit does not constitute a protocol-level survey and is not intended to determine the actual presence or absence of a species; however, if a special-status species is observed during the site visit, its presence will be recorded and discussed.
Results
WRA concurs with the findings from the 2011 BRA that no riparian vegetation is present in the Project Area. No biological communities, special-status plants, or habitat for rare, endangered or unique wildlife species, which were not previously identified in the 2011 BRA were identified during database searches or the March 5, 2018 site visit. However, one biological community present in the Study Area, but not the Project Area, has been updated to be potentially jurisdictional under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [Corps] jurisdiction), Pullman Ditch. It’s status as an ESHA is uncertain and it may be considered a sensitive habitat as a man-made intermittent stream per the LCP. In addition, Monterey pine is a unique species under the LCP; however, no Monterey pines are within the Project Area and no trees are proposed for removal by the Project.
The following sections present the results and discussion of existing conditions within the Study Area. A BRE and a delineation update were conducted concurrently during the March 5, 2018 site visit. An updated map of biological communities present within the Study Area is provided as Attachment A. A list of observed plant and wildlife species is included as Attachment B. Photographs of the Study Area are included as Appendix C.
Biological Communities
Biological communities in the Project Area include ruderal, developed/disturbed, and Monterey pine stands (Attachment A). Monterey cypress stands, agricultural fields, and intermittent stream are present in the Study Area. These communities were described in the 2011 BRA and two updates in these communities are provided. One update to the communities is noted, an intermittent stream, locally known as Pullman Ditch, is present adjacent to but not within the Project Area. The 2011 BRA described Pullman Ditch as a man-made ditch dug in uplands based upon historic aerials and determined this feature was non-jurisdictional and a non- sensitive community. In a previous determination including the Study Area, Pullman Ditch did not receive designation as an ESHA by the CCC for the Stoloski (north Cabrillo Highway) Subdivision Project (CCC Appeal No. A-2-HMB-12-005). The CCC ruled that the ditch does not contain or support habitat for listed species and does not contain riparian habitat per the LCP definition. However, the status of Pullman Ditch as an ESHA has been debated because Pullman Ditch meets the criteria for a riparian area as a man-made intermittent stream although it does not meet the definition of riparian corridor because it lacks riparian vegetation. The potential LCP-defined 30-foot setback for intermittent streams is shown on Figure 2. The
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Project Area borders the potential 30-foot setback, and the new underground utilities may be within the setback. Additional recommendations and potential permits should impacts occur to the intermittent stream and not addressed in the 2011 BRA are provided below.
Special-status Species
WRA concurs with the 2011 BRA in finding that the Project Area has no capacity to support any special-status plant species. The 2011 BRA did determine several plant species had a moderate potential to occur in the greater study area in coastal scrub habitat; however, this habitat is not present in the current Project or Study Area. Therefore, no special-status plant species were determined to have potential to be present within the Project Area based upon a lack of suitable habitat and disturbed conditions. Monterey pine is a unique species under the LCP and is present in the Study Area. No Monterey pines are present in the Project Area, and no trees are proposed for removal as part of the Project. No additional recommendations or surveys are provided for special-status plant species.
WRA concurs with nearly all findings for special-status wildlife species in the Study Area as described in the 2011 BRA; however, two updates are provided based upon the current smaller Project Area. WRA concurs with the potential for the Project Area to support special-status bats, nesting birds, and tree-nesting raptors in the Monterey cypress and Monterey pines. No San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes annectens) houses were observed in the Project Area during the site visit on March 5, 2018. This species was identified in the Biological Resource Assessment for 2805 Champs Elysee Boulevard2 during a 2014 site visit; however, the locations observed are outside of the Project Area to the northeast. Although WRA concurs there is a moderate potential for this species in the Study Area, it is unlikely this species is present in the Project Area based on a lack of understory within the Project Area and no observed houses. WRA further concurs with the finding of the 2011 BRA that the Project and Study Areas have extremely limited potential to support California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) and San Francisco gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) based upon a lack of suitable habitat. Both species are unlikely to be present in the Project Area.
Following a review of the existing conditions in the current Project Area, one species described in the 2011 BRA was determined to be unlikely to be present in the Project Area: monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) winter roost. Roosts are located in wind protected tree groves, with nectar and water sources nearby, and are often on south, southwest, or west facing slopes which may provide more favorable temperature regimes and wind protection.10,11 The linear structure of the Monterey cypress and Monterey pines is highly exposed and the trees do not provide shelter from the wind or temperatures necessary for a winter roost. Winter roost sites may change from year to year; however, no documented roosts are known within the Study Area2 which is adjacent to residences and Highway 1.
Recommendations
Based on review of the previously submitted report and the March 5, 2018 site visit, WRA concludes that conditions within the Study Area have not changed since the 2011 BRA and that
10 Leong, K.L.H., W.H. Sakai, D. Feuerstein, and G. Yoshimura. 2004. Analysis of the pattern of distribution and abundance of Monarch Butterfly’s (Danaus plexippus L.) overwintering sites along the California coastline. Pp 177-185 in The Monarch Butterfly, Biology and Conservation. Oberhauser, K. and M. Solensky (eds.) Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. 11 Leong, K.L.H. 2016. Evaluation and Management of California Monarch Winter Sites. Western Wildlife 3:19-26.
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the report adequately assessed the impacts and appropriate mitigations for development of the Project Area. There has been no detectable change in the edge of biological communities, and no ESHAs are present in the Project Area. One biological community present in the Study Area has been updated to be jurisdictional, intermittent stream (Pullman Ditch), and may be an ESHA as a riparian area under the LCP and City Municipal Code although it does not meet the definition of riparian corridor because it lacks riparian vegetation. No special-status plant species have potential to be present in the Project Area. Several special-status wildlife species described in the 2011 BRA have potential to be present in the Project Area, and recommendations following current guidelines are provided below.
Biological Communities
No intermittent stream, locally known as Pullman Ditch, is present within the Project Area; however, Pullman Ditch is proximate to the Project Area. Within the intermittent stream, non- wetland waters below the OHWM may be subject to jurisdiction of the Corps under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Areas below TOB may be subject to jurisdiction of the RWQCB and CDFW under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act and Section 1602 of the CFGC, respectively. Avoidance of jurisdictional features is recommended to the extent possible; however, if avoidance is infeasible due to the nature of the project and site constraints, permits should be sought with the appropriate regulatory agencies. If the project proposes to impact the intermittent stream (Pullman Ditch) at or below top of bank, the following permits may be required prior to project commencement: Corps Section 404 Permit RWQCB Section 401 Water Quality Certification CDFW Section 1602 Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement permit
Mitigation may be required for impacts to jurisdictional features and typically required at a minimum of a 1:1 ratio, which would be negotiated through the permitting process.
In addition, the status of Pullman Ditch as an ESHA is uncertain. In previous decisions on Pullman Ditch in the immediate vicinity of the Project, the Coastal Commission determined Pullman Ditch does not meet the definition of an ESHA (CCC Appeal No. A-2-HMB-12-005) because it lacked riparian vegetation, but it may meet the riparian area as a man-made intermittent stream. The underground utilities may be within 30 feet of the centerline of Pullman Ditch. Therefore, the City will need to decide if the proposed Project conforms with the LCP, if LCP-defined setbacks are required, or if the utilities need to be relocated. Installation of the underground utilities is a temporary disturbance and it is up to the City to determine if the Project conforms to the LCP and City Municipal Code.
Special-status Species
Bats No tree removal is proposed; however, if tree removal or trimming is to occur, special-status bats may be impacted during tree removal activities by causing injury to or the death of individuals. The trees within the Project Area provide day roosting habitat for some special- status bat species as described in the 2011 BRA; however, no maternity roost habitat is present. The following measure is recommended to avoid impacts to special-status bat species:
If the proposed Project plans include tree removal, felled trees must lay undisturbed overnight before further tree moving (i.e. hauling offsite, chipping, etc.) can proceed.
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Special-status birds, raptors, and common nesting birds
As described in the 2011 BRA, the trees in the Project Area provide nesting habitat for special- status birds. In addition, non-special-status native birds are protected by the MBTA and CFGC and raptors, including common species, are unique species in the LCP. There is no potential for ground-nesting raptors such as northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) to nest within the Study Area. Potential impacts to these species and their habitats could occur during the removal of vegetation or during ground-disturbing activities. These activities could result in the direct removal or destruction of active nests or may create audible, vibratory, and/or visual disturbances that cause birds to abandon active nests.
In compliance with the CDFW guidelines, the LCP, MBTA and CFGC, if project activities are initiated or vegetation removal occurs during the nesting season (February 1 through August 15), a survey for active bird nests shall be conducted by a qualified biologist no more than 14 days prior to the start of proposed activities (vegetation removal, grading, or other ground- disturbing activities). The survey shall be conducted in a sufficient area around the work site to identify the location and status of any nests that could potentially be directly or indirectly affected by Project activities. Based on the results of the pre-construction breeding bird survey, a qualified biologist shall include the following measures:
If active nests of protected species are found within Project impact areas or close enough to these areas to affect nesting success, a work exclusion zone shall be established around each nest by a qualified biologist. Established exclusion zones shall remain in place until all young in the nest have fledged or the nest otherwise becomes inactive. Appropriate exclusion zone sizes vary dependent upon bird species, nest location, existing visual buffers, ambient sound levels, and other factors; an exclusion zone radius may be as small as 25 feet (for common, disturbance-adapted species) or as large as 250 feet or more for raptors. Exclusion zone size may also be reduced from established levels if supported with nest monitoring by a qualified biologist indicating that work activities are not adversely impacting the nest.
San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat
Although no San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat houses were observed, the Monterey pines and Monterey cypress habitats in the Project and Study Areas may support this species based on previous detections in adjacent to the Project Area. The following measure is recommended to avoid impacts to San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat:
If disturbance to the understory of the Monterey pines or Monterey cypress stands, a pre-construction survey is recommended to determine the presence of San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat houses. o If houses are observed, they should be avoided if feasible. If avoidance is not feasible, the houses will be dismantled by hand under the supervision of a biologist. If young are encountered during the dismantling process, the material should be placed back on the house and the house should remain unmolested for two to three weeks in order to give the young enough time to mature and leave the house. After two to three weeks, the nest dismantling process may begin again. Nest material will be moved to suitable adjacent areas that will not be impacted.
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Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the findings of this Biological Resource Evaluation Conditions Update.
Sincerely,
Patricia Valcarcel Associate Wildlife Biologist
Attachments
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ATTACHMENT A
BIOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA 200' Buffer - Study Area (8.69 ac.)
Project Parcel (0.33 ac.)
Approximate Project Area (0.10 ac.)
Ordinary High Watermark
To p o f B a nk
Potential LCP-setback
(! Sample Points Vegetation Communities Sensitive: Intermittant Stream: On-site between OHWM = 0.0 ac. / LF Off-site between OHWM = 0.04 ac. / 4 LF On-site between TOB = 0.0 ac. / LF Off-site between TOB = 0.05 ac. / 4 LF Non-Sensitive: Active Agricultural Fields: On-site = 0 ac. Off-site = 1.26 ac.
Developed/Disturbed: xd SP01 (! SP02 On-site = 0.0 ac. (! Off-site = 2.3 ac. Monterey Pine Stands: On-site = 0.0 ac. Off-site = 0. ac.
Monterey Cypress Stands: On-site = 0.0 ac. Off-site = 0.4 ac.
Ruderal: On-site = 0. ac. Off-site = 1.16 ac. Path: L:\Acad 2000 Files\28000\28045\GIS\ArcMap\VegComm_28045.m 2000 L:\Acad Path: Sources: Esri Streaming - NAIP 2016, WRA | Prepared By: smortensen, 4/30/2018
ƚƚĂĐŚŵĞŶƚ. Biological Communities within the Study Area
2801 Champs Elysees Cabrillo Highway Subdivision 0 100 200 Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California Feet ± ATTACHMENT B
LIST OF OBSERVED PLANT AND WILDLIFE SPECIES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA Attachment B-1. Plant Species Observed in the Project Area on March 5, 2018. Common Rarity Wetland Status Scientific Name Name Origin Status CAL-IPC Status (AW 2016) non-native Avena fatua Wildoats (invasive) - Moderate - Baccharis pilularis Coyote brush native - - - Common non-native Brassica rapa mustard (invasive) - Limited FACU Rattlesnake non-native Briza maxima grass (invasive) - Limited - non-native Bromus diandrus Ripgut brome (invasive) - Moderate - Bromus non-native hordeaceus Soft chess (invasive) - Limited FACU non-native Cirsium vulgare Bullthistle (invasive) - Moderate FACU Andean non-native Cortaderia jubata pampas grass (invasive) - High FACU Cucurbita sp. - - - - - Cyperus eragrostis Tall cyperus native - - FACW non-native Daucus carota Carrot (invasive) - - UPL non-native Delairea odorata Cape ivy (invasive) - High - Distichlis spicata Salt grass native - - FAC Erigeron foliosus Leafy daisy native - - - Erigeron sp. - - - - - Erodium sp. - - - - - Eschscholzia California californica poppy native - - - Euphorbia sp. - - - - - Italian rye Festuca perennis grass non-native - - FAC Foeniculum non-native vulgare Fennel (invasive) - High - Fumaria sp. - - - - - Genista non-native monspessulana French broom (invasive) - High - Geranium non-native dissectum Wild geranium (invasive) - Limited - non-native Hedera helix English ivy (invasive) - - FACU Helminthotheca Bristly ox- non-native echioides tongue (invasive) - Limited FAC Hesperocyparis Monterey macrocarpa cypress native Rank 1B.2 - -
B-1
non-native Hirschfeldia incana Mustard (invasive) - Moderate - Common non-native Holcus lanatus velvetgrass (invasive) - Moderate FAC Iris sp. - - - - - Common bog Juncus effusus rush native - - FACW Juncus tenuis Slender rush native - - FACW Coastal bush Lupinus arboreus lupine native - - - Lysimachia Scarlet arvensis pimpernel non-native - - FAC Lythrum Hyssop hyssopifolia loosestrife non-native - - OBL Malva parviflora Cheeseweed non-native - - - Medicago California non-native polymorpha burclover (invasive) - Limited FACU Narcissus pseudonarcissus Daffodil non-native - - - Bermuda non-native Oxalis pes-caprae buttercup (invasive) - Moderate - non-native Phalaris aquatica Harding grass (invasive) - Moderate FACU Pinus radiata Monterey pine native Rank 1B.1 - - Plantago Cut leaf non-native coronopus plantain (invasive) - - FAC Common Plantago major plantain non-native - - FAC Annual blue Poa annua grass non-native - - FAC Polygonum Prostrate aviculare knotweed non-native - - FAC Polypogon Annual beard non-native monspeliensis grass (invasive) - Limited FACW Pseudognaphaliu m sp. - - - - - Jointed non-native Raphanus sativus charlock (invasive) - Limited - California Rubus ursinus blackberry native - - FAC non-native Rumex crispus Curly dock (invasive) - Limited FAC Salix lasiolepis Arroyo willow native - - FACW Scabiosa sp. - - - - - non-native Silybum marianum Milk thistle (invasive) - Limited -
B-2
Solanum sp. - - - - - Stachys sp. - - - - - Garden non-native Tropaeolum majus nasturtium (invasive) - - UPL Ulmus parvifolia Chinese elm non-native UPL Vicia sativa Spring vetch non-native - - FACU Vicia sp. - - - - - non-native Vinca major Vinca (invasive) - Moderate - Zantedeschia non-native aethiopica Callalily (invasive) - Limited OBL
B-3
Attachment B-2. Wildlife Species Observed in the Project Area on March 5, 2018. Scientific Name Common Name Mammals Microtus sp. Vole (burrow)
Felis catus Domestic cat
Canis lupus familiaris Domestic dog (track)
Procyon lotor Raccoon
Birds Turdus migratorius American robin
Passerculus sandwichensis alaudinus Bryant’s savannah sparrow
Sayornis nigricans Black phoebe
Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow
Aphelocoma californica California scrub jay
Corvus corvax Common raven
Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged blackbird
Melozone crissalis California towhee
Zonotrichia leucophrys White crowned song sparrow
Zenaida macroura Mourning dove
Zonotrichia atricapilla Golden-crowned sparrow
Selasphorus sasin Allen’s hummingbird
Calypte anna Anna’s hummingbird
B-4
ATTACHMENT C
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE STUDY AREA Photograph 1. View facing east of the Project Area with flat ruderal vegetation in the foreground and developed/disturbed habitat in the background. Image taken March 5, 2018.
Photograph 2. View facing northwest of the Project Area with flat ruderal vegetation in the foreground and developed parcels in the background. Image taken March 5, 2018.
Attachment C. Site Photographs 1 Photograph 3. View facing south of the agricultural fields in the Study Area. Image taken March 5, 2018.
Photograph 4. View facing north of Pullman Ditch within the Project Area. Image taken March 5, 2018.
Attachment C. Site Photographs 2 Photograph 7. View facing south with ruderal vegetation in the foreground and Monterey cypress/Monterey pine stands in the background. Image taken March 5, 2018.
Photograph 8. View of the sample point within the Project Area showing ruderal vegetation. Image taken March 5, 2018.
Attachment C. Site Photographs 3 North Cabrillo Highway Subdivision Biological Resource Assessment
Half Moon Bay, California
Prepared For:
City of Half Moon Bay 501 Main Street Half Moon Bay, California 94019 Attn: Steve Flint
Contact:
Dana Riggs [email protected]
Date:
January 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Setting...... 1 1.1.1. Project Area...... 2
2.0 REGULATORY SETTING ...... 6 2.1 The California Coastal Act ...... 6 2.2 City of Half Moon Bay Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan and Coastal Resource Conservation Standards ...... 6
3.0 METHODS...... 6 3.1 Sensitive Biological Communities...... 6 3.2 Special Status Species...... 7 3.3 Rare, Endangered, and Unique Species Habitat Assessment ...... 8
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION...... 8 4.1 Biological Communities...... 8 4.1.1 Non-sensitive Biological Communities ...... 8 4.2 Special Status Species within the Project and Study Areas ...... 11 4.2.1 Plants ...... 11 4.2.2 Wildlife...... 15 4.3 Rare, Endangered, and Unique Species Habitat Assessment ...... 18 4.3.1 California Red-legged Frog ...... 18 4.3.2 San Francisco Garter Snake...... 22 4.3.3 Raptor Assessment...... 23
5.0 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION ...... 23 5.1 Biological Communities...... 24 5.2 Special Status Plants and Wildlife ...... 24 5.2.1 Special Status Plants ...... 24 5.2.2 Special Status Wildlife...... 25
6.0 REFERENCES...... 26
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Location Map...... 3 Figure 2. Vegetation Communities ...... 5 Figure 3. CNDDB Plants ...... 12 Figure 4. CNDDB Wildlife ...... 16 Figure 5. Nearby CRLF Occurrence Map ...... 20
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A. List of Observed Plants and Wildlife Species in the Project Area and Study Area Appendix B: Representative Photographs Appendix C: Special Status Plant and Wildlife Species Table
i 1.0 INTRODUCTION
On November 11, 2010 WRA, Inc. (WRA) conducted a biological reconnaissance of the Stoloski Property (APN 048-133-010; hereinafter, “Project Area”); and the surrounding 200-foot-wide Study Area required by section 18.38.035. Mapping of Coastal Resources, around the Project Area including the off-site Pullman Ditch located on North Cabrillo Highway (Highway 1) in the City of Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California (Figure 1).
The purpose of this reconnaissance and report is to identify, describe, and map any potential existing wild strawberry habitat, sensitive habitats including riparian and wetland areas or other Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA), and “rare, threatened, or endangered” species which may occur in the Project Area and the surrounding 200-foot-wide Study Area (Figure 1). Additionally, this report includes an analysis of potential impacts associated with an application for a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) (hereinafter, the “proposed project”). The proposed project consists of an application for a CDP and Tentative Parcel Map to divide approximately 2.1 acres of existing farmed lands into four lots, and to construct a new on-site storm drain system to replace an existing open channel (Pullman Ditch), located along the northern boundary of the proposed Project Area. The proposed project would not include development other than infrastructure including the installation of streets, storm drains, and utilities.
WRA performed the biological reconnaissance in accordance with the City of Half Moon Bay (City) Local Coastal Program (LCP), including the Section 18.38.035 of the Zoning Code LCP Implementation Plan, and Chapter 3 of the Land Use Plan. This assessment is based on site conditions observed on the date of the site visit, related information available at the time of the study, and from past reports completed for properties located on or adjacent to Pullman Ditch. This report also contains an evaluation of potential impacts to special status species or ESHAs that may occur as a result of the proposed project and potential mitigation measures to compensate for those impacts.
As part of this study, WRA also performed a habitat assessment for rare, endangered, or unique species listed in the LCP that typically occur in habitats similar to those of the Project and Study Areas including: the California Red-legged Frog (CRLF, Rana draytonii), San Francisco Garter Snake (SFGS, Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia), and Raptors, to determine if the Project Area or Study Area provides “habitats containing or supporting rare and endangered species,” as that term is used in the City LCP.
1.1 Setting
The Stoloski Property (Project Area) is located at 37° 29' 19.40” N latitude, 122° 27' 07.84” W, longitude, approximately + 20 feet west of Highway 1 and 600 feet landward of the Pacific Ocean, +9,300 feet northwest (2.0 miles, up coast) from the intersection of Highways 1 and 92. (Figure 1). The nearest streams mapped by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) (2004) are: Frenchman’s Creek, approximately 2,500 feet to the south; Naples Ditch (aka “Naples Creek”), 875 feet to the north; and Arroyo de en Medio, 2600 feet to the north of the Project Area.
1 The LCP designates the Project Area as Planned Development (PD). The Zoning Map designates the site Planned Unit Development (PUD). The Project Area is bordered by residential development to the north, a commercial nursery to the east, agricultural fields to the south, and the Half Moon Bay State Beach and Pacific Ocean to the west. The western boundary of the Project Area is 225 feet east of Balboa Boulevard (part of the Half Moon Bay State Beach park road and bike trail).
Present Pullman Ditch1 (top of bank) is located on the northern boundary outside of the Project Area; culverts extend underneath existing residential structures for a length of +80 feet. Waters enter Pullman Ditch through a box culvert located adjacent to the northwest corner of the Project Area, but is located in Caltrans right-of-way. The box culvert drains various properties including the nursery located on the east side of Highway One.
Pullman Ditch, where it traverses the Study Area north of the Project Area, consists of a man-made, mechanically excavated one to two feet deep and one to two feet wide, geometrical channel, with earthen bed and banks. At the time of the site visit, water was flowing through the ditch. (See Appendix B for photographs). The western most extent of Pullman Ditch within the Study Area is daylighted and bounded by a concrete retaining wall to the north and straw bale swales to the south for a length of +90 feet, as shown in Appendix B. The eastern extent of the ditch is a narrow (approximately 5 feet wide) deeply incised channel dominated by non-native vegetation. Pullman ditch trends southwesterly north of the Project Area boundary and drains into the Pacific Ocean through a box culvert at the westernmost extent of the Study Area.
1.1.1. Project Area
The approximately 2.1-acres (91,476 square feet) Project Area consists of existing agricultural and ruderal field bordered by Pullman Ditch to the north, Cabrillo Highway to the east, the Half Moon Bay State Beach and Pacific Ocean to the west, and additional row crop fields to the south (Figure 1). Portions of the Project Area are used for equipment and material storage and dominated by ornamental shrubs and compacted gravel. Additionally, at the time of the site visit, the eastern portion of the Project Area was used as a pumpkin patch.
1 Pullman Ditch was dug by hand in or about 1912 as an agricultural drain, +2 feet wide and +1.5 feet deep, south of its present location. Pullman Ditch consists of an open ditch with culverts, located in the side yards of or partly underneath, homes approved and constructed after 1976 on Champs Elysee, Alameda, Pullman, and Naples Avenues. In addition, Pullman Ditch discharges to the gully and beach at the State Park unit through a culvert underneath the paved park road and trail.
2 Project Area (2.6 acres) Study Area (15.6 acres) «¬1
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Figure 1. Location Map . North Cabrillo Highway Subdivision 0 500 1,000 2,000 Feet Date: December 2010 Half Moon Bay, California Map By: Michael Rochelle
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1.1.2 Study Area
Non-native ruderal herbaceous grassland exists within the surrounding 200-foot-wide Study Area on the adjacent vacant lots immediately to the north of the Project Area. Land use to the south of the Project Area is dominated by agricultural row crops. Horticultural landscaping associated with the adjacent homes also occurs within the Study Area to the north. Coastal scrub is present in the western portion of the Study Area; this vegetation community is highly disturbed likely due to adjacent agricultural and recreational land uses. Additionally, a commercial nursery is located east of Highway 1 and the Project Area within the Study Area.
1.2 Project Description
The proposed project consists of an application for a CDP and Tentative Parcel Map to divide approximately 2.1 acres of existing farmed lands and coastal scrub into four lots, and to construct a new on-site storm drain system to replace an existing open channel (Pullman Ditch), located on adjoining properties along the northern boundary of the Project Area (Figure 2). Local Coastal Program (LCP) Land Use Plan designates the Project Area as Planned Development (PD). The Project Area is located in a Planned Unit Development zoning district, which is consistent with the LCP. The existing parcel would be subdivided into four parcels with a portion of Parcel D designated Reserve (open space). The proposed project would not include development other than infrastructure including the installation of streets, sidewalks, storm drains, and utilities.
Access to the proposed project would be from extensions of Pullman Avenue and Champs Elysee Boulevard. Pullman Avenue would be extended 60 feet with a cul-de-sac and the extension of Champs Elysee Boulevard would be constructed in the existing right of way from Washington Boulevard to the Project Area with a cul-de-sac. Cul-de-sacs are located on the Project Area. Sidewalks, gutters, and culverts would be added to bring these streets to city standards. A storm drain culvert would be constructed from Cabrillo Highway westerly to Naples Avenue as a replacement facility for the existing Pullman Ditch. Sewers would be constructed from Naples Avenue easterly to Champs Elysee Boulevard and Pullman Avenue. According to information provided by the Applicant, the existing sewer grades conflict with the proposed storm drain culvert, thus precluding a southerly extension of the sewer line to the site. The existing water mains in Champs Elysee Boulevard and Pullman Avenue would be extended to the Project Area. Total earthwork for street and infrastructure improvements would include less than 200 cubic yards of soil (Ashley 2010). Earthwork related to infrastructure was not included in the tentative parcel map. Generally these impacts are temporary as storm drains and culverts are underground and soils are balanced on-site.
4 Project Area (2.6 acres) Study Area (15.6 acres)
!!! Pullman_Ditch 2169-G East Francisco Blvd. San Rafael, CA 94901 Agriculture: (415) 454-8868 Phone 0 acre within Project Area (415) 454-0129 Fax 2.81 acres within Study Area North Cabrillo Highway Arroyo Willow: 0.06 acre within Project Area Subdivision 0.03 acre within Study Area Half Moon Bay, Coastal Scrub: ! !
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Map Date: December 2010 Map By: Michael Rochelle
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2.1 The California Coastal Act
The CCC, in partnership with coastal cities and counties, plans and regulates the use of land and water in the coastal zone under the California Coastal Act (CCA). On land the coastal zone varies in width from several hundred feet in highly urbanized areas up to five miles in certain rural areas, and offshore the coastal zone includes a three-mile-wide band of ocean. Development activities, which are broadly defined by the CCA to include (among others) construction of buildings, divisions of land, and activities that change the intensity of use of land or public access to coastal waters, generally require a CDP from the CCC. The CCA includes goals and policies that constitute the statutory standards applied to planning and regulatory decisions made by the CCC and by local governments.
2.2 City of Half Moon Bay Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan and Coastal Resource Conservation Standards
The Half Moon Bay Land Use Policies and Map constitute the Land Use Plan of the LCP. The Zoning Code (Title 18 of the Municipal Code, including Chapter 18.20, which regulates Coastal Development Permits) together with the Zoning District Map constitutes the Implementation Plan of the LCP. The primary goal of the LCP is to ensure that the local government’s land use plans, zoning ordinances, zoning maps, and implemented actions meet the requirements of the provisions and polices of the Coastal Act at the local level. Coastal Resource Conservation Standards are described in Chapter 18.38 of the LCP and define sensitive habitat and coastal resource areas for conservation to include: sand dunes; marine habitats; sea cliffs; riparian areas; wetland, coastal tidelands and marshes, lakes, ponds, and adjacent shore habitats; coastal or off-shore migratory bird nesting sites; areas used for scientific study, refuges, and reserves; habitats containing unique or rare and endangered species; rocky intertidal zones; coastal scrub communities; wild strawberry habitat; and archaeological resources. Marine and water resources (including riparian habitats) are further defined in Chapter 3 of the Land Use Plan.
3.0 METHODS
On November 11, 2010, WRA biologists traversed both the Project Area and the Study Area on foot to determine (1) the presence of sensitive coastal resources or habitat areas (ESHAs); and (2) if existing conditions provided suitable habitat for any rare, endangered, or unique plant or wildlife species (special status species), including a detailed habitat assessment specifically for endangered CRLF and SFGS known to occur in the vicinity of the Project Area. All plant and wildlife species encountered were recorded, and are summarized in Appendix A.
3.1 Sensitive Biological Communities
The Project and Study Areas were surveyed to describe biological communities present and whether any sensitive habitats as defined in the LCP were present. A preliminary wetland assessment was conducted and findings were based primarily on the presence of wetland plant indicators or hydric soils. Biological communities present in the Project and Study Areas were classified based on existing plant community descriptions described in Terrestrial Vegetation of California, Third Edition (Barbour, Keeler-Wolf, and Schoenherr, 2007). In addition, the presence
6 of any unvegetated, ponded areas or flowing water, or evidence indicating their presence such as a high water mark or a defined drainage course, was investigated. The banks of Pullman Ditch, were also examined for hydrophytic or stream-dependent woody plant species (riparian species) other than those listed in the LCP.
3.2 Special Status Species
Potential occurrence of special status species in the Project and Study areas was evaluated by first determining which special status species occur in the vicinity of the Project and Study areas through a literature and database search. Database searches for known occurrences of special status species included the Half Moon Bay 7.5 minute U.S. Geological Survey (USGS 1997) quadrangle and the seven surrounding USGS quadrangles. The following sources were reviewed to determine which special status plant and wildlife species have been documented to occur in the vicinity of the Project and Study Areas:
• California Natural Diversity Database(CNDDB) records California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG 2010) • California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Electronic Inventory records (CNPS 2010) • CDFG publication “California’s Wildlife, Volumes I-III” (Zeiner et al. 1990) • CDFG publication “Amphibians and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California” (Jennings and Hayes 1994) • A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians (Stebbins 2003)
A site visit was conducted to search for suitable habitats within the Project and Study Areas for those species identified as occurring within the vicinity. Potential for special status species to occur in the Project and Study Areas was then evaluated according to the following criteria:
(1) No Potential. Habitat on and adjacent to the site is clearly unsuitable for the species requirements (foraging, breeding, cover, substrate, elevation, hydrology, plant community, site history, disturbance regime).
(2) Unlikely. Few of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present, and/or the majority of habitat on and adjacent to the site is unsuitable or of very poor quality. The species is not likely to be found on the site.
(3) Moderate Potential. Some of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present, and/or only some of the habitat on or adjacent to the site is unsuitable. The species has a moderate probability of being found on the site.
(4) High Potential. All of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present and/or most of the habitat on or adjacent to the site is highly suitable. The species has a high probability of being found on the site.
(5) Present. Species is observed on the site or has been recorded (i.e. CNDDB, other reports) on the site recently.
Appendix C presents the special status plant and wildlife species with a potential to occur within the Project Area, their habitat requirements, and a rating of potential for occurrence.
A site visit is intended to identify suitable habitat for special status species known to occur in the vicinity in order to determine their potential to occur within the Project or Study Areas. The site visit
7 does not constitute a protocol-level survey and is not intended to determine the actual presence or absence of a species; however, if a special status species is observed during the site visit, its presence will be recorded and discussed.
3.3 Rare, Endangered, and Unique Species Habitat Assessment
A WRA wildlife biologist conducted the habitat assessment on the entirety of the Project Area and all physically accessible portions of the Study Area to determine whether habitats containing or supporting rare and endangered species or unique species are present in the Project Area or Study Area. All potential aquatic and wetland habitats were located and examined for the presence of potential CRLF or SFGS habitat per the habitat requirements of each species as described in the literature. Any potential breeding and estivation sites were noted. Upland habitats, trees, and shrubs were evaluated for their potential to support breeding raptors common to the San Mateo County coastal zone.
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
No coastal resources or sensitive habitats were found in the Project Area or Study Area. Biological communities in the Project Area include Monterey pine stands, arroyo willow stands, ruderal herbaceous grassland, and developed areas. Expanding outward from the Stoloski lot the Study Area includes Monterey pine stands, ruderal herbaceous grassland, northern coastal scrub, agricultural and developed areas. The site is bordered to the east by a Highway One and to the west by a public access recreation area along the Pacific Ocean. Residential development is present to the north, and actively farmed agricultural areas are present to the south. A description of the biological communities within the Project and Study Areas is provided below and illustrated in Figure 2.
4.1 Biological Communities
4.1.1 Non-sensitive Biological Communities
Monterey Pine
Monterey pine is one of the most widely planted conifers in the world, but in its native habitat it is restricted to five locations: the Monterey Peninsula, Cambria, Año Nuevo, and two locations on Mexican islands off the Pacific coast of Baja California. It is listed as a rare CNPS 1B taxon, but is also considered an invasive species where planted outside of its native range (Cal-IPC 2010). Half Moon Bay is not within the native range of Monterey pine, and stands in the Project and Study areas appear to have originated as linear plantings. Approximately 0.41 acre of Monterey pine stands are present in the Project Area, primarily along Pullman Ditch. An additional 0.66 acre of Monterey Pine is present in the Study Area along Pullman Ditch and in an isolated stand adjacent to Highway One. Although Monterey pines are considered a unique species by the City of Half Moon Bay (LCP page 59), the management restrictions outlined in the LCP only apply to forestry practices. Monterey Pine provides suitable nesting habitat for many migratory avian species, and may provide roosting habitat for Monarch butterfly.
8 Arroyo Willow
Arroyo Willow typically occurs in an open to dense broadleaved winter-deciduous thicket typically <10 m in height and tolerant of frequent flooding and sustained inundation. The Project Area contains approximately 0.06 acre of arroyo willow comprising of approximately three to four trees. Although arroyo willow is a riparian species, conditions within the Project Area do not meet the requirements of a riparian habitat per the LCP guidelines. Chapter 3 of the LCP defines riparian vegetation as “at least 50 percent of the cover in an area made up of riparian species” (Riparian Habitats, page 42, of the LCP). The total 0.09 acre (0.06 acre within the Project Area) of arroyo willow present in the Study Area comprises less than 50 percent of the total vegetative cover along Pullman Ditch; Pullman Ditch itself is not a riparian area per the definition provided in the LCP due to its ephemeral nature. Arroyo willow provides suitable nesting habitat for many migratory avian species.
Ruderal herbaceous grassland
Ruderal herbaceous grassland refers to weedy, non-forested areas that have been partially developed or have been used in the past for agriculture. The Project Area is composed of approximately 1.04 acres of ruderal herbaceous grassland. Plant species observed in ruderal herbaceous grassland in the Project Area include Italian thistle, bristly ox-tongue, and broadleaved pepperweed. Dominant plant species consist of ornamental plants including red passionflower (Passiflora aff. manicata) and garden nasturtium. A linear stand of Monterey cypress (Callitropsis macrocarpa) was presumably planted as a windbreak as they are sited along the southern boundary of the Project Area within the ruderal grassland habitat.
There is a small field at the extreme western edge of the Project Area where pumpkins and other winter vegetable crops are cultivated. During the November 11, 2010 site visit, these areas included pumpkins and other non-native species such as wild radish (Raphanus sativus) and black mustard (Brassica nigra), as well as non-native annual grasses.
In addition, approximately 3.73 acres of ruderal herbaceous grassland is also present in the Study Area in between areas of urban and commercial development. A small patch of ruderal grassland is present at the western edge of the Study Area just east of the coastal scrub. Dominant plant species in this area include California aster (Aster chilensis), bristly ox-tongue, broadleaved pepperweed and Italian ryegrass. Ruderal herbaceous grassland provides habitat for a number of common wildlife species adapted to disturbed conditions including Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) and Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis).
Pullman Ditch
Within the ruderal herbaceous grassland habitat, Pullman Ditch, which trends along the northern boundary of the Project Area, is a man-made ephemeral drainage for an upslope highway corridor segment. In 1947, the California Division of Highways installed two parallel 24-inch diameter pipes underneath and perpendicular to Highway 1 that, in conjunction with earthen and concrete-lined ditches to the east, apparently discharged to the head of a westerly-trending ditch located immediately adjacent to, the Stoloski parcel. In recent years, the nurseries east of Highway 1 discharged irrigation runoff to Pullman Ditch, in addition to seasonal episodic stormwater runoff from the sub-watershed (WRA 2007). Currently, the nurseries’ water management program is designed and constructed to capture irrigation water runoff for on-site storage and reuse, but stormwater runoff associated with measurable precipitation from the sub-watershed, including the impervious greenhouse complex surfaces, continues to be discharged in typically high velocity,
9 short period flows to Pullman Ditch that are observed to flow rapidly to the ocean (WRA 2007).
Pullman Ditch consists of culverts, located in the side yards of or partly underneath, homes approved and constructed after 1976 on Champs Elysee, Alameda, and Naples Avenues. In addition, Pullman Ditch discharges to the gully and beach at the State Park unit through a culvert underneath the paved park road and trail.
Pullman Ditch is not mapped or designed as a blue-line (intermittent or perennial) stream by the City, CCC (2004) or USGS (1997), nor as a “riparian habitat” by the City. By contrast, Naples Drainage (Creek) is mapped as a "Riparian Habitat-Intermittent Stream" by the City (i.g., Habitat Areas and Water Resources Overlay map, page 223, of the LCP) and is shown as a jurisdictional stream by CCC (2004). Per the LCP Land Use Plan Chapter 3, Pullman Ditch neither qualified as a “riparian area” due to its ephemeral nature, nor does it support riparian vegetation.
According to the LCP, the definition of a riparian corridor is “the limit of riparian vegetation”(i.e. a line determined by the association of plant and animal species normally found near streams, lakes, or other bodies of fresh water: The LCP further defines a riparian corridor as a corridor must contain at least a 50 percent cover of some combination of [riparian] plants listed” (Riparian Corridors, page 66, of the LCP). Of these species, only arroyo willow is present in Pullman Ditch in and adjacent to the Project Area, and provides less than 50 percent cover along the length of Pullman Ditch. Greater than 50 percent of the vegetation along the ditch within the Project Area and Study Area is non-native ornamental passion flower and garden nasturtium with only a few willow trees. The remaining area consists of Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor), native California blackberry (R. ursinus), ruderal species, Monterey pine, and planted ornamental trees. The majority of the eastern portion of the ditch (approximately 1000 feet extending from Highway 1 to the State Park walking path) is shaded by a semi-contiguous canopy of Monterey cypress and Monterey pine.
Developed
Developed areas within the Project Area include residential housing, roads, and ornamental landscaping, including a few arroyo willows, garden nasturtium, and other ornamental shrubs and trees. The Project Area is composed of approximately 1.08 acres of developed/disturbed areas. The Study Area is composed of approximately 7.30 acres. These areas provide limited opportunities for wildlife species, but can be utilized by opportunistic species such as raccoon (Procyon lotor).
Agricultural Areas
The agricultural lands located in the southern portion of the Study Area consist of ruderal grassland and row-crop species. Approximately 2.81 acres of agricultural crops are present in the Study Area. Agricultural areas provide foraging habitat for many raptor species.
Northern Coastal Scrub
Northern coastal scrub usually occurs at <500 m elevation in the coolest and most mesic habitats of any of the coastal scrub types. The Study Area includes approximately 1.05 acres of Northern coastal scrub. Dominant species include coyote brush (Baccharis pilurais), poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus auranticus), black mustard (Brassica nigra), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). This biological community is relatively disturbed particularly along the edges of recreational trails and adjacent agricultural areas.
10 4.2 Special Status Species within the Project and Study Areas
No special status plant or wildlife species or “unique” species, per the CDFG or City of Half Moon Bay LCP, were observed during the November 11, 2010 site visit. All of the plant and wildlife species observed in the Project Area are common species (Appendix A).
4.2.1 Plants
Based upon a review of the resources listed in Section 3.2, 65 special status plant species and two special status mosses are known to occur in nine USGS-quad area surrounding the Project and Study areas (CDFG 2010; CNPS 2010). Twenty-two (22) special status plant species are documented in the CNDDB within five miles of the Project and Study areas (CDFG 2010; Figure 3). Appendix C summarizes the potential for occurrence for these species in the Project Area. Forty-eight (48) of these plant species were considered to be unlikely to occur or have no potential to occur onsite due to lack of suitable habitat, such as species dependent on serpentine soils, chaparral, wetlands, or inland conditions. One species, Monterey pine, is planted onsite, and the Project and Study areas are not in the native range where this species is considered rare.
Nineteen (19) species, including 17 plants and two mosses, were determined to have a moderate potential to occur in the Study Area. However, these species are unlikely to occur in the Project Area due to higher levels of disturbance and a lack of coastal scrub habitat. No special status plant species were considered to have a high potential to occur in the Project or Study areas due to limited native habitat and levels of disturbance onsite. Species with a moderate potential to occur in the Study Area are discussed below.
Blasdale’s bent grass (Agrostis blasdalei). CNPS List 1B. Blasdale’s bent grass is a perennial grass in the family Poaceae that is rhizomatous but usually grows in compact cespitose-like clumps. This species occurs at coastal bluff edges in coastal dune, coastal bluff scrub, and coastal prairie communities. It is found in sandy or gravelly soil close to rocks, often in nutrient poor soil with sparse vegetation. It is known from 5 to 150 meters in elevation in Marin, Mendocino, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma counties, and blooms from May through July.
San Francisco Bay spineflower (Chorizanthe cuspidata var. cuspidata). CNPS List 1B. San Francisco Bay spineflower is an annual herbaceous species in the family Polygonaceae. It occurs in coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal prairie, coastal scrub, often on sandy soils. It is recorded from 3 to 215 meters in elevation in Alameda, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and possibly Sonoma counties, and blooms between April and August.
11 ^_ Project Area
s iu d a R ile M 5
Choris' popcorn-flower Oregon polemonium coastal marsh milk-vetch
Davidson's, Hall's, & Indian Valley bush-mallow San Francisco campion fragrant fritillary
Franciscan onion San Francisco collinsia rose leptosiphon
Hickman's cinquefoil San Francisco gumplant western leatherwood
Kellogg's horkelia San Mateo woolly sunflower white-rayed pentachaeta
Kings Mountain manzanita arcuate bush-mallow woodland woollythreads
Montara manzanita coast yellow leptosiphon
Figure 3. CNDDB Plants .
North Cabrillo Highway Subdivision 0 1 2 Date: December 2010 Miles Basemap: USGS Topo Quad Half Moon Bay, California Map By: Michael Rochelle
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Robust spineflower (Chorizanthe robusta var. robusta). Federal Endangered, CNPS List 1B. Robust spineflower is an annual herb in the family Polygonaceae. It occurs in openings in cismontane woodland, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, and maritime chaparral. It is typically found on sandy terraces and bluffs or in loose sand. It is recorded from 3 to 120 meters in elevation in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and possibly Marin counties, and is presumed extirpated from Alameda, Santa Clara, and San Mateo counties. It blooms between April and September.
Franciscan thistle (Cirsium andrewsii). CNPS List 1B. Franciscan thistle is a perennial herb in the family Asteraceae. It occurs mesic areas, and sometimes serpentine soils, in broadleafed upland forest, coastal bluff scrub, coastal prairie, and coastal scrub. It is recorded from 0 to 135 meters in elevation in Contra Costa, Main, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Sonoma counties, and blooms between March and July.
Compact cobwebby thistle (Cirsium occidentale var. compactum). CNPS List 1B. Compact cobwebby thistle is a perennial herb in the family Asteraceae. It occurs in both sand and clay soils in chaparral, coastal dunes, coastal prairie, and coastal scrub. It is recorded from 5 to 155 meters in elevation in San Luis Obispo and possibly Monterey counties, and is believed to be extirpated from San Francisco County. It blooms between April and June.
San Francisco collinsia (Collinsia multicolor), CNPS List 1B. San Francisco collinsia is an annual herb in the family Scrophulariaceae. It occurs in closed-cone coniferous forest and coastal scrub, and is sometimes found on serpentine soils. It is recorded from 30 to 250 meters in elevation in Monterey, Marin, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties, and blooms between March and May.
Coast (or “sand-loving”) wallflower (Erysimum ammophilum). CNPS List 1B. Coast wallflower is a perennial herb in the family Brassicaceae. It occurs in sandy openings in maritime chaparral, coastal dunes, and coastal scrub. It is recorded from 0 to 130 meters in elevation in Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara counties as well as Santa Rosa Island. It blooms between February and June.
Marin checker lily (Fritillaria lanceolata var. tristulis). CNPS List 1B. Marin checker lily is a perennial bulb in the family Liliaceae. It occurs in coastal bluff scrub, coastal prairie, and coastal scrub. It is recorded from 15 to 150 meters in elevation in Marin and San Mateo counties, and it blooms between February and May.
Dune (or “blue coast”) gilia (Gilia capitata ssp. chamissonis). CNPS List 1B. Dune gilia is an annual herb in the family Polemoniaceae. It occurs in coastal dunes and coastal scrub. It is recorded from 2 to 200 meters in elevation in Marin, San Francisco, and Sonoma counties, and it blooms between April and July.
San Francisco gumplant (Grindelia hirsutula var. maritima). CNPS List 1B. San Francisco gumplant is a perennial herb in the family Asteraceae. It occurs on bluffs or in sandy or serpentine soils in coastal scrub, coastal bluff scrub, and valley and foothill grassland communities. It is recorded from 15 to 400 meters in elevation in Marin, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, and San Mateo counties, with possible additional occurrences in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. It blooms between June and September.
13 Short-leaved evax (Hesperevax sparsiflora var. brevifolia). CNPS List 1B. Short-leaved evax is a small annual herb in the family Asteraceae. It occurs in sandy or rocky bluffs and flats in coastal bluff scrub and coastal dunes. It is recorded from 0 to 200 meters in elevation in all coastal counties from Del Norte to Santa Cruz County, but is presumed extirpated from San Francisco. It blooms between March and June.
Kellogg’s horkelia (Horkelia cuneata ssp. sericea). CNPS List 1B. Kellogg’s horkelia is a perennial herb in the family Rosaceae. It occurs on gravelly or sandy soils in closed-cone coniferous forest, maritime chaparral, and openings in coastal scrub habitat. It is recorded from 10 to 200 meters in elevation in Alameda, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and San Luis Obispo counties, and is presumed extirpated from Marin and San Francisco counties. It blooms between April and September.
Point Reyes horkelia (Horkelia marinensis). CNPS List 1B. Point Reyes horkelia is a perennial herb in the family Rosaceae. It occurs in sandy flats and dune in coastal dunes, coastal prairie, and coastal scrub. It is recorded from 5 to 30 meters in elevation in Mendocino, Marin, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Sonoma counties. It blooms between May and September.
Perennial goldfields (Lasthenia californica spp. macrantha). CNPS List 1B. Perennial goldfields is a perennial herb in the family Asteraceae. It occurs in coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, and coastal scrub. It is recorded from 5 to 520 meters in elevation in Mendocino, Sonoma, Marin, San Mateo, and San Luis Obispo counties. It blooms between January and November.
Marsh microseris (Microseris paludosa). CNPS List 1B. Marsh microseris is a perennial herb in the family Asteraceae. It occurs in closed-cone coniferous forest, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grassland, often where grasses are low-growing. It is recorded from 5 to 300 meters in elevation in Mendocino, Monterey, Marin, San Benito, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, and Sonoma counties, and is presumed extirpated from San Francisco and San Mateo counties. It blooms between April and June.
Oregon polemonium (Polemonium carneum). CNPS List 2. Oregon polemonium is a perennial herb in the family Polemoniaceae. It occurs in coastal prairie, coastal scrub, and lower montane coniferous forest. It is recorded from 0 to 1830 meters in elevation in Del Norte, Siskiyou, Humboldt, Sonoma, Marin, Alameda, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties. It blooms between April and September.
San Francisco campion (Silene verecunda ssp. verecunda). CNPS List 1B. San Francisco campion is a perennial herb in the family Caryophyllaceae. It occurs in sandy soils in coastal bluff scrub, chaparral, coastal prairie, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grassland. It is recorded from 30 to 645 meters in elevation in San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Sutter counties. It blooms between March and August.
Coastal triquetrella (Triquetrella californica). CNPS List 1B. Coastal triquetrella is a moss in the family Pottiaceae. It grows on soil in coastal bluff scrub or coastal scrub communities. It is recorded in fewer than ten small coastal occurrences in California, between 10 and 100 meters in elevation, as well as one occurrence in Oregon. California occurrences are in Del Norte, Mendocino, Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Contra Costa, and San Diego counties.
14 4.2.2 Wildlife
A total of 61 special status wildlife species are known to occur in the general vicinity of the Project Area and Study Area; nine of these species are documented to occur within five miles of the Project and Study Area by CNDDB (CDFG 2010; Figure 4). Appendix C summarizes the potential for occurrence for these species in the Project and Study Areas. Those with a moderate or high potential to occur in the Project Area or Study Area are discussed below.
Mammals
Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus). WBWG Medium Priority. This species is most abundant in the forests and croplands of the plains states and in forests of the Pacific Northwest, and is also found in the forests of the eastern United States and the arid deserts of the Southwest (TPWD 2007). Diverse woodland habitats with a mixture of forest and small open areas that provide edges seem ideal for this species (TPWD 2007). This species has been found in Spanish moss, squirrel nests, woodpecker holes, and out in the open on the trunks of trees. Summer tree roosts are typically located along edge habitats close to feeding grounds. Most females rear young in deciduous trees, while males prefer to roost in conifers. Both sexes appear to prefer older trees as roosts, which they use for up to five weeks, and apparently provide greater safety (TPWD 2007). Mature trees and snags may provide suitable roost habitat for this species in the Project Area, as well as in the Study Area.
Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus). CDFG Species of Special Concern, WBWG High Priority. The Pallid Bat is found in a variety of low elevation habitats throughout California. It selects a variety of day roosts including rock outcrops, mines, caves, hollow trees, buildings, and bridges. Night roosts are usually found under bridges, but also in caves, mines, and buildings. Pallid Bat are sensitive to roost disturbance. Unlike most bats, Pallid Bat primarily feed on large ground-dwelling arthropods, and many prey are taken on the ground (Zeiner, et al. 1990). Mature trees and snags may provide suitable roost habitat for this species in the Project Area, as well as in the Study Area.
Western Red Bat (Lasiurus blossevillii). WBWG High Priority. This species is considered highly migratory, and broadly distributed, reaching from southern Canada, through much of the western United States. They are typically solitary, roosting primarily in the foliage of trees or shrubs. Day roosts are commonly in edge habitats adjacent to streams or open fields, in orchards, and sometimes in urban areas possibly an association with riparian habitat (particularly willows, cottonwoods, and sycamores). Mature trees and snags may provide suitable roost habitat for this species in the Project Area as well as in the Study Area.
San Francisco Dusky-footed Woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes annectens). CDFG Species of Special Concern. This species inhabits hardwood forests of moderate canopy with a moderate to dense understory. The subspecies occurs in Coast Ranges between San Francisco Bay and the Salinas River (Matocq, 2003). It prefers brushy riparian habitats, coast live oak woodland, and dense scrub communities. Prominent stick houses typically provide evidence of its presence. Nests are constructed out of leaves, shredded grass, and other material. Habitat for this species exists in the shrubs of the Project and Study areas.
15 ^_ Project Area
s iu ad R ile Sensitive Occurrences: M - San Francisco Garter Snake #'s 2,5,7,9,10,11 5 13,26,27,28,31,34,35,39,45 - monarch butterfly #'s 54,55,64,65,66
American Badger monarch butterfly
California Red-legged Frog Saltmarsh Common Yellowthroat
San Bruno elfin butterfly Steelhead - Central California Coast DPS
San Francisco Dusky-footed Woodrat
Figure 4. CNDDB Wildlife .
North Cabrillo Highway Subdivision 0 1 2 Date: December 2010 Miles Basemap: USGS Topo Quad Half Moon Bay, California Map By: Michael Rochelle
Path: L:\Acad 2000 Files\20000\20206\gis\arcmap\CNDDB_Wildlife.mxd Birds
White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus). CDFG Fully Protected Species. Kite occur in low elevation grassland, agricultural, wetland, oak woodland, and savannah habitats. Riparian zones adjacent to open areas are also used. Vegetative structure and prey availability seem to be more important than specific associations with plant species or vegetative communities. Lightly grazed or ungrazed fields generally support large prey populations and are often preferred to other habitats. Kite primarily feed on small mammals, although, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects are also taken. Nest trees range from single isolated trees to trees within large contiguous forests. Preferred nest trees are extremely variable, ranging from small shrubs (less than 10 ft. tall), to large trees (greater than 150 ft. tall) (Dunk 1995). Suitable foraging habitat is present and suitable nesting habitat may be present in trees and/or large shrubs within the Project Area, as well as in the Study Area.
Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi). CDFG Species of Special Concern, USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern. Within the coniferous forest biome, this species is most often associated with forest openings, forest edges near natural openings (e.g., meadows, canyons, rivers) or human-made openings (e.g., harvest units), or open to semi-open forest stands (Altman, 2000). Suitable foraging habitat is present and suitable nesting habitat may be present in trees and/or large shrubs within the Project Area, as well as in the Study Area.
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). CDFG Species of Special Concern, USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern. Loggerhead Shrike is a common resident and winter visitor in lowlands and foothills throughout California. It prefers open habitats with scattered trees, shrubs, posts, fences, utility lines or other perches. Nests are usually built on a stable branch in a densely-foliaged shrub or small tree and are usually well-concealed. The highest densities occur in open-canopied valley foothill hardwood, valley foothill hardwood-conifer, valley foothill, riparian, pinyon-juniper, juniper, and desert riparian habitats. While this species eats mostly Arthropods, they also take amphibians, small to medium-sized reptiles, small mammals and birds. They are also known to scavenge on carrion. Suitable foraging habitat is present and suitable nesting habitat may be present in trees and/or large shrubs within the Project, as well as in the Study Area.
San Francisco Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas sinuosa). USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern, CDFG Species of Special Concern. This subspecies of the Common Yellowthroat is found in freshwater marshes, coastal swales, riparian thickets, brackish marshes, and saltwater marshes. Their breeding range extends from Tomales Bay in the north, Carquinez Strait to the east, and Santa Cruz County to the south. This species requires thick, continuous cover such as tall grasses, tule patches, or riparian vegetation down to the water surface for foraging and prefers willows for nesting. Suitable foraging habitat is present in the Project and Study Areas and suitable nesting habitat may be present in Pullman Ditch downstream of the Project Area and the bike path. Typical nesting habitat is not present in the Project Area.
Bryant's Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis alaudinus). CDFG Species of Special Concern. The Bryant's is a Savannah Sparrow subspecies and California endemic whose range extends along the fog belt from Monterey County north to Del Norte County. It is most often associated with salt marsh habitat, but will also use grasslands. Suitable foraging habitat is present in the Project and Study Areas and suitable nesting habitat may be present in the undisturbed grassland and northern coastal scrub habitat within the Study Area. Typical nesting habitat is not present in the Project Area.
17 Invertebrates
Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus). CDFG Roost Protected. Winter roost sites extend along the coast from northern Mendocino to Baja California, Mexico. Roosts are located in wind protected tree groves, with nectar and water sources nearby. A documented roost site is located approximately 0.4 miles south of the Project Area. Suitable winter roost habitat may exist for this species in the Monterey pine trees located in the Project Area.
A focused discussion on the potential occurrence of rare, endangered, or unique species: CRLF, SFGS, and raptors is provided below.
4.3 Rare, Endangered, and Unique Species Habitat Assessment
4.3.1 California Red-legged Frog
Primary Constituent Elements (PCEs), as defined by the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are those physical and biological features of a landscape that a species needs to survive and reproduce. For CRLF, the Service has determined the PCEs to be 1) aquatic breeding habitat, 2) aquatic non-breeding habitat, 3) upland habitat and 4) dispersal habitat. Each of these elements is discussed in greater detail below with relation to the Project and Study Areas. The Project and Study Areas are not within U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) designated Critical Habitat (USFWS 2010).
Aquatic Breeding Habitat
According to USFWS (2010), Aquatic Breeding Habitat includes standing bodies of fresh water (with salinities less than 4.5 ppt), including natural and manmade (e.g., stock) ponds, slow-moving streams or pools within streams, and other ephemeral or permanent water bodies that typically become inundated during winter rains and hold water for a minimum of 20 weeks in all but the driest of years.
Pullman Ditch is an ephemeral man-made ditch that is fully channelized, or culverted, between Highway 1 and Naples Avenue, including where it traverses immediately above and below the Project Area. Even under normal rainfall conditions, this reach of Pullman Ditch does not provide inundation at a sufficient depth or length of time during the breeding season to support CRLF breeding. In addition, high winter flows would likely preclude egg deposition attempts.
Aquatic Non-breeding Habitat
According to USFWS (2010), Aquatic Non-Breeding Habitat includes freshwater pond and stream habitats, as described above, that may not hold water long enough for the species to complete its aquatic life cycle but which provide for shelter, foraging, predator avoidance, and aquatic dispersal of juvenile and adult CRLF. Other wetland habitats considered to meet these criteria include, but are not limited to: plunge pools within intermittent creeks, seeps, quiet water refugia within streams during high water flows, and springs of sufficient flow to withstand short-term dry periods.
Pullman Ditch may provide aquatic non-breeding habitat, however, barriers between the Project Area and nearby occurrences and nearby suitable habitat likely prevent this species from occurring in this feature. Potential barriers are discussed in greater detail below in the dispersal section.
18 Upland Habitat
According to USFWS (2010), Upland Habitat includes areas adjacent to or surrounding breeding and on-breeding aquatic and riparian habitat up to a distance of one mile (1.6 km) in most cases (i.e., depending on surrounding landscape and dispersal barriers) including various vegetational types such as grassland, woodland, forest, wetland, or riparian areas that provide shelter, forage, and predator avoidance for CRLF.
Vegetation adjacent to the ditch is limited to primarily non-native and ornamental species, with a few arroyo willows, and does not extend more than a few feet, nor is this habitat contiguous between Pullman Ditch and other suitable aquatic habitats. Other sources of refugia such as ground squirrel burrows are not present. The Project Area may provide suitable upland Habitat for CRLF, however, barriers from nearby occurrences and nearby suitable habitat likely prevent this species from occurring on site. Potential barriers are discussed in greater detail below in the dispersal section.
Dispersal Habitat
According to USFWS, Dispersal Habitat includes accessible upland or riparian habitat within and between occupied or previously occupied sites that are located within one mile (1.6 km) of each other, and that support movement between such sites. Dispersal habitat includes various natural habitats, and altered habitats such as agricultural fields, that do not contain barriers (e.g., heavily traveled roads without bridges or culverts) to dispersal. Dispersal habitat does not include moderate- to high-density urban or industrial developments with large expanses of asphalt or concrete, nor does it include large lakes or reservoirs over 50 acres (20 ha) in size, or other areas that do not contain those features identified in PCEs as essential to the conservation of the species.
According to CNDDB, the nearest documented CRLF population is 0.75 miles east of the Project Area, in the headwaters of Frenchman’s Creek (CDFG 2010; Figures 4 and 5). An additional occurrence is located approximately 1.2 miles to the south adjacent to Pilarcitos Creek (Figures 4 and 5). The Project Area is within the dispersal capabilities of the CRLF occurrence in Frenchman’s Creek, however, Highway 1 and a large nursery complex to the east of the Project Area compromise a substantial and possibly insurmountable barrier. As mentioned in the PCE definition above, dispersal habitat does not include industrial developments with large expanses of asphalt or concrete, which the nursery complex contains. The development of Miramar is a substantial barrier to the north and the Pacific Ocean is to the west of the Project Area. If CRLF were to migrate from the mouth of Frenchman’s Creek along the State Beach unit to the area where Pullman Ditch discharges into the incised gully, the frog’s travel up-ditch would be impeded by culverts, including a four-foot drop culvert located approximately 200 feet to the west. In addition, active agricultural fields, horse stables, residential development and public beach access make it unlikely a CRLF would disperse to the Project Area from this direction.
Due to the lack of connectivity with other suitable habitats, high channelization and potentially high velocity flows during the rainy season in Pullman Ditch, CRLF are not expected to be present in the Project Area or in the surrounding 200-foot-wide Study Area.
19 e 75 mil ce = 0. Distan
Project Area (2.6 acres) Study Area (15.6 acres) California Red-legged Frog Occurrences (CDFG November 2010)
Figure 5. Nearby CRLF Occurrence Information (SFGS Locations are Sensitive) . North Cabrillo Highway Subdivision 0 0.25 0.5 1 Date: December 2010 Half Moon Bay, California Miles Map By: Michael Rochelle
Path: L:\Acad 2000 Files\20000\20206\gis\arcmap\CRLF_SFGS.mxd 4.3.2 San Francisco Garter Snake
The SFGS requires seasonal or permanent water bodies as a basic habitat requirement. In addition to the basic requirement of a water source, Barry (2005) listed four critical habitat components for the SFGS:
1. “vegetative cover extending a minimum of three feet upland from the water’s edge; 2. basking sites upland of the water; 3. food sources for all life stages of the snake; and 4. water depth of less than three-feet within three feet of the water’s edge, providing access to food sources.”
During the summer, snakes may disperse from the typical vegetated aquatic-edge habitat into adjacent areas to feed on amphibians or hibernate in rodent burrows. Typically, SFGS utilize upland rodent burrows within several hundred feet of their aquatic habitat (McGinnis 2001). Literature suggests that lowland rodent burrows are not utilized for hibernation due to the potential for flooding (McGinnis 2001).
During periods of heavy rain or shortly after, SFGS may make long-distance movements of up to 2 km along drainages within the dense riparian cover, and are not documented to travel over open terrain (McGinnis 2001).
The nearest documented SFGS occurrence is located approximately two miles from the Project Area (CDFG 2010). The location of the SFGS occurrence is characterized by dense riparian habitat, gradual banks, and the presence of CRLF. In contrast, Pullman Ditch lacks the typical vegetative cover and food sources (CRLF). Some vegetative cover does extend a minimum of three feet from the water’s edge along portions of Pullman Ditch, however, water flow in this portion of the ditch travels at a relatively high velocity and therefore, does not provide suitable foraging habitat. Upland basking sites are not present in most places adjacent to Pullman Ditch due to heavy vegetation, development and agricultural practices. Culverts are also located immediately above and below the Project Area. Furthermore, food sources for all life stages are most likely not present. Sierran Treefrog (Pseudacris sierra) may be present in Pullman Ditch; however, based on the habitat assessment for CRLF, ranid frogs (the primary prey of SFGS, e.g. CRLF) are unlikely to be present.
No suitable aquatic habitat is located within the vicinity of the Project Area and residential housing and heavily farmed areas preclude most of the Study Area as potential upland habitat.
There are no streams that connect the Project Area and the nearest SFGS location, and dense riparian vegetation between the two is therefore lacking. Pullman Ditch has limited vegetative cover. The cover is not contiguous and SFGS would have to travel over open terrain or through culverts within the ditch to reach the Project Area from the nearest occurrences. SFGS would have to navigate through active agricultural fields and active horse stables in order reach the Study Area and Pullman Ditch. These barriers are not insurmountable, but because SFGS are not documented to travel over open terrain and habitat in the Study Area is suboptimal, it is unlikely SFGS would disperse to Pullman Ditch from the south. In terms of potential SFGS dispersal from the east, Highway 1 (a highly traveled route), the 50+ foot long culverts under the highway, truck and other vehicle parking along the easterly highway right-of-way, and the nursery complex to the east of the Highway all constitute barriers to SFGS movement to or from potential breeding habitat to the east. Furthermore, the lack of connectivity between documented SFGS occurrences, and the absence
21 of continuous vegetative cover along Pullman Ditch indicate Pullman Ditch does not provide suitable dispersal habitat. SFGS are unlikely to occur in the Project and Study Areas.
4.3.3 Raptor Assessment
The Project Area and Study Area do not provide suitable breeding habitat for ground nesting raptors such as Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus). Agricultural activities, residential development and disturbance from the public and their pets along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail likely prevent nesting attempts from ground nesting raptors. Suitable breeding habitat, however, is available for many raptor species in the mature trees within and adjacent to the Project Area. Some raptor species that could potentially utilize these trees as breeding habitat include: Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) and White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus). In addition, the agricultural fields and adjacent open space provide suitable foraging habitat for a number of resident and migratory raptor species.
5.0 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
The conclusions of this biological resources report and impact analysis reflect conditions observed at the time of the field visit and the biologist’s interpretation of those conditions.
5.1 Biological Communities
According to Chapter 18.38.020A of the City of Half Moon Bay’s Zoning Code, sensitive habitat areas are defined as areas in which plant or animal life or their habitats are either rare or especially valuable, and/or as designated on the Habitat Areas and Water Resources Overlay Map. Areas considered by the City to be sensitive include sand dunes, marine habitat, sea cliffs, riparian areas, and wetlands, among others. No sensitive habitat areas were observed in the Project Area or within the surrounding 200-foot-wide Study Area. Furthermore, no habitat for rare, endangered, or unique species is present in the Project Area; northern coastal scrub habitat in the Study Area provides marginal habitat for a few special status plant and wildlife species. However measures discussed below are prescribed to avoid potential impacts to such species. Therefore, impacts to these resources are not anticipated from the proposed project, and no additional mitigation measures are required or recommended.
The Project Area is a vacant lot with ruderal vegetation. The Study Area consists of residential areas, heavily farmed areas, and ruderal habitat. Pullman Ditch, between Highway 1 and the State Beach, and specifically where it traverses the Project Area, is a man-made ditch that in segments (reaches) functions through pipes, and culverts.
Pullman Ditch does not provide habitat for, or contain, plant or animal life that is either rare, unique, or especially valuable, as defined by CDFG; is not a perennial or intermittent (blue-line) stream as defined or mapped by the City’s LCP, the CCC updated post-LCP certification map, or the USGS; does not contain, front on, or connect to coastal tidelands or marshes; does not support migratory waterfowl; is not a fish and wildlife biological scientific research and study area; contains neither lakes nor ponds, nor their adjacent shore habitat; is not part of a CDFG or USFWS refuge or reserve; and does not include or consist of sand dunes. (LCP Land Use Policy 3.5 (3-1(a)), definition of sensitive habitat areas.) Because of its ephemeral nature it is not considered a “riparian area’ by LCP definition, nor does it contain “riparian vegetation”. Based on these findings, Pullman Ditch is not considered an ESHA under the definitions of the LCP.
22 No riparian vegetation was identified in the Project Area, pursuant to the definition of riparian vegetation provided in the LCP. The willow and blackberry plants present on the property are not growing within Pullman Ditch. Although these species are listed as potential wetland and riparian plants, they can also grow in areas where the groundwater is relatively high; though not within the upper 12 inches normally associated with wetland habitats. It is assumed that these plants are tapping deeper groundwater sources; not the surface water within the ditch itself. Furthermore, vegetation within the Project Area contains less than 50 percent riparian species, and is therefore not considered “riparian habitat” according to the LCP or a “riparian corridor” (LCP pages 42 and 66). Culverts extending more than 50 feet located under residential homes immediately north of the Project Area reduce connectivity for riparian plant and animals. Based on this analysis, we do not consider this willow patch to meet the definition of ESHA under the City’s LCP, and no Riparian Habitat or Riparian Corridor is present in the Project Area. No other ESHA is present within the Project Area or the surrounding 200-foot-wide Study Area.
The proposed project is located in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning District. According the City’s Zoning Code Chapter 18.15.010, a PUD district is intended to provide for a variety of land uses, such as attached and detached single-family residential development, multiple-family housing development, professional and administrative areas, commercial and industrial uses, institutional uses, and public and private open space and recreation opportunities through the adoption of a comprehensive development plan as set forth in the city general plan and Chapter 18 of the Zoning Code. The proposed project would be consistent with the development requirements as defined in Chapter 18.15.010 of the City of Half Moon Bay’s Zoning Code. Approval of the proposed project is pursuant to City review. Further phased development of the Project Area would be investigated under separate review processes. There are no adopted Habitat Conservation Plans for the Project Area.
5.2 Special Status Plants and Wildlife
5.2.1 Special Status Plants
There is moderate potential for the special status plants described in Section 4.3 to occur in the Study Area, particularly in the coastal scrub community. Due to potential disturbance, special status plant species are unlikely to occur in the Project Area. Therefore, seasonally-appropriate protocol-level plant surveys in the Study Area are recommended. These surveys should cover the blooming periods of all species listed in Section 4.3, or be conducted at an appropriate time to rule out presence of the species.
Since special status plants are unlikely to occur within the Project Area, but may be found within the Study Area, the proposed project has potential to impact the buffers of special status plant ESHAs. If any special status plant species are identified in the Study Area or Project Area, development activities should avoid these areas and appropriate buffer areas established around such species. The size and location of any buffer shall be determined by a qualified biologist. If a suitable protective ESHA buffer cannot be preserved, mitigation should include restoration and improvement of habitat within the remaining buffer area or other suitable areas on the property. Restoration would include removal of invasive species that threaten the continuance of the special status species and its habitat. Fencing or other barriers should be installed to prevent disturbance of the special status species ESHA and buffer area during and following project construction.
23 Direct impacts to special status plant species are not expected from the project as currently proposed. However, if the results of protocol-level surveys indicate the presence of special status species in proposed work areas, additional mitigation measures should be developed by a qualified biologist.
5.2.2 Special Status Wildlife
Potential impacts to special status wildlife species in the Project Area and Study Area, if present, could occur as a result of the proposed project and can be summarized as follows:
C Bats, including some special status bats, may be impacted by construction activity during critical life stages if disturbance occurs near potential bat roosts (trees, snags, undisturbed buildings). C Construction activities have the potential to impact the San Francisco Dusky-footed Woodrat if the stick houses of this species are observed within or near areas where disturbance is to take place. C Nesting birds, including a number of special status birds, may be impacted if construction activities occur in or near potential breeding habitat during the breeding season from February through August. C The monarch butterfly may be impacted if construction activities disturb occupied over wintering roost habitat in the Study Area.
Bats
Habitats that support large, mature trees, snags and abandoned buildings have the potential to support roosting habitat for common and special status bats. Bat roosts are protected by CDFG and removal of occupied roosts would be considered a significant impact. WRA recommends the following measures be implemented to avoid take of roosting or special status bats.
Trees and snags may be removed outside of the maternity roosting season without performing preconstruction bat surveys, September through March. Preconstruction surveys for bats should take place during the maternity roosting season (defined as: April 1 through August 31) if trees, snags or unused buildings are to be removed during this time frame. Additionally, unused buildings may provide winter roost habitat and should be surveyed for roosts if removed between November and March.
If special status bat species are detected during surveys, appropriate, species and roost specific mitigation measures will be developed. Such measures may include postponing removal of trees, snags or structures until the end of the maternity roosting season or construction of species appropriate roosting habitat within, or adjacent to the Study Area. Consultation with CDFG may be warranted to determine appropriate mitigation measures if roosts are disturbed or destroyed.
Woodrat
The shrub areas in the Study Area have the potential to support the San Francisco Dusky-footed Woodrat. If stick houses are observed, they should be avoided if possible. If avoidance is not feasible, the houses will be dismantled by hand under the supervision of a biologist. If young are encountered during the dismantling process, the material should be placed back on the house and the house should remain unmolested for two to three weeks in order to give the young enough time to mature and leave the house. After two to three weeks, the nest dismantling process may begin again. Nest material will be moved to suitable adjacent areas that will not be impacted.
24 Birds
Nesting birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and other regulations may be impacted by construction during the bird breeding season from February through August. Ideally, the clearing of vegetation, removal of buildings and the initiation of construction can be done in the non-breeding season from September through January. If these activities cannot be done in the non-breeding season, a qualified biologist shall perform pre-construction breeding bird surveys within 14 days of the onset of construction or clearing of vegetation. The survey area should encompass the Project Area and the entirety of the Study Area. If nesting birds are discovered in the vicinity of planned activities, a buffer area around the nest should be established until the nest is vacated. The size of the buffer would be dependent on the habitat, level of disturbance and the particular species of nesting bird.
Monarch Butterfly
Monarch butterflies have known winter roosts just to the south of the Study Area. No impacts would be expected if tree removal is scheduled between March and September. If construction activities or vegetation removal is scheduled during the winter from October through February, then a monarch winter roost survey would be recommended. Detection of a roost may require consultation with CDFG.
25 6.0 REFERENCES
Altman, B., and R. Sallabanks. 2000. Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi). In The Birds of North America, No. 502 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
Ashley, Michael D. 2010. Tentative Parcel Map prepared for Stoloski & Gonzalez, Inc. Prepared by Michael D. Ashley (September 2010).
Barry, S. J. 2005. Special Status Amphibians and Reptiles of Northern California. Course Materials Prepared for UC Davis Extension. Unpublished. Entrix, Inc. July. 188p.
Barbour, M., T. Keeler-Wolf, and A. A. Schoenherr. 2007. Terrestrial Vegetation of California, 3rd Edition. University of California Press.
California Coastal Commission (CCC). 2007. Appeal Staff Report Substantial Issue Determination (A-2-HMB-07-015). Filed April 20.
California Coastal Commission (CCC). 2004. City of Half Moon Bay Post-LCP Permit and Appeal Jurisdiction. Map, Regulatory and Jurisdictional Boundaries. December.
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2010. Natural Diversity Database, Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch. Sacramento.
California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2010. Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California.
California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC). 2010. California Invasive Plant Inventory: Cal-IPC Publication 2006-2. California Invasive Plant Council, Berkeley, CA. Available online:
City of Half Moon Bay. 2006. Coastal Resource Conservation Standards, Zoning Code, Title 18. CCC-HMB-MAJ-1-05. April 13, 2006.
City of Half Moon Bay, Certified Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan.
Dunk, J. R. 1995. White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus). In The Birds of North America, No. 178 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.
H.T. Harvey & Associates. 2005. Pullman Ditch Biological Resources Assessment, San Mateo County. Prepared for the City of Half Moon Bay. November 3, 2005. 26p.
Jennings, M.R. and M.P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California. Final report submitted to the California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Rancho Cordova. Contract No. 8023.
Matocq, M. Dusky-footed Woodrats (Neotoma fuscipes) at Hastings: A Research Tradition. Hastings Natural History Reserve http://www.hastingsreserve.org/Woodrats, 2003.
26 McGinnis, S. M. 2001. Past and Present Habitats for the San Francisco Garter Snake and California Red-Legged Frog on the Original Cascade Ranch Property, With Additional Comments on Potential Movement Pathways and Suggestions for Critical Habitat Enhancement Measures. Unpublished. January.
Stebbins, R. C. 2003. Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Third Edition, revised. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). “Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus).” 2007.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 03/17/2010 Federal Register 12815 12959. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for California Red-Legged Frog; Final Rule.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2008. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, Revised Critical Habitat for the California Red-Legged Frog (Rana aurora draytonii); Proposed Rule. Vol. 72 (180) + 187pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2002. Recovery Plan for the California Red-Legged Frog (Rana aurora draytonii). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. viii + 173pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1985. Recovery Plan for the San Francisco Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis tetrateaenia. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. 77pp.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 1997. Half Moon Bay, California Topographical Quadrangle, 7.5-Minute series.
WRA, Inc. 2007. Oliva Property Biological Resources Assessment, San Mateo County. Prepared for the City of Half Moon Bay. October. 64pp.
WRA, Inc. 2009. Alameda Avenue Single Family Residence Biological Resources Assessment, San Mateo County. Prepared for the City of Half Moon Bay. October.
Zeiner, D. C., W. F. Laudenslayer, Jr., K. E. Mayer, and M. White. 1990. California's Wildlife, Volume I-III: Amphibians and Reptiles, Birds, Mammals. California Statewide Wildlife Habitat Relationships System, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento.
27 Appendix A. List of Observed Plants and Wildlife Species in the Project Area and Study Area. Common Name Scientific Name
Located Within the Project Area
Plants
arroyo willow Salix lasiolepis
red passionflower Passiflora af. manicata
bristly ox-tongue Picris echiodes
garden nasturtium Tropaeolum majus
meadow barley Hordeum brachyantherum
wild radish Raphanus sativus
poison hemlock Conium maculatum
Italian ryegrass Lolium multiflorum
broadleaved pepperweed Lepidium latifolium
blue gum Eucalyptus globulus
fennel Foeniculum vulgare
arroyo willow Salix lasiolepis
weeping willow Salix Xsepulcralis
California blackberry Rubus ursinus
Himalayan blackberry Rubus discolor
stinging nettle Urtica dioica
field pumpkin Cuburbita pepo
Monterey pine Pinus radiata
Monterey cypress Callitropsis macrocarpa
pampas grass Cortaderia selloana
common sunflower Helianthus annuus
Cape ivy Delairea odorata
curly dock Rumex crispus
periwinkle Vinca major
Wildlife
Botta’s Pocket Gopher (sign) Thomomys bottae
Common Raven Corvus corax
A-1 Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans
Western Gull Larus occidentalis
California Towhee Pipilo crissalis
Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata
Anna’s Hummingbird Calypte anna
Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus
Chestnut-backed Chickadee Poecile rufescens
Brewers Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
Golden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
European starling Sturnus vulgaris
House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus
Located Within the Study Area
Plants
California blackberry Rubus ursinus
Himalayan blackberry Rubus discolor poison hemlock Conium maculatum
California aster Aster chilensis arroyo willow Salix lasiolepis garden nasturtium Tropaeolum majus meadow barley Hordeum brachyantherum foxtail barley Hordeum murinum curly dock Rumex crispus fennel Foeniculum vulgare slender wild oat Avena barbata coastal plantain Plantago elongata bristly ox-tongue Picris echioides pampas grass Cortaderia selloana coyote brush Baccharis pilularis wild radish Raphanus sativus
A-2 poison hemlock Conium maculatum
Italian ryegrass Lolium multiflorum broadleaved pepperweed Lepidium latifolium periwinkle Vinca major stinging nettle Urtica dioica
Monterey pine Pinus radiata
Monterey cypress Callitropsis macrocarpa
Wildlife
Domestic Cat Felis catus
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
Common Raven Corvus corax
Western Gull Larus occidentalis
Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata
European starling Sturnus vulgaris
White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys
House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus
A-3 Photo Appendix B. Top Photo depicts Pullman Ditch at the eastern edge of the Project Area.
Bottom Photo depicts agricultural fields south of the Project Area. Photo Appendix B.
Top Photo depicts Project Area looking west.
Bottom Photo depicts incised Pullman Ditch with non-native garden nasturtium and ivy. Appendix C. Potential for Special Status Plant and Wildlife Species to Occur in the Project Area or Study Area. List compiled from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Species Lists for San Mateo County, California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) Natural Diversity Database (November 2010) and California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Electronic Inventory search of the Half Moon Bay, Montara Mountain, San Mateo, San Gregorio, La Honda and Woodside USGS 7.5' quadrangles and a review of other CDFG lists and publications (Jennings and Hayes 1994, Zeiner et al. 1990).
POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Mammals Nyctinomops macrotis SSC Low lying, arid areas. Needs high Not Present. Project Not Present. Area within No further surveys or Big Free-tailed Bat cliffs or rocky outcrops for roosting. Area is outside of the 200 ft. of the Project Area mitigation measures Feeds primarily on large moths. known species range. is outside of the known are recommended. species range. Myotis thysanodes BLM Associated with a wide variety of Unlikely. Typical Unlikely. Typical roost No further surveys or Fringed Myotis sensitive, habitats including mixed roost habitat is not habitat is not present in mitigation measures WBWG coniferous-deciduous forest and present in or near the or near the Project Area. are recommended. redwood/sequoia groves. Project Area. Buildings, mines and large snags are important day and night roosts. Lasiurus cinereus WBWG Prefers open habitats or habitat Moderate. The trees Moderate. The trees in Work windows or Hoary Bat mosaics, with access to trees for in and adjacent to the and adjacent to the preconstruction cover and open areas or habitat Project Area may Project Area may provide surveys. edges for feeding. Roosts in provide suitable roost suitable roost habitat. dense foliage of medium to large habitat. trees. Feeds primarily on moths. Requires water. Antrozous pallidus SSC, Found in deserts, grasslands, Moderate. The trees Moderate. The trees and Work windows or Pallid Bat WBWG shrublands, woodlands, and and undisturbed undisturbed structures in preconstruction forests. Most common in open, structures in and and adjacent to the surveys. dry habitats with rocky areas for adjacent to the Project Project Area may provide roosting. Roosts must protect bats Area may provide suitable roost habitat. from high temperatures. Very suitable roost habitat. sensitive to disturbance of roosting sites.
C-1 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Lasiurus blossevillii SSC, This species is typically solitary, Moderate. The trees Moderate. The trees in Work windows or Western Red Bat WBWG roosting primarily in the foliage of in and adjacent to the and adjacent to the preconstruction trees or shrubs. Day roosts are Project Area may Project Area may provide surveys. commonly in edge habitats provide suitable roost suitable roost habitat. adjacent to streams or open fields, habitat. in orchards, and sometimes in urban areas. There may be an association with intact riparian habitat (particularly willows, cottonwoods, and sycamores). Neotoma fuscipes SSC Typically occurs in forest habitats Moderate. Woodrat Moderate. Woodrat Preconstruction annectens of moderate canopy and moderate houses were not houses were not surveys. San Francisco Dusky- to dense understory. Also found in observed during the observed during the site footed Woodrat chaparral habitats. Feeds mainly site visit, however, visit, however, suitable on woody plants, such as live oak, suitable habitat is habitat is available maple, coffeeberry, alder, and available in the adjacent to the Project elderberry. Project Area. Area. Reithrodontomys FE, SE, Found only in the saline emergent Not Present. Project Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or raviventris CFP, wetlands of San Francisco Bay Area does not contain habitat is not available mitigation measures Salt Marsh Harvest LCP and its tributaries. Pickleweed is suitable habitat and is within 200 ft. of the are recommended. Mouse primary habitat. Requires higher outside known Project Area. areas for flood escape. distribution for this species. Taxidea taxus SSC Most abundant in drier open Not Present. Suitable Unlikely. Suitable No further surveys or American Badger stages of most shrub, forest, and burrowing habitat not burrowing habitat not mitigation measures herbaceous habitats, with friable observed in the observed within 200 ft. of are recommended. soils. Requires friable soils and Project Area. Suitable the Project Area. Prey open, uncultivated ground. Preys prey base is not base limited within 200 ft. on burrowing rodents. present. of the Project Area.
C-2 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Bassariscus astutus FP The Ringtail is widely distributed Unlikely. This Unlikely. This species is No further surveys or Ringtail (Ring-tailed throughout most of California, species is typically typically found in mitigation measures Cat) absent from some portions of the found in undisturbed undisturbed habitats are recommended. Central Valley and northeastern habitats away from away from development. California. This species is development. nocturnal, primarily carnivorous and is associated with a mixture of forest and shrubland in close association with rocky areas or riparian habitat. Arctocephalus FT, ST, Breed on Isla de Guadalupe off the Not Present. There is Not Present. There is no No further surveys or townsendi CFP, coast of Mexico, occasionally no suitable open water suitable open water mitigation measures Guadalupe Fur Seal LCP found on San Miguel, San Nicolas, habitat within the habitat within 200 feet of are recommended. and San Clemente islands. Project Area. the Project Area. Prefers shallow, nearshore island water with cool and sheltered rocky areas for haul-outs. Eumetopias jubatus Breeds on Año Nuevo, San Miguel Not Present. There is Not Present. There is no No further surveys or Steller (=northern) FT, SSC and Farallon islands, Point Saint no suitable open water suitable open water mitigation measures Sea-lion George, and Sugarloaf. Hauls-out habitat within the habitat within 200 feet of are recommended. on islands and rocks. Needs Project Area. the Project Area. haul-out and breeding sites with unrestricted access to water, near aquatic food supply and with no human disturbance. Enhydra lutris nereis FT, CFP, Near shore marine environments Not Present. There is Not Present. There is no No further surveys or Southern Sea Otter LCP from about Año Nuevo, San Mateo no suitable open water suitable open water mitigation measures County. To Point Sal, Santa habitat within the habitat within 200 feet of are recommended. Barbara County. Needs canopies Project Area. the Project Area. of giant kelp and bull kelp for rafting and feeding. Prefers rocky substrates with abundant invertebrates.
C-3 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Birds Pelecanus occidentalis FE, SE, Nests on coastal islands of small Not Present. No Not Present. No suitable No further surveys or californicus CFP to moderate size which afford suitable nesting nesting habitat is present mitigation measures California Brown immunity from attack by habitat is available in within 200 ft. of the are recommended. Pelican ground-dwelling predators. the Project Area. Not Project Area. Not documented to roost documented to roost in in the vicinity of the the vicinity of the Project Project Area (CDFG Area (CDFG 2010). 2010). Circus cyaneus SSC Nests and forages in grassland Unlikely. Suitable Unlikely. Suitable No further surveys or Northern Harrier habitats, usually in association breeding habitat is not breeding habitat is not mitigation measures with coastal salt and freshwater available in the Project available adjacent to the are recommended. marshes. Nests on ground in Area. May utilize Project Area. May utilize shrubby vegetation, usually at nearby areas for nearby areas for foraging marsh edge; nest built of a large foraging and/or and/or migration. mound of sticks in wet areas. May migration. also occur in alkali desert sinks. Elanus leucurus CFP Year-long resident of coastal and Moderate. Suitable Moderate. Suitable Remove vegetation White-tailed Kite valley lowlands; generally breeding habitat is breeding habitat is outside of breeding associated with agricultural areas. available in the trees available in the trees in season or conduct Preys on small diurnal mammals in the Project Area. and adjacent to the pre-construction and occasional birds, insects, Project Area. surveys. reptiles, and amphibians. Haliaeetus FD, SE, Requires large bodies of water, or Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or leucocephalus CFP free-flowing rivers with abundant habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures Bald Eagle fish and adjacent snags or other in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. perches. Nests in large, old- Project Area. growth, or dominant live tree with open branchwork. Shows a preference for ponderosa pine and snags. Roosts communally in winter.
C-4 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Falco peregrinus FD, BCC Near wetlands, lakes, rivers or Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or anatum other water. Nests on cliffs, breeding habitat is not breeding habitat is not mitigation measures American Peregrine banks, also human-made available in the Project available in the Project are recommended. Falcon structures. Nest consists of a Area. Area. scrape on a depression or ledge in an open site. Falco mexicanus BCC, Resident and winter visitor to Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or Prairie Falcon DFG:WL region. Inhabits dry, open terrain, breeding habitat is not breeding habitat is not mitigation measures either level or hilly. Breeding sites available in the Project available in the Project are recommended. located on cliffs. Forages far afield, Area. Area. even to marshlands and ocean shores. Rallus longirostris FE, SE, Found in tidal salt marshes of the Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or obsoletus BCC San Francisco Bay area. Requires habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures California Clapper Rail mud flats for foraging and dense in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. vegetation on higher ground for Project Area. nesting. Laterallus jamaicensis ST, BCC Found in freshwater marshes, met Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or coturniculus meadows and shallow margins of habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures California Black Rail saltwater marshes bordering larger in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. bays. Requires a non-fluctuating Project Area. water depth of about one inch, and dense vegetation for nesting. Charadrius FT, SSC, Federal listing applies only to the Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or alexandrinus nivosus BCC Pacific coastal population. Found habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures Western Snowy Plover on sandy beaches, salt pond in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. levees and shores of large alkali Project Area. lakes. Requires sandy, gravelly or friable soils for nesting.
C-5 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Sterna antillarum FE, SE, (Nesting) nests along the coast Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or browni CFP from San Francisco Bay south to habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures California Least Tern northern Baja California. Breeding in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. colonies in San Francisco Bay Project Area. found in abandoned salt ponds and along estuarine shores. Colonial breeder on barren or sparsely vegetated, flat substrates near water. Brachyramphus FT, SE (Nesting) Feeds near shore; nests Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or marmoratus inland along the Pacific coast, from habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures Marbled Murrelet Eureka to Oregon border, and in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz. Project Area. Nests in old-growth redwood- dominated forests, up to six miles inland. Nests often built in Douglas-fir or redwood stands containing platform-like branches. Diomedea albatrus FE Nests on Japanese islands. Very Not Present. This Not Present. This No further surveys or Short-tailed Albatross rare winter visitor to offshore species occurs within species occurs within the mitigation measures California waters. the region only rarely, region only rarely, and is are recommended. and is found well found well offshore. offshore. Cypseloides niger SSC, Nests in crevices on cliffs, usually Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or Black Swift BCC near waterfalls or on moist sea nesting habitat is not nesting habitat is not mitigation measures cliffs. available in the Project available within 200 ft. of are recommended. Area. the Project Area. Riparia riparia ST Nests colonially in riparian and Not Present. Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or Bank Swallow other lowland habitats west of the Suitable nesting nesting habitat is not mitigation measures desert. Requires vertical habitat is not available available within 200 ft. of are recommended. banks/cliffs with fine-textured soils in the Project Area. the Project Area. near water to dig nesting burrows.
C-6 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Athene cunicularia SSC, Open, dry annual or perennial Unlikely. No ground Unlikely. No ground No further surveys or hypugea BCC grasslands, deserts and scrub squirrel burrows squirrel burrows mitigation measures Western Burrowing lands characterized by observed; more observed; more common are recommended. Owl low-growing vegetation. common further further inland. Subterranean nester, dependent inland. upon burrowing mammals, most notably, the California ground squirrel. Asio otus SCC Generally uncommon resident and Unlikely. The Project Unlikely. Suitable No further surveys or Long-eared Owl winter visitor in the region. Found Area does not provide nesting habitat is not mitigation measures in a variety of woodland types. typical habitat for this available. are recommended. Requires adjacent open land species. productive of mice and the presence of old nests of crows, hawks, or magpies for breeding. Asio flammeus SSC Resident and mostly winter visitor Unlikely. This Unlikely. This species No further surveys or Short-eared Owl to the region. Found in swamp species does not does not breed in the mitigation measures lands, both fresh and salt; lowland breed in the area but area but may winter here. are recommended. meadows; irrigated alfalfa fields. may winter here. Tule patches/tall grass needed for nesting/daytime seclusion. Nests on dry ground in depression concealed in vegetation. Contopus cooperi SSC, This species is typically found in Moderate. The Moderate. The Remove vegetation Olive-sided Flycatcher BCC conifer forests where tall trees coniferous trees in the coniferous trees adjacent outside of breeding overlook canyons, meadows, lakes Project Area may to the Project Area within season or conduct or other open terrain. provide suitable the Study Area may pre-construction nesting habitat. provide suitable nesting surveys. habitat. Progne subis SSC Inhabits woodlands, low elevation Unlikely. There are Unlikely. There are no No further surveys or Purple Martin coniferous forest. Nest in snags, no nearby nearby occurrences or mitigation measures old woodpecker cavities and occurrences or recent recent sightings. are recommended. human-made structures. sightings.
C-7 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Lanius ludovicianus SSC, Prefers open habitats with Moderate. The Project Moderate. The Study Remove vegetation Loggerhead Shrike BCC scattered shrubs, trees, posts, or Area contains suitable Area contains suitable outside of breeding other perches. Eats mostly large breeding and foraging breeding and foraging season or conduct insects. habitat for this habitat for this species. pre-construction species. surveys. Dendroica petechia SSC Summer resident in the region. Unlikely. The Project Unlikely. The Project No further surveys or Yellow Warbler Nests in riparian stands of aspens, Area does not contain Area does not contain mitigation measures sycamores and alders with a typical breeding typical breeding habitat are recommended. dense understory of willows. Also habitat for this for this species. nests in montane shrubbery in species. open conifer forests. Geothlypis trichas SSC, Resident of San Francisco bay Unlikely. The Project Moderate. The habitat No further surveys or sinuosa BCC region fresh and salt water Area does not contain along Pullman Ditch mitigation measures San Francisco marshes. Requires thick, typical breeding downstream of the bike are recommended. (Saltmarsh) Common continuous cover down to water habitat for this path may provide suitable Yellowthroat surface for foraging, tall grasses, species. breeding habitat. tule patches, willows for nesting. Icteria virens SSC Summer visitor. Nests and Not Present. Project Not Present. Area within No further surveys or Yellow-breasted Chat forages in low, dense vegetation Area does not contain 200 ft. of the Project Area mitigation measures (willow, blackberry, etc.) without a suitable habitat, and is is outside of the known are recommended. closed canopy overheard. Usually outside of the known species breeding range. in riparian areas. species breeding range. Ammodramus SSC Frequents dense tall, dry or well- Unlikely. Typical Unlikely. Typical native No further surveys or savannarum drained grasslands, especially native grassland grassland habitat is not mitigation measures Grasshopper Sparrow native grasslands with mixed habitat is not available available within 200 ft. of are recommended. grasses and forbs for foraging and within the Project the Project Area. nesting. Nests on ground at base Area. of overhanging clumps of vegetation.
C-8 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Passerculus SSC Year-round resident of tidal Unlikely. Potential Moderate. Adjacent No further surveys or sandwichensis marshes and grasslands in coastal habitat in the Project open grassland habitat mitigation measures alaudinus fog belt. Breeds from April through Area is farmed and may provide suitable are recommended. Bryant’s Savannah July. therefore unsuitable. breeding habitat. Sparrow Melospiza melodia SSC, Resident in salt marshes bordering Not Present. Project Not Present. Area within No further surveys or pusillula BCC the south arm of San Francisco Area is outside of the 200 ft. of the Project Area mitigation measures Alameda Song Bay. Inhabits Salicornia marshes, known subspecies is outside of the known are recommended. Sparrow nesting in Salicornia or Grindelia. range. subspecies range.
Agelaius tricolor SSC, Usually nests over or near Unlikely. The Project Unlikely. The Study No further surveys or Tricolored Blackbird BCC freshwater in dense cattails, tules, Area does not contain Area does not contain mitigation measures or thickets of willow, blackberry, typical breeding typical breeding habitat are recommended. wild rose or other tall herbs. habitat for this for this species. Nesting area must be large species. enough to support about 50 pairs. Reptiles and Amphibians Actinemys marmorata SSC Occurs in perennial ponds, lakes, Unlikely. Suitable Unlikely. Suitable No further surveys or Pacific Pond Turtle rivers and streams with suitable aquatic habitat is not aquatic habitat is not mitigation measures basking habitat (mud banks, mats available in the Project available within 200 ft. of are recommended. of floating vegetation, partially Area. the Project Area. submerged logs) and submerged shelter. Thamnophis sirtalis FE, SE, Vicinity of freshwater marshes, Unlikely. Typical Unlikely. Typical habitat No further surveys or tetrataenia CFP ponds and slow moving streams in habitat is not available is not available adjacent mitigation measures San Francisco Garter San Mateo County and extreme in the Project Area. to the Project Area. are recommended. Snake northern Santa Cruz County. Prefers dense vegetative cover and water depths of at least one foot. Upland areas near water are important habitat features.
C-9 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Ambystoma FT, SC, Inhabits annual grassland habitats Not Present. Project Not Present. Area within No further surveys or californiense SSC with mammal burrows. Seasonal Area is outside of the 200 ft. of the Project Area mitigation measures California Tiger ponds and vernal pools crucial to known species range. is outside of the known are recommended. Salamander breeding. species range. Rana draytonii FT, SSC Associated with quiet perennial to Unlikely. Suitable Unlikely. Pullman ditch No further surveys or California Red-legged intermittent ponds, stream pools breeding habitat is not does not appear to have mitigation measures Frog and wetlands. Prefers shorelines available within the the proper period of are recommended. with extensive vegetation. Project Area.. inundation for breeding Documented to disperse through (five months) and is upland habitats after rains. subject to high winter flows. No other aquatic habitat is present in the Study Area. Rana boylii SSC Found in or near perennial rocky Not present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or Foothill Yellow-legged streams in a variety of habitats. aquatic habitat is not aquatic habitat is not mitigation measures Frog Feed on both aquatic and available in the Project available within 200 ft. of are recommended. terrestrial invertebrates. Area. the Project Area. Fishes Oncorhynchus kisutch FE, SE, Require beds of loose, silt-free, Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or Coho Salmon-Central NMFS coarse gravel for spawning. Also aquatic habitat is not aquatic habitat is not mitigation measures CA Coast need cover, cool water and available in the Project available within 200 ft. of are recommended. sufficient oxygen. Area. the Project Area. Oncorhynchus mykiss FT, From Russian River south to Not Present. Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or irideus NMFS Soquel Creek and Pajaro River. Suitable aquatic aquatic habitat is not mitigation measures Steelhead-Central CA Also San Francisco and San Pablo habitat is not available available within 200 ft. of are recommended. Coast ESU Bay Basins. in the Project Area. the Project Area.
C-10 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Oncorhynchus FT, ST, Occurs in the Feather River and Not Present. Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or tshawytscha NMFS the Sacramento River and its Suitable aquatic aquatic habitat is not mitigation measures Central Valley tributaries, including Butte, Mill, habitat is not available available within 200 ft. of are recommended. Spring-run Chinook Deer, Antelope and Beegum in the Project Area. the Project Area. Salmon Creeks. Adults enter the Sacramento River from late March through September. Adults migrate upstream to spawn in cool, clear, well-oxygenated streams from mid-August through early October. Juveniles migrate soon after emergence as young-of-the-year, or remain in freshwater and migrate as yearlings. Oncorhynchus FE, SE, Occurs in the Sacramento River Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or tshawytscha NMFS below Keswick Dam. Spawns in aquatic habitat is not aquatic habitat is not mitigation measures Winter Run Chinook the Sacramento River but not in available in the Project available within 200 ft. of are recommended. Salmon - Sacramento tributary streams. Requires clean, Area. the Project Area. River cold water over gravel beds with water temperatures between 6 and 14 degrees C for spawning. Hypomesus FT, ST Lives in the Sacramento-San Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Area within No further surveys or transpacificus Joaquin estuary in areas where aquatic habitat is not 200 ft. of the Project Area mitigation measures Delta Smelt salt and freshwater systems meet. available in the Project does not contain suitable are recommended. Spawns in late winter and early Area. Project Area is aquatic habitat, and is spring. Weakly anadromous. outside known species outside known species range. range.
C-11 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Eucyclogobius FE, SSC Found in the brackish waters of Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or newberryi coastal lagoons, marshes, creeks, aquatic habitat is not aquatic habitat is not mitigation measures Tidewater Goby and estuaries. Unique among available in the Project available within 200 ft. of are recommended. fishes of the Pacific coast, this Area. the Project Area. species is restricted to waters of low salinity in coastal wetlands. They feed along the bottom, preferring clean, shallow, slow-moving waters. Invertebrates Coelus globosus LCP This beetle is a subterranean Not Present Suitable Not Present Suitable No further surveys or Globose dune beetle inhabitant of California's coastal habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures dune system. It can be found in in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. the fore dunes, sand hummocks, Project Area. sometimes back dunes along immediate coast. Grapholita LCP, Grasslands of the San Francisco Not Present. Suitable Unlikely. Suitable No further surveys or edwardsiana SSI Peninsula. Host plants are three habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures San Francisco tree species of lupine, of which Lupinus in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. lupine moth albifrons is preferred. Project Area. Plebejus icarioides FE Grasslands of the San Francisco Not Present. Suitable Unlikely. Suitable No further surveys or missionensis Peninsula. Host plants are three habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures Mission blue butterfly species of lupine, of which Lupinus in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. albifrons is preferred. Project Area. Speyeria callippe FE Coastal scrub of the northern San Not Present. Project Not Present. Area within No further surveys or callippe Francisco Peninsula. Area is outside of the 200 ft. of the Project Area mitigation measures Callippe silverspot known species range. is outside of the known are recommended. butterfly species range. Speyeria zerene FE Foggy, coastal dunes and hills of Not Present. Not Present. Extirpated No further surveys or myrtleae the Point Reyes Peninsula. Extirpated from San from San Mateo County. mitigation measures Myrtle's silverspot Mateo County. are recommended.
C-12 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Danaus plexippus SSI (Roosting sites) Winter roost sites Moderate. A Unlikely. Typical roost Perform a winter Monarch butterfly extend along the coast from documented roost site habitat is not present. monarch roost northern Mendocino County to is located survey. Baja California, Mexico. Roosts approximately 0.4 located in wind-protected tree miles south of the groves (eucalyptus, Monterey Project Area. The pine, cypress), with nectar and mature trees in the water sources nearby. Project Area are exposed but could be utilized as a winter roost site. Euphydryas editha FT Restricted to native grasslands on Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or bayensis outcrops of serpentine soil in the habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures Bay checkerspot vicinity of San Francisco Bay. in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. butterfly Plantago erecta is the primary host Project Area. plant; Orthocarpus densiflorus and O. purpurscens are the secondary host plants. Incisalia (=Callophrys) FE, SSI Limited to the vicinity of San Bruno Not Present. Not Not Present. Not known No further surveys or mossii bayensis Mountain, San Mateo County. known to occur in the to occur in the vicinity of mitigation measures San Bruno elfin Colonies are located on in rocky vicinity of Project Project Area. Suitable are recommended. butterfly outcrops and cliffs in coastal scrub Area. Suitable habitat habitat is not available habitat on steep, north-facing is not available in the within 200 ft. of the slopes within the fog belt. Species Project Area. Project Area. range is tried to the distribution of the larval host plant, Sedum spathulifolium. Tryonia imitator LCP Inhabits coastal lagoons, estuaries Not Present. There is Not Present. There is no No further surveys or California brackish and salt marshes, from Sonoma no brackish water brackish water habitat mitigation measures water snail County south to San Diego habitat available for available for this species. are recommended. County. Found only in permanently this species. submerged areas in a variety of sediment types; able to withstand a wide range of salinity.
C-13 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Haliotis sorenseni FE White abalone is the first marine Not Present. Outside Not Present. Outside of No further surveys or white abalone invertebrate to be listed under the of known range. known range. mitigation measures ESA and are reported to be most are recommended. abundant between 25-30 m (80-100 ft depth). Haliotis cracherodii FC, Ranges from Cabo San Lucas to Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or black abalone NMFS Mendocino County. Found in habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures SC intertidal and shallow subtidal in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. areas. Project Area. Plants Acanthomintha duttonii FE, SE, Chaparral, valley and foothill Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or San Mateo thorn-mint List 1B grasslands/ serpentinite. 50-300m habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures elevation. Blooms April-June. in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. Project Area is not Project Area, and this within elevation range. area is not within elevation range. Allium peninsulare var. List 1B Cismontane woodland, valley and Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or franciscanum foothill grassland, found on clay, habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures Franciscan onion volcanic and often serpentinite in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. soils. 100-300m elevation. Project Area is not Project Area, and this Blooms May-June. within elevation range. area is not within elevation range. Agrostis blasdalei List 1B Coastal dunes, coastal bluff scrub, Unlikely. Project Moderate. Species Seasonally- Blasdale’s bent grass coastal prairie. Found in sandy or Area is highly grows in disturbed sandy appropriate floristic gravelly soil close to rocks, often in disturbed and unlikely bluff habitats, so there is surveys are nutrient poor soil with sparse to support this some potential to occur in recommended. vegetation. 5-150m elevation. species. Northern coastal scrub Blooms May-July. areas, especially along trails.
C-14 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Amsinckia lunaris List 1B Cismontane woodland, valley and Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or bent-flowered foothill grassland. 50-500m habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures fiddleneck elevation. Blooms March-June. in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. Project Area is not Project Area, and this within elevation range. area is not within known elevation range. Anomobryum List 2 Moss growing on damp rock and Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or julaceum soil on outcrops, usually roadcuts. native forest habitat is native forest habitat is not mitigation measures slender silver-moss Broadleafed upland forest, lower not available, and available, and this area is are recommended. montane coniferous forest, north Project Area is not not within known coast coniferous forest. 100- within elevation range. elevation range. 1000m elevation. Arctostaphylos List 1B Broadleafed upland forest, Not Present. Project Not Present. Study Area No further surveys or andersonii chaparral, and North Coast Area is outside of is outside of known mitigation measures Santa Cruz manzanita coniferous forest. Found on open known species range species range and are recommended. sites and redwood forest. 60- and elevation. No elevation. No 700m elevation. Known only from Arctostaphylos Arctostaphylos species Santa Cruz Mountains. Blooms species observed and observed and no suitable November-May. no suitable communities present. communities present. Arctostaphylos List 1B Chaparral. Found in serpentine Not Present. No Not Present. No No further surveys or franciscana outcrops. 60-300m elevation. Arctostaphylos Arctostaphylos species mitigation measures Franciscan manzanita Previously presumed extinct; species observed observed during are recommended. recently rediscovered in San during assessment assessment and no Francisco. Blooms February-April. and no suitable suitable communities communities present. present. Arctostaphylos SE, Chaparral and coastal scrub. Not Present. No Not Present. No No further surveys or imbricata List 1B Mostly found in sandstone Arctostaphylos Arctostaphylos species mitigation measures San Bruno Mountain outcrops. 275-365m elevation. species observed observed during are recommended. manzanita Known only from San Bruno during assessment. assessment. Study Area Mountain. Blooms February-May. Project Area is outside is outside of known of known elevation elevation and range. and range.
C-15 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Arctostaphylos FE, SE, Chaparral, coastal prairie and Not Present. No Not Present. No No further surveys or montana ssp. ravenii List 1B coastal scrub. Found on open, Arctostaphylos Arctostaphylos species mitigation measures Presidio manzanita rocky serpentine slopes. 20-215m species observed observed during are recommended. elevation. Known only in San during assessment assessment and no Francisco. Blooms February- and no suitable suitable communities March. communities present. present. Arctostaphylos List 1B Chaparral and coastal scrub. Not Present. No Not Present. No No further surveys or montaraensis Found on slopes and ridges. 150- Arctostaphylos Arctostaphylos species mitigation measures Montara manzanita 500m elevation. Known only from species observed observed during are recommended. Montara and San Bruno during assessment. assessment. Project Mountains. Blooms January- Project Area is outside Area is outside of known March. of known elevation elevation and range. and range. Arctostaphylos SE, Coastal scrub. Known only from Not Present. No Not Present. No No further surveys or pacifica List 1B San Bruno Mountain. Blooms Arctostaphylos Arctostaphylos species mitigation measures Pacific manzanita February-April. species observed observed during are recommended. during assessment. assessment. Project Project Area is outside Area is outside of known of known elevation elevation and range. and range. Arctostaphylos List 1B Broadleafed upland forest, Not Present. No Not Present. No No further surveys or regismontana chaparral, North Coast coniferous Arctostaphylos Arctostaphylos species mitigation measures Kings Mountain forest, often on granite or species observed observed during are recommended. manzanita sandstone soils. 305-730m during assessment. assessment. Study Area elevation. Blooms January-April. Project Area is outside is outside of known of known elevation elevation and no suitable and no suitable habitat habitat present. present.
C-16 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Astragalus List 1B Coastal dunes (mesic) and Unlikely. Project Unlikely. The Study No further surveys or pycnostachyus var. marshes and swamps (coastal Area habitats are Area habitats are mitigation measures pycnostachyus salt, streamsides). 0-30m highly disturbed. No disturbed, with no intact are recommended. coastal marsh milk- elevation. Blooms April-October. intact dune or wetland dune or wetland habitat. vetch habitat, and man- Ditch is man-made and made ditch is heavily heavily invaded with non- invaded with non- native species. native species. Astragalus tener var. List 1B Alkali playa, valley and foothill Not Present. Not Present. Presumed No further surveys or tener grassland, vernal pools. Found in Presumed extirpated; extirpated; suitable mitigation measures alkali milk-vetch low ground, alkali flats and flooded suitable habitat is not habitat is not found within are recommended. grounds. 1-170m elevation. available in the Project 200 ft. of the Project Blooms March-June. Area. Area. California macrophylla List 1B Cismontane woodland, valley and Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or round-leaved filaree foothill grassland, often on clay habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures soils. 15-1200m elevation. in Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. Blooms March-May. Project Area. Carex comosa List 2 Marshes and swamps. Found in Unlikely. No wetland Unlikely. No wetland No further surveys or Bristly sedge lake margins and wet places. 5- habitats are present. habitats are present. mitigation measures 1005m elevation. Blooms May- Drainage ditch carries Drainage ditch carries are recommended. September. water but is heavily water but is heavily disturbed. disturbed. Centromadia parryi List 1B Coastal prairie, meadows and Unlikely. Disturbed Unlikely. Disturbed No further surveys or spp. parryi seeps, coastal salt marsh, valley ruderal grassland is ruderal grassland is mitigation measures pappose tarplant and foothill grassland. Found at unlikely to support this unlikely to support this are recommended. vernally mesic, often alkaline sites. species; no mesic or species; no mesic or 2-420m elevation. Blooms May- alkaline habitats alkaline habitats present. November. present. Chorizanthe cuspidata List 1B Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, Unlikely. Project Moderate. Sandy soils in Seasonally- var. cuspidata coastal prairie, coastal scrub, often Area is highly coastal scrub could appropriate floristic San Francisco Bay on sandy soils. 3-215m elevation. disturbed and unlikely support this species, surveys are spineflower Blooms April-August. to support this although Study Area recommended. species. habitats are disturbed.
C-17 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Chorizanthe robusta FE, Cismontane woodland, coastal Unlikely. Project Moderate. Sandy soils in Seasonally- var. robusta List 1B dunes, coastal scrub. Found on Area is highly coastal scrub could appropriate floristic robust spineflower sandy terraces and bluffs or in disturbed and unlikely support this species, surveys are loose sand. 3-120m elevation. to support this although Study Area recommended. Blooms April-September. species. habitats are disturbed. Cirsium andrewsii List 1B Broadleafed upland forest, coastal Unlikely. Project Moderate. Coastal scrub Seasonally- Franciscan thistle bluff scrub, coastal prairie, coastal Area is highly could support this appropriate floristic scrub. 0-135 m elevation. Blooms disturbed and unlikely species, although Study surveys are March-July. to support this Area habitats are recommended. species. disturbed. Cirsium fontinale var. FE, SE, Chaparral, cismontane woodlands, Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or fontinale List 1B valley and foothill grasslands, habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures fountain thistle often in serpentinite seeps. 90- in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. 175m elevation. Blooms May- Project Area is not Project Area, and this October. within elevation range. area is not within elevation range. Cirsium occidentale List 1B Chaparral, coastal dunes, coastal Unlikely. Project Moderate. Sandy soils in Seasonally- var. compactum prairie, coastal scrub. Found on Area is highly coastal scrub could appropriate floristic compact cobwebby dunes and on clay. 5-155m disturbed and unlikely support this species, surveys are thistle elevation. Blooms April-June. to support this although Study Area recommended. species. habitats are disturbed. Collinsia multicolor List 1B Closed cone coniferous forest, Unlikely. Project Moderate. Coastal scrub No further surveys or San Francisco coastal scrub, sometimes on Area has planted pine/ and pine/ cypress areas mitigation measures collinsia serpentinite soils. 30-250m cypress areas that are may be suitable habitat, are recommended. elevation. Blooms March-May. highly disturbed; no although disturbed and serpentine present. no serpentine present. Cordylanthus List 1B Coastal salt marsh. Usually found Not Present. No salt Not Present. No salt No further surveys or maritimus ssp. with Salicornia, Distichlis, Jaumea, marsh habitat present marsh habitat present in mitigation measures palustris Spartina, etc. 0-15m elevation. in the Project Area. the Study Area. are recommended. Point Reyes bird’s- Blooms June-October. beak
C-18 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Dirca occidentalis List 1B Broadleafed upland forest, Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or western leatherwood chaparral, closed-cone coniferous habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures forest, cismontane woodland, in Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. North Coast coniferous forest, Project Area is not Project Area, and this riparian forest, riparian woodland. within elevation range. area is not within Found on brushy slopes, mesic elevation range. sites mostly in mixed evergreen and foothill woodland communities. 50-395m elevation. Blooms January-April. Eriophyllum latilobum FE, SE, Cismontane woodland, often on Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or San Mateo wooly List 1B roadcuts, on and off of serpentine. habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures sunflower 45-150 m elevation. Blooms May- in Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. June. Project Area is not Project Area, and this within elevation range. area is not within elevation range. Erysimum List 1B Maritime chaparral, coastal dunes, Unlikely. Project Moderate. Sandy soils in Seasonally- ammophilum and coastal scrub. Found in sandy Area lacks coastal coastal scrub could appropriate floristic coast wallflower openings. 0-130m elevation. scrub and is highly support this species, surveys are Blooms February-June. disturbed. although Study Area recommended. habitats are disturbed. Fritillaria biflora var. List 1B Cismontane woodland, valley and Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or ineziana foothill grassland. Most recently habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures Hillsborough chocolate found in serpentine grassland. 90- in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. lily 160m elevation. Blooms March- Project Area is not Project Area, and this April. within elevation range. area is not within elevation range. Fritillaria lanceolata List 1B Coastal bluff scrub, coastal prairie, Unlikely. Project Moderate. Coastal scrub Seasonally- var. tristulis coastal scrub. 15-150m elevation. Area is highly may provide suitable appropriate floristic Marin checker lily Blooms February-May. disturbed and unlikely habitat for this species. surveys are to support this recommended. species.
C-19 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Fritillaria liliacea List 1B Coastal scrub, valley and foothill Not Present. Suitable Unlikely. Coastal scrub No further surveys or fragrant fritillary grassland, and coastal prairie. habitat is not available present, but no clay or mitigation measures Usually found on clay soils (often in Project Area. serpentinite soils are recommended. serpentinite). 3-410m elevation. observed. Blooms February-April. Gilia capitata ssp. List 1B Coastal dunes and coastal scrub. Unlikely. Project Moderate. Coastal scrub Seasonally- chamissonis 2-200m elevation. Blooms April- Area is highly in Study Area is appropriate floristic dune gilia July. disturbed and unlikely disturbed, but could surveys are to support this support this species. recommended. species. Grindelia hirsutula var. List 1B Coastal scrub, coastal bluff scrub, Unlikely. Project Moderate. Coastal scrub Seasonally- maritima and valley and foothill grassland. Area is highly in Study Area is appropriate floristic San Francisco Found on sandy or serpentine disturbed and unlikely disturbed, but could surveys are gumplant slopes and sea bluffs. 15-400m to support this support this species. recommended. elevation. Blooms June- species. September. Helianthella castanea List 1B Broadleaved upland forest, Not Present. Suitable Not present. Coastal No further surveys or Diablo helianthella chaparral, cismontane woodland, habitat is not available scrub present, but mitigation measures coastal scrub, riparian woodland, in Project Area. species typically occurs are recommended. valley and foothill grassland. farther inland and at Usually in chaparral/oak woodland higher elevations. interface in rocky, azonal soils. 25-1150m elevation. Blooms March-June. Hesperevax List 1B Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes. Unlikely. Project Moderate. Bare sandy Seasonally- sparsiflora var. Found on sandy bluffs and flats. Area is highly or rocky areas in coastal appropriate floristic brevifolia 0-200m elevation. Blooms March- disturbed and unlikely scrub may be suitable surveys are short-leaved evax June. to support this habitat, though species recommended. species. typically occurs closer to bluff edge.
C-20 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Hesperocyparis FE, SE, Closed cone coniferous forest, Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or abramsiana List 1B lower montane coniferous forest. habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures Santa Cruz cypress Restricted to the Santa Cruz in the Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. Mountains, on sandstone and Project Area is not Project Area, and this granitic-derived soils. 300-800 m within elevation range. area is not within elevation. elevation range. Hesperolinon FT, ST, Chaparral, valley and foothill Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or congestum List 1B grassland, often on serpentinite habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures Marin western flax soils. 5-370m elevation. Blooms in Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. April-July. Project Area. Horkelia cuneata ssp. List 1B Closed cone coniferous forest, Unlikely. Coastal Moderate. Disturbed Seasonally- sericea maritime chaparral, and openings scrub present in coastal scrub and pine/ appropriate floristic Kellogg’s horkelia in coastal scrub habitat on gravelly vicinity but not within cypress areas may surveys are or sandy soils. 10-200m elevation. highly disturbed provided suitable habitat recommended. Blooms April-September. Project Area. for this species. Horkelia marinensis List 1B Coastal dunes, coastal prairie, Unlikely. Project Moderate. Disturbed Seasonally- Point Reyes horkelia coastal scrub. Found on sandy Area is highly coastal scrub may appropriate floristic flats and dunes near coast; also in disturbed and unlikely provided suitable habitat surveys are grassland or scrub plant to support this for this species. recommended. communities. 5-30m elevation. species. Blooms May-September. Layia carnosa FE, SE, Coastal dunes. Found on sparsely Not Present. Suitable Unlikely. Dune habitats No further surveys or beach layia List 1B vegetated, semi-stable dunes. 0- habitat is not available are present in vicinity, but mitigation measures 75m elevation. Blooms March- in Project Area. no dune habitat within are recommended. July. Study Area. Lasthenia californica List 1B Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, Unlikely. Project Moderate. Sandy Seasonally- spp. macrantha coastal scrub. 5-520 m elevation. Area is highly openings in disturbed appropriate floristic perennial goldfields Blooms January-November. disturbed and lacks coastal scrub may surveys are native coastal scrub or provide suitable habitat recommended. dune habitat. for this species.
C-21 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Leptosiphon croceus List 1B Coastal bluff scrub and coastal Not Present. Project Unlikely. Coastal bluff No further surveys or coast yellow prairie. 10-150m elevation. Area is highly scrub present in vicinity mitigation measures leptosiphon Blooms April-May. disturbed and there is but no bluff scrub or are recommended. no bluff scrub or prairie habitat present in prairie habitat in coyote bush-dominated immediate vicinity. coastal scrub of Study Area. Leptosiphon rosaceus List 1B Coastal bluff scrub. 0-100m Not Present. Project Unlikely. Coastal bluff No further surveys or rose leptosiphon elevation. Blooms April-July. Area is highly scrub present in vicinity mitigation measures disturbed and there is but no bluff scrub or are recommended. no bluff scrub or prairie habitat present in prairie habitat in coyote bush-dominated immediate vicinity. coastal scrub of Study Area. Lessingia arachnoidea List 1B Cismontane woodland, coastal Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or Crystal Springs sage scrub, serpentinite soils in habitat and serpentine habitat and serpentine mitigation measures lessingia valley and foothill grasslands, soils are not available soils are not available are recommended. often roadsides. 60-200m and Project Area is and this area is not within elevation. Blooms July-October. not within known known elevation range. elevation range. Lessingia germanorum FE, SE, Coastal scrub (remnant dunes). Not Present. Suitable Unlikely. Typically No further surveys or San Francisco List 1B Found in open, sandy soils habitat is not available grows in open semi- mitigation measures lessingia relatively free of competing plants. in Project Area. stabilized dune habitat are recommended. 20-125m elevation. Blooms June- not present in Study November. Area. Species only known farther north and may not be native to San Mateo County. Lessingia hololeuca List 3 Broadleafed upland forest, lower Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Coastal No further surveys or woolly-headed montane coniferous forest, coastal habitat is not available scrub present, but no clay mitigation measures lessingia scrub, and on clay or serpentinite in Project Area. or serpentinite soils. Not are recommended. soils in valley and foothill known to occur near grasslands. 15-305m elevation. coastline. Blooms June-October.
C-22 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Limnanthes douglasii SE, Coastal prairies, mesic meadows, Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or ssp. sulphurea List 1B freshwater marshes and swamps, habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures Point Reyes vernal pools. Typically in dark clay in Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. meadowfoam soil. 1-140 m elevation. Blooms Project Area. March-May. Lupinus arboreus var. List 3 Coastal prairie, mesic meadows Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or eximius and seeps, freshwater marshes habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures San Mateo tree lupine and swamps, and vernal pools. 1- in Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. 140m elevation. Blooms April- Project Area. July. Malacothamnus List 1B Cismontane woodland, chaparral. Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or aboriginum Found in granitic outcrops and habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures Indian Valley bush sandy bare soil. 150-1700m in Project Area and within 200 ft. of the are recommended. mallow elevation. Blooms April-October. not located within Project Area, and this known elevation area is not within known range. elevation range. Malacothamnus List 1B Chaparral. 15-355m elevation. Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or arcuatus Blooms April-September. habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures arcuate bush mallow in Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. Project Area. Malacothamnus List 1B Coastal scrub, riparian woodland, Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or davidsonii chaparral. Found in sandy habitat is not present; habitat is not present; not mitigation measures Davidson's bush washes. 180-855m elevation. not known to occur known to occur near are recommended. mallow Blooms June-January. near coastline or low coastline or low elevations. elevations. Malacothamnus hallii List 1B Chaparral, and serpentine soils. Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or Hall’s bush mallow 10-760m elevation. Blooms May- habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures October. in Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. Project Area.
C-23 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Microseris paludosa List 1B Closed-cone coniferous forest, Unlikely. Project Moderate. Coastal scrub Seasonally- marsh microseris cismontane woodland, coastal Area is highly and pine/ cypress areas appropriate floristic scrub, valley and foothill disturbed but suitable may provide suitable surveys are grassland. 5-300m elevation. habitat may be habitat for this species. recommended. Blooms April-June. present in vicinity. Monolopia gracilens List 1B Serpentine soils in broadleafed Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or Woodlands wooly upland forest openings, chaparral habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures thread openings, cismontane woodland, and not located within and not located within are recommended. North Coast coniferous forest known elevation known elevation range. openings, valley and foothill range. grassland. 100-1200m elevation. Blooms March-July. Pedicularis dudleyi SR, Maritime chaparral, cismontane Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or Dudley’s lousewort List 1B woodland, North Coast coniferous habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures forest, valley and foothill in Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. grassland. 60-900m elevation. Project Area. Blooms April-June. Pentachaeta FE, SE, Often on serpentinite soil in valley Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or bellidiflora List 1B and foothill grassland habitat. 35- habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures white-rayed 620m elevation. Blooms March- in Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. pentachaeta May. Project Area. Plagiobothrys List 1B Chaparral, coastal prairie, and Unlikely. Project Unlikely. Coastal scrub No further surveys or chorisianus var. coastal scrub. Found in mesic Area lacks wetland/ habitat present but lacks mitigation measures chorisianus areas. 15-100m elevation. mesic areas; drainage wetland/ mesic areas; are recommended. Choris’ popcornflower Blooms March-June. ditch carries storm drainage ditch carries flow and is dominated storm flow and is by non-native species. dominated by non-native species. Plagiobothrys diffusus SE, Coastal prairie, valley and foothill Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or San Francisco List 1B grassland. 60-360m elevation. habitat is not available habitat is not available mitigation measures popcorn-flower Blooms March-June. in Project Area. within 200 ft. of the are recommended. Project Area is not Project Area, and this within elevation range. area is not within elevation range.
C-24 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Pinus radiata List 1B Closed-cone coniferous forest, Present but not Present but not special No further surveys or Monterey pine cismontane woodland. 25-185 m special status. status. Present in mitigation measures elevation. Considered to be native Present in planted planted stands along are recommended. occurrences only at Ano Nuevo, stands along Pullman Pullman Ditch. Study Planted Monterey Cambria, the Monterey Peninsula, Ditch. Project Area is Area is outside of native pine along Pullman and Baja, Mexico. Human- outside of native range. Ditch are not dispersed populations and range. considered sensitive. cultivars are considered invasive (Cal-IPC 2010). Polemonium carneum List 2 Coastal prairie, Coastal scrub, Unlikely. Potential Moderate. Disturbed Seasonally- Oregon polemonium Lower montane coniferous forest. suitable habitat in coastal scrub may appropriate floristic 0-1830m elevation. Blooms April- vicinity but Project provide suitable habitat surveys are September. Area habitats are for this species. recommended. highly disturbed. Potentilla hickmanii FE, SE, Coastal bluff scrub, closed-cone Unlikely. Planted Unlikely. Planted pines/ No further surveys or Hickman's cinquefoil List 1B coniferous forests, meadows and pines/ cypress may be cypress and coastal mitigation measures seeps, marshes and swamps. marginally suitable scrub may be marginally are recommended. Found in moist areas along the habitat, but no suitable habitat, but no coast. 5-125m elevation. Blooms wetlands present. wetlands present. April-August. Sanicula maritima SR, Meadows and seeps, valley and Not Present. Not Present. Presumed No further surveys or adobe sanicle List 1B foothill grasslands, chaparral, Presumed extirpated; extirpated; suitable mitigation measures coastal prairie. Found in moist clay suitable habitat not habitat is not available are recommended. or ultramafic soils. 30-240m available in Project within 200 ft. of the elevation. Blooms February-May. Area. Project Area. Sidalcea hickmanii List 1B Chaparral (serpentinite). 50-430m Not Present. Suitable Not Present. Suitable No further surveys or ssp. viridis elevation. Blooms May-June. habitat is not habitat is not available in mitigation measures Marin checkerbloom available; Project Area Study Area, and this area are recommended. is not within known is not within elevation elevation range. range.
C-25 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
Silene verecunda ssp. List 1B Coastal bluff scrub, chaparral, Unlikely. Project Moderate. Disturbed Seasonally- verecunda coastal prairie, coastal scrub, Area is highly coastal scrub may appropriate floristic San Francisco valley and foothill grassland disturbed but suitable provided suitable habitat surveys are campion (sandy). 30-645m elevation. habitat may be for this species. recommended. Blooms March-August. present in vicinity. Stebbinsoseris List 1B Broadleafed upland forest, closed- Unlikely. Disturbed Unlikely. Disturbed No further surveys or decipiens cone coniferous forest, chaparral, planted pine/ cypress coastal scrub and planted mitigation measures Santa Cruz microseris coastal prairie, coastal scrub; areas present, but no pine/ cypress areas are recommended. loose, disturbed soil (shale or shale or serpentine present, but no shale or serpentine) on seaward slopes. soils and Project Area serpentine soils and 10-500m elevation. Blooms April- does not include bluff Study Area does not May. slopes. include bluff slopes. Trifolium hydrophilum List 1B Marshes and swamps, valley and Not Present. No Not Present. No No further surveys or saline clover foothill grassland, vernal pools. wetlands or alkaline wetlands or alkaline soils mitigation measures Found at mesic, alkaline sites. 0- soils present in Project present in Study Area. are recommended. 300m elevation. Blooms April- Area. June. Triphysaria floribunda List 1B Coastal prairie, valley and foothill Not Present. No Not Present. No suitable No further surveys or San Francisco grassland. Found on serpentine suitable habitat; only habitat; only highly mitigation measures owl's-clover and nonserpentine substrate. 10- highly disturbed disturbed ruderal are recommended. 160m elevation. Blooms April- ruderal grasslands grasslands present. June. present. Triquetrella californica List 1B Moss that grows on soil in coastal Not Present. Project Moderate. Disturbed Seasonally- coastal triquetrella bluff scrub or coastal scrub. 10- Area is highly coastal scrub present in appropriate floristic 100m elevation. disturbed and lacks Study Area. surveys are coastal scrub habitat. recommended.
C-26 POTENTIAL TO POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT OCCUR IN THE RECOMMENDATION THE STUDY AREA PROJECT AREA
* Key to status codes: BCC USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern CFP CDFG Fully Protected Animal FC Federal Candidate FD Federal De-listed FE Federal Endangered FPD Federal Proposed for De-listing FT Federal Threatened LCP Local Coastal Program species NMFS Species under the Jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service RP Sensitive species included in a USFWS Recovery Plan or Draft Recovery Plan SE State Endangered SLC Species of Local Concern SR State Rare SSC CDFG Species of Special Concern SSI CDFG Special Status Invertebrates ST State Threatened WBWG Western Bat Working Group High Priority species List 1B CNPS List 1B: Plants rare, threatened or endangered in California and elsewhere List 2 CNPS List 2: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere List 3 CNPS List 3: Plants about which CNPS needs more information (a review list)
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