ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST SAN GABRIEL RIVER CONFLUENCE WITH CATTLE CANYON IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS MONUMENT AND ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST

DRAFT BOTANY BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION/BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT June 2017

PREPARED BY: DATE: ______Janet Nickerman Forest Botanist, Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

Introduction...... 1

Consultation to Date ...... 1

Management Direction...... 1

Proposed Action ...... 3

Existing Environment...... 5

Effects Analysis ...... 15

Summary of Determination Statements………………………………34

References……………………………………………………………….35

Appendix A Vehicle Washing Protocol……………………………………………39 I. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this Biological Assessment/Biological Evaluation (BEBA) is to analyze and display the biological effects of the proposed activities on all federally listed threatened, endangered, proposed, Candidate and Forest Service sensitive plant species (TEPCS) that are known to occur, or have the potential to occur within the East Fork of the San Gabriel River (proposed project area). Proposed enhancements include the development of new picnic areas, pedestrian trails, river access points, placement of established parking spaces and upgrades to existing facilities, improvements to paved and unpaved roadways, restoration of riparian and upland vegetation communities of the East Fork of the San Gabriel River and Cattle Canyon Creek confluence area, and implementation of a Forest Closure Order to prohibit overnight camping.

This document is prepared in conformance with the legal requirements set forth under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1536©, 50 CFR 402), and policy and standards set forth in Forest Service Manual 2672.4 through 2672.42.

II. CONSULTATION TO DATE

Janet Nickerman, Angeles National Forest, Forest Botanist called Jesse Bennet, US Fish and Wildlife Service in June 2016 to discuss the project. Both Jesse Bennet and Janet Nickerman agreed there is no need to consult for plants unless listed species are discovered during floristic surveys in the 2018 plant surveys.

III. CURRENT MANAGEMENT DIRECTION

Management direction for TEPS species on the Forest comes from the Angeles National Forest Land Management Plan (LMP) adopted by the Record of Decision signed on September 20, 2005 (USDA 2005). Strategic Goals, Program Strategies and Tactics, Standards, and Appendices A-J provide guidance on management of wildlife and botany resources.

Specific direction related to protection of TEPS species comes from Standards 11-44 (LMP- Design Criteria, Part 3, pages 6-10). Appendieces in LMP-Part 3 that are of particular relevance to this project include Appenidix D (Adaptive Mitigation for Recreation Uses), Appendix E (Five- Step Project Screening Process for Riparian Conservation Areas), and Appendix H (Species Guidance Summary).

Direction for management of wildlife and botany resources included in the Forest Service Manual includes the following:

Forest Service Manual (FSM) Direction (T&E Species): 1. Place top priority on conservation and recovery of endangered, threatened, and proposed species and their habitats through relevant National Forest System, State and Private Forestry, and Research activities and programs. 2. Establish through the Forest planning process objectives for habitat management and/or recovery of populations, in cooperation with States, the FWS, and other Federal agencies.

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3. Through the Biological Assessment process, review actions and programs authorized, funded, or carried out by the Forest Service to determine their potential for effect on threatened and endangered species and species proposed for listing. 4. Avoid all adverse impacts on threatened and endangered species and their habitat except when it is possible to compensate adverse effects totally through alternatives identified in a biological opinion rendered by the FWS, when an exemption has been granted under the Act, or when the FWS biological opinion recognizes an incidental taking. Avoid adverse impacts on species proposed for listing during the conference period and while their Federal status is being determined. 5. Initiate consultation or conference with the FWS or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) when the Forest Service determines that proposed activities may have an adverse effect on threatened, endangered, or proposed species or when Forest Service projects are for the specific benefit of a threatened or endangered species. 6. Identify and prescribe measures to prevent adverse modification or destruction of critical habitat and other habitats essential for the conservation of endangered, threatened, and proposed species. Protect individual organisms or populations from harm or harassment as appropriate.

National Forest Management Act (NFMA) for all Species: National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 states that “fish and wildlife habitat shall be managed to maintain viable populations of existing native and desired nonnative vertebrate species in the planning area in order to meet multiple-use objectives”. For planning purposes, a viable population shall be regarded as one which has the estimated numbers, and distribution of reproductive individuals to insure its continued existence is well distributed in the planning area. In order to insure that viable populations will be maintained, habitat must be provided to support, at least a minimum number of reproductive individuals and that habitat must be well distributed so that those individuals can interact with others in the planning area (36 CFR 219.19).

The regulations also mandate that “all management prescriptions shall provide for adequate fish and wildlife habitat to maintain viable populations of existing native vertebrate species and provide that habitat for species chosen under 219.19 is maintained and improved to the degree consistent with multiple-use objectives established in the plan” (36 CFR 219.27(a)(6)).

Diversity states in part: “Management prescriptions, where appropriate and to the extent practicable, shall preserve and enhance the diversity of plant and animal communities, including endemic and desirable naturalized plant and animal species” (36 CFR 219.27(g)).

IV. PROPOSED ACTION

BACKGROUND

It is estimated that over 15 million people live within a 90-minute commuting distance of the ANF, with over 3.5 million visiting annually. Due to steep topography and dense chaparral, recreation is highly concentrated in areas that are relatively flat with road access. In addition, water is an attraction that draws large crowds in many areas.

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The East Fork San Gabriel River (EFSGR) and Cattle Canyon are common destinations for forest visitors. The majority of the public use occurs along a 2.5-mile stretch of the river where visitors can park and access the river within a few hundred feet.

The heavy use combined with the lack of facilities has resulted in the degradation of the Cattle Canyon area. Impacts include: damage to vegetation, soil compaction and erosion, on-site litter, and stream alteration where visitors build rock dams in the river bed to create recreational bathing pools. The East Fork of the San Gabriel River (EFSGR) has also experienced high levels of litter deposition both in and adjacent to the watercourse. The Regional Water Board determined that the level of trash has exceeded the existing Water Quality Standard necessary to protect the beneficial uses of the river; water quality is impaired due to trash (section 303(d) listing). Current conditions are not sustainable for long-term management.

To respond to increasing public demand, the United States Forest Service (USFS) partnered with the Watershed Conservation Authority (WCA), a joint powers authority between the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD), to develop a project to promote sustainable recreation. Under the collaboration of the WCA and the USFS, the San Gabriel River Confluence with Cattle Canyon Improvements Project (project) was developed. The project would provide recreational improvements and ecological restoration opportunities to address resource management challenges with a focus on mitigating impacts along the most heavily used section of the river. Such improvements include the new construction of public recreation areas, repair and maintenance of existing roadways, restoration of wildlife habitat and increased regulation of public use along the EFSGR.

The purpose of this Botany Biological Assessment/Biological Evaluation (BABE) is to review the proposed project in sufficient detail to determine any effects to Endangered, Threatened, Proposed, Candidate and Forest Service Sensitive (FSS) plant species.

PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION:

The purpose and need for the project is to: • Provide recreation facilities and infrastructure that are high quality, well-maintained, safe, accessible and consistent with visitors’ expectations. • Shift and concentrate recreational use to certain areas in order to minimize adverse effects over a broader area. • Promote stewardship of public land by providing quality and sustainable recreation opportunities that result in increased visitor satisfaction. • Allow for better management of the recreation resources on the Forest. • Improve riparian habitat conditions in certain areas and make progress toward enhancing stream habitat conditions by restoring vegetation, minimizing invasive plants and noxious weed presence, and developing management strategies to regulate access.

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PROPOSED ACTION: The proposed project includes the development of new management strategies to protect and restore the multi-use areas for future public enjoyment. Proposed enhancements include the development of new picnic areas, pedestrian trails, river access points and upgrades to existing facilities, improvements to paved and unpaved roadways, restoration of riparian and upland vegetation communities of the East Fork of the San Gabriel River and Cattle Canyon Creek, and implementation of a Forest Closure Order to prohibit overnight camping.

The project site is located approximately 14 miles north of the City of Azusa on federal lands managed by the ANF San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, within the boundaries of the WCA territory (Figure 1-1 Regional Location Map). The project site comprises 165 acres along an approximate 2.5-mile reach of the EFSGR, running generally south until its confluence with Cattle Canyon Creek, and continues in a generally westerly direction along the East Fork of the San Gabriel Canyon.

The project is divided into five areas, beginning downstream of Oaks Picnic area extending upstream to Heaton Flat: • Oaks Area, which extends from the downstream project boundary to the intersection of Glendora Mountain Road and includes Oaks River Overlook Day-use area, and Oaks picnic area. Activities proposed within this area include the expansion of the existing Oaks Picnic Area such as the construction of a new restroom, the installation of new trail signage and planting of native trees. • Junction Area, which is located between Glendora Mountain Road and the Cattle Canyon Confluence. Activities proposed within this area include the construction of a three-way stop and emergency vehicle turnaround and modification to the existing roadway. • Cattle Canyon Confluence (Confluence Area), which is located at the confluence of Cattle Canyon Creek and EFSGR. Activities proposed within this area include the upgrade of the existing pedestrian bridge and repair and modification of the existing paved roadway; and the installation of trail signage and construction of a new restroom. • Coyote Flat, East Fork Scenic Overlook, Fire Station and Canyon Areas, which includes the East Fork Trailhead Parking, East Fork Scenic Overlook, and Coyote Flat Picnic area. Activities proposed within this area include the construction of a new picnic area, scenic overlook, three-way turnaround, parking area and various other infrastructures intended to enhance public safety and enjoyment. • Heaton Flat Area, which extends from the East Fork Scenic Overlook to Heaton Flat. Activities proposed within this area include the enhancement of the existing picnic area and construction of a new restroom, installation of trail signage and improvement of existing river access. The project site is currently accessible to the public through East Fork Road via Highway 39. Elevation throughout the project site ranges from approximately 1,750 feet above mean sea level (amsl) in the southwest to 2,010 feet amsl in the northeast.

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Project Design Measures for Environmental Protection USFS and WCA have committed to the following Project Design Measures (PDMs) for environmental protection listed below.

Restoration and Planting 1. Seed and cutting collection shall follow Seed Collecting Guidelines to be prepared by the USFS Botanist for the project. 2. If the trail construction results in temporary and/or permanent habitat loss, this loss will be mitigated (replaced at the same or a different location). Temporary impacts to upland habitats will be mitigated at a 1 acre: 1 acre (1:1) ratio and riparian impacts at a 3:1 ratio. Permanent impacts to upland habitat will be mitigated at a 3:1 ratio and riparian impacts at a 5:1 ratio. 3. If trees will be cut or damaged as a result of trail construction, impacts to every oak within the project impact area (including scrub oaks) and native trees will be recorded regardless of size. Prior to cutting or damaging the trees the following data will be collected: The species and number of individuals cut, their diameter at breast height (DBH) (1.3 meters from ground), location and potential impact type. Construction within the driplines of native trees and oak trees/shrubs within the project impact area, and incidental trimming or damage to trees shall not occur until the trees are evaluated by a certified arborist. 4. Depending on the impacted tree and as determined by a qualified biologist/arborist, measures to minimize tree loss may include placement of a fence around the dripline, tree padding, minimizing soil removal or addition around driplines, or the placement of matting under the existing dripline during construction activities. If a tree/oak is impacted by construction- related activities [such as equipment or soil staging within the drip zone, root pruning, or excessive branch pruning (greater than 25 percent in one year)], then the tree/oak shall be mitigated. 5. If a tree is cut or damaged, it will be replaced in accordance with mitigation ratios described herein. Smaller trees will have a fewer trees replaced (a lower ratio) than larger trees cut or damaged; the appropriate mitigation ratio will be determined by a USFS Biologist based on the DBH. The replacement ratios for native trees or any oaks which are to have more than 25 percent of the canopy cover removed shall be as follows: a. DBH’s less than three inches will be replaced at 2:1 (two trees replaced for every one tree cut or damaged); b. 3 to 5 inch DBH shall be replaced at 3:1; c. 5 to 12 inches shall be replaced at 5:1; d. 12 to 24 inches shall be replaced at 10:1; e. 24 to 36 inches shall be replaced at 15:1; and f. greater than 36 inches shall be replanted at a ratio of 20:1. The DBHs for scrub oaks will be measured following California Department of Fish and Wildlife guidelines. Trees shall be planted at locations confirmed as acceptable by the ANF. 6. The following species will be used for upland plantings: yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), birch leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides), blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp caerulea), chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), chaparral needlegrass (Acnatherum coronatum), laurel sumac

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(Malosma laurina), white sage (Salvia apiana) and black sage (Salvia mellifera). Tree species that will be planted include interior live oak (Quercus wizlizeni) and California scrub oak (Quercus durata gabrielensis). 7. For riparian planting, the following shrubs will be planted: willow species (Salix lasiandra, S. exigua and S.lasiolepis) and mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia). Tree species planted will include white alder (Alnus rhombifolius), California sycamore (Platanus racemosa) and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). 8. If container plants are used as part of the restoration project, nurseries that grow out plants must use BMPs developed and approved by the Working Group for Phytophthoras in Native Habitats. 9. If container plants are used, a random sampling of the container plants must be tested for diseases including Phytophthora. If test results indicate that container plants have Phytophthora they will not be planted on ANF lands. 10. Success criteria for restoration sites will include 100% survival of native plantings, and 80% or better of native cover with no target invasive plant species. Sites will be monitored monthly with site visits for the first year after planting (both to check on plant success and new invasive species), every other month in year 2 to 3, and every three months from year 4 until the success criteria is met. Maintenance for invasive weed control will be monthly to quarterly depending on weed infestation. Invasive weed removal and site visits can be combined into one visit. 11. Areas where user created trails are closed and revegetated, yucca will be planted heavily to deter unwanted foot traffic. Additionally, vegetation cut from another area of the project site (ie, trail creation) will be used to aid restoration and deter unwanted foot traffic throughout the project site. 12. Planting and seeding will be completed between September and January to benefit from winter rains and be mature enough to withstand summer heat. Botany 1. Prior to implementation, Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, Candidate and FSS (TESPC) species and invasive plant surveys must be completed. TESPC surveys will follow protocol surveys. If rare plants are found, design features such as flag and avoid or limited operating period may be implemented, as determined by the biologist. If invasive species are found, design features such as pre-project removal, weed wash station on site, post-implementation weed monitoring and removal may be needed, as determined by the biologist. Surveys of all work areas must be conducted prior to any ground disturbing activities. This includes all areas potentially impacted by project activities including the actual work site, debris disposal, access roads, staging areas and recreation areas such as those for new trails and dispersed recreation. The surveys must be conducted in the correct floristic season which will likely be mid-May to mid-June and they must be conducted by a qualified botanist approved by the ANF (resumes will need to be submitted). Survey results must include a list and map of all invasive and USFS sensitive plants found in the project site. Immediately upon completion, results of botanical surveys including mapped occurrences must be provided to the USFS botanist. If construction deviates from the final approved plans during construction, the USFS Botanist must be informed. This is to ensure unexpected construction changes are cleared by existing surveys or that new surveys are conducted as needed. 2. To limit the spread and establishment of invasive plant species, all hand tools, work vehicles and heavy equipment used during project implementation will be free of noxious and/or invasive exotic weeds and seeds before entering the project site. Vehicle washing guidelines 8

will be implemented for equipment associated with vegetation modification or ground disturbing activities (see Appendix A). 3. All plant material (e.g., straw, mulch, seeds, etc.) used for erosion control and/or road maintenance must be certified weed-free. Only weed-free rice straw or rice mulch shall be allowed. All erosion control material must be biodegradable. Wattles wrapped in “photodegradable” plastic are not acceptable. 4. All fill material (soil, sand, gravel, rock) used for project activities must be from an ANF- approved material site. 5. Project activities will generate a small amount of soil debris. The material removed from these sites can be used as fill at other sites only if it is free of target invasive species. If the site from which the debris is removed has target invasive species, it cannot be used as fill from an area other than where it was generated. If soil and debris collected from a location containing target invasive species is moved and deposited for storage it must be at a USFS designated location. Common widespread non-native species won’t be considered as target invasive species. 6. If removal of invasive plants is required, the USFS botanist will determine the appropriate disposal method. This may include placement of plants in 3mm garbage bags and disposal offsite, at a location approved to accept such material. 7. Post-project monitoring will occur for a minimum of 5 years after project completion in order to detect new or recurring invasive plant populations, and appropriate treatments will be implemented if they are found within the disturbance areas. This monitoring includes roadsides, and all project-impacted areas. The USFS botanist will determine the appropriate level of treatment based on multiple factors including the species, size of infested area, proximity to sensitive resources. 8. All equipment must contain appropriate spill containment kits to respond to leaks and spills. Personnel must have training on proper response to any type of hazmat situation. All hazmat situations must be reported to the USFS Hazmat Coordinator according to the ANF San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Hazard Communication Plan (2016). 9. All equipment staging areas will be located away from known areas of target invasive species occurrences. Soil and Water 1. All appropriate USFS BMPs will be implemented to minimize damage to surface soil structure and to reduce potential for erosion and sediment transport to drainages due to project activities. All ground disturbing activities with the potential for erosion must be consistent with FSH 2509.22 – Soil and Water Conservation Practices Handbook and Best Management Practices and FS-990a–National Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management on National Forest System Lands. 2. An Erosion Control Plan will be developed prior to any ground disturbing activities and provided to the contractors with applicable BMPs and site specific mitigations prior to implementation of the project. The Erosion Control Plan will be onsite during any ground disturbing activities. 3. To the extent feasible, project activities will not occur in ephemeral, intermittent and permanent streams. To avoid impacts, the following Riparian Conservation Area (RCA) buffer widths are required: a. Perennial streams – 328 feet (100 meters) on each side of the stream, measured from bankful edge of the stream. Perennial streams (including springs and seeps) flow

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continuously throughout most of the year. The bankful edge of the stream is the incipient point of flooding, often between a 1.5 and 2 year return interval flood. b. Seasonally flowing/intermittent streams – 98 feet (30 meters) on each side of the stream, measured from the bank full edge of the stream. Seasonally flowing/intermittent streams flow only at certain times of the year when they receive water from springs, rainstorms, or melting snow. c. Ephemeral streams 98 feet (30 meters) during periods of active flow– in channel. Ephemeral streams flow only in direct response to precipitation. 4. During trail maintenance, the RCA will be measured and flagged at points of ingress/egress along trails. 5. Ground disturbance will be limited to the minimum necessary for trail repair activities. All project activities including vehicle traffic, pedestrian traffic and staging will be confined to the smallest area possible. All vehicles, tools and equipment will be restricted to existing access roads, trails, trailheads, or disturbed areas to the maximum extent feasible. 6. Living native woody riparian vegetation will not be cut or removed, except as necessary and where riparian management objectives can be met. Consultation with USFS resource staff will occur to determine if activity is necessary. 7. If vegetation must be cut, directional falling of material will be directed away from the watercourse and off stream banks where possible to prevent damage to stream morphological structure. 8. Existing downed trees and Large Woody Debris (LWD) will be left in place within the inner bank of the watercourse unless they are identified as a threat to life, property, or sustainability of the RCA, defined below. Consult with the USFS Hydrologist prior to removal of any LWD from the RCA. 9. Brush, loose soil, construction material, or similar debris will not be stockpiled within the stream channel or on its banks where it may impact aquatic species or be washed into the stream. 10. No new access will be created for the purpose of project implementation. Self-propelled ground equipment is allowed within an RCA only along the trail route to reduce compaction unless otherwise cleared with USFS staff. 11. Efforts will be made to avoid trampling native herbaceous or shrubby vegetation outside of the trail tread or supporting infrastructure (crib walls, sutter walls, etc…) 12. If a rain event greater than 30% chance is forecast within 24 hours self-propelled equipment will be removed from the RCA and disturbed areas will be covered to prevent erosion. 13. To prevent compaction, equipment operation will occur on dry or slightly moist soil. 14. During active precipitation events all operations will cease. 15. If stream water levels begin to rise visibly due to precipitation upstream of the project location all debris/equipment/tools will be removed from the RCAs until flooding recedes and it is determined that soils are sufficiently dry so equipment will not cause rutting. 16. Project generated material will not be allowed to roll downslope. No sidecasting is permitted. 17. Fuel will be stored outside the RCA and equipment will not be fueled within the RCA. 18. Crews will have appropriate spill containment kits to respond to leaks and spills. Personnel will have training on proper response to any type of hazmat situation. All hazmat situations will be reported to the USFS Hazmat Coordinator according to the USFS guidelines.

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19. Maintenance of trails will be designed to include water bars, rolling dips, or other tools to break up hydrologic connectivity along slopes and prior to stream crossings. 20. Equipment expected to pass through the stream or used for instream work will be cleaned prior to entering the stream/creek. Check equipment daily for leaks or accumulations of grease and correct identified problems prior to entering RCAs. 21. Upon completion of the project, disturbed areas will have adequate ground cover of at least 60 percent to stabilize soils. Refuse, flagging, and contaminated soil will be removed and properly disposed of. The surface of the trail shall be reshaped (fix berms, ruts, piles, etc…). Block/barrier projects areas as needed to prevent unauthorized public access and use. Barrier plans will be discussed with USFS personnel prior to implementation and will be approved by USFS personnel post implementation.

Site Preparation, Access and Staging A total area up to 29.3 acres would be cleared of vegetation and grubbed to remove roots. It’s unclear how much land will be temporarily impacted from construction activities. Following clearing and grubbing, building foundations, parking areas and overlook trail sections would be graded based on final site layout plans. Topsoil would be stockpiled to be used for revegetation of areas not required for operation. According to the preliminary grading plans, 12,330 cubic yards would be cut, 617 cubic yards of which would be used as fill material. Excess excavated material not required as fill (approximately 11,714 cubic yards) would be disposed of or stockpiled at the discretion of the USFS. All equipment and building foundations would be constructed on native soil (following excavation of several feet of topsoil) or structural fill. Compaction of the soils would be in accordance with the recommendations in the hydrology and soils report to be conducted prior to ground clearing and the detailed civil design. Grading design would be based on local topography. All disturbed lands not required for operations that would be temporarily impacted would be revegetated upon completion of construction. All buildings and visible structures would be painted and textured to blend with the existing environment. Parking areas would be surfaced with asphalt and the East Fork Scenic Trail would be surfaced with decomposed granite. Access routes for construction vehicles will be restricted to East Fork Road and Camp Bonita Road. Staging areas will be located at the former fire station and Oaks picnic area within existing developed areas. Public access will be maintained on East Fork Road and Camp Bonita Road during construction.

Project Operations and Maintenance Operations and maintenance for the proposed project, in general will be consistent with current activities. Current operation and maintenance activities include routine maintenance of recreation areas. Routine maintenance of recreation facilities and the surrounding spaces throughout the project site is completed by USFS District recreation staff. Routine maintenance includes trash pickup, litter abatement, graffiti removal, cleaning and restocking restrooms, minor repairs and exterior upkeep, maintaining roads and trails, and similar activities. While completing maintenance activities, USFS staff often answers questions from visitors and check for compliance with posted regulations. Maintenance intervals are varied based on visitation and overall use. Future operations and maintenance upon project completion would continue to be managed by the USFS similar to current operations.

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General Construction Schedule The project components would be constructed in three phases over an estimated 1-year period, provided all funding sources are secured. Table 1 below summarizes the major tasks proposed for each phase.

Table 1. Project Construction Schedule.

Construction Phase Estimated Construction Start Anticipated Duration

Site Preparation, Right-of-Way September 2018 3-6 months Improvements, and Parking Trail Improvements, Picnic Areas, April 2019 6 months Interpretive Areas, Scenic Overlook, Bridge Construction USFS Visitor Kiosk, Restrooms and Refuse October 2019 3-4 months

EXISTING ENVIRONMENT Pre-field Review Before conducting field surveys of the project site, the following information sources were reviewed: • The USGS Azusa, Baldwin Peak, Crystal Lake, Mount San Antonio, Mt. Baldy, Ontario, San Dimas and Waterman Mountain 7.5 minute topographic quadrangles; • The California Natural Diversity Database (CDFW 2016); • Region 5 USFS TESPC Species List, July 3, 2014 (ANF, 2014)

• California Consortium of Herbarium, 2016

Field Surveys Survey Methodology A botanical resource reconnaissance was conducted by Janet Nickerman, in June 2016. The reconnaissance survey was conducted on foot within accessible portions of the project site. In areas that were not accessible at the time of the survey, visual observations were made from the nearest vantage point. During the biological resource reconnaissance, plant communities were characterized and mapped to the species or subspecies level in order to quantify their limits within the project site. Plant taxonomy followed Hickman (1993), as updated in Baldwin, et al. (2012), and plant community descriptions were characterized using Sawyer et al. (2009) and Baldwin et al. (2012); however, plant communities, land uses and habitats not clearly described within the manuals were characterized based on the California Department of Fish and Game’s List of California Terrestrial Natural Communities (CDFW, 2010) and/or based on the dominant species or other visual characteristics observed.

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Environmental Condition of Project Site and Region The project site is located along the San Gabriel River watershed, within the San Gabriel Mountain Range in Los Angeles County. Regional geographic features surrounding the area include the San Gabriel Mountains in all directions, with San Antonio Peak to the east at 10,068 feet and Throop Peak at 9,138 feet generally to the northwest; the Mojave Desert is to the north of the mountains and the Los Angeles Basin to the south. While fragmented by various dams and reservoirs (i.e., Morris, San Gabriel and Santa Fe Dams) downstream, the San Gabriel River eventually empties into the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. San Gabriel Canyon Road (Highway 39) and the Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) are located northwest of the project site and traverse the mountains, providing a connection between Los Angeles to the south and the desert to the north.

The climate is Mediterranean, with dry summers and moderately wet winters; however, the region is entering a 6th year of drought. The San Gabriel Mountain Range receives most of its precipitation between November and April and is most likely to receive snowfall at elevations above 4,000 feet between December and March. Annual precipitation can reach 25 inches at elevations over 3,000 feet and can reach over 40 inches of precipitation at elevations above 5,000 feet. Due to its’ proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the south side of the Range receives the majority of the annual precipitation, while the desert-side remains much drier year-round.

Vegetation typically includes a mosaic of xeric communities, such as sage scrub and chaparral throughout lower elevations near the project site. Coniferous forest are common at higher elevations. Riparian or woodland habitat associated with riverine or other aquatic features traverse the landscape as well. Some are perennial and responsible for large scale transport of water from the San Gabriel Mountain Range lower elevations. However, many are intermittent or ephemeral and support only seasonal flows. Due to the diversity of habitats there is a wide variety of plants and wildlife including many Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, Proposed and Candidate (TESPC) species.

Plant Communities and Land Uses The project site consists primarily of the approximately 2.5-mile reach of the EFSGR near its confluence with Cattle Canyon Creek, as well as the upper floodplain and upland slopes of these waterways. The bed of the EFSGR and Cattle Canyon Creek are soft-bottom natural channels often with various communities of riparian vegetation. The upper floodplain of the EFSGR is generally dominated by alluvial fan sage scrub vegetation due to periodic flooding, and the surrounding upland canyon slopes often consist of various mixes of coastal sage scrub, cismontane woodland and chaparral communities. A number of vegetation communities are located within the project site that are described in detail below, including a description of areas that are developed or otherwise disturbed. A map depicting the distribution of each community within the project site is presented in Figures 2A through 2G.

Buckwheat Scrub Buckwheat scrub is located sporadically throughout the project site, generally along upland slopes surrounding the EFSGR. This community is characterized by a low-lying shrub layer dominated by California buckwheat interspersed throughout with various shrub species including

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yerba santa (Eriodictyon trichoclyx var. trichocalyx), laurel sumac and threadleaf ragwort (Senecio flaccidus). A relatively sparse understory exists, primarily of non-native herbaceous cover including wild oats (Avena fatua), ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) and red brome (B. madritensis ssp. rubens), with few native species including annual bursage (Ambrosia acanthacarpa), long-leaf indian paintbrush (Castilleja subinclusa) and California corethrogyne (Corethrogyne filaginifolia). In many areas, this community provides a transition between the adjacent Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub and mixed chaparral communities, both of which display a co-dominance of California buckwheat. Some areas of buckwheat scrub occur along the southern boundary of the project site near informal single-track dirt trails.

Canyon Live Oak Ravine Forest Canyon Live Oak Ravine Forest occurs at two locations within the project site: south of the confluence of the EFSGR and Cattle Canyon Creek, and north of Camp Bonita Prairie Forks Road. This community is characterized by an overstory dominated by canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis). The understory is suppressed by a dense mat of leaf litter; however, some shrub species and various grasses and forbs are present within this community such as Nevin’s brickellbush (Brickellia nevinii), chamise, horseweed (Conyza canadensis), inland scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia), red brome and ripgut brome.

Mixed Chaparral Mixed chaparral is located along the upland slopes surrounding the EFSGR, skirting the north and south perimeters of the project site. This community is characterized by a large shrub over story with a varying dominance between species including San Gabriel Mountains Leather Oak (Quercus durata var. gabrielensis), mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides) and chamise, interspersed throughout with various shrub species including California buckwheat, laurel sumac, prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis), holly-leafed cherry (Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia) and hollyleaf redberry (Rhamnus ilicifolia). Due to the density of the shrub layer, only a sparse herbaceous understory is present that includes such species as red brome, ripgut brome and wild oats.

Riverine Riverine habitat is located within the active floodplain (i.e., channel bottom) of the EFSGR, Cattle Canyon Creek and an unnamed tributary to the EFSGR. Water levels within this reach of the EFSGR and Cattle Canyon Creek flow perennially, but the amount of flows vary seasonally depending on the amount of snow melt and seasonal precipitation. The areas identified as Riverine are largely devoid of vegetation due to the presence and chronic scour caused by flowing water and by high levels of foot traffic; however sporadic herbaceous cover does persist along the banks that includes such species as Baltic rush (Juncus balticus), red brome, and willowherb (Epilobium foliosum). Within this habitat, human disturbance is evident by the creation of multiple “dams” along the EFSGR by recreational users through the stacking of rocks across the channel.

Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub is present primarily within the upper floodplain of the EFSGR in areas of low slope. Vegetation in this community is characterized by a sparse, low-lying shrub layer with a significant prominence of scalebroom (Lepidospartum squamatum) that is sporadically mixed with California and other shrubs including annual bursage, California

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brickellbush (Brickellia californica), wand buckwheat (Eriogonum elongatum), shortpod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana) and smilo grass (Stipa mileacea). An herbaceous layer of grasses and forbes is also present.

Southern Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest Southern arroyo willow riparian forest is present throughout the bed and banks of the EFSGR within the westernmost portion of the project site. This community is dominated by an open over story of arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) interspersed with various other willow species, including Goodding’s black willow (Salix gooddingii), red willow (S. laevigata), yellow willow (S. lasiandra var. lasiandra) and scattered narrow-leaved willow (S. exigua), as well as mulefat. A relatively sparse understory consisting of various species of upland grasses and forbs as well as hydrophytic herbaceous species line the banks that include such species as mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), Baltic rush, tall cyperus (Cyperus eragrostis), Hooker’s evening primrose (Oenothera elata ssp. hirsutissima), red brome and smilo grass. Also found are scattered black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera trichocarpa).

Southern Sycamore-Alder Riparian Woodland Southern sycamore-alder riparian woodland is present along the banks of the EFSGR and its confluence with Cattle Canyon Creek, and is the most abundant riparian vegetation community within the project site. This community is characterized as having a mature overstory with a relatively closed canopy of white alder interspersed with California sycamore, and to a lesser degree, southern California walnut (Juglans californica) and various willow species including arroyo willow, Goodding’s black willow, red willow and yellow willow. A relatively complex understory consisting of various species of upland grasses and forbs as well as hydrophytic herbaceous species line the river banks that include such species as Baltic rush, common toad rush (Juncus bufonius var. bufonius), red brome, scarlet monkeyflower (Mimulus cardinalis), smilo grass, tall cyperus, cattail (Typha lattifolia), wild oats and willowherb.

Ornamental/Planted Trees Ornamental/planted trees are located in three locations within the project site: at the informal picnic area near Heaton Flat, at the former East Fork Fire Station, and within the Oaks Picnic Site. The trees that are planted within the informal picnic area near Heaton Flat are bishop pines (Pinus muricata), likely planted in order to provide shade for visitors. Within the former East Fork Fire Station and Oaks Picnic Site, this community is characterized by a mixture Bishop pines and native canyon live oaks. These trees appear to be remnant plantings from the previous development that occurred in these areas. A sparse understory consisting of weedy herbaceous cover and various shrub species from surrounding communities is present that includes such species as laurel sumac, mountain mahogany, red brome and ripgut brome.

Developed Developed land use occurs primarily along the southern boundary of the project site and includes paved roadways such as East Fork Road, Glendora Mountain Road and Camp Bonita Prairies Forks Road, as well as, the roadway bridge crossing, unpaved trails providing river access to the public, and various parking lots along adjacent roads.

Special-Status Plants Table 2 below summarizes FSS species. The potential for effects was determined based upon the probability of direct, indirect, and cumulative effects related to the proposed activities. Species

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will not be carried forward through the effects discussion if the site does not contain suitable habitat, there is no record of occurrence, the species has been extirpated, or other circumstances exist which preclude potential occupancy.

TABLE 2: Summary of Evaluation of Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, Candidate, and Forest Service Sensitive Species and Potential for Occurrence

Presence of Potentially Common Name Listing Suitable General Habitat Description Affected by Comments Scientific Name Status Habitat within Project? site?

PLANTS Braunton’s Milk-vetch Closed cone coniferous forest, No suitable habitat in the area. But pre- (Astragalus brauntonii) coastal scrub, and chaparral. project surveys will be required to FE Recent burns or disturbed areas. No No determine presence or absence <2,300’. Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties. Nevin’s Barberry Sandy to gravelly soils. Washes, No suitable habitat in the area. But pre- (Berberis nevinii) chaparral, cismontane woodland, project surveys will be required to FE No No and coastal scrub. <2,200’. determine presence or absence

Thread-leaved Brodiaea Grasslands and vernal pools. No suitable habitat in the area. But pre- (Brodiaea filifolia) 100-2,900’. Chaparral project surveys will be required to (openings), cismontane determine presence or absence woodland, coastal scrub, playas. Often found in clay. Known FT No No occurrences: southern base of San Gabriel Mtns. At Glendora and San Dimas & San Bernardino at Arrowhead Springs. Slender-horned Spineflower Sandy alluvial fans, benches, No suitable habitat in the area. But pre- (Dodecahema leptoceras) and terraces in coastal scrub, project surveys will be required to FE chaparral and cismontane No No determine presence or absence woodland. 700-3,000’.

Forest Camp Sandwort Chaparral (openings, granitic). No Suitable Habitat (Arenaria macradenia var. kuschei) 4,000-5,600’. Forest Camp, San FSS Bernardino County; Liebre Mtn., No No Los Angeles County.

Abrams’ flowery puncturebract Acanthoscyphus parishii var. Suitable habitat in project area. Pre- (Acanthoscyphus parishii var. abramsii inhabits chaparral project surveys will be required. abramsii) communities on soils derived from sandy or shale substrates at 1,150–2,257 meter elevations FSS Yes No (CNDDB 2011, CNPS 2011). Acanthoscyphus parishii var. abramsii also grows on slopes that are open or gravelly (Smith 1998). San Gabriel Manzanita Rocky outcroppings, chaparral. No Suitable Habitat (Arctostaphylos glandulosa Only known to occur near Mill FSS No No gabrielensis) Creek Summit. Often associated with gneiss outcroppings. 4500’ Interior manzanita Chaparral plant communities. Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Arctostaphylos parryana ssp. FSS Known only from a few Yes Yes surveys will be required. tumescens) occurrences. Crested Milk-vetch Open, rocky areas in pine . No Suitable Habitat (Astragalus bicristatus) forests. 5,500-8,250’. Los FSS Angeles, Riverside and San No No Bernardino Counties.

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Presence of Potentially Common Name Listing Suitable General Habitat Description Affected by Comments Scientific Name Status Habitat within Project? site? San Antonio Milk-vetch Pine forest, 5,000-8,500’, San No Suitable Habitat FSS No No (Astragalus lentiginosus var. antonius) Gabriel Mtns. Scalloped Moonwort Bogs and fens, lower montane Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Botrychium crenulatum) coniferous forest, meadows and surveys will be required. FSS Yes No seeps, and marshes & swamps (freshwater). 4,900-10,800’. Club-haired mariposa Lily Calochortus clavatus var. Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Calochortus clavatus var clavatus) clavatus is sometimes associated surveys will be required. with serpentine soils and inhabits chaparral, cismontane FSS Yes No woodland, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grassland at 75-1300 meter elevations (CNPS 2012). Slender mariposa Lily Chaparral on slopes or in Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis) canyons below 1200. South of surveys will be required. FSS Yes No San Gabriel and Sierra Pelona mountains. Late-flowered mariposa Lily Calochortus fimbriatus is found Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Calochortus fimbriatus) from 275 to 1905 m (900-4250 surveys will be required. ft). It occurs in open areas on ridges, hillsides, roadcuts, near FSS rock outcrops, or burn areas. The Yes No surrounding vegetation is chaparral, coastal sage scrub, cismontane woodland, or sometimes riparian woodland Palmer’s Mariposa Lily Pine forest, chaparral. Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri) FSS Meadows, vernally moist places. Yes No surveys will be required. 3,500-7,250’. Alkali Mariposa Lily Alkaline meadows, moist Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Calochortus striatus) creosote bush scrub, chaparral, surveys will be required. FSS and chenopod scrub. 200- Yes No 4,650’.

Late-flowered mariposa Lily Dry open coastal woodland, Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Calochortus weedii var vestus) chaparral. 1300’-5000’ Often in surveys will be required. FSS serpentine soil. Coast ranges, Yes No Ventura County west. Locally found up to 8200.’ Pygmy Poppy Sandy places, 2,000-4,000’. No Suitable Habitat (Canbya candida) Joshua tree woodland, Mojavean scrub, and pinyon/juniper FSS No No woodland. Mojave desert adjacent to Sierra Nevada.

Mt. Gleason’s Paintbrush Granitic, coniferous forest, No Suitable Habitat (Castilleja gleasonii) FSS pinyon/juniper woodland. No No 3,800-7,100’. Mojave paintbrush Dry flats and ridges, Sagebrush No Suitable Habitat (Castilleja plagiotoma) Scrub, Joshua Tree Woodland, FSS Pinyon/Juniper Woodland, No No Yellow Pine Forest. North base of mountains, 1000’- 8200’. Peirson’s Spring Beauty Gravelly woodlands, meadows. FSS No No No Suitable Habitat (Claytonia lanceolata var. peirsonii) 5,000-8,500’. Parry’s spineflower Dry slopes in chaparral coastal Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Chorizanthe parryi var. parryi) sage scrub, or alluvial scrub, surveys will be required. FSS Yes No often in ecotones. Dry, sandy areas, 0’- 5,500’ San Fernando Valley Spineflower Sandy places, generally in Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina) coastal scrub. 650’-4,000’, most surveys will be required. FSS Yes No likely to be found near Elizabeth Lake in Liebre Mtns.

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Presence of Potentially Common Name Listing Suitable General Habitat Description Affected by Comments Scientific Name Status Habitat within Project? site? Mojave tarplant Washes, seasonal creeks/seeps, No Suitable Habitat (Deinandra mohavensis) openings in chaparral, disturbed areas. Not known from ANF, FSS No No most occurrences in San Bernardino, San Jacinto mts. 3000’- 5200’. Ewan’s cinquefoil Seeps in yellow pine forest, No Suitable Habitat (Drymocallis cuneifolia var. Ewanii) FSS 6300’-7500’. Only known from No No Mt Islip area. San Gabriel River Dudleya (Dudleya On exposed granite outcroppings Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project cymosa crebrfolia) in CSS or chaparral areas. Fish surveys will be required. FSS Yes No Canyon, possibly Lytle Creek area. 1000’- 3500’. San Gabriel Mountain Dudleya Steep granitic canyon walls. Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Dudleya densiflora) FSS Chaparral, coastal scrub, and Yes No surveys will be required. coniferous forest. 900-1,700’ Many-stemmed Dudleya Heavy soils, often clayey, Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Dudleya multicaulis) coastal plain. Chaparral, coastal surveys will be required. FSS Yes No scrub, and valley & foothill grassland. <2,000’. Forest Camp Sandwort Chaparral (openings, granitic). Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Eremogone macradenia var. 4,000-5,600’. Forest Camp, San surveys will be required. FSS Yes No arcuifolia) Bernardino County; Liebre Mtn., Los Angeles County. Southern Alpine Buckwheat Alpine boulder and rock field, No Suitable Habitat (Eriogonum kennedyi var. alpigonum) FSS subalpine, granitic gravel, 8,500- No No 11,550’. Johnston’s Buckwheat Rocky, subalpine coniferous No Suitable Habitat (Eriogonum microthecum var. FSS forest and upper montane No No johnstonii) coniferous forest. 8,500-9,500’. San Gabriel Bedstraw Open, broad-leafed forest, Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Galium grande) chaparral, cismontane woodland, surveys will be required. FSS Yes No and lower coniferous forest. 1,450-5,000’. San Gabriel Mtns. Abram’s Alumroot Upper Montane Coniferous No Suitable Habitat (Heuchera abramsii) Forest, 8800’-12,500’. High FSS peaks of eastern San Gabriel No No Mountains Urn-Flowered Alumroot Rocky areas in coniferous forest, No Suitable Habitat (Heuchera elegans) 4000’-8500’, San Gabriel and No No FSS San Bernardino Mountains Mesa horkelia Chaparral, cismontane Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Horkelia cuneata ssp. puberula) woodland, coastal scrub. surveys will be required. FSS Sandy/gravelly sites at <3000’. Yes No

San Gabriel Mountains sunflower Rocky sites in montane No Suitable Habitat (Hulsea vestita ssp. gabrtielensis) FSS coniferous forest, 4000-10,000’. No No

Pygmy hulsea (Hulsea vestita ssp. Gravelly sites of granitic No Suitable Habitat pygmaea) substrate alpine areas or FSS subalpine forest ; 10,000’- No No 13,000’. California Satintail (Imperata Calcareous seeps, hot springs, Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project brevifolia) disturbed wet areas. Generally surveys will be required. FSS 1000-5000’ Yes No

Fragrant Pitcher Sage (Lepechinia Chaparral areas, including those Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project fragrans) recovering from recent fire. Mt. surveys will be required. FSS, Lukens, western Santa Monica Yes No Mountains. <4300’.

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Presence of Potentially Common Name Listing Suitable General Habitat Description Affected by Comments Scientific Name Status Habitat within Project? site? Ross’ pitcher sage Lepechinia rossii is generally No Suitable Habitat (Lepechinia rossii) found on rocky outcrops of FSS reddish sedimentary rock, on No No north to northeast facing slopes; between 305-790 m in elevation. Short-sepaled lewisia Preferred habitat is wet No Suitable Habitat (Lewisia brachycalyx) FSS meadows, open forest. No No Lemon Lily Meadows, streams in montane No Suitable Habitat (Lilium parryi) FSS coniferous forest, riparian scrub, No No mesic. 4,200-8,600’. San Gabriel Linanthus Dry, rocky slopes, coniferous No Suitable Habitat (Linanthus concinnus) FSS forest. 5,600-9,200’. San No No Gabriel Mtns. Orcutt’s linanthus The preferred habitat of this Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Linanthus orcuttii) species is sunny openings within surveys will be required. mixed chaparral (canyon live FSS Yes No oak-interior) to mixed conifer forest (sugar pine-Jeffrey pine- white fir forest). Peirson’s Lupine Loose slopes of rock or gravel, No Suitable Habitat (Lupinus peirsonii) Joshua Tree or Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Yellow Pine Forest. FSS 4000’-8000’, desert slopes of No No San Gabriel and Tehachapi mountains Jokerst’s Monardella Monardella australis subsp. No Suitable Habitat (Monardella australis jokerstii) jokersti is restricted to the eastern San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles County, California in the vicinity of FSS Cucamonga Peak and the No No western portion of Lytle Creek. There is also one possible waif collection from the Santa Ana River drainage in Riverside County Hall’s Monardella Chaparral, broadleaved upland Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Monardella macrantha ssp. hallii) woodland, cismontane surveys will be required. woodland, coniferous forest, and FSS valley & foothill grassland. Yes No 2,000-6,600’. San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mtns. Rock Monardella Broadleaved upland forest, Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Monardella viridis ssp. saxicola) montane chaparral, coniferous surveys will be required. FSS forest, and cismontane Yes No woodland. 1,650-6,000’. San Gabriel Mtns. Baja Navarretia Wet areas in open forest or No Suitable Habitat FSS No No (Navarretia peninsularis) chaparral. 4,950-7,600’.

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Presence of Potentially Common Name Listing Suitable General Habitat Description Affected by Comments Scientific Name Status Habitat within Project? site? Robbins’ nemacladus Nemacladus secundiflorus var. Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Nemacladus secundifloris robbinsii) robbinsii can be found at surveys will be required. elevations ranging from 350 to 1700 meters. Nemacladus secundiflorus var. robbinsii FSS inhabits a variety of habitats, Yes No including openings in chaparral, valley grasslands, and foothill grasslands. Additionally, N. s. var. robbinsii often grows on dry gravelly or sandy slopes. Short-joint Beavertail Chaparral, Joshua tree Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Opuntia basilaris var. brachyclada) woodland, pinyon/juniper surveys will be required. FSS woodland, and Mojavean desert Yes No scrub. 4000-7500. San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mtns. Woolly mountain-parsley (Oreonana Loose rock, upper montane and No Suitable Habitat vestita) subalpine coniferous forest. FSS No No High ridges of San Gabriel Mountains. 8000’-11500’. Rock-loving oxytrope Loose rock, upper montane and No Suitable Habitat (Oxytropis oreophila oreophila) subalpine coniferous forest. FSS No No High ridges of San Gabriel Mountains. San Bernardino grass-of-Parnassus Parnassia cirrata var. cirrata No Suitable Habitat (Parnassia cirrata var. Cirrata) grows at 700-2500 m elevations FSS and inhabits lower and upper No No montane coniferous forests, meadow and seep, and wetlands. Southern skullcap Scutellaria bolanderi subsp. Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Scutellaria bolanderi ssp. austromontana occurs in mesic surveys will be required. austromontana) soils within chaparral, FSS cismontane woodland, and lower Yes No montane coniferous forest communities at 425-2000 meter elevations. Parish’s Checkerbloom Chaparral, cismontane Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Sidalcea hickmanii ssp. parishii) FSS woodland, and open coniferous Yes No surveys will be required. forest. 3,300-8,250’. Salt Spring checkerbloom Sidalcea neomexicana is usually Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Sidalcea neomexicana) found between 30 and 1530 m surveys will be required. (100-5020 ft), but one site was as high as 2380 m (7800 ft). The species prefers moist alkaline FSS areas such as springs, marshes, Yes No bogs, swamps, or playas. It has been found on hillsides, on roadcuts and roadsides, in pastures and fields, and in meadows. Chickweed starry puncturebract Sandy or gravelly flats, washes, Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Sidotheca caryphylloides) FSS and slopes, chaparral, montane Yes No surveys will be required. conifer woodlands; 4200’-8400’. Southern Jewelflower Rocky openings in chaparral, Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Streptanthus campestris) conifer forest, oak woodland, surveys will be required. 2000’-9000’. High variation in FSS Yes No habitat and elevation of species. San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino counties. Mason's neststraw Stylocline masonii is found at Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Stylocline masonii) elevations between 100 and surveys will be required. 1200 m (330-3940 ft). It is FSS Yes No usually found in dry washes, flats, plains, canyon bottoms, or flats along rivers or streams.

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Presence of Potentially Common Name Listing Suitable General Habitat Description Affected by Comments Scientific Name Status Habitat within Project? site? Areas are generally flat to gently sloped, and open, often barren. San Bernardino aster Symphyotrichum Coastal scrub and lower Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project defoliatum FSS montane coniferous forest. Yes No surveys will be required.

Sonoran Maiden Fern Streams, meadows, and seeps Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Thelypteris puberula) below 1800’. surveys will be required.

FSS Yes No

Rigid fringepod Although there is little habitat Suitable habitat in the area. . Pre-project (Thysanocarpus rigidus) information, T. rigidus seems to surveys will be required. prefer dry rocky slopes or ridges, Yes No FSS or generally open areas. It grows between 600 and 2200 m (1970- 7200 ft).

STATUS CODES: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FE = Listed as Endangered by the Federal Government FT = Listed as Threatened by the Federal Government FC = Candidate for Federal Listing FPE = Federally Proposed Endangered FPT = Federally Proposed Threatened Angeles National Forest FSS = Forest Service Sensitive

VI. EFFECTS ANALYSIS AND SPECIES ACCOUNTS

Pre-Field Analysis The Jepson Manual (Hickman 2012), Rare Find 5 (CNDDB’s database), Consortium of California Herbaria and existing field surveys were used to determine which species could occur within the elevational and habitat parameters of the project area.

Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, and Candidate Species

Based upon pre-survey results, field reconnaissance results, California Diversity Database and California Herbarium Consortium search results, the Project Area project area does not contain suitable or designated critical habitat for any threatened, endangered or candidate plant species.

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The following species do not have potential to occur in the action area and are dropped from further review: • Braunton’s Milk-vetch • Nevin’s Barberry • Thread-leaved Brodiaea • Slender-horned Spineflower

A. Forest Service Plant Sensitive Species

Based upon pre-survey results, field reconnaissance results, California Diversity Database and California Herbarium Consortium search results, the Action Area has occupied and/or suitable habitat for the following species: (Field surveys won’t be conducted until just prior to project initiation which is the appropriate floristic window for locating sensitive plant species)

• Abrams’ flowery puncturebract • Interior manzanita • Scalloped moonwort • Club-haired mariposa lily • Slender mariposa lily • Late-flowered mariposa lily • Palmer’s mariposa lily • Alkali mariposa lily • Late-flowered mariposa lily • Parry’s spineflower • San Fernando Valley Spineflower • San Gabriel River dudleya • San Gabriel Mountain dudleya • Many-stemmed dudleya • Forest Camp sandwort • San Gabriel bedstraw • Urn-flowered alumroot • Mesa horkelia • California satintail • Fragrant pitcher sage • Orcutt’s linanthus • Hall’s monardella • Rock monardella • Robbins’ nemacladus • Short-joint beavertail • Southern skullcap • Parish’s checkerbloom • Salt Spring checkerbloom

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• Chickweed starry puncturebract • Southern jewelflower • Mason’s neststraw • San Bernardino aster • Sonoran maiden fern • Rigid frindgepod

Survey Results Field surveys have not been conducted. Floristic surveys will be completed spring 2018.

Species Description Species Descriptions are not included in this Botany BEBA. They can be found on file at the Angeles National Forest, Supervisor’s Office or are available upon request.

Effects Analysis Plant Direct and Indirect Effects Project Duration: This project will begin in fall 2019 and likely take 2 years to complete (depending on the number of PAL level restrictions and Limited Operating Periods LOPs). The construction is a single occurrence event but recreation pattern will change as a result of this project. Parking spaces will reduce 3 spaces from 273 to 270. It’s possible there will be fewer high number days because there will be fewer parking spaces but more recreationist throughout the year because facilities and other improvements in the project area will make the site a better recreation experience. Additionally, access to the creek will be directed and concentrated, other use will be more dispersed. It is unknown how long it will take to restore the disturbance. It’s unknown how much recreation will be dispersed and what those use patterns will be. It’s also unknown how many additional recreation users will use the East Fork area.

Range of Species: Plant surveys have not been conducted. They will be conducted in spring 2018. For analysis purposes, all Federal listed and Forest Service Sensitive species with suitable habitat are considered. The species considered are the following:

Effects of the Project common to all activities:

Direct Effects for Plants

• Vehicle and foot traffic may crush plants resulting in injury or mortality • Native plant species including listed species will be removed. • Soil scraping and trail/road construction will result in a loss of individuals and seeds. • Pruning and thinning may affect shrub plant vigor.

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Indirect Effects for Plants

• Soil compaction decreases water absorption and increases water runoff and may decrease the ability of native species to become established or survive • Non-native vegetation may become established and exclude native species • Non-natives can decrease the vigor or kill native species such as scrub oaks and lead to microsite changes • When ground cover is modified and areas of bare soil are created, microsite conditions are modified and habitat suitability reduced • Site conditions in adjacent habitats are modified by removal of vegetation or the spread of weeds • Disturbed soils provide opportunities for establishment of non-natives • Dust and mud splatter generated by vehicles may land on vegetation adjacent to roads and parking areas and reduce plant vigor • Contaminated soils may reduce the ability of plants to become established or survive. • All disturbance activities and areas can introduce and encourage non-native species. Non- natives can act as a vector for diseases affecting native plants • Disturbance areas with a lack of vegetation may allow for increased unauthorized OHV travel. This OHV traffic will prohibit or reduce the vigor of native vegetation regrowth, while allowing for the spread of non-native species.

General Project Construction: This project will have a construction impacts consistent with any major construction. A total of 29.3 acres will be cleared of vegetation and grubbed to remove roots. Following clearing and grubbing, building foundations, parking areas and overlook trail sections would be graded based on final site layout plans. A total of 12,330 cubic yards will be cut, 617 cubic yards of which would be used as fill material. Excess excavated material not required as fill (approximately 11,714 cubic yards) would be disposed of or stockpiled. All equipment and building foundations would be constructed on native soil (following excavation of several feet of topsoil) or structural fill. Soils will be compacted and grading design would be based on local topography. It’s unclear how much land will be disturbed from temporarily impacted from construction activities.

The impacts from these activities will be a total loss of vegetation.

Trail Construction: It’s unclear how many trees will need to be removed as a result of this project. The trees most likely to be removed are upland scrub oaks. Other trees may need to have limbs removed. Trees and tree limbs will be cut using individuals with chain saws

Recreation Impacts: As result of this project, recreation patterns in the project area will change. It’s difficult know exactly how the numbers of visitors will change. The actual parking spaces will decrease but spaces will be designated and not general parking. For example, cars will have to park in designated spaces and when those spaces are full, visitors will have to park further and walk further

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or drive to another destination. Currently cars can park in a manner that actually allows more cars because drivers can double/triple park.

It’s also difficult to determine how much visitation will increase because of the improved facilities and increased public outreach.

Concentrated use will occur around the stream. Depending on the level of use, trampling may injure plants, kill them or reduce the seed bank.

Concentrated foot traffic lead to soil compaction. An indirect effect of soil compaction may be that native vegetation is unable to survive and non-native species become established. When soils are compacted, the ability to absorb water is decreased and runoff rates are increased. This decreases the habitat suitability for many native species and facilitates the establishment of non- natives. Accumulations of dust and mud on plant foliage can affect vigor due to a reduction in photosynthesis.

Removal of natives is a direct effect. Any introduction, intended or accidental of horticultural, non-native plants directly affects the native flora. Any vegetation crushing may affect plant vigor and may also alter the site microclimate thereby changing the plant and wildlife species that use the understory.

This project could introduce invasive species from vehicles and foot traffic. Some invasive plants do not spread rapidly while others may aggressively colonize surrounding areas

The amount of bare soil is directly dependent upon the amount of vegetation removed. Areas of bare soil are subject to greater amounts of erosion, sunlight, increased soil temperatures and reduced soil moisture. Many invasive plant species such as yellow star-thistle (Centaurea solstitialis) and black mustard (Brassica nigra) respond positively to disturbance and will aggressively spread. For other species, these modified conditions may exclude their presence. Reducing the density of vegetation within the clearance areas will also affect adjacent habitats by increasing the amount of wind and sunlight exposure.

In some areas restoration will be necessary (currently disturbed and user generated trails and areas disturbed during construction). If restoration is not successful, this disturbance can become a highway for invasive species to spread. Additionally, if the cut materials such as non-native plants are not disposed of properly they may promote the spread of non-natives. Tocolote and non-native annual grasses can spread into previously uncontaminated areas. Clearing and constructing new temporary roads also opens up the general area to further unauthorized OHV use.

Roadsides can encourage pioneer native plants but it can also be a problematic avenue for invasive plants to spread. If vehicle traffic increases as a result of this project, there is a change more vehicle traffic can increase invasive species spread. Vehicle tires, undercarriages, bumpers etc, are commonly known to disperse invasive plant seeds such as yellow star-thistle.

Direct impacts to all species could include trampling by construction crews, forest visitors,

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crushing or damaging plants with equipment, and/or crushing. The disturbances created could adversely impact special status species indirectly by creating habitat and providing vectors for nonnative plant invasion and dispersed recreation.

Cummulative Effects for Plants: Projects considered for cummulative effects: The following list of projects are considered reasonably foreseeable future actions with the potential to combine with effects of the Proposed Action and result in cumulative effects: • Site specific fuels projects –Administrative Defense Zones on the San Gabriel River Ranger District. Existing NEPA decision. Implementation will continue as described in the proposed actions. • Forest-wide Invasive Weed Species Removal EA. A Botany Resources report will be included for Cattle Canyon EIS. Positive cumulative effects. • SGOHV Master Plan Development. FS received a LA County grant for a non-NEPA document. In the proposal phase. • Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA RICS) proposing a new tower on Pine Mountain is around 7 miles west of the project area (Same watershed?). FEMA prepared a programmatic EA. FS will prepare a CE/DM. no additional new roads being proposed. Cumulative visual effects (?). • LA County Flood Control Sediment Removal Projects – San Gabriel Dam sediment placement operation and maintenance in the near future. Permit reissuance. Continue existing use.

Non-Forest Service projects: • In 2016, local city partners had operated a public shuttle to the hiking trails in the Forest (specifically to Fish Canyon). Discussions with partners to collaborate on bringing more alternative transportation options has been on going. In the future, there will likely be buses/shuttles operated by partners and/or third parties brining visitors to the project area. • LA County Fire Camp 19 bridge work. Sediment removal project and/or bridge rapair. • Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Arundo Treatment Project. Herbicide use and biomass removal. • California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Projects. Ongoing Road and Bridge Maintenance and Emergancy Repair Projects.

VIII. Summary of Determination Statements

A. Federal listed species and critical habitat.

It is my determination that implementation of the Project will not affect any federally listed plant species or their critical habitat.

B. Forest Sensitive species 26

It is my determination that the Cattle Canyon Project may affect individuals, but is not likely to result in a trend toward Federal listing or loss of viability for any Forest Service Sensitive species.

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IX. REFERENCES

APGI: Angiosperm Phylogeny Group. 2003. An update of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification for the orders and families of flowering plants: APG II. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 141:399-436.

Arno S.F.; Allison-Bunnell, S. 2002. Flames in our forest: Disaster or renewal? Washington, DC: Island Press.

Bias, M.A.; Gutiérrez, R.J. 1992. Habitat relations of California spotted owls in the central Sierra Nevada. Journal of Wildlife Management 56: 388-392.

Boyd, S., and Mistretta, O. 2006. Lepechinia rossii (Lamniaceae), a narrow endemic from the Western transverse ranges of southern California. Madrono 53(1):77-84.

Boyd, S., and Raz, L. 1997. Angeles National Forest, Botanical Assessment of the Knapp Ranch Area, Liebre Mountains, Saugus Ranger District.

Boyd, S.. 1998. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden occasional publications, No. 5: Vascular flora of the Liebre Mountains, western transverse ranges, California. Ranch Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont, California.

[CDFG] California Department of Fish and Game. 1994. Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California, San Diego Horned Lizard, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California. Available: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/hcpb/species/search_species.shtml.

[CDFG] California Department of Fish and Game. 2004. California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System. California Department of Fish and Game California Interagency Wildlife Task Group Available: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/whdab/html/m038.html. Last modified March 15, 2004.

[CDFG] California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2014. California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System. California Department of Fish and Game California Interagency Wildlife Task Group M037 Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (Plecotus townsendii). Available: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/whdab/html/M037.html. Last modified May 18, 2004.

[CNDDB] California Natural Diversity Data Base 2014. RareFind, Version 3. California Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, CA.

[CNPS] California Native Plant Society 2003. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants online edition, v6.2). Rare Plant Scientific Advisory Committee, David P. Tibor, Ed. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. Available: http://www.cnps.org/inventory

CalFlora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation. [web application]. 2014.

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Cal-IPC 2014. California Invasive Plant Inventory Database. California Invasive Plant Council. http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/inventory

CCH (Consortium of California Herbaria). 2013. Consortium of California Herbaria Database. Regents of the University of California. .

Costea, Mihai & James L. Reveal. 2011 (in press). Polygonaceae. In B. G. Baldwin et al. (eds.), Jepson Manual II: Vascular Plants of California. Univ. of California Press, Berkeley. Retrieved from ucjeps.berkeley.edu/jepsonmanual/review/ on 23 June 2011.

Endangered Species Act. 1973. FR 16; 1531-1544.

Fisher, R.N. and T.J. Case. 1997. Autecology of coastal sage scrub herpetofauna on reserve lands: Southwestern Riverside County. Contract report to Metropolitan Water District.

Fraga, Naomi. 2004. Occurrence discovery record for Linanthus concinnus at Lytle Creek Canyon. On file, San Bernardino National Forest.

Garrett, K.; Dunn, J. 1981. Birds of southern California: Status and distribution. Los Angeles, CA: LosAngeles Audubon Society.

Grinnell, J.; Miller, A.H. 1944. The distribution of the birds of California. Pacific Coast Avifauna 27.

Hermanson, J.W. and O'Shea, T.J. 1983. Antrozous pallidus. Mammalian Species 213: 1-8.

Hickman, James C. 2012. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA. 156 pp.

Jennings, M.R. and Hayes, M.P. 1994. Amphibian and reptile species of special concern in California. Special Publication. Rancho Cordova, CA: California Department of Fish and Game.

Klauber, L.M. 1931. A new subspecies of the California boa, with notes on the genus Lichanura. Transactions of the San Diego Society of Natural History 20:305-318.

Keeley, J. E., L. Boykin, A. Massihi. 1997. Phenetic analysis of Arctostaphylos parryana. I. Two new burl-forming subspecies. Madroño 44(3): 253-267.

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Minnich, Richard A.; Barbour, Michael G.; Burk, Jack H.; Fernau, Robert F. 1995. Sixty years of change in California conifer forests of the San Bernardino Mountains. Conservation Biology 9(4):902-914

Mistretta, Orlando; Brown, William J. 1987. Species management guide for Castilleja gleasonii (Rose) Moran. Technical report No. 1. Claremont, CA: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, Angeles National Forest and Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.

O'Farrell, M.J.; Studier, E.H. 1980. Myotis thysanodes. Mammalian Species 137: 1-5. American Society of Mammalogists.

Parker, V. T., M. C. Vasey, J. E. Keeley. 2009. Arctostaphylos. In: Flora of North America Editorial Committee, eds. 1993+. Flora of North America North of Mexico. 12+ vols. New York and Oxford Vol. 8. Available at: http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=102495

Parker, V. T., M. C. Vasey, J. E. Keeley. 2011. Arctostaphylos. The Jepson eFlora: ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html, retrieved 8 Nov. 2011.

Philpott, W. 1997. Summaries of the life histories of California bat species. Unpublished document. USDA Forest Service, Sierra National Forest, Pineridge Ranger Station.

Reveal, James L. 2004. Harvard Papers. Botany 9:144

Sawyer, John O.; Keeler-Wolf, Todd. 1995. A Manual of California Vegetation. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA.

Stebbins, R.C. 2003. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibian. 3rd ed. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Stephenson, J. 1989. Habitat management plan and species management guide for California spotted owls (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) on the San Bernardino National Forest. San Bernardino, CA: USDA Forest Service, San Bernardino National Forest.

Stephenson, John R.; Calcarone, Gena M. 1999. Southern California Mountains and Foothills Assessment: Habitat and Species Conservation Issues. General Technical Report GTR- PSW-172. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture;

USDA. Report # RO-12-01, Hazard Tree Guidelines For Forest Service Facilities and Roads in the Pacific Southwest Region.

USDA 1981 [as updated]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, ANF Soil Survey.

USDA 2005. Land Management Plan, Part 1: Southern California National Forests Vision (R5- MB-075), Part 2: Angeles National Forest Strategy (R5-MB-076) and Part 3: Design

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Criteria for the Southern California National forests (R5-MB-080). Pacific Southwest Region.

USDA Forest Service. 2010. Angeles National Forest, Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project Evaluation.

Final Environmental Impact Statement: Angeles National Forest Land Management Plan. Pacific Southwest Region. Accessible on web, http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/scfpr/projects/lmp/docs

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Wells, P.V. 1990. The Four Seasons 9(2):45-53.

Williams, Daniel F; Verner, Jared; Sakai, Howard F.; Waters, Jeffrey R. 1992. General biology of major prey species of the California spotted owl. In: In: Verner, J, K. S. McKelvey, B. R. Noon, R. J. Gutiérrez, G. I. Gould, and T. W. Beck (technical coordinators), The California spotted owl: a technical assessment of its current status. General Technical Report PSW-GTR-133. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service; 207-221.

Zedler, Paul H., Gautier, Clayton R., and McMaster, Gregory S. 1983. Vegetation change in response to extreme events; the effect of a short interval between fires in California chaparral and coastal scrub. Ecology 64(4):809-818.

Zeiner, D.C., Laudenslayer, W.F., Jr., Mayer, K.E., White, M., eds. 1990. California's wildlife. Volume II. Birds. Sacramento, CA: California Statewide Wildlife Habitat Relationships System, California Department of Fish and Game.

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APPENDIX A

VEHICLE WASHING GUIDELINES

To minimize the potential for spreading and/or introducing invasive plant species, the following precautionary measures will be followed:

1) All equipment except trucks, vans, pickups, and cars used for daily transport of personnel, will be cleaned prior to entering Forest Service land. This includes wheels, undercarriages and bumpers. All washing must take place where rinse water is collected and disposed of in either a sanitary sewer, a landfill, or other facility authorized to accept such rinse water.

2) Because invasive weeds are present within the project area, all equipment and tools used must also be washed AFTER work has been completed.

3) Holder shall certify in writing compliance with the terms of this provision prior to each start-up of operations.

4) Holder shall notify Forest Service at least two working days prior to moving each piece of equipment onto National Forest Land, unless otherwise agreed. Notification will include vehicle washing information. Upon request of Forest Service, arrangements will be made for Forest Service to inspect each piece of equipment prior to it being placed in service.

5) Any new infestations of invasive species in the work area or on the access route shall be promptly reported to the Forest Botanist.

6) Upon request, the Forest Botanist can provide a current list of invasive species of concern.

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CERTIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT CLEANING

Project Name: ______

Holder: ______

I certify that the following equipment is free of soil, seeds, vegetative matter, or other debris that could contain or hold seeds. Cleaning was done outside the proclaimed boundary of any National Forest.

Equipment Description, Location of Identification last Number Operation Cleaning Location Date Cleaned or Storage

______

Signature of Holder or Authorized Representative Date

Inspected by Forest Service (at FS discretion): ______FS Representative Date

Certification is needed any time equipment is moved onto National Forest land or between work sites for this project.

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