ML19282C185

Biological Assessment of Proposed Transmission Line Corridors Linking Valley & Mira Loma Substations

ML19282C185
Person / Time
Site:	Palo Verde
Issue date:	12/31/1978
From:	ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE CO. (FORMERLY ARIZONA NUCLEAR
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ML19282C182	List: ML19282C181 ML19282C185
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NUDOCS 7903210162
Download: ML19282C185 (40)

Text

O Biological Assessment of Proposed Transmission Line Corridors Linking Valley and Mira Loma Substations Prepared by Southern California Edison Company December, 1978 7 9 0 3 0101GL

Table of Contents Page Introduction 1

Existing Resources 1

Vegetation 1

Riparian 2

Coastal sage scrub 3

Chamise Chaparral 4

Juniper Woodland 5

Ecotones 6

Vertebrate Fauna 6

Rare / Threatened, Endangered or Protected Species Vegetation 7

Fauna 9

Raptors 9

Stephens' Kangaroo Rat 10 Biologically Sensitive Areas 11 Impact Assessment Vegetation 12 Wildlife 13 Raptors 13 Stephens' Kangaroo Rat 13 Impact Mitigation 14 Attachment I Plant List Attachment II Animal List Bibliography

INTRODUCTION G

The purpose of this report is to present the existing biological resources of the study corridors, assess the impacts associated with and suggest mitigation for the preferred and alternate routes.

There are two transmission line corridors proposed for connecting Valley and Mira Loma substations, one of which is a preferred route, the other an alternate route (Fig. I).

The preferred route proceeds directly west from Valley Substation, running between Sun City on the south, and Perris on the north, to a point almost directly north of Alberhill.

From there it turns northwest and runs to a point just north of Cajalco Foad, where it turns once again and runs approximately due north, through several angle points, to~ Mira Loma Substation.

The alternate route proceeds north from Valley Substation to a point approximately 2-1/2 miles north of Perris.

From this point, the line turns west, proceeding in this direction to approximately the same point north of Cajalco Road where the pre *arred route turns north.

The alternate route also turns north at this point, closely paralleling the preferred route into Mira Loma Substation.

I.

EXISTING RESOURCSS A.

Vegetation The two routes traverse several plant communities (vegetative conditions) consisting of the following:

o Disturbed conditions; o

Riparian; o

Coastal sage scrub; o

Chamaisal chaparral; o

Juniper woodland; o

Ecotonea Disturbed Conditions Disturbed conditions are present within the defined transmission line corridors (Fig. I) and are indicated by the presence of various weedy, adventi-tous species, including: field mustard (Brassica geniculata), black mustard (Brassica nigra), various (Bromus rubens, T, Russian species of brome grass B. mollis, and B.

tectorum), wild oat (Avena fatua thistle (Salsola iberica), filaree (Erodium cicutarium), and star thistle (Centaurea spp,.).

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY R/W-6022-D Other plants commonly associated with disturbed conditions and indicative of its occurrence are jimson weed (Datura meteloides), pigweed (Chenocodium spo.), amaranth (Amaranthus soo.), saltbush (Atriplex canescens), and bermuda grass (Cvnodon dactylon).

The disturbed conditions present result from residential and commercial development, agriculture (including livestock grazing), road and trail construction, off-road-vehicle (ORV) activity, and fire.

The degree of disturbance varies, and is dependent upon the severity of the original perturbation and its time of occurrence.

Sometimes, the native vegetation is not completely removed.

The amount, density and relative frequency of native vegetation remaining in these disturbed areas is dependent upon the intensity and duration of impact.

Disturbed conditions generally support fewer native plant and animal species.

Therefore, impact to them is not consicared as significant as impact to native communities.

The alternate route traverses more land exhibiting disturbed conditions than does the preferred route (approximately 23.4 versus 12.3 linear miles, respectively).

A more complete list of plant species found in the disturbed areas, as well as the study corridors, is contained in Attachment I.

Riparian There are several riparian areas present along each of the study corridors (Fig. I).

Riparian conditions present range from ephemeral water and principally herbaceous vegetation to more typically riparian habitats with permanent water.

The latter habitats contain herbaceous vegetation, but also contain significant amounts of phreatophytic, hardwood trees.

The most significant riparian habitats are the Santa Ana and San Jacinto Rivers, both support a variety and mixture of woody and herbaceous vegetative species which are typically associated with the physiographic conditions found along(such water courses.

These include: cottonwood Populus fremontii), white alder (Alnus rhombifolia),

sycamore (Platanus racemosa), elderberry (Sambucus mexicana), various species of willow, including arroyo (Salix lasioleois) and red willow (Salix lasiandra), seep-willow (Baccharis glutinosa), mule fat (B,. viminea), and arrowweed (Pluchea sericea).

Some of the herbaceous species include:

Yerba mansa (Anemoosis californica), various species of wire grass (Juncus soc.) and cat-tail (Typha sop.).

A more complete list of plant species found in riparian areas may be found in the master plant list (Attachment I).

Smaller riparian communities exist in the canyons with a north-south orientation south of Lake Mathews.

The more notable of these being Arroyo del Toro and Cajalco Canyon.

Coastal Sage Scrub The dominant plant community present along each of the transmission corridors is coastal sage scrub.

Coastal sage scrub (or soft chaparral) is a drought-deciduous, vegetative type characterized by California sage brush (Artemisia californica), white sage (Salvia apiana), black sage (Salvia mellifera),

California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum),

California encelia (Encelia californica),

brittle-bush (E. farinosa) matchweed (Guitierrezia bracteata), wishbone bush (Mirabilis california), telegraph weed (Haplocapous venetus) and H. squarrosus, golden-yarrow (Erio-ohyllum confertiflorum), lemondadeberry (Rhus inte-grifolia), sugar bush (Rhus ovata), sometimes laurel sumac (Rhus laurina), and elderberry (Sambucus mexicana), and clonal clumps of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.).

Generally, coastal sage scrub occurs on the lower, ocean-facing slopes of mountains (cismontane),

interrupted by chaparral on the higher, more mesic slopes.

A reoccurrence of coastal sage on the rain shadow lower slopes of the mountain interior (transmontane), (Barbour and Major, 1977) is common.

Islands of coastal sage are common within the chaparral community; usually on disturbed areas, barren rocky slopes, road cuts, or particular soil types, such as heavy clays.

U.

There are two physiognomic conditions in the coastal c'.ge scrub worthy of note, particularly as they may pertai' to the preferred habitat and distribution of Stephens' kangaroo rat (Dioodomys stechensi),

a species listed as rare by the California State Department of Fish and Game. (Please refer to Rare or Endangered Species).

The physiognomic conditions noted refer to a differential in perennial species diversity within areas of the coastal sage scrub plant community.

A typical coastal sage scrub has many perennial species present, including: California buckwheat, white and black sage, California sage brush, brittle bush, wishbone bush, etc.

There are, however, segments of this plant community, within the corridors, not exhibiting this typical perennial species diversity.

Instead, these latter segments are composed almost entirely of only one or two species, with California buckwheat invariably being one of the species.

This atypical coastal sage scrub community may represent a successional situation (sere), resulting from past disturbances (e.g.,

grazing, agriculture, fire, etc.), or it may be a manifestation of particular edaphic or micro-climatological characteristics.

Areas of this coastal sage scrub, lacking of perennial species diversity, may be found on Fig.

I, and is referred to as altered coastal sage scrub (A. CSS).

Chamaisal Chaparral Present within the two proposed transmission corridors are elements of the chaparral plant community (Fig. I).

The dominant chaparral type throughout the study area is chemise chaparral.

It is dominated by chamise (Acanostoma fasciculatum), an ubiquitous species, sometimes found in pure stands (80% or more in cover).

Chamise chaparral is a thick-growing, interwoven vegetation 7-10 feet high at maturation, without understory and with scanty litter.

Associated species of low frequency (10%

or less) are manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.),

California lilac (Ceanothus spp.), perennial rye grass (Elymus condensatus), California buckwheat, scrub oak (Quercus dumosa), sugar bush, lemonadeberry, white sage, black sage, and Whipple's yucca (Yucca whipplei).

The distribution of chamise chaparral is extensive throughout the study area.

It is associated with hot, xeric sites, which are usually the south and west facing slopes and mountain ridges.

It occurs in an elevational range of ca. 1000-2900 ft. (Barbour and Major, 1977).

Physiognomic complexity is low in this chaparral type as it lacks vertical structure and diversity.

Furthermore, shrub cover (up to 90%), plus the accumulation of plant produced toxins (phyto-toxins, allelopaths) in the soil and litter inhibit germination of a significant understory of grasses, forbs or seedlings.

Like coastal sage scrub, the chamise chaparral has undergone severe disturbance due to natural and man-caused perturbations.

When disturbances occur, chamise chaparral is often temporarily replaced by components of coastal sage scrub vegetation, which has been found to be pre-climax as well as successional to chaparral.

Significant disturbance and degradation of this community is not anticipated as a result of the construction of a transmission line.

Juniper Woodland Within very specific areas of each corridor, particularly the alternate route, vegetative elements consistent with a Juniper Woodland are present (Fig.

I).

California juniper (Junicerus californica) is often associated with pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla) as a pinyon-juniper woodland community.

In southern California, this community occurs on the transmontane slopes of the peninsular and transverse mountain ranges', usually between 5,000 to 8,000 feet.

Within the study area, juniper occurs as isolated individuals in conjunction with coastal sage scrub.

This very spotty distribution of juniper occurs south of Lake Mathews and east of Temescal Valley, as far east as the San Jacinto River.

However, a few miles east of Gavilan Road, a definite stand of juniper tree woodland has become established.

In this locality, juniper tree is the dominant species with associated understory species.

Surrounding this stand are species typical of coastal sage scrub and chamisal chaparral.

Ecotones Wherever there are two adjacent plant communities, there exists an ecotone.

An ecotone represents a transition zone between plant communities (biomes),

areas in which there is a gradiation of vegetative and faunal species from adjacent biomes.

They are interesting and important components of the ecosystem, characterized by vegetative and animal components from each of the plant communities pretent.

They generally possess a higher floral species diversity than either of the two plant commun$ ties alone.

Within the corridor study areas there are two major ecotones--those that exist between agriculture and coastal sage scrub, and a coastal sage scrub-chamise chaparral ecotone.

Ecotones are represented by fairly narrow zones.

Significant impact to these areas are not anticipated.

B.

Vertebrate Fauna Within each of the plant communities previously described, there is associated a characteristic assemblage of verebrate fauna.

The density and diversity of the fauna within each plant commur'ty is directly related to the complexity (i.e., the amount of open and closed areas (patchiness), vertical stratification of vegetation, etc.) and diversity of the plant community with which it is associated.

Thus,.an area exhibiting low plant species diversity, closed vegetative canopies, and vegetation of approximately the same height would have associated with it a fauna of low species diversity and density.

Within the transmission corridors, plant communities that have an associated vertebrate fauna of low diversity would be chaimsal chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and disturbed conditions.

Plant communities exhibiting high faunal species diversity would be the riparian areas, juniper woodland end ecotones.

These latter plant communities, because of their complexity and uniqueness, are most sensitive to disturbances and perturbations, whereas the earlier mentioned communities are least sensitive.

Animal species expected to occur in the study area and their respective habitat types are contained in Attachment II.

Some of the species exhibit very specialized habitat requirements and are thus restricted to certain plant communities (e.g., D.

stepheni-coastal sage scrub; wrentit (Chamaea fasciat,a) chaparral).

Other species are less specialized in habitat preference and are thus wider-ranging (e.g., red-tail hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), blacktail hare (Leous californicus)).

C.

Rare / Threatened, Endangered or Protected Species Vegetation Efforts to otect plants have only recently been initiated.

Three documents are currently available describing the plant species, its proposed status (i.e., rare, threatened, or endangered) and in some cases its recorded locality (s).

These are the Smithsonian list which appeared in the Federal Register (July 1, 1975), the Fish and Wildlife Service list of endangered and threatened species of plants (Federal Register, June 16, 1976), and the California Native Plant Society listing by Powell (1974).

These documents include plants considered to be rare or endangered species but have not yet officially been adopted as such.

Presently, they are useful only as planning documents.

In addtion, Assembly Bill 131 was passed by the California State Legislature and signed by the Governor in 1977.

The primary intent of this legislation is to prohibit the wholesale merchandizing of native California desert plants.

Two species covered under AB-131 occur within the study area.

They are: toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) which occurs in the Santa Ana Mountains, and Whipple yucca which is found in chaparral and coastal sage scrub stands.

Special consideration should be given to those species listed on either of three previously mentioned lists.

The following table presents the plant species included on these lists and are reported to occur within the study area (Powell 1974, and Munz 1976).

Species CNPS S:nithsonian FWS Thread-leafed brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) x x

x Slender-horned cl.'rizanthe (Chorizanthe leptoceras) x x

x California occuttia (Orcuttia californica) x x

x San Miguel satureja (Satureja chandleri) x x

Bleeding heart yellow (Dicentra ochroleucal x

x x

Pennyroyal (Monardella macrantha ssp.

x x

x hallii)

Broadiaea occurs in clay soils below 2,000 feet in coastal sage scrub and chaparral near Perris, California.

It has been recorded as historically occurring one mile east of Perris and in the San Jacinto River bottom (Niehaus, 1971).

A recent search in the area failed to disclose its presence (Wirth,.1977).

Chorizanthe leptoceras is found in sandy places within coastal sage scrub near Elsinore.

(Munz, 1974) and might be anticipated in sandy river bottoms.

The California occuttia occurs in dry mud flats of western Riverside County, most notably near Murrieta Hot Springs.

Its habitat requirements are not satisfied within the study area.

San Miguel satureja occupies rocky canyons in the Santa Ana Mountains below 2,600 feet in chaparral. It could also possibly occupy areas near Estelle Mountain.

Bleeding heart and pennyroyal occur in the Santa Ana Mountains in chaparral.

Similar to S. chandleri in habitat requirements, they may also occur further east, near Estelle Mountain.

_g_

Other sensitive or unique plants on the previously mentioned lists, that may occur within either study corridor, although with less probability, include:

o Orcutt's quillwork Isoetes orcutti (Smithsonian) o Broad-horned prickly poppy Argemone munita ssp. robusta (Smithsonian) o Fibrillose lip-fern Cheilanthes fibrillosia (Smithsonian, CNPS) o Black fritillary Fritillaria bjflora (CNPS) o Scarlet gaura

..)

Gaura coccinea (CNPS) o Nuttall's sunflower Helianthus nuttallii spp. carishii (CNPS, FWS) o California loeflingia Loeflingia souarrosa ssp. artemisia (CNPS)

Field work conducted for this study failed to detect any protected plant species within the effected corridor areas.

Fauna Within the corridor study area, the animals of primary concern are raptors, which are fully protected by state and federal law, and Stephens' kangaroo rat (Dioodomys stechensi), listed as rare, and thus afforded protective status, by the California State Department of Fish and Game.

Raptors

'1ptors observed and/or expected to occur in the acea are:

Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

American kestrel (Falco sparverius)

White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus)

Prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus)

Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Barn owl (Tyto alba)

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucoceohalus)

Burrowing owl (Speotyto cunicularib)

Great-horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

Two raptor nesting sites were observed in the study area during field studies (Fig.IIt> and others are expected.

Stephens' Kantaroo Rat The Stephens' kangaroo rat is perhaps the most important biological sensitivity in the study area.

This animal occupies areas of coastal sage scrub or annual grasslands exhibiting light to moderate vegetative disturbances.

Formerly, the species was apparently quite numerous within the San Jacinto Valley.

Now, however, due to urban development, agricultural expansion and other man-related habitat alterations, the species has a disjunct distribution, occurring as isolated populations in northern San Diego County and southwestern Riverside County.

Specifically, D. stephensi is found on level to gently rolling topography with elements of coastal sage scrub, grassland and chaparral occurring singularly or in associations.

The density of vegetative cover appears to be an important habitat factor.

Thomas (1975), reported stechensi occurrence in areas where the percent cover of perennial plant species ranged from 3.6 to 10.5%.

However, field work conducted by Southern California Edison indicated a higher percent cover (16-44%).

Plant species common to inhabited areas include:

California buckwheat, California sagebrush, brittle-bush, white and black sage, and various species of Haplopaopus and Oountia.

Figure II indicates the known populations of D.

stephensi in proximity to the corridors of the subject project.

Nine of these have recently been determined by Edison biologists.

These finds would tend to indicate that the species may be more common than formerly recognized.

It is important to note that the estimated current distribution is based on the field datn available (i.e, recent population confirmations and suitable habitat available), and is not intended to be absolute without error.

Rather, it represents an approximation based on best available data.

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R/W-6023-D Biologicaly Sensitive Areas In addition to potential D..

ute ensi habitat, and raptor nest sites, there are other biologically sensitive areas.

These include the Hartford Springs Wildlife Sancutuary and Mott Property, a California Natural Area.

The Hartford Springs Wildlira Sanctuary (Fig.III) was established by the Riverside County Parks Departmant 7-8 years ago.

It is located immediately east of Gavilan Rd., and is traversed by the alternate route.

It is considered to be floristically unique, containing large agments of a juniper woodland plant community.

At least one comfirmed population of D.

stechensi has been identified as occurring within the park.

The Mott Property, a California Natural Area, also occurs along the alternate route (Fig. III).

It is located approximately 1/2 mile west of highway 395.

A California Natural Area is an area identified and cataloged by the California Natural Areas Coordinating Council as possessing particular scientific, educational, historical or aesthetic interest.

The primary goal of the Council in identifying these unique areas is to have private firms and government agencies involved in land use and land management and consider these factors when making any decisions that might adversely affect these areas.

The Mott Property natural area covers approximately 570 acres of private land.

Vegetation in the area is characteristic of a typical coastal sage scrub plant community.

D,.

stechensi is thought to occur on the property.

Other biologically sensitive areas within the corridors include the various riparian areas and the juniper woodland.

The riparian areas are sensitive because of unique habitat diversity, productivity and availability of water and the diversity of the associated fauna.

The juniper woodland is unique in its location.

Because of its limited distribution and the age of the stands, the juniper tree woodland is considered highly sensitive; recovery from impact is expected to be relatively slow.

II.

IMPACT ASSESSMEliT A.

Vegetation Coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities, are well-suited to successional recovery from impact.

This, plus their wide distribution indicates the potential impact resulting from uonstruction of a transmission line is expected to be moderate.

There are, however, sensitive areas, possessing to potential for significant environmental impact.

They are:

o Riparian areas o

Juniper woodland o

Hartford Springs Wildlife Sanctuary o

California Natural Area Because riparian areas, are generally relatively narrow, potential impact may be prevented or minimized by spanning the area.

Thus, any impact to these areas is expected to be nonexistant or insignificant at most.

There is one substantial stand of juniper woodland (within which is situated the Hartford Springs Wildlife Sanctuary) within the study corridors.

It and the California Natural Area (Mott Property) represent areas too large to span.

Impact to these areas are expected to result from the following activities:

actual construction of the towers (including tower placement, tower construction areas, conductor stringing areas, etc.) and the construction of access roads.

The leas of vegetation and habitat are the most serious of impacts that may result from the construction of the transmission line.

Associated secondary impact such as new access, ORV use, etc.

add to the primary impact of the project construction.

Wildlife Bald Eagles and Other Raptors o

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocechalus) are known to occur at Lake Mathews as seasonal (winter) visitors (DFG, 1975).

They are listed as rare by the California State Department of Fish and Game and as threatened by the U.S. Fish anc Wildlife Service.

The only anticipated impact the transmission line (alternate route) may have upon the eagles is the increased potential for collision with the towers or conductors.

This is not, however, anticipated to be more than a very rare cause of eagle mortality and thus is not significant.

Moreover, Nelson (1974) has demonstrated that the steel lattice towers may actually enhance raptor populations, providing additional perching and roosting sites and affording suitable sites for nest construction.

While the bald eagles are not known to nest in the area, it is reasonable to expect the eagles may derive some benefit (as perching sites) from the towers.

Impact to raptor nesting sites may be avoided by altering the construction schedule to avoid conflict with the nesting season.

o Stephens' Kangaroo Rat The loss of Stephens' kangaroo rate habitat is particularly significant.

Previous, extensive habitat loss throughout its range has resulted.in relatively small, isolated populations of the animal.

Additional habitat loss may result in extirpation of individual populations, further reducing the status and surviability of this animal.

It is estimated that the preferred route traverses approximately 9.1 linear miles of potential stephensi habitat.

While the alternate route traverses approximately 3.6 linear miles of potential habitat.

Allowing a 100 foot right of way on each side of the transmission line, it is estimated that 221 and 88 acres of suitable habitat are traversed respectively.

Of this, it is anticipated that approximately 16 acres (7.2% of suitable habitat traversed) along the preferred route and 6.4 acres (7.2? of suitable habitat traversed) along the alternate route will be permanently lost through direct impacts (tower and access road construction).

Loss of habitat resulting from secondary activities reasonably may be expected to result in further habitat loss.

A summary of the biological sensitivities encountered by either of the proposed transmission corridors is contained in Table I.

III.

IMPACT MITIGATION The primary and unavoidable impacts expected to result from the construction of the transmission line are: loss of vegetation and habitat in general, and possible loss of D.

stephens.i habitat and populations in particular.

These impacts, although unavoidable may be somewhat ameliorated through prudent planning of construction activities.

The amount of general habitats and vegetation lost may be minimized by:

o utiliziag existing access roads whenever possible; and o

minimizing the area utilized for tower construction and stringing locations.

Impacts to D.

stephensi populations may be minimized by selectively placing towers, situated within potential suitable habitat, in rocky areas where the animal does not occur.

Impacts may be further' minimized by limiting or preventing access roads within suitable habitat.

It may also be possible to span an entire population, if the area in which it occurs is small enough (e.g. canyons, washes, etc.).

Additional mitigative measures may consist of acquiring and protecting D.

stephensi habitat in an amount equal to, or greater than, the amount distrubed as a result of transmission line construction.

TABLE I.

SUMMARY

OF BIOLOGICAL SENSITIVITIES AS ENCOUNTERED BY EITHER TRANSMISSION CORRIDOR Biological Sensitivity Transmission Corridor Preferred Route Alternate Route o

Estimated amount of suitable 9.1 linear miles 3.6 linear miles Dipodomys stechensi habitat traversed.

o Estimated amount of suitable 16 acres 6.4 acres

{b_ stechensi habitat subject to loss via transmission line construction.

o Number of confirmed 5

2 pb_ stephensi populations directly within proposed corridors.

o Potential and confirmed 8 potential; 4 potential; raptor nesting sites 2 confirmed 0 confirmed located within >ne mile of proposed corridar.

o Wildlife sanctuary tra-No Yes (1 mile) versed.

o California Natural Area No Yes (.75 mile) traversed.

o Juniper woodland traversed.

No Yes (1.5 mile) o Anticipated impact on None to minimal None to minimal riparian areas.

o Estimated amount of native 20 linear miles 12.4 linear miles vegetation traversed.

ATTACHMENT I SOME COMMON PLANTS EXPECTED TO OCCUR ALONG THE TRANSMISSION CORRIDORS Family Plant Scientific Name Common Name Community Seloginellaceae spike moss CSS, CC Selaginella bigelovii Cupressaceae Junicerus californica California juniper JW, CSS Amaranthaceae Amaranthus albus tumbleweed D, A/U Amaranthus spp.

amaranth D, A/U Anacardiaceae Rhus _laurina laurel sumac CSS, CC Rhus tr-ilobata squaw bush CSS Schinus mylle pepper tree CSS, D, A/U Toxicodendron diversilobum poison-oak CSS, CC Apiaceae Foeniculum vulgare sweet fennel D, A/U Asteraceae Ambrosia psilostachya var.

western ragweed CSS, CC californica Artemisia californica coastal sagebrush CSS Aster spp.

Baccharis glutinosa seep willow B.

viminea mule fat Bebbia juncea sweet bush CSS Centaurea spp.

star thistle D, A/U Conyza spp.

horseweed D, A/U Encelia californica Califorr a encelia CSS, CC E.

farinosa brittle-bush CSS Gutierrezia bracteata matchweed CSS, CC Haplopappus spp.

golden fleece CSS, CC, D Helianthus annum sunflower R,D, A/U Heterotheca grandiflora telegraph weed CP.S, CC 9

_2-Lepidoscartum scuamatum scale-broom CSS, CC Lessingia grandulifera CSS Stephanomeria spp.

D, A/U Brassicaceae Brassica geniculata field mustard D, A/U B.

nigra Black mustard D, A/U Raphanus sativa Wild radish D, A/U Cactaceae Opuntia littoralis prickly pear CSS 0.

parryi valley cholla CSS, CC Caprifoliaceae Sambucus mexicana elderberry R, CSS Chenopodiaceae Atriplex canescens four-wing saltbush D, A/U Chenopodium spp.

goosefoot/ pigweed D,

A/U Salsola iberica Russian thistle D, A/U Convolvulaceae Calystegia spp.

morning-glory CSS, CC Cuscuta californica dodder CSS, CC Cucurbitaceae Cucurbita_ foetidissima calabazilla CSS Euphorbiaceae Eremocarpus setigerus dove weed CSS, D Euphorbia polycarpa spurge CSS, D Ricinus communis castor-bean R,7 Fabaceae Lotus scoparius deer-weed CSS Fagaceae Quercus dumosa scrub oak CC Geraniceae Eroduim circutarium filaree CSS, D, A/U Hydrophyllaceae Eriodictyon spp.

yerba santa CSS, CC Lamiaceae Marrubium vulgare horehound CSS, D, A/U Salvia apiana white sage CSS Salvia mellifera black sage CSS Trichostema lanceolatum vinegar weed CSS, CC, D Malvaceae Malva parviflora cheese weed D, A/U Myrtaceae Eucalyptus spp.

gum tree D, A/U Nyctaginaceae Mirabilis californica wishbone bush CSS, CC Platanaceae Platanus racemosa sycamore R

Polygonaceae Eriogonum elongatum CSS, CC Eriogonum fasciculatum California buckwheat CSS, CC Rumex criscus curly dock D, A/U Rhamnaceae Ceanothus spp.

California lilac CC Rosaceae Heteromeles arbutifolia toyon CC Prunus ilicifolia holly-leaved cherry CC Rubiaceae Galium spp.

bedstraw CSS, CC, D Salicaceae Populus fremontii cottonwood CSS, CC, R Salix lasiandra red willow R

Salix lasiolepis arroyo willow R

Scrophulariaceae Mimulus spp.

monkey flower CSS, CC Solanaceae Datura meteloides jimsonweed CSS, D Lycium spp.

box-thorn CSS, CC Nicotiana g_lauca trae tobacco D, A/U Tamaricaceae Tamarix spp.

tamarisk R

-4 Utricaceae Utrica holosericea nettle R

Agavaceae Nolina parryi nolina CSS, CC Amaryllidaceae Allium spp.

wild onion CSS Brodiaea spp.

brodiaea CSS Juncaceae Juncus spp.

wire-grass R

Liliaceae Calachortus spp.

Marposa-lily CSS Poaceae Arundo donax giant reed R, D Avena fatua wild oad D, A/U Bromus mollis bromegrass CSS, D, A/U B,.

rubens CSS, D, A/li B.

tectorum CFS, D, A/U Dactylis glomerata orchardgrass D

Digitaria spp.

crabglass D, A/U Distichlis solcata saltgrass R

Hordeum vulgare common barley D, A/U Lolium perenne ryegrass D, A/U Stipa lepida needlegrass CSS, CC Typhaceae Typha spp.

cat-tail R

Betulaceae Alnus rhombifalia white alder R

Cnagraceae Zauschnerig,californica California fuchsia CSS, CC Asteraceae Xanthuim strumarium cocklebur R, D Apiaceae Conium maculatum poison-hemlock D

Asteraceae Eriophyllum confertiflorum golden yarrow CSS, CC Poaceae Poa spp.

bluegrass R

Fabeceae Melilotus albus white sweetelover R, D Rosaceae Rosa californica wild rose R, CSS PLANT COMMUNITY LEGEND CSS Coastal Sage Scrub CC Chamaisal chaparral JW Juniper Woodland R

Riparian D

Disturbed A/U Agricultural / Urban O

Attachment II C01440N MAMMALS REPORTED 'ID OCCUR WITHIN THE STUDY AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COM140N NAME RELATIVE HABITAT ABUNDANCE (1)

PREFERENCE (2)

RODENTIA (Rodents)

Spermophilus beecheyi*

Beechey ground squirrel C

A/U, CSS Mus musculus

• House mouse FC A/U Reithrodontomys megalotis Western harvest mouse FC CSS,Ch Peromyscus maniculatus

• Deer ftuse C

CSS,Ch Peromyscus californicus*

California mouse FC CSS,Ch Peromyscus boylei Brush mouse FC CSS,Ch Perognathus fallax*

San Diego pocket mcase FC CSS,CH Perognathus californicus California pocket mouse FC CSS,Ch Dipodomys agilis*

Pacific kangaroo rat C

Ch, CSS Dipodomys merriami Merriam kangaroo rat FC CSS,Ch Dipodomys stephensi*

Stephens kangaroo rat R

CSS Neotoma fuscipes*

Dusky-footed wood rat FC CSS,Ch,RW,JW,A/U Neotoma lepida Desert wood rat FC CSS,Ch,RW,JW Microtus californicus California meadow mouse U

CSS Thomomys bottae*

Botta pocket gopher C

A/U, CSS,Ch,JW,RW LAGOMORPHA (Hares & Rabbits)

Lepus californicus*

Black-tailed hare C

CSS,Ch,JW,RW,A/U Sylvilagus auduboni Audubon cottontail C

CSS,Ch,RW,JW,A/U Sylvilagus bachmanin Brush rabbit FC Ch, CSS CARNIVORA (Carnivores)

Canis latrans*

Coyote C

CSS,Ch,RW,A/U,JW Bassariscus astutus Ringtail cat U

Ch Urocyon cinereoargenteus Gray fox U

Ch, CSS,RW Taxidea taxus Badger U

Ch, CSS Spilogale gracilis Spotted skunk FC CSS Mephitis mephitis Striped skunk FC ALL Mustela frenata Long-tailed weasel U

ALL Procyon lotor*

Racoon FC RW Felis rufus Bobcat U

CSS,Ch Felis concolor Mountain lion R

Ch MARSUPIALIA (Marsuoials)

Didelphis virginiana Opposstra C

A/U ARTIODACTYLA (Deer & Sheeo)

Odocoileus hemionus Mule deer b

Ch,RW

• - Animal seen or detected.

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON IJME RELATIVE HABITAT ABUNDANCE (1)

PREFERENCE (2)

INSECTIVORA (Shrews & Moles)

Sorex ornatus Ornate shrew U

RW, CSS,Ch Notiosorex crawfordi Gray shrew R

CSS Scapanus latimanus Broad-handed mole U

CSS,Ch,RW CHIROPTERA (Bats)

Macrotus californicus California leaf-nosed bat U CSS,ch Myotis californicus California myotis C

Ch, CSS Lasinrus cinerens Hoary bat U

Ch, CSS Lasinrus borealis Red bat U

Ch Eptesicus frescus Big brown bat U

Ch Pipistaellus hesperu Western pipistrelle FC Ch, CSS,JW Antrozous pallidux Pallid bat C

CSS,Ch,JW Plecotus townsendii Lump-nosed bat U

CSS,Ch TW Tadarida brasilensis Brazilian free-tailed bat U CSS,CH,JW Tadarida molassa Big free-tailed bat U

Ch Eumops perotis Western mastiff bat U

CSS (1)

C=Cm: mon; FC= Fairly Camon; U=Uncmmon; R= Rare (2)

CSS = Coastal Sage Scrub; Ch= Chaparral; RW= Riparian Woodland; JW: Juniper Woodland; A/U= Agriculture / Urban; R= Riparian (Lakes, Rivers, streams, etc.)

AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES REPORTED TO OCCUR SCIENTIFIC NME C0tEON NME RELATIVE HABITAT ABUNDANCE (1)

PREFERENCE (2)

AMPHIBIANS Frogs & Toads (Order Salientia)

Bufo boreas Western toad C

A/U,RW,R,Ch, CSS Bufo microscaphus Southwestern toad U

RW,R Scaphiopus hammondi Western spadefoot U

R,RW Hyla regilla*

Pacific treefrog FC RW,R Rana catesbeiana

• Bullfrog U

R Taricha torosa California newt U

R,RW Batrachoseps attenuatus California slender salamander FC RW,R Ensatina eschscholtzi Ensatina U

RW,R Aneides lugubris Arboreal salamander U

RW,R REPTILES Lizards & Snakes (Order Squamata)

Uta stansburiana*

Side-blotch lizard C

ALL Sceloporus occidentalis

• Western fence lizard C

ALL Sceloporus orcutti*

Granite spiny lizard FC CSS,Ch Phrynosoma coronatum San Diego coast horned lizard FC CSS,Ch Eumeces gilberti Gilbert's skink U

Ch, CSS,FW Eumeces skiltonianus*

Western skink U

CSS h,N Cnemidophorus tigris

• Western whintail FC CSS,Ch,JW Cnemidophorus hyperythrus* Orange throated whiptail U

CSS,Ch Gerrhonotus multicarniatus* Southern alligator lizard FC Ch,RW, CSS,A/U Anniella pulchra California leglesa lizard U

Ch, CSS,RW Pituophis melanoleucus*

Gopher snake C

ALL Masticophis flagellum

• Coachwhip (Red Racer)

C CSS,Ch Lampropeltis getulus Ccamon kingsnake FC CSS,Ch,JW,RW,A/U Crotalus viridis Western rattlesnake U

CH, CSS Lichanura trivirgata Rosy boa U

Ch, CSS Trimorphodon vandenburghi California lyre snake U

Ch, CSS Crotalus mitchelli Speckled rattlesnake FC CH, CSS Salvadora hexalepis Patch-nosed snake U

CSS,Ch Leptotyphlops humilis Western blind snake U

CSS,RW Diadophis punctatus Ringneck snake R

RW,Ch, CSS,A/U Masticophis lateralis Striped racer U

Ch, CSS,A/U Arizona elegans California glossy snake U

Ch, CSS Rhinocellus lecontei Long-nosed snake FC CSS,Ch Thamnophis couchi Western aquatic garter snake U R, RW Hypsiglena torquata San Diego night snake U

CSS,Ch Tantilla planiceps California black-headed snake R Ch, CSS Crotalus ruber Red-diamond rattlesnake FC CSS,Ch (1)

C= Common; FC= Fairly Common; U=Unccc: mon; R= Rare (2)

CSS = Coastal Sage Scrub; Ch= Chaparral; RW= Riparian Woodland; JW: Juniper Woodland; A/U= Agriculture / Urban; R= Riparian (!akes, Rivers, streams, etc.)

e

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Birds Reported to Occur Within the Study Area SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME RELATIVE SEASONAL HABITAT ABUNDANCE (1)

STATUS PRFx"ERENCE(2)

GAVIIFORed Gaviidae - Loons Gavia in:mer Ccemon loon R

W&M R

PODICIPEDIFORTS Podicipedidae - Grebes Podiceps nigricollis Eared grebe U

W&M R

Aechmophorus occiden-talis Western grebe C

R R

Podilymbus podiceps Pied-billed grebe U

R R

Phalacroco' acidae-Comorants Phalacrocorax auritus Double-crested comorant U M

R CICONIIFORMd' Ardeidae - Herons and bitterns Ardea herodias Great blue heron C

R R

Butorides virescens Green heron R

S R

Bulbulcus ibis Cattle egret R

M R,A/U Casmerodius albus Great egret R

M R

Egretta thula Snowy egret R

M R

Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned night heron R

M R

Botaurus lentiginosus American bittern R

M R

Threskiornithidae - Ibises and Spoonbills Plegadis chihi White-faced ibis R

M R,A/U ANSERIFORMES Anatidae - Ducks, geese, and swans Branta canadensis Canada geese C

M R,A/U Chen Caerulescens Snow goose R

M R,A/U Anas platyrhynchos Mallard C

R R

Anas strepera Gadwall U

W R

Anas acuta Pintail C

W R

Anas crecca Green-winged teal C

W R

Anas discors Blue-winged teal R

W R

Anas cyanoptera Cinnamon teal U

W R

Anas americana American wigeon C

W R

Anas clypeata Northern shoveler C

W R

Aix srnsa Wood duck R

W R

Aythya americana Redhead R

W R

Aythya collaris Ring-necked duck C

W R

Aythya valisineria Canvasback C

W R

Aythya affinis Lesser scaup C

W R

Bucephala albeola Bufflehead U

W R

0xyura jamaicensis Ruddy duck C

R R

Lophodytes cucullatus Hooded merganser R

W R

Mergus merganser Common merganser C

W R

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAE RELATIVE SEASONAL HABITAT ABUNDANCE (1)

STATUS PREFERDJCE(2)

FALCONIFORMES Cathartidae - American vultures Cathartes aura

• Turkey vulture C

M CSS,AM Accipitridae - Haaks, kites, eagles and harriers Elanus leucurus*

White-tailed kite R

R CSS,AU Accipiter striatus Share-shinned hawk R

W ALL,except R Accipiter cooperii Cooper's hawk C

R S0W,0WR,RW,CF Buteo jamaicensis*

Red-tailed hawk C

R ALL,except R Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered hawk U

R RW Buteo regalis Ferruginous hawk R

W Aguila chrysaetos*

Golden eagle R

R CSS,AU Haliaeetus leucocepha-lus Bald eagle R

W R

Circus cyaneus*

Marsh hawk R

R RW,R Pandionidae - Osprey Pandion haliaetus Osprey R

M R

Falco mexicanus*

Prairie falcon R

R CSS,A/U Falco sparverius*

Ame.-ican kestrel U

R CSS,AM JALLIFORIES Phasianidae - Quail, pheasants, and partridges Lophortyx californicus* California quail C

R CSS,CH, RW,A/U Phasianus colchicus Ring-necked pheasant U

r A/U GRUIFORMES Rallidae - Rails, gallinules, and coots Rallus limicola Virginia rail R

R R

Porzana carolina Scra R

R R

Gallinula chlorpus Ccrraon gallinule U

R R

Fulica americana American coot C

R R

CHARADRIIFORMES Charadridae - Plovers, turnstones Charadrius semipalmatus Semipalmated plover R

W,M R

Charadrius vociferus*

Killdeer C

R R,A/U Charadrius montana Mountain plover U

W A/U Scolopacidae - Snipe and sandpipers Capella gallinago Ccrznon snipe U

W R

Numerius americanus Long-billed curlew U

W,M R

Actitis macularia Spotted sandpiper R

M R

Tringa melanoleucus Greater yellow-legs

~U W,M R

Tringa flavipes Lesser yellow-legs R

V R

SCIENTIFIC NAME CO?tDN NAME RELATIVE SEASONAL HABITAT ABUNDANCE (1)

STATUS PREFERENCE (2)

Catoptrophorus semi-palmatus Willet U

R,W R

Calidris minutilla Least sandpiper U

W R

Calidris alpina Dunlin R

V R

Calidris mauri Western sandpiper U

W R

Limnodromus scolopaceus Long-billed dowitcher U

W,M R

Recurvirostridae - Irvocets and stilts Recurvirostra americana American avocet R

R R

Himantopus mexicanus Black-necked stilt U

S R

Laridae - Gulls and terns Larus g'aucescens Glaucous-winged gull R

V A/U Larus cilifornicus California gull C

W,M R,A/U Larus occidentalis Western gull R

R R,A/U Larus delawarensis Ring-billed gull C

W,R R,A/U Larus canus Mew gull R

V R

Larus philadelphia Bonaparte's gull U

W,M R

COLUbSIFOR!ES Columbidae - Pigeons and doves Columba livia*

Rock dove C

R A/U Zenaida macroura*

Mourning Dove C

R,M A/U Streptopelia chinensis Spotted dove U

R A/U Columbina passerina Ground dove U

R RW,A/U CUCULIFORMES Cuculidae - Cuckoos and roadrunners Geococcyx californianus* Roadrunner R

R CSS,CH,A/U STRIGIFORMES Tytonidae - Barn owls Tyto alba

• Barn owl R

R RW,A/U Strigidae - Typical owls Otus asio Screech owl R

R S0W,RW,JW, CC,A/U Bubo virginianus Great-horned owl R

RW, CSS Speotyto cunicularia Burrowing owl R

R CSS,A/U APODIFORFES Apodidae - Swifts Aeronautes saxatalis White-throated swift U

R,S CSS,CH O

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME RELATIVE SEASONAL HABITAT ABUNDANCE (1)

STATUS PREFERENCE (2)

Trochilidae - Hu::::ningbirds Archilochus alexandri Black-chinned U

S CSS,CH hu:singbird RW,A/U Calypte costae Costa's hu::rningbird U

S CSS,CH Calypte anna Anna's hu:n:ningbird C

R CSS,CH Selasphorus rufus Rufous hu::rningbird R

M Selasphorus sasin Allen's hu::rningbird R

M CSS,CH Stellula calliope Calliope hunzningbird CORACIIFORMES Alcedinidae - Kingfishers Megaceryle alcyon*

Belted kingfisher R

R,M RW,R PICIFOR E Picidae - Woodpeckers Colaptes auratus*

Ccc non flicker C

R RW, CSS Sphyrapicus varius Yellow-billed sapsucker R V

RW Dendrocopos pubescens Downy woodpecker R

R RW PASSERIFORE Tyrannidae - Flycatchers Tyrannus verticalis Western kingbird U

S A/U Tyrannus vociferans Cassin's kingbird R

V CSS Myiarcus cinerascens*

Ash-throated flycatcher U S

CH RW,JW Sayernis nigricans*

' Black phoebe U

R RW,R Sayornis saya*

Say's phoebe U

R CSS,A/U Empidonax wrightii Gray flycatcher R

W RW Empidonax difficillix Western flycatcher R

S,M RW Alaudidae - Larks Eremophila alpestris Horned larks C'

R,W A/U Hirundinidae - Swallows Irdoprocne bicolor Tree swallo R

S R

!iiparia riparia Bank swallow R

S,M R

Stelgidopteryx ruficol-Rough-winged swallow lis R

S,M R

Hirundo rustica Barn swallow R

S,M R

Petrochelidon Cliff swallow R

S,M R,A/U pyrrhonota s

O SCIENTIFIC NAME COMM)N NAME RELATIVE SEASONAL HABITAT ABUNDANCE (1)

STA7US PREFERENCE (2)

Corvidae - Jays, magpies, and crows Aphelocoma coerulecens* Scrub jay C

E ALL, except A/U Corvus corax*

Common raven C

R CSS,A/U Corvus brachyrhynchos* Ccomon crow C

R CSS,A/U Paridae - Titmice, verdin, and bushtit Parus inornatus Plain titmouse C

R JW Psaltriparus minimus Bushtit C

R CSS,CH Jd Sittidae - Nuthatches Sitta carolinensis White-breasted nuthatch R W

RW Certhiidae - Creeper Chamaeidae - Wrentit Chamaea fasciata" Wrentit C

R CSS,CH Troglodytidae - Wrens Troglodytes aedon House wren U

R,S CH Thryamanes bewickii Bewick's wren U

R CSS,CH,RW,Jd Campylorhychus brunneicapillus Cactus wren R

R CSS,CH Telmatodytes palustris Long-billed marsh wren R

R RW,R Catherpes mexicanus Canyon wren R

R CSS,CH Salpinctes obsoletus Rock wren R

R CSS,CH Mimidae - Mockingbirds and thrashers Mimus polyglottos*

Mockingbird C

R CSS,A/U Toxostoma redivivum*

California thrasher U

R CSS,CH,RW Turdidae - Thrushes, bluebirds, and solitaires Turdus migratorius American robin C

R,W RW,A/U Ixoreus naevius Varied thrush R

W CH Catharus guttatus Hermit thrush U

S CSS,CH,RW Sialia mexicana Western bluebird C

R,W RW Sylviidae - Gnatcatchers and Kinglets Polioptila caerulea Blue-gray gnatcatcher R

R,W CSS,CH Regulus calendula Ruby-crowned kinglet C

W,M RW SCIENTIFIC NAME COMDN NAbE RELATIVE SEASONAL HABITAT ABUNDANCE (1)

STATUS PRu T ?CE(2)

Motacillidae - Pippits and wagtails Anthus spinoletta Water pipit C

W R,A/U Ptilogonatidae - Silky flycatchers Phainopepla nitens Phainopepla R

S,M A/U Lanidae - Shrikes Lanus ludovicianus' Loggerhead shrike R

R JW,AN Sturnidae - Starlings Sturnus vulgaris

• Starling C

R A/U Vireonidae - Vireos Vireo bellii Bell's vireo R

S RW Vireo solitarius Solitary vireo R

S,M RW Vireo gilvus Warbling vireo R

S,M CH,RW Parulidae - Wood warblers Miniotitla varia Black and white warbler R M

RW Vermivora peregrina Tennessee warbler R

M RW Vemivora celata Orange-crowned warbler U

R,M CH RW Dendroica petechia Yellow warbler R

V RW Dendroica nigrescens Black-throated gray warbler R

S,M JW Geothlypis trichas Common yellow-throat R

R,S RW Icteria virens Yellow-breasted chat R

S,M RW Wilsonia pusilla Wilson's warbler U

S,M RW Wilsonia ceradensis Canada warbler R

V RW Myioborus pictus Painted redstart R

M RW Ploceidae - Weaver finches Passer domesticus*

House sparrow C

R A/U Icteridae - Blackbirds and orioles Dolichonyx oryzi'vorus Bobolink R

M A/U Sturnella neglecta Western Meadow-lark C

R AN Xanthocephalus santhocephalus Yellow-headed blackbird R M

RW, R, A. J Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged blackbird C

R RW,R,A/U Icterus spurius Orchard oriole R

V RW,A/U s

O

- SCIENTIFIC NABE COMMON NAME RELATIVE SEASONAL FJL9ITAT ABUNDANCE (1)

STATUS PREFERENCE (2)

Icterus cucullatus Hooded oriole U

S RW,A/U Icterus galbula Northern oriole

" Baltimore" R

V RW,A/U

" Bullock's" U

SV RW,A/U Euphagus cyanocephalus* Brewer's blackbird C

R A/U Molothrus ater Brown-headed cowbird U

S RW,A/U Thraupidae - Tanagers Fringillidae - Grosbeaks, finches, sparrows and longspurs Pheucticus Black-headed grosbeak U

S CH melancephalus RW Passerina amoena Lazuli bunting U

S CSS,CH Carpodacus mexicanus*

House finch C

R ALL Spinus tristis American goldfinch C

R RW,A/U Spinus psaltria Lesser goldfinch C

R RW Spinus lawrenci Lawrence's goldfinch R

W RW,JW Chlorura chlorura Green-tailed towhee R

S,M CSS,CH Pipilo erythro-Rufous-sided towhee C

R CSS,CH phthalmus RW Pipilo fuscus Brown towhee C

R CSS,CH RW,A/U Passerculus sand-Savannah sparrow C

R,S,W CSS,RW,A/U wichensis Ammodramus savannarum Grasshopper sparrow R

R,W A/U Pooecetes gramineus Vesper sparrow R

W CSS,A/U Chondestes grammacus Lark sparrow C

R RW,A/U Aimophila bilineata Rufous-crowned sparrow R

R CSS,CH Amphispiza belli Sage sparrow R

R CSS,CH Spizella atrogulatis Black-chinned sparrow R

S CSS,CH Zonotrichia leucophrys* White-crowned sparrow C

W ALL Zonotrichia atrics/ lla Golden-crowned sparrow C

W CSS,CH,A/U A

Passerella iliaca Fox sparrow U

.R,W CH,RW Melospiza lincolnii Lincoln's sparrow R

M CH,RW Melospiza melodia Song sparrow C

R RW,R Calcarius ornatus Chestnut-collared longspur R

V A/U

SYMBOLS Relative Abundance C

Common U

Uncommon B

Bare Seasonal Status R

Resident W

Winter visitor (Oct - Mar)

S Summer visitor (Apr - Aug)

M Migrant (Mar - May) (Aug - Oct)

V Vagrant (accidentals)

Habitat Preference CSS Coastal Sage Scrub CH Chaparral S0W Southern Oak Woodland, Savannah, Grasslands OWR Oak Woodland RW Riparian Woodland JW Juniper Woodland CF Lower Montane Conifer Forest CC Closed Cone Conifer Forest R

Lakes, Streams, Rivers, ;iarsh, edges of water courses AU Agriculture / Urban DCP:dec.

BDCP71 3C

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