Biological Resources Assessment

APPENDIX B: BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT

Sierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project

City of Santa Clarita

APNs 2827-005-042 & -043

Prepared for:

MR. NORRIS WHITMORE P.O. Box 55786 Valencia, CA 91385 Attn: Mr. Norris Whitmore (661) 406-0961

Prepared by:

ENVICOM CORPORATION 4165 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite 290 Westlake Village, CA 91362 Contact: Jim Anderson, Senior Biologist (818) 879-4700 ext. 234

January 2020 Revised February 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

2.0 METHODS 1 2.1 Biological Resources Inventory 1 2.1.1 Literature Review 1 2.1.2 Field Survey 4

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 4

4.0 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 6 4.1 Vegetation and Plant Communities 6 4.1.1 Vegetation 6 4.1.2 Natural Communities of Special Concern 8 4.1.3 Plant Communities/Habitats Listed in CNDDB 9 4.2 Plant Species 10 4.2.1 Plant Species Observed 10 4.2.2 Special-Status Plant Species 10 4.3 Wildlife Species 12 4.3.1 Wildlife Observed 12 4.3.2 Special-Status Wildlife Species 12 4.4 Wildlife Movement 15

5.0 PROJECT IMPACTS 16 5.1 Impacts to Special-Status Plants 18 5.2 Impacts to Special-Status Wildlife 19 5.3 Impacts to Nesting Birds 20

6.0 REFERENCES 22

FIGURES

Figure 1 Location Map 2 Figure 2 Aerial Image of the Project Site/Photo Location Map 3 Figure 3 Vegetation and Impacts Map 7

PLATE

Plate 1 Representative Photographs of the Project Site and Habitats 5

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLES

Table 1 Natural Communities at Project Site 8 Table 2 Status Codes for Special-Status Plants 11 Table 3 Status Codes for Special-Status Wildlife 13 Table 4 Impacts to Natural Communities at Project Site 17

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Biological Database Searches Appendix 2 Vascular Plants Observed November 7, 2019 Appendix 3 Potential for Occurrence of Special-Status Plant Species Appendix 4 Vertebrate Wildlife Species Observed November 7, 2019 Appendix 5 Potential for Occurrence of Special-Status Wildlife Species Appendix 6 Preliminary Grading Plan, CRC Enterprises, July 12, 2019

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Envicom Corporation has prepared this Biological Resources Assessment for the Sierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project site located in the City of Santa Clarita, California (see Figure 1, Location Map). The proposed project consists of construction and operation of an assisted living and memory care facility and associated improvements. The subject properties (APN 2827-005-042 & -043) total just under 4.0 acres and are currently undeveloped. The site is bordered on the south by a memorial park, on the north by commercial development and undeveloped land, and on the west by undeveloped land. Sierra Highway runs along the easetern boundary of the site and the SR 14 is a few hundred feet to the east. The site is located near the northeastern corner of the USGS 7.5’ Oat Mountain topographic quadrangle map. An aerial image of the site is provided as Figure 2, Aerial Image of Project Site / Photo Location Map.

This report includes a discussion of biological resources that are confirmed present and that have the potential to occur at the project site. The methods and results of field investigations are summarized, and maps and representative photographs of natural communities and special-status species are provided. The existing conditions discussion is followed by an analysis of project impacts. Lists of vascular plants and vertebrate wildlife species observed during field surveys as well as an analysis of the potential for occurrence of special-status plant and wildlife species are included as appendices to the report.

2.0 METHODS 2.1 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES INVENTORY 2.1.1 Literature Review A literature review was performed that included information available in standard biological references and relevant lists and databases pertaining to the status and known occurrences of sensitive and special-status biological resources. Other sources of information included aerial photographs, topographic maps, soil survey maps, climatic data, and relevant policy and planning documents. The following sources were among those reviewed in preparation for field surveys, or that were consulted during preparation of this report (for a complete list see the references section):

• Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), data as of December 11, 2019; • California Natural Communities List, CDFW, November 8, 2019; • California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) Rarefind 5 report for the 7.5’ USGS Oat Mountain quadrangle and eight (8) surrounding quadrangles, CDFW, data as of December 11, 2019; • California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California report for the 7.5’ USGS Oat Mountain quadrangle and eight (8) surrounding quadrangles, CNPS, data as of December 11, 2019; • List of Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens, CDFW, October 2019; • Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special-Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities, CDFW, March 10, 2018; • Special Animals, CDFW, August 2019; and,

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

1 14

Placerita Ca nyo Lyons Ave. n Rd.

14 126 N 126 5 ew ha ll 14 Av e. Project Site

Project 210 . y Site w 118 Source: GoogleMaps, 2018. 5 H

i S

210

Source: ESRI, World Street Map, 2016.

SIERRA WEST ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE – BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT Location Map 0 2,000 4,000 FIGURE FEET 1 Legend Project Site Photo Locations

i 1A S

Aerial Source: Google Earth Pro, Nov. 19, 2018. Site Plan: Ken Stockton Architect, July 10, 2019.

SIERRA WEST ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE – BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT Aerial Image of Project Site / Photo Location Map 0 50 100 FEET FIGURE 2

• United States Fish and Wildlife Service Critical Habitat Mapper, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), data as of December 11, 2019.

The results of the literature review with respect to the status and known occurrences of sensitive and special- status biological resources at the site and in the surrounding area are discussed under relevant sections later in this document. Lists and maps generated when searching the CNDDB, BIOS, and CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants are provided in Appendix 1.

2.1.2 Field Survey A biological survey to inventory the resources at the site was conducted by Mr. Jim Anderson, Senior Biologist at Envicom Corporation. Mr. Anderson also performed natural community mapping of the site using high-resolution aerial imagery from November 2018. The survey area included the entire subject properties. The survey was conducted on November 7, 2019 between the hours of 11:45 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in warm and clear conditions (mid-70s °F) with winds of 0 to 10 m.p.h. The survey included a search for protected biological resources, including rare, threatened, and endangered plant and wildlife species, special habitats, and special-status natural communities, as well as an evaluation of the value of the site for wildlife movement. The survey was performed by slowly walking transects across the site and by investigating particular areas thoroughly, as necessary. The survey methodology resulted in an investigation of all of the natural communities and habitats within the survey area, including oak woodland, chaparral, herbaceous communities, and disturbed areas. An inventory of vascular plants was recorded, with all species identified to the taxonomic level necessary to determine their status. Vascular plant species determinations were made using The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California, 2nd edition (Baldwin B. et al. 2012). Vertebrate wildlife species were identified by direct observation, vocalization, or sign (e.g., tracks, scat, or burrows). Wildlife species identification relied upon Reid (2006), Sibley (2016), and Stebbins (2003). Several photographs were taken as a record of conditions at the time of the survey.

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

The project site is situated within a foothill area between the Santa Susana Mountains and San Gabriel Mountains at elevations ranging from approximately 1,400 to 1,570 feet above mean sea level. The site is generally south and east-facing, dry, and exposed. The site consists of flat to gradual slopes near Sierra Highway which transition abruptly to hillslopes and low ridgelines in the western portion of the site. Representative photos of the site and habitats are provided on Plate 1, Representative Photographs of the Project Site and Habitats.

The geology at the site consists of conglomerate and sedimentary rocks of the Saugus Formation (United States Geologic Service, http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/maps/mapview/). The site is not notably rocky. Vegetation is predominately non-native grasses and forbs, chaparral, and oak woodland. The eastern portion of the site where the facility would be constructed is disturbed, while the vegetation in the western portion of the site is relatively pristine. The soils at the site are of the Saugus Loam association, which consists of loam and sandy loam derived from weakly consolidated alluvium (Web Soil Survey, websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov). Average high/low summer temperatures in the project vicinity are 88/64°F, average high/low winter temperatures are 68/44°F, and precipitation is approximately 18 inches per year (Western Regional Climate Center, [email protected]).

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

4 Photo 1A – View facing northwest of coast live oak trees and disturbed habitat in the eastern Photo 1B – View facing south of ruderal habitats within the proposed development footprint. part of the site near Sierra Highway. A coast live oak woodland (Quercus agrifolia) in the southeastern part of the site is visible in the background.

Photo 1C – Representative view of chamise chaparral (Adenostoma fasciculatum), which Photo 1D – Representative view of natural habitats that would be within fuel modification covers much of the western portion of the site. zones surrounding the proposed development.

SIERRA WEST ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE – BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT Representative Photos of Project Site and Habitats 1PLATE

The site is within the Santa Clara – Calleguas Hydrological Unit and the Santa Clara River Basin Hydrological Area. There are no jurisdictional stream channels or other waterbodies at the site, and no riparian vegetation. Newhall Creek is approximately 400 feet to the east of the site.

The surrounding area is a mosaic of residential and commercial development, major highways and roads, a memorial park, and undeveloped, naturally vegetated lands. The site is bordered on the south by a memorial park, on the north by commercial development and undeveloped land, and on the west by undeveloped land. Sierra Highway runs along the easetern boundary of the site and the SR 14 is a few hundred feet to the east.

4.0 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.1 VEGETATION AND PLANT COMMUNITIES 4.1.1 Vegetation The vegetation at the site consists predominately of disturbed non-native herbaceous habitats, chaparral, and coast live oak woodland. The vegetation and natural communities at the site are shown on Figure 3, Vegetation and Impacts Map, and representative photographs are provided on Plate 1. A discussion of vegetation within the survey area is provided below, which is organized by broad habitat class.

Herbaceous Disturbed herbaceous dominated habitats are found in the eastern part of the site, which are identified as ruderal on the vegetation map. These habitats are strongly dominated by non-native annual grasses and forbs, including non-native species such as red brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), rip-gut brome (Bromus diandrus), summer mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), and red-stemmed filaree (Erodium cicutarium). They are highly disturbed and contain very few native species. It is primarily within these habitats that the residence will be sited, along with disturbed coast live oak woodland. Selected other non-native species found in these areas include tocolote (Centaurea melitensis), southern Russian thistle (Salsola australis), and prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola). Telgraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora), wire-lettuce (Stephanomeria sp.), and horseweed (Erigeron canadensis) were among the few native herbs found in these areas. Due to their non-native and highly disturbed condition, areas mapped as ruderal are not sensitive.

Oak Woodland There are two coast live oak woodlands (Quercus agrifolia) in the eastern portion of the site. The understory of the northernmost woodland is ruderal although a small portion extends into the chaparral habitat to the west. The other is larger, contains more trees, and primarily within native habitats, although portions of this woodland are also disturbed. The northern most woodland is within the grading limits and both woodlands are within potential fuel modification zones for the proposed project.

Chaparral The western three-quarters of the property consists of relatively open stands of chaparral dominated by chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), which contain a significant component of black sage (Salvia mellifera) and California sagebrush (Artemisia californica). The chamise stands occur on relatively steep exposed, south and east-facing slopes and ridgelines. Other native species found growing in the understory of the chaparral include chaparral yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei), deerweed (Acmispon glaber), and California

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) as well as a few scrub oaks (Quercus berberidifolia). Common non- native species in these stands include tecolote (Centaurea melitensis) and summer mustard (Hirschfeldia incana).

Non-Native Ornamental Trees A row of ornamental trees was mapped on Figure 3 in the western portion of the property, where ornamental trees planted on the adjacent property to the south may extend into the property boundary. These trees are well outside of the proposed project footprint, including potential fuel modification zones.

4.1.2 Natural Communities of Special Concern Natural Communities of Special Concern are communities that are of limited distribution statewide or within a county or region and are often vulnerable to environmental effects of projects. They are also referred to as rare or sensitive plant communities. The most current version of CDFW’s California Natural Communities List (CDFW, November 8, 2019) indicates which natural communities are considered to be Natural Communities of Special Concern. This list is based on A Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd Edition, which is the California expression of the National Vegetation Classification. Natural communities are assigned a conservation status rank (also known as “rarity rank”). Natural communities with global or state conservation status ranks of G1 through G3, or S1 through S3, respectively, are rare or sensitive.

The natural communities at the site were mapped and then correlated with CDFW’s Natural Communities List (see Figure 3). Natural communities are classified based on plant species composition and abundance, as well as underlying abiotic conditions, such as slope, aspect, or soil type. The acreages and conservation status ranks of the natural communities are provided in Table 1, Natural Communities at Project Site below.

Table 1 Natural Communities at Project Site

Conservation Acreage Habitat Class Natural Community* Status Rank (Survey Area) Coast Live Oak Woodland Alliance Woodland G5S4 0.76 (Quercus agrifolia) [71.060.00] Chamise – Black Sage – California Sagebrush Shrubland Association Chaparral G4S4 2.37 (Adenostoma fasciculatum – Salvia mellifera – Artemisia californica) [37.102.04] Herbaceous Ruderal Not Ranked 0.76 Individual Trees Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) Not Ranked 0.02 Other Landcover Non-Native Ornamental Trees Not Ranked 0.02 Total Acreages 3.93 * Numbers in brackets are unique codes for each plant community, as provided in the California Natural Communities List (CDFW, November 8, 2019).

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Conservation Acreage Habitat Class Natural Community* Status Rank (Survey Area) Trend factors, with weighting being heavier on Rarity than the other two. “?”- Denotes an inexact numeric rank due to insufficient samples over the full, expected range of the vegetation type, but existing information points to the rank given.

G1 - Critically Imperiled—At very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer occurrences), very steep declines, or other factors. G2 - Imperiled—At high risk of extinction due to very restricted range, very few occurrences (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors. G3 - Vulnerable—At moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few occurrences (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors. G4 - Apparently Secure—Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. G5 - Secure—Common; widespread and abundant.

STATE RANKING The state rank (S-rank) is assigned much the same way as the global rank, but state ranks refer to the imperilment status only within California’s state boundaries.

S1 - Critically Imperiled—Critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer occurrences) or because of factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state. S2 - Imperiled—Imperiled in the state because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few occurrences (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the state. S3 - Vulnerable—Vulnerable in the state due to a restricted range, relatively few occurrences (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation from the state. S4 - Apparently Secure—Uncommon but not rare in the state; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. S5 - Secure—Common, widespread, and abundant in the state.

There are no rare or sensitive natural communities at the site. Oak trees are protected by the City of Santa Clarita oak tree ordinance. Although the presence of oak trees at the site was confirmed during the field surveys conducted to prepare this report, documentation of the precise location and condition of oak trees that would require protection pursuant to the City’s ordinance was outside the scope of this study.

4.1.3 Plant Communities/Habitats Listed in CNDDB A review of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) Rarefind 5 application reveals 13 Sensitive Plant Communities/Habitats have been reported by other observers in the Oat Mountain Quadrangle area, or within adjacent quadrangles. These Sensitive Plant Communities/Habitats include: • California Walnut Woodland • Cismontane Alkali Marsh • Mainland Cherry Forest • Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub • Southern California Threespine Stickleback Stream • Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest • Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

• Southern Mixed Riparian Forest • Southern Riparian Scrub • Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland • Southern Willow Scrub • Valley Needlegrass Grassland • Valley Oak Woodland

None of these plant communities or special habitats occurs at the site.

4.2 PLANT SPECIES 4.2.1 Plant Species Observed A total of 59 vascular plant taxa were identified during the survey of the site on November 7, 2019, including 50 dicots and 9 monocots. Of these, 41 are naturally occurring native species and 18 are non- native or introduced, representing moderate diversity of native species for a survey area of this size and a moderate proportion of non-natives. The survey was conducted in the fall and outside of the growing season, and it is anticipated that more native herbaceous species are present at the site, which were not detected due to timing of the survey. A complete list of the vascular plant species observed within the survey area is provided in Appendix 2.

4.2.2 Special-Status Plant Species Special-status plant species either have unique biological significance, limited distribution, restricted habitat requirements, particular susceptibility to human disturbance, or a combination of these factors. For the purposes of this report, special-status plant species are those plants listed, proposed for listing, or candidates for listing as Threatened or Endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA); those listed or proposed for listing as Rare, Threatened, or Endangered by the CDFW under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA); and plants on the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants with a California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) of 1B (which includes rare, threatened, or endangered species in California and elsewhere), CRPR 2B (plants considered rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere), and CRPR 3 (a review list for plants about which more information is needed).

The term “special-status” is also used herein to denote species on the CNPS Inventory with a CRPR 4 that meet criteria to be considered locally significant. Plants with a CRPR of 4 are not rare, but rather are included on a “watch list” of species with limited distribution. However, while plants in this category cannot be called “rare” from a statewide perspective, and very few, if any, are eligible for state listing, many of them are significant locally. For this reason, CNPS strongly recommends that CRPR 4 plants be evaluated for consideration during preparation of environmental documents, which may be particularly appropriate for the type locality of a CRPR 4 plant; populations at the periphery of a species’ range; areas where the taxon is especially uncommon; areas where the taxon has sustained heavy losses; or populations exhibiting unusual morphology or occurring on unusual substrates.

The status codes for special-status plants are described in Table 2, Status Codes for Special-Status Plants.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Table 2 Status Codes for Special-Status Plants FEDERALLY PROTECTED SPECIES FE (Federal Endangered) A species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. FT (Federal Threatened) A species that is likely to become Endangered in the foreseeable future. FC (Federal Candidate) A species for which USFWS has sufficient information on its biological status and threats to propose it as Endangered or Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), but for which development of a proposed listing regulation is precluded by other higher priority listing activities. STATE PROTECTED SPECIES CE (California Endangered) A native species or subspecies which is in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of its range due to one or more causes, including loss of habitat, change in habitat, overexploitation, predation, competition, or disease. CT (California Threatened) A native species or subspecies that, although not presently threatened with extinction, is likely to become an Endangered species in the foreseeable future in the absence of the special protection and management efforts required by this chapter. Any animal determined by the commission as "Rare" on or before January 1, 1985, is a "Threatened species." CR (California Rare) A species, subspecies, or variety of plant is rare under the Native Plant Protection Act when, although not presently threatened with extinction, it is in such small numbers throughout its range that it may become Endangered if its present environment worsens. Animals are no longer listed as Rare; all animals listed as Rare before 1985 have been listed as threatened. CALIFORNIA RARE PLANT RANK (CRPR) (formerly CNPS Lists) CRPR 1A Plants presumed extirpated in California and either rare or extinct elsewhere. CRPR 1B Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere. CRPR 2A Plants presumed extirpated in California, but more common elsewhere. CRPR 2B Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere. CRPR 3 A review list for plants about which more information is needed. CRPR 4 A watch list for plants that are of limited distribution in California. CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY (CNPS) THREAT RANK The CNPS Threat Rank is an extension added onto the California Rare Plant Rank and designates the level of endangerment, as follows: • 0.1-Seriously threatened in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat) • 0.2-Fairly threatened in California (20-80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat) • 0.3-Not very threatened in California (<20% of occurrences threatened / low degree and immediacy of threat or no current threats known)

Survey and Literature Review Results No special-status plant species considered to be rare, threatened, or endangered are reported from the site or were found at the site during the biological survey conducted on November 7, 2019, or are known to occur at the site based on CNDDB records. However, a survey conducted in the springtime would be necessary to confirm the presence/absence of special-status plant species at the site. One CRPR 4 species was found during the survey, namely California black walnut (Juglans californica), which is not a rare species. California black walnut occurs in low numbers at the site and is relatively secure in the region.

Potential for Occurrence Analysis – Special-Status Plant Species An evaluation of the potential for occurrence at the site of special-status plant species known to occur in the region was undertaken through a search of the CNPS Online Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants, 8th ed. (CNPS 2019) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Natural Diversity Data Base

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

(CNDDB) Rarefind 5 application (CDFW 2019) for sensitive “elements” reported within the Oat Mountain quadrangle, and eight (8) others that surround it. CRPR 4 species were not included in the analysis. Most of the special-status plant species known to occur in the region are precluded from occurring at the site due to lack of suitable habitat. Also, perennial shrubs and herbs could be confirmed absent during the November survey. Other species for which the site contains or potentially contains suitable habitat are unlikely to occur due to various factors, and these species are presumed absent. Only slender mariposa lily (Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis) [CRPR 1B.2] is considered potentially occurring at the site, although its potential for occurrence is low (see Appendix 3 for additional information).

4.3 WILDLIFE SPECIES 4.3.1 Wildlife Observed Wildlife species observed during biological surveys of the site were primarily species that are common or relatively common to the region. A list of the species observed during surveys by Envicom is provided as Appendix 4. The species observed represent only a fraction of the wildlife species that can be expected to utilize habitats at the site for cover, foraging, and reproduction. Furthermore, in general, species observed include those that are more easily detected during daytime surveys. Several vertebrate species including many species of reptiles, birds, mammals can be expected to inhabit and reproduce at the site, and a wide range of additional species can be expected to utilize the site’s resources routinely, such as foraging raptors, and medium to large-sized mammals, such as coyotes, bobcats, and skunks. The bird species observed during the November 7, 2019 survey consisted primarily of year-round residents. Several common species of birds, particularly those that inhabit chaparral and non-native grass-forb habitats are expected to nest at the site in any given year.

4.3.2 Special-Status Wildlife Species For the purposes of this report, special-status wildlife species are those species included on the CDFW “Special Animals” list. “Special Animal” is a general term that refers to all of the taxa the CNDDB is interested in tracking, regardless of their legal or protection status. This list is also referred to as the list of “species at risk” or “special-status species”. CDFW considers the taxa on this list to be those of greatest conservation need. The species on this list generally fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Officially listed or proposed for listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and/or Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA). • State or Federal candidate for possible listing. • Taxa which meet the criteria for listing, even if not currently included on any list, as described in Section 15380 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. • Taxa considered by the Department to be a Species of Special Concern. • Taxa that are biologically rare, very restricted in distribution, declining throughout their range, or have a critical vulnerable stage in their life cycle that warrants monitoring. • Populations in California that may be on the periphery of a taxon’s range, but are threatened with extirpation in California.

The status codes for special-status wildlife are described in Table 3, Status Codes for Special-Status Wildlife.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Table 3 Status Codes for Special-Status Wildlife FEDERALLY PROTECTED SPECIES FE (Federal Endangered) A species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. FT (Federal Threatened) A species that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. FC (Federal Candidate) A species for which USFWS has sufficient information on its biological status and threats to propose it as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), but for which development of a proposed listing regulation is precluded by other higher priority listing activities. FSC (Federal Species of A species under consideration for listing, for which there is insufficient information Concern) to support listing at this time. These species may or may not be listed in the future, and many of these species were formerly recognized as “Category-2 Candidate” species. STATE PROTECTED SPECIES CE (California Endangered) A native species or subspecies which is in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of its range due to one or more causes, including loss of habitat, change in habitat, overexploitation, predation, competition, or disease. CT (California Threatened) A native species or subspecies that, although not presently threatened with extinction, is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future in the absence of the special protection and management efforts required by this chapter. Any animal determined by the commission as “rare” on or before January 1, 1985, is a “threatened species.” SSC (California Species of Animals that are not listed under the California Endangered Species Act, but which Special Concern) nonetheless 1) are declining at a rate that could result in listing, or 2) historically occurred in low numbers and known threats to their persistence currently exist. CFP (California Fully This designation originated from the State's initial effort in the 1960's to identify and Protected) provide additional protection to those animals that were rare or faced possible extinction. Lists were created for fish, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Most fully protected species have also been listed as threatened or endangered species under the more recent endangered species laws and regulations. California Fully Protected species may not be taken or possessed at any time and no licenses or permits may be issued for their take except for collecting these species for necessary scientific research and relocation of the bird species for the protection of livestock. SA (Special Animal) “SA” is used herein if the animal is included on the CDFW’s Special Animals list but does not fall under any of the categories listed above. In general, special protection of these species is not mandatory, although CDFW considers these species to be among those of greatest conversation need.

Survey and Literature Review Results No special-status wildlife species were observed during surveys of the site on November 7, 2019, or are known to occur at the site based on a review of CNDDB records. The site is also not within USFWS- designated Critical Habitat for any species listed under the FESA. There is Critical Habitat for the coastal California gnatcatcher in the surrounding area; nearest coastal California gnatcatcher Critical Habitat is approximately 0.24 miles to the west and 0.16 miles to the west of the site. The site does not contain breeding habitat for this species, but coastal California gnatcatchers could pass through the site while foraging during dispersal movements, if they are present in the surrounding area.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Potential for Occurrence – Special-Status Wildlife Species A number of additional special-status wildlife species that were not observed during the surveys have potential to occur at the site and in the vicinity of the site, even if in some cases only infrequently, in transit, or on a temporary basis. An analysis of the potential for occurrence of special-status wildlife at the site is presented in Appendix 5, which includes the species’ protected status, primary habitat associations, and an assessment of their potential for occurrence (observed, potentially present, presumed absent, or absent). The potential for occurrence was undertaken through research of the CDFW Natural Diversity Database (CDFW 2019) using the Rarefind 5 application for special-status “elements” on the USGS 7.5’ Oat Mountain quadrangle and eight (8) adjacent quadrangles. The potential for occurrence analysis provides a speculative assessment of the potential for the occurrence of special-status animals on the basis of their known distribution and habitat requirements. “Special Animals” were not included in the analysis. The following 21 special-status animals, including one (1) insect, one (1) amphibian, four (4) reptiles, nine (9) birds, and six (6) mammals were determined to have at least some potential to occur at the site with varying probabilities ranging from high to very low:

Invertebrates • Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii) [Candidate CE]

Amphibians • Western spadefoot (Spea hammondii) [SSC]

Reptiles • California glossy snake (Arizona elegans occidentalis) [SSC] • Coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) [SSC] • Coast patch-nosed snake (Salvadora hexalepis virgultea) [SSC] • Coastal whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris stejnergeri) [SSC]

Birds • American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) (nesting) [CFP] • Bank swallow (Riparia riparia) (nesting) [CT] • Black swift (Cypseloides niger) (nesting) [SSC] • Coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) [FT, SSC] • Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) (nesting and wintering) [CFP] • Northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) (nesting) [SSC] • Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (nesting) [CT] • Vaux's swift (Chaetura vauxi) (nesting) [SSC] • White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) (nesting) [CFP]

Mammals • Big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) [SSC]

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

• Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) [SSC] • San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida) [SSC] • Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) [SSC] • Western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus) [SSC] • Western red bat (Lasiurus blossevillii) [SSC]

The only potentially occurring wildlife species listed under the Federal or California Endangered Species Acts are the bank swallow, coastal California gnatcatcher, and the Swainson’s hawk, and these species would only forage rarely and temporarily over the site and would not reproduce at the site. The potential for occurrence of each of these species is also low. The Crotch bumble bee is a Candidate for listing as Endangered and may also occur at the site. The potential use of the site by special-status wildlife species also includes a few species of reptiles, birds, and mammals listed as California Fully Protected or Species of Special Concern by the State of California. Many of these species would occur only rarely or occasionally. They include residents, migrants, and winter visitors that may forage over the site temporarily but would not inhabit or reproduce at the site, such as the American peregrine falcon, black swift, golden eagle, northern harrier, Vaux’s swift, white-tailed kite, and all of the bat species. Although unlikely a few species of the bats could also roost temporarily in trees or shrubs at the site. Several of the other special- status species with potential to occur on-site may be year-round or summer residents that have all or part of their home ranges or territories on the site and may routinely use all or a portion of the site to meet their life history requirements for refuge, breeding and/or foraging. These species include the California glossy snake, coast horned lizard, coast patch-nosed snake, coastal whiptail, and San Diego desert woodrat. For additional information, see Appendix 5.

4.4 WILDLIFE MOVEMENT Habitat linkages are physical connections that allow wildlife to move between areas of suitable habitat in both undisturbed and fragmented landscapes. These can be critical at both the local and regional level. Habitat linkages are necessary not only to access essential resources, such as water sources or habitat for foraging, breeding, or cover, but also for dispersal and migration, to ensure the mixing of genes between populations, and so wildlife can respond and adapt to environmental stress, and thus are necessary to maintain healthy ecological and evolutionary processes. Wildlife corridors are areas of open space of sufficient width to permit the movement of larger, mobile species to move from one major open space region to another. Regional habitat linkages are larger wildlife corridors or regions of connectivity that are important for movement of multiple species and maintenance of ecological processes at a regional scale. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the leading threats to biodiversity, both globally and in southern California. Efforts to combat these threats include identifying and conserving large core areas of habitat and well as habitat linkages between them.

Wildlife crossings are generally small, narrow areas allowing wildlife to pass through an obstacle or barrier, such as a roadway to reach another patch of habitat. Examples of barriers or impediments to movement include housing and other urban development, roads, fencing, or open areas with little vegetative cover. Examples of wildlife crossings include culverts, drainage pipes, underpasses, and tunnels. The following documents were reviewed to determine if the project site or surrounding area is within an area that has been identified as important to wildlife movement, such as a habitat linkage or wildlife corridor:

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

• City of Santa Clarita General Plan (June 2011) • South Coast Missing Linkages Project: A Linkage Design for the Santa Monica Mountains-Sierra Madre Connection (Penrod, K. et. al., 2006) • California Essential Connectivity Project: A Strategy for Conserving a Connected California (February 2010)

The South Coast Missing Linkages Project: A Linkage Design for the Santa Monica Mountains – Sierra Madre Connection report identifies the vicinity of San Fernando Pass as part of an important habitat linkage and a critical choke point for wildlife movement between the Santa Susana Mountains and San Gabriel Mountains. This linkage is south of the project site and does not include it.

The importance of the Project site to wildlife movement was also evaluated in the field and by reviewing recent aerial photographs of the site and the surrounding area. The project site is a part of a larger patch of natural habitat which is not part of a habitat linkage or wildlife movement corridor. This patch of habitat is surrounded by development, including residential development, commercial development, major roads, and a memorial park, and is not of particular importance for wildlife movement. Also, from a review of aerial images this patch of habitat does not appear to contain resources such as permanent water sources or nursery sites that would be of special importance to wildlife in the surrounding area.

5.0 PROJECT IMPACTS The proposed project consists of an assisted living and memory care facility and associated improvements. The facility would be constructed in the eastern portion of the site. This impact analysis relies on the Preliminary Grading Plan prepared by CRC Enterprises, dated July 12, 2019 (See Appendix 6). Fuel modification impacts are based upon current standard Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD) requirements, effective January 1, 2020, including a 100-foot fuel modification zone around proposed structures and 10-foot fuel modification zone around proposed roads. The on-site fuel modification necessary to protect structures will however ultimately be at the discretion of LACFD.

The grading limits and the 100-foot fuel modification zone is shown overlaid on the vegetation map on Figure 3, Vegetation and Impacts Map. The grading and fuel modification limits are inclusive of all proposed ground and vegetation disturbance associated with development of the project. Grading and fuel modification would result in permanent impacts to vegetation. The total acreage of vegetation that would be permanently impacted by the project is provided in Table 4, Impacts to Natural Communities at Project Site.

The project would not impact protected wetlands, and it would not significantly impact wildlife movement. The project would not conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan. The project may conflict with the City’s local ordinance protecting oak trees. This report however does not include an evaluation of oak trees that would be protected by the City ordinance. Refer to the project’s oak tree study for an evaluation of the oak trees at the site.

The following impacts or potential impacts to special-status plant species, special-status wildlife species, and nesting birds would result from the proposed project. Recommended mitigation measures to reduce potentially significant impacts to less than significant are also provided.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Table 4 Impacts to Natural Communities at Project Site Fuel Conservation Grading Habitat Class Natural Community* Modification Status Rank Impacts Impacts Coast Live Oak Woodland Alliance Woodland G5S4 0.25 0.26 (Quercus agrifolia) [71.060.00] Chamise – Black Sage – California Sagebrush Shrubland Association Chaparral (Adenostoma fasciculatum – Salvia G4S4 0.09 0.50 mellifera – Artemisia californica) [37.102.04] Herbaceous Ruderal Not Ranked 0.69 0.07 Individual Trees Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) Not Ranked 0.00 0.00 Other Non-Native Ornamental Trees Not Ranked 0.00 0.00 Landcover Total Acreages 1.03 0.83 * Numbers in brackets are unique codes for each plant community, as provided in the California Natural Communities List (CDFW, November 8, 2019).

GLOBAL RANKING The global rank (G-rank) is a reflection of the overall status of a natural community throughout its global range. Both Global and State ranks represent a letter+number score that reflects a combination of Rarity, Threat and Trend factors, with weighting being heavier on Rarity than the other two. “?”- Denotes an inexact numeric rank due to insufficient samples over the full, expected range of the vegetation type, but existing information points to the rank given.

STATE RANKING The state rank (S-rank) is assigned much the same way as the global rank, but state ranks refer to the imperilment status only within California’s state boundaries.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

5.1 IMPACTS TO SPECIAL-STATUS PLANTS No special-status plant species considered to be rare, threatened, or endangered are reported from the site or were found at the site during the biological survey conducted on November 7, 2019. However, a survey conducted in the springtime would be necessary to confirm the presence/absence of special-status plant species at the site. One CRPR 4 species was found during the survey, namely California black walnut (Juglans californica), which is not a rare species. California black walnut occurs in low numbers at the site and is relatively secure in the region; therefore, impact to California black walnut would be less than significant. Most of the special-status plant species known to occur in the region are precluded from occurring at the site due to lack of suitable habitat. Also, perennial shrubs and herbs could be confirmed absent during the November survey. Other species for which the site contains or potentially contains suitable habitat are unlikely to occur due to various factors, and these species are presumed absent. Only slender mariposa lily (Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis) [CRPR 1B.2] is considered potentially occurring at the site. If present in grading or fuel modification zones, special-status plant species including individual plants and seed banks could be removed, damaged, or disturbed by the project. Impacts to special-status plant species would be a potentially significant, but mitigable impact.

Mitigation Measure MM-1 Pre-Project Botanical Survey. A qualified biologist shall conduct a pre-project botanical survey within the project limits and an adjacent buffer area for special-status plant species. The survey shall be conducted in the spring and at the appropriate time to detect special-status plant species that may occur at the site. If special-status plants are not detected during the survey, no additional mitigation would be required and the results of the survey shall be submitted to City of Santa Clarita Planning Division and CDFW (if applicable). If a special-status plant(s) is present at or adjacent to the project site, the extent of the population shall be mapped and the number of individual plants and the acreage of occupied habitat that would be impacted by the project shall be determined. The City of Santa Clarita Planning Division shall be notified and consultation with CDFW and USFWS (if applicable) shall be conducted prior to initiation of ground or vegetation disturbing activities and the following actions shall be taken:

Avoidance of the special-status plants shall occur where feasible. If avoidance is not feasible, the Applicant shall offset the proposed loss of individual plants by on-site restoration (salvage and replanting), or a ratio and method acceptable to City of Santa Clarita Planning Division, CDFW, and USFWS (if applicable). At the discretion of the City of Santa Clarita Planning Division, CDFW, and USFWS (if applicable), compensation for impacts to the species may be accomplished by off-site restoration or preservation of on-site or off-site populations in the vicinity of the site, if present.

A Mitigation and Monitoring Plan that provides for the replacement of the species impacted by the project shall be developed by a qualified restoration specialist and approved by City of Santa Clarita Planning Division, CDFW, and USFWS (if applicable). The Plan shall specify the following:

• a summary of impacts; • the location of the mitigation site; • methods for harvesting seeds or salvaging and transplantation of individuals to be impacted; • measures for propagating plants or transferring living plants from the salvage site to the mitigation site; • site preparation procedures for the mitigation site;

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

• a schedule and action plan to maintain and monitor the mitigation area; • criteria and performance standards by which to measure the success of the mitigation, including replacement of impacted plants; • measures to exclude unauthorized entry into the mitigation areas; and • contingency measures such as replanting or weeding in the event that mitigation efforts are not successful.

The performance standards for the Mitigation and Monitoring Plan shall be at a minimum the following:

• Within five years after introducing the plants to the mitigation site, the number of established, reproductive plants shall be no less than the number of those lost to project construction, • Non-native species in the treated area shall be less than 15% cover by the end of the third year of treatment and less than 5% by the end of the fifth year of treatment, and; • Restoration will be considered successful after the success criteria have been met for a period of at least 2 years without any maintenance or remediation activities other than invasive species control.

Prior to issuance of a grading permit, the Applicant shall secure a bond for an amount equal to the cost of the restoration effort. The bond shall be released by the City upon satisfaction of the approved performance criteria.

The mitigation project shall be initiated prior to development of the project, and shall be implemented over a five-year period or until performance standards are met, whichever period is longer. The mitigation project shall incorporate an iterative process of annual monitoring and evaluation of progress, and allow for adjustments to the Plan, as necessary, to achieve desired outcomes and meet performance standards. Annual reports discussing the implementation, monitoring, and management of the mitigation project shall be submitted to the City of Santa Clarita Planning Division, CDFW, and USFWS (if applicable). Five years after the start of the mitigation project, a final report shall be submitted to the City of Santa Clarita Planning Division, CDFW, and USFWS (if applicable), which shall at a minimum discuss the implementation, monitoring, and management of the mitigation project over the five-year period, and indicate whether the mitigation project has been successful based on established performance standards. The mitigation project shall be extended if performance standards have not been met to the satisfaction of City of Santa Clarita Planning Division, CDFW, and USFWS (if applicable) at the end of the five-year period.

5.2 IMPACTS TO SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE This impacts analysis considers special-status wildlife species that are listed, proposed for listing, or that meet the criteria for listing as Endangered or Threatened under FESA or CESA, or those that are listed on the CDFW’s Special Animals list with a designation of SSC (California Species of Special Concern) or CFP (California Fully Protected). Most of the special-status wildlife species with potential to occur at the site would be capable of escaping harm during project development, including grading and construction, or fuel modification, while others are potentially vulnerable to direct impacts, including injury and mortality. In this case, the special-status species that could be directly impacted include the following potentially occurring animals, Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii) [Candidate CE], western spadefoot (Spea hammondii) [SSC], California glossy snake (Arizona elegans occidentalis) [SSC], coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) [SSC], coast patch nosed snake (Salvadora haxalepis virgultea) [SSC], coastal

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris stejnergeri) [SSC], and San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida) [SSC], as well as two (2) species of special-status bats including the western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus) [SSC] and western red bat (Lasiurus blossevillii) [SSC], which could roost temporarily in shrubs or trees at the site. The three (3) other potentially occurring bat species including the big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) [SSC], pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) [SSC], and Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) [SSC] would only forage and would not roost at the site and therefore would not be potentially impacted by the project. Habitat loss associated with the project is not expected to impact a population of any of these potentially occurring special-status wildlife species, given the relatively low acreage of habitat that would be affected and the amount of remaining suitable habitat in the surrounding area. Individuals of these species however could be killed or injured by project activities, if present at the site. Impacts to special-status wildlife species would be a potentially significant, but mitigable impact.

Mitigation Measure MM-2 Pre-Project Surveys for Special-Status Wildlife Species. Prior to the commencement of ground or vegetation disturbing activities, including but not limited to grading and fuel modification, two (2) pre- project surveys for special-status wildlife species, including the Crotch bumble bee, western spadefoot (non-breeding), California glossy snake, coast horned lizard, coast patch-nosed snake, coastal whiptail, San Diego desert woodrat, western mastiff bat, and western red bat shall be conducted by qualified biologist(s) to determine the presence/absence of these species at the site. The first survey shall be conducted within fourteen (14) days and the second survey shall be conducted within three (3) days of commencement of ground or vegetation disturbing activities. The pre-construction surveys shall incorporate appropriate methods and timing to detect these species, including individuals that could be concealed in burrows, beneath leaf litter, trees, or in loose soil. If a special-status species is found, avoidance is the preferred mitigation option. If avoidance is not feasible, a relocation plan including, at a minimum, the timing and methods for capturing and releasing the animals shall be prepared and submitted to the City of Santa Clarita Planning Division and CDFW for review and approval. The species shall then be captured and transferred to appropriate habitat and location where they would not be harmed by project activities, preferably to open space habitats in the vicinity of the project site. If a federally listed species is found, the USFWS shall also be notified. A letter report summarizing the methods and results of the surveys and relocation efforts, if applicable, shall be submitted to the City of Santa Clarita Planning Division and CDFW prior to commencement of project activities.

5.3 IMPACTS TO NESTING BIRDS Ground and vegetation disturbing activities if conducted during the nesting bird season (February 1 to August 31) would have the potential to result in removal or disturbance to trees and shrubs that could contain active bird nests. In addition, these activities would also affect herbaceous vegetation that could support and conceal ground-nesting species. Project activities that result in the loss of bird nests, eggs, and young would be in violation of one or more of California Fish and Game Code sections 3503 (any bird nest), 3503.5 (birds-of-prey), or 3511 (Fully Protected birds). In addition, removal or destruction of one or more active nests of any other birds listed by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA), whether nest damage was due to vegetation removal or to other construction activities, would be considered a violation of the MBTA and California Fish and Game Code Section 3511. Impacts to nesting birds would be a potentially significant, but mitigable impact.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Mitigation Measure MM-3 Nesting Bird Surveys. No earlier than 14 days prior to ground or vegetation disturbing activities that would occur during the nesting/breeding season of native bird species potentially nesting on the site (typically February 1 through August 31), a qualified biologist shall perform two (2) field surveys to determine if active nests of any bird species protected by the state or federal Endangered Species Acts, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and/or the California Fish and Game Code Sections 3503, 3503.5, or 3511 are present in the disturbance zone or within 200 feet of the disturbance zone for songbirds or within 500 feet of the disturbance zone for raptors and special-status bird species. The second nesting bird survey shall be conducted within three days of the start of ground or vegetation disturbing activities. A letter report summarizing the methods and results of the surveys shall be submitted to the City of Santa Clarita Planning Division and CDFW prior to commencement of project activities. In the event that an active nest is found within the survey area, site preparation, construction, and fuel modification activities shall stop until consultation with the City of Santa Clarita Planning Division, and when applicable CDFW and USFWS, is conducted and an appropriate setback buffer can be established. The buffer shall be demarcated and project activities within the buffer shall be postponed or halted, at the discretion of the biologist, until the nest is vacated and juveniles have fledged, as determined by the biologist, and there is no evidence of a second attempt at nesting.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

6.0 REFERENCES

American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU). 1998. Check-list of North American birds. Seventh edition. American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C. [as modified by subsequent supplements and corrections published in The Auk]. Also available online: http://www.aou.org/.

Baldwin, B. G., D.H. Goldman, D.J. Keil, R. Patterson, T.J. Rosatti, and D.H. Wilken, editors. 2012. The Jepson manual: vascular plants of California, second edition. University of California Press, Berkeley.

Baker, R. J., L. C. Bradley, R. D. Bradley, J. W. Dragoo, M. D. Engstrom, R. S. Hoffman, C. A. Jones, F. Reid, D. W. Rice, and C. Jones. 2003. Revised checklist of North American mammals north of Mexico, 2003. Museum of Texas Tech University Occasional Papers 229:1-23.

Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, data as of December 11, 2019.

Birds of North America Online, Cornell Lab or Ornithology, data as of December 2019. http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Natural Communities List. November 8, 2019. https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/data/vegcamp/natural- communities#natural%20communities%20lists

California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) Rarefind 5 Element Occurrence Report for Oat Mountain and eight (8) surrounding USGS quadrangles, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, data as of December 11, 2019.

City of Santa Clarita General Plan, June 2011.

CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants, 8th ed., California Native Plant Society, data as of December 11, 2019.

Consortium of California Herbaria, data as of December 2019. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium/

Constantine, D.G. 1998. Range extensions of ten species of bats in California. Bull. So. California Acad. Sci. 97(2):49-75.

Crother, B. I. (editor). 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding. Sixth edition. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Herpetological Circular 37:1-84.

Evens, J. and T. Keeler-Wolf. 2006 (January). Vegetation Classification of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Environs in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, California. California Department of Fish and Game and California Native Plant Society.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Garrett, K., Dunn, J., and Morse, B. 2006. Birds of the Los Angeles Region. R.W. Morse Company. Olympia, WA.

Hall, E.R., and K.R. Kelson. 1959. The mammals of North America. Ronald Press Co., New York.

Jennings, M.R., and M.P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California. Final Report to the California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Rancho Cordova, California.

Jepson Online Interchange: California Floristics, U.C. Berkeley, data as of December 2019. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/interchange/

List of Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, October 2019.

Reid, Fiona. A Field Guide to Mammals of North America, 4th ed., Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, New York, 2006.

Sawyer, J.O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. M. Evens, A Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd ed., California Native Plant Society Press, Sacramento, California, 2009.

Shuford, W. D., and Gardali, T., editors. 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.

Sibley, D.A., 2016. Sibley Birds West: Field Guide to Birds of Western North America. A.A. Knopf, New York.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Web Soil Survey. Available online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. Accessed December 2019.

Special Animals, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, August 2019.

Spencer et al., February 2010. California Essential Connectivity Project: A Strategy for Conserving a Connected California.

Stebbins, Robert C. (Robert Cyril). A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, 3rd ed., Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, New York, 2003.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, FWS Critical Habitat Mapper for Threatened and Endangered Species, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, data as of December 11, 2019.

Western Bat Working Group, Species Info, Species Accounts, data as of December 2019. http://www.wbwg.org/speciesinfo/species_accounts/species_accounts.html

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Williams, D.F. 1986 (June). Mammalian Species of Special Concern in California. California Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Management Division Admin. Rept. 86-1.

Zeiner, D.C, W.F. Laudenslayer, Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White. 1988 (May). California's Wildlife. Vol. I Amphibians and Reptiles. California Statewide Wildlife Habitat Relationships System, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California.

Zeiner, D.C, W.F. Laudenslayer, Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White. 1990a (April). California's Wildlife. Vol. III Mammals. California Statewide Wildlife Habitat Relationships System, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California.

Zeiner, D.C, W.F. Laudenslayer, Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White. 1990b (November). California's Wildlife. Vol. II Birds. California Statewide Wildlife Habitat Relationships System, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Appendix 1 Biological Database Searches

Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database

Query Criteria: Quad IS (Mint Canyon (3411844) OR Newhall (3411845) OR Oat Mountain (3411835) OR Santa Susana (3411836) OR Val Verde (3411846) OR San Fernando (3411834) OR Calabasas (3411826) OR Canoga Park (3411825) OR Van Nuys (3411824))

Rare Plant Rank/CDFW Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank SSC or FP Accipiter cooperii ABNKC12040 None None G5 S4 WL Cooper's hawk Agelaius tricolor ABPBXB0020 None Threatened G2G3 S1S2 SSC tricolored blackbird Aimophila ruficeps canescens ABPBX91091 None None G5T3 S3 WL southern California rufous-crowned sparrow Ammodramus savannarum ABPBXA0020 None None G5 S3 SSC grasshopper sparrow Anaxyrus californicus AAABB01230 Endangered None G2G3 S2S3 SSC arroyo toad Anniella sp. ARACC01070 None None G3G4 S3S4 SSC California legless lizard Antrozous pallidus AMACC10010 None None G5 S3 SSC pallid bat Aquila chrysaetos ABNKC22010 None None G5 S3 FP golden eagle Arizona elegans occidentalis ARADB01017 None None G5T2 S2 SSC California glossy snake Artemisiospiza belli belli ABPBX97021 None None G5T2T3 S3 WL Bell's sage sparrow Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri ARACJ02143 None None G5T5 S3 SSC coastal whiptail Astragalus brauntonii PDFAB0F1G0 Endangered None G2 S2 1B.1 Braunton's milk-vetch Athene cunicularia ABNSB10010 None None G4 S3 SSC burrowing owl Berberis nevinii PDBER060A0 Endangered Endangered G1 S1 1B.1 Nevin's barberry Bombus crotchii IIHYM24480 None Candidate G3G4 S1S2 Endangered Crotch bumble bee Branchinecta lynchi ICBRA03030 Threatened None G3 S3 vernal pool fairy shrimp Buteo swainsoni ABNKC19070 None Threatened G5 S3 Swainson's hawk California Walnut Woodland CTT71210CA None None G2 S2.1 California Walnut Woodland

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Rare Plant Rank/CDFW Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank SSC or FP Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis PMLIL0D096 None None G4T2T3 S2S3 1B.2 slender mariposa-lily Calochortus fimbriatus PMLIL0D1J2 None None G3 S3 1B.3 late-flowered mariposa-lily Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri PMLIL0D122 None None G3T2 S2 1B.2 Palmer's mariposa-lily Calochortus plummerae PMLIL0D150 None None G4 S4 4.2 Plummer's mariposa-lily Calystegia peirsonii PDCON040A0 None None G4 S4 4.2 Peirson's morning-glory Catostomus santaanae AFCJC02190 Threatened None G1 S1 Santa Ana sucker Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina PDPGN040J1 Proposed Endangered G2T1 S1 1B.1 Threatened San Fernando Valley spineflower Chorizanthe parryi var. parryi PDPGN040J2 None None G3T2 S2 1B.1 Parry's spineflower Cismontane Alkali Marsh CTT52310CA None None G1 S1.1 Cismontane Alkali Marsh Coccyzus americanus occidentalis ABNRB02022 Threatened Endangered G5T2T3 S1 western yellow-billed cuckoo Corynorhinus townsendii AMACC08010 None None G3G4 S2 SSC Townsend's big-eared bat Danaus plexippus pop. 1 IILEPP2012 None None G4T2T3 S2S3 monarch - California overwintering population Deinandra minthornii PDAST4R0J0 None Rare G2 S2 1B.2 Santa Susana tarplant Dodecahema leptoceras PDPGN0V010 Endangered Endangered G1 S1 1B.1 slender-horned spineflower Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae PDCRA04051 None None G3T2 S2 1B.1 Blochman's dudleya Dudleya multicaulis PDCRA040H0 None None G2 S2 1B.2 many-stemmed dudleya Elanus leucurus ABNKC06010 None None G5 S3S4 FP white-tailed kite Emys marmorata ARAAD02030 None None G3G4 S3 SSC western pond turtle Eremophila alpestris actia ABPAT02011 None None G5T4Q S4 WL California horned lark Euderma maculatum AMACC07010 None None G4 S3 SSC spotted bat Eumops perotis californicus AMACD02011 None None G5T4 S3S4 SSC western mastiff bat

Commercial Version -- Dated December, 1 2019 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Page 2 of 5 Report Printed on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Information Expires 6/1/2020 Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database

Rare Plant Rank/CDFW Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank SSC or FP Euphydryas editha quino IILEPK405L Endangered None G5T1T2 S1S2 quino checkerspot butterfly Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni AFCPA03011 Endangered Endangered G5T1 S1 FP unarmored threespine stickleback Gila orcuttii AFCJB13120 None None G2 S2 SSC arroyo chub Harpagonella palmeri PDBOR0H010 None None G4 S3 4.2 Palmer's grapplinghook Helianthus inexpectatus PDAST4N250 None None G1 S1 1B.1 Newhall sunflower Horkelia cuneata var. puberula PDROS0W045 None None G4T1 S1 1B.1 mesa horkelia Icteria virens ABPBX24010 None None G5 S3 SSC yellow-breasted chat Lanius ludovicianus ABPBR01030 None None G4 S4 SSC loggerhead shrike Lasionycteris noctivagans AMACC02010 None None G5 S3S4 silver-haired bat Lasiurus cinereus AMACC05030 None None G5 S4 hoary bat Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulteri PDAST5L0A1 None None G4T2 S2 1B.1 Coulter's goldfields Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii PDBRA1M114 None None G5T3 S3 4.3 Robinson's pepper-grass Lepus californicus bennettii AMAEB03051 None None G5T3T4 S3S4 SSC San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit Lupinus paynei PDFAB2B580 None None G1Q S1 1B.1 Payne's bush lupine Macrotus californicus AMACB01010 None None G4 S3 SSC California leaf-nosed bat Mainland Cherry Forest CTT81820CA None None G1 S1.1 Mainland Cherry Forest Malacothamnus davidsonii PDMAL0Q040 None None G2 S2 1B.2 Davidson's bush-mallow Monardella hypoleuca ssp. hypoleuca PDLAM180A5 None None G4T3 S3 1B.3 white-veined monardella Navarretia fossalis PDPLM0C080 Threatened None G2 S2 1B.1 spreading navarretia Navarretia ojaiensis PDPLM0C130 None None G2 S2 1B.1 Ojai navarretia Navarretia setiloba PDPLM0C0S0 None None G2 S2 1B.1 Piute Mountains navarretia

Commercial Version -- Dated December, 1 2019 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Page 3 of 5 Report Printed on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Information Expires 6/1/2020 Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database

Rare Plant Rank/CDFW Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank SSC or FP Neotoma lepida intermedia AMAFF08041 None None G5T3T4 S3S4 SSC San Diego desert woodrat Nolina cismontana PMAGA080E0 None None G3 S3 1B.2 chaparral nolina Onychomys torridus ramona AMAFF06022 None None G5T3 S3 SSC southern grasshopper mouse Opuntia basilaris var. brachyclada PDCAC0D053 None None G5T3 S3 1B.2 short-joint beavertail Orcuttia californica PMPOA4G010 Endangered Endangered G1 S1 1B.1 California Orcutt grass Perognathus longimembris brevinasus AMAFD01041 None None G5T1T2 S1S2 SSC Los Angeles pocket mouse Phrynosoma blainvillii ARACF12100 None None G3G4 S3S4 SSC coast horned lizard Polioptila californica californica ABPBJ08081 Threatened None G4G5T2Q S2 SSC coastal California gnatcatcher Pseudognaphalium leucocephalum PDAST440C0 None None G4 S2 2B.2 white rabbit-tobacco Rana draytonii AAABH01022 Threatened None G2G3 S2S3 SSC California red-legged frog Rana muscosa AAABH01330 Endangered Endangered G1 S1 WL southern mountain yellow-legged frog Rhinichthys osculus ssp. 3 AFCJB3705K None None G5T1 S1 SSC Santa Ana speckled dace Riparia riparia ABPAU08010 None Threatened G5 S2 bank swallow Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub CTT32720CA None None G1 S1.1 Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub Senecio aphanactis PDAST8H060 None None G3 S2 2B.2 chaparral ragwort Setophaga petechia ABPBX03010 None None G5 S3S4 SSC yellow warbler Socalchemmis gertschi ILARAU7010 None None G1 S1 Gertsch's socalchemmis spider Southern California Threespine Stickleback Stream CARE2320CA None None GNR SNR Southern California Threespine Stickleback Stream Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest CTT61310CA None None G4 S4 Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest CTT61330CA None None G3 S3.2 Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest Southern Mixed Riparian Forest CTT61340CA None None G2 S2.1 Southern Mixed Riparian Forest

Commercial Version -- Dated December, 1 2019 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Page 4 of 5 Report Printed on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Information Expires 6/1/2020 Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database

Rare Plant Rank/CDFW Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank SSC or FP Southern Riparian Scrub CTT63300CA None None G3 S3.2 Southern Riparian Scrub Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland CTT62400CA None None G4 S4 Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland Southern Willow Scrub CTT63320CA None None G3 S2.1 Southern Willow Scrub Spea hammondii AAABF02020 None None G3 S3 SSC western spadefoot Symphyotrichum greatae PDASTE80U0 None None G2 S2 1B.3 Greata's aster Taricha torosa AAAAF02032 None None G4 S4 SSC Coast Range newt Taxidea taxus AMAJF04010 None None G5 S3 SSC American badger Thamnophis hammondii ARADB36160 None None G4 S3S4 SSC two-striped gartersnake Valley Needlegrass Grassland CTT42110CA None None G3 S3.1 Valley Needlegrass Grassland Valley Oak Woodland CTT71130CA None None G3 S2.1 Valley Oak Woodland Vireo bellii pusillus ABPBW01114 Endangered Endangered G5T2 S2 least Bell's vireo Record Count: 92

Commercial Version -- Dated December, 1 2019 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Page 5 of 5 Report Printed on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Information Expires 6/1/2020 *The database usedInventory to provide of Rare updates and Endangeredto the Online Plants Inventory is under construction. View updates and changes made since May 2019 here.

Plant List

48 matches found. Click on scientific name for details

Search Criteria

Found in Quads 3411846, 3411845, 3411844, 3411836, 3411835, 3411834, 3411826 3411825 and 3411824;

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CA Blooming Rare State Global Scientific Name Common Name Family Lifeform Period Plant Rank Rank Rank Acanthoscyphus Parish's G4? Polygonaceae annual herb Jun-Sep 4.2 S3S4 parishii var. parishii oxytheca T3T4 Astragalus Braunton's Fabaceae perennial herb Jan-Aug 1B.1 S2 G2 brauntonii milk-vetch perennial Nevin's (Feb)Mar- Berberidaceae evergreen 1B.1 S1 G1 Berberis nevinii barberry Jun shrub perennial Calochortus Catalina (Feb)Mar- Liliaceae bulbiferous 4.2 S3S4 G3G4 mariposa lily Jun catalinae herb

Calochortus perennial club-haired (Mar)May- Liliaceae bulbiferous 4.3 S3 G4T3 clavatus var. mariposa lily Jun clavatus herb perennial Calochortus slender Mar- Liliaceae bulbiferous 1B.2 S2S3 G4T2T3 mariposa lily Jun(Nov) clavatus var. gracilis herb perennial Calochortus late-flowered Liliaceae bulbiferous Jun-Aug 1B.3 S3 G3 fimbriatus mariposa lily herb

perennial Calochortus palmeri Palmer's Liliaceae bulbiferous Apr-Jul 1B.2 S2 G3T2 mariposa lily var. palmeri herb perennial Calochortus Plummer's Liliaceae bulbiferous May-Jul 4.2 S4 G4 mariposa lily plummerae herb perennial Peirson's Convolvulaceae rhizomatous Apr-Jun 4.2 S4 G4 Calystegia peirsonii morning-glory herb white pygmy- Papaveraceae annual herb Mar-Jun 4.2 S3S4 G3G4 Canbya candida poppy Mt. Gleason perennial herb May- Orobanchaceae 1B.2 S2 G2 Castilleja gleasoni paintbrush (hemiparasitic) Jun(Sep) Centromadia parryi southern Asteraceae annual herb May-Nov 1B.1 S2 G3T2 ssp. australis tarplant

Cercocarpus island perennial betuloides var. mountain- Rosaceae evergreen Feb-May 4.3 S4 G5T4 blancheae mahogany shrub

Chorizanthe parryi San Fernando Valley Polygonaceae annual herb Apr-Jul 1B.1 S1 G2T1 var. fernandina spineflower Chorizanthe parryi Parry's Polygonaceae annual herb Apr-Jun 1B.1 S2 G3T2 var. parryi spineflower Clinopodium monkey-flower Lamiaceae perennial herb Jun-Oct 4.2 S3 G3 mimuloides savory Convolvulus small-flowered Convolvulaceae annual herb Mar-Jul 4.2 S4 G4 simulans morning-glory perennial Deinandra Santa Susana Asteraceae deciduous Jul-Nov 1B.2 S2 G2 tarplant minthornii shrub Deinandra paniculate (Mar)Apr- Asteraceae annual herb 4.2 S4 G4 paniculata tarplant Nov(Dec) Delphinium parryi Mt. Pinos Ranunculaceae perennial herb May-Jun 4.3 S4 G4T4 ssp. purpureum larkspur Dodecahema slender-horned Polygonaceae annual herb Apr-Jun 1B.1 S1 G1 leptoceras spineflower Dudleya Blochman's blochmaniae ssp. Crassulaceae perennial herb Apr-Jun 1B.1 S2 G3T2 blochmaniae dudleya Dudleya cymosa Agoura Hills Crassulaceae perennial herb May-Jun 1B.2 S1 G5T1 ssp. agourensis dudleya many-stemmed Crassulaceae perennial herb Apr-Jul 1B.2 S2 G2 Dudleya multicaulis dudleya Harpagonella Palmer's Boraginaceae annual herb Mar-May 4.2 S3 G4 palmeri grapplinghook perennial Helianthus Newhall Asteraceae rhizomatous Aug-Oct 1B.1 S1 G1 sunflower inexpectatus herb Hordeum vernal barley Poaceae annual herb Mar-Jun 3.2 S3S4 G3G4 intercedens Horkelia cuneata Feb- mesa horkelia Rosaceae perennial herb 1B.1 S1 G4T1 var. puberula Jul(Sep) Hulsea vestita ssp. Parry's Asteraceae perennial herb Apr-Aug 4.3 S4 G5T4 parryi sunflower Southern perennial Juglans californica California black Juglandaceae deciduous Mar-Aug 4.2 S4 G4 walnut tree Lasthenia glabrata Coulter's Asteraceae annual herb Feb-Jun 1B.1 S2 G4T2 ssp. coulteri goldfields Lepidium virginicum Robinson's Brassicaceae annual herb Jan-Jul 4.3 S3 G5T3 var. robinsonii pepper-grass perennial Lilium humboldtii ocellated Mar- Liliaceae bulbiferous 4.2 S4? G4T4? Humboldt lily Jul(Aug) ssp. ocellatum herb Mar- Payne's bush perennial Fabaceae Apr(May- 1B.1 S1 G1Q Lupinus paynei lupine shrub Jul) perennial Malacothamnus Davidson's Malvaceae deciduous Jun-Jan 1B.2 S2 G2 bush-mallow davidsonii shrub spreading Polemoniaceae annual herb Apr-Jun 1B.1 S2 G2 Navarretia fossalis navarretia Navarretia ojaiensis Ojai navarretia Polemoniaceae annual herb May-Jul 1B.1 S2 G2 Piute Navarretia setiloba Mountains Polemoniaceae annual herb Apr-Jul 1B.1 S2 G2 navarretia

chaparral perennial (Mar)May- Nolina cismontana nolina Ruscaceae evergreen Jul 1B.2 S3 G3 shrub

perennial Opuntia basilaris short-joint Apr- Cactaceae stem 1B.2 S3 G5T3 beavertail Jun(Aug) var. brachyclada succulent Orcuttia californica California Poaceae annual herb Apr-Aug 1B.1 S1 G1 Orcutt grass Hubby's Hydrophyllaceae annual herb Apr-Jul 4.2 S4 G4 Phacelia hubbyi phacelia Phacelia Mojave Hydrophyllaceae annual herb Apr-Aug 4.3 S4 G4Q mohavensis phacelia Pseudognaphalium white rabbit- (Jul)Aug- Asteraceae perennial herb 2B.2 S2 G4 leucocephalum tobacco Nov(Dec) chaparral Jan- Asteraceae annual herb 2B.2 S2 G3 Senecio aphanactis ragwort Apr(May) Mason's Asteraceae annual herb Mar-May 1B.1 S1 G1 Stylocline masonii neststraw

Symphyotrichum perennial Greata's aster Asteraceae rhizomatous Jun-Oct 1B.3 S2 G2 greatae herb

Suggested Citation

California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2019. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (online edition, v8-03 0.39). Website http://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 11 December 2019].

Search the Inventory Information Simple Search About the Inventory Advanced Search About the Rare Plant Program Glossary CNPS Home Page About CNPS Join CNPS

Contributors Questions and Comments The Calflora Database [email protected]@cnps.org The California Lichen Society California Natural Diversity Database The Jepson Flora Project The Consortium of California Herbaria CalPhotos

California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) Commercial [ds85]

Plant (80m)

Plant (specific)

Plant (non-specific)

Plant (circular)

Animal (80m)

Animal (specific)

Animal (non-specific)

Animal (circular)

Terrestrial Comm. (80m)

Terrestrial Comm. (specific) Terrestrial Comm. (non- specific) Terrestrial Comm. (circular)

Aquatic Comm. (80m)

Aquatic Comm. (specific)

Aquatic Comm. (non- specific) Aquatic Comm. (circular)

Multiple (80m)

Multiple (specific)

Multiple (non-specific)

Multiple (circular)

Sensitive EO 's (Commercial only) 1:18,056 0 0.15 0.3 0.6 mi ´ 0 0.25 0.5 1 km December 11, 2019 Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri

Author: Printed from http://bios.dfg.ca.gov Critical Habitat for Threatened & Endangered Species [USFWS]

Final Linear Features

Final Polygon Features

Proposed Linear Features

Proposed Polygon Features

A specific geographic area(s) that contains features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species 1mi and that may require special management and protection.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | County of Los Angeles, Bureau of Land Management, Esri, HERE, Garmin, INCREMENT P, USGS, METI/NASA, NGA, EPA, USDA

Appendix 2 Vascular Plants Observed November 7, 2019 * indicates a non-native or introduced species

GROUP Family Scientific Name Common Name FLOWERING PLANTS-DICOTS Adoxaceae (Muskroot Family) Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea blue elderberry Amaranthaceae (Amaranth Family) *Amaranthus albus tumbleweed Anacardiaceae (Sumac or Cashew Family) Rhus ovata sugar bush Toxicodendron diversilobum poison oak Apiaceae (Carrot Family) Lomatium sp. lomatium Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family) Asclepias fascicularis narrowleaf milkweed Asteraceae (Sunflower family) Acourtia microcephala sacapellote Ambrosia acanthacarpa ragweed Artemisia californica California sagebrush *Carduus pycnocephalus Italian thistle *Centaurea melitensis tocalote *Centaurea solstitialis yellow star-thistle Cirsium occidentale thistle Corethrogyne filaginifolia California aster Erigeron canadensis horseweed Eriophyllum confertiflorum golden yarrow Hazardia squarrosa sawtooth goldenbush Heterotheca grandiflora telegraph weed *Lactuca serriola prickly lettuce Malacothrix saxatilis cliff aster Pseudognaphalium californicum California everlasting Rafinesquia californica California chicory Stephanomeria sp. wire-lettuce Boraginaceae (Borage or Waterleaf Family) Amsinckia intermedia common fiddleneck Phacelia sp. phacelia Brassicaceae (Mustard Family) *Hirschfeldia incana hoary mustard *Sisymbrium irio London rocket *Sisymbrium orientale Oriental mustard Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family) Lonicera subspicata var. denudata chaparral honeysuckle

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Appendix 2 - 1

GROUP Family Scientific Name Common Name Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family) *Salsola australis southern Russian thistle Cucurbitaceae (Gourd Family) Marah macrocarpa wild cucumber Fabaceae (Legume Family) Acmispon glaber deerweed Fagaceae (Oak Family) Quercus agrifolia coast live oak Quercus berberidifolia scrub oak Geraniaceae (Geranium Family) *Erodium botrys long-beaked filaree *Erodium cicutarium red-stemmed filaree Grossulariaceae (Gooseberry Family) Ribes aureum golden currant Juglandaceae (Walnut Family) Juglans californica [CRPR 4.2] California black walnut Lamiaceae (Mint Family) *Marrubium vulgare horehound Salvia mellifera black sage Onagraceae (Evening-Primrose Family) Clarkia sp. clarkia Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family) Eriogonum elongatum wand buckwheat Eriogonum fasciculatum California buckwheat Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family) Ceanothus crassifolius buck brush Rhamnus crocea redberry Rhamnus ilicifolia hollyleaf redberry Rosaceae (Rose Family) Adenostoma fasciculatum chamise Heteromeles arbutifolia toyon Solanaceae (Nightshade family) Datura wrightii jimson weed *Nicotiana glauca tree tobacco FLOWERING PLANTS-MONOCOTS Agavaceae (Century Plant Family) Chlorogalum pomeridianum soap plant Hesperoyucca whipplei chaparral yucca

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Appendix 2 - 2

GROUP Family Scientific Name Common Name Poaceae (Grass Family) *Bromus diandrus ripgut brome *Bromus hordeaceus soft chess *Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens red brome *Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass *Festuca myuros rattail fescue Melica imperfecta coast melic grass Stipa lepida foothill needlegrass

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Appendix 2 - 3

Appendix 3 Potential for Occurrence of Special-Status Plant Species

Potential to Occur Common Name Primary Habitat Status Form Blooming Period (Observed, Potentially Present, (Scientific Name) Associations (Federal/State/CNPS) Presumed Absent, Absent)

Federal or State-Listed Species Braunton's milk-vetch perennial January –August Recent burns or disturbed FE/1B.1 Presumed absent. No live or (Astragalus brauntonii) herb areas, usually sandstone with dead plants of this perennial carbonate layers in closed- species were found during field cone coniferous forest, surveys. Based on Consortium chaparral, coastal scrub, and of California Herbaria records valley and foothill grassland at the study area is outside its elevations between 4 and 640 known range. Also, based on meters. A soil specialist in soil maps suitable soils are saline, somewhat alkaline soils absent so there is no reasonable high in calcium, manganese, potential for this species to with some potassium. occur as a dormant seed bank. California Orcutt grass annual herb April – August Vernal pools at elevations FE/CE/1B.1 Absent. (Orcuttia californica) between 15 and 660 meters. Suitable habitats are absent. Mt. Gleason paintbrush perennial May – June (Sept.) Granitic substrates in CR/1B.2 Presumed absent. Suitable (Castilleja gleasoni) herb (hemi- chaparral, lower montane habitats may be present but parasitic) coniferous forest, and pinyon given the species’ known and juniper woodland at distribution and that nearly all elevations between 1,160 and populations occur at higher 2,170 meters. San Gabriel elevations in the central San Mountains (Mount Gleason). Gabriel Mountains it is not expected at this site. Also, no perennial Castilleja species were observed during the field surveys. Nevin's barberry perennial (February) Sandy or gravelly substrates in FE/CE/1B.1 Presumed absent. There may (Berberis nevinii) evergreen March – chaparral, cismontane be suitable habitat at the study shrub June woodland, coastal scrub, and area but this relatively large riparian scrub at elevations shrub was not observed during between 70 and 825 meters. field surveys.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Appendix 3 - 1

Potential to Occur Common Name Primary Habitat Status Form Blooming Period (Observed, Potentially Present, (Scientific Name) Associations (Federal/State/CNPS) Presumed Absent, Absent) San Fernando Valley annual herb April – July Sandy soils in coastal scrub FC/CE/1B.1 Presumed absent. Suitable spineflower (Chorizanthe and valley and foothill habitats probably absent as the parryi var. fernandina) grassland at elevations study area does not contain between 3 and 1,035 meters. sandy substrates and grassland habitats are disturbed.

Santa Susana tarplant perennial July – November Rocky sandstone habitats in CR/1B.2 Absent. Suitable sandstone (Deinandra minthornii) deciduous chaparral and coastal scrub at rock outcrop habitats are shrub elevations between 280 and absent. 760 meters. slender-horned annual herb April – June Flood deposited terraces and FE/CE/1B.1 Absent. Suitable habitats spineflower (Dodecahema washes in chaparral, including flood deposited leptoceras) cismontane woodland, and terraces and washes are absent. coastal scrub (alluvial fan sage scrub) at elevations between 200 and 760 meters. Spreading navarretia annual herb April – June Vernal pools and depressions FT/1B.1 Absent. Suitable habitats are (Navarretia fossalis) and ditches in areas that once absent. supported vernal pools. Soils: saline-alkaline. Non-Listed Special-Status Species Blochman’s dudleya perennial April - June Open, rocky slopes; often in 1B.1 Absent. Site lacks suitable (Dudleya blochmaniae herb shallow clays over serpentine habitat. ssp. blochmaniae) or in rocky areas with little soil; coastal bluff scrub, chaparral, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grassland at elevations between 5 and 450 meters.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Appendix 3 - 2

Potential to Occur Common Name Primary Habitat Status Form Blooming Period (Observed, Potentially Present, (Scientific Name) Associations (Federal/State/CNPS) Presumed Absent, Absent) Chaparral nolina (Nolina perennial May – July Sandstone or gabbro substrates 1B.2 Absent. Absence of this cismontana) evergreen in chaparral and coastal scrub perennial species confirmed by shrub at elevations between 140 and field surveys. Based on 1275 meters. Consortium of California Herbaria records the study area is outside its known range. Nearest occurrences are far to the southwest in Simi Hills. chaparral ragwort annual herb January – April Chaparral, cismontane 2B.2 Presumed absent. Suitable (Senecio aphanactis) (May) woodland, and coastal scrub habitat may be present but habitats at elevations between given its known distribution 15 and 800 meters, sometimes from herbarium records for this on alkaline soils. species it is not expected at this site. Coulter’s goldfields annual herb February - June Found in coastal salt marshes 1B.1 Absent. Suitable habitats are (Lasthenia glabrata ssp. and swamps, playas, and absent. coulteri) vernal pools at elevations between 1 and 1,220 meters. Davidson's bush-mallow perennial June – January Chaparral, cismontane 1B.2 Presumed absent. Perennial (Malacothamnus deciduous woodland, coastal scrub, and not identified during surveys. davidsonii) shrub riparian woodlands at Based on Consortium of elevations between 185 and California Herbaria records the 1,140 meters. study area is outside its known range.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Appendix 3 - 3

Potential to Occur Common Name Primary Habitat Status Form Blooming Period (Observed, Potentially Present, (Scientific Name) Associations (Federal/State/CNPS) Presumed Absent, Absent) Greata's aster perennial June - October Mesic habitats in broadleafed 1B.3 Absent. Study area lacks (Symphyotrichum rhizomatous upland forest, chaparral, suitable mesic habitat. greatae) herb cismontane woodland, lower Perennial not observed during montane coniferous forest, and field surveys. A species of the riparian woodland at south slope of San Gabriel elevations between 300 and Mountains, although there is 2,010 meters. one 1893 herbarium record for “Near Acton, head of Cottonwood Canyon.” late-flowered mariposa perennial June – August Chaparral, cismontane 1B.3 Presumed absent. Suitable lily (Calochortus bulbiferous woodland, and riparian habitat may be present. fimbriatus) herb woodland at elevations However, based on Consortium between 275 and 1,905 meters of California Herbaria records, (often on serpentinite). the study area is well outside the known range of this species and it is not expected at this more inland location. many-stemmed dudleya perennial April – July Chaparral, coastal scrub, and 1B.2 Presumed absent. Site does (Dudleya multicaulis) herb valley and foothill grassland at not contain heavy clay soil elevations between 15 and 790 substrates on which this species meters, in heavy, often clayey normally occurs. soils or grassy slopes. Mason's neststraw annual herb March - May Sandy substrate in chenopod 1B.1 Absent. Study area does not (Stylocline masonii) scrub and pinyon and juniper contain suitable habitats. woodlands between 100 and 1,200 meters. mesa horkelia (Horkelia perennial February – July Sandy or gravelly substrates in 1B.1 Presumed absent. cuneata var. puberula) herb (Sept.) maritime chaparral, This is a more coastal species cismontane woodland, and and not expected at this more coastal scrub at elevations inland location. Also, this is a between 70 and 810 meters. perennial and was not observed during surveys.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

Appendix 3 - 4

Potential to Occur Common Name Primary Habitat Status Form Blooming Period (Observed, Potentially Present, (Scientific Name) Associations (Federal/State/CNPS) Presumed Absent, Absent) Newhall sunflower perennial August – October Freshwater, seeps, marshes, 1B.1 Absent. Suitable habitats are (Helianthus inexpectatus) rhizomatous swamps, and riparian absent. herb woodlands. Ojai navarretia annual herb May – July Valley and foothill grassland 1B.1 Absent. Study area lacks (Navarretia ojaiensis) and openings in chaparral and suitable clay soils and is outside coastal scrub at elevations known range of species. between 275 and 620 meters. Palmer's mariposa lily perennial April – July Meadow and seeps and mesic 1B.2 Absent. Suitable habitats are (Calochortus palmeri var. bulbiferous habitats in chaparral and lower absent. palmeri) herb montane coniferous at elevations between 710 and 2,390 meters. Parry's spineflower annual herb April – June Sandy or rocky openings in 1B.1 Presumed absent. Suitable (Chorizanthe parryi var. chaparral, cismontane subtrates probably absent and parryi) woodland, coastal scrub, and given known distribution of this valley and foothill grassland at species it is not expected at this elevations between 40 and site. 1,705 meters. Payne's bush lupine perennial March – April Sandy substrates in coastal 1B.1 Presumed absent. No bush (Lupinus paynei) shrub (May – scrub, riparian scrub, or valley lupines observed during field July) and foothill grasslands at surveys. elevations between 220 and 420 meters. Piute Mountains annual herb April – July Clay or gravelly loam 1B.1 Presumed absent. Suitable navarretia substrates in cismontane habitats are absent. (Navarretia setiloba) woodland, pinyon and juniper woodland, and valley and foothill grassland at elevations between 285 and 2,100 meters.

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Potential to Occur Common Name Primary Habitat Status Form Blooming Period (Observed, Potentially Present, (Scientific Name) Associations (Federal/State/CNPS) Presumed Absent, Absent) short-joint beavertail perennial April – June Chaparral, Joshua tree 1B.2 Absent. There is no Opuntia (Opuntia basilaris var. stem (August) woodland, Mojavean desert basilaris within the study area. brachyclada) succulent scrub, and pinyon and juniper woodlands at elevations between 425 and 1,800 meters. slender mariposa lily perennial March – June Shaded foothill canyons in 1B.2 Potentially present, with low (Calochortus clavatus bulbiferous (Nov.) chaparral, coastal scrub, and probability. There is maginally var. gracilis) herb valley and foothill grassland at suitable habitat within the study elevations between 320 and area and several known 1,000 meters. occurrences in the region. Southern tarplant annual herb May - November Margins of marshes and 1B.1 Absent. Suitable habitats are (Centromadia parryi ssp. swamps, vernally mesic valley absent. australis) and foothill grassland, and sometimes on vernal pools at elevations between 0 and 425 meters. vernal barley (Hordeum annual herb March – June Coastal dunes, coastal scrub, 3.2 Absent. Suitable habitats are intercedens) valley and foothill grassland absent. (saline flats and depressions), and vernal pools at elevations between 5 and 1,000 meters. white rabbit-tobacco perennial (July) Sandy or gravelly substrates in 2B.2 Presumed absent. Suitable (Pseudognaphalium herb August – chaparral, cismontane habitats probably absent, and leucocephalum) November woodland, coastal scrub, and furthermore this perenntial (Dec.) riparian woodlands at species was not detected during elevations between 0 and surveys, which were conducted 2,100 meters. during its blooming period.

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Potential to Occur Common Name Primary Habitat Status Form Blooming Period (Observed, Potentially Present, (Scientific Name) Associations (Federal/State/CNPS) Presumed Absent, Absent) White-veined monardella perennial April – December Chaparral and cismontane 1B.3 Presumed absent. Perennial (Monardella hypoleuca herb woodland at elevations species not observed during ssp. hypoleuca) between 50 and 1,525 meters. field survey. Also, a coastal species not expected at this inland location. The following status codes are applicable to special-status plants: Federally Protected Species FE (Federal Endangered): A species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. FT (Federal Threatened): A species that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. FC (Federal Candidate): A species for which USFWS has sufficient information on its biological status and threats to propose it as Endangered or Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), but for which development of a proposed listing regulation is precluded by other higher priority listing activities. State Protected Species CE (California Endangered): A native species or subspecies which is in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of its range due to one or more causes, including loss of habitat, change in habitat, overexploitation, predation, competition, or disease. CT (California Threatened): A native species or subspecies that, although not presently threatened with extinction, is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future in the absence of the special protection and management efforts required by this chapter. Any animal determined by the commission as "Rare" on or before January 1, 1985, is a "Threatened species." CR (California Rare): A species, subspecies, or variety of plant is Rare under the Native Plant Protection Act when, although not presently threatened with extinction, it is in such small numbers throughout its range that it may become endangered if its present environment worsens. Animals are no longer listed as Rare; all animals listed as Rare before 1985 have been listed as Threatened. California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Rare Plant Rank CRPR 1A: Plants presumed extinct in California and either rare or extinct elsewhere. CRPR 1B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere. CRPR 2A: Plants presumed extirpated in California, but more common elsewhere. CRPR 2B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere. CRPR 3: A review list for plants for which there is inadequate information to assign them to one of the other lists or to reject them. CRPR 4: A watch list for plants that are of limited distribution in California. CNPS Threat Rank The CNPS Threat Rank is an extension added onto the California Rare Plant Rank and designates the level of endangerment, as follow: • 0.1-Seriously threatened in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat). • 0.2-Fairly threatened in California (20-80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). • 0.3-Not very threatened in California (<20% of occurrences threatened / low degree and immediacy of threat or no current threats known).

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

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Appendix 4 Vertebrate Wildlife Species Observed * November 7, 2019 * by direct observation, sign, or vocalization

Common Name Scientific Name

REPTILES side-blotched lizard Uta stansburiana western fence lizard Sceloporus occidentalis BIRDS Bewick’s wren Thryomanes bewickii bushtit Psaltriparus minimus Nuttall’s woodpecker Picoides nuttallii red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis white-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys MAMMALS California ground squirrel Otospermophilus beecheyi desert cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii woodrat species Neotoma sp.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

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Appendix 5 Potential for Occurrence of Special-Status Wildlife Species

Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) FEDERAL OR STATE-LISTED SPECIES Invertebrates Crotch bumble bee --/Candidate Coastal California east to the Potentially present. Food (Bombus crotchii) CE Sierra-Cascade crest and south plant genera present or into Mexico. Food plant genera potentially present and include Antirrhinum, Phacelia, species occurs in region. Clarkia, Dendromecon, Eschscholzia, and Eriogonum. Quino checkerspot FE/-- Sunny openings within chaparral Absent. No potential to (Euphydryas editha quino) and coastal sage shrublands in occur outside known range parts of Riverside and San Diego of species. Counties. Hills and mesas near the coast. Need high densities of food plants Plantago erecta, P. insularis, and Orthocarpus purpurescens. Vernal pool fairy shrimp FT/-- Endemic to the grasslands of Absent. No potential to (Branchinecta lynchi) Central Valley, Central Coast occur due to lack of suitable mountains, and South Coast habitat. mountains, in astatic rain-filled pools . Inhabit small, clear-water sandstone-depression pools and grassed swale, earth slump, and basalt-flow depression pools . Fishes No species of fish have potential to occur due to lack of permanent water at the site. Amphibians Arroyo toad FE/SSC Semi-arid regions near washes or Absent. No potential to (Anaxyrus californicus) intermittent streams, including occur due to lack of suitable valley-foothill and desert habitat. riparian, desert wash, etc. Rivers with sandy banks, willows, cottonwoods, and sycamores; loose, gravelly areas of streams in drier parts of range. California red-legged frog FT/SSC Lowlands and foothills in or near Absent. No potential to (Rana draytonii) permanent source of deep water occur due to lack of suitable with dense shrubby or emergent habitat. vegetation. Requires 11-20 weeks of permanent water for larval development. Must have access to estivation habitat. Not seen in the Santa Monica

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

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Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) Mountains since 1975 (De Lisle et al. 1986). Nearest reported location: Simi Hills—Ahmanson Ranch (Now Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve), East Las Virgenes Creek. Southern mountain yellow- FE/CE Federal listing refers to Absent. No potential to legged frog (Rana populations in the San Gabriel, occur due to lack of suitable muscosa) San Jacinto, and San Bernardino habitat. Mountains (southern DPS). Northern DPS was determined to warrant listing as endangered, April 2014, effective June 30, 2014. Always encountered within a few feet of water. Tadpoles may require 2 – 4 years to complete their aquatic development. Birds Bank swallow --/CT Colonial nester; nests primarily Potentially present with (Riparian riparia) in riparian and other lowland low probability while (nesting) habitats west of the desert. foraging temporarily and Requires vertical banks/cliffs rarely during migration, but with fine-textured/sandy soils no potential to nest at the near streams, rivers, lakes, ocean site. to dig nest hole (CDFW 2019). Very uncommon spring transient and rare fall transient, and casual winter transient along the coast, formerly a fairly common summer resident, now virtually extirpated as a breeder in the region (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Coastal California FT/SSC Obligate, permanent resident of Potentially present. gnatcatcher (Polioptila coastal scrub below 2,500 ft in Species may pass through californica californica) southern California. Low, site during dispersal coastal scrub in arid washes, on movements during non- mesas and slopes. breeding season, but would not nest at the site. The study area and adjacent areas do not contain suitable coastal sage scrub nesting habitat.

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Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) Least Bell’s vireo FE/CE Rare and local summer resident Presumed absent. (Vireo bellii pusillus) in lowland riparian woodlands, Site lacks suitable habitat. (nesting) breeding in willow thickets and Not expected to occur, even other dense, low riparian growth temporarily during in lowlands and the lower migration. portions of the canyons, generally along permanent or semi-permanent streams. Southwestern willow FE/CE Fairly common and widespread Presumed absent. flycatcher migrant from mid-May to early No suitable habitat at the (Empidonax trailii extimus) June, and again from August to site. Not expected to occur, (nesting) early October. Formerly bred in even temporarily during wet willow thickets, but breeders migration. are virtually gone from the L.A. region and endangered over most of the Southwest. Most often occurs in broad, open river valleys or large mountain meadows with lush growth of shrubby willows (Zeiner et al. 1990b). Swainson’s hawk --/CT Breeds in grasslands with Potentially present with (Buteo swainsoni) (nesting) scattered trees. Juniper-sage while foraging temporarily flats, riparian areas, savannahs, over the site during and agricultural or ranch. migration, but not nesting. Requires adjacent suitable foraging areas such as grasslands, or alfalfa or grain fields supporting rodent populations. “Migrants observed in spring and fall (September – October) in the Antelope Valley and occasionally elsewhere in the dry interior [of Los Angeles region]. A few summer in the Antelope Valley, with breeding pairs sometimes found at isolated stands of tall trees in agricultural areas” (Garrett et. al., 2006). Tricolored blackbird --/CT Highly colonial species. Largely Presumed absent. No (Agelaius tricolor) endemic to California. Requires suitable open water / marsh (nesting colony) open water, protected nesting habitats at the site. Also, not

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Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) substrate, and foraging area with expected to forage at the site insect prey within a few due to distance from suitable kilometers of the colony. open water habitats. Willow flycatcher --/CE Inhabits extensive thickets of Presumed absent. (Empidonax traillii) low, dense willows on edge of Preferred habitats are absent. (nesting) wet meadows, ponds, or Not expected to occur, even backwaters at 2,000 to 8,000 feet temporarily during in elevation. Requires dense migration. willow thickets for nesting/roosting. Low, exposed branches are used for singing posts/hunting perches. Western yellow-billed FT/CE Riparian forest nester along the Presumed absent. cuckoo broad, lower flood-bottoms of No suitable habitat at the (Coccyzus americanus spp. larger river systems. Nests in site. Not expected to occur, occidentalis) riparian jungles of willow, often even temporarily during (nesting) mixed with cottonwoods, w/ migration. lower story of blackberry, nettles, or wild grape. NON-LISTED SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES Amphibians California newt --/SSC Found in riparian woodland, Presumed absent. Site (Taricha torosa) wandering through adjacent lacks aquatic breeding habitats during rains. Numerous habitats. Although this reports in Santa Monica species may also be found in Mountains including Big upland habitats, site is too Sycamore, Decker/Encinal, far from suitable breeding Trancas, Zuma, etc. (De Lisle et habitats for any reasonable al. 1986). potential for occurrence. Western spadefoot --/SSC Almost completely terrestrial, Potentially present, but (Spea hammondii) entering water only to breed. with low probability due to Occurs primarily in grassland surrounding development habitats, but can be found in and habitat fragmentation. valley-foothill hardwood There is some suitable woodlands. Vernal pools are foraging habitat and cover at essential for breeding and egg- the site, but no breeding laying. Found in cismontane habitat. woodland, coastal scrub, valley and foothills grassland, vernal pool, and wetlands. Site is within the current known range of the species (Californiaherps.com).

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

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Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) Reptiles California glossy snake --/SSC Generalist reported from a range Potentially present. Site (Arizona elegans of scrub and grassland habitats, may contain suitable habitat occidentalis) often with loose or sandy soils. for this species. California legless lizard --/SSC Sandy areas within other Presumed absent. Site not (Anniella sp.) habitats; also in litter under live expected to have sufficient oaks. Soil moisture is essential. soil moisture for this species, and coast live oak understories are disturbed. Coast horned lizard --/SSC Frequents a wide variety of Potentially present. (Phrynosoma blainvillii) habitats, most common in Species is expected to occur lowlands along sandy washes at the site. with scattered low bushes. Open areas for sunning, bushes for cover, patches of loose soil for burial, and abundant supply of ants and other insects. Coast patch-nosed snake --/SSC Brushy or shrubby vegetation in Potentially present. Site (Salvadora haxalepis coastal southern California. contains suitable habitats for virgultea) Require small mammal burrows this species. for refuge and overwintering sites. Inhabits semi-arid brushy areas and chaparral in canyons, rocky hillsides, and plains from sea level to around 7,000 ft. Coastal whiptail --/SSC Found in deserts and semi-arid Potentially present. Study (Aspidoscelis tigris areas with sparse vegetation and area contains suitable stejnegeri) open areas. Also found in habitats and is within the woodland and riparian areas. range of this species. Ground may be firm soil, sandy, or rocky. Two-striped garter snake --/SSC Coastal California from vicinity Presumed absent. Site (Thamnophis hammondii) of Salinas to northwest Baja lacks permanent or nearly California. From sea to about permanent waterbodies 7,000 feet elevation. Highly required by this species. aquatic, found in or near Site is too far from permanent fresh water. Often permanent waterbodies for along streams with rocky beds any reasonable potential for and riparian growth. occurrence. Western pond turtle --/SSC Inhabits permanently or nearly Presumed absent. Site (Actinemys marmorata) permanent bodies of water in lacks permanent or nearly many habitat types, below 6,000 permanent water bodies feet in elevation. Requires required by this species.

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Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) basking sites, such as partially Although this species may submerged logs, vegetation also be found seasonally in mats, or open mud banks. Needs upland habitats, site is too suitable nesting sites with a far from permanent proper thermal and hydric waterbodies for any environment for incubation of reasonable potential for the eggs. Nests sites are occurrence. typically located on relatively dry, exposed slopes within 200 meters of the aquatic site, and usually much closer. Birds American peregrine falcon --/CFP Uncommon but widespread Potentially present while (Falco peregrinus anatum) year-round resident in the Los foraging over the site (nesting) Angeles region, with some temporarily but no potential influx of birds during migration to nest or roost at the site. (Garrett, K. et al, 2006). Nests near wetlands, lakes, rivers, or other water, on cliffs, banks, dunes, mounds, also man-made structures. Nest consists of a scrape on a depression or ledge in an open site. Black swift --/SSC Nests in moist crevice or cave on Potentially present with (Cypseloides niger) sea cliffs above the surf, or on low probability while (nesting) cliffs behind, or adjacent to, foraging temporarily and waterfalls in deep canyons. rarely during migration, but Forages widely over many no potential to nest at the habitats (Zeiner et al. 1990b). site. Rare and irregular transient through coastal district, nesting at a few steep waterfall locations in the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto mountains (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Burrowing owl --/SSC Open, dry annual or perennial Presumed absent. (Athene cunicularia) grasslands, deserts, and Ground squirrel burrows (burrow sites and some scrublands characterized by low- present but patch size of wintering sites) growing vegetation. suitable habitat too small for Subterranean nester, dependent a reasonable potential for upon burrowing mammals, most occurrence. notably, the California ground

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Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) squirrel. Now extirpated from most of the coastal slope, although small numbers reach the coastal and valley regions in fall and winter (in the Los Angeles Region) (Garrett, et. al., 2006). Golden eagle --/CFP Rolling foothills, mountain Potentially present. (Aquila chrysaetos) areas, sage-juniper flats, and Potentially foraging over the (nesting and wintering) desert. Cliff-walled canyons site or roosting temporarily, provide nesting habitat in most but no potential to nest at the parts of range; also, large trees in site. open areas. A rare and declining resident in rugged mountain areas in the interior of the Los Angeles region. A few may still nest in the Santa Ana Mountains, Chino Hills, and Santa Monica Mountains (Garrett et al., 2006). Grasshopper sparrow --/SSC Uncommon and very local Presumed absent. Site and (Ammodramus summer resident on grassy surrounding area consist savannarum) slopes and mesas west of the primarily of chaparral and (nesting) deserts; noted only rarely in woodland habitats without migration and in winter. For large areas of open scrub or breeding, grasshopper sparrows grasslands. require fairly continuous native grassland with occasional taller weedy stems or shrubs for singing perches (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Least bittern (Ixobrychus --/SSC Uncommon and local resident in Absent. No suitable exilis) the Los Angeles region in freshwater habitats at the (nesting) freshwater ponds and lakes with site. extensive margins of reeds (bulrushes, cattails) (Garrett et al., 2006). Loggerhead shrike (Lanius --/SSC Broken woodlands, savannah, Presumed absent. Site and ludovicianus) pinyon-juniper, Joshua tree, and surrounding area consist (nesting) riparian woodlands, desert oases, primarily of chaparral and scrub and washes. Prefers open scrub habitats without large country for hunting, with areas of open woodlands, perches for scanning, and fairly scrublands, or grasslands dense shrubs and brush for and therefore this species is

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

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Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) nesting. Only a few pairs still probably absent. found in coastal lowlands in the Los Angeles region, although a small number of migrants augment this population from July to March (Garrett et. al. 2006). Long-eared owl --/SSC Nest in conifer, oak, riparian, Presumed absent. (Asio otus) pinyon-juniper, and desert Site lacks suitable habitat. (nesting) woodlands that are either open or Although the site contains adjacent to grasslands, meadows, limited foraging habitat, it or shrublands. Key habitat lacks dense tree cover components are some dense necessary for roosting, or cover for nesting and roosting, nesting. suitable nest platforms, and open foraging areas. Mountain plover --/SSC Short grasslands, freshly plowed Presumed absent. Suitable (Charadrius montanus) fields, newly sprouting grain habitats are absent. (wintering) fields, and sometimes sod farms. Short vegetation, bare ground and flat topography. Prefers grazed areas and areas with burrowing rodents. In the Los Angeles region, flocks winter (October to early March) in bare and heavily grazed agricultural fields in the Antelope Valley, but now very rare in open grasslands near the coast (Garrett et. al, 2006). Northern harrier --/SSC Uncommon migrant and winter Potentially present. Site (Circus cyaneus) visitor (mid-September to early and surrounding area are not (nesting) April) to extensive open preferred habitat, but there is freshwater and saltwater nevertheless some potential marshes, grasslands and for this species to forage agricultural fields. Breeding temporarily over the site, but populations have been virtually no potential to nest at the extirpated from the coastal site. lowlands in the Los Angeles area (Garrett et al. 2006). Olive-sided flycatcher --/SSC In the Los Angeles region, Presumed absent. (Contopus cooperi) summer resident (May to early No suitable habitat at the (nesting) September) mainly in conifer, site.

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Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) mixed, and canyon woodlands of San Gabriel Mountains, and very locally closer to coast where tall pines and eucalyptus augment native trees. Migrants scarce but widespread in lowlands from mid-April through May, and in September (Garrett et al., 2006) Purple martin --/SSC Rather rare and very local Presumed absent. (Progne subis) summer resident in woodlands of No suitable habitat at the (nesting) the foothill portions of coastal site. district; also a rare spring transient. For nesting, they utilize old, tall sycamores, pines, etc., often within oak woodland or open conifer forest (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Short-eared owl --/SSC Uncommon and local winter Presumed absent. Suitable (Asio flammeus) visitant along the coast, where it habitats are absent. This (nesting) formerly nested. Wintering species is a very local winter locations include Point Mugu, visitant of coastal areas in Sepulveda basin (Garrett and southern California. Site is Dunn 1981). Usually found in outside current and historical open areas with few trees, such breeding range. as annual and perennial grasslands, prairies, dunes, meadows, irrigated lands, and saline and fresh emergent wetlands (Zeiner et al. 1990b). Summer tanager --/SSC Rare, but regular in fall, winter, Presumed absent. (Piranga rubra) and late spring along the coast, No suitable habitat at the (nesting) mostly from Los Angeles Co. site. southward (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Frequents cottonwood- willow associations of riparian habitats for breeding, feeding, cover, and other activities (Zeiner et al. 1990b).

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

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Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) Vaux’s swift --/SSC Common migrant in the Los Potentially present while (Chaetura vauxi) Angeles region from mid-April foraging over the site (nesting) to mid-May, and again from late temporarily as a migrant, but August to early October. Small no potential to nest at the flocks sometimes winter in site. coastal lowlands, but absent from early June to early August (Garrett et al., 2006). White-tailed kite --/CFP Uncommon resident in open Potentially present. (Elanus leucurus) grasslands, valley oak savannas, Site and surrounding area (nesting) marshes, and agricultural areas are not preferred habitat, but throughout the lowlands of the there is nevertheless some Los Angeles region (Garrett et potential for this species to al. 2006). A nomadic species forage temporarily over the that may range widely in search site, but would not nest at of prey. the site. Yellow warbler --/SSC In the Los Angeles region, Presumed absent. The site (Setophaga petechia common spring (late April does not contain this species brewsteri) through May) and fall (August to preferred riparian habitats. (nesting) mid-October) migrants throughout the lowlands; a very few remain to winter in willow thickets, exotic growth. Fairly common breeder (late March to August) in tall foothill woodlands of cottonwood, willow or alders near watercourses; some breed in lowland willow (Garrett et al., 2006) Yellow-breasted chat --/SSC Uncommon and local breeder Presumed absent. (Icteria virens) (mid-April to August) in Site does not contain (nesting) extensive riparian thickets in the preferred dense riparian lowlands; formerly more habitats. widespread. Scarce as a migrant, noted mainly in late April-May and August- September. Mammals American badger --/SSC Most abundant in drier open Presumed absent No (Taxidea taxus) stages of most shrub, forest, and burrows attributable to this herbaceous habitats, with friable species were observed at the soils. Needs sufficient food, site. Species not expected

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

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Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) friable soils and open, due to type of habitats at the uncultivated ground. Preys on site and habitat burrowing rodents. Digs fragmentation of burrows. surrounding area. Big free-tailed bat --/SSC Low-lying arid areas in southern Potentially present while (Nyctinimops macrotis) California. Need high cliffs or foraging over the site rocky outcrops for roosting sites. temporarily, but not Range (scattered records) roosting, reproducing or extends from San Francisco Bay hibernating at the site. to Morro Bay, Santa Barbara, and coastal southern California from Los Angeles (Azusa, Burbank, Pomona) and San Bernardino counties southward (Constantine 1998). California leaf-nosed bat --/SSC Desert riparian, desert wash, Presumed absent. There (Macrotus californicus) desert scrub, desert succulent are historical records of this scrub, alkali scrub and palm species in San Fernando oasis habitats. Needs rocky, Valley to the south, but this rugged terrain with mines or species typically found in caves for roosting. California in Sonoran Desert habitats. Los Angeles pocket mouse --/SSC Lower elevation grasslands and Presumed absent. Not (Perognathus longimembris coastal sage communities in and expected as the site lacks brevinasus) around the Los Angeles Basin. species preferred habitat. Open ground with fine, sandy soils. May not dig extensive burrows, hiding under weeds and dead leaves instead. Pallid bat --/SSC Occurs in a wide variety of Potentially present while (Antrozous pallidus) habitats including deserts, foraging over the site, but grasslands, shrublands, not reproducing, roosting, or woodlands and forests from sea hibernating at the site. level to mixed conifer forests. Most common in open, dry habitats with rocky areas for roosting. Roosts must protect bats from high temperatures. Very sensitive to disturbance of roosting sites. Ringtail --/CFP Suitable habitat for ringtails Presumed absent. (Bassariscus astutus consists of a mixture of forest Preferred habitats are absent. octavus) and shrubland in close

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

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Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) association with rocky areas or riparian habitats (Zeiner et al. 1990a). San Diego black-tailed --/SSC Intermediate canopy stages of Presumed absent. jackrabbit shrub habitats and open shrub / Preferred habitats are absent. (Lepus californicus herbaceous and tree / herbaceous bennetii) edges. Coastal sage scrub habitats in southern California. San Diego desert woodrat --/SSC Coastal southern California from Potentially present. (Neotoma lepida San Diego County to San Luis Woodrat nest structures intermedia) Obispo County. Moderate to observed and species is dense canopies preferred. They underdetermined. are particularly abundant in rock outcrops and rocky cliffs and slopes. Occurs in a variety of habitats from sea level to 8500 feet (Zeiner et al. 1990a). Southern grasshopper --/SSC Desert areas, especially scrub Presumed absent. Not mouse (Onychomys habitats with friable soils for expected as the site lacks torridus ramona) digging. Prefers low to species preferred habitats. moderate shrub cover. Feeds almost exclusively on arthropods, especially scorpions and orthopteran insects. Spotted bat --/SSC Mostly in foothills and Presumed absent. Site (Euderma maculatum) mountains and desert regions of lacks preferred foraging southern California, in a range of habitat. No potential to not habitats from desert and reproduce, roost, or grasslands through mixed hibernate at the site. conifer forest. Feeds over water and along washes. Feeds almost entirely on moths. Needs rock crevices in cliffs or caves for roosting. Townsend’s big-eared bat --/SSC Found in a wide variety of Potentially present. (Corynorhinus townsendii) habitats except subalpine and Potentially foraging over the alpine. Distribution is strongly site, but not reproducing, correlated with the availability of roosting, or hibernating at caves and cave-like roosting the site. habitat, including abandoned mines. It has also been reported to utilize buildings, bridges, rock crevices and hollow trees as

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

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Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) roost sites. Foraging associations include: edge habitats along streams, adjacent to and within a variety of wooded habitats. Western mastiff bat --/SSC Occurs in many open habitats Potentially present (Eumops perotis including woodlands, coastal Potentially foraging over the californicus) scrub, grasslands, chaparral, site and roosting temporarily desert, and urban. Many open, in trees or shrubs, but not semi-arid to arid habitats, reproducing or hibernating at including conifer and deciduous the site. woodlands, coastal scrub, grasslands, chaparral etc. Roosts in crevices in cliff faces, high buildings, trees and tunnels. Western red bat --/SSC Roosts in forests and woodlands, Potentially present (Lasiurus blossevillii) and feeds over a wide variety of Potentially foraging over the habitats including grasslands, site and roosting temporarily shrublands, open woodlands and in trees or shrubs, but forests, and croplands. Foliage- probably not reproducing or dwelling, migratory bat occurs in hibernating at the site. California's Central Valley, foothills, and in similar areas of tree growth in southern California (Constantine 1998). The following status codes are applicable to special-status animals:

Federally Protected Species FE (Federal Endangered): A species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. FT (Federal Threatened): A species that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. FC (Federal Candidate): A species for which USFWS has sufficient information on its biological status and threats to propose it as Endangered or Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), but for which development of a proposed listing regulation is precluded by other higher priority listing activities. FSC (Federal Species of Concern): A species under consideration for listing, for which there is insufficient information to support listing at this time. These species may or may not be listed in the future, and many of these species were formerly recognized as "Category-2 Candidate” species. State Protected Species CE (California Endangered): A native species or subspecies which is in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of its range due to one or more causes, including loss of habitat, change in habitat, overexploitation, predation, competition, or disease. CT (California Threatened): A native species or subspecies that, although not presently threatened with extinction, is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future in the absence of the special protection and management efforts required by this chapter. Any animal determined by the commission as "Rare" on or before January 1, 1985, is a "Threatened species." SSC (California Species of Special Concern): Animals that are not listed under the California Endangered Species Act, but which nonetheless 1) are declining at a rate that could result in listing, or 2) historically occurred in low numbers and known threats to their persistence currently exist.

Biological Resources Assessment S ierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project City of Santa Clarita

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Status on Site / Common Name Status Primary Habitat Associations Potential to Occur (Scientific Name) (Federal/State) (Observed, Potentially Present, Presumed Absent, Absent) CFP (California Fully Protected): This designation originated from the State's initial effort in the 1960's to identify and provide additional protection to those animals that were rare or faced possible extinction. Lists were created for fish, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Most fully protected species have also been listed as Threatened or Endangered species under the more recent endangered species laws and regulations. California Fully Protected species may not be taken or possessed at any time and no licenses or permits may be issued for their take except for collecting these species for necessary scientific research and relocation of the bird species for the protection of livestock.

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Appendix 6 Preliminary Grading Plan CRC Enterprises July 12, 2019