Biological Resources Evaluation for the Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project
Yolo County, CA
Prepared by:
Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. 6355 Riverside Blvd., Suite C Sacramento, CA 95831 Phone: 916/ 427-0703 Contact: Mike Bower, M.S., PWS #2230
Prepared for:
The Buzz Oates Group of Companies 8615 Elder Creek Road Sacramento, CA 95828 Phone: 916/ 379-3838 Contact: Alisha Olson, Development Project Manager
August 2015
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Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
Biological Resources Evaluation for the Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project
Yolo County, CA
TABLE OF CONTENTS I. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS ...... 1 II. INTRODUCTION ...... 2 A. Purpose of Report ...... 2 B. Project Location ...... 2 C. Project Applicant ...... 2 D. Project Description ...... 2 III. STUDY METHODS ...... 9 A. Studies Conducted ...... 9 B. Survey Dates, Personnel, and Coverage ...... 9 C. Problems Encountered and Limitations That May Influence Results ...... 9 D. Literature Search ...... 9 E. Field Survey Methods ...... 10 F. Mapping ...... 10 IV. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING ...... 11 A. Soils ...... 11 B. Weather and Climate Conditions ...... 12 C. Biological Communities ...... 15 1. Agriculture ...... 21 2. Ruderal ...... 21 3. Mace Drainage Channel ...... 21 4. Farm Roads / Disturbed ...... 22 5. Urban ...... 22 D. The Existing Level of Disturbance ...... 22 V. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES IN THE BIOLOGICAL STUDY AREA ...... 23 A. Determination of Special-Status Species in the Biological Study Area ...... 23 B. Special-Status Species not in the Biological Study Area ...... 24 C. Evaluation of Special-Status Wildlife Species ...... 24 1. Invertebrates ...... 24 2. Reptiles ...... 26 3. Birds ...... 28 D. Evaluation of Special-Status Plant Species ...... 33 E. Evaluation of Special-Status Natural Communities ...... 38 F. Potentially Jurisdictional Waters ...... 39
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G. Evaluation of Trees ...... 39 VI. LITERATURE CITED & PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS ...... 40 A. Literature Cited ...... 40 B. Personal Communications ...... 43 VII. PREPARERS ...... 44
FIGURES Figure 1. Project Location ...... 5 Figure 2. Aerial Photograph ...... 7 Figure 3. Soils Map ...... 13 Figure 4. Biological Resources Map ...... 17
TABLES Table 1. Survey Dates and Personnel ...... 9 Table 2. USGS Quads Evaluated for the Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project ...... 10 Table 3. Biological Communities and Other Features in the BSA ...... 15 Table 4. Special-Status Species with the Potential to Occur in the BSA ...... 23 Table 5. Summary of Potentially Affected Trees...... 39
APPENDICES Appendix A. Plant and Wildlife Species Observed Appendix B. USFWS Species List Appendix C. CNDDB Summary Report and CNPS Inventory Query Appendix D. Photographs Appendix E. Species Evaluated Table Appendix F. Map of GGS Habitat by the Yolo Heritage Program Appendix G. Spring 2015 Botanical Survey Results Memo
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I. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS This biological resources evaluation report was prepared for the Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project (Project) to document baseline biological conditions observed in 2014. The report was updated in August 2015 to include the results of a spring botanical survey (Appendix G). The 265.09-ac Biological Study Area (BSA) is located adjacent to the east side of the City of Davis in Yolo County, CA.
Elderberry shrubs, the host plant for the valley elderberry longhorn beetle (federally threatened), are present in the BSA. However, no exit holes for the beetle were observed on any of these plants.
The agricultural and ruderal areas within the BSA provide foraging habitat for Swainson’s hawk (State threatened) and tricolored blackbird (State emergency listed). A few trees in the BSA and trees in two eucalyptus groves located near the BSA provide potential nesting habitat for Swainson’s hawk. The Mace Drainage Channel (MDC) provides marginal nesting habitat for tricolored blackbird.
The BSA provides marginal to suitable foraging and/or nesting habitat for the following wildlife species of special concern: burrowing owl, mountain plover, white-tailed kite (fully protected), song sparrow – Modesto population, birds of prey, and migratory bird species.
An estimated 10 individuals of Parry’s rough tarplant, a CNPS Rank 4.2 plant species, were found in the BSA south of Ikeda’s Market. No other potential special-status plants were observed. The botanical surveys were not conducted during the evident and identifiable period for all the plants with potential to occur in the BSA.
A total of 0.81 ac of the MDC contains managed freshwater marsh vegetation and is a sensitive natural community. No other sensitive natural communities occur in the BSA. A concurrently prepared wetland delineation determined that no Clean Water Act jurisdictional wetlands or waters occur in the BSA.
Eight young trees occur in the portion of the BSA proposed for development. Seven of these trees are protected under City of Davis Municipal Code.
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II. INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose of Report The purpose of this report is to document baseline biological resources in the Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project (Project) Biological Study Area (BSA).
B. Project Location The 265.09-ac BSA is located east of Mace Blvd., north of Interstate 80, east of the City of Davis, CA, in the Central Valley. The BSA is on the Davis USGS topographic quad (T8N, R2E, Sections 1 & 12 and T8N, R3E, Sections 6 & 7, Mt. Diablo Base & Meridian; Figure 1) and is in the Lower Sacramento Hydrologic Unit (Hydrologic Unit Code 18020163). The geographic coordinates of the BSA are 38.56085º north, 121.689075º west (WGS84), and the UTM coordinates are 614,216 meters east, 4,268,860 meters north, Zone 10N (WGS84). Figure 2 is a 2 February 2012 aerial photo of the BSA and surrounding area.
C. Project Applicant Applicant: Yolo 101 JV, c/o The Buzz Oates Group of Companies 8615 Elder Creek Road Sacramento, CA 95828 916/ 379-3834 Contact: Peggy Grillo, Development Project Manager
D. Project Description Yolo 101 JV, “the Applicant,” is seeking to develop an innovation and technology park known as the Mace Ranch Innovation Center (MRIC; the “Project”). The Project is located immediately east of the City of Davis city limits, near the “Mace Curve,” in Yolo County, approximately 2.5 mi east of downtown Davis (see Figure 1). Regional access to the Project site is provided by the Interstate 80/Mace Blvd interchange, located southwest of the Project site. The MRIC will be an area where leading-edge technology institutions cluster and connect with start-ups, businesses incubators, and accelerators as well as the University of California, Davis. The MRIC will offer a mix of building types and uses including office, research and development, prototyping, light manufacturing, flex space and support retail. The Project will provide for construction of approximately 2.6 million square feet of industrial research office and development space, of which there may be up to 260,000 square feet (10%) of supportive commercial. The Project is proximate to a Yolo Bus stop at the park-and-ride lot, from which landscaped pedestrian connection will be improved to the site and its primary north-south pedestrian promenade.
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Offsite, two alternative sewer line connections are being evaluated: one which extends from the northeast side of the site, northward approximately 0.6 mi, along Road 104, and another which extends from the east side of the site, eastward approximately 0.5 mi, along a farm road, to Road 105.
The 263.09-ac Biological Study Area (BSA) is larger than the 228-ac Project site because it includes the offsite sewer line connection alternatives. The BSA consists of:
The MRIC site (212 ac) north of CR 32A, identified by Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 033-630-009; 033-650-009, and -026, currently in row crop agriculture.
The Annexation Area (16 ac) area south of CR 32A consisting of APNs 033-630-011 (Ikeda’s Market), 033-630-006 (a City-owned water tank and Caltrans District 3 Park-and- Ride lot), and 033-630-012 (agricultural uses, currently fallow). The Annexation Area is included in the Project to avoid creation of County “Island” property.
A buffer around two proposed offsite sewer line connection alternatives located north and east of the MRIC site respectively. The eastern sewer line alternative crosses APN 033-290- 04 (row crop agriculture). The northern sewer line alternative crosses APN 033-290-02, -04, -82, and -83; 033-650-027; and 042-130-03 (all in row crop agriculture).
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MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. 4 «¬5 Nevada 20 Yuba Colusa «¬ County County County Sutter County «¬80 Placer County «¬193
16 COUNTY ROAD 30 «¬ El Dorado Yolo County County «¬113 Project Location Napa «¬113 County Sacramento County Amador «¬113 County Solano County
COUNTY ROAD 30B Project San Joaquin County COUNTYROAD 104 Location Contra Costa County 0 105Miles «¬4 «¬4 COUNTYROAD 105
Mace Ranch Innovation Center Yolo County, CA 8 January 2015
Figure 1. Location Map
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD ¨¦§80 Project Location COUNTY ROAD 32
MACEBOULEVARD
CITY OF 2,000 1,000 0 2,000 Feet DAVIS Scale: 1 inch = 2,000 feet ³
SYCAMORE Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Davis, CA (1992) USGS 7.5' Quadrangle Topographic DRG 7.5 Minute (C) Series, Albers Nad83 Mosaics (MrSID) CA Spatial Library (CASIL) o_nw0201.sid
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APN 033 290 83
APN 033 290 02
APN 033 290 01
APN 071 130 02 APN 033 290 82
COUNTY ROAD 30B
APN 033 650 027
APN 033-209-58 APN 071 130 03 COUNTY ROAD 104
COUNTY ROAD 105 APN 071 130 03 APN 071 130 05 ! APN 033-209-59 APN 033 290 04
YOLO
COUNTY FLOW ! MACE DRAINAGE CHANNEL (to Yolo Bypass)
APN 033 630 09 DAVIS CITY LIMITSDAVIS
Ikeda's Market
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD APN 033 630 11
COUNTY ROAD 32A APN 033 063 99 YOLO COUNTY ! APN 033 630 12 DAVIS CITY LIMITS ¨¦§80
MACE BOULEVARD APN 033 630 06 Park & Ride
Mace Ranch Innovation Center 600 400 200 0 600 Feet Yolo County, CA 8 January 2015 Scale: 1 inch = 600 feet ³ Biological Study Area (BSA) Parcel Boundary SYCAMORE Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Aerial Photograph: 2 February 2012 US-CA-Sacramento, UC-G Microsoft Imagery Figure 2. Aerial Photograph ESRI World Imagery Basemap Service Layer Yolo County Tax Parcels GIS layer (10 Sept. 2014) 14087MaceInnovation_BREFig2AerialMap.mxd Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
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III. STUDY METHODS
A. Studies Conducted Studies included conducting baseline biological field surveys; a botanical survey, obtaining and analyzing data from state and federal agencies; and reviewing maps, aerial photographs, and published literature. An evaluation of biological resources was conducted to determine if any state or federal-listed special- status plant or wildlife species or their habitat occur in the BSA.
B. Survey Dates, Personnel, and Coverage Biological and botanical surveys conducted for this project are summarized in Table 1 below.
Table 1. Survey Dates and Personnel Date(s) Personnel Area(s) Surveyed Surveys Conducted
7 October 2014 Mike Bower, M.S. Entire BSA Reconnaissance survey Mike Bower, M.S. Biological and botanical survey. Wetland 10 December 2014 Entire BSA Noosheen Pouya, B.S. delineation fieldwork 23 December 2014 Chuck Hughes, M.S. Entire BSA Arborist survey Mike Bower, M.S. 19 May 2015 Entire BSA Botanical survey Juan Mejia, B.S.
C. Problems Encountered and Limitations That May Influence Results The botanical surveys were not conducted at a time of year when all special-status plants would be expected to be evident and identifiable. No other problems or limitations were encountered.
D. Literature Search Information on the biology, distribution, taxonomy, legal status, and other aspects of the special-status species was obtained from documents on file in the library of Sycamore Environmental. Standard references used for the biology and taxonomy of plants included Abrams (1923-1960); Baldwin et al. (2012); Hickman, ed. (1993); Mason (1957); and Munz (1959). References pertaining to biological communities include California Department of Fish and Wildlife (2010); Holland (1986); Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995); and Sawyer et al. (2009). Standard references used for the biology and taxonomy of wildlife included Behler and King (1979); Ehrlich et al. (1988); Jameson and Peeters (2004); Jennings and Hayes (1994); Mayer and Laudenslayer, eds. (1988); McGinnis (1984); Peterson (1990); Sibley (2003); Stebbins (2003); Udvardy (1977); Verner and Boss (1980); Whitaker (1980); and Zeiner et al. (1988; 1990a,b). On-line references included California Native Plant Society (2014); CalPhotos (2014); and the Consortium of California Herbaria (CCH 2014).
Lists of CDFW special-status species reviewed included Special Animals (CDFW 2014a), State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California (CDFW 2014b), Special Vascular
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Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List (CDFW 2014c), and State and Federally Listed Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Plants of California (CDFW 2014d).
A search of the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB, dated 2 September 2014; CDFW 2014e) was conducted for the Davis and 8 adjacent USGS quads to determine known records of special-status species in or near the BSA. A CNDDB summary report for the nine quads is in Appendix B. Table 2 lists the USGS quads evaluated.
Table 2. USGS Quads Evaluated for the Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Woodland Grays Bend Taylor Monument Merritt Davis Sacramento West Dixon Saxon Clarksburg
Sycamore Environmental obtained a list from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS 2014), Sacramento Field Office that identifies federal-listed species that potentially occur in or could be affected by projects on the Davis USGS quad or by projects in Yolo County (Appendix C).
E. Field Survey Methods Biological surveys conducted for this report consisted of biologists walking through the BSA while looking for special-status wildlife species, their sign, and their habitat. Areas adjacent to the BSA were also inspected for important habitat features such as elderberry shrubs, vernal pools, burrows, and other wetlands/waters. The location of important habitat features were recorded with a sub-meter accurate GPS. All wildlife observed in or near the BSA was recorded (Appendix A).
The botanical surveys for this report followed the guidelines set forth by USFWS (1996), CDFW (2009), and California Native Plant Society (CNPS 2001), where applicable. The BSA was walked by botanists searching for special-status plants. Emphasis was placed on areas that were not recently tilled as a result of ongoing agricultural operations, including: the edges of fields, the detention basin, and the bed and banks of the Mace Drainage Channel (MDC). Surveys coincided with the evident and identifiable period for most but not all special-status species with potential to occur. Plant species observed were either identified on-site or collected and identified later using Hickman, ed. (1993) or Baldwin et al. (2012). Nomenclature and taxonomy used in this document follow Baldwin et al. (2012). All plants species observed in the BSA were recorded (Appendix A).
A formal wetland delineation report has been prepared separately. Data collection for the formal wetland delineation report was conducted on 10 December 2014.
F. Mapping Biological resources observed by Sycamore Environmental were mapped using a Trimble GeoXT sub- meter accurate GPS. The 2 February 2012 aerial photo in Figures 2 and 4 was downloaded from ESRI World Imagery. GPS data were exported to AutoCAD® and aligned with the aerial photo to create Figure 4. Biological communities were mapped based on GPS data, field observations, and interpretation of the aerial photographs available on Google Earth.
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IV. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING The BSA is located at an urban/rural interface, on the east side of the City of Davis, CA, within the unincorporated area of Yolo County, in an agricultural area in California’s Central Valley. Upland row crops are common in the area. The BSA is bordered to the west by Mace Blvd, existing commercial uses, and residences. The Union Pacific Railroad, Interstate-80 and various automotive dealerships are located to the south. Agricultural lands protected by a permanent conservation easement surround the BSA to the north and east. Elevation in the BSA ranges from approximately 20 to 30 ft above sea level. The BSA is generally flat. The Mace Drainage Channel (MDC) delivers city of Davis storm water through the BSA, east to the Yolo Bypass.
A. Soils Mapped soil units in the BSA are Capay Silty Clay Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes; Marvin Silty Clay Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes; Sycamore Silt Loam, Drained, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes; Sycamore Complex, Drained, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes; Tyndall Very Fine Sandy Loam, Drained, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes; Willows Clay, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes; and Willows Clay, Alkali, Drained, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes (Figure 3; NRCS 2014). Figure 3 is a soils map. The following description is summarized from NRCS (1972, 2014).
Capay Silty Clay Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes: These soils occur on alluvial fans, alluvial flats, interfan basins, and basin rims. They formed in moderately fine and fine textured alluvium from mostly sandstone and shale. A typical profile is very hard, very firm, sticky, very plastic very dark grayish brown clay from 0 to 21 inches; very hard, very firm, sticky, very plastic dark brown clay from 21 to 32 inches; and hard, firm, sticky, very plastic yellowish brown clay from 32 to 62 inches. This soil is slightly acid from 0 to 5 inches, neutral from 5 to 21 inches, and moderately alkaline from 21 to 62 inches. Permeability is slow to very slow. Runoff is negligible to high. Capay series soils are classified as Fine, Smectitic, Thermic Typic Haploxererts.
Marvin Silty Clay Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes: These soils occur on nearly level flood plains at elevations of 10 to 100 ft under annual grasses and forbs. They formed in fine textured alluvium from mixed sources. A typical profile is hard, friable, slightly sticky, plastic, very dark grayish brown silty clay loam from 0 to 13 inches; very hard, fium, sticky, plastic dark to very dark grayish brown heavy silty clay loam or silty clay from 13 to 42 inches; and hard, friable, sticky, plastic, dark brown silty clay loam from 42 to 60 inches. This soil is neutral to slightly acidic from 0 to 13 inches, and mildly alkaline from 13 to 60 inches. Permeability is slow. Runoff is slow. Marvin series soils are classified as Fine, Smectitic, Thermic Aquic Haploxeralfs.
Sycamore Silt Loam and Sycamore Complex, Drained, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes: These soils occur on nearly level flood plains at elevations of 10 to 100 ft. They formed in in mixed sedimentary alluvium. A typical profile is hard, friable, sticky, plastic very dark grayish brown silty clay loam from 0 to 14 inches; slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky, slightly plastic dark grayish brown silt loam from 14 to 42 inches; and slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky, slightly plastic pale brown loam from 42 to 60 inches. This soil is slightly acid from 0 to 14 inches, and mildly to moderately alkaline from 14-60 inches. Permeability is moderate to moderately slow. Runoff is slow to very slow. Sycamore series soils are classified as Fine-Silty, Mixed, Superactive, Nonacid, Thermic Molic Endoaquepts.
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Tyndall Very Fine Sandy Loam, Drained, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes: These soils occur on nearly level alluvial fans at elevations of 0 to 70 ft. They formed in sedimentary alluvium low in clay. A typical profile is soft, very friable, slightly sticky, slightly plastic dark to very dark grayish brown heavy very fine sandy loam to very fine sandy loam from 0 to 24 inches; soft, very friable, slightly sticky, slightly plastic light brownish gray to olive fine to very fine sandy loam from 24 to 46 inches; soft, friable, slightly sticky, slightly plastic dark grayish brown to pale olive sandy loam to very fine sandy loam from 46 to 52 inches. This soil is slightly to moderately alkaline from 0 to 41 inches, and strongly alkaline from 41-52 inches. Permeability is moderately rapid. Runoff is slow. The use of levees and other artificial means have improved natural drainage. Tyndall series soils are classified as Coarse-loamy, Mixed, Superactive, Calcareous, Thermic Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts.
Willows Clay, and Willows Clay, Alkali, Drained, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes: These soils occur on nearly level basins in intermountain valleys and large valleys at elevations of 20 feet to as much as 1,700ft. They formed in fine-textured mixed alluvium. A typical profile is extremely to very hard, very firm, sticky, very plastic very dark gray clay from 0 to 38 inches; and hard to very hard, very firm, sticky and very plastic olive gray clay from 38 to 72 inches. This soil is neutral from 0 to 4 inches, slightly alkaline from 4 to 13 inches, and strongly alkaline from 13 to 72 inches. Permeability is very slow. Runoff is slow. Willows series soils are classified as Fine, Smectitic, Thermic Sodic Endoaquerts.
B. Weather and Climate Conditions Most fieldwork was conducted on 10 December 2014. Precipitation in California is typically reported for the period from 1 July through 30 June of the next calendar year. The historic average precipitation from July 1 through December 10 for the National Weather Service Sacramento Executive Airport Gauge is 4.32 inches. From 1 July 2014 through 10 December 2014, the Sacramento Executive Airport Gauge received 5.36 inches of rain (NOAA 2014), or 124% of the average precipitation. The BSA had wetter than average hydrologic conditions during the 10 December 2014 fieldwork. Weather during the 7 October 2014 survey was sunny, calm, and dry. Weather during the 10 December 2014 survey was cloudy, windy, and humid. See Appendix G for weather and climate conditions prior to the 19 May 2015 botanical survey.
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Figure 3. Soils Map
Biological Study Area (BSA) Mf Mp Soil Boundary
Soil Types: St Ca Capay silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes
Mf Marvin silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes
Ca Sp Sycamore silt loam, drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes Mf Tc Sv Sycamore complex, drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes Wb Wd Tc Tyndall very fine sandy loam, drained 0 to 1 percent slopes
Rg Wb Willows clay 0 to 1 percent slopes Sv Wd Willows clay, alkali, drained 0 to 1 percent slopes Tc
1,500 0 1,500 Feet
Scale: 1 inch = 1,667 feet ³ Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Yolo County, California (27 February 2007) Sp Hydric Soils National List (March 2014), USDA NRCS
Aerial Photograph: 2 February 2012 Ra Ya US-CA-Sacramento, UC-G Microsoft Imagery ESRI World Imagery Arcmap Service Layer
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C. Biological Communities Biological communities are defined by species composition and relative abundance. Biological communities described below correlate where applicable with A Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009), and List of California terrestrial natural communities recognized by the California Natural Diversity Database (CDFW 2010). Biological communities are mapped in Figure 4 and their acreages are in Table 3. Photographs of the BSA are in Appendix D.
Table 3. Biological Communities and Other Features in the BSA Vegetation Alliances and Rarity Biological Community Acreage 3 CDFW Alliance Codes 1 Rank 2 Agriculture -- -- 215.46 Brassica nigra and other mustards (Upland mustards) Semi-natural Stands (CDFW 42.011.00 Ruderal -- 25.93 Lepidium latifolium (Perennial pepper weed patches) Semi-natural Stands (CDFW 52.205.00) Typha (angustifolia, domingensis, latifolia) Herbaceous Alliance G5 S5 Mace Drainage Channel 4 (CDFW 52.050.00) 1.66 (Vegetation managed) Lepidium latifolium (Perennial pepper weed patches) Semi-natural Stands -- (CDFW 52.205.00) Other Features
Farm Roads / Disturbed -- -- 12.82
Urban -- -- 9.22
Total: 265.09
1 Vegetation alliances based on descriptions and classification methods in Sawyer et al. (2009). Alliance codes from CDFW (2010). Some communities may lack recognized vegetation alliances or contain multiple alliances. 2 Rarity ranking follows NatureServe’s Heritage Methodology and is based on degree of imperilment as measured by rarity, trends, and threats. State (S) ranks of 1-3 are considered highly imperiled by CDFW (2010). Nonnative vegetation has no rarity rank. 3 Acreages were calculated using ArcMap functions. 4 The City of Davis regularly removes vegetation from the Mace Drainage Channel for stormwater management. See discussion of Mace Drainage Channel.
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Elderberry Shrubs !( Biological Community Acreage Eucalyptus Grove
Agriculture 215.46
Ruderal 25.93
Mace Drainage Channel 1.66
Farm Roads / Disturbed 12.82
Urban 9.22
Total 265.09
COUNTYROAD 104A
COUNTY ROAD 30B
COVELL BLVD
COUNTYROAD 104
!( SEE INSET 2
MACE DRAINAGE SHEET 2 of 2 COUNTYROAD 105 Elderberry CHANNEL
Shrub !
! ! FLOW #* #* #* #* #* (to Yolo Bypass) 1 2 #*#* 6 7 3 5
4 Eucalyptus Grove ALHAMBRA ! DR 8 #* SEE INSET 1
SHEET 2 of 2 MACE BLVD MACE Ikeda's Market
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD SECOND ST ! COUNTY ROAD 32A
Estimated 10 individuals of Parry's rough YOLO COUNTY tarplant (Centromadia DAVIS CITY LIMITS parryi ssp. rudis; CNPS
Rank 4.2) !
CHILES RD
Park & INTERSTATE 80 Ride
Mace Ranch Innovation Center 600 400 200 0 600 Feet Yolo County, CA 8 January 2015 Biological Study Area (BSA) Agriculture Scale: 1 inch = 600 feet ³ Mace Drainage Channel Ruderal !( Elderberry Shrub Location Farm Road/Disturbed SYCAMORE Environmental #* Tree Location and Number Urban Consultants, Inc. Figure 4. Aerial Photograph: 2 February 2012 Biological Reources Map US-CA-Sacramento, UC-G Microsoft Imagery Sheet 1 of 2 ESRI World Imagery Arcmap Service Layer
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Culvert
!
! ! FLOW ! *# ! *# *# *# (to Yolo Bypass) 1 2 Headwall with *# 6 7 two culvert outlets 3 *# *# 4 5 MACE BOULEVARD Detention Basin MATCHLINE
INSET 1
MACE DRAINAGE CHANNEL Arch culvert Arch culvert crossing crossing
Culvert COUNTY ROAD 105
MATCHLINE ! !
FLOW ! ! !
(to Yolo Bypass)
INSET 2
Mace Ranch Innovation Center Yolo County, CA 8 January 2015 SYCAMORE Biological Study Area (BSA) Agriculture Environmental 200 100 0 200 Feet Consultants, Inc. Mace Drainage Channel (1.66 acres in BSA) Ruderal *# Tree Location and Number Farm Road/Disturbed Scale: 1 inch = 200 feet ³ Aerial Photograph: 2 February 2012 US-CA-Sacramento, UC-G Microsoft Imagery Figure 4. Urban ESRI World Imagery Arcmap Service Layer Biological Reources Map Sheet 2 of 2, INSETS 1 & 2
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1. Agriculture A total of 215.46 ac of upland row crop agriculture occurs in the BSA (see photos in Appendix D). The agricultural fields had recently been tilled during fieldwork and appear to be in active use. Fields are flat and utilize drip irrigation (pers. comm., D. Ramos). No trees occur in the agricultural fields. The agricultural fields in the BSA have been used for agriculture since at least 1937 (Ramcon 2003).
2. Ruderal A total of 25.93 ac of ruderal habitat occurs in the BSA (see photos in Appendix D). This community is dominated by nonnative weed species including mustard (Brassica sp., most likely, Brassica nigra) perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), yellow-star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), poison hemlock, (Conium maculatum), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), filaree (Erodium sp.), and nonnative annual grasses (Bromus, Avena, Hordeum, etc.). This community occurs predominantly in fallow fields south of Road 32A, along untilled field edges, along roadsides, along the MDC, in roadside and irrigation ditches, and in the detention basin (described below). The vegetation in this community has no special status.
A 1200 x 330 ft detention basin occurs adjacent and south of the MDC near the eastern boundary of the BSA. A concrete spillway allows water from MDC to flow into the detention basin during extreme high water events. Two one-way metal flap gates in the spillway allow water to flow back into the MDC as water in the Channel recedes. The basin was constructed in approximately 1993, but was never used. This feature is visible on aerial photographs dating back to 1993 in Google Earth. None of the aerial photographs available in Google Earth show standing water in this feature. Prior to 2014, the detention basin had never held standing water (pers. comm., D. Ramos). On 10 December 2014 wrack deposition consistent with recent inundation was observed in this feature. The location of wrack deposition on the sides of the detention basin indicated that approximately 2-3 ft of water had been present in the detention basin sometime between 7 October and 10 December 2014. No water was observed in the detention basin on 10 December 2014. Soil pits dug throughout the basin as part of the concurrently prepared wetland delineation showed that soils in the detention basin are composed mostly of silt and sand.
Trees in this community are discussed in Section V.G.
3. Mace Drainage Channel A total of 1.66 ac of the Mace Drainage Channel (MDC) occurs in the BSA. The MDC is a manmade storm drainage ditch that transports urban runoff from the Mace Ranch Drainage Basin in the City of Davis east through the center of BSA, to the Yolo Bypass approximately 2.5 air miles to the east (City of Davis 2007; see photos in Attachment D). On the MRIC site, vegetation in the MDC is dominated by cattail (Typha sp.), bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus var. occidentalis), annual saltmarsh aster (Symphyotrichum subulatum), nutsedge (Cyperus eragrostis), and smartweed (Persicaria sp.). A few young nonnative sycamores (Platanus sp.) one nonnative Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) sapling, one young native Goodding’s black willow (Salix gooddingii), and one young Fremont’s cottonwood (Populus fremontii) occur along this portion of the MDC (see Evaluation of Trees in Section V.G). Vegetation in the MDC is dominated by cattail and would be classified as Typha (angustifolia,
MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. 21 Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA domingensis, latifolia) herbaceous alliance (CDFW 52.050.00; rarity rank G5 S5). East of the MRIC site, along the eastern sewer alignment alternative, the MDC is dominated by perennial pepperweed and vegetation could be classified as Lepidium latifolium Semi-natural Stand (CDFW 52.205.00, no rarity rank). East of the MRIC site, the MDC is not dominated by cattail and bulrush. A few cottonwoods and willows occur along the MDC along the eastern sewer alignment alternative. Vegetation in the MDC is periodically removed by the City of Davis (City of Davis 2006; pers. comm., D. Ramos). Vegetation clearing has occurred in much of the ditch within the last year. On both 7 October and 10 December 2014, water estimated 0-12 inches deep was observed in western half of the MDC within the MRIC site. No water was observed in the eastern half of the MDC on the MRIC site, or in the MDC along the eastern sewer alignment alternative.
4. Farm Roads / Disturbed A total of 12.82 ac of farm roads and other disturbed areas occurs in the BSA. Farm roads occur north of and adjacent to the MDC on the MRIC site, on both sides of the MDC along the eastern sewer alignment alternative, along agricultural field edges, and in fallow fields south of Road 32A. Farm roads and disturbed areas typically contain no vegetation.
5. Urban A total of 9.22 ac of ‘urban’ occurs in the BSA. Urban includes developed lots, paved roads, structures, etc. In the BSA, areas mapped as urban include a portion of Road 32A, Road 104, Road 105, the Park and Ride driveway, the Park and Ride facility, Ikeda’s Market, and associated parking lots.
D. The Existing Level of Disturbance The vast majority of the BSA has experienced recent soil disturbance due to typical agricultural operations, including tilling. Other recent or ongoing disturbance includes the Ikeda’s Market, a water storage tank, and the Davis Park and Ride, associated parking lots and traffic, paved and unpaved roads and vegetation removal in the MDC.
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V. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES IN THE BIOLOGICAL STUDY AREA
A. Determination of Special-Status Species in the Biological Study Area Special-status species are those listed (or candidate or proposed) under the federal or state endangered species acts, under the California Native Plant Protection Act, as a California species of special concern or fully protected by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), or that are Rank 1 or 2 in the California Native Plant Society’s Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (CNPS 2014). CNPS Rank 3 and Rank 4 plants may also be considered special-status when they meet the definition of Rare or Endangered under CEQA Guidelines §15125 (c) or §15380. Special-status natural communities are waters, wetlands, riparian communities, and any natural community or vegetation alliance ranked S1, S2, or S3 by CDFW (2010). Special-status species and communities may also include those considered locally important or sensitive.
File data from USFWS, CNDDB, and CNPS were used to determine the special-status species that could occur in the BSA. A CNDDB summary report and CNPS Inventory query for the Davis and eight surrounding USGS quads are in Appendix B. The USFWS list of special-status species that could occur in or be affected by the project is in Appendix C.
Field surveys were conducted by Sycamore Environmental biologists to determine if individuals or habitat for special-status species identified in the file data were present in the BSA. Special-status species for which suitable habitat is present are listed in Table 4.
Table 4. Special-Status Species with the Potential to Occur in the BSA State Habitat Special-Status Federal Status a Present?/ Common Name Source c Species Status a & other Species codes b Observed? Invertebrates Desmocerus californicus Valley elderberry longhorn T, CH SC 1,2 Yes/ No dimorphus beetle Birds Agelaius tricolor Tricolored blackbird -- EL, SC 2 Yes/ No Athene cunicularia Burrowing owl -- SC 2 Yes/ No Buteo swainsoni Swainson’s hawk -- T 2 Yes/ No Charadrius montanus Mountain plover -- FP 2 Yes/ No Elanus leucurus White-tailed kite -- SC 2 Yes/ Yes Song sparrow (“Modesto” Melospiza melodia -- SC 2 Yes/ No population) Migratory Birds & Birds ------4 Yes/ Yes of Prey Plants /CNPS Rank b Astragalus tener var. Ferris’ milk vetch -- --/ 1B.1 2,3 Yes/ No ferrisiae Astragalus tener var. Alkali milk-vetch -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No tener Atriplex cordulata var. Heartscale -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No
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State Habitat Special-Status Federal Status a Present?/ Common Name Source c Species Status a & other Species codes b Observed? cordulata Atriplex depressa Brittlescale -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No Atriplex joaquiniana San Joaquin spearscale -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No Carex comosa Bristly sedge -- --/ 2B.1 2,3 Yes/ No Centromadia parryi ssp. Parry’s rough tarplant -- --/ 4.2 3 Yes/ Yes rudis Hesperevax caulescens Hogwallow starfish -- --/ 4.2 2,3 Yes/ No Hibiscus lasiocarpos Woolly rose-mallow -- --/1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No var. occidentalis Lepidium latipes var. Heckard’s pepper-grass -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No heckardii Symphyotrichum lentum Suisun Marsh aster -- --/ 1B.2 2 Yes/ No Trifolium hydrophilum Saline clover -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No a Listing Status Federal status determined from USFWS (2014) letter . State status determined from CDFW (2014e). Codes used in table are: E = Endangered; T = Threatened; P = Proposed; C = Candidate; CH = Critical habitat designated; R = California Rare; EL = California Emergency Listed. b Other Codes Other codes determined from CDFW (2014e) and CNPS (2014). Codes used in table are: SC = CDFW Species of Special Concern; FP = CDFW Fully Protected; CNPS Rank (plants only): 1A = Presumed Extinct in CA; 1B = Rare or Endangered (R/E) in CA and elsewhere; 2 = R/E in CA and more common elsewhere; 3 = Need more information; 4 = Plants of limited distribution. CNPS Rank Decimal Extensions: .1 = Seriously endangered in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat); .2 = Fairly endangered in CA (20-80% of occurrences threatened); .3 = Not very endangered in CA (< 20% of occurrences threatened or no current threats known). c Sources 1 = From USFWS (2014) letter. 2 = From CNDDB (CDFW 2014). 3 = From CNPS (2014). 4 = Observed or included by Sycamore Environmental biologists.
B. Special-Status Species not in the Biological Study Area Special-status species for which suitable habitat is not present, or whose distributional limits preclude the possibility of their occurrence in the BSA, are not discussed in Section V.C of this report. An evaluation of these species is in Appendix E. Although giant garter snake has no potential to occur in the BSA, detailed discussion is included below to support this finding.
C. Evaluation of Special-Status Wildlife Species
1. Invertebrates Valley elderberry longhorn beetle (VELB; Desmocerus californicus dimorphus)
HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: VELB is a 2-cm long beetle found only in association with its host plant, elderberry (Sambucus mexicana and S. racemosa var. microbotrys). Adults emerge from mid-March through June. During this period, adults feed on foliage, perhaps also the flowers, and mate. Eggs are deposited on living elderberry plants. The first larval instar bores through the center of an elderberry stem and develops for one to two years while feeding on the pith. Prior to pupation, the larva chews a hole through the bark and plugs it with wood shavings. The larva crawls back into its pupal chamber, metamorphoses, and emerges as an adult (USFWS 2006).
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The elderberry host plant for VELB occurs in a variety of habitats, most commonly in riparian forests and margins and adjacent grassy savannas. Elderberries also occur in oak woodland and mixed chaparral- foothill woodland. VELB is found in population clusters that are unevenly distributed across available host plants. Host plants are typically large mature plants. Exit holes are circular or slightly oval and between 7 and 10 mm in diameter (USFWS 1991). VELB do not disperse long distances, which led Collinge (2001) to conclude that unoccupied drainages tend to remain unoccupied. Talley et al. (2007) describes aggregations of occupied shrubs on the order of about 0.5 miles, which is consistent with limited dispersal ability. Isolated elderberry shrubs separated from contiguous habitat by extensive development are not typically considered viable habitat for VELB (Yolo Natural Heritage Program 2009). The Yolo Natural Heritage Program (2009) defines potential VELB habitat as stands of elderberry shrubs adjacent to or contiguous with riparian forest, floodplains, or relict elderberry savannah. On 17 September 2014, the USFWS determined that proposed delisting of VELB was not warranted (USFWS 2014c). VELB will remain a federally threatened species for the foreseeable future.
RANGE: VELB is endemic to the Central Valley and occurs from southern Shasta County south to Fresno County, and from the east side of the Coast Range to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
KNOWN RECORDS: There are nine CNDDB records in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The closest record is approximately 7.2 mi east of the BSA on the Sacramento West quad. A dense stand of elderberry shrubs, approximately 50% with exit holes, was observed adjacent to railroad tracks near I-80 along the Sacramento River in West Sacramento in 1985.
HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea; formerly, Sambucus mexicana) shrubs in the BSA provide marginal habitat for VELB. Habitat is considered marginal due to the non-riparian/agricultural context and the degree of shrub isolation.
DISCUSSION: VELB was not observed in the BSA during biological surveys. Shrubs in the BSA were inspected for exit holes on 10 December and 23 December 2014 and no potential VELB exit holes were observed. Elderberry shrubs occur in two areas within the BSA: along the western BSA boundary in the northwest portion of the site, and along the west side of Road 104 in the northern portion of the site (Figure 4). The elderberry shrubs in the BSA are unlikely to be occupied by VELB. The single elderberry shrub on the western boundary of the BSA is small and isolated from other woody vegetation and riparian corridors (see photos in Appendix D). A total of 6 stems measuring between 1-3 inches at ground level, and 1 stem measuring 3-5 inches at ground level occur on this individual. No potential VELB exit holes were observed on these stems. The clump of elderberry shrubs located along the west side of Road 104 in the north part of the BSA are isolated and not associated with a riparian corridor (see photos in Appendix D). The elderberry shrubs are growing with nonnative tamarisk (Tamarix sp.). No potential VELB exit holes were observed on these shrubs. A total of 22 stems measuring between 1-3 inches at ground level, 1 stems measuring between 3- 5 inches at ground, and 3 stems over 5 inches diameter at ground level occur in this clump of elderberry shrubs. Onsite elderberry shrubs occur in non-riparian habitat. They are isolated in a disturbed, agricultural setting. The nearest riparian habitat that may have elderberry shrubs appears to be over 1 mi north of the BSA along the Willow Slough Bypass. Talley et al. (2007) modeled potentially suitable areas adjacent to the riparian zone as areas within 250 ft from potentially suitable riparian habitat. The shrubs within the BSA are much farther than 250 ft from potentially suitable VELB habitat.
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Offsite, several elderberry shrubs occur along the shoulder of I-80 south of the Project, but these individuals are over 100 ft from the BSA, and separated from the BSA by the railroad prism. There is no evidence that VELB occupy the elderberry shrubs in the BSA. VELB is unlikely to occur in the BSA.
2. Reptiles Giant garter snake (GGS: Thamnophis gigas) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: GGS historically inhabited natural wetlands, but now mostly inhabit agricultural wetlands and other waterways, such as irrigation and drainage canals, riceland, marshes, sloughs, ponds, small lakes, low gradient streams, and adjacent uplands. Essential habitat components consist of: 1) adequate water during the snake’s active season (early spring through mid-fall) to provide adequate permanent water to maintain dense populations of food organisms; 2) emergent, herbaceous wetland vegetation, such as cattails and bulrushes, for escape cover and foraging habitat during the active season; 3) upland habitat with grassy banks and openings in waterside vegetation for basking; and 4) higher elevation upland habitats for cover and refuge from flood waters during the snake’s inactive season in the winter. GGS are most active from spring to mid-fall (approximately April through the end of October). The breeding season begins after emergence from overwintering sites, approximately March through May, and resumes briefly in September. Females brood young internally and give birth to live young from late July through early September. Young scatter immediately into dense cover and absorb their yolk sacs and begin feeding on their own (USFWS 1999a). GGS feed primarily on aquatic prey, such as fish and amphibians. They appear to take advantage of pools that trap and concentrate prey items. GGS are known to bask in openings in vegetation created by rip-rap placed around water control structures. Small mammal burrows and other soil crevices above the flood elevation are used during the winter. Burrows are typically located in sunny exposures along south and west facing slopes (USFWS 1999a). Ideal marsh habitat contains shallow water, deep water, and high ground. This habitat is often found in rice fields where GGS appear to be the most numerous. GGS are generally absent from larger rivers and from wetlands with sand, gravel or rock substrates. Riparian woodlands do not typically provide suitable habitat because of excessive shade, lack of basking sites, and lack of aquatic prey (USFWS 1999a). RANGE: GGS is endemic to wetlands in the Central Valley of CA, from Red Bluff to Bakersfield. Once common throughout the Central Valley, GGS is currently found in the Sacramento Valley and isolated populations in San Joaquin Valley. The GGS Recovery Plan (USFWS 1999a) recognizes 13 separate populations of GGS that coincide with riverine flood basins and tributary streams: Butte Basin, Colusa Basin, Sutter Basin, American Basin, Yolo Basin/Willow Slough, Yolo Basin/Liberty Farms, Sacramento Basin, Badger Creek/Willow Creek, Caldoni Marsh, East Stockton – Diverting Canal and Duck Creek, North and South Grasslands, Mendota, and Burrel/Lanare. These populations occur in Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Fresno, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, and Yolo counties. Studies conducted by Hansen (1988) in Sacramento, Sutter, Butte, Colusa, and Glenn counties, showed that GGS populations were distributed in areas where rice was grown.
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KNOWN RECORDS: There are 69 CNDDB records of GGS in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The nearest record is located in the Willow Slough Bypass near the Davis Landfill, approximately 2.0 mi north of the MDC in the BSA. Several other GGS records occur in or north/east of the Willow Slough Bypass within approximately 3 mi of the BSA. None of the records occur on the Project side of the Willow Slough Bypass. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: No habitat for GGS occurs in the BSA. The MDC is not habitat for GGS. The results of a MDC evaluation are discussed below. DISCUSSION: GGS were not observed during biological surveys of the BSA. GGS habitat does not occur in the BSA. The closest potentially occupied GGS habitat appears to coincide with the closest known populations of GGS, which occur in the Yolo Bypass and in the Willow Slough Bypass (see map of recent records and modeled GGS habitat in Appendix F; Yolo County Natural Heritage Program 2013). The BSA does not occur in an area of rice production. Agricultural fields in the area are upland row crops. Based on aerial photographs, no rice production occurs along the MDC or in the fields between the BSA and either the Willow Slough Bypass or the Yolo Bypass. There is no aquatic habitat connectivity between the BSA and the GGS populations in the Yolo Bypass and in Willow Slough Bypass. The MDC is a manmade storm drain that transports urban runoff from the Mace Ranch Drainage Basin in the city of Davis east through the center of BSA, to the Yolo Bypass approximately 2.5 air miles east of the BSA. Hydrology for the portion of MDC in the BSA is provided by urban irrigation runoff and precipitation runoff from within the city of Davis. Upstream (west) of the BSA, the MDC is culverted underground for at least 1,000 ft. It enters the BSA through two culverts that pass underneath Mace Blvd. The upland row crop agriculture in the BSA uses drip irrigation (pers. comm., D. Ramos). Irrigation does not contribute substantially to the hydrology of the MDC. The following hydrological observations were made for the MDC (see photos in Appendix D): On 7 October 2014, the MDC was dry except for 0-12 inches of standing water in the western half of the MRIC site. The channel was dry in the center of the MRIC site and to the east along the eastern sewer line alternative. At the Yolo Bypass, the Railroad Channel was dry. On 10 December 2014, after 3.5 inches of rain in the preceding 12 days, the MDC was dry except for 0-12 inches of standing water in the western half of the MRIC site. The channel was dry in the center of the MRIC site and to the east along the eastern sewer line alternative. Downstream and east of the BSA, the channel was dry in all portions visible from Road 105. The only water observed in the MDC was in the western half of the MRIC site, near Mace Blvd. On 23 December 2014, after additional major rain events, the MDC was dry except for 0-16 inches of standing water in the western half of the MRIC site (deeper than on 10 December because some debris was obstructing drainage). The only water observed in the MDC was in the western half of the MRIC site, near Mace Blvd. In May 2014, based on Google Street View photos, the portions of the MDC visible from Road 105 (between the BSA and the Yolo Bypass), were dry. In May 2012, based on Google Street View photos, the portions of the MDC visible from Road 105 (between the BSA and the Yolo Bypass), were dry.
From the BSA, the MDC drains to the Yolo Bypass approximately 2.5 air miles to the east. Water from the channel drains into the Bypass through an approximately 8-ft wide, one-way metal flap gate that rests
MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. 27 Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA in the closed position (see photos in Appendix D). No water flows into the channel from the Bypass. No water was present in the channel at the Yolo Bypass outlet during fieldwork. There is insufficient water in the MDC during the GGS active season to support a GGS population, or to facilitate dispersal. To enter the MDC, GGS would have to travel across the Yolo Bypass levee, which is mostly barren and approximately 170 ft wide. Vegetation within the portion of the MDC located in the MRIC site consists of freshwater marsh species such as bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus var. occidentalis), and cattail (Typha sp.). Downstream of the MRIC site, in the eastern portion of the BSA, and in all portions of the MDC visible from Road 105, the MDC is dominated by low growing ruderal species such as perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) and nonnative annual grasses that do not provide cover or habitat for GGS. Vegetation in the MDC is periodically removed by the City of Davis (City of Davis 2006; pers. comm., D. Ramos). Between the BSA and the Yolo Bypass, vegetation in the channel is dominated by ruderal weeds such as perennial pepperweed, curly dock (Rumex crispus), and yellow star-thistle (Centaurea solstitialis). The portion of the channel adjacent to the Yolo Bypass is dominated by bulrush, cattail and willows (Salix spp.). The MDC lacks the emergent aquatic vegetation that is an essential component of GGS habitat for most of its length. Vegetation in most of the MDC does not indicate perennially, or near-perennially inundated conditions. Regular removal of vegetation in the MDC also reduces the amount of emergent aquatic vegetation present in the channel. Urban influence, artificial hydrology, vegetation maintenance, culverts, and lack of water and suitable prey items during the active season make it unlikely that GGS would be able to travel to the site. Suitable GGS habitat is not present in the MDC within the BSA. GGS do not have the potential to occur in the BSA.
3. Birds Tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Tricolored blackbirds form the largest breeding colonies of any North American inland bird species (Shuford and Gardali 2008). Colonies vary in size from a minimum of about 50 nests to over 20,000 in an area of 10 ac or less (CWHR 2014). Basic breeding site requirements are open, accessible water; a protected nesting substrate, including either flooded or thorny or spiny vegetation; and a suitable foraging space providing adequate insect prey within a few kilometers of the nesting colony. Historically, most colonies nested in freshwater marshes dominated by cattails or tules, while some colonies nested in nettles, thistles, and willows. However, the use of freshwater marshes as breeding colony sites has decreased. An increasing percentage of colonies since the 1970s have been reported in Himalayan blackberry and thistles, and some of the largest recent colonies were in silage and grain fields near dairies in the San Joaquin Valley. Other less commonly used substrates include safflower, tamarisk, elderberry, western poison oak, giant reed, riparian scrublands, and riparian forests. Ideal foraging conditions for this species are created when shallow flood irrigation, mowing, or grazing keeps the vegetation less than 6 inches tall. Preferred foraging habitats include crops such as rice, alfalfa, irrigated pastures, and ripening or cut grain fields, as well as annual grasslands, cattle feedlots, and dairies. Tricolored blackbirds also forage in native habitats, including wet and dry vernal pools and other seasonal wetlands, riparian scrub habitats, and open marsh borders. Proximity to suitable foraging habitat appears important for the establishment of colony sites (Shuford and Gardali 2008).
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RANGE: In CA, tricolored blackbird breeding occurs in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada south to Kern County, the coastal slope from Sonoma County south to the Mexican border, and sporadically, the Modoc Plateau. Tricolored blackbirds are a permanent resident in CA, but make extensive migrations and movements within their range, both in the breeding season and in winter. Individuals usually move north after first nesting efforts (March-April) in the San Joaquin Valley and Sacramento County to new breeding locations in the Sacramento Valley, northeastern CA, and rarely Oregon, Nevada, and Washington (Shuford and Gardali 2008). KNOWN RECORDS: There are 9 CNDDB records of this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The closest record is approximately 2.4 mi northwest of the BSA on the Davis quad. About 15,000 tricolored blackbirds were observed nesting in 1999 in habitat consisting of cattails and rice. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Marginal nesting habitat for this species occurs in the portion of the MDC located on the MRIC site. Nesting habitat is considered marginal due to regular vegetation removal and the relatively small width of the MDC, which may not provide sufficient protection for a colony nesting species. Agricultural and ruderal areas in the BSA provide foraging habitat. DISCUSSION: Tricolored blackbirds were not observed during biological surveys of the BSA. Nesting colonies are of concern to CDFW (2014a). On 3 December 2014, tricolored blackbird was granted emergency protection under the California Endangered Species Act by the California Fish and Game Commission (California Fish and Game Commission 2014). Nesting is not expected in the BSA since the only potential nesting habitat, the MDC, is regularly cleared of emergent wetland vegetation and may not be wide enough to support a nesting colony.
Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Burrowing owls primarily inhabit open, dry grassland and desert habitats, such as grasses, forbs, and open shrub stages of pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine habitats (CWHR 2014, Shuford and Gardali 2008). Main habitat components include burrows for roosting and nesting, and relatively short vegetation with sparse shrubs and taller vegetation (Shuford and Gardali 2008). Burrowing owls most commonly use ground squirrel burrows, but they may also use badger, coyote, and fox holes or dens; or human-made structures such as culverts, piles of concrete rubble, pipes and nest boxes (CWHR 2014; Shuford and Gardali 2008). An active nest chamber is often lined with excrement, pellets, debris, grass and feathers (CWHR 2014). This species also thrives in highly altered human landscapes. In agricultural areas, owls nest along roadsides, under water conveyance structures, and near and under runways and similar structures. In urban areas, burrowing owls persist in low numbers in highly developed parcels, busy urban parks, and adjacent to roads with heavy traffic. In the Imperial Valley, owls are able to excavate their own burrows in soft earthen banks of ditches and canals (Shuford and Gardali 2008). Burrowing owls are a semi-colonial species that breed in CA from March through August, though breeding can begin as early as February and extend into December (Shuford and Gardali 2008; CWHR 2014). A large proportion of adults show strong nest site fidelity. Burrowing owls typically feed on a broad range of insects, but also on small rodents, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and carrion. Foraging usually occurs close to their burrow (Shuford and Gardali 2008). RANGE: Burrowing owls are a year-round resident in most of CA, particularly in the Central Valley, San Francisco Bay region, Carrizo Plain, and Imperial Valley (Shuford and Gardali 2008). This species is
MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. 29 Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA generally absent from the humid coastal counties north of Marin and mountainous areas above 5,300 ft (Shuford and Gardali 2008; CWHR 2014). KNOWN RECORDS: There are 76 CNDDB records for burrowing owl in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The two closest records are mapped partially overlapping the BSA. Both occur along Mace Blvd. One record occurs near the intersection of Mace Blvd and Road 104 and consists of several burrowing owls that were observed nesting in a disturbed dirt area surrounded by cultivated land and development in 2003 and 2004. The nests were located about 10 ft from the edge of Mace Road. The second record is mapped along the southern border of the site and includes areas east and west of Mace Blvd. This second record consists of more than eight owls and two active burrows observed in 2004, and six owls and four burrows observed in 2005. CNDDB reports the location as “corner of frontage road (adjacent to I-80) and Mace Blvd, near Ikeda’s Market,” and the detailed location as “near road, between the two Park and Ride signs. Wintering burrow along the County Road 32A right-of-way.” Habitat is described as “mowed nonnative grassland, surrounded by a frontage road, a park and ride lot, and Ikeda’s Market. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Nesting habitat for burrowing owl occurs in the BSA. California ground squirrel burrows were observed along Mace Blvd, along the ruderal eastern edge of the BSA, along the MDC, and especially along the railroad berm located south of the BSA. Agricultural and ruderal areas in the BSA provide foraging habitat. DISCUSSION: Nesting sites are of concern to CDFW (2014a). No burrowing owls were observed during biological surveys. Burrowing owls may nonetheless be present or become established. Based on CNDDB records, burrowing owl was observed in or near the BSA near Ikeda’s Market and near the intersection of Mace Blvd and Road 104.
Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Swainson’s hawks nest in open riparian habitat, in scattered trees or in small groves in sparsely vegetated flatlands. Nesting areas are usually located near water, but are occasionally found in arid regions. Typical habitat includes open desert, grassland, or cropland containing scattered, large trees or small groves (Zeiner et al. 1990a). Swainson’s hawk breeds from late March to late October (Zeiner et al. 1990a). They forage in adjacent grasslands, suitable grain or alfalfa fields, or in livestock pastures, feeding on rodents, small mammals, small birds, reptiles, large arthropods, amphibians, and, rarely, fish (Bloom 1980; Zeiner et al. 1990a). RANGE: Uncommon breeding resident and migrant in the Central Valley, Klamath Basin, Northeastern Plateau, Lassen County, and Mojave Desert (Zeiner et al. 1990a). Swainson’s hawks breed and forage in the CA Central Valley in spring and summer. California populations of this species are believed to overwinter in Mexico. KNOWN RECORDS: There are 494 CNDDB records for this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The two closest records are mapped partially overlapping the BSA. They occur in association with eucalyptus groves located outside the BSA to the east and north, respectively. The first record consists of two Swainson’s hawks that were observed nesting in 1987 and 1988 in a eucalyptus tree surrounded by farm houses. The nest site was inactive in 1994. The second record indicates that nesting activities occurred in a farmyard eucalyptus from 1992 to 2002, with successful young last detected in
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1992, and hawks last detected in 2002. The nest tree was reported as being in poor condition, and the nest site was reported as inactive in 2004 and 2005. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: The Fremont cottonwood trees in the detention basin and along the MDC provide marginal nesting habitat. Nesting habitat is considered marginal because the trees are young. Just north and east of the BSA are groves of eucalyptus trees that could serve as nesting habitat. Agricultural and ruderal areas in the BSA provide foraging habitat. DISCUSSION: Swainson’s hawks were not observed during biological surveys. It is unlikely that Swainson’s hawks would utilize the young trees in the BSA for nesting. Agricultural and ruderal areas in the BSA provide foraging habitat. Large trees in the eucalyptus groves located east and north of the BSA occur within 500 ft of the BSA and could be used for nesting.
Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Mountain plover are a winter resident from September through March. They are found in open grasslands, plowed fields with little vegetation, and open sagebrush areas. Areas with high and dense cover are avoided. Foraging occurs in short grasslands and plowed fields, and their diet consists of large insects, especially grasshoppers. This species is not known to nest in California. Mountain plover winters below 3,200 ft (CWHR 2014). RANGE: Central Valley from Sutter and Yuba cos. southward (CWHR 2014). Also found in foothill valleys west of San Joaquin Valley, Imperial Valley, plowed fields of Los Angeles and western San Bernardino counties, and along the central Colorado River valley. KNOWN RECORDS: There are 4 CNDDB records for this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The closest record is approximately 7.5 mi northwest of the BSA on the Grey Bend quad. Two mountain plover were observed within an area containing basins and ponds surrounded by cultivated fields in 1970. The record states that the ponds are no longer found in the area. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Agricultural and ruderal areas in the BSA provide foraging habitat. DISCUSSION: Mountain plover was not observed during biological surveys. This species does not nest in California. Nonbreeding/wintering sites are of concern to CDFW (2014a). Ample foraging and wintering habitat similar to that in the BSA occurs in the agricultural areas surrounding the City of Davis.
White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: White-tailed kite is a fully protected species by CDFW. White-tailed kites occur in herbaceous and open stages of most habitats in cismontane CA. Areas with substantial groves of dense, broad-leafed deciduous trees are used for nesting and roosting. They also roost in saltgrass and Bermuda grass in southern CA. White-tailed kites breed from February to October, with peak activity from May to August. Nests are typically located near the top of dense oak, willow, or other tree stands from 20 to 100 ft above the ground, and are often located near an open foraging area with a dense population of voles (CWHR 2014). RANGE: White-tailed kites are a year-round resident of coastal and valley lowlands in cismontane CA; they are absent from higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada, the Modoc Plateau, and from most desert regions (CWHR 2014).
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KNOWN RECORDS: There are 9 CNDDB records for this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The closest record is approximately 0.1 mi north of the BSA on the Davis quad. The record reports two nesting trees at this location, describing one as Cedrus sp. and the other as an olive tree, in habitat consisting of agricultural fields of wheat, alfalfa, and safflower. In 1993 two young fledged and in 199 three young fledged. The record indicates that in 1999 all of the trees at the site were removed. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Fremont cottonwood trees in the detention basin and along the MDC provide marginal nesting habitat. Nesting habitat is considered marginal because the trees are young and isolated. Just north of the BSA and east of the BSA are groves of eucalyptus trees that could serve as nesting habitat. Agricultural and ruderal areas in the BSA provide foraging habitat. DISCUSSION: White-tailed kites were observed perched in the cottonwoods in the detention basin or flying over in the BSA on both 7 October and 10 December 2014. Nesting sites are of concern to CDFW (2014a). White-tailed kites could nest in the Fremont cottonwood trees in the BSA or in the trees in eucalyptus groves located east and north of the site during their breeding season. Trees in the BSA are unlikely to be used because they are young and isolated and because there are larger trees nearby.
Song Sparrow--Modesto Population (Melospiza melodia) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: The Modesto song sparrow is a year-round resident that prefers emergent freshwater marshes dominated by tules and cattails as well as riparian willow thickets. Modesto song sparrows also nest in riparian forests of valley oak with sufficient understory of blackberry, along vegetated irrigation canals and levees (Shuford and Gardali 2008). Seeds are the most important foods in annual diet, but insects, spiders, other small invertebrates, make up almost half of diet in nesting season. Berries and other small fruits are minor foods. Usually forages on ground or in low vegetation, under cover of dense thickets or wetland vegetation. Sometimes forages a short distance from cover (CWHR 2014). RANGE: The Modesto song sparrow is restricted to CA where it is locally numerous in the Sacramento Valley, Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, and the northern San Joaquin Valley. The Modesto song sparrow remains locally numerous in areas where extensive wetlands remain. The highest densities occur in the Butte Sink area of the Sacramento Valley and in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Immediately adjacent to the Butte Sink, song sparrows breed in sparsely vegetated irrigation canals, yet are almost entirely absent from the main stem and tributaries of the Sacramento River above Sacramento (Shuford and Gardali 2008). KNOWN RECORDS: There are nine CNDDB records of this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The closest record is approximately 5 mi southwest of the BSA on the Sacramento West quad. Two adult and two fledgling song sparrows were observed along the south fork of Putah Creek, in riverine riparian scrub surrounded by agricultural cropland, in July 2011. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Marginal nesting habitat for this species occurs in the MDC. Nesting habitat is considered marginal due to regular vegetation removal and the relatively small width of the MDC. Agricultural and ruderal areas in the BSA provide marginal foraging habitat. Foraging habitat is considered marginal because there is little vegetation cover. DISCUSSION: Modesto song sparrow was not observed during biological surveys. Nesting is not expected in the BSA since the only potential nesting habitat, the MDC, is regularly cleared of emergent wetland vegetation and may not provide sufficient cover for nesting.
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Migratory Birds and Birds of Prey Fish and Game Code 3503.5 protects all birds in the orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes (collectively known as birds of prey). Birds of prey include raptors, falcons, and owls. Migratory birds are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 (16 U.S.C. 703-711). The MBTA makes it unlawful to take, possess, buy, sell, purchase, or barter any migratory bird listed in 50 CFR Part 10 including feathers or other parts, nests, eggs, or products, except as allowed by implementing regulations (50 CFR 21). All migratory bird species are protected by the MBTA. Any disturbance that causes direct injury, death, nest abandonment, or forced fledging of migratory birds, is restricted under the MBTA. Any removal of active nests during the breeding season or any disturbance that results in the abandonment of nestlings is considered a ‘take’ of the species under federal law. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: The BSA provides nesting and foraging habitat for birds of prey and other migratory birds. DISCUSSION: No potential raptor nests were observed in the BSA during biological surveys. It is unlikely that raptors would nest in the isolated, young trees in the BSA. Groves of mature eucalyptus trees occur adjacent to the Project to the east and north and provide potential nesting habitat for raptors. Migratory birds could nest in the trees, the MDC, ruderal vegetation, and on disturbed ground in or adjacent to the BSA. One small, inactive cup nest was observed in the MDC on 10 December 2014, most likely that of a red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus). No other nests were observed. Bird species observed in or soaring above the BSA are listed in Appendix A.
D. Evaluation of Special-Status Plant Species One potential special-status plant species was observed in the BSA at one location (Parry’s rough tarplant, Centromadia parryi ssp. rudis, CNPS Rank 4.2, near Ikeda’s Market). Parry’s rough tarplant and other special-status plant species with potential to occur are discussed below. The location of special-status plants observed in the BSA are shown on Figure 4.
Ferris’ milk vetch (Astragalus tener var. ferrisiae) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Annual herb found in vernally mesic meadows and seeps and subalkaline flats in Valley and foothill grassland from 7 to 250 ft. Blooms April through May (CNPS 2014). RANGE: Known from Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Sutter, and Yolo cos. (CNPS 2014). KNOWN RECORDS: There are four CNDDB records for this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The closest record is from 1954 and is located approximately 2.5 mi east of the BSA on the Sacramento West quad. The exact location of this record is unknown and is mapped as best guess by CNDDB along the Yolo Causeway. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Marginal habitat for this species occurs in the detention basin. Habitat is considered marginal because of previous soil disturbance and because the detention basin may not be sufficiently mesic/alkaline.
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DISCUSSION: Ferris’ milk vetch was not observed in the BSA during surveys on 7 October 2014, 10 December 2014, and 19 May 2015.
Alkali milk vetch (Astragalus tener var. tener) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Annual herb found in alkaline conditions of playas, adobe clay Valley and foothill grassland, and vernal pools from 3 to 200 ft. Blooms March through June (Hickman 1993; CNPS 2014). RANGE: Known from Alameda, Merced, Napa, Solano, and Yolo cos. (CNPS 2014). KNOWN RECORDS: There are 10 CNDDB records for this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The closest record is from 1951 and is located approximately 1.8 mi west of the BSA on the Davis quad. The exact location of this record is unknown. The location is described as “1.1 mi north of Davis.” Surveys in 2002 and 2006 found no plants and no natural habitat. CNDDB considers this occurrence probably extirpated. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Marginal habitat for this species occurs in the detention basin. Habitat is considered marginal because of previous soil disturbance and because the detention basin may not be sufficiently mesic/alkaline. DISCUSSION: Alkali milk vetch was not observed in the BSA during surveys on 7 October 2014, 10 December 2014, and 19 May 2015.
Heartscale (Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Annual herb found in saline or alkaline conditions of chenopod scrub, meadows and seeps, and sandy Valley and foothill grassland from 3 to 1,850 ft. Blooms April through October (CNPS 2014). RANGE: Known from Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Madera, Merced, San Luis Obispo, Solano, and Tulare cos. (CNPS 2014). KNOWN RECORDS: There is one CNDDB record for this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. This record is from 1952 and is located approximately 1.7 mi west of the BSA on the Davis quad. No suitable habitat remains at the site of this occurrence. Some areas with suitable alkaline soils remain, but have been plowed or paved. CNDDB considers this occurrence extirpated. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Marginal habitat for this species occurs in the detention basin and along the eastern margin of the BSA outside tilled fields. Habitat is considered marginal because of previous soil disturbance and because the detention basin may not be sufficiently mesic/alkaline. DISCUSSION: Heartscale was not observed in the BSA during surveys on 7 October 2014, 10 December 2014, and 19 May 2015..
Brittlescale (Atriplex depressa) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Annual herb found in alkaline and clay soils of chenopod scrub, meadows and seeps, playas, Valley and foothill grassland, and vernal pools from 3 to 1,050 ft. Blooms April through October (CNPS 2014).
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RANGE: Known from Alameda, Contra Costa, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Merced, Solano, Stanislaus, Tulare, and Yolo cos. (CNPS 2014). KNOWN RECORDS: There are five CNDDB records for this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The closest record is from 1996 and is located approximately 2.4 mi west of the BSA on the Davis quad. An estimated 70 plants were observed in 1996, in habitat described as highly disturbed (plowed) alkali sink with Hemizonia pungens, Atriplex argentea ssp. mohavensis, A. joaquiniana, Spergularia sp., and Hordeum depressum. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Marginal habitat for this species occurs in the detention basin and along the eastern margin of the BSA outside tilled fields. Habitat is considered marginal because of previous soil disturbance and because the detention basin may not be sufficiently mesic/alkaline. DISCUSSION: Brittlescale was not observed in the BSA during surveys on 7 October 2014, 10 December 2014, and 19 May 2015..
San Joaquin spearscale (Atriplex joaquiniana) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Annual herb found in alkaline soils in chenopod scrub, meadows and seeps, playas, and Valley and foothill grassland from 3 to 2,750 ft. Blooms April through October (CNPS 2014). RANGE: Known from Alameda, Contra Costa, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Merced, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, Solano, Yolo and possibly San Luis Obispo cos. (CNPS 2014). KNOWN RECORDS: There are eight CNDDB records for this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The closest record is from 1996 and is located approximately 2.4 mi west of the BSA on the Davis quad. An estimated 85 plants were observed in 1996, in highly disturbed (plowed) alkali sink habitat with Hemizonia pungens, Atriplex argentea ssp. mohavensis, A. joaquiniana, Spergularia sp., and Hordeum depressum. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Marginal habitat for this species occurs in the detention basin and along the eastern margin of the BSA outside tilled fields. Habitat is considered marginal because of previous soil disturbance and because the detention basin may not be sufficiently mesic/alkaline. DISCUSSION: Heartscale was not observed in the BSA during surveys on 7 October 2014, 10 December 2014, and 19 May 2015..
Bristly sedge (Carex comosa) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Perennial rhizomatous herb found in coastal prairie, marshes and swamps along lake margins, and Valley and foothill grassland form 0 to 2,051 ft. Blooms May through September (CNPS 2014). RANGE: Known from Contra Costa, Lake, Mendocino, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Shasta, San Joaquin, and Sonoma cos. (CNPS 2014). KNOWN RECORDS: There is one CNDDB record for this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The record is from 2009, approximately 15.7 mi southeast of the BSA on the Courtland quad. A total of 54 plants were observed in riparian habitat.
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HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: The MDC provides marginal habitat for this species. Habitat is considered marginal due to vegetation maintenance. DISCUSSION: Bristly sedge was not observed in the BSA during surveys on 7 October 2014, 10 December 2014, and 19 May 2015..
Parry’s rough tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. rudis) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Annual herb found in alkaline, vernally mesic seeps in Valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools, and sometimes along roadsides from 0 to 328 ft (CNPS 2014). It is often associated with disturbed sites (Baldwin et al. 2012; CCH 2014). Blooms May through October (CNPS 2014). Parry’s rough tarplant is a CNPS Rank 4.2 species. RANGE: Known from Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter and Yolo cos. (CNPS 2014). Distributed primarily in the Central Valley from Chico to Merced based on herbarium specimen records (CCH 2014). KNOWN RECORDS: CNDDB has no geographical record information available for this species. The Consortium of California Herbaria (CCH 2014) shows 11 Parry’s rough tarplant specimens have been collected within 5 mi of the BSA, 25 specimens have been collected in the Davis-Vacaville-Woodland area, and approximately 105 specimens have been collected from the Central Valley from Chico to Merced. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Marginal habitat for this species occurs in the detention basin and in ruderal areas outside tilled fields. Habitat is considered marginal because of previous and ongoing soil disturbance. DISCUSSION: An estimated 10 individual Parry’s rough tarplant individuals were observed in ruderal habitat located just south of Ikeda’s Market and north of the Davis Park and Ride (Figure 4). The Parry’s rough tarplant individuals occur in the Annexation Area south of Road 32A and not on the MRIC site. Parry’s rough tarplant is a CNPS Rank 4.2 species considered “uncommon and fairly endangered in California” (CNPS 2014). CNPS Rank 4.2 species may be considered under CEQA at the Lead Agency’s discretion. Based on herbarium specimen records, this species is not especially uncommon locally or regionally (CCH 2014). The Parry’s rough tarplant individuals observed in the BSA are not at the periphery of the taxon’s range. Sycamore Environmental botanists have encountered this taxon on many disturbed/agricultural sites in the Central Valley within the last 5 years. The Parry’s rough tarplant individuals observed in the BSA did not exhibit unusual morphology and they were not observed on unusual substrate. The Parry’s rough tarplant observed in the BSA does not meet the definition of Rare or Endangered under CEQA Guidelines §15125 (c) or §15380.
Hogwallow starfish (Hesperevax caulescens) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Annual herb found in Valley and foothill grassland in mesic and clay soils and in shallow vernal pools from 0 to 1,650 ft. Blooms from March to June (CNPS 2014). Hogwallow starfish is a CNPS Rank 4.2 species. RANGE: Known from Alameda, Amador, Butte, Contra Costa, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Merced, Monterey, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, and Yolo counties (CNPS 2014).
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KNOWN RECORDS: CNDDB has no geographical record information available for this species. The Consortium of California Herbaria (CCH 2014) shows 10 hogwallow starfish specimens collected in the Davis-Vacaville-Woodland area and approximately 156 specimens from the Central Valley and surrounding foothills. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Marginal habitat for this species occurs in the detention basin and along the eastern margin of the MRIC site, outside tilled fields. Habitat is considered marginal because of previous soil disturbance and because the detention basin may not be sufficiently mesic/alkaline. DISCUSSION: Hogwallow starfish was not observed in the BSA during surveys on 7 October 2014, 10 December 2014, and 19 May 2015. It is unlikely that any hogwallow starfish found in the BSA would meet the definition of Rare or Endangered under CEQA Guidelines §15125 (c) or §15380.
Wooly rose-mallow (Hibiscus lasiocarpos var. occidentalis) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: A perennial, rhizomatous, aquatic emergent herb found in freshwater marshes and swamps from 0 to 400 ft. Occurs in freshwater-soaked river banks and low peat islands in sloughs, often in riprap on sides of levees. Blooms June through September (CNPS 2014). RANGE: Known from Butte, Contra Costa, Colusa, Glenn, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter, and Yolo cos. (CNPS 2014). KNOWN RECORDS: There are seven CNDDB records for this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The closest record is from 1996 and is located approximately 7.2 mi northeast of the BSA on the Grays Bend quad. A single shrub was observed along the waters edge on the bank of a canal. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: The MDC provides marginal habitat for this species. Habitat is considered marginal due to vegetation maintenance. DISCUSSION: Wooly rose-mallow was not observed in the BSA during surveys on 7 October 2014, 10 December 2014, and 19 May 2015.
Heckard’s pepper-grass (Lepidium latipes var. heckardii) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Annual herb found in alkaline flats of valley and foothill grassland from 6 to 660 ft. Blooms March through May (CNPS 2014). Lepidium latipes var. heckardii is no longer recognized as distinct from the common Lepidium latipes var. latipes in the The Jepson manual: Vascular plants of California, 2nd edition (Al-Shehbaz 2012). RANGE: Known from Glenn, Merced, Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo cos. (CNPS 2014). KNOWN RECORDS: There are 6 CNDDB records for this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The closest record is from 1957 and is located approximately 1.3 mi northwest of the BSA on the Davis quad. The exact location of this record is unknown, and mapped as a best guess by CNDDB 3 miles northeast of Davis. The habitat is described as alkaline flats. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Marginal habitat for this species occurs in the detention basin and along the eastern margin of the BSA outside tilled fields. Habitat is considered marginal because of previous soil disturbance and because the detention basin may not be sufficiently mesic/alkaline.
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DISCUSSION: Heckard’s pepper-grass was not observed in the BSA during surveys on 7 October 2014, 10 December 2014, and 19 May 2015.
Suisun Marsh aster (Symphyotrichum lentum) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Perennial rhizomatous herb found in brackish and freshwater marshes and swamps from 0 to 10 ft. Blooms from May to November (CNPS 2014). RANGE: Known from Contra Costa, Napa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo cos. (CNPS 2014). KNOWN RECORDS: There is one CNDDB record for this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The record is from 2013 and is located approximately 4.5 mi east of the BSA on the Sacramento West quad. Plants were observed during 2005 vegetation surveys, and scattered clumps were observed in 2013. Specimen identification is questioned. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: The MDC provides marginal habitat for this species. Habitat is considered marginal due to vegetation maintenance. DISCUSSION: Suisun marsh aster was not observed in the BSA during surveys on 7 October 2014, 10 December 2014, and 19 May 2015.
Saline clover (Trifolium hydrophilum) HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: Annual herb found in marshes, mesic and alkaline soils of Valley and foothill grassland, and vernal pools from 0 to 985 ft. Blooms April through June (CNPS 2014). RANGE: Known from Alameda, Colusa, Lake, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo cos (CNPS 2014). KNOWN RECORDS: There are 3 CNDDB records for this species in the nine-quad area centered on the BSA. The closest record is approximately 5.1 mi north of the BSA on the Grays Bend quad. Five plants were observed growing in hydric alkaline grassland on the edge of vernal pool habitat in 2011. Associated with Plagiobothrys stipitatus, Hordeum brachyantherum, H. marinum, and Festuca perennis. HABITAT PRESENT IN THE BSA: Marginal habitat for this species occurs in the detention basin and along the eastern margin of the BSA outside tilled fields. Habitat is considered marginal because of previous soil disturbance and because the detention basin may not be sufficiently mesic/alkaline. DISCUSSION: Saline clover was not observed in the BSA during surveys on 7 October 2014, 10 December 2014, and 19 May 2015.
E. Evaluation of Special-Status Natural Communities Special-status natural communities are waters, wetlands, riparian communities, and any natural community or vegetation alliance ranked S1, S2, or S3 by CDFW (2010). Special-status communities may also include those considered locally important or sensitive. The MDC contains 0.81 ac of freshwater marsh vegetation (Typha alliance), a special-status natural community. Freshwater marsh vegetation does not occur in the portion of the MDC located between the MRIC site and Road 105. Vegetation in the MDC is regularly removed by the City. The MDC is discussed in Section IV.D.
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F. Potentially Jurisdictional Waters Fieldwork for a wetland delineation was conducted on 10 December 2014 and a wetland delineation report has been prepared. Based on the wetland delineation report, no Clean Water Act jurisdictional wetlands or waters are present in the BSA. The detention basin is not a wetland. The MDC is not a Clean Water Act jurisdictional water. Roadside ditches roughly 1-2 ft wide occur along Mace Blvd, along Road 32A, along the Davis Park and Ride driveway, and a dirt road between the Davis Park and Ride and Ikeda’s Market. Irrigation ditches roughly 1-2 ft wide occur along the east side of the MRIC site, north of the MDC, and along both sides of Road 105. The roadside and irrigation ditches are man- made features excavated in uplands and draining only uplands. They are not jurisdictional waters. Vegetation in the roadside and irrigation ditches is ruderal (described in Section IV.C.2).
G. Evaluation of Trees The City of Davis requires permits for the removal of some species and sizes of trees pursuant to Chapter 37 of Davis Municipal Code. The term “protected tree” (§37.01) includes City trees and street trees on City land, easements, or right-of-way, as well as some trees that may occur outside of public easements on private land including trees of significance and landmark trees. The Code contains a list of trees which are considered “trees of significance.” Table 5 identifies the potentially affected protected trees that occur on the MRIC site. Trees in the parking lot of the park-and-ride near Mace Blvd are not included.
Table 5. Summary of Potentially Affected Trees. Diameter at breast Tree Species Location height (DBH) in City Status inches 1 London plane Adjacent to Mace 1 7 Tree of Significance (Platanus x acerifolia) Drainage Channel London plane Adjacent to Mace 2 4.6 -- (Platanus x acerifolia) Drainage Channel Fremont cottonwood 3 Detention Basin 15.3, 23.5, 8.6 Tree of Significance (Populus fremontii ssp. fremontii) Fremont cottonwood 4 Detention Basin 24.8 Tree of Significance (Populus fremontii ssp. fremontii) Fremont cottonwood 5 Detention Basin 8.4, 9.5, 9.7, 16.2 Tree of Significance (Populus fremontii ssp. fremontii) Goodding’s black willow Adjacent to Mace 6 9.2, 5.7 Tree of Significance (Salix gooddingii) Drainage Channel Fremont cottonwood Adjacent to Mace 7 16.2 Tree of Significance (Populus fremontii ssp. fremontii) Drainage Channel Chinese elm Tree of Significance 8 Along Mace Blvd 6, 6.3, 7 (Ulmus parvifolia) Street Tree 1 The DBH for each trunk of a multi-trunk tree are listed.
As a discretionary project, this project requires a permit for the removal of the trees of significance pursuant to Davis Municipal Code (§37.03.070). There are no landmark trees on the site.
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VI. LITERATURE CITED & PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
A. Literature Cited Abrams, L. 1923, 1944, 1951, 1960. Illustrated flora of the Pacific states. Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA. Airola, D. A. and J. Grantham. 12 December 2003. Purple martin population status, nesting habitat characteristics, and management in Sacramento, California. Western Birds 34:235-251. http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/wb/v34n04/p0235-p0251.pdf Al-Shehbaz, Ihsan A. 2012. Accessed 21 August 2013. Lepidium latipes, in Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_IJM.pl?tid=30545 Baldwin, B. G., D. H. Goldman, D. J. Keil, R. Patterson, T. J. Rosatti, and D. H. Wilken, eds. 2012. The Jepson manual: Vascular plants of California, 2nd ed. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. Behler, J. L. and W. King. 1979. The Audubon Society field guide to North American reptiles and amphibians. Alfred Knopf, New York, NY. Bloom, P. H. 1980. The status of the Swainson's hawk in California, 1979. The Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA. Bolster, B.C., ed. 1998. Terrestrial mammal species of special concern in California. Draft Final Report prepared by P.W. Collins. Report submitted to California Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Management Division, Nongame Bird and Mammal Conservation Program for Contract No.FG3146WM. Busby, P. J., T. C Wainwright, and G. J. Bryant. 1996. Status review of West Coast steelhead from Washington, Oregon and California. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-NWFSC-27. National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, WA. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW, formerly Department of Fish and Game). May 2009. Protocols for surveying and evaluating impacts to special status native plant populations and natural communities. Sacramento, CA. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/Protocols_for_Surveying_and_Evaluating_Impacts.pdf. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW, formerly Department of Fish and Game). September 2010. List of California terrestrial natural communities recognized by the California Natural Diversity Database. Natural Heritage Division, CNDDB, Sacramento, CA. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW, formerly Department of Fish and Game). September 2014 (2014a). Special animals. Habitat Conservation Division, CNDDB, Sacramento, CA. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/SPAnimals.pdf California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW, formerly Department of Fish and Game). October 2014 (2014b). State and federally listed endangered and threatened animals of California. Habitat Conservation Division, CNDDB, Sacramento, CA. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/TEAnimals.pdf California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW, formerly Department of Fish and Game). September 2014 (2014c). Special vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens list. Habitat Conservation Division, CNDDB, Sacramento, CA. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/SPPlants.pdf California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW, formerly Department of Fish and Game). September 2014 (2014d). State and federally listed endangered, threatened, and rare plants of California. Habitat Conservation Division, CNDDB, Sacramento, CA. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/TEPlants.pdf
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California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW, formerly Department of Fish and Game). Data dated 2 September 2014 (2014e). CNDDB/ RareFind: Davis and the 8 adjacent quadrangles. Natural Heritage Division, CNDDB, Sacramento, CA. National Weather Service Forecast Office. Accessed 11 December 2014. Daily climate report for the Sacramento Executive Airport Gauge. http://www.weather.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=sto California Fish and Game Commission. 3 December 2014. Meeting Agenda: Possible adoption of Emergency Regulation to Add Tricolored Blackbird to the List of Endangered Species. California Fish and Game Commission, Sacramento, CA. http://www.fgc.ca.gov/meetings/2014/dec/120314agd.pdf California Native Plant Society (CNPS). Accessed December 2014. Inventory of rare and endangered plants (online edition; v.8-02). California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/simple.html California Wildlife Habitat Relationships (CWHR) Program. Accessed various dates in 2014. California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System, Life history account and range map. Updated from Zeiner, D.C. et al 1988- 1990. CWHR Program, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cwhr/cawildlife.aspx CalPhotos. Accessed October-December 2014. CalPhotos, plant images. http://calphotos.berkeley.edu//flora/ City of Davis. 2007. City of Davis Drainage Map. City of Davis, CA. http://stormwater.cityofdavis.org/media/default/documents/pdf/stormwater/stormwater-drainage-basins- map.pdf Consortium of California Herbaria (CCH). Accessed October-December 2014. Accession results for plant species evaluated in this document. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium/ Ehrlich, P., D. Dobkin, and D. Wheye. 1988. The birder’s handbook. Simon and Schuster, New York, NY. Hansen, G. E. 1988. Review of the status of the giant garter snake (Thamnophis couchi gigas) and it’s supporting habitat during 1986-1987. Final report for California Department of Fish and Game, Contract C-2060. Unpublished. Sacramento, CA. In Draft Recovery Plan for the Giant Garter Snake (Thamnophis gigas), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR. Hickman, J., ed. 1993. The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. Helm, Brent P. “Biogeography of Eight Large Branchiopods Endemic to California”. 1998. C.W. Witham, E.T. Bauder, D. Belk, W.R. Ferren Jr., and R. Ornduff (Editors) Ecology, Conservation and Management of Vernal Pool Ecosystems-Proceedings from a 1996 Conference. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, California.124-139 Holland, R. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA. Jameson, E. W. Jr. and H. J. Peeters. 2004. Mammals of California. Revised Edition. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. Jennings, M. R. and M. P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and reptile species of special concern in California. California Department of Fish and Game, Rancho Cordova, CA. Mason, H. L. 1957. A flora of the marshes of California. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. Mayer, K. E. and W. F. Laudenslayer, Jr., eds. 1988. A guide to wildlife habitats of California. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Sacramento, CA. McGinnis, S. M. 1984. Freshwater fishes of California. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. Moyle, P. B. 2002. Inland fishes of California. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. Munz, P. 1959. A California flora. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.
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National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). February 1998. Status review of Chinook salmon from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-NWFSC-35. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 2 September 2005. Endangered and threatened species; designation of critical habitat for seven evolutionarily significant units of Pacific salmon and steelhead in California. Final Rule; Federal Register 70(170):52488-52627; 50 CFR Part 226. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). August 1972. Soil survey of Yolo County, California. USDA – Soil Conservation Service, Davis, CA. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Accessed December 2014. Web Soil Survey. USDA National Resources Conservation Service. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm. Peterson, R. T. 1990. A field guide to western birds. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA. Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. M. Evens. 2009. A manual of California vegetation, 2nd ed. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. Shuford, W. D. and T. Gardali, eds. 2008. California bird species of special concern: A ranked assessment of species, subspecies, and distinct populations of birds of immediate conservation concern in California. Studies of Western Birds 1. Western Field Ornithologists, Camarillo, CA and California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA. Sibley, D. A. 2003. The Sibley field guide to birds of Western North America. Alfred A. Knopf, New York, NY. Stebbins, R. C. 2003. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA. Talley, T. S., D. Wright, M. Holyoak. 14 February 2007. Assistance with the 5-year review of the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus). Prepared for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento Office, Sacramento, California Udvardy, M. 1977. The Audubon Society field guide to North American birds. Alfred Knopf, New York, NY. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 19 September 1994. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Determination of endangered status for the conservancy fairy shrimp, longhorn fairy shrimp, and the vernal pool tadpole shrimp; and threatened status for the vernal pool fairy shrimp. Federal Register 59:48136. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1996. Guidelines for conducting and reporting botanical inventories for federally listed, proposed and candidate plants. Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, Sacramento, CA. http://sacramento.fws.gov/es/documents/Listed_plant_survey_guidelines.pdf U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999 (1999a). Draft recovery plan for the giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 9 July 1999 (1999b). Conservation guidelines for the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento, CA. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2002. Recovery plan for the California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). 15 December 2005. Recovery plan for vernal pool ecosystems of California and southern Oregon. http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/060614.pdf U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). 15 October 2007. Species account: Conservancy fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio). Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office. http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/animal_spp_acct/vp_tadpole.rtf. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). June 2009. 5-Year Review: Palmate-bracted bird’s beak (Chloropyron palmatum). Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office. http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/five_year_review/doc2628.pdf U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). 7 October 2010. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; 12-month finding on a petition to list the Sacramento splittail as endangered or threatened. Proposed Rule. U.S. Fish
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and Wildlife Service, San Francisco Bay Delta Office, Sacramento, CA. Federal Register 75(194):62070- 62095, 50 CFR Part 17. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). Accessed 6 October 2014. Species list for the Davis quad and Yolo County. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento, CA. http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/spp_lists/auto_list.cfm Verner, J. and A. Boss. 1980. California wildlife and their habitats: Western Sierra Nevada. General Technical Report PSW-37. Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Exp. Station, Forest Service, USDA, Berkeley, CA. Whitaker, Jr. J. 1980. The Audubon Society field guide to North American mammals. Alfred Knopf, New York, NY. Yolo Natural Heritage Program. 2009. Draft Species Account for the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle. Prepared by Technology Associates International Corporation, Carlsbad, CA. Zeiner, D., K. Mayer, and W. Laudenslayer, Jr., eds. 1988. California’s wildlife, Volume I, Amphibians and Reptiles. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA. Zeiner, D., K. Mayer, M. White, and W. Laudenslayer, Jr., eds. 1990a. California’s wildlife, Volume II, Birds. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA. Zeiner, D., K. Mayer, M. White, and W. Laudenslayer, Jr., eds. 1990b. California's wildlife, Volume III, Mammals. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA.
B. Personal Communications Dan Ramos, Vice President, Ramco Enterprises, Inc. 7 October 2014. Onsite interview regarding offsite improvements, agricultural history, detention basin history and use, and drainage feature.
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VII. PREPARERS Jeffery Little, Vice President, Sycamore Environmental. Over 20 years experience with preparation of NES, BA, and NEPA/CEQA compliance documents, impact analysis, agency formal and informal consultations and permitting. Project management, conducts special-status species surveys, jurisdictional delineations, and prepares mitigation and monitoring plans. CAD/ GIS Manager responsible for data collection, map creation, impact analyses, and report preparation. He holds a CDFW Plant Collecting Permit (2081(a)-12-17-V), and is an authorized individual on the CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit (SC-7617). Responsibilities: Project manager and report preparation.
Michael Bower, M.S., Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA. Conducts plant and wildlife surveys, queries the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB/ RareFind), assists with environmental permit applications, and provides technical support for wetland delineations, biological resource evaluations, mitigation plans, and other documents used in the CEQA/NEPA process. He leads public plant identification workshops at UC Davis. He holds a CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit (#SC- 11497) and CDFW Plant Collecting Permit (#2081(a)-09-14-V). He is a Certified Ecologist (Ecological Society of America) and a Professional Wetland Scientist (#2230). Responsibilities: Biological survey fieldwork, report preparation, and plant identification.
Chuck Hughes, M.S., Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Prepares biological/botanical resource evaluations, jurisdictional delineations, arborist reports, impact analyses, and mitigation and restoration plans. Serves as assistant project manager. He is an ISA Certified Arborist (WE-6885A) and is listed on a Fish and Wildlife Service recovery permit for vernal pool crustaceans (TE799564-2). He holds a CDFW Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plant Voucher Collecting Permit (#08053), and a CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit (#801246-05). He is a Professional Wetland Scientist (Society for Wetland Scientists). Responsibilities: Arborist survey fieldwork, report preparation, and plant identification.
Noosheen Pouya, B.S., Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Davis, CA. Assists with plant and wildlife surveys and with preparation of biological resource evaluations, Natural Environment Study reports, permit applications, and other documents used in the CEQA/NEPA process. She serves as both field biologist and technical report writer. She holds a CDFW Plant Collecting Permit (2081(a)-13-096-V), and is an authorized individual on the CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit (SC- 7617). Prepares figures for biological and permitting documents using GIS. Responsibilities: Biological survey fieldwork, report preparation, and figure preparation.
Carly A. Rich, B.S., Biology (emphasis Ecology), University of California, Santa Barbara, CA. Conducts preconstruction and construction monitoring, assists with plant and wildlife surveys, and assists with preparation of biological resource evaluations, Natural Environment Study reports, and other documents used in the CEQA/NEPA process. Serving as both field biologist and technical report writer, she queries the CNDDB and other databases to research special-status species. She holds a CDFW Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plant Voucher Collecting Permit (2081(a)-13-096-V). Her background includes conducting raptor surveys for BLM at Cosumnes Preserve for raptors such as Swainson’s hawk and white-tailed kites, conducting burrowing owl habitat restoration at Doty Preserve for Placer Land Trust, and also working on several vegetation restoration projects throughout Placer Co.
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Responsibilities: Report preparation.
Aramis Respall, GIS Analyst/ CAD Operator. Over 20 years experience in drafting and spatial analysis using AutoCAD map and ArcGIS for public and private projects. Prepares figures for biological and permitting documents such as project location maps, biological resource maps, wetlands/waters delineation maps, impact analysis maps, and other supporting graphics. Primary experience evolved from surveying and civil engineering practices to advanced GPS/GIS technology. Responsibilities: Figure preparation and spatial analysis.
Cynthia Little, Principal, Sycamore Environmental. Responsibilities: Senior editor, quality control.
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APPENDIX A.
Plant and Wildlife Species Observed
Plant Species Observed. Taxonomy follows Baldwin et al. (2012).
Family Scientific Name Common Name N/I1 Cal-IPC2
EUDICOTS Adoxaceae Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea Blue elderberry N Amaranthaceae Amaranthus sp. Amaranth, pigweed -- Apiaceae Conium maculatum Poison hemlock I Moderate Daucus carota Carrot, Queen Anne's lace I Apocynaceae Asclepias fascicularis Narrow-leaf milkweed N Asteraceae Anthemis sp. Dog-fennel, chamomile I Carduus pycnocephalus ssp. Italian thistle I Moderate pycnocephalus Centaurea solstitialis Yellow star-thistle I High Centromadia parryi ssp. rudis 3 Parry’s rough tarplant N Centromadia pungens ssp. pungens Common spikeweed N Cirsium vulgare Bull thistle I Moderate Dittrichia graveolens Stinkwort I Moderate Erigeron canadensis Horseweed N Helianthus annuus Sunflower N Hypochaeris sp. Cat's-ear I Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce I Leontodon saxatilis Hairy hawkbit I Senecio vulgaris Common groundsel I Silybum marianum Milk thistle I Limited Sonchus oleraceus Common sow thistle I Symphyotrichum subulatum Annual saltmarsh aster -- Xanthium strumarium Cocklebur N Heliotropium curassavicum var. Seaside heliotrope, alkali Boraginaceae N oculatum heliotrope Brassicaceae Brassica sp. Mustard I Lepidium latifolium Perennial pepperweed I High Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium album Lamb’s quarters I Salsola tragus Russion thistle, tumbleweed I Limited Bindweed, orchard Convolvulaceae Convolvulus arvensis I morning-glory Cressa truxillensis Alkali weed N Euphorbiaceae Triadica sebifera Chinese tallowtree I Moderate Fabaceae Medicago sativa Alfalfa I Melilotus sp. Sweetclover I Trifolium sp. Clover -- Geraniaceae Erodium cicutarium Redstem filaree I Limited Erodium moschatum Greenstem filaree I Geranium dissectum Cranesbill, geranium I Limited Geranium molle Cranesbill, geranium I
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Malvaceae Abutilon sp. Abutilon -- Malvella leprosa Alkali-mallow, white-weed N Onagraceae Epilobium ciliatum Willowherb N Plantaginaceae Kickxia sp. Kickxia -- Platanaceae Platanus x acerifolia London plane tree I Polygonaceae Persicaria sp. Smartweed -- Polygonum aviculare ssp. depressum Knotweed, knotgrass I Rumex crispus Curly dock I Limited Portulacaceae Portulaca oleracea Purslane I Rosaceae Malus sp. (seedling) Apple I Rubus armeniacus Himalayan blackberry I High Rubiaceae Galium aparine Goose grass N Salicaceae Populus fremontii ssp. fremontii Freemont cottonwood N Salix gooddingii Goodding’s black willow N Tamarix sp. (likely parviflora or Tamaricaceae Tamarisk, saltcedar I High ramosissima) Ulmaceae Ulmus parvifolia Chinese elm I MONOCOTS Araceae Lemna sp. Duckweed N Arecaceae Phoenix sp. (fan palm seedlings) Palm I Asparagaceae Asparagus sp. Asparagus I Cyperaceae Cyperus eragrostis Nutsedge N Schoenoplectus acutus var. occidentalis Common tule N Poaceae Avena sp. Oat I Bromus diandrus Ripgut grass I Moderate Bromus hordeaceus Soft chess I Moderate Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass I Moderate Distichlis spicata Salt grass N Elymus caput-medusae Medusa head I High Festuca perennis Rye grass I Moderate Festuca sp. (=Vulpia sp.) Fescue, rye grass -- Hordeum sp. Barley -- Phalaris sp. Canary grass -- Sorghum halepense Johnson grass I Triticum aestivum Wheat, goat grass I Typhaceae Typha sp. Cattail -- 1 N = Native to CA; I = Introduced. 2 Negative ecological impact according to the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC 2006). 3 Parry’s rough tarplant (CNPS Rank 4.2) was found south of Ikeda’s Market.
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Wildlife Species Observed COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME BIRDS American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos American kestrel Falco sparverius Black phoebe Sayornis nigricans Common raven Corvus corax House finch Carpodacus mexicanus Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Northern flicker Colaptes auratus Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Rock dove Columbia livia Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys White-tailed kite Elanus leucurus FISH Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis REPTILES Western fence lizard Sceloporus occidentalis 1 N = Native; I = Introduced. 2 High/Moderate/Limited = Cal-IPC Inventory; reflects level of each species’ negative ecological impact in California.
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APPENDIX B.
CNDDB Summary Report CNPS Inventory Query (Davis and eight surrounding quads)
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MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database
Query Criteria: Quad is (Woodland (3812167) or Grays Bend (3812166) or Taylor Monument (3812165) or Merritt (3812157) or Davis (3812156) or Sacramento West (3812155) or Dixon (3812147) or Saxon (3812146) or Clarksburg (3812145))
Rare Plant Rank/CDFW Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank SSC or FP Agelaius tricolor ABPBXB0020 None None G2G3 S1S2 SSC tricolored blackbird Ambystoma californiense AAAAA01180 Threatened Threatened G2G3 S2S3 SSC California tiger salamander Ammodramus savannarum ABPBXA0020 None None G5 S2 SSC grasshopper sparrow Antrozous pallidus AMACC10010 None None G5 S3 SSC pallid bat Archoplites interruptus AFCQB07010 None None G2G3 S1 SSC Sacramento perch Ardea alba ABNGA04040 None None G5 S4 great egret Ardea herodias ABNGA04010 None None G5 S4 great blue heron Astragalus tener var. ferrisiae PDFAB0F8R3 None None G2T1 S1 1B.1 Ferris' milk-vetch Astragalus tener var. tener PDFAB0F8R1 None None G2T2 S2 1B.2 alkali milk-vetch Athene cunicularia ABNSB10010 None None G4 S3 SSC burrowing owl Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata PDCHE040B0 None None G3T2 S2 1B.2 heartscale Atriplex depressa PDCHE042L0 None None G2 S2 1B.2 brittlescale Atriplex joaquinana PDCHE041F3 None None G2 S2 1B.2 San Joaquin spearscale Branchinecta conservatio ICBRA03010 Endangered None G1 S1 Conservancy fairy shrimp Branchinecta lynchi ICBRA03030 Threatened None G3 S2S3 vernal pool fairy shrimp Branchinecta mesovallensis ICBRA03150 None None G2 S2 midvalley fairy shrimp Buteo swainsoni ABNKC19070 None Threatened G5 S3 Swainson's hawk Carex comosa PMCYP032Y0 None None G5 S2 2B.1 bristly sedge Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus ABNNB03031 Threatened None G3T3 S2 SSC western snowy plover
Commercial Version -- Dated September, 2 2014 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Page 1 of 3 Report Printed on Monday, October 06, 2014 Information Expires 3/2/2015 Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database
Rare Plant Rank/CDFW Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank SSC or FP Charadrius montanus ABNNB03100 None None G3 S2? SSC mountain plover Chloropyron palmatum PDSCR0J0J0 Endangered Endangered G1 S1 1B.1 palmate-bracted salty bird's-beak Cicindela hirticollis abrupta IICOL02106 None None G5TH SH Sacramento Valley tiger beetle Coccyzus americanus occidentalis ABNRB02022 Proposed Endangered G5T3Q S1 Threatened western yellow-billed cuckoo Desmocerus californicus dimorphus IICOL48011 Threatened None G3T2 S2 valley elderberry longhorn beetle Egretta thula ABNGA06030 None None G5 S4 snowy egret Elanus leucurus ABNKC06010 None None G5 S3 FP white-tailed kite Elderberry Savanna CTT63440CA None None G2 S2.1 Elderberry Savanna Emys marmorata ARAAD02030 None None G3G4 S3 SSC western pond turtle Falco columbarius ABNKD06030 None None G5 S3 WL merlin Fritillaria pluriflora PMLIL0V0F0 None None G3 S3 1B.2 adobe-lily Great Valley Cottonwood Riparian Forest CTT61410CA None None G2 S2.1 Great Valley Cottonwood Riparian Forest Hibiscus lasiocarpos var. occidentalis PDMAL0H0R3 None None G5T2 S2 1B.2 woolly rose-mallow Juglans hindsii PDJUG02040 None None G1 S1 1B.1 Northern California black walnut Lasionycteris noctivagans AMACC02010 None None G5 S3S4 silver-haired bat Lasiurus cinereus AMACC05030 None None G5 S4? hoary bat Lepidium latipes var. heckardii PDBRA1M0K1 None None G4T2 S2 1B.2 Heckard's pepper-grass Lepidurus packardi ICBRA10010 Endangered None G3 S2S3 vernal pool tadpole shrimp Lilaeopsis masonii PDAPI19030 None Rare G2 S2 1B.1 Mason's lilaeopsis Linderiella occidentalis ICBRA06010 None None G2G3 S2S3 California linderiella Melospiza melodia ABPBXA3010 None None G5 S3? SSC song sparrow ("Modesto" population)
Commercial Version -- Dated September, 2 2014 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Page 2 of 3 Report Printed on Monday, October 06, 2014 Information Expires 3/2/2015 Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database
Rare Plant Rank/CDFW Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank SSC or FP Myrmosula pacifica IIHYM15010 None None GH SH Antioch multilid wasp Navarretia leucocephala ssp. bakeri PDPLM0C0E1 None None G4T2 S2 1B.1 Baker's navarretia Neostapfia colusana PMPOA4C010 Threatened Endangered G2 S2 1B.1 Colusa grass Nycticorax nycticorax ABNGA11010 None None G5 S3 black-crowned night heron Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus AFCHA0209K Threatened None G5T2 S2 steelhead - Central Valley DPS Oncorhynchus tshawytscha AFCHA0205A Threatened Threatened G5 S1 chinook salmon - Central Valley spring-run ESU Oncorhynchus tshawytscha AFCHA0205B Endangered Endangered G5 S1 chinook salmon - Sacramento River winter-run ESU Plagiobothrys hystriculus PDBOR0V0H0 None None G2 S2 1B.1 bearded popcornflower Plegadis chihi ABNGE02020 None None G5 S1 WL white-faced ibis Pogonichthys macrolepidotus AFCJB34020 None None G2 S2 SSC Sacramento splittail Progne subis ABPAU01010 None None G5 S3 SSC purple martin Spirinchus thaleichthys AFCHB03010 Candidate Threatened G5 S1 SSC longfin smelt Symphyotrichum lentum PDASTE8470 None None G2 S2 1B.2 Suisun Marsh aster Taxidea taxus AMAJF04010 None None G5 S4 SSC American badger Thamnophis gigas ARADB36150 Threatened Threatened G2 S2 giant garter snake Trifolium hydrophilum PDFAB400R5 None None G2 S2 1B.2 saline clover Tuctoria mucronata PMPOA6N020 Endangered Endangered G1 S1 1B.1 Crampton's tuctoria or Solano grass Valley Oak Woodland CTT71130CA None None G3 S2.1 Valley Oak Woodland Vireo bellii pusillus ABPBW01114 Endangered Endangered G5T2 S2 least Bell's vireo Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus ABPBXB3010 None None G5 S3 SSC yellow-headed blackbird Record Count: 60
Commercial Version -- Dated September, 2 2014 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Page 3 of 3 Report Printed on Monday, October 06, 2014 Information Expires 3/2/2015 [This page intentionally blank] Figure 3. CNDDBMap of Record Project Map Area
Plant (80m)
Plant (specific)
Plant (non-specific)
Plant (circular)
Animal (80m)
Animal (specific)
Animal (non-specific)
Animal (circular)
Terrestrial Comm. (80m)
Terrestrial Comm. (specific)
Terrestrial Comm. (non-specific)
Terrestrial Comm. (circular)
Aquatic Comm. (80m)
Aquatic Comm. (specific)
Aquatic Comm. (non-specific)
Aquatic Comm. (circular)
Multiple (80m)
Multiple (specific)
Multiple (non-specific)
Multiple (circular)
Sensitive EO's (Commercial only)
1:36,112 00.61.20.3 mi
0120.5 km
Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., October 8, 2014 GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL,
Author: cnddb_com Printed from http://bios.dfg.ca.gov [This page intentionally blank] 10/6/2014 CNPS Inventory Results
Plant List
23 matches found. Click on scientific name for details
Search Criteria
Found in 9 Quads around 38121E6
Rare Plant State Global Scientific Name Common Name Family Lifeform Rank Rank Rank Astragalus pauperculus depauperate milk-vetch Fabaceae annual herb 4.3 S3.3 G3 Astragalus tener var. Ferris' milk-vetch Fabaceae annual herb 1B.1 S1 G2T1 ferrisiae Astragalus tener var. tener alkali milk-vetch Fabaceae annual herb 1B.2 S2 G2T2 Atriplex cordulata var. heartscale Chenopodiaceae annual herb 1B.2 S2 G3T2 cordulata Atriplex depressa brittlescale Chenopodiaceae annual herb 1B.2 S2 G2 Atriplex joaquinana San Joaquin spearscale Chenopodiaceae annual herb 1B.2 S2 G2 perennial Carex comosa bristly sedge Cyperaceae 2B.1 S2 G5 rhizomatous herb Centromadia parryi ssp. Parry's rough tarplant Asteraceae annual herb 4.2 S3.2 G3T3 rudis palmate-bracted bird's- annual herb Chloropyron palmatum Orobanchaceae 1B.1 S1 G1 beak (hemiparasitic) perennial Fritillaria pluriflora adobe-lily Liliaceae 1B.2 S3 G3 bulbiferous herb Hesperevax caulescens hogwallow starfish Asteraceae annual herb 4.2 S3.2 G3 Hibiscus lasiocarpos var. perennial occidentalis woolly rose-mallow Malvaceae rhizomatous herb 1B.2 S2 G5T2
Northern California black perennial Juglans hindsii Juglandaceae 1B.1 S1 G1 walnut deciduous tree Lepidium latipes var. Heckard's pepper-grass Brassicaceae annual herb 1B.2 S2 G4T2 heckardii Lessingia hololeuca woolly-headed lessingia Asteraceae annual herb 3 S3 G3 perennial Lilaeopsis masonii Mason's lilaeopsis Apiaceae 1B.1 S2 G2 rhizomatous herb Myosurus minimus ssp. little mousetail Ranunculaceae annual herb 3.1 S2 G5T2Q apus Navarretia leucocephala Baker's navarretia Polemoniaceae annual herb 1B.1 S2 G4T2 ssp. bakeri Neostapfia colusana Colusa grass Poaceae annual herb 1B.1 S2 G2 Plagiobothrys hystriculus bearded popcorn-flower Boraginaceae annual herb 1B.1 S2 G2 perennial Symphyotrichum lentum Suisun Marsh aster Asteraceae 1B.2 S2 G2 rhizomatous herb http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/result.html?adv=t&quad=38121E6:9 1/2 10/6/2014 CNPS Inventory Results Trifolium hydrophilum saline clover Fabaceae annual herb 1B.2 S2 G2 Crampton's tuctoria or Tuctoria mucronata Poaceae annual herb 1B.1 S1 G1 Solano grass
Suggested Citation
CNPS, Rare Plant Program. 2014. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition, v8-02). California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. Website http://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 06 October 2014].
Search the Inventory Information Contributors Simple Search About the Inventory The Calflora Database Advanced Search About the Rare Plant Program The California Lichen Society Glossary CNPS Home Page About CNPS Join CNPS
© Copyright 2010-2014 California Native Plant Society. All rights reserved.
http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/result.html?adv=t&quad=38121E6:9 2/2 Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
APPENDIX C.
USFWS Species List
MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
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MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605 Sacramento, California 95825
October 6, 2014 Document Number: 141006044354 Michael Bower Sycamore Environmental Consultants Inc. 6355 Riverside Boulevard Suite C Sacramento, CA 95831 Subject: Species List for Mace Innovation Center Dear: Mr. Bower We are sending this official species list in response to your October 6, 2014 request for information about endangered and threatened species. The list covers the California counties and/or U.S. Geological Survey 7½ minute quad or quads you requested. Our database was developed primarily to assist Federal agencies that are consulting with us. Therefore, our lists include all of the sensitive species that have been found in a certain area and also ones that may be affected by projects in the area. For example, a fish may be on the list for a quad if it lives somewhere downstream from that quad. Birds are included even if they only migrate through an area. In other words, we include all of the species we want people to consider when they do something that affects the environment. Please read Important Information About Your Species List (below). It explains how we made the list and describes your responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act. Our database is constantly updated as species are proposed, listed and delisted. If you address proposed and candidate species in your planning, this should not be a problem. However, we recommend that you get an updated list every 90 days. That would be January 04, 2015. Please contact us if your project may affect endangered or threatened species or if you have any questions about the attached list or your responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act. A list of Endangered Species Program contacts can be found http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/Branch-Contacts/es_branch-contacts.htm. Endangered Species Division 10/6/2014 Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office Species List
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office Federal Endangered and Threatened Species that Occur in or may be Affected by Projects in the Counties and/or U.S.G.S. 7 1/2 Minute Quads you requested Document Number: 141006044354 Current as of: October 6, 2014
Quad Lists Listed Species Invertebrates Branchinecta conservatio Conservancy fairy shrimp (E) Branchinecta lynchi vernal pool fairy shrimp (T) Desmocerus californicus dimorphus valley elderberry longhorn beetle (T) Lepidurus packardi Critical habitat, vernal pool tadpole shrimp (X) vernal pool tadpole shrimp (E) Fish Hypomesus transpacificus Critical habitat, delta smelt (X) delta smelt (T) Oncorhynchus mykiss Central Valley steelhead (T) (NMFS) Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Central Valley spring-run chinook salmon (T) (NMFS) winter-run chinook salmon, Sacramento River (E) (NMFS) Amphibians Ambystoma californiense California tiger salamander, central population (T) Rana draytonii California red-legged frog (T) Reptiles Thamnophis gigas giant garter snake (T) Birds Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus western snowy plover (T) Plants Neostapfia colusana Critical habitat, Colusa grass (X) Tuctoria mucronata Critical habitat, Solano grass (=Crampton's tuctoria) (X) Quads Containing Listed, Proposed or Candidate Species: DAVIS (513C) http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es_species/Lists/es_species_lists.cfm 1/6 10/6/2014 Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office Species List County Lists Yolo County Listed Species Invertebrates Branchinecta conservatio Conservancy fairy shrimp (E)
Branchinecta lynchi vernal pool fairy shrimp (T)
Desmocerus californicus dimorphus valley elderberry longhorn beetle (T)
Elaphrus viridis delta green ground beetle (T)
Lepidurus packardi Critical habitat, vernal pool tadpole shrimp (X) vernal pool tadpole shrimp (E)
Syncaris pacifica California freshwater shrimp (E)
Fish Acipenser medirostris green sturgeon (T) (NMFS)
Hypomesus transpacificus Critical habitat, delta smelt (X) delta smelt (T)
Oncorhynchus mykiss Central Valley steelhead (T) (NMFS) Critical habitat, Central Valley steelhead (X) (NMFS)
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Central Valley spring-run chinook salmon (T) (NMFS) Critical Habitat, Central Valley spring-run chinook (X) (NMFS) Critical habitat, winter-run chinook salmon (X) (NMFS) winter-run chinook salmon, Sacramento River (E) (NMFS)
Amphibians Ambystoma californiense California tiger salamander, central population (T) Critical habitat, CA tiger salamander, central population (X)
Rana draytonii California red-legged frog (T)
Reptiles http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es_species/Lists/es_species_lists.cfm 2/6 10/6/2014 Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office Species List Thamnophis gigas giant garter snake (T)
Birds Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus western snowy plover (T)
Strix occidentalis caurina northern spotted owl (T)
Vireo bellii pusillus Least Bell's vireo (E)
Plants Cordylanthus palmatus palmate-bracted bird's-beak (E)
Neostapfia colusana Colusa grass (T) Critical habitat, Colusa grass (X)
Sidalcea keckii Keck's checker-mallow (=checkerbloom) (E)
Tuctoria mucronata Critical habitat, Solano grass (=Crampton's tuctoria) (X) Solano grass (=Crampton's tuctoria) (E)
Proposed Species Amphibians Anaxyrus canorus Yosemite toad (PX)
Candidate Species Birds Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Western yellow-billed cuckoo (C)
Key: (E) Endangered - Listed as being in danger of extinction. (T) Threatened - Listed as likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. (P) Proposed - Officially proposed in the Federal Register for listing as endangered or threatened. (NMFS) Species under the Jurisdiction of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service. Consult with them directly about these species. Critical Habitat - Area essential to the conservation of a species. (PX) Proposed Critical Habitat - The species is already listed. Critical habitat is being proposed for it. (C) Candidate - Candidate to become a proposed species. (V) Vacated by a court order. Not currently in effect. Being reviewed by the Service. (X) Critical Habitat designated for this species
http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es_species/Lists/es_species_lists.cfm 3/6 10/6/2014 Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office Species List
Important Information About Your Species List How We Make Species Lists We store information about endangered and threatened species lists by U.S. Geological Survey 7½ minute quads. The United States is divided into these quads, which are about the size of San Francisco.
The animals on your species list are ones that occur within, or may be affected by projects within, the quads covered by the list. Fish and other aquatic species appear on your list if they are in the same watershed as your quad or if water use in your quad might affect them. Amphibians will be on the list for a quad or county if pesticides applied in that area may be carried to their habitat by air currents. Birds are shown regardless of whether they are resident or migratory. Relevant birds on the county list should be considered regardless of whether they appear on a quad list.
Plants Any plants on your list are ones that have actually been observed in the area covered by the list. Plants may exist in an area without ever having been detected there. You can find out what's in the surrounding quads through the California Native Plant Society's online Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants.
Surveying Some of the species on your list may not be affected by your project. A trained biologist and/or botanist, familiar with the habitat requirements of the species on your list, should determine whether they or habitats suitable for them may be affected by your project. We recommend that your surveys include any proposed and candidate species on your list. See our Protocol and Recovery Permits pages. For plant surveys, we recommend using the Guidelines for Conducting and Reporting Botanical Inventories. The results of your surveys should be published in any environmental documents prepared for your project.
Your Responsibilities Under the Endangered Species Act All animals identified as listed above are fully protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Section 9 of the Act and its implementing regulations prohibit the take of a federally listed wildlife species. Take is defined by the Act as "to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect" any such animal. Take may include significant habitat modification or degradation where it actually kills or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding, or shelter (50 CFR §17.3).
Take incidental to an otherwise lawful activity may be authorized by one of two procedures: If a Federal agency is involved with the permitting, funding, or carrying out of a project that may result in take, then that agency must engage in a formal consultation with the Service. During formal consultation, the Federal agency, the applicant and the Service work together to avoid or minimize the impact on listed species and their habitat. Such consultation would result in a biological opinion by the Service addressing the anticipated effect of the project on listed and proposed species. The opinion may authorize a limited level of incidental take. http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es_species/Lists/es_species_lists.cfm 4/6 10/6/2014 Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office Species List If no Federal agency is involved with the project, and federally listed species may be taken as part of the project, then you, the applicant, should apply for an incidental take permit. The Service may issue such a permit if you submit a satisfactory conservation plan for the species that would be affected by your project. Should your survey determine that federally listed or proposed species occur in the area and are likely to be affected by the project, we recommend that you work with this office and the California Department of Fish and Game to develop a plan that minimizes the project's direct and indirect impacts to listed species and compensates for project-related loss of habitat. You should include the plan in any environmental documents you file.
Critical Habitat When a species is listed as endangered or threatened, areas of habitat considered essential to its conservation may be designated as critical habitat. These areas may require special management considerations or protection. They provide needed space for growth and normal behavior; food, water, air, light, other nutritional or physiological requirements; cover or shelter; and sites for breeding, reproduction, rearing of offspring, germination or seed dispersal. Although critical habitat may be designated on private or State lands, activities on these lands are not restricted unless there is Federal involvement in the activities or direct harm to listed wildlife. If any species has proposed or designated critical habitat within a quad, there will be a separate line for this on the species list. Boundary descriptions of the critical habitat may be found in the Federal Register. The information is also reprinted in the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR 17.95). See our Map Room page.
Candidate Species We recommend that you address impacts to candidate species. We put plants and animals on our candidate list when we have enough scientific information to eventually propose them for listing as threatened or endangered. By considering these species early in your planning process you may be able to avoid the problems that could develop if one of these candidates was listed before the end of your project.
Species of Concern The Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office no longer maintains a list of species of concern. However, various other agencies and organizations maintain lists of at-risk species. These lists provide essential information for land management planning and conservation efforts. More info
Wetlands If your project will impact wetlands, riparian habitat, or other jurisdictional waters as defined by section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, you will need to obtain a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Impacts to wetland habitats require site specific mitigation and monitoring. For questions regarding wetlands, please contact Mark Littlefield of this office at (916) 414-6520.
Updates Our database is constantly updated as species are proposed, listed and delisted. If you address proposed and candidate species in your planning, this should not be a problem. However, we recommend that you get an updated list every 90 days. That would be January 04, 2015. http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es_species/Lists/es_species_lists.cfm 5/6 Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
APPENDIX D.
Photographs
MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Photo 1. View north from southeast corner of site. Tilled Photo 2. View west toward Mace Channel in western agricultural fields occur through most of the BSA. 7 portion of site. Two adjacent culverts pass water beneath October 2014. Mace Blvd., one of which is visible in distance. 7 October 2014.
Photo 3. View looking downstream (east) toward the Mace Photo 4. View west in a recently maintained portion of the Channel as it leaves the Project site. 7 October 2014. Mace Channel near the center of the site. 7 October 2014.
Photo 5. View east from bed of Mace Channel in central Photo 6. View west toward the detention basin from its portion of BSA. Vegetation has recently been removed. No eastern edge. Several young Fremont’s cottonwoods occur water is present. 10 December 2014. in distance. 7 October 2014.
14087_AppendixD_MRIC_Photos.doc 12/15/14 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Photo 7. View south toward the blue elderberry shrub Photo 8. View northeast along eastern boundary of BSA located approximately 80 ft east of Mace Blvd., along toward offsite eucalyptus grove site. 7 October 2014. western boundary of the BSA. 7 October 2014.
Photo 9. View west along Co. Rd. 32A, outside the BSA to Photo 10. View northeast along the Park and Ride the south. Railroad tracks and upland swale on left. 7 driveway. Ruderal weeds occur along the driveway. The October 2014. BSA is in the background. 7 October 2014.
Photo 11. View southwest toward patch of blue elderberry Photo 12. View north along Road 104 in north part of shrubs and tamarisk located along west side of Road 104 in BSA. Ruderal weeds and alfalfa agriculture on right. 7 northern portion of BSA. 7 October 2014. October 2014.
14087_AppendixD_MRIC_Photos.doc 12/15/14 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Photo 13. Google Street View, May 2014. View west from along Road 105 showing Mace Channel with no water present and ruderal weeds on bed and banks.
Photo 14. Google Street View, May 2012. View west from along Road 105 showing Mace Channel with no water present and ruderal weeds on bed and banks.
Photo 15. Google Street View, May 2014. View east from along Road 105 showing Mace Channel with no water present and ruderal weeds on bed and banks.
Photo 16. Google Street View, May 2012. View east from along Road 105 showing Mace Channel with no water present and ruderal weeds on bed and banks.
Photo 17. 10 December 2014. View south along Road 105 showing Mace Channel with ruderal weeds (perennial pepperweed and yellow star-thistle) on bed and banks and no water present.
Photo 18. 10 December 2014. View east (downstream) toward Mace Channel from Road 105. No water is present. Little to no emergent wetland vegetation is present.
Photo 19. 10 December 2014. View of Mace Channel, looking downstream (east), from a location approximately 500 ft east of the BSA. Ruderal weeds dominate. Little to no emergent wetland vegetation is present.
Photo 20. 10 December 2014. View of Mace Channel, looking upstream (west) toward the BSA, from a location approximately 500 ft east of the BSA. Ruderal weeds dominate in the channel. Little to no emergent wetland vegetation is present.
Photo 21. 7 October 2014. Mace Channel inlet under the Yolo Bypass levee. No water is present.
Photo 22. 7 October 2014. Mace Channel outlet, with large metal flapgate resting in closed position, on the Yolo Bypass side of the Yolo Bypass levee. No water is present.
Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
APPENDIX E
Species Evaluated Table
Special-Status Species/ Federal State Potential to Occur in Source c Habitat Requirements Common Name Status a Status a,b the BSA? Invertebrates Occurs in grassland communities (USFWS 1994) where it inhabits large (greater than 300 sq ft), deep (between 10 and 27 cm), usually turbid vernal pools where rooted vegetation is absent. Habitat must provide continuous pooling for a duration sufficient Branchinecta No. There are no vernal to support reproduction (46 days to reproduce) (Helm 1998). Known from eight conservatio pools in the BSA. The E, CH -- 1,2 populations in CA: Vina Plains, Butte and Tehama cos.; Sacramento National Wildlife Conservancy fairy BSA is in active Refuge, Glenn Co.; Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, Yolo Co.; Jepson Prairie, Solano Co.; shrimp agriculture. Mapes Ranch, Stanislaus Co.; University of California, Merced, Merced Co.; Grasslands Ecological Area, Merced Co.; and Los Padres National Forest, Ventura Co. (USFWS 2007). No. There are no vernal Inhabits a wide variety of vernal pool habitats. Most commonly found in small (< 0.05 Branchinecta lynchi pools in the BSA. The T, CH -- 1,2 ac), clear to tea-colored vernal pools with mud, grass, or basalt bottoms in unplowed Vernal pool fairy shrimp BSA is in active grasslands (USFWS 2005). agriculture. Desmocerus californicus dimorphus Requires an elderberry shrub (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea or Sambucus racemosa T, CH -- 1,2 Yes. See discussion. Valley elderberry var. racemosa) as a host plant (USFWS 1999b). longhorn beetle No. There are no vernal Lepidurus packardi Typically occurs in large, deep vernal pools (USFWS 2005), but can also make use of pools in the BSA. The Vernal pool tadpole E, CH -- 1,2 smaller pools within larger vernal pool complexes (Helm 1998). BSA is in active shrimp agriculture. Fish Inhabits freshwater sloughs, slow-moving rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and farm ponds. No. Mace Channel is dry Often found near submerged or emergent vegetation. Tolerates variable conditions, for much of the year. A Archoplites interruptus -- SC 2 including a wide range of turbidity, temperature, salinity, and pH. Occurs mainly in metal flap gate at the Yolo Sacramento perch inshore areas of larger lakes (Moyle 2002). Bypass prevents migration into the Mace Channel. Euryhaline (tolerant of a wide salinity range) species that spawns in freshwater dead- No. Mace Channel does end sloughs and shallow edge-waters of channels of the Delta (USFWS 2010). not have appropriate Hypomesus Restricted to the San Pablo Bay upstream through the Delta in Contra Costa, hydrology. A metal flap transpacificus T, CH T 1 Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo cos. (Moyle 2002). Their historic range gate at the Yolo Bypass Delta smelt extended from San Pablo Bay upstream to at least the city of Sacramento on the prevents migration into Sacramento River and the city of Mossdale on the San Joaquin River (USFWS 2010). the Mace Channel.
MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. E-1 Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
Special-Status Species/ Federal State c Potential to Occur in Source Habitat Requirements Common Name Status a Status a,b the BSA? Anadromous salmonid historically distributed throughout the Sacramento and San No. Mace Channel does Joaquin river drainages. While steelhead are found elsewhere in the Sacramento River not have appropriate Oncorhynchus mykiss system, the principal remaining wild populations are a few hundred fish that spawn spawning substrate or Central Valley steelhead annually in Deer and Mill Creeks in Tehama Co. and a population of unknown size in T, CH -- 1,2 hydrology. A metal flap distinct population the lower Yuba River. Spawning occurs in small tributaries on coarse gravel beds in gate at the Yolo Bypass segment (DPS) riffle areas (Busby et al. 1996). With the possible exception of a small population in prevents migration into the lower Stanislaus River, steelhead appear to have been extirpated from the San the Mace Channel. Joaquin basin (Moyle 2002). No. Mace Channel does Oncorhynchus Anadromous salmonid that enters the Sacramento River from March to July and spawns not have appropriate tshawytscha from late August through early October. Adult females prepare spawning beds in spawning substrate or Central Valley spring-run streams with suitable gravel composition, water depth, and velocity. After hatching, fry T, CH T 1,2 hydrology. A metal flap Chinook salmon and subyearlings return to the ocean to complete development (McGinnis 1984). gate at the Yolo Bypass evolutionarily Extant populations of this ESU spawn in the Sacramento River and its tributaries. prevents migration into significant unit (ESU) Populations in the San Joaquin River are believed to be extirpated (NMFS 2005). the Mace Channel. Anadromous salmonid once found throughout the upper Sacramento River basin, now No. Mace Channel does Oncorhynchus confined to the mainstem Sacramento River below Keswick Dam (Moyle 2002). not have appropriate tshawytscha Adults enter the Sacramento River from December through July and spawn from April spawning substrate or Winter-run Chinook E, CH E 1,2 to July. Spawning beds are prepared in streams with suitable gravel composition, water hydrology. A metal flap salmon, Sacramento depth, and velocity (McGinnis 1984). This ESU is believed to be extirpated from the gate at the Yolo Bypass River San Joaquin River Basin. However, an intermittent run has been reported in the lower prevents migration into Calaveras River (NMFS 1998). the Mace Channel. No. Mace Channel does not have appropriate Pogonichthys This minnow of the backwater slough areas spawns either over shoreline vegetation or hydrology. A metal flap macrolepidotus -- SC 2 over gravel in creek tributaries of rivers during spring high water levels (McGinnis gate at the Yolo Bypass Sacramento splittail 1984). prevents migration into the Mace Channel. Spawns from November to June in freshwater over sandy-gravel substrates, rocks, or No. Mace Channel does aquatic plants. After hatching, larvae move up into surface waters and are transported not have appropriate Spirinchus thaleichthys downstream into brackish-water nursery areas. In the San Francisco estuary, longfin hydrology. A metal flap C T/SC 2 Longfin smelt smelt are usually found downstream of Rio Vista on the Sacramento River and from the gate at the Yolo Bypass vicinity of Medford Island downstream on the San Joaquin River. They are prevents migration into occasionally found upstream of these locations (Moyle 2002). the Mace Channel. Amphibians Breed and lay eggs primarily in vernal pools and other temporary rainwater ponds. No. The BSA is in active Ambystoma californiense Specific habitat requirements include annual grasslands and open woodlands with agriculture. There are no California tiger T, CH T/SC 1,2 animal burrows for summer dormancy, shallow ponds for larval development that do vernal pools or other salamander, central not contain fish, and quiet waterways supporting prey which includes snails, frogs, suitable breeding habitat population tadpoles, fish, and invertebrates (CWHR 2014). in the BSA.
MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. E-2 Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
Special-Status Species/ Federal State c Potential to Occur in Source Habitat Requirements Common Name Status a Status a,b the BSA? Inhabits quiet pools of streams, marshes, and occasionally ponds with dense, shrubby, or emergent vegetation. Requires permanent or nearly permanent pools for larval No. The BSA is in active Rana draytonii development (CWHR 2014; USFWS 2002). The range of CA red-legged frog extends agriculture. There is no California red-legged T, CH SC 1 from near sea level to approximately 5,200 ft, though nearly all sightings have occurred suitable breeding habitat frog below 3,500 ft. CRLF has been extirpated from the floor of the Central Valley in the BSA. (USFWS 2002). Reptiles Found in aquatic habitats with abundant vegetative cover and requires exposed basking No. The Mace Channel is sites such as logs, rocks, floating vegetation, or open mud banks. Associated with dry for much of the year Emys marmorata -- SC 2 permanent or nearly permanent water in a wide variety of habitat types, normally in and does not contain Western pond turtle ponds, lakes, streams, irrigation ditches, or permanent pools along intermittent streams, sufficient water for this from sea level to 4,690 ft (CWHR 2014). species. Habitat requisites consist of 1) adequate water during the snake's active season (early spring through mid-fall) to provide food and cover; 2) emergent, herbaceous wetland Thamnophis gigas vegetation, such as cattails and bulrushes, for escape cover and foraging habitat during T T 1,2 No. See discussion. Giant garter snake the active season; 3) grassy banks and openings in waterside vegetation for basking; and 4) higher elevation uplands for cover and refuge from flood waters during the snake's winter dormant season (Stebbins 2003). Birds Common locally throughout the Central Valley and in coastal districts from Sonoma Co. south. Breeds near freshwater, preferably in emergent wetland of tall, dense cattails Yes. The Mace Channel Agelaius tricolor -- EL, SC 2 or tules, and also in thickets of willow, blackberry, tall herbs and wild rose. The provides marginal nesting Tricolored blackbird nesting area is highly colonial, supporting a minimum of 50 pairs (CWHR 2014). habitat. See discussion. Nesting colonies are of concern to CDFW (2014a). An uncommon and local summer resident and breeder in foothills and lowlands west of Cascade-Sierra Nevada crest from Mendocino and Trinity cos., south to San Diego Co. Ammodramus Occurs in dry, dense grasslands, especially with scattered shrubs for sitting perches. A No. The BSA is in active savannarum -- SC 2 thick cover of grasses and forbs is essential for concealment. Nests are built of grasses agriculture. Grasshopper sparrow and forbs in slight depression in ground hidden by a clump of grasses or forbs. Usually nests solitarily from early April to mid-July. May form semicolonial breeding groups of 3-12 pairs (CWHR 2014). Nesting sites are of concern to CDFW (2014a). Yearlong resident of open, dry grassland and desert habitat, and in grass, forb, and open Athene cunicularia shrub stages of pinyon-juniper and Ponderosa pine habitats. Uses small mammal -- SC 2 Yes. See discussion. Burrowing owl burrows, often those of ground squirrels, for roosting and nesting cover (CWHR 2014). Burrowing sites and some wintering sites are of concern to CDFW (2014a). Uncommon breeding resident and migrant in the Central Valley, Klamath Basin, Northeastern Plateau, Lassen Co., and Mojave Desert. Nests in stands with few trees in Buteo swainsoni juniper-sage flats, in riparian areas, and in oak savannah in the Central Valley. Forages -- T 2 Yes. See discussion. Swainson’s hawk in adjacent grasslands, livestock pastures, or suitable (i.e., low growing) crop fields. Feeds on small birds, rodents, mammals, reptiles, large arthropods, amphibians, and, rarely, fish (CWHR 2014). Nesting sites are of concern to CDFW (2014a).
MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. E-3 Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
Special-Status Species/ Federal State c Potential to Occur in Source Habitat Requirements Common Name Status a Status a,b the BSA? Nests, feeds, and takes cover on sandy or gravelly beaches along the Pacific coast, at sand pits, dune-backed beaches at creek and river mouths, salt pans at lagoons and estuaries, and alkali lakes (USFWS 2007; CWHR 2014). Common on sandy marine Charadrius alexandrinus and estuarine shores in fall and winter. Inland nesting areas occur at the Salton Sea, No. Suitable habitat does nivosus T SC 1,2 Mono Lake, and at isolated sites on the shores of alkali lakes in northeastern CA, the not occur in the BSA. Western snowy plover Central Valley, and southeastern CA deserts. Requires a sandy, gravelly or friable soil substrate for nesting (CWHR 2014). Nesting sites are of concern to CDFW (2014a). Federal status applies only to the Pacific coastal population. This species does not nest in CA. It is a winter resident from September through March in the Central Valley from Sutter and Yuba cos. southward into Mexico at elevations below 3,200 ft. Also found in foothill valleys west of the San Joaquin Valley, the Charadrius montanus Yes. Foraging habitat -- SC 2 Imperial Valley, and plowed fields of Los Angeles and western San Bernardino cos. Mountain plover only. See discussion. Mountain plover forage in short and open grasslands, plowed fields with little vegetation, and open sagebrush areas (CWHR 2014). Nonbreeding/wintering sites are of concern to CDFW (2014a). Uncommon to rare summer resident of valley foothill and desert riparian habitats in scattered locations in CA. Breeding populations known from the Colorado River, No. There is no suitable Sacramento and Owens valleys, along the South Fork of the Kern River (Kern Co.), Coccyzus americanus habitat in the BSA. The along the Santa Ana River (Riverside Co.), and along the Amargosa River (Inyo & San occidentalis few isolated trees in the T E 2 Bernardino cos.). They may also nest along San Luis Rey River (San Diego Co.). Western yellow-billed BSA do not provide Nests in dense cover of deciduous trees and shrubs, especially willows, which usually cuckoo foraging or nesting abut a slow-moving watercourse, backwater or seep. Also utilizes adjacent orchards, habitat. especially walnuts, in the Central Valley (CWHR 2014). Nesting sites are of concern to CDFW (2014a). Yearlong resident in coastal and valley lowlands; rarely found away from agricultural areas. Inhabits herbaceous and open stages of most habitats mostly in cismontane CA. Elanus leucurus Substantial groves of dense, broad-leafed deciduous trees are used for nesting and -- FP 2 Yes. See discussion. White-tailed kite roosting. Nest placed near top of dense oak, willow, or other tree stand located near open foraging area. Forages in undisturbed, open grasslands, meadows, farmlands, and emergent wetlands (CWHR 2014). Nesting sites are of concern to CDFW (2014a). A year-round resident that prefers emergent freshwater marshes dominated by tules and cattails as well as riparian willow thickets. Modesto song sparrows also nest in riparian forests of valley oak with sufficient understory of blackberry, along vegetated irrigation canals and levees, and in recently planted valley oak restoration sites. The Modesto Melospiza melodia song sparrow is restricted to CA where it is locally numerous in the Sacramento Valley, Yes. Marginal nesting Song sparrow Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, and the northern San Joaquin Valley. The -- SC 2 habitat occurs along Mace (“Modesto” Modesto song sparrow remains locally numerous in areas where extensive wetlands Channel. See discussion. population) occur. Hence, highest densities occur in the Butte Sink area of the Sacramento Valley and in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Immediately adjacent to the Butte Sink, song sparrows breed in sparsely vegetated irrigation canals, yet are almost entirely absent from the main stem and tributaries of the Sacramento River above Sacramento (Shuford and Gardali 2008).
MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. E-4 Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
Special-Status Species/ Federal State c Potential to Occur in Source Habitat Requirements Common Name Status a Status a,b the BSA? Found throughout nearly the entire U.S. east of the Rocky Mtns. In the western U.S, occurs in OR, WA, CA, UT, CO, AZ, and NM. Winters in South America and arrives in central CA in late March, Breeding occurs from April into August. Generally inhabits open areas with an open water source nearby. Purple martins nest colonially or No. There is no suitable Progne subis -- SC 2 singly in cavities both natural and man-made. Purple martins are not as likely to use nesting habitat in the Purple martin nest boxes in CA as they are in the eastern U.S. All current known nesting sites in BSA. Sacramento are in vertical weep holes beneath bridges built of steel and concrete box girders over urban areas and railroad tracks (Airola and Grantham 2003). Nesting sites are of concern to CDFW (2014a). Inhabits willows and other low, dense, foothill riparian habitat below approximately 2,000 ft. Currently known from canyons in San Benito and Monterey cos., coastal No. Dense, willow- areas from Santa Barbara Co. south, and the western edges of southern CA deserts. dominated riparian habitat Usually found near water or intermittent streams. Winters in Mexico from September Vireo bellii pusillus does not occur in the BSA. E E 2 through the end of March. Peak egg-laying season is May through early June (CWHR Least Bell’s vireo Suitable habitat for this 2014). In 2010/2011, least Bell’s vireo was observed in Yolo Co. for the first time in species does not occur in decades, along Putah Creek in the Yolo Bypass. The birds were utilizing riparian the BSA. habitat dominated by sandbar willow, adjacent to riverine and freshwater marsh (CDFW 2014e). Nesting sites are of concern to CDFW (2014a). Breeds commonly, but locally, east of the Cascade Range and the Sierra Nevada, in the Imperial and Colorado River valleys, the Central Valley, and at selected locations in the No. Lakes, ponds, and Xanthocephalus coast ranges west of the Central Valley. Nests in freshwater emergent wetland with deep water do not occur in xanthocephalus -- SC 2 dense vegetation and deep water, often along the borders of lakes or ponds. Feeds on the BSA. Suitable nesting Yellow-headed blackbird seeds and cultivated grains and eats insects in the breeding season. Breeding season habitat for this species lasts from mid-April to late July (CWHR 2014). Nesting sites are of concern to CDFW does not occur in the BSA. (2014a). Mammals Locally common at low elevations where it occupies a wide variety of habitats including desert, grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, rocky canyons, lower elevation oak savannah, coast redwood, open farmland and mixed conifer forest from sea level up to 3,000 ft in elevation (Bolster 1998, CWHR 2014). Prefers open, dry habitats with No. The BSA does not rocky areas for roosting, and rock outcrops, cliffs, and crevices with access to open provide roosting habitat Antrozous pallidus habitats for foraging. Day roosts in caves, crevices, mines, and occasionally buildings for this species. The few -- SC 2 Pallid bat and hollow trees. Night roosts may be more open, such as porches and open buildings. trees in the BSA are Social, often roosting in groups of 20 or more. Absent in the high Sierra Nevada from young and do not have Shasta to Kern cos. and northwest CA from Del Norte and western Siskiyou cos. south hollows. to northern Mendocino Co. (CWHR 2014). May be more dependent on tree roosts than was previously realized. They have been located in tree cavities in oak, Ponderosa pine, coast redwood and giant Sequoia (Bolster 1998). No. The BSA is in active Found throughout most of CA except the northern North Coast. Abundant in drier open agricultural adjacent to a Taxidea taxus stages of many shrub, forest, and herbaceous habitats with friable soils. Feeds on -- SC 2 urban land use. There are American badger fossorial rodents, some reptiles, insects, earthworms, bird eggs, and carrion (CWHR no recent badger records 2014). near the BSA.
MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. E-5 Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
Special-Status Species/ Federal State c Potential to Occur in Source Habitat Requirements Common Name Status a Status a,b the BSA? Plants CNPS b No. The BSA is below Annual herb found on vernally mesic, volcanic substrates in chaparral, cismontane Astragalus pauperculus the elevation range and -- --/ 4.3 3 woodland, and Valley and foothill grassland from 197 to 3,986 ft. Known from Butte, Depauperate milk-vetch does not contain vernally Placer, Shasta, Tehama, and Yuba cos. Blooms March through June (CNPS 2014). mesic, volcanic substrates. Yes. Marginal habitat Annual herb found in vernally mesic meadows and seeps and subalkaline flats in Valley Astragalus tener var. occurs only in the and foothill grassland from 7 to 250 ft. Known from Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Sutter, and ferrisiae -- --/ 1B.1 2,3 detention basin and along Yolo cos. Presumed extirpated from Solano Co. Known only from six extant Ferris’ milk vetch field margins. See occurrences. Blooms April through May (CNPS 2014). discussion. Annual herb found in alkaline conditions of playas, adobe clay Valley and foothill Yes. Marginal habitat Astragalus tener var. grassland, and vernal pools from 3 to 200 ft. Known from Alameda, Merced, Napa, occurs only in the tener -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Solano, and Yolo cos. Presumed extirpated from Contra Costa, Monterey, San Benito, detention basin and along Alkali milk-vetch Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus cos. Blooms March through field margins. See June (Hickman 1993; CNPS 2014). discussion. Annual herb found in saline or alkaline conditions of chenopod scrub, meadows and Yes. Marginal habitat Atriplex cordulata var. seeps, and sandy Valley and foothill grassland from 3 to 1,850 ft. Known from occurs only in the cordulata -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Madera, Merced, San Luis detention basin and along Heartscale Obispo, Solano, and Tulare cos. Presumed extirpated from San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and field margins. See Yolo cos. Blooms April through October (CNPS 2014). discussion. Yes. Marginal habitat Annual herb found in alkaline and clay soils of chenopod scrub, meadows and seeps, occurs only in the Atriplex depressa playas, Valley and foothill grassland, and vernal pools from 3 to 1,050 ft. Known from -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 detention basin and along Brittlescale Alameda, Contra Costa, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Merced, Solano, Stanislaus, field margins. See Tulare, and Yolo cos. Blooms April through October (CNPS 2014). discussion. Annual herb found in alkaline soils in chenopod scrub, meadows and seeps, playas, and Yes. Marginal habitat Valley and foothill grassland from 3 to 2,750 ft. Known from Alameda, Contra Costa, occurs only in the Atriplex joaquiniana -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Merced, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, Solano, Yolo and detention basin and along San Joaquin spearscale possibly San Luis Obispo cos. This species is presumed extirpated in Santa Clara, San field margins. See Joaquin, and Tulare cos. Blooms April through October (CNPS 2014). discussion. Perennial rhizomatous herb found in coastal prairie, marshes and swamps along lake Yes. Marginal habitat margins, and Valley and foothill grassland form 0 to 2,051 ft. Known from Contra Carex comosa occurs only in the Mace -- --/ 2B.1 2,3 Costa, Lake, Mendocino, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Shasta, San Joaquin, and Sonoma Bristly sedge Channel. In See cos. Presumed extirpated from San Bernardino and San Francisco cos. Blooms May discussion. through September (CNPS 2014). Yes. Marginal habitat Annual herb found in alkaline, vernally mesic seeps in Valley and foothill grassland, Centromadia parryi ssp. occurs only in the vernal pools, and sometimes along roadsides from 0 to 328 ft. Known from Butte, rudis -- --/ 4.2 3 detention basin and along Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter and Yolo cos. Parry’s rough tarplant field margins. See Blooms May through October (CNPS 2014). discussion.
MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. E-6 Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
Special-Status Species/ Federal State c Potential to Occur in Source Habitat Requirements Common Name Status a Status a,b the BSA? No. Seasonally flooded Chloropyron palmatum Annual hemiparasitic herb found on alkaline soils of chenopod scrub and Valley and saline-alkali soils do not (=Cordylanthus foothill grassland from 16 to 510 ft. Known from Alameda, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, occur in the BSA. The palmatus) E E/ 1B.1 2,3 Madera, and Yolo cos. Presumed extirpated in San Joaquin Co. Blooms May through closest record for this Palmate-bracted bird’s- October (CNPS 2014). Habitat also described as seasonally-flooded, saline-alkali soils species is 5.5 mi to the beak (USFWS 2009) and alkaline flats (Baldwin, et al. 2012). northwest. Perennial bulbiferous herb often found in adobe soils of chaparral, cismontane No. The BSA is in active woodland, and Valley and foothill grassland from 195 to 2,315 ft. Known from Butte, agriculture, has a history Fritillaria pluriflora -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Napa, Solano, Tehama, and Yolo cos. Blooms February through of soil disturbance, does Adobe-lily April (CNPS 2014). Baldwin, et al. (2012) describe soils as “adobe, generally not contain serpentine, and serpentine of interior foothills.” is dominated by silt soils. Annual herb found in Valley and foothill grassland in mesic and clay soils and in Yes. Marginal habitat shallow vernal pools from 0 to 1,650 ft. Known from Alameda, Amador, Butte, Contra occurs only in the Hesperevax caulescens -- --/ 4.2 3 Costa, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Merced, Monterey, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San detention basin and along Hogwallow starfish Luis Obispo, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, and Yolo cos. Presumed extirpated field margins. See from Napa and San Diego cos. Blooms from March to June (CNPS 2014). discussion. A perennial, rhizomatous, aquatic emergent herb found in freshwater marshes and Yes. Marginal habitat Hibiscus lasiocarpos var. swamps from 0 to 400 ft. Occurs in freshwater-soaked river banks and low peat islands occurs only along the occidentalis -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 in sloughs, often in riprap on sides of levees. Known from Butte, Contra Costa, Colusa, Mace Channel. See Woolly rose-mallow Glenn, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter, and Yolo cos. Blooms June through discussion. September (CNPS 2014). Deciduous tree found in riparian forests and riparian woodlands from 0 to 1,444 ft. Known from Contra Costa and Napa cos, and possibly from Lake Co. Presumed extirpated in Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo cos. This species blooms in the spring, but Juglans hindsii No. The BSA does not is identifiable for most of the year based on leaves and fruits. There is only one Northern California -- --/ 1B.1 2,3 contain a stand of native confirmed, native occurrence that CNPS considered viable as of 2003. Trees of this black walnut walnut. species have hybridized extensively with other Juglans sp., and have naturalized widely in areas of cismontane CA that are not part of its historic range (CNPS 2014). The 1B.1 status only applies to trees which recruited naturally long ago and have not hybridized. Annual herb found in alkaline flats of valley and foothill grassland from 6 to 660 ft. Yes. Marginal habitat Lepidium latipes var. Known from Glenn, Merced, Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo cos. Blooms March occurs only in the heckardii -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 through May (CNPS 2014). Lepidium latipes var. heckardii is no longer recognized as detention basin and along Heckard’s pepper-grass distinct from the common Lepidium latipes var. latipes in the The Jepson manual: field margins. See Vascular plants of California, 2nd edition (Al-Shehbaz 2012). discussion. Annual herb found in clay, serpentine soils in broadleaved upland forest, coastal scrub, Lessingia hololeuca lower montane coniferous forest, and Valley and foothill grassland from 49 to 1,001 ft. No. Serpentinite soils do -- --/ 3 3 Wooly-headed lessingia Known from Alameda, Monterey, Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Solano, not occur in the BSA. Sonoma, and Yolo cos. Blooms June through October (CNPS 2014). Rhizomatous herb found in brackish or freshwater marshes and swamps and riparian No. The BSA does not scrub from 0 to 33 ft. Known from Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Sacramento, Lilaeopsis masonii contain tidal waters. The -- R/ 1B.1 2,3 San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo cos. Locally common in Suisun Bay. Blooms April Mason’s lilaeopsis BSA does not provide through November (CNPS 2014). Habitat also described as tidal marshes and habitat for this species. streambanks (Baldwin, et al. 2012).
MRIC-BRE-Aug2015.docx 8/10/2015 Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. E-7 Biological Resources Evaluation Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
Special-Status Species/ Federal State c Potential to Occur in Source Habitat Requirements Common Name Status a Status a,b the BSA? Annual herb found in Valley and foothill grassland and alkaline vernal pools from 66 to 2,100 ft. Known from Alameda, Contra Costa, Colusa, Lake, Merced, Riverside, San Myosurus minimus ssp. No. The BSA does not Bernardino, San Diego, Solano, Tulare, and Yolo cos. Blooms March through June apus -- --/ 3.1 3 contain suitable habitat for (CNPS 2014). Based on CCH (2014) collection records, this species is associated with Little mousetail this species. vernal pools and similar wetlands. This subspecies is not recognized by Baldwin, et al. (2012). Annual herb found in mesic soils in cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous Navarretia leucocephala forest, meadows and seeps, Valley and foothill grassland and vernal pools from 16 to No. The BSA does not ssp. bakeri -- --/ 1B.1 2,3 5,709 ft. Known from Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Marin, Napa, Solano, contain vernal pools. Baker’s navarretia Sonoma, Sutter, Tehama, and Yolo cos. Blooms April through July (CNPS 2014). Baldwin, et al. (2012) describe habitat as “vernal pools.” Annual herb found in large adobe vernal pools from 15 to 660 ft. Known from Glenn, Neostapfia colusana Merced, Solano, Stanislaus, and Yolo cos. Presumed extirpated from Colusa Co. No. The BSA does not T E/ 1B.1 1,2,3 Colusa grass Blooms May through August (CNPS 2014). Typically grows in large, deep pools that contain vernal pools. have long periods of inundation (68 FR 46693). Annual herb found in mesic soils in Valley and foothill grassland, along vernal pool No. The BSA does not margins, and in vernal swales from 0 to 899 ft. Known from Napa, Solano and Yolo Plagiobothrys contain vernal pools. The cos. Blooms from April through May. This species was previously believed to be hystriculus -- --/ 1B.1 2,3 BSA is over 25 mi extinct in CA, but was rediscovered in 2005, and is known only from the Montezuma Bearded popcornflower northeast of the Hills (CNPS 2014). Baldwin, et al. (2012) describe habitat as “wet grassland, vernal Montezuma Hills. pool margins.” Perennial rhizomatous herb found in brackish and freshwater marshes and swamps from Yes. Marginal habitat Symphyotrichum lentum -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 0 to 10 ft. Known from Contra Costa, Napa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and occurs only along Mace Suisun Marsh aster Yolo cos. Blooms from May to November (CNPS 2014). Channel. See discussion. Annual herb found in marshes and swamps, mesic and alkaline soils of Valley and Yes. Marginal habitat foothill grassland, and vernal pools from 0 to 985 ft. Known from Alameda, Colusa, occurs only in the Trifolium hydrophilum -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Lake, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Joaquin, detention basin and along Saline clover San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo cos. Blooms April through field margins. See June (CNPS 2014). discussion. No. The BSA does not Annual herb found in mesic soils in Valley and foothill grassland and vernal pools from contain vernal pools. The Tuctoria mucronata 16 to 33 ft. Known from Solano and Yolo cos. Blooms from April to August. Known E E/ 1B.1 1,2,3 BSA is located ~4 mi Solano grass from only three occurrences: one at Olcott Lake at Jepson Prairie Preserve, one nearby north of the population Jepson Prairie, and one south of Davis on Dept. of Defense land (CNPS 2014). located south of Davis. Natural Communities Open shrub savannah dominated by Sambucus mexicana, usually with an understory of nonnative annual herbs. Requires grazing, fire, or flooding to prevent succession to Great Valley Mixed Riparian Forest. Occurs in areas of fine-textured alluvium that are set back from active river channels, but still subject to flooding and silt deposition. No. This community does Elderberry Savanna -- --/ -- 2 Additional characteristic species include: Bromus spp., Centaurea solstitialis, and not occur in the BSA. Marrubium vulgare. Scattered among surviving stands of riparian vegetation throughout the Sacramento and northern San Joaquin valleys beyond Merced County (Holland 1986).
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Special-Status Species/ Federal State c Potential to Occur in Source Habitat Requirements Common Name Status a Status a,b the BSA? Deciduous riparian forest dominated by Populus fremontii and Salix gooddingii with Great Valley dense understory. Lianas such as Vitis californica are common. Frequent flooding No. This community does Cottonwood Riparian -- --/ -- 2 prevents other trees, such as Acer negundo californica and Fraxinus latifolia, from not occur in the BSA. Forest reaching canopy height. Additional characteristic species include: Cephalanthus occidentalis, Elymus triticoides, and Salix spp. (Holland 1986). An oak woodland dominated by Valley oak (Quercus lobata). Occurs on deep, well- drained alluvial soils, usually in valley bottoms, apparently with more moisture in summer than in blue oak woodland. Intergrades with Valley oak riparian forest near rivers and with blue oak woodland on drier slopes. Found on non-alluvial setting in the No. This community does Valley Oak Woodland -- --/ -- 2 South Coast and Transverse ranges. Typically open stands with grassy-understoried not occur in the BSA. savanna rather than a closed woodland. Valley oak is usually the only tree present. Most stands consist of open-canopy growth form trees and seldom exceed 30-40% absolute cover (Holland 1986). a Status: Endangered (E); Threatened (T); Proposed (P); Candidate (C), Delisted (D), Fully Protected (FP); Rare (R); State Species of Special Concern (SC); Proposed Critical Habitat (PCH); Critical Habitat (CH) - Project footprint is located within a designated critical habitat unit, but does not necessarily mean that appropriate habitat is present; California Emergency Listed (EL). b CNPS Rare Plant Rank: 1A = Presumed Extinct in CA; 1B = Rare or Endangered in CA and elsewhere; 2 = R/E in CA and more common elsewhere; 3 = More information is needed about this plant species (review list); 4 = Limited distribution (watch list). CNPS Decimal Extensions: .1 = Seriously endangered in CA (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat); .2 = Fairly endangered in CA (20-80% occurrences threatened); .3 = Not very endangered in CA (<20% of occurrences threatened or no current threats known). c Sources: 1 = USFWS (2014) List for the Davis Quad and Yolo County; 2 = CNDDB (2014) query of the Davis Quad and all surrounding quads; 3 = CNPS (2014) query of the Davis Quad and all surrounding quads.
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APPENDIX F.
Map of GGS Habitat by the Yolo Heritage Program
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APPENDIX G.
Spring 2015 Botanical Survey Results Memo
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SYCAMORE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, INC. 6355 Riverside Blvd., Suite C, Sacramento, CA 95831 916/ 427-0703 www.sycamoreenv.com
22 June 2015
Ms. Alisha Olson, Development Project Manager The Buzz Oates Group of Companies 8615 Elder Creek Road Sacramento, CA 95828
Phone: 916/ 379-3838 Email: [email protected]
Subject: Spring 2015 Botanical Survey Results for the Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project, Yolo County, CA
Dear Ms. Olson,
Sycamore Environmental completed a botanical survey of the Mace Ranch Innovation Center (MRIC) Project site on 19 May 2015. The survey supplements the results of the biological resources evaluation (Sycamore Environmental 2015). No special-status plants were documented during the 19 May 2015 survey. One special-status plant, Parry’s rough tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. rudis; CNPS Rank 4.2), is known from near Ikeda’s Market but it was not evident and identifiable during the 19 May 2015 survey (this species typically blooms in the summer/fall). A summer/fall botanical survey is planned during the evident and identifiable period.
STUDY AREA The 265.09-ac Biological Study Area (BSA) is located northeast of the intersection of Mace Blvd. and Interstate 80, east of the City of Davis, CA, in the Central Valley. An aerial photograph of the BSA is in Attachment A. Soils and vegetation communities present in the BSA are described in the Biological Resources Evaluation (BRE; Sycamore Environmental 2015). The BSA is heavily disturbed by existing development and ongoing agricultural uses.
METHODS The botanical survey was conducted in accordance with California Department of Fish and Wildlife protocol for surveying and evaluating impacts to special status native plant populations and natural communities (CDFW 2009), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidelines for conducting and reporting botanical inventories for federally listed, proposed and candidate plants (USFWS 1996), and the California Native Plant Society botanical survey guidelines (CNPS 2001).
The botanical survey was conducted on 19 May 2015 by Sycamore Environmental botanists Mike Bower, M.S., and Juan Mejia. This survey is the first of two surveys timed to coincide with the evident and identifiable period for the 12 special-status plants identified in the BRE as having potential to occur on the site based on 1) queries of the California Natural Diversity Database (CDFW 2014), the USFWS database (USFWS 2014), and the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (CNPS 2014); 2) habitat present in the BSA; and 3) species habitat requirements and distribution.
14087_MRIC_Bot_Ltr_Rpt_22June2015.doc Botanical Survey Results Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
Table 1. The 12 special-status plants with potential to occur (adapted from Table 4 in the BRE): Habitat Federal State Status a & other Present?/ Special-Status Species Common Name Source c Status a codes b Species Observed? Plants /CNPS Rank b Astragalus tener var. Ferris’ milk vetch -- --/ 1B.1 2,3 Yes/ No ferrisiae Astragalus tener var. tener Alkali milk-vetch -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No Atriplex cordulata var. Heartscale -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No cordulata Atriplex depressa Brittlescale -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No San Joaquin Atriplex joaquinana -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No spearscale Carex comosa Bristly sedge -- --/ 2B.1 2,3 Yes/ No Centromadia parryi ssp. Parry’s rough tarplant -- --/ 4.2 3 Yes/ Yes rudis Hesperevax caulescens Hogwallow starfish -- --/ 4.2 2,3 Yes/ No Hibiscus lasiocarpos var. Woolly rose-mallow -- --/1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No occidentalis Lepidium latipes var. Heckard’s pepper- -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No heckardii grass Symphyotrichum lentum Suisun Marsh aster -- --/ 1B.2 2 Yes/ No Trifolium hydrophilum Saline clover -- --/ 1B.2 2,3 Yes/ No a Listing Status Codes used in table are: E = Endangered; T = Threatened; P = Proposed; C = Candidate; CH = Critical habitat designated; R = California Rare b Other Codes used in table are: SC = CDFW Species of Special Concern; FP = CDFW Fully Protected; CNPS Rank (plants only): 1A = Presumed Extinct in CA; 1B = Rare or Endangered (R/E) in CA and elsewhere; 2 = R/E in CA and more common elsewhere; 3 = Need more information; 4 = Plants of limited distribution. CNPS Rank Decimal Extensions: .1 = Seriously endangered in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat); .2 = Fairly endangered in CA (20-80% of occurrences threatened); .3 = Not very endangered in CA (< 20% of occurrences threatened or no current threats known). c Sources 1 = From USFWS (2014) letter. 2 = From CNDDB (CDFW 2014). 3 = From CNPS (2014).
Precipitation preceding the 19 May 2015 survey was 71% of normal based on historic and observed precipitation data for 1 October 2014 to 19 May 2015 from the nearby Sacramento Executive Airport Gauge (National Weather Service Forecast Office accessed 28 May 2015). Vegetation in the BSA did not appear to be adversely affected by lack of precipitation.
All areas within the BSA were walked while looking for vascular plants with the exception of fields recently tilled and planted with row crops in the central and north part of the BSA. Approximately 15 person-hours were spent in the field surveying for special-status plants. Approximately 5 person-hours were spent keying specimens collected in the field. Plants were keyed using The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California, 2nd ed. (Baldwin, et al., eds. 2012). The survey was floristic in nature (all plants were identified to the taxonomic level necessary to determine rarity and listing status).
No problems or limitations were encountered during the survey.
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Literature Cited Baldwin, B. G., D. H. Goldman, D. J. Keil, R. Patterson, T. J. Rosatti, and D. H. Wilken, eds. 2012. The Jepson manual: Vascular plants of California, 2nd ed. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 24 November 2009. Protocols for surveying and evaluating impacts to special status native plant populations and natural communities. California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW, formerly Department of Fish and Game). Data dated 2 September 2014. CNDDB/ RareFind: Davis and the 8 adjacent quadrangles. Natural Heritage Division, CNDDB, Sacramento, CA. California Native Plant Society (CNPS). Accessed December 2014. Inventory of rare and endangered plants (online edition; v.8-02). California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/simple.html National Weather Service Forecast Office. Accessed 28 May 2015. Daily climate report for the Sacramento Executive Airport Gauge. http://www.weather.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=sto Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. (Sycamore Environmental). 3 February 2015. Biological resources evaluation for the Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project. Prepared for the Buzz Oates Group of Companies, contact: Alisha Olson. Sycamore Environmental, Sacramento, CA. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). Accessed 6 October 2014. Species list for the Davis quad and Yolo County. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento, CA. http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/spp_lists/auto_list.cfm
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Attachment A.
Aerial Photograph of the Study Area
14087_MRIC_Bot_Ltr_Rpt_22June2015.doc Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc. [This page intentionally blank] APN 042 130 02 APN 042 130 03 APN 042 120 13 COUNTY ROAD 30
APN 033 290 83
APN 033 290 02
APN 033 290 01
APN 071 130 02 APN 033 290 82
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C APN 071 130 03 APN 071 130 05 ! APN 033-209-59 APN 033 290 04
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COUNTY FLOW ! MACE DRAINAGE CHANNEL (to Yolo Bypass) S T I M I L
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A APN 033 630 09 D
Ikeda's Market OAD AILR C R CIFI N PA UNIO
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Mace Ranch Innovation Center 600 400 200 0 600 Feet Yolo County, CA 8 January 2015 Scale: 1 inch = 600 feet ³ Biological Study Area (BSA) Parcel Boundary SYCAMORE Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Aerial Photograph: 2 February 2012 US-CA-Sacramento, UC-G Microsoft Imagery Figure 2. Aerial Photograph ESRI World Imagery Basemap Service Layer Yolo County Tax Parcels GIS layer (10 Sept. 2014) 14087MaceInnovation_BREFig2AerialMap.mxd [This page intentionally blank] Botanical Survey Results Mace Ranch Innovation Center Project Yolo County, CA
Attachment B.
Plant Species Observed
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Plant and Wildlife Species Observed
Plant Species Observed. Taxonomy follows Baldwin et al. (2012).
Family Scientific Name Common Name N/I1 Cal-IPC2
EUDICOTS Adoxaceae Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea Blue elderberry N Amaranthaceae Amaranthus albus Tumbleweed I Amaranthus blitoides Procumbent pigweed N Amaranthus retroflexus Redroot pigweed I Anacardiaceae Pistacia chinensis 3 Chinese pistache I Apiaceae Ammi visnaga Bisnaga I Anethum graveolens Dill I Conium maculatum Poison hemlock I Moderate Daucus carota Carrot, Queen Anne's lace I Torilis arvensis Tall sock-destroyer I Moderate Apocynaceae Asclepias fascicularis Narrow-leaf milkweed N Nerium oleander 3 Common oleander I Asteraceae Anthemis cotula Mayweed I Baccharis pilularis Coyote brush N Carduus pycnocephalus ssp. Italian thistle I Moderate pycnocephalus Centaurea solstitialis Yellow star-thistle I High Centromadia parryi ssp. rudis Parry’s rough tarplant N Centromadia pungens ssp. pungens Common spikeweed N Cirsium vulgare Bull thistle I Moderate Dittrichia graveolens Stinkwort I Moderate Erigeron canadensis Horseweed N Grindelia sp. Gumplant -- Helianthus sp. (crop) Sunflower -- Helianthus annuus Sunflower N Heterotheca grandiflora Telegraph weed N Helminthotheca echioides Bristly ox-tongue I Limited Hypochaeris glabra Smooth cat's-ear I Limited Lactuca saligna Lettuce I Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce I Leontodon saxatilis Hairy hawkbit I Pineapple weed, rayless Matricaria discoidea I chamomile Senecio vulgaris Common groundsel I Silybum marianum Milk thistle I Limited Sonchus asper ssp. asper Prickly sow thistle I Sonchus oleraceus Common sow thistle I Symphyotrichum subulatum Annual saltmarsh aster -- Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify, oyster plant I Xanthium strumarium Cocklebur N var. Seaside heliotrope, alkali Boraginaceae Heliotropium curassavicum N oculatum heliotrope Common fiddleneck, small- Amsinckia menziesii N flowered fiddleneck Plagiobothrys sp. Popcornflower N Brassicaceae Brassica nigra Black mustard I Moderate Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's purse I Cardamine oligosperma Bitter-cress N Perennial, shortpod, or Hirschfeldia incana I Moderate summer mustard Raphanus sativus Radish I Limited Lepidium latifolium Perennial pepperweed I High Cannabaceae Celtis sp. 3 Hackberry I Chenopodiaceae Atriplex prostrata Fat-hen I Atriplex sp. 4 Saltbush, orach -- Chenopodium album Lamb’s quarters I Salsola tragus Russion thistle, tumbleweed I Limited Bindweed, orchard Convolvulaceae Convolvulus arvensis I morning-glory Cressa truxillensis Alkali weed N Ericaceae Arctostaphylos sp. 3 Manzanita N Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce serpens Prostrate spurge I Croton setigerus Turkey-mullein N Triadica sebifera Chinese tallowtree I Moderate Fabaceae Acmispon americanus var. americanus Deervetch, deerweed N Medicago polymorpha California burclover I Limited Medicago sativa Alfalfa I Melilotus albus White sweetclover I Melilotus indicus Sourclover I Trifolium sp. (growing in disturbed Clover --
upland; likely T. subterraneum) Vicia sativa Vetch I Vicia villosa ssp. villosa Hairy vetch, winter vetch I Fagaceae Quercus agrifolia 3 Coast live oak, encina N Quercus lobata Valley oak, roble N Quercus suber 3 Cork oak I Frankeniaceae Frankenia salina Alkali heath N Geraniaceae Erodium cicutarium Redstem filaree I Limited Erodium botrys Storksbill, filaree I Erodium moschatum Greenstem filaree I Geranium dissectum Cranesbill, geranium I Limited Geranium molle Cranesbill, geranium I Lamiaceae Rosmarinus sp. 3 Rosemary -- Lythraceae Lythrum hyssopifolia Loosestrife I Limited Lagerstroemia sp. Crapemyrtle I Malvaceae Abutilon theophrasti Velvet-leaf I Malva nicaeensis Bull mallow I Malva parviflora Cheeseweed, little mallow I Malvella leprosa Alkali-mallow, white-weed N Martyniaceae Proboscidea lutea Unicorn-plant I Oleaceae Fraxinus latifolia Oregon ash N Onagraceae Epilobium ciliatum Willowherb N Papaveraceae Eschscholzia californica California poppy N Plantaginaceae Kickxia elatine Kickxia I Platanaceae Platanus x acerifolia London plane tree I Veronica sp. Speedwell, brooklime -- Polygonaceae Persicaria sp. Smartweed -- Polygonum aviculare ssp. depressum Knotweed, knotgrass I Rumex crispus Curly dock I Limited Portulacaceae Portulaca oleracea Purslane I Rosaceae Malus sp. (seedling) Apple I Heteromeles arbutifolia 3 Christmas berry, toyon N Prunus sp. 3 Prunus -- Rubus armeniacus Himalayan blackberry I High Rubiaceae Galium aparine Goose grass N Salicaceae Populus fremontii ssp. fremontii Freemont cottonwood N Salix gooddingii Goodding’s black willow N Solanaceae Solanum sp. Nightshade -- Tamarix sp. (likely parviflora or Tamaricaceae Tamarisk, saltcedar I High ramosissima) Ulmaceae Ulmus parvifolia Chinese elm I Zelkova sp. 3 Zelkova I Zygophyllaceae Tribulus terrestris Puncture vine, caltrop I MONOCOTS Araceae Lemna sp. Duckweed N Arecaceae Phoenix sp. (fan palm seedlings) Palm I Asparagaceae Asparagus sp. Asparagus I Cyperaceae Cyperus eragrostis Nutsedge N Schoenoplectus acutus var. occidentalis Common tule N Poaceae Avena fatua Wild oat I Moderate Avena barbata Slender wild oat I Moderate Bromus diandrus Ripgut grass I Moderate Bromus hordeaceus Soft chess I Moderate Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass I Moderate Distichlis spicata Salt grass N Elymus caput-medusae Medusa head I High Elymus glaucus Blue or western wild-rye N Elymus triticoides Beardless wild rye N Festuca perennis Rye grass I Moderate Festuca myuros Rattail sixweeks grass I Moderate Hordeum marinum ssp. gussoneanum Mediterranean barley I Moderate Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum Hare barley I Moderate Muhlenbergia rigens 3 Deer grass N Phalaris sp. Canary grass -- Pennisetum sp. Fountain grass I Annual beard grass, Polypogon monspeliensis I Limited rabbitfoot grass Sorghum halepense Johnson grass I Stipa pulchra Purple needle grass N Triticum aestivum Wheat, goat grass I Typhaceae Typha domingensis Southern cattail N 1 N = Native to CA; I = Introduced. 2 Degree of negative ecological impact (Cal-IPC 2015). 3 Observed only as a horticultural planting. 4 Specimen could not be identified to species. Specimen was not A. cordulata ssp. cordulata, A. depressa, or A. joaquinana based on plant height, inflorescence, and fruit bract characteristics. Specimen observed in a recently tilled agricultural field and most likely a nonnative agricultural weed.
Wildlife Species Observed COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME BIRDS American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos American kestrel Falco sparverius Black phoebe Sayornis nigricans Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis Common raven Corvus corax Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto European starling Sturnus vulgaris Great horned owl Bubo virginianus House finch Carpodacus mexicanus Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Northern flicker Colaptes auratus Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Rock dove Columbia livia Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta Western kingbird Tyrannus verticalis Western tanager Piranga ludoviciana White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys White-tailed kite Elanus leucurus Yellow-billed magpie Pica nuttalli FISH Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis REPTILES Western fence lizard Sceloporus occidentalis MAMMALS Jackrabbit Lepus californicus