5.3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES SUMMARY A total of 18 plant communities were identified and characterized during field investigations of the project site. Two of these communities, coast prickly pear succulent scrub and scalebroom scrub, are considered special-status by the California Department of Fish and Game. In addition, 10 special-status plants and 17 special-status wildlife species were identified as potentially occurring on the site. Four of the potentially occurring special-status plant species are currently listed as Threatened or Endangered by state or federal resource agencies: slender horned spineflower (Dodecahema leptoceras), Nevin’s barberry (Berberis nevinii), San Fernando Valley spineflower (Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina), and Braunton’s milkvetch (Astragalus brauntonii). One potentially occurring special-status animal species is currently listed as federally Threatened: coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica). In addition, a total of 388 oak trees under the jurisdiction of the Section 17.17.090, Oak Tree Preservation, of the City of Santa Clarita Unified Development Code (UDC) occur on the site. Newhall Creek flows through the southern portion of the project site, and several ephemeral drainages flow southward toward Newhall Creek on the slopes of the project site. The principal direct impact of implementation of the proposed project is to convert approximately 43.5 acres of the project site (about 40 percent) from an undeveloped to a developed condition. A total net loss of 43.5 acres of wildlife habitat/natural open space as a result of conversion of undeveloped property to a developed condition will occur. Significant impacts would occur to one special-status plant community, coast prickly pear succulent scrub, and 14 potentially occurring special-status wildlife species. Additionally, the project proposes to remove 79 healthy oak trees, work within the dripline of 75 oak trees, and work within the 5-foot protected zone of 22 oak trees, all of which are significant impacts to oak trees on the project site. With the implementation of the mitigation measures in this section, project-level impacts to biological resources would be less than significant. However, the cumulative loss of coastal sage scrub habitat in the Santa Clarita region is considered significant and unavoidable with implementation of this project. INVESTIGATIVE METHODS Literature Review To identify special-status plant and animal species (those species considered Rare, Threatened, Endangered, or otherwise sensitive by various state and federal resource agencies) that have historically occurred in the vicinity of the project site, the 2006 update of the California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) as well as the 2006 California Native Plant Society (CNPS) electronic database were reviewed for the USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle on which the project site is located (i.e., Newhall) and the eight Impact Sciences, Inc. 5.3-1 The Master’s College Master Plan Draft EIR 0112.020 July 2008 5.3 Biological Resources surrounding quadrangles (i.e., Green Valley, Mint Canyon, Oat Mountain, San Fernando, Santa Susana, Val Verde, Warm Springs Mountain, and Whitaker Peak). Other information sources reviewed to determine whether suitable habitat for these special-status species may be available on the project site included (1) the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System life history accounts for special status species (CDFG 2005); (2) NatureServe’s Explorer database of rare and endangered species (2006); (3) California Department of Fish and Game Species Accounts (CDFG 2006); and (4) Sawyer, Keeler-Wolf (1995), Holland (1986), and Munz (1974) for plant community descriptions occurring within the project vicinity. Field Surveys General Biological Survey General biological field surveys were conducted by qualified biologists on the project site in November and December of 2006 to inventory observable wildlife, map and characterize on-site habitats (plant communities), and to evaluate the potential of the site to support special-status species. During the general surveys, direct observations of reptiles, birds, and mammal species were recorded, as well as wildlife signs such as scat and tracks. In addition to species actually detected, expected use of the site by various wildlife species was evaluated through analysis of existing on-site habitats and known habitat preferences of locally occurring wildlife species. Plant communities within the project site were identified, characterized, and mapped with GIS in November of 2006. Vegetation nomenclature used to describe plant communities is primarily based on the CDFG’s List of California Terrestrial Natural Communities (CDFG 2003), but also on Sawyer, Keeler-Wolf (1995), and Holland (1986), where applicable. Common plant names are taken from J.C. Hickman (1993) and P.A. Munz (1974). Focused Plant Survey The potential for special-status plant species to occur on the project site was determined based on the proximity of the site to recorded occurrences listed in the CNDDB and CNPS databases, on-site vegetation and habitat quality, topography, elevation, soils, surrounding land uses, habitat preferences, and geographic ranges of special-status plant species known to occur in the region. On April 24, 2007, Impact Sciences’ biologists conducted focused special-status plant surveys, with an emphasis on identifying whether any of the ten special-status plants with the potential to occur on the site are present on the subject property. The surveys were performed under clear skies, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The site was surveyed by walking transects with Impact Sciences, Inc. 5.3-2 The Master’s College Master Plan Draft EIR 0112.020 July 2008 5.3 Biological Resources special attention to those habitats that would support the special-status plants with potential to occur in the project vicinity. Focused Coastal California Gnatcatcher Survey David Crawford of Compliance Biology, Inc., conducted focused surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher under the authority of his individual Endangered Species Recovery Permit.Based on US Fish and Wildlife Service survey guidelines, six focused surveys were conducted within and adjacent to potentially suitable on-site coastal scrub and buffer habitats with at least a seven-day interval between surveys. Surveys were conducted on April 25, May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2007. All potential habitat areas were systematically surveyed on foot by walking along random transect routes. The location of transects and survey points along each transect were based on the vegetation and topographic conditions (size, location, and shape of habitat) of the area to be surveyed to ensure complete coverage. A combination of taped vocalizations and “pishing” sounds were used at each calling point. A detailed description of the survey methodology is included in the Results of Focused Coastal California Gnatcatcher Surveys in Appendix 5.3. EXISTING CONDITIONS The project site covers 107.65 acres and is located on the Newhall 7.5-minute USGS quadrangle map in northern Los Angeles County. The site is located within the City of Santa Clarita and is surrounded primarily by single-family homes and ranches. Newhall Avenue/Railroad Avenue lies to the south and west of the project site. Newhall Creek flows through the southern section of the site. Portions of the master plan component of the proposed project lie to the north of Placerita Canyon Road, but most of the master plan and the remaining four project components involve area to the south of this road. The area to be cleared and graded within the proposed grading limit line is located within the larger portion of the project site between Placerita Canyon Road and Newhall Creek. The analysis of potential impacts to biological resources focuses on this proposed impact area within the primary grading footprint, which encompasses 48.9 acres, the proposed storm drain system locations outside of the primary grading footprint and adjacent biological resources. The topography of the impact area ranges from approximately 1,275 feet above mean sea level at Newhall Creek to approximately 1,455 feet at the highest ridgeline. Several ridges stem from the main east-west trending ridgeline and lead south toward Newhall Creek. The topography is highly variable across the impact area with slopes that are steeper than 23 percent. Impact Sciences, Inc. 5.3-3 The Master’s College Master Plan Draft EIR 0112.020 July 2008 5.3 Biological Resources BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES The project site consists primarily of disturbed or ruderal vegetation with remnant patches of coastal sage scrub. There is evidence of past disturbance, including pedestrian/bike trails and charred vegetation that suggests a brush fire occurred in the past few years. The plant and wildlife resources that characterize the project site are discussed below. Those resources considered “common” are discussed first; resources considered special-status by local, state, and/or federal resource agencies are discussed under the Special-Status Biological Resources heading of this document. Plant Communities There are 18 primary plant communities as classified by CDFG’s List of California Terrestrial Natural Communities on site: Big Sagebrush-Rubber Rabbitbrush Scrub, California Sagebrush Scrub, California Buckwheat Scrub, California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat Scrub, California Sagebrush-Deerweed Scrub, Chamise Chaparral, Chamise-California Buckwheat