B Biological Resources Report
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND HABITAT ASSESSMENT
TAYLOR YARD BIKEWAY/PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OVER THE LA RIVER PROJECT
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
PREPARED FOR:
City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Engineering, Environmental Management Group 1149 S. Broadway, Suite 600 Los Angeles, CA 90015
PREPARED BY:
ICF 1 Ada Parkway, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92618 Contact: Greg Hoisington 949.333.6622
November 2016
ICF. 2016. Biological Resources and Habitat Assessment, Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the LA River Project, Los Angeles County, California. November. (ICF 00006.16.) Irvine, CA. Prepared for LABOE.
Contents
Page Chapter 1 Introduction ...... 1-1 1.1 Project Location ...... 1-1 1.2 Project Description ...... 1-1 Chapter 2 Methods ...... 2-1 2.1 Terminology ...... 2-1 2.2 Literature Review ...... 2-1 2.3 Biological Resources ...... 2-1 2.3.1 Vegetation/Land Use Mapping ...... 2-2 2.4 Survey Limitations ...... 2-2 2.5 Regulatory Constraints ...... 2-2 2.5.1 Federal Laws ...... 2-2 2.5.2 State Laws and Regulations ...... 2-3 2.5.3 Local Regulations ...... 2-3 Chapter 3 Results ...... 3-1 3.1 Environmental Setting ...... 3-1 3.2 Vegetation Communities/Land Use Types ...... 3-1 3.2.1 Developed ...... 3-2 3.2.2 Disturbed/Ruderal ...... 3-2 3.2.3 Open Water ...... 3-2 3.2.4 Black Willow Thickets – Disturbed (Salix gooddingii Woodland Alliance) ...... 3-2 3.3 Plants ...... 3-2 3.4 Wildlife ...... 3-3 3.4.1 Bats ...... 3-3 3.4.2 Riparian Birds ...... 3-4 3.5 Federal and State Jurisdictional Resources ...... 3-5 Chapter 4 Project Impacts, Permits, and Technical Studies ...... 4-1 4.1 Vegetation Communities/Land Use Types ...... 4-1 4.1.1 Sensitive Vegetation Communities ...... 4-1 4.2 Special-Status Plants ...... 4-2 4.3 Special-Status Wildlife ...... 4-2 4.3.1 Bats ...... 4-2 4.3.2 Riparian Birds ...... 4-2 4.3.3 Nesting Birds ...... 4-3
Biological Resources and Habitat Assessment November 2016 Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the i ICF 00006.16 LA River Project, Los Angeles County, California
City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Contents
4.3.4 Wildlife Movement and Connectivity ...... 4-3 4.4 Federal and State Jurisdictional Resources ...... 4-3 4.5 Mitigation Measures ...... 4-4 Chapter 5 References ...... 5-1
Appendices
Appendix A Site Photographs Appendix B Plant Species Observed Appendix C Wildlife Species Observed Appendix D Literature Review Search Results
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City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Contents
Tables and Figures
Tables Page Table 1 Vegetation Communities/Land Use Types within the Study Area ...... 3-1 Table 2 Jurisdictional Delineation Summary ...... 3-4 Table 2 Jurisdictional Delineation Summary ...... 3-5 Table 3 Impacts to Vegetation Communities/Land Use Types within the Study Area ...... 4-1 Table 4 Impacts to Potential USACE and RWQCB Jurisdiction ...... 4-3 Table 5 Impacts to Potential CDFW Jurisdiction ...... 4-4
Figures Page Figure 1 Regional Vicinity Map ...... following Chapter 5 Figure 2 USGS Topographic Map ...... following Chapter 5 Figure 3 Vegetation Communities and Project Impacts ...... following Chapter 5 Figure 4 USACE Jurisdictional Waters and Project Impacts ...... following Chapter 5 Figure 5 CDFW Jurisdictional Waters and Project Impacts ...... following Chapter 5
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City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Contents
Acronyms and Abbreviations bikeway Los Angeles River Greenway Trail CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife CEQA California Environmental Quality Act CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database CNPS California Native Plant Society CRPR California Rare Plant Rank EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ICF ICF International LACDPW Los Angeles County Department of Public Works LACMTA Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority project Tyler Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the LA River RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board study area project footprint plus 300-foot buffer USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USGS U.S. Geologic Survey
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Chapter 1 Introduction
This report contains the results of a biological resources and habitat assessment conducted for the Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the LA River Project (project) located in the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.
1.1 Project Location The project would be located across the Los Angeles River in the Silverlake-Echo Park-Elysian Park Community Plan Area in the City of Los Angeles (Figure 1). Specifically, the northern abutment of the project would be located adjacent to Kerr Road and its southern abutment would be located adjacent to the Los Angeles River Greenway Trail (bikeway) approximately between Altman Street and Dorris Place. The southern abutment would be located adjacent to 2331 Dorris Place. The project is mapped in Township 1 South, Range 13 West, Section 11 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Los Angeles 7.5-Minute Topographic Quadrangle map (Figure 2; USGS 1964).
1.2 Project Description The project would construct a multi-modal bridge over the Los Angeles River between Elysian Valley on the west and Taylor Yard on the east. The proposed bridge would be designed for bicycle and pedestrian use, and would also support emergency vehicles. On the south, the proposed bridge would connect with the existing bikeway along the river; and on the north, a bikeway would be constructed along Kerr Road to connect to San Fernando Road. In addition, ADA improvements will be made to two access ramps to the exiting southern bake trail just east and west of the proposed bridge as well as bike path connections and intersection improvements to the north of the proposed bridge.
The proposed steel-framed bridge would be approximately 400-feet long and would be supported on abutments and a concrete pier in the central portion of the channel. The abutment to the North would be located along the LA River maintenance road and the abutment on the South side would be located along the existing bikeway; and both abutments would be adjacent to the top of the channel slopes. The abutment on the north side would include the construction of a retaining wall that will range in height from about 5 to 10 feet. The bridge structure itself would be approximately 30 feet high by 24’-3” wide. The width of the actual pedestrian and bikeway path would be approximately 18 feet. The pedestrian and bikeway path would descend to the south at an inclination of approximately 2.6 percent. The distance between the maintenance road or bikeway and the top of the steel structure (i.e., overhead clearance), at the north and south termination points would be approximately 14 and 24 feet, respectively.
The proposed design would minimize the disruption of the waterway as well as minimize structural supports in the river. The bridge design would include a foundational support pier in the riverbed, which is soft-bottomed in this area. Except for the pier, the bridge would be located above the river’s cross-sectional flow area. There would be an at-grade crossing of an existing railroad on the east side. The project would cross land within the jurisdictions of the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Flood Control District, and the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE).
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City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Chapter 1. Introduction
The proposed bridge would be designed to carry two-16 inch Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) waterlines carrying reclaimed water which will connect from Elysian Valley to Cypress Park. The scope of LADWP waterline installation, for this project, will start from 5 feet south of the masonry wall on the bikeway side, travel underground perpendicular to the bikeway, travel up through the bridge landing, straddle under the bridge deck, then travel back underground through the bridge landing, travel through Kerr Road and connect to an existing waterline in San Fernando Road. The recycled water lines would be a visible bridge element, hanging under the bridge deck. These recycled waterlines represent the investment in recycled water infrastructure that the City of Los Angeles is making.
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Chapter 2 Methods
2.1 Terminology Within this report, the term “project” refers to the proposed construction footprint encompassing the proposed construction limits and lay down areas. The term “study area” refers to the project plus an additional 300-foot buffer. Special-status species referred to in this report include those wildlife and plants listed as threatened or endangered under federal or state endangered species acts (CDFW 2016a); plant species designated by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) with a California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) or other plants of local concern (CNPS 2016); and wildlife that is designated as a California Species of Special Concern, as defined by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW; CDFW 2016a).
2.2 Literature Review A literature review was conducted to evaluate the environmental setting of the study area prior to a habitat assessment and to identify special-status species or potentially-suitable habitat for special- status species. The literature review included a review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) mapping of designated critical habitat (USFWS 2016a) and generation of a species list (USFWS 2016b). The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB; CDFW 2016b) and the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (CNPS 2016) were reviewed for the Los Angeles (USGS 1964) and surrounding eight USGS 7.5-Minute quadrangles (Appendix D).
2.3 Biological Resources ICF biologists James Hickman, Greg Hoisington, and Dennis Miller conducted a habitat assessment for special-status biological resources within the study area on April 13th and 15th, 2016. The habitat assessment was conducted between 0730 and 1100, and temperatures ranged from 59˚ to 67˚ Fahrenheit. Winds were calm, cloud cover was partly cloudy to clear, and visibility was excellent.
During the habitat assessment, photos of the study area were taken (Appendix A). All plant species observed during the habitat assessment were recorded in a field notebook. Common plant species observed were identified by visual characteristics and morphology in the field. Uncommon plants were identified in the office using taxonomic keys and guides. Taxonomic nomenclature for plants follows The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California (Baldwin et al. 2012). A complete list of all plant species observed during the site visit is found in Appendix B.
All wildlife species observed or otherwise detected during the habitat assessment were recorded in a field notebook. Wildlife species were detected by sight, calls, tracks, scat, or other sign. Field guides were used to assist with identification of species during surveys and included the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America (National Geographic 2002), Western Reptiles and Amphibians (Stebbins 2003), and A Field Guide to the Mammals of North America (Reid 2006). A complete list of all wildlife species observed during the site visit is found in Appendix C.
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City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Chapter 2. Methods
2.3.1 Vegetation/Land Use Mapping Vegetation within the study area was mapped during the habitat assessment on an aerial image of the site taken from Google Earth (scale: 1 inch = 200 feet; Google Earth 2015). Community descriptions from the Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer et al. 2009) were used to classify the vegetation within the study area where possible. For the purpose of sensitive vegetation communities based on Holland (1986), the most reasonable vegetation classification from Sawyer et al. (2009) was used as a synonymous vegetation classification.
2.4 Survey Limitations Plant and wildlife observations were limited because of the limited extent of the surveys (two days in mid-April). As such, it is important to note that additional species beyond those observed in this evaluation may occur in the study area. For example, some species may not have been detected because they were not present at the time of day or year that the fieldwork was conducted. Therefore, the plants and wildlife species observed and reported herein are not intended to be complete lists of species present within the study area; they include only those species observed during the habitat assessment.
2.5 Regulatory Constraints Applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, as well as court precedents enacted to protect and/or manage biological resources, were evaluated for their relevance and potential to constrain the project. The analysis of constraints provided in this report is based on a combination of direct evaluation of the study area, current regulatory information, and professional judgment. 2.5.1 Federal Laws The federal laws listed below were considered during evaluation of the biological resources in the study area. Note that this is not an exhaustive list of all federal laws that may be applicable to the project.
l Endangered Species Act of 1973 (including designated critical habitat for listed species)
l Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970
l Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974
l Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act)
l Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899
l Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956
l Migratory Bird Treaty Act
l National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
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City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Chapter 2. Methods
2.5.2 State Laws and Regulations The state laws and regulations listed below were considered during evaluation of the biological resources in the study area. Note that this is not an exhaustive list of all state laws and regulations that may be considered.
l California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; Public Resources Code Sections 21000–21177, CEQA Guidelines Sections 15000–15387)
l California Fish and Game Code (including codes for the state Endangered Species Act, those similar to the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, those for lake or streambed alteration agreements, and those for navigation dredging permits)
l In California, the State Water Resources and nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) regulate activities within state and federal waters under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act and the Porter-Cologne Act. Waters of the State under the Porter-Cologne Act are defined as “any surface water or groundwater, including saline waters, within the boundaries of the state” (California Water Code 13050 [e]) 2.5.3 Local Regulations The local regulations listed below were considered during evaluation of the biological resources in the study area. Note that this is not an exhaustive list of all local regulations that may be considered.
l City of Los Angeles CEQA Thresholds Guide
l City of Los Angeles General Plan
l Los Angeles Protected Tree Ordinance (Ordinance # 177404)
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Chapter 3 Results
3.1 Environmental Setting The northern abutment of the project is proposed adjacent to a proposed natural river area commonly known as the G2 property. This property is currently under ownership of Union Pacific Railroad. Within the G2 property lies the southernmost stretch of Kerr Road, which is a private street owned dually by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and California State Parks, which allows access to the Taylor Yard Commuter Rail Central Maintenance Facility as well as the residential housing developments currently existing east of Kerr Road. To the west of Kerr Road is the Rio de Los Angeles State Park.
LADWP operates high voltage transmission lines along the north bank of the Los Angeles River, which happens to land under LADWP transmission lines. The transmission lines restrict bridge design flexibility as no bridge element may be within 25-feet of the transmission line. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW) maintains a maintenance road along the northern bank of the Los Angeles River, which is currently used by LACDPW, LADWP, USACE, and LACMTA. Additionally, the Southern California Regional Rail Authority operates both a main line and talk track through the project footprint.
The southern bank of the Los Angeles River is used as a bikeway which begins at Fletcher Drive to the north and continues to Egret Park at Riverside Drive to the south. Additionally, directly south of the proposed bridge is the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation Dorris Place Maintenance Yard.
3.2 Vegetation Communities/Land Use Types The study area is composed primarily of developed and disturbed areas adjacent to the Los Angeles River. The Los Angeles River contains riparian habitat that is highly impacted by non-native plant species. Vegetation types/land uses within the study area are discussed below. Table 1 provides data regarding the vegetation communities, including land use types and acreages for each community mapped within the study area, and Figure 3 depicts the location of each vegetation community within the study area. No CDFW sensitive vegetation communities, USFWS mapped critical habitats, or Essential Fish Habitat occurs within the study area (NOAA 2016, USFWS 2016a).
Table 1. Vegetation Communities/Land Use Types within the Study Area
Vegetation Community/Land Use Acres Developed 61.26 Disturbed/Ruderal 6.19 Open Water 3.59 Black Willow Thickets - Disturbed 7.23 Total 78.27
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City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Chapter 3. Results
3.2.1 Developed Developed lands were mapped in association with the residential structures and surface roads within the study area. This land cover type includes ornamental vegetation typically associated with developed areas, such as Mexican fan palm (Washingtonis robusta), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.), and Magnolia tree (Magnolia sp.). 3.2.2 Disturbed/Ruderal Disturbed/Ruderal lands were mapped on the northern edge of the Los Angeles River and are associated with vacant lots surrounded by developed lands and parks to the north, east, and west. These areas are dominated by non-native and native annual and perennial species such as wild oat (Avena fatua), black mustard (Brassica nigra), telegraphweed (Heterotheca grandifolia), cheeseweed (Malva parviflora), and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon). There is a narrow strip along the northern edge of the Los Angeles River within the study area that appears to have been planted with native coastal sage scrub plants species. This strip is very narrow and contains a large amount of non-native weeds giving it no real function or value as coastal sage scrub and is thus included within the disturbed/ruderal community habitat type. 3.2.3 Open Water Open Water was mapped as the currently flowing portion of the Los Angeles River, which varies throughout the year pending on rain and snow fall amounts within the water shed. 3.2.4 Black Willow Thickets – Disturbed (Salix gooddingii Woodland Alliance) Black Willow Thickets are a deciduous woodland type that typically tower above the surrounding vegetation, with Gooding’s black willow (Salix gooddingii) as the dominant or co-dominant species. Other species that may occur in the canopy/subcanopy include Fremont’s cottonwood (Populus fremontii), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), red willow (Salix laevigata), and white alder (Alnus rhombifolia). The understory can be dense to open and frequently consists of shrubs and small trees 3 to 16 feet tall, including mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), sandbar willow (Salix exigua), and black elderberry (Sambucus nigra). The herbaceous stratum varies in composition and coverage but is characterized by mixed annuals and short-lived perennials. Within the study area, Black Willow Thickets is disturbed and consists of a few mature black willow trees interspersed among dense stands of non-native arundo (Arundo donax). This community occurs within the Los Angeles River as small isolated stands or narrow bands that parallel the stream channel.
3.3 Plants Most plant species that were observed within the study area are considered common within the study area vicinity. Common plant species observed during the habitat assessment included a mix of native and non-native species. Appendix B provides a list of all plant species observed within the study area during the habitat assessment.
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City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Chapter 3. Results
Forty two special-status plant species are reported to occur within the USGS Los Angeles 7.5-Minute Topographic Quadrangle and surrounding eight quadrangles, which includes the study area (Appendix D; CDFW 2016b, CNPS 2016). Ten of these species are listed as federally and/or state threatened and/or endangered: Braunton's milk-vetch (Astragalus brauntonii), California Orcutt grass (Orcuttia californica), coastal dunes milk-vetch (Astragalus tener var. titi), Gambel's water cress (Nasturtium gambelii), marsh sandwort (Arenaria paludicola), Nevin's barberry (Berberis nevinii), San Diego button-celery (Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii), San Fernando Valley spineflower (Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina), slender-horned spineflower (Dodecahema leptoceras), and spreading navarretia (Navarretia fossalis). Two of the ten federally and/or state threatened and/or endangered species [marsh sandwort and Gambel's water cress] have a low potential to occur within the Los Angeles River portion of the study area due to marginally suitable habitat. The remaining eight federally and/or state listed species, as well as the remaining thirty two special-status plant species, were not observed during field surveys and are considered absent due to lack of required habitat or range constraints.
3.4 Wildlife Wildlife species that were observed within the study area are considered common to the general project vicinity. Appendix C provides a list of all wildlife species observed within the study area during field surveys.
Twenty eight special-status wildlife species are reported to occur within the USGS Los Angeles 7.5- Minute Topographic Quadrangle and surrounding eight quadrangles, which includes the study area (Appendix D; CDFW 2016b, USFWS 2016b). Seven species are listed as federally and/or state threatened and/or endangered: least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), bank swallow (Riparia riparia), Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni), coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis), and southern mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa).
All twenty eight special-status species were determined to have an “absent” potential for occurrence within the study area, with the exception of bat and riparian bird species, which are discussed in the subsections below. The study area does not contain suitable habitat to support these species and none were observed during the site assessment. 3.4.1 Bats Seven species of bats are reported to occur within the USGS Los Angeles 7.5-Minute Topographic Quadrangle and surrounding eight quadrangles, which includes the study area: big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis), hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), pocketed free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops femorosacca), silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans), western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis), and western yellow bat (Lasiurus xanthinus) (Appendix D; CDFW 2016b).
Marginally suitable roosting habitat for hoary bat, silver-haired bat, and western yellow bat occurs within the mature trees located onsite. This habitat is fragmented and the trees are isolated; consequently, if the site was used for bat roosting it would likely only be for night roosts and not day roosts. Potential roosting habitat for pallid bat and other non-listed bat species occurs within the
Biological Resources and Habitat Assessment November 2016 Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the 3-3 ICF 00006.16 LA River Project, Los Angeles County, California
City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Chapter 3. Results
abandoned buildings and overpasses within the study area. No roosting habitat occurs for big free- tailed bat, pocketed free-tailed bat, or western mastiff bat, as high cliff faces, rock outcrops, and rugged arid landscapes are absent from the study area.
Low quality foraging habitat for bats is present along the Los Angeles River, although lighting and noise disturbance from the surrounding developed areas would likely deter bats from the area. No direct observation of bats or their sign were observed within the study area; however, because bat sign can be short lived and easil0y missed this does not confirm that bats are absent from the study area. 3.4.2 Riparian Birds Three riparian bird species are reported to occur within the USGS Los Angeles 7.5-Minute Topographic Quadrangle and surrounding eight quadrangles, which includes the study area: least Bell’s vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, and western yellow-billed cuckoo (Appendix D; CDFW 2016b, USFWS 2016b).
The habitat assessment for these species was conducted on April 13th, 2016 and concluded that marginally suitable habitat only exists for least Bell’s vireo. Suitable habitat occurs within the Black Willow Thickets vegetation community located within the Los Angeles River channel. Southwestern willow flycatcher and western yellow-billed cuckoo were determined to have an “absent” potential for occurrence within the survey area due to a lack of suitable habitat and no further surveys are necessary to determine presence or absence of these species.
Protocol level surveys for Least Bell’s Vireo were conducted at the appropriate time during the spring of 2016. No Least Bell’s Vireo were heard or observed during the 2016 surveys. Survey dates and details are presented in Table 2, below.
Table 2. Least Bell’s Vireo Survey Times and Conditions
Weather Survey # Date Surveyor Start–End Time (Start-Stop) #1 04/13/2016 James 08:00-10:30 59°F-59°F, 0-3 mph wind, 5% Hickman cloud cover #2 05/02/2016 James 08:00- 10:30 68°F-71°F, 0-3 mph wind, Hickman clear skies #3 05/09/2016 Dennis 07:10-09:40 53°F-61°F, 0-3 mph wind, Miller 100% cloud cover #4 05/20/2016 Phillip 07:30-10:30 64°F-64°F, 3-8 mph wind, Richards cloudy #5 05/27/2016 James 06:15-08:45 57°F-57°F, 0-3 mph wind, 5% Hickman cloud cover #6 6/06/2016 James 08:30- 10:30 64°F-67°F, 0-3 mph wind, Hickman 100% cloud cover #7 6/16/2016 James 07:30-09:30 64°F-67°F, 0-3 mph wind, 0% Hickman cloud cover #8 7/01/2016 James 06:30-08:45 69°F-72°F, 0-3 mph wind, 5% Hickman cloud cover
Biological Resources and Habitat Assessment November 2016 Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the 3-4 ICF 00006.16 LA River Project, Los Angeles County, California
City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Chapter 3. Results
3.5 Federal and State Jurisdictional Resources A jurisdictional delineation was prepared for the project, the results of which are presented under separate cover. Please see the jurisdictional delineation report prepared for the project titled Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge over the LA River Project Jurisdictional Delineation Report (ICF 2016), for a complete analysis of the federal and state jurisdictional resources present within the study area.
The jurisdictional delineation study area is defined as the project footprint plus a 100-foot buffer. Within the study area, one named feature potentially subject to the jurisdiction of the USACE, RWQCB, and CDFW was delineated: the Los Angeles River. Within the study area, the Los Angeles River contains 2.94 acres (1,311 linear feet) of potential non-wetland WoUS/WoS and 1.86 acres (852 linear feet) of wetlands. The Los Angeles River within the study area also contains 4.43 acres (1,311 linear feet) of CDFW jurisdiction, 1.86 acres (852 linear feet) of which consists of riparian vegetation (Table 3, Figures 4 and 5).
Table 3. Jurisdictional Delineation Summary
U.S. and State CDFW CDFW Nonwetland U.S. and State Unvegetated Riparian Waters Wetland Waters Streambed (acres/linear Drainage (acres/linear feet) (acres/linear feet) (acres/linear feet) feet) Los Angeles River 2.94/1,311 1.86/852 4.43/1,311 1.86/852 Total 2.94/1,311 1.86/852 4.43/1,311 1.86/852
Biological Resources and Habitat Assessment November 2016 Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the 3-5 ICF 00006.16 LA River Project, Los Angeles County, California
Chapter 4 Project Impacts, Permits, and Technical Studies
The following discussion address the results of habitat assessments conducted for biological resources, project impacts, and any permits and/or technical studies that may be required as a result of project implementation. Mitigation measures for the project are covered in the last section (4.4) and referenced where appropriate within each section.
4.1 Vegetation Communities/Land Use Types The project would result in permanent and temporary impacts to vegetation communities and land use types within the study area through disturbance and/or removal of existing vegetation (Table 4, Figure 3). The project would permanently remove Developed, Disturbed/Ruderal, Open Water, and Black Willow Thickets vegetation communities and land use types from the study area. Permanent impacts may include the removal of existing vegetation and encroachment into the vegetation communities that may have permanent effects. Temporary impacts may include incidental disturbances within construction areas, equipment staging, and temporary construction access routes.
None of the vegetation communities that will be impacted by the project are listed as CDFW sensitive vegetation communities. Although Black Willow Thickets habitat does occur within the study area, it is disturbed and consists primarily of non-native, invasive species. Implementation of project avoidance and minimization measures will ensure that any project impacts are mitigated and that no cumulative impacts would occur as a result of the project.
Table 4. Impacts to Vegetation Communities/Land Use Types within the Study Area
Vegetation Community/Land Use Temporary (acres) Permanent (acres) Developed 2.00 0.90 Disturbed/Ruderal 1.95 0.12 Open Water 0.33 0.01 Black Willow Thickets - Disturbed 0.88 <0.01 Total 5.16 1.03
4.1.1 Sensitive Vegetation Communities Seven sensitive vegetation communities as defined by CDFW occur within the project vicinity: California Walnut Woodland, Open Engelmann Oak Woodland, Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest, Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Forest, Walnut Forest, Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub, and Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest (CDFW 2016b, Holland 1986). None of these sensitive communities exist within the study area. No USFWS mapped critical habitat or Essential Fish Habitat occurs within the study area (Appendix D; NOAA 2016, USFWS 2016a). No impacts are anticipated to sensitive vegetation communities. Implementation of avoidance and minimization measures BIO -1 through BIO – 14 (Section 4.5), would be necessary to reduce these impacts to less than significant
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City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Chapter 4. Project Impacts, Permits, and Technical Studies
4.2 Special-Status Plants Two of the federally and/or state threatened and/or endangered special-status plant species, marsh sandwort and Gambel's water cress, have a low potential to occur within the study area. These two species were not observed during the habitat assessment and no further surveys are recommended due too no observations and the very poor quality habitat within the Los Angeles River. The remaining forty special-status plant species were found to be absent within the study area at the time of the site visit and no further surveys are necessary. All areas of impacts outside of the Los Angeles River will be within ruderal areas and impacts within the Los Angeles River will be very small and in areas of ruderal vegetation (Appendix B; CDFW 2016b, CNPS 2016). There is potential for direct impacts such as disturbance of and permanent removal of individual special-status plants which may be present in the project work areas. No impacts to special-status plant species are expected to occur as a result of the proposed project with implementation of avoidance and minimization measures BIO-19 through BIO-21.
4.3 Special-Status Wildlife Four special-status bat species, have a low potential to occur within the study area and are discussed in the subsection below. The remaining twenty-four special-status wildlife species were found to be absent within the study area at the time of the site visit and surveys, no further studies are recommended (Appendix C; CDFW 2016b, USFWS 2016b). No impacts to the other twenty four special-status animal species are expected to occur as a result of the proposed project and no avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures are proposed. 4.3.1 Bats Four special-status bat species, hoary bat, silver-haired bat, western yellow bat, and pallid bat, have a low potential to occur within the study area. Although no bat sign was observed at the time of field surveys, bat roosts can change locations seasonally and there is a potential for bat species to roost in the undercrossings and large trees located within the study area. Daytime construction of the project is not anticipated to directly or indirectly impact bat species, as roosting habitat within the study area is low quality and would likely only be used as night roosts. Nonetheless, habitat that is suitable for bat use should be reexamined prior to the start of project construction to ensure that no roosting bats are present BIO-16. 4.3.2 Riparian Birds Southwestern willow flycatcher and western yellow-billed cuckoo were found to be absent due to lack of suitable habitat and no further surveys for these species are necessary. The habitat assessment concluded that marginally suitable habitat for least Bell’s vireo was present within the study area. Spring 2016 protocol Least Bell’s Vireo survey were negative for the species within the study area thus no further surveys are recommended. Based on the initial habitat assessment and No impacts to riparian birds are anticipated therefore no avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures are proposed.
Biological Resources and Habitat Assessment November 2016 Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the 4-2 ICF 00006.16 LA River Project, Los Angeles County, California
City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Chapter 4. Project Impacts, Permits, and Technical Studies
4.3.3 Nesting Birds All developed and undeveloped portions of the study area contain suitable nesting habitat for a variety of avian species including, but not limited to, those species observed during the habitat assessment (Appendix C). To minimize any impacts nesting bird surveys should be conducted prior to the start of any project construction during the nesting bird season (February 1–September 1) Implementation of mitigation measure BIO – 17 would be necessary to reduce this impact to less than significant. 4.3.4 Wildlife Movement and Connectivity Riverbeds and their riparian habitat provide important movement and connectivity function to a variety of species including terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. Riverine habitats not only provide movement corridors but also provide valuable cover and shelter, food and water resources, and live- in habitat to many species preventing habitat and species population fragmentation which promotes habitat and species conservation. This project is not expected to cause any permanent obstructions to movement within the LA River but may cause some temporary effects to wildlife movement and connectivity during construction due to vegetation clearing (loss of cover/shelter may inhibit some wildlife forma passing through the construction site), equipment being in the river bed potentially obstructing movement, and disturbance in the riverbed potentially causing habitat avoidance. These effects are anticipated to be temporary and are not anticipated to be significant with implementation of measure BIO-18.
4.4 Federal and State Jurisdictional Resources A delineation of Waters of U.S. and Waters of State was completed for the project. One aquatic resource, the Los Angeles River, is present within the study area and is detailed within the Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge over the LA River Project Jurisdictional Delineation Report (ICF 2016). The jurisdictional delineation will be submitted to USACE, RWQCB, and CDFW to support obtaining a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit, Section 401 water quality certification, and Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement, respectively. No coordination with these agencies has occurred to date; however, agency coordination may occur during the permitting phase.
Temporary and permanent impacts to potential USACE, RWQCB, and CDFW jurisdictional resources will occur as a part of the project. Project impacts to USACE/RWQCB and CDFW are provided in Tables 5 and 6 and illustrated on Figures 4 and 5, respectively.
Table 5. Impacts to Potential USACE and RWCQB Jurisdiction
U.S. and State U.S. and State Nonwetland Waters Wetland Waters Drainage (acres/linear feet) (acres/linear feet) Temporary Permanent Temporary Permanent Los 0.85/488 0.01/13 0.94/468 <0.01/28 Angeles River Total 0.85/488 0.01/13 0.94/468 <0.01/28
Biological Resources and Habitat Assessment November 2016 Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the 4-3 ICF 00006.16 LA River Project, Los Angeles County, California
City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Chapter 4. Project Impacts, Permits, and Technical Studies
Table 6. Impacts to Potential CDFW Jurisdiction
CDFW Unvegetated Streambed CDFW Riparian Drainage (acres/linear feet) (acres/linear feet) Temporary Permanent Temporary Permanent Los 1.28/488 0.01/13 0.94/468 <0.01/28 Angeles River Total 1.28/488 0.01/13 0.94/468 <0.01/28
Implementation of mitigation measures BIO-1 through BIO-14, as well as the measure BIO – 15, would be necessary to reduce wetland and waters impacts to less than significant
4.5 Mitigation Measures BIO-1: Construction limits will be clearly demarcated using highly visible barriers (such as silt fencing), which will be installed under the supervision of a qualified biologist prior to the commencement of work. Construction personnel will strictly limit their activities, vehicles, equipment, and construction materials to the project footprint, including designated staging areas, and routes of travel. The construction areas will consist of the minimal area necessary to complete the proposed project. The fencing will remain in place until the completion of all construction activities.
BIO-2: A qualified biological monitor will conduct construction monitoring during all vegetation removal, work within the Los Angeles River and ground-disturbing activities, such as staging and grading, for the duration of the project to ensure that practicable measures are being employed to avoid incidental disturbance of habitat outside the project footprint and to survey for sensitive wildlife species. When vegetation removal and ground-disturbing activities are not occurring, as-needed monitoring at the project site will occur. Monitoring logs, as appropriate depending on project activities, will be maintained for the duration of the construction activity.
BIO-3: All equipment maintenance, staging, and dispensing of fuel, oil, or any other such activities will occur in developed or designated non-sensitive upland habitat areas. The designated upland areas will be located to prevent runoff from any spills from entering waters of the U.S.
BIO-4: A construction SWPPP and a soil erosion and sedimentation plan will be developed to minimize erosion and identify specific pollution prevention measures that will eliminate or control potential point and nonpoint pollution sources onsite during and following the project construction phase. The SWPPP will identify specific BMPs to be implemented during project construction to causing or contributing to any water quality standard exceedances. In addition, the SWPPP will contain provisions for changes to the plan such as alternative mechanisms, if necessary, during project design and/or construction to achieve the stated goals and performance standards.
Biological Resources and Habitat Assessment November 2016 Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the 4-4 ICF 00006.16 LA River Project, Los Angeles County, California
City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Chapter 4. Project Impacts, Permits, and Technical Studies
BIO-5: Trash will be stored in closed containers so that it is not readily accessible to scavengers and will be removed from the construction site on a daily basis.
BIO-6: Water quality shall be visually monitored by the biological monitor to ensure that no substantial increases in turbidity occur during construction.
BIO-7: All relevant natural resource permits and authorizations will be obtained from appropriate agencies (i.e., USACE, RWQCB, and CDFW) prior to the initiation of construction activities. Permit conditions contained within the permits and authorizations will be employed throughout the duration of the project.
BIO-8: Hydrologic connectivity will be maintained within drainages during the duration of construction. Brush, debris material, mud, silt, or other pollutants from construction activities will not be placed within drainages and will not be allowed to enter a flowing stream.
BIO-9: Temporary impacts will be reduced to the maximum extent feasible to construct the project.
BIO-10: Dust control measures will be implemented by the contractor to reduce excessive dust emissions. Dust control measures will be carried out at least two times per day on all construction days, or more during windy or dry periods, and may include wetting work areas, the use of soil binders on dirt roads, and wetting or covering stockpiles.
BIO-11: No pets will be allowed in, or adjacent to, the project site.
BIO-12: Rodenticides, herbicides, insecticides, or other chemicals that could potentially harm wildlife or native plants will not be used near or within the Los Angeles River.
BIO-13: A qualified biologist will conduct a Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training session for project and construction personnel prior to the commencement of work. The training will include a description of the species of concern and their habitats, the general provisions of the Endangered Species Acts (FESA and CESA), the penalties associated with violating the provisions of the acts, the general measures that are being implemented to conserve the species of concern as they relate to the project, and the access routes to and project site boundaries.
BIO-14: Construction equipment will be cleaned of mud or other debris that may contain invasive plants and/or seeds and inspected to reduce the potential of spreading noxious weeds before mobilizing to the site and before leaving the site during the course of construction. The cleaning of equipment will occur at least 300 feet from ESA fencing.
BIO_15: All permanent impacts to wetland waters will be mitigated at a minimum 1:1 ratio through purchase of mitigation credits through an agency approved mechanism.
Biological Resources and Habitat Assessment November 2016 Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the 4-5 ICF 00006.16 LA River Project, Los Angeles County, California
City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Chapter 4. Project Impacts, Permits, and Technical Studies
BIO-16: Tree removal may cause direct injury or mortality to roosting bat. Many trees provide roosting habitat for foliage dwelling bat species or contain cavities, crevices, snags, and exfoliating bark which provide roosting for crevice dwelling species. As such, the following measures shall be implemented to avoid significant impacts to bat species:
1) Trees containing suitable bat habitat, as determined by a qualified bat expert, shall not be removed during the maternity season (April 15-August 31). Instead trees should be removed between September 1 and April 14th during times when evening/nighttime and daytime temperatures are above 45 degrees F.
2) Tree removal shall be conducted in a two-step process conducted over consecutive days and under the complete supervision and direction of a qualified bat biologist. In this two-step method, on day 1, small branches and small limbs of the trees are removed which do not contain any potential bat habitat features such as cavities, snags, exfoliating bark. On the following day, day 2, the remainder of the tree is removed. The disturbance caused on day 1 and the alteration of the tree is assumed to cause enough disturbance to cause any bats roosting in the tree to abandon their roost on Night 1 so that removing the tree on Day 2 does not harm any bats.
BIO-17: If construction commences during the bird breeding season, a preconstruction survey for nesting birds shall occur within three days prior to construction activities by an experienced avian biologist. The survey will occur within all suitable nesting habitat within the project impact area and a 500-foot buffer. If nesting birds are found, an avoidance area will be established in consultation with the resource agencies as appropriate by a qualified biologist around the nest until a qualified avian biologist has determined that young have fledged or nesting activities have ceased. The project site will be re-surveyed if there is a lapse in construction activities for more than seven days during the bird breeding season.
BIO-18: No equipment or construction operations shall be stored in a manner which obstructs wildlife movement through the riverine habitat during non-operational construction hours. No equipment or machinery will be stored in the riverine habitat when not in use.
BIO-19: A qualified biologist will conduct a focused plant survey for sensitive plant species with a potential to occur within the Proposed Project footprint.
BIO-20: If sensitive plant species are observed within the Proposed Project footprint during the surveys, plants will be flagged and avoided to the greatest extent possible.
BIO-21: If sensitive plant species are observed within the Proposed Project footprint and impacts cannot be avoided, one of the following measures will be implemented at the discretion of the biologist:
l Healthy sensitive plant species suited for salvage and transplanting and young perennial woody shrubs will be salvaged and transplanted into suitable habitat outside the Proposed Project footprint.
Biological Resources and Habitat Assessment November 2016 Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the 4-6 ICF 00006.16 LA River Project, Los Angeles County, California
City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Chapter 4. Project Impacts, Permits, and Technical Studies
l Seeds from sensitive annual plant species or other individuals that cannot be salvaged will be collected and dispersed into the Proposed Project footprint after construction and when no further ground disturbance is expected.
l If transplanting and seed collection are not possible, the contractor will salvage the top 4 inches of soil (topsoil), from vegetated areas within the disturbance area. The topsoil will be replaced or spread within adjacent habitat once construction is complete in that area.
Biological Resources and Habitat Assessment November 2016 Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the 4-7 ICF 00006.16 LA River Project, Los Angeles County, California
Chapter 5 References
Baldwin, Bruce G., David J. Keil, Douglas H. Goldman, Robert Patterson, and Thomas J. Rosatti. 2012. The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1,568 pp.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2016a. Special Animals List. October. Sacramento, CA.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2016b. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Biogeographic Data Branch. Element reports for the Los Angeles and surrounding USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle maps. Data date: April 2016.
California Native Plant Society. 2016. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition, v7- 15). Sacramento, CA. Accessed: April 2016.
Google Earth. 2015. Aerial Imagery for the Study Area. Date of image: May 1, 2015. Accessed: April 2016.
Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of Terrestrial Natural Communities of California.
ICF. 2016. Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge over the LA River Project Jurisdictional Delineation Report. May 2016.
National Geographic. 2002. Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fourth edition. Washington, D.C.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2016. National Marine Fisheries Service Essential Fish Habitat Mapper. Available:
Reid, F.A. 2006. A Field Guide to Mammals of North America, Fourth edition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co.
Sawyer, J.O., T. Keeler-Wolfe, and J.M. Evans. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation. Second edition. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA.
Stebbins, R.C. 2003. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Third edition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2016a. Critical Habitat GIS Data. Carlsbad, CA. Available:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2016b. USFWS Species List. Carlsbad, CA. Available:
U.S. Geological Survey. 1964. Los Angeles, California, 7.5-minute Topographic Map. Reston, VA. Color, revised 1981, scale 1:24,000.
Biological Resources and Habitat Assessment November 2016 Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the 5-1 ICF 00006.16 LA River Project, Los Angeles County, California
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Appendix A Site Photographs
Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the LA River Project Appendix A: Site Photographs
Photograph # 1
Photo Date 4/15/2016
Location North side of L.A River
Direction Southwest Photo depicts the location where the bike bridge will be constructed. The bike Comment bridge will cross the L.A. River and will have a bike path on the southern bank.
Photograph # 2
Photo Date 4/15/2016
Location South side of L.A. River
Direction Northeast
Photo depicts the location where the bike bridge will Comment be constructed over the L.A. River.
Photograph # 3
Photo Date 4/15/2016
Location L.A. River
Direction West Photo showing the portion of the L.A. River where the bike bridge will be located. Comment Note large amounts of invasive arundo (Arundo donax).
1
Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the LA River Project Appendix A: Site Photographs
Photograph # 4
Photo Date 4/15/2016
Location Kerr Road
Direction Northeast
Photo of Union Pacific train Comment bridge overpass over Kerr Road.
Photograph # 5
Photo Date 4/15/2016
Location Kerr Road
Direction North
Representative photo of Comment ruderal lot due north of the bike bridge location.
2
Taylor Yard Bikeway/Pedestrian Bridge Over the LA River Project Appendix A: Site Photographs
Photograph # 6
Photo Date 4/15/2016
Location Kerr Road
Direction Northwest
Representative photo of Comment ruderal field north of the bike bridge location.
Photograph # 7
Photo Date 4/15/2016
Location L.A. River
Direction North Representative photo of the Black Willow Thicket riparian habitat located just north of the bike bridge Comment location. This vegetation community is heavily impacted by non-native weedy plant species.
3
Appendix B Plant Species Observed
Appendix B. Plant Species Observed Scientific Name Common Name Special Status
GYMNOSPERMS
Pinaceae - Pine family
Pinus sp. Pine
EUDICOTS
Anacardiaceae - Sumac Or Cashew family
Rhus ovata Sugar bush
Apiaceae - Carrot family
* Conium maculatum Poison hemlock
* Foeniculum vulgare Fennel
Asteraceae - Sunflower family
Artemisia californica California sagebrush
Baccharis salicifolia ssp. salicifolia Mule fat
* Bidens pilosa Common beggar-ticks
* Centaurea melitensis Tocalote
Encelia californica California encelia
Heterotheca grandiflora Telegraph weed
* Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce
* Logfia gallica French cottonrose
* Sonchus asper ssp. asper Prickly sow thistle
* Sonchus oleraceus Common sow thistle
Brassicaceae - Mustard family
* Brassica nigra Black mustard
Nasturtium officinale Medicinal water cress
* Raphanus sativus Radish
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot family
* Salsola sp. Russian thistle
Euphorbiaceae - Spurge family
* Euphorbia maculata Spotted spurge
* Ricinus communis Castorbean
Fabaceae - Legume family
* Acacia longifolia Sydney golden wattle
Acmispon glaber Deerweed
* Melilotus albus White sweetclover
* Melilotus officinalis Yellow sweetclover Scientific Name Common Name Special Status
* Vicia villosa Winter vetch
Geraniaceae - Geranium family
* Erodium botrys Longbeak filaree
Lamiaceae - Mint family
Salvia apiana White sage
Salvia leucophylla Purple sage
Salvia mellifera Black sage
Malvaceae - Mallow family
* Malva parviflora Cheeseweed
Moraceae - Mulberry family
* Ficus carica Edible fig
Myrtaceae - Myrtle family
* Melaleuca citrina Crimson bottlebrush
Oleaceae - Olive family
Fraxinus sp. Ash
Plantaginaceae - Plantain family
* Plantago lanceolata English plantain
* Plantago major Common plantain
* Veronica anagallis-aquatica Water speedwell
Platanaceae - Plane Tree, Sycamore family
Platanus racemosa Western sycamore
Polygonaceae - Buckwheat family
Eriogonum fasciculatum California buckwheat
Rubiaceae - Madder family
Galium angustifolium ssp. foliosum Leafy narrow leaved bedstraw
Salicaceae - Willow family
Populus fremontii ssp. fremontii Fremont cottonwood
Salix gooddingii Goodding's black willow
Salix lasiolepis Arroyo willow
Simaroubaceae - Quassia Or Simarouba family
* Ailanthus altissima Tree of heaven
Solanaceae - Nightshade family
Datura wrightii Wright's jimsonweed
* Nicotiana glauca Tree tobacco
MONOCOTS Scientific Name Common Name Special Status
Arecaceae - Palm family
* Washingtonia robusta Mexican fan palm
Cyperaceae - Sedge family
Bolboschoenus maritimus ssp. paludosus Saltmarsh bulrush
Cyperus eragrostis Tall flatsedge
Isolepis cernua Low bulrush
Schoenoplectus californicus California bulrush
Poaceae - Grass family
* Arundo donax Giant reed
* Avena fatua Wild oat
* Bromus catharticus Rescuegrass
* Bromus diandrus Ripgut brome
* Bromus madritensis Compact brome
* Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass
* Festuca perennis Rye grass
Hordeum depressum Low barley
Leptochloa fusca ssp. uninervia Mexican sprangletop
* Polypogon monspeliensis Rabbit foot beard grass
* Schismus barbatus Mediterranean schismus
* Sorghum bicolor Sorghum
Typhaceae - Cattail family
Typha sp. Cattail Scientific Name Common Name Special Status
Legend *= Non‐native or invasive species Special Status:
Federal: FE = Endangered FT = Threatened
State: SE = Endangered ST =Threatened
CRPR – California Rare Plant Rank 1A. Presumed extinct in California and elsewhere 1B. Rare or Endangered in California and elsewhere 2A. Presumed extinct in California, more common elsewhere 2B. Rare or Endangered in California, more common elsewhere 3. Plants for which we need more information ‐ Review list 4. Plants of limited distribution ‐ Watch list
Threat Ranks .1 ‐ Seriously endangered in California .2 – Fairly endangered in California 3 – Not very endangered in California
Appendix C Wildlife Species Observed
Appendix C. Wildlife Species Observed Scientific Name Common Name Special Status VERTEBRATES Reptiles Sceloporus occidentalis Western Fence Lizard
Uta stansburiana elegans Western Side‐blotched Lizard Birds Branta canadensis Canada Goose
Anas americana American Wigeon
Anas platyrhynchos Mallard
Anas cyanoptera Cinnamon Teal
Podilymbus podiceps Pied‐billed Grebe
Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron
Egretta thula Snowy Egret
Buteo lineatus Red‐shouldered Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis Red‐tailed Hawk
Fulica americana American Coot
Charadrius vociferus Killdeer
*Columba livia Rock Pigeon
Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove
Calypte anna Anna's Hummingbird
Selasphorus sasin Allen's Hummingbird
Picoides pubescens Downy Woodpecker
Sayornis nigricans Black Phoebe
Sayornis saya Say's Phoebe
Tyrannus verticalis Western Kingbird
Corvus corax Common Raven
Stelgidopteryx serripennis Northern Rough‐winged Swallow
Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow
Psaltriparus minimus Bushtit
Cistothorus palustris Marsh Wren
Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's Wren
Mimus polyglottos Northern Mockingbird
Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat Scientific Name Common Name Special Status Setophaga petechia Yellow Warbler CSC
Setophaga coronata Yellow‐rumped Warbler
Cardellina pusilla Wilson's Warbler
Melospiza melodia Song Sparrow
Agelaius phoeniceus Red‐winged Blackbird
Haemorhous mexicanus House Finch
*Passer domesticus House Sparrow
*Lonchura punctulata Nutmeg Mannikin Mammals Sylvilagus bachmani Brush Rabbit
Legend
*= Non‐native or invasive species Special Status:
Federal: FE = Endangered FT = Threatened
State: SE = Endangered ST =Threatened CSC = California Species of Special Concern CFP = California Fully Protected Species
Appendix D Literature Review Search Results
Special Status Species Potential of Occurrence Tables
Special Status Plant Species Potential of Occurrence Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Arctostaphylos Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial evergreen shrub Absent. No habitat for this species within the study glandulosa subsp. State: --- Habitat: Rocky chaparral. area. Gabrielensis CNPS: 1B.2 Elevation Range: 595-1,500 meters San Gabriel Blooming Period: March manzanita Arenaria Federal: Habitat: Freshwater marshes and swamps. Low potential. Very low probability of finding the paludicola Endangered Elevation Range: <170 meters plant growing within areas of the Los Angeles River. Marsh sandwort State: Blooming Period: May-August Endangered CNPS: 1B.1 Astragalus Federal: Life Form: Perennial herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study brauntonii Endangered Habitat: Recent burns or disturbed areas within area. Braunton’s milk- State: --- chaparral, coastal scrub and valley and foothill vetchcre CNPS: 1B.1 grassland. Usually associated with sandstone substrates with carbonate layers. Elevation Range: 4-640 meters Blooming Period: January-August Astragalus Federal: Life Form: Perennial herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study pycnostachyus var. Endangered Habitat: Coastal dunes, coastal scrub, marshes area. lanosissimus State: and swamps (edges, coastal salt or brackish). Ventura Marsh milk- Endangered Elevation Range: Below 35 meters. vetch CNPS: 1B.1 Blooming Period: June-October Other: Rediscovered near Oxnard in 1997; now known from only one natural occurrence composed of 30-50 reproductive plants. Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Astragalus tener Federal: Life Form: Perennial herb. Absent. No habitat for this species within the study var. titi Endangered Habitat: Often found in vernally mesic areas area. coastal dunes milk- State: within sandy areas within coastal bluff scrub, vetch Endangered coastal dunes and mesic coastal prairie. CNPS: 1B.1 Elevation Range: Below 50 meters Blooming Period: Other: Known from fewer than 10 occurrences. Threatened by urbanization, recreational activities, and non-native plants. Atriplex coulteri Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study Coulter’s saltbush State: --- Habitat: Alkaline or clay areas within coastal area. CNPS: 1B.2 bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal scrub and valley and foothill grasslands. Elevation Range: 3-460 meters Blooming Period: March-October Atriplex parishii Federal: --- Life Form: Annual herb. Absent. No habitat for this species within the study Parish’s saltscale State: --- Habitat: Alkaline meadows, vernal pools, area. CNPS: 1B.1 chenopod scrub and playas. Usually on drying alkaline flats with fine soils. Elevation Range: 25-1,900 meters Blooming Period: June-October. Atriplex serenana Federal: --- Life Form: Annual herb. Absent. No habitat for this species within the study var. davidsonii State: --- Habitat: Coastal bluff scrub and coastal sage area. Davidson’s saltscale CNPS: 1B.2 scrub. Associated with alkaline soils. Elevation Range: 10-200 meters Blooming Period: April-October. Berberis nevinii Federal: Life Form: Perennial evergreen shrub Absent. No habitat for this species within the study Nevin’s Barberry Endangered Habitat: Chaparral, cismontane woodland, area. State: coastal sage scrub, and riparian woodlands with Endangered sandy/rocky substrates. CNPS: 1B.1 Elevation Range: 274-825 meters Blooming Period: March-June Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation California Federal: --- Life Form: Annual herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study macrophylla State: --- Habitat: Clay soils within cismontane woodland area. round-leaved filaree CNPS: 1B.1 and valley and foothill grasslands. Elevation Range: 15-1,200 meters Blooming Period: March-May Calochortus Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial bulbiferous herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study clavatus var. State: --- Habitat: Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and area. gracilis CNPS: 1B.2 foothill grasslands. Slender Mariposa Elevation Range: 320-1,000 meters lily Blooming Period: March-June Calochortus weedii Federal: --- Life Form: Bulbiferous perennial herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study var. intermedius State: --- Habitat: Rocky, calcareous soils within chaparral, area. coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grasslands Intermediate CNPS: 1B.2 . 105-855 meters mariposa lily Elevation Range: Blooming Period: May-July Calystegia felix Federal: --- Life Form: Annual rhizomatous herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study Lucky morning- State: --- Habitat: Meadows and seeps, riparian scrub. area. glory CNPS: 3.1 Historically associated with wetland and marshy places, but possibly in drier situations as well. Elevation Range: 30 - 215 meters Blooming Period: March - September Centromadia Federal: --- Life Form: Annual herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study parryi ssp. State: --- Habitat: Marshes and swamps, mesic valley and area. australis CNPS: 1B.1 foothill grasslands and vernal pools. southern tarplant Elevation Range: below 480 meters Blooming Period: May-November Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Chorizanthe parryi Federal: Life Form: Annual herb. Absent. No habitat for this species within the study var. fernandina Candidate Habitat: Open areas within Valley and foothill area. San Fernando Valley State: grasslands and coastal sage scrub. Known extant spineflower Endangered populations are within Los Angeles and Ventura CNPS: 1B.1 Counties. This plant is known to compete poorly with non-native grasses. Elevation Range: 150-1,220 meters Blooming Period: April-June. Chorizanthe parryi Federal: --- Life Form: Annual herb. Absent. No habitat for this species within the var. parryi State: --- Habitat: Sandy or rocky openings within study area. Parry’s spineflower CNPS: 1B.1 chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grasslands Elevation Range: 275-1,220 meters Blooming Period: April-June. Cladium Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial rhizomatous herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the californicum State: --- Habitat: Alkaline or freshwater marshes, seeps study area. California saw-grass CNPS: 2B.2 and meadows and swamps. Elevation Range: 60-600 meters Blooming Period: June-September. Cuscuta obtusiflora Federal: --- Life Form: Annual vine Absent. No habitat for this species within the var. glandulosa State: --- Habitat: Freshwater marshes and swamps. study area. Peruvian dodder CNPS: 2B.2 Elevation Range: Below 15 meters Blooming Period: July-October Dodecahema Federal: Life Form: Annual herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study leptoceras Endangered Habitat: Gravelly soils (arkose deposits) in area. slender-horned State: openings of chamise chaparral in the Vail Lake spineflower Endangered area or in sandy soils in openings of alluvial late CNPS: 1B.1 seral stage scrub on floodplain terraces and benches that receive over-bank deposits every 50 to 100 years. Elevation Range: 200-760 meters Blooming Period: April-June. Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Dudleya Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study multicaulis State: --- Habitat: Chaparral and coastal sage scrub, often area. many-stemmed CNPS: 1B.2 on clay soils. dudleya Elevation Range: 15-790 meters Blooming Period: May-July Eryngium Federal: Life Form: Annual / perennial herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study aristulatum var. Endangered Habitat: Mesic, coastal scrub, valley and foothill area. parishii State: grassland, vernal pools. San Diego button- Endangered Elevation Range: 20 - 620 meters celery CNPS: 1B.1 Blooming Period: April – June. Galium grande Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial deciduous shrub Absent. No habitat for this species within the study San Gabriel State: --- Habitat: Broadleaf upland forest, chaparral, area. bedstraw CNPS: 1B.2 cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest. Elevation Range: 425-1,520 meters Blooming Period: January-July. Helianthus nuttallii Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial rhizomatous herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study ssp. parishii State: --- Habitat: Saltwater and freshwater marshes and area. Los Angeles CNPS: 1A swamps. sunflower Elevation Range: 10-1,675 meters Blooming Period: August-October. Horkelia cuneata Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial shrub Absent. No habitat for this species within the study ssp. puberula State: --- Habitat: Sandy or gravelly soils in chaparral or area. mesa horkelia CNPS: 1B.1 rarely in cismontane woodlands or coastal scrub. Elevation Range: 70-810 meters elevation. Identifiable Blooming Period: February-September. Lasthenia glabrata Federal: --- Life Form: Annual herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study ssp. coulteri State: --- Habitat: Marshes, playas, vernal pools and area. Coulter’s goldfields CNPS: 1B.1 grasslands usually associated with alkaline soils. Elevation Range: Below 1,220 meters Blooming Period: March-June. Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Lepidium Federal: --- Life Form: Annual herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study virginicum var. State: --- Habitat: Dry soils in coastal sage scrub and area. robinsonii CNPS: 1B.2 chaparral. Robinson’s pepper- Elevation Range: Below 855 meters grass Blooming Period: January-July. Linanthus Federal: --- Life Form: Annual herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study concinnus State: --- Habitat: Rocky openings within chaparral, lower area. San Gabriel CNPS: 1B.2 montane coniferous forest, upper montane linanthus coniferous forest. Elevation Range: 1,520-2,800 meters Blooming Period: April-July. Linanthus orcuttii Federal: --- Life Form: Annual herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study Orcutt’s linanthus State: --- Habitat: Openings within chaparral, lower area. CNPS: 1B.3 montane coniferous forest and pinyon and juniper woodland. Elevation Range: 915-2,145 meters Blooming Period: May-June Malacothamnus Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial deciduous shrub Absent. No habitat for this species within the study davidsonii State: --- Habitat: Chaparral, cismontane woodland, area. Davidson’s bush CNPS: 1B.2 coastal scrub and riparian woodland. mallow Elevation Range: 185-855 meters Blooming Period: June-January Muhlenbergia Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study californica State: --- Habitat: Mesic seeps and streambanks within area. California muhly CNPS: 4.3 chaparral, coastal scrub, lower montane coniferous forest and meadows. Elevation Range: 100-2000 meters Blooming Period: June-September. Nasturtium Federal: Life Form: Perennial rhizomatous herb Low Potential. Low potential for the species to gambelii Endangered Habitat: Freshwater and brackish marshes and grow within the Los Angeles River. Gambel’s water State: swamps. cress Threatened Elevation Range: <330 meters CNPS: 1B.1 Blooming Period:. April-October Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Navarretia fossalis Federal: Life Form: Annual herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study spreading Threatened Habitat: Vernal pools, chenopod scrub, marshes, area. navarretia State: --- swamps and playas. CNPS: 1B.1 Elevation Range: 30-655 meters Blooming Period: April-June Navarretia Federal: --- Life Form: Annual herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study prostrata State: --- Habitat: Vernal pools, coastal scrub, meadows area. prostrate vernal CNPS: 1B.1 and seeps and alkaline valley and foothill pool navarretia grassland. Elevation Range: 15-121 meters Blooming Period: April-July Orcuttia Federal: Life Form: Annual herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study californica Endangered Habitat: Vernal pools that stay ponded for longer area. Orcutt’s grass State: than three weeks. Endangered Elevation Range: 15-660 meters CNPS: 1B.1 Blooming Period: April-August Phacelia stellaris Federal: Life Form: Annual herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study Brand’s star Candidate Habitat: Coastal scrub and coastal dunes below. area. phacelia State: --- Elevation Range: <400 meters CNPS: 1B.1 Blooming Period: March-June. Pseudognaphalium Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study leucocephalum State: --- Habitat: Sandy areas within chaparral, area. white-rabbit CNPS: 2B.2 cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, riparian tobacco woodland. Elevation Range: <2,100 meters Blooming Period: July-December Ribes divaricatum Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial deciduous shrub Absent. No habitat for this species within the study var. parishii State: --- Habitat: Riparian woodlands. area. Parish’s gooseberry CNPS: 1A Elevation Range: 65-300 meters Blooming Period: February-April Other: Known from 5 historical occurences. Last seen in 1980 in Whittier Narrows, LA County. Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Scutellaria Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial rhizomatous herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study bolanderi ssp. State: --- Habitat: Chaparral, cismontane woodland, lower area. austromontana CNPS: 1B.2 montane coniferous forest. southern mountains Elevation Range: 425-2,000 meters skullcap Blooming Period: June-August. Spermolepis Federal: --- Life Form: Annual herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study lateriflora State: --- Habitat: Rocky or sandy soils in Sonoran desert area. Western bristly CNPS: 1B.2 scrub. scaleseed Elevation Range: 365 - 670 meters Blooming Period: March – April. Symphyotrichum Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial rhizomatous herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study defoliatum State: --- Habitat: Cismontane woodland, sage scrub, area. San Bernardino CNPS: 1B.2 coniferous forest, meadows and seeps, marshes aster and swamps, and mesic grassland near water. Elevation Range: < 2,240 meters Blooming Period: July-November Symphyotrichum Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial rhizomatous herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study greatae State: --- Habitat: Broadleaved upland forest, chaparral, area. 1B.3 cismontane woodland, lower cismontane Greata’s aster CNPS: coniferous forest and riparian woodland. Elevation Range: 300-2,010 meters Blooming Period: June-October. Thelypteris Federal: --- Life Form: Perennial rhizomatous herb Absent. No habitat for this species within the study puberula var. State: --- Habitat: Meadows with streams, seeps area. sonorensis CNPS: 2B.2 Elevation Range: 50-610 meters Sonoran maiden Blooming Period: January-September fern U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service California Department of Fish and Wildlife FE – Federal Endangered SE – State Endangered FT – Federal Threatened ST – State Threatened PE – Proposed for Listing SR – State Rare Sensitive Vegetation Communities Vegetation Community Presence on Project Site California Walnut Woodland Not Present Open Engelmann Oak Woodland Not Present Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub Not Present Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland Not Present Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest Not Present Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest Not Present
Special Status Wildlife Species Potential of Occurrence Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Anniella pulchra Federal: --- Occurs in moist warm loose soil with plant cover; Absent. No suitable habitat present within the pulchra State: CSC sparsely vegetated areas of beach dunes, study area. silvery legless lizard chaparral, pine-oak woodlands, desert scrub, sandy washes, and stream terraces with sycamores, cottonwoods, or oaks. Leaf litter under trees and bushes in sunny areas and dunes stabilized with bush lupine and mock heather often indicate suitable habitat. Found under surface objects such as rocks, boards, driftwood, and logs. Sometimes found in suburban gardens in Southern California. Soil characteristics, as well as requirements for soil moisture and relatively cool microclimates (about 93° f. maximum) limit distribution. Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Antrozous pallidus Federal: --- This bat species is widely distributed in the Low Potential. This species has a low potential pallid bat State: CSC southwestern United States and northern Mexico. to occur within the study area. They are locally common across most of California except in the far northwest and in higher portions of the Sierra Nevada. Habitats utilized include a wide variety of grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, and forests, including mixed conifer forest. They appear to be most common in open, dry, rocky lowlands. Roosts are in caves, mines, as well as crevices in rocks, buildings and trees. This is a colonial species that forages low over open ground, often picking up beetles and other species of prey off the ground. Aspidoscelis tigris Federal: --- Habitats include disturbed coastal sage scrub- Absent. No suitable habitat present within the stejnegeri State: CSC chaparral mix and cleared areas of chaparral with study area. Coastal whiptail a sandy/rocky substrate. Athene cunicularia Federal: --- Level, open, dry, heavily grazed or low grassland Absent. No suitable habitat present within the burrowing owl State: CSC or desert vegetation with available burrows. In study area. coastal Southern California, a substantial fraction of Burrowing Owls are found in microhabitats highly altered by humans, including flood control and irrigation basins, dikes, banks, abandoned fields surrounded by agriculture, and road cuts and margins. Several factors in combination probably explain the species’ distribution on local scales: vegetation density, availability of suitable prey, availability of burrows or suitable soil, and disturbance. Buteo swainsoni Federal: --- This slim relative of the common red-tailed hawk Absent. No suitable habitat present within the Swainson's hawk State: ST nests primarily in low-intensity agricultural areas study area. of the western United States, migrating through Central America to Argentina and Brazil each fall and spring. Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Coccyzus Federal: FT Inhabitant of extensive, mature, riparian forests; Absent. No suitable habitat present within the americanus State: SE it has declined from a fairly common, local study area. occidentalis breeder in much of California sixty years ago, to Western yellow- virtual extirpation, with only a handful of tiny billed cuckoo populations remaining in all of California today. Losses are tied to obvious loss of nearly all suitable habitat, but other factors may also be involved. Relatively broad, well-shaded riparian forests are utilized, although it tolerates some disturbance. A specialist to some degree on tent caterpillars, with a remarkably fast development of young covering only 18 - 21 days from incubation to fledging. Cypseloides niger Federal: --- Breeding distribution is very patchy, from Absent. No habitat present within the study Black swift (nesting) State: CSC southern Alaska southward through Costa Rica area. and Caribbean islands. Winter distribution is unknown, but presumed to be South America. In southern California the species is a rare breeder and migrant (May to early June; late Aug. through September). It breeds at mountain waterfalls in steep canyons at elevations from 1,800 to 6,400 feet (550 to 1950 m), with six known sites in the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto mountains. Empidonax traillii Federal: FE Occurs in riparian habitats along rivers, streams, Absent. No suitable habitat present within the extimus State: SE or other wetlands, where dense growths of study area. Southwestern willows (Salix spp.), Baccharis spp., arrowweed willow flycatcher (Pluchea spp.), buttonbush (Cephalanthus spp.), tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) Russian olive (Eleagnus spp.) or other plants are present, often with a scattered overstory of cottonwood (Populus spp.). Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Emys marmorata Federal: --- Found in ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, Absent. No habitat present within the study western pond turtle State: CSC marshes, and irrigation ditches, with abundant area. The section of the Los Angeles River vegetation, and either rocky or muddy bottoms, in within the study area is not appropriate habitat woodland, forest, and grassland. In streams, for the species. prefers pools to shallower areas. Logs, rocks, cattail mats, and exposed banks are required for basking. May enter brackish water and even seawater. Eumops perotis Federal: --- Primarily a cliff dwelling species, where maternity Absent. No habitat present within the study californicus State: CSC colonies of 30 to several hundred (typically fewer area. western mastiff bat than 100) roost generally under exfoliating rock slabs (e.g. granite, sandstone or columnar basalt). It has also been found in similarly crevices in large boulders and buildings. Roosts are generally high above the ground, usually allowing a clear vertical drop of at least 9.8 feet below the entrance for flight. Forages in broad open areas. Falco peregrinus Federal: --- This species catch medium-sized birds in the air Absent. No habitat present within the study peregrine falcon State: CFP with swift, spectacular dives, called stoops. In area. cities they are masterful at catching pigeons. (nesting) Elsewhere they feed especially on shorebirds and ducks. Often perching or nesting on skyscrapers, water towers, cliffs, power pylons, and other tall structures. Peregrines can be seen all over North America, but they are more common along coasts. Lasiurus xanthinus Federal: --- Associated with dry, thorny vegetation on the Low Potential. This species has a low potential western yellow bat State: CSC Mexican Plateau, and in desert regions of the to occur within the study area. southwestern U.S. Roosts exclusively in the skirts of palm trees; limited in distribution by availability of palm habitat (including ornamental palms). Forages over water and among trees. Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Microtus Federal: --- Occurs in coastal marshes in Los Angeles, Orange Absent. No habitat present within the study californicus State: CSC and Ventura counties. Based on other studies of area. stephensi shrews, may require dense ground cover, nesting south coast marsh sites above mean high tide and free from vole inundation. Neotoma lepida Federal: --- Occurs in two disjunct areas in California. It is Absent. No habitat present within the study intermedia State: CSC found in northeastern California from eastern area. Modoc County to southeastern Lassen County and San Diego desert inhabits most of southern California from Mono woodrat County south through the Mojave desert and from northern Tulare County soouth to the San Bernardino Mountains. Occurs in a variety of shrub and desert habitats, typically with rock outcrops, boulders, cacti and/or areas of dense undergrowth. Nyctinomops Federal: --- Rocky areas with high cliffs in a variety of arid Absent. No habitat present within the study femorosaccus State: CSC areas including pine-juniper woodlands, desert area. scrub, palm oasis, desert wash, desert riparian. Pocketed free-tailed bat Nyctinomops Federal: --- Occurs in low-lying arid areas in Southern Absent. No habitat present within the study macrotis State: CSC California. Need high cliffs or rocky outcrops for area. roosting sites. Feeds principally on large moths. Big free-tailed bat Onychomys Federal: --- Inhabits arid areas, especially scrub habitat; i.e. Absent. No habitat present within the study torridus ramona State: CSC coastal scrub and mixed chaparral, with friable area. Southern soils. grasshopper mouse Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Phrynosoma Federal: --- Found in a wide variety of vegetation Absent. No habitat present within the study blainvillii State: CSC communities, from grasslands and shrublands to area. woodlands, including coniferous forests. Critical coast horned lizard factors are the presence of loose soils with a high sand fraction; an abundance of native ants or other insects, especially harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex spp.); and the availability of both sunny basking spots and dense cover for refuge. Polioptila Federal: FT Generally prefers open sage scrub with California Absent. No habitat present within the study californica State: CSC sagebrush (Artemisia californica) as a dominant area. californica or co-dominant species. Nest placement typically in areas with less than 40 percent slope gradient. California Monogamous pairs tend to stay in the same locale. gnatcatcher Both parents build nest, incubate, and care for young. Rana mucosa Federal: FE Streams and small pools within ponderosa-pine, Absent. No habitat present within the study montane hardwood-conifer and montane riparain Southern mountain State: SE area. habitat types. yellow-legged frog Riparia riparia Federal: --- This species historically bred interruptedly along Absent. No habitat present within the study the entire coast of California, as well as in the bank swallow State: ST area. Central Valley and Great Basin portions of the (nesting) state. Currently the species breeds only in northern California, primarily in the Sacramento Valley and far northeastern portions of the state, with a few colonies in coastal counties from Monterey through Del Norte County. This species is uncommon to fairly common migrants in spring and fall at the Salton Sea in Riverside and Imperial counties and at other large lakes and wetlands in desert regions. They are rare migrants elsewhere in California. Spea hammondii Federal: --- Open habitats including low grasslands, open Absent. Habitat within study area is too chaparral, and pine-oak woodlands, where soils Western spadefoot State: CSC degraded for the species to be present. are sandy or gravelly. Requires temporary rain pools that last at least three weeks. Pools must lack predators of eggs and tadpoles. Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation Taricha torosa Federal: --- Breeds in ponds, reservoirs and slow moving Absent. Habitat within study area is too streams. Uses nearby upland areas including Coast range newt State: CSC degraded for the species to be present. grasslands, chaparral and woodlands. Taxidea taxus Federal: --- Commonly found in treeless areas including Absent. No habitat present within the study tallgrass and shortgrass prairies, grass-dominated American badger State: CSC area. meadows and fields within forested habitats, and shrub-steppe communities. Thamnophis Federal: --- Endemic to coastal southern California from the Absent. Habitat within study area is too hammondi State: CSC Santa Clara River valley south to northern San degraded for the species to be present. two-striped garter Diego County. Maximum known elevation is about snake 2,270 feet. Restricted to marsh and upland habitats near permanent water with good strips of riparian vegetation where adequate prey and refuge can be found. Vireo bellii pusillus Federal: FE Nesting elevation ranges from below sea level to Absent. Species not observed during protocol at least 4,100 feet. The subspecies winters in surveys in 2016. least Bell's vireo State: SE southern Baja California. Least Bell’s Vireos select dense vegetation low in riparian zones for nesting. Lasiurus cinereus Federal: --- Found in Broadleaved upland forest, Cismontane Low Potential. This species has a low potential hoary bat State: --- woodland, Lower montane coniferous forest, to occur within the study area. North coast coniferous forest. Prefers open habitats or habitat mosaics, with access to trees for cover & open areas or habitat edges for feeding. Roosts in dense foliage of medium to large trees. Feeds primarily on moths. Requires water. Lasionycteris Federal: --- Found in Lower montane coniferous forest, Old Low Potential. This species has a low potential noctivagans State: --- growth, Riparian forest. Primarily a coastal & to occur within the Los Angeles River. silver-haired bat montane forest dweller feeding over streams, ponds & open brushy areas. Roosts in hollow trees, beneath exfoliating bark, abandoned woodpecker holes & rarely under rocks. Needs drinking water. Scientific Name/ Special Status General Habitat Description Potential/Rationale Common Name Designation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FE – Federal Endangered FT – Federal Threatened CSC- California Species of Special Concern