City of Azusa General Plan & Development Code 4.4 Biological Resources Draft EIR

4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY

This section examines the potential for the proposed project to result in significant adverse impacts to biological resources. The existence (or lack of) such resources in the City and immediate surroundings were identified in a study performed by Envicom Corporation, in consultation with appropriate local, state, and federal agencies, and through a review of the Natural Diversity Database.

A general survey of Azusa’s plants was performed by Envicom Corporation on November 30 and December 2, 9, and 16, 1999, for the purpose of making contemporary observations of biological conditions and to prepare related maps1. A tabulation of vascular plants observed during the field surveys, supplemented by a list of plants2 of the San Gabriel Canyon from Morris Dam to Foothill Boulevard is contained in Appendix E. A variety of biological surveys were utilized to characterize the range of wildlife species (vertebrates) that are known, or reasonably expected to occur within the City boundaries. The Draft Environmental Impact Report for Mountain Cove Residential Development Project, October 1999 and the Monrovia Nursery Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, October 2002 were also referenced.

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

Current Conditions

Vegetation. The majority of Azusa is urbanized. Relatively natural vegetation communities and habitats for wildlife are largely limited to the remaining undeveloped floodplain of the San Gabriel River and tributaries including Van Tassel Canyon, upper Fish Canyon, Roberts Canyon, and the upland foothill areas of the San Gabriel Mountains that occur in the northern portion of the City.

The foothills, adjoining the Angeles National Forest, contain a variety of species depending primarily on aspect and slope. The different habitats present in the foothills are displayed in Figure 4.4-1 and those in the southern portion of the city in Figure 4.4-2. Steep, south-facing slopes on the north and west sides of the San Gabriel River support rather sparse vegetation which would be classified as coastal sage scrub, with the dominants being coastal sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), California brickellbush (Brickellia californica), Whipple’s yucca (Yucca whipplei ssp. parishii), white sage (Salvia apiana), wishbone bush (Mirabilis californica) and local dense patches of prickly-pear cactus (Opuntia littoralis), with scattered larger shrubs of laurel-leaf sumac (Malosma laurina) and lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia ). In some locations, such as the slopes adjacent to the Fish Canyon trailhead and quarry, the noxious castor bean (Ricinus communis) has severely invaded the dry slopes.

On the north-facing slopes, especially on the north side of the Glendora Ridge and upper areas of Fish, Van Tassel and Roberts Canyons, a denser, chaparral vegetation prevails. On these moderately moist slopes, trees and larger shrubs can be found such as mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia ), Jim brush (Ceanothus oliganthus sorediatus), and scattered individuals of big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) and big cone Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga macrocarpa).

1Field surveys conducted by Carl Wishner, Principal Biologist of Envicom Corporation. 2White, Scott. Characterization of the San Gabriel River Wash, 1997, Scott White Biological Consulting.

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Figure 4.4-1

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Figure 4.4-2

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The north facing slopes are also the known habitat of sensitive, endemic (occurring naturally in only a particular region) species such as San Gabriel River dudleya (Dudleya cymosa crebrifolia ) and San Gabriel Mountains dudleya (D. densiflora). Heretofore unreported is the extensive occurrence of chaparral dominated by San Gabriel leather oak (Quercus durata gabrielensis) on the north slopes south of Fish Canyon. This species is endemic to the San Gabriel Mountains. As reported by the California Department of Fish and Game (1999b), the canyon bottoms of Van Tassel, Fish, and Roberts Canyons support Southern Sycamore/Alder Riparian Woodland, the dominants being western Sycamore (Platanus racemosa), white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), and probably also coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) and canyon live oak (Q. chrysolepis).

For the San Gabriel River, the extent of natural vegetation is restricted west of the levee, as it exits from the mouth of San Gabriel Canyon. The vegetation near the mouth of the canyon consists of alluvial scrub and woodland, wherein the dominant species are those typical of coastal sage scrub and riparian habitats, namely coastal sagebrush, brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), golden aster (Heterotheca sessiliflora), California buckwheat, scalebroom (Lepidospartum squamatum), laurel-leaf sumac, lemonadeberry, mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), and willow (Salix spp.). In the lower-most reach, upstream from the Foothill Boulevard Bridge, the invasive giant reed (Arundo donax) is prevalent, whereas, in the upstream portions, the native specie s dominate, with increasing amounts of Whipple’s yucca imparting a unique appearance to the alluvial scrub there. The plants and their location described are summarized in Table 4.4-1.

TABLE 4.4-1: HABITATS Location Vegetation Association Dominant Species South Facing Slope South Slope Coastal Sage Scrub coastal sagebrush, California buckwheat, California brickellbush, Whipple’s yucca, white sage, wishbone bush, prickly-pear cactus, laurel- leaf sumac, and lemonadeberry, castor bean* North Facing Slope North Slope Chapparal mountain mahogany, toyon, Jim brush, big leaf maple, big cone Douglas fir, San Gabriel River dudleya, San Gabriel Mountains dudleya River and/or Tributaries Alluvial Scrub and Woodland coastal sagebrush, brittlebush, golden aster, California buckwheat, scalebroom, laurel-leaf sumac, mulefat, willow, giant reed* Canyon Bottom Southern Sycamore/Alder Sycamore, white alder, coast live oak, canyon live Riparian Woodland oak *Non-native, invasive species SOURCE: Envicom Corporation, 1999.

Wildlife

Table 4.4-2 states in general terms the habitat in which the various animals exist and includes wildlife species commonly found in Azusa. Different animals use different amounts of space to fulfill their need for food, water, and cover. Small mammals, such as a mouse, need a limited area in which to survive while larger mammals like a fox, coyote, or bear will roam larger amounts of territory in search of essentials. Depending on the time of year, there may be more species present in the City. In the spring, fall, and during yearly migrations, a greater number of birds are present in the City’s habitats. In addition, although not mentioned as a specific habitat in the table below, inactive quarries in the northern part of the City filled with open water, serve as a groundwater recharge area and provide habitat for wildlife, especially waterfowl.

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TABLE 4.4-2: WILDLIFE FOUND IN AZUSA Species Group and Habitat Typically Occurring Species Fishes occurring in the San Gabriel River and Rainbow trout, green sunfish, large mouth bass, carp surrounding reservoirs Amphibians occurring the San Gabriel River and Pacific slender salamander, black-bellied salamander, tributaries Pacific and California treefrogs Amphibians occurring in north slope chaparral and Pacific slender salamander and Pacific treefrog canyon bottoms Reptiles occurring in coastal sage scrub and chaparral Western fence lizard, side-blotched lizard, western skink, California whipsnake, gopher snake, western rattlesnake, southern alligator lizard, common kingsnake, Gilbert skink, San Diego banded gecko, rosy boa, western whiptail, ringneck snake, racer, western patch- nosed snake Birds occurring in coastal sage scrub and chaparral California towhee, spotted towhee, wrentit, bushtit, Bewick’s wren, Cactus wren, California quail, Anna’s hummingbird, western scrub-jay, Northern mockingbird, California thrasher, black phoebe, house finch Birds occurring in native woodlands Northern flicker, mourning dove, acorn woodpecker, house wren, Hutton’s vireo, lesser goldfinch, American crow, common raven Mammals occurring in coastal sage scrub and chaparral Audubon’s cottontail, California ground squirrel, Botta’s pocket gopher, deer mouse, desert woodrat, Pacific kangaroo rat, ornate shrew, California mouse, dusky- footed wood rat, black-tailed jack rabbit, raccoon, coyote, striped skunk, gray fox, bobcat, mountain lion, American black bear SOURCE: Bon Terra Consulting as cited in the Draft Environmental Impact Report for Mountain Cove Residential Development Project and Glenn Lukos Associates, October 1999. Biological Technical Report Monrovia Nursery Development Project Los Angeles County, California, September 2002, as cited in the Monrovia Nursery Specific Plan and Project Draft Environmental Impact Report, October 2002.

Sensitive Species and Habitats

The “sensitive” or “special” label denotes that a species is state or federally listed as threatened or endangered, is a potential candidate for state or federal listing as threatened or endangered, or, though not listed, may be near extirpation or extinction, and is being monitored. The California Natural Diversity Database Rarefind application was run for the City and surrounding area (Azusa and Baldwin Park quadrangles) in June 1999 and updated as of May 2003.

The State and federal classifications for sensitive species include the following:

· SA Special Animal (tracked by California Natural Diversity Database) · CE California listed as Endangered · CT California listed as Threatened · CP California Protected · CFP California Fully Protected · CSC California Special Concern Species · FE Federally listed as Endangered · FPE Federally proposed for listing as Endangered · FT Federally listed as Threatened · FSC Federal Special Concern species · CNPS 1 B California Native Plant Society “plant rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere”

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· CNPS 2 California Native Plant Society “plant rare, threatened, or endangered in California and but more common elsewhere” · MNBMC Migratory Nongame Birds of Management Concern (US Fish and Wildlife Service)

The list of sensitive species in and around the near vicinity of Azusa is composed of 95 sensitive butterfly, fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, mammal, plant species and certain habitats, all of which are designated as one or more of the above classifications. Six of the species are federally endangered. They are the Quino checkerspot butterfly, the southern steelhead trout, the unarmored threespine stickleback (fish), the Least Bell’s vireo (bird), and two plant species, Braunton’s milkvetch and slender-horned spineflower. Other species among the list, though not federally protected, are fully protected under California state law. For a complete listing of the sensitive species including the most recent update, see Appendix E of this EIR.

SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA

The proposed project would result in a significant impact if it results in any of the following:

· A substantial adverse impact, either directly or indirectly through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or United States Fish and Wildlife Service; · A substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; · A substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands, as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interpretation, or other means; · Substantial interference with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish, wildlife species, established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites; · A conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance; or · A conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

The Azusa General Plan Update sets forth numerous policies to protect the vegetation and habitats that are part of the City. The first goal of the General Plan Open Space and Biological Resources section is to “conserve and protect nature.” The associated policies, 1.1 and 1.2, include the establishment of a biological resource database, including types of habitats and the creation of a detailed Biological Resource Area (BRA) Overlay Zone map.

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Figure 4.4-3 BRA’s

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A map of the potential BRA’s is shown in Figure 4.4-3. The BRA’s would ideally connect at some part to form wildlife corridors so that wildlife could move through uninterrupted tracts of land. Within many of the BRA’s, City Nature Preserves would also be created. Additionally, the City would seek, where possible, to restore habitats within nature preserves for rare, threatened and/or endangered species that are believed to have gone extinct within the City and/or Sphere of Influence as stated in Policy 2.3.

Open Space and Biological Resources policies related to preservation include the following:

1.1 Ensure that the City has accurate, current data and information on biological resources, including the types of habitats, individual species, and their locations.

1.2 Create a detailed Biological Resource Area (BRA) Overlay Zone Map using Figure Bio-3 as a guide.3 Biological Resource Areas include 1) Van Tassel Canyon and Ridgelines, 2) Fish Creek, Fish/Roberts Ridge, 3) Glendora Ridge 4) San Gabriel Canyon Floodplain, 5) RV Park, 6) Northern Recharge Ponds, and 7) San Gabriel River and Floodway. The BRA’s purpose is to ensure maintenance of ecological integrity, including connections between habitats for wildlife movement and dispersal, and to concentrate development in areas that are the least biologically sensitive, and absent of protected and other sensitive species, etc.

2.1 Establish, by working with conservation and educational organizations and state and federal agencies, a multitude of City Nature Preserves. These City Nature Preserves should consist of contiguous and diverse habitat areas within identified undeveloped areas. Areas of high priority include 1) Van Tassel Canyon and Ridgelines, 2) Fish Creek, Fish/Roberts Ridge, 3) Glendora Ridge, 4) San Gabriel Canyon Floodplain, 5) RV Park, 6) Northern Recharge Ponds, and 7) San Gabriel River and Floodway.

2.3 Coordinate with the California Department of Fish and Game and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to determine the feasibility of restoring habitats within nature preserves for rare, threatened, and/or endangered species and those species of wildlife that are believed to have gone extinct in the Planning Area.

According to the proposed land use map, the growth of Azusa over the next 25 years would occur in already developed areas, limiting habitat modification of the remaining undisturbed lands. Specific policies of the proposed General Plan under the Open Space and Biological Resources section as well as the Recreation and Cultural and Historic Resources sections provide for the protection of the San Gabriel River and watershed. The riparian habitat of the San Gabriel River would be enhanced and maintained for its ecologic, natural aesthetic, cultural and recreational value.

Policies specific to the San Gabriel River include:

5.1 Continue and expand the City’s leadership role in protecting and enhancing the San Gabriel River and Watershed through the establishment of nature centers and educational and interpretative programs, exotic weedy species control, sponsorship and participation in environmental education, and other activities such as habitat restoration, flood and fire prevention, recreation planning.

3 Figure Bio-3 is part of the proposed City of Azusa General Plan. It is not included in this document.

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Recreation

5.1 Enhance local foothills and river areas because of their inherent environmental, ecological, and/or aesthetic contributions to the community and the region.

Cultural and Historic Resources

2.1 Combine historically and culturally significant sites such as those on the proposed landmarks list with recreational learning opportunities. Examples may include the Santa Fe Depot, the Woman’s Club, the citrus processing buildings, and the Durrell Building.

3.2 Incorporate natural resources such as the San Gabriel River drainage into development when appropriate as a means of understanding and appreciating the history of the site or the area. This may include the mining activities and any prehistoric sites that may be encountered during subsequent studies of drainage.

The proposed General Plan would not conflict with any Habitat Conservation or Natural Community Conservation Plans because none is currently in place. Since the policies and programs of the proposed General Plan promote the preservation of Azusa’s biological resources, no impact is anticipated.

MITIGATION MEASURES

Since no impact to biological resources is anticipated, no mitigation measures are recommended.

LEVEL OF IMPACT AFTER MITIGATION

No significant impacts to biological resources are anticipated.

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