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HomeMy WebLinkAboutU921 Skydive MSHCP Consist Analysis 6-7-07rev10Jul07 SKYDIVE ELSINORE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT, JURISDICTIONAL DELINEATION, BURROWING OWL SURVEY AND MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS LEAP# 2007-04 APN#: 370-070-003, -120-058, -063 UTM [NAD 27]11: S: 472,000mE; 3,721,000mN Lat. 339T38"N; Long. 11718'11"W Prepared for: Mr. Karl Gulledge Skydive Elsinore 20701 Cereal Street Lake Elsinore CA 92530 Telephone (951) 245-9939 Cellular(949) 370-0441 E-mail: oskikskydiveelsinore.com Prepared by: Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. Post Office Box 985 National City CA 91951-0985 Telephone (619) 477-5333 Facsimile (619)477 5380 E-mail: biokpsbs.com PSBS #U921 7 June 2007 (revised 10 July 2007) R. Mitchel Beauchamp, M. Sc. Certified Wetland Delineator 1.0 SUMMARY.....................................................................................................................................2 2.0 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................2 2.1 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT....................................................................................................2 2.1.1 Project Location and Description........................................................................................2 3.0 WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY MSHCP.................................................................................2 3.1 METHODOLOGY..................................................................................................................3 4.0 RESULTS........................................................................................................................................4 4.1 FLORA.................................................................................................................................4 4.2 FAUNA.................................................................................................................................5 4.3 JURISDICTIONAL DRAINAGE DELINEATION........................................................................5 4.3.1 Summary of Regulations ....................................................................................................5 4.3.2 Activities Requiring Permits...............................................................................................7 4.3.3 Local Site Conditions..........................................................................................................7 4.4 CONCLUSION OF JURISDICTIONAL DELINEATION...............................................................8 4.4.1 Wetland Waters of the U. S. Delineation...........................................................................8 4.4.2 CDFG(1602)Jurisdictional Delineation............................................................................8 5.0 MSHCP CONSISTENCY...............................................................................................................8 5.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS..................................................................................................8 5.1.1 Section 6.1.2 Riparian/Riverine Areas,Vernal Pools and FairyShrimp.....................................................................................................................10 5.1.2 Section 6.1.3 Protection of Narrow Endemic Plant Species.............................................11 5.1.3 Section 6.1.4 Urban/Wildlife Interface Guidelines.........................................................14 5.1.4 Section 6.3.2 Additional Survey Needs and Procedures...................................................15 6.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS......................................................................................... 15 6.1 JURISDICTIONAL IMPACTS ................................................................................................ 15 6.2 SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ON-SITE.................................................................. 15 SKYDIVE ELSINORE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT LAKE ELSINORE CALIFORNIA BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT, JURISDICTIONAL DELINEATION, BURROWING OWL SURVEY AND MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS 7 June 2007 (revised 10 July 2007) 1.0 SUMMARY Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc., (Pacific Southwest) conducted a biological assessment,jurisdictional delineation, and survey for the Burrowing Owl on the approximately 21-acre Skydive Elsinore site in the City of Lake Elsinore, Riverside County, California. The survey identified three vegetation/habitat types on the site: Disturbed Habitat, and Non-native Grassland. The property does not include U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) or California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)jurisdictional areas. No sensitive vegetation communities occur on the site. One narrow endemic plant species,the San Jacinto Valley Crownscale (Atriplex coronata var. notation), a federally-listed Endangered Species, was found just off-site. A survey for the Burrowing Owl (Step I: Habitat Assessment and Step II, Part A: Focused Burrow Survey) on the site did not detect this species or Burrowing Owl burrows, during the survey. This species is not currently present on or near the project site. There are no riparian/riverine areas on the site. There are no vernal pools or a need for Fairy Shrimp surveys. There is no urban/wildlands interface. This document is intended to assist in the application for initiation of the Lake Elsinore Acquisition Process (LEAP), as part of Full Consistency Determination with the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan(MSHCP). It is also intended to secure approval of a Conditional Use Permit(CUP 2006-14). 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT The purpose of the studies,performed on behalf of Mr. Karl Gulledge of Skydive Elsinore, was to inventory and evaluate the biological resources on the site, and to analyze potential impacts of the proposed development. This report summarizes the findings of the survey and provides an analysis of potential impacts to sensitive resources. Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 2 2.1.1 Project Location and Description The project site is located in the southern part of the City of Lake Elsinore, Riverside County, California(Figures 1, 2a and 2b). The map location of the site is within unsectioned lands of the La Laguna land grant, Township 6 South, Range 4 West, of the San Bernardino Base and Meridian; USGS 7.5' Lake Elsinore, California quadrangle (UTM[NAD 27]: 11-5: 472,000mE; 3,721,000raN). Access to the site from U. S. Interstate Highway 15 (Corona Freeway) is west on Bundy Canyon Road, then north on Mission Trail to Corydon Street, then southwest. The street address is 32301 Corydon Street; since the gate at this location is locked, access is through the grounds of Skylark Airport on Corydon Street to the northeast. The project area consists of a 21-acre site within the boundaries of the Mentor Aviation Airport, located within the City of Lake Elsinore, Airport Land use area and consists of 18 acres located in a FEMA-identified floodway and three acres located on previously improved lands which are located outside of the floodway(Figure 2b). This development consists of re- compaction of the existing historical privately-owned and maintained local access dirt roadway, established in 1898. The subject roadway re-compaction will maintain existing line and grade and does not significantly alter the naturally occurring topographical features of the certified project area. The subject re-compacted roadway is intended to be utilized as an interim aircraft landing site, subject to the inspection and approval of the State of California Division of Aeronautics. All other existing land surfaces within the Certified Project Area have been designed to function using the existing on site topography to provide landing areas for parachutists and placement of interim mobile office buildings used as the administration and operations facilities for the Recreational sport parachuting operations of Skydive Elsinore. The proposed development would disturb and develop approximately 10.1 acres of the 21-acre site. 3.0 WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY MSHCP The MSHCP was adopted by the County Board of Supervisors 17 June 2003 and adopted and finalized by the regulatory agencies 22 June 2004. All areas encompassed by the MSHCP are divided into Area Plans. Subunit plans are located within certain portions of each Area Plan. A subunit plan has conservation goals that are further specified through enumerated criteria Cells. If a portion of a project lies within a criteria Cell, special surveys are required. Development within these areas then proceeds into a Habitat Acquisition Negotiation Strategy (HANS)process if a proposed development conflicts with specific goals mentioned within the criteria Cells. In the City of Lake Elsinore, the process equivalent to the HANS is the Lake Elsinore Acquisition Process (LEAP). The site lies within the Elsinore Area Plan, and is within Subunit 3: Elsinore. It is within Cells #5137 and 5240,but is not within a Cell Group. The site is within the Western Riverside MSHCP fee area,but is not within the Riverside County Stephens' Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan fee assessment area. The site is within a Narrow Endemic Plant Species Survey Area(NEPSSA), and is also within a Criteria Area Species Survey Area(CASSA). Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 3 There is no requirement for consideration of a Special Linkage Area under the MSHCP. A Linkage is defined in the MSHCP as a connection between Core Areas with adequate size, configuration and vegetation characteristics to generally provide for "Live-In" Habitat and/or provide for genetic flow for identified Planning Species. Areas identified as Linkages in MSHCP may provide movement Habitat but not Live-In Habitat for some species, thereby functioning more as movement corridors. 3.1 METHODOLOGY Prior to the field visit, we reviewed a Biological Assessment of the site conducted in 1991 (Tierra Madre 1991). In addition, all sections of the MSHCP Final Documents were reviewed, as was a Riverside County Integrated Plan (RCIP) Conservation Summary Report Generator print-out providing information about the site. A field investigation of the property was made 21 December 2006 by R. Mitchel Beauchamp, Certified Wetland Delineator(#1697), in company with field biologist Cornelius W. Bouscaren during the period 1220-1335 hours. The assessments, conducted on foot over the property, included a jurisdictional determination and evaluation of botanical and zoological resources on the site. During the investigation the temperature range was 66-80°F, skies were clear, and winds were light and variable. A determination of the presence of wetlands and waters of the U. S. on the property was made using soil, vegetation, and hydrology indicators. Drainage areas were evaluated and recorded in the field on a base map using visible landmarks and topography. Soil samples four inches in diameter were extracted using a hand-driven augur. An EarthColorsTM soil color book was used in the analysis of soil color. Field observations were recorded on a Routine Wetland Determination Data Form from the 1987 U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual. The botanical and zoological surveys were conducted concurrently, observing the flora and vegetation, while watching and listening for wildlife,pausing frequently to observe and listen. "Pishing," a technique commonly used to attract the interest of passerines and draw them into view, was occasionally employed. Binoculars (10x50)were used to assist in the detection and identification of wildlife. Species presence was confirmed by visual observation and/or auditory detection, scats,bones, dens and burrows. The property area is sufficiently small so that the entire area could be covered during the single visit. Vegetation communities were mapped, and lists of flora and fauna were compiled in the field. A Step 1: Habitat Assessment for the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)was conducted concurrently with the botanical and zoological surveys. The Habitat Assessment included an approximately 500-foot buffer zone around the project boundary where feasible, although much of the buffer zone included Urban/Developed areas and vegetation of such height and density as to preclude the presence of the Burrowing Owl. Mr. Beauchamp returned to the site 22 March 2007 during the period 1202-1315 hours to conduct a spring botanical survey and perform a Step II Part A: Focused Burrow Survey, to complete the survey for the Burrowing Owl on the property according to MSHCP protocol (Western Riverside County 2006). Pedestrian survey transects were spaced to allow 100%visual coverage of the ground surface. Transect center lines were no more than 100 feet apart (Figure 3). Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 4 Table 1. Site Precipitation Record Month Precipitation in inches March 2006 9.87 April 2006 2.83 May 2006 0.15 June 2006 0 July 2006 0 August 2006 Unavailable September 2006 Unavailable October 2006 0.90 November 2006 0.50 December 2006 0.41 January 2007 0.05 February 2007 0.87 March 2007 0.10 Source: weatherunderground.com Station: Old Town Murrieta,approximately seven miles southeast of site 4.0 RESULTS Based on the Riverside Area Soil Survey(Sheet 135) for the USGS 7.5' Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, California quadrangles, soils are mapped as (RaD2) Ramona sandy loam, 8-15% slopes, (ReC2)Ramona very fine sandy loam, 0-8% slopes, (Tp2) Traver loamy fine sand, eroded, 0-5% slopes, (Tr2) Traver loamy fine sandy, saline-alkali, eroded, and(Wa) Waukena loamy fine sand, saline-alkali. The Ramona series are derived from decomposition of granodiorite upslope of the site, while the Traver and Waukena series are derived from prior lakebed sediments associated with saline-alkali activity(Knecht 1971). To the north and east lie open habitat, undeveloped, as well as the buildings and landing strips of Skylark Airport and to the south and west are commercial and residential properties. Vegetation communities on the roadway section of the property(Como Street) are classified as Disturbed Habitat(Holland Code 11300) and Non-native Grassland(Holland Code #42200) (Figure 3). Areas adjacent to the project site, but outside it, also support Non-native Grassland. The roadway area has been cleared of nearly all vegetative cover and currently consists of bare ground with a high density of burrows of the Botta's Pocket Gopher(Thomomys bottae), a small, very common fossorial rodent. The vegetation in the northern half of the site has been significantly impacted by historic clearing and consists of Non-native Grassland with scattered stands and individuals of non-native Salt-cedar(Tamarix parviflora) and Mule-fat (Baccharis salicifolia). The southern staging area is largely Disturbed Habitat due to the on-going clearing of this portion of the project area. 4.1 FLORA Thirty-two plant species were observed on the site (Appendix 1); of these, 17 (53%) are non-native, indicative of the high degree of disturbance of the site. Two individuals of the federally-listed Endangered San Jacinto Valley Crownscale plant occur off-site, adjacent to the Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 5 southwestern part of the site (Figure 3). The two plants found apparently represent a new population in the Lake Elsinore area. Only two plants were observed, approximately 20 feet apart. The plants occur on Traver series soils and so fit the typical habitat known throughout the plant's range. These two plants were found to the southwest side of the proposed temporary dirt runway,just north of the on-site building and near a graded, diversion channel. 4.2 FAUNA Thirteen animal species were observed (Appendix 2). These include one reptile, nine birds, and three mammals, all of which are common and widespread in southern California. The Burrowing Owl was not observed on the site or in the survey area. No burrows potentially used by the Burrowing Owl were observed on the site or within the surrounding survey area. The Burrowing Owl is not known to use burrows of the Botta's Pocket Gopher. The survey area contains no natural or man-made structures that could potentially support the Burrowing Owl. The very flat nature of the site as well as the lack of significant Ground Squirrel activity substantially reduces the potential for habitat of this fossorial bird. The presence of guard dogs in neighboring properties further indicates against the presence of the ground-based birds. 4.3 JURISDICTIONAL DRAINAGE DELINEATION 4.3.1 Summary of Regulations There are three key agencies that regulate activities within inland streams, wetlands, and riparian areas in California. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)regulates activities pursuant to Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board(RWQCB)regulates activities under Section 401 of the Federal CWA and the California Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act. The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)regulates activities under the Fish and Game Code Sections 1602 and 1607. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers The Corps has regulatory authority over the discharge of dredged or fill material into the waters of the United States under Section 404 of the CWA. The term "waters of the United States" includes (1) all waters that have, are, or may be used in interstate or foreign commerce (including sightseeing or hunting), including all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide; (2)wetlands; (3) all waters such as interstate lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sand flats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes,wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds; the use, degradation or destruction of which could affect interstate or foreign commerce; (4) all impoundments of water mentioned above; (5) all tributaries of waters mentioned above; (6)the territorial seas; and (7) all wetlands adjacent to the waters mentioned above. Under this definition, and in the absence of wetlands, the limits of Corps's jurisdiction in non-tidal waters extend to the ordinary high water mark (OHWM), which is defined as "...that line on the shore established by the fluctuations of water and indicated by physical characteristics such as a clear, natural line impressed on the bank, shelving, changes in the character of soil, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, the presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means that consider the characteristics of the surrounding areas." Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 6 Wetlands, a subset of jurisdictional waters, are defined as "those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions." The Corps has developed a methodology for determining the boundaries of jurisdictional wetlands that is published in the document known as the 1987 Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987). The methodology set forth in the manual is based on the following three indicators that are normally present in wetlands: (1)hydrology providing permanent or periodic inundation by groundwater or surface water, (2)hydric soils, and(3) hydrophytic vegetation. In order to be considered a wetland according to Corps criteria, an area must exhibit at least minimal characteristics within all three of these parameters. California Regional Water Quality Control Board The RWQCB is the primary agency responsible for protecting water quality in California. The RWQCB regulates discharges to surface waters under the federal CWA and the California Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act. The RWQCB's jurisdiction extends to all waters of the State and to all waters of the United States, including wetlands. Section 401 of the CWA gives the RWQCB the authority to regulate, through 401 Certification, any proposed federally permitted activity that may affect water quality. Among such activities are discharges of dredged or fill material permitted by the Corps under CWA Section 404. Certification or waiver must be based on a finding that the proposed discharge will comply with water quality standards. The Santa Ana RWQCB has jurisdiction over the project site. California Department of Fish and Game The State of California regulates activities in rivers, streams, and lakes pursuant to Sections 1602 and 1607 of the Fish and Game Code. These sections discuss the process by which an individual, government agency, or public utility must notify the CDFG prior to any activity that would "substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow or substantially change the bed, channel or bank of any river, stream or lake..." Following such notification, the CDFG must inform the individual, agency, or utility of the existence of any fish and wildlife resource that may be substantially adversely affected by the activity. The CDFG must also include a proposal for measures to protect fish and wildlife resources. This proposal is called a "Streambed Alteration Agreement" (a Section 1602 Agreement). Jurisdictional limits of the CDFG are not as clearly defined by regulation as those of the Corps. While they closely resemble the limits described by Corps regulations, they exclude isolated wetlands (those not associated with a stream, river, or lake, such as isolated vernal pools) and include riparian habitat supported by a river, stream, or lake regardless of the presence or absence of hydric soils and saturated soil conditions. Generally, CDFG takes jurisdiction to the bank of the stream or to the outer limit of the adjacent riparian vegetation, whichever is greater. However, the Fish and Game Commission has provided the definition of the jurisdictional extent of the Section 1600 regulations as an Appendix to the Fish and Game Code. This definition follows that of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and requires only one of the three Corps criteria. Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 7 4.3.2 Activities Requiring Permits Any development proposal that involves impacting the drainages, streams, or wetlands on the site through filling, stockpiling, conversion to a storm drain, channelization,bank stabilization, road or utility line crossings, or any other modification would require permits from Corps, RWQCB, and CDFG, before any development could commence on the project site. Both permanent and temporary impacts are regulated and would trigger the need for permits. For the purpose of management and jurisdiction, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has designated elevations of Lake Elsinore below 1,246 feet as within its jurisdictional area. 4.3.3 Local Site Conditions Soils The U. S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, issued a revised classification of the hydric soils of California in 1995 (USDA 1995). A successor agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, classifies hydric soils in the National Hydric Soils List by State(USDA 2006). The Ramona, Traver, and Waukena soil series found on the project area are not classified as hydric soils in either classification. Examination of the soils in the field on the project site revealed no significant saturation, an indication of hydric soils. The Ramona soil is a sandy loam derived from upland features, while the Traver and Waukena series have been formed by previous lake influences when the lake water level was higher. Alteration of the outlet has caused a permanent lowering of the elevation of the lake surface so that the project area is no longer within the pond elevation of the Elsinore Sink. The hydric soils criteria are not met on the site. Near the north end of the on-site hangar building, a channel has been graded to divert flows from an adjacent area. This feature shows evidence of flow,but terminates on the west side of the present unimproved runway as sheet flow. Similarly, the elevated nature of the topography associated with the western edge of the runway has caused limited ponding such that a limited clay surface has formed and is associated with Plagiobothrys annuals. This feature is not considered a vernal pool, since ponding is not possible for the period of time necessary to develop the associated flora. Hydrology Aside from the aforementioned graded drainage diversion, no bed and bank features occur on the site. No hydrology criterion is met on the site. Vegetation A detailed examination of vegetation throughout the site, in addition to the runway and adjacent area, was made to determine the presence of hydrophytic species. Several taxa were observed that are hydrophytic species to various degrees: Goodding's Black Willow(Salix gooddingii (OBL), Mule-fat(Baccharis salicifolia) (FACW-), Rabbitfoot Beard Grass (Polypogon monspeliensis) (FACW+), Salt Heliotrope (Heliotropium curassavicum) (OBL), Alkali Weed) Cressa truxillensis) (FACW), Grass Poly(Lythrum hyssopifolium) (FACW), and San Jacinto Valley Crownscale (Atriplex coronata var. notation) (FACW). These several taxa (species) found within localized areas of the vegetation cover of the project area do not satisfy the vegetation aspect of the Corps definition of wetlands, in that a site must have a prevalence (more than 50%) of hydrophytic vegetation. The cover of these taxa does not represent a predominance of the plant cover. They occur as scattered elements within the Non-native Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 8 Grassland habitat of this disturbed area. The hydrophytic vegetation criterion is not met on the project site. 4.4 CONCLUSION OF JURISDICTIONAL DELINEATION The Corps and the EPA jointly define wetlands as, "those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions." Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes,bogs, and similar areas (33 CRF §328.3(b)). Wetlands have the following general diagnostic environmental characteristics: Vegetation: The prevalent vegetation consists of macrophytes that are typically adapted to areas having hydrologic and soil conditions. Hydrophytic species, due to morphological,physiological, and/or reproductive adaptation(s), have the ability to grow, reproduce, and/or persist in anaerobic soil conditions. Soils: Soils are present and have been classified as hydric, or they possess characteristics that are associated with reducing soil conditions. Hydrology: The area is inundated either permanently or periodically at mean water depths of 6.6 feet or the soil is saturated to the surface at some time during the growing season of the prevalent vegetation. 4.4.1 Wetland Waters of the U. S. Delineation As previously noted, in order to be considered a wetland, an area must exhibit all three of the wetland parameters identified above per the evaluation criteria in the Manual. The determination was made that all three of the parameters are not present in the drainage. The conclusion can be drawn that jurisdictional wetlands under Corps regulations are not present on the project site. 4.4.2 CDFG (1602)Jurisdictional Delineation The absence of a bed and bank feature, and the absence of riparian vegetation and hydric soils,precludes California Department of Fish and Game jurisdiction on the project site. 5.0 MSHCP CONSISTENCY 5.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The Elsinore Area Plan is divided into six Subunits; the site is within Subunit 3: Elsinore. For each Subunit, target conservation acreages are established along with a description of the Planning Species, Biological Issues and Considerations, and Criteria for each Subunit. Target Acreages: The target acreage range for Additional Reserve Lands (conserved)within this Subunit 3: 925-1,815 acres. It should be noted that the City agreed to its participation as a Permittee in the MSHCP provided that certain projects pending approval, including development with the already-approved East Lake Specific Plan (ELSP) area would not be affected or denied because Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 9 of MSHCP reserve assembly requirements. However, as a result of the John Laing Homes project(ELSP Amendment#6), the City agreed to set aside 770 acres within the Back Basins to be conserved and counted towards the MSHCP reserve assembly. Planning Species consist of the following: ■ American Bittern ■ Bell's Sage Sparrow ■ Black-crowned Night Heron ■ Double-crested Cormorant ■ Least Bell's Vireo ■ Loggerhead Shrike ■ Mountain Plover ■ Northern Harrier ■ Osprey ■ Southwestern Willow Flycatcher ■ White-faced Ibis ■ White-tailed Kite ■ Quino Checkerspot Butterfly ■ Riverside Fairy Shrimp ■ Bobcat ■ Western Pond Turtle ■ Munz's Onion ■ San Diego Ambrosia ■ Smooth Tarplant The majority of these species would not be affected by implementation of the proposed project because they would not be expected to occur on the site. The Loggerhead Shrike, Northern Harrier, and White-tailed Kite may occasionally forage over the site. The Mountain Plover may extremely rarely winter on the property. The Bobcat may occasionally forage through the site. Implementation of the proposed project would have a less than significant impact on these five species. Biological Issues and Considerations: ■ Conserve wetlands including Temescal Wash, Collier Marsh, Alberhill Creek, Lake Elsinore and the floodplain east of Lake Elsinore (including marsh Habitats) and maintain water quality. ■ Conserve clay soils supporting Munz's Onion. ■ Conserve Traver-Willow-Domino soil series. ■ Conserve foraging Habitat for raptors,providing a sage scrub-grassland ecotone. ■ Conserve grassland Habitat for Mountain Plover. ■ Conserve breeding Habitat for Northern Harrier. ■ Maintain linkage area for Bobcat. ■ Conserve San Diego Ambrosia at Alberhill and Nichols Road or find new populations that would allow for loss of known populations. ' The Back Basin is a historic lakebed located behind the constructed levee of Lake Elsinore. Within this Back Basin area is the ELSP area which totals approximately 3,000 acres. Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 10 ■ Maintain Core and Linkage Habitat for Western Pond Turtle. ■ Maintain Core Area for Riverside Fairy Shrimp. ■ Maintain opportunities for Core and Linkage Habitat for Quino Checkerspot Butterfly. The Biological Issues and Considerations for this Subunit would not be affected by implementation of the proposed project because of the highly disturbed nature of the property and the absence of habitat that would support sensitive species. Implementation of the project would not adversely impact a potential linkage area for Bobcat. 5.1.1 SECTION 6.1.2 RIPARIAN/RIVERINE AREAS,VERNAL POOLS AND FAIRY SHRIMP The site has been assessed for riparian/riverine areas, vernal pools habitat, and fairy shrimp by review of topographic maps, aerial photographs, and field inspection. As projects are proposed within the MSHCP Plan area, the MSHCP requires that an assessment of the potentially significant effects of those projects on riparian/riverine areas and vernal pools be performed as currently required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)using available information augmented by project-specific mapping. Protection of riparian/riverine areas within the MSHCP Plan Area is important to conservation of the following listed species: Amphibians Arroyo Toad Mountain Yellow-legged Frog California Red-legged Frog Birds Bald Eagle Least Bell's Vireo Peregrine Falcon Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Fish Santa Ana Sucker Invertebrates - Crustaceans Riverside Fairy Shrimp Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp Not any of these fauna occur on the site. There is no habitat on the site for any of these species. There is no riparian/riverine area on the site, so no map of such is provided. There is no vernal pool habitat on the site, as evidenced by the absence of vernal pools and in particular, clay soils. There is no habitat to support fairy shrimp on the site. Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 11 Plants Brand's Phacelia Parish's Meadowfoam California Orcuttgrass Prostrate Navarretia California Black Walnut San Diego Button-celery Coulter's Matilija Poppy San Jacinto Valley Crownscale Engelmann Oak San Miguel Savory Fish's Milkwort Santa Ana River Woolly-star Graceful Tarplant Slender-horned Spineflower Lemon Lily Smooth Tarplant Mojave Tarplant Spreading Navarretia Mud Nama Thread-leaved Brodiaea Ocellated Humboldt Lily Vernal Barley Orcutt's Brodiaea Based on review of natural history data, collection records and a field inspection, none of these plants occur on the site. The San Jacinto Valley Crownscale occurs off-site to the west side of the landing feature and is unaffected by the proposed project. An aim of the MSHCP is to ensure that the biological "functions and values"of riparian/riverine areas throughout the MSHCP Plan Area are maintained such that Habitat values for the species listed above inside the MSHCP Conservation Area are maintained. Since none of the fauna or flora of concern in riparian/riverine areas in the MSHCP Plan Area occurs on the site, Habitat values for these species would not be impacted by implementation of the proposed project. Although there are some wetland plants adjacent to the actual project area, there are no MSHCP riverine/riparian or vernal pool areas on the site or that would be adversely affected by the project implementation. 5.1.2 Section 6.1.3 Protection of Narrow Endemic Plant Species Although the surveys were conducted during seasons of less than normal precipitation(see Table 1), the list includes the great majority of the flora on the site. Several sensitive plants were sought based upon MSHCP requirements. Narrow Endemic Plant Species are plant species that are highly restricted by their habitat affinities, edaphic requirements or other ecological factors, and for which specific conservation measures have been identified in Volume 1, Section 6.1.3 of the MSHCP. Criteria Area Species are those for which additional surveys may be needed in conjunction with Plan implementation in order to achieve coverage for these species, and are listed in Volume 1, Section 6.3.2 of the MSHCP. Criteria Area Species survey requirements vary with location, and must be conducted within suitable Habitat within the Criteria Area as shown in Volume 1, Figure 6-2 of the MSHCP. Due to the lack of proper substrate or prior disturbance of the soils on the site, none of these have a meaningful potential for occurrence on the project site. Table 2 lists these plants, including both Narrow Endemic Plant Species and Criteria Area Species, and the specific reasons they are unlikely to occur on the site. Appropriate habitat for the sensitive species are not present(based upon the adjacent column information), and the plant was not observed. The exception is the San Diego Ambrosia(Ambrosia pumila). Suitable habitat for this species occurs on the site,but the plant was not observed. No sensitive plants were observed or are expected to Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 12 occur on the property. The soils on the site are the result of grading and past use for the aeronautics operation. They are not soils native to the area of the proposed project. Soils adjacent to the project site, further out onto the old upland, are Traver and largely undisturbed. Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 13 Table 2. Habitat Assessments for Sensitive Plant Species—Skydive Elsinore Site SPECIES NAME STATUS HABITAT PROBABILITY HCP: W. Federal/State/CNPS REQUIREMENTS OF Riverside Co. OCCURRENCE MSHCP 2003 Allium munm FE/CT/113(3-3-3) Chaparral,coastal scrub, None. Clay soils Covered,NE* Munz's Onion cismontane woodlands,pinyon- absent juniper woodland,valley& foothill grassland,esp in heavy clay soils,grows in grasslands& openings within shrublands or woodlands,300-1035 m. Ambrosiapumila FE/None/1B(3-3-2) Chaparral,coastal scrub,valley& Low. Suitable Covered,NE San Diego Ambrosia foothill grassland,vernal pools, habitat on-site but esp in sandy loam or clay soil,in plant not observed, valleys;persists where disturbance although known has been superficial,20-415 m. from Nichols Road two miles east. Atriplex coronata var. FE/None/113(3-3-3) Playas,chenopod scrub,valley Low. Two plants Covered,CA' notatior and foothill grassland,vernal observed off-site San Jacinto Valley pools. Endemic to RIV Co. Crownscale Atnplexparisbii FE/None/113(3-3-2) Alkali meadows,vernal pools, None. Alkaline soils Covered,CA Parish's Brittlescale chenopod scrub,playas. Usually absent on drying alkali flats w/fne soils. Collected only once in CA since 1974(1993). Atriplex serenana var. None/None/1B(3-2- Coastal bluff scrub,coastal None. Alkaline soils Covered,CA davidsonii 2) scrub/alkaline,10-200 m. absent Davidson's Saltscale Brodiaea filfolia FT/CE/113(3-3-3) Cismontane woodland,coastal None. Clay soils Covered,CA Thread-leaved Brodiaea scrub,playas,valley and foothill absent grassland,vernal pools,usu assoc w/annual grassland and vernal pools,oft surr by shrub habitats, clay soils,35-855 m. Centromadiapungens ssp. FSC/None/1B(2-3-2) Valley&foothill grassland, None. Alkaline soils Covered,CA laevis chenopod scrub,meadows, absent Smooth Tarplant playas,riparian woodland,esp. alkali meadow,alkali scrub; disturbed 0-480 m. Dodecabema leptoceras FE/CE/1B(3-3-3) Chaparral,coastal scrub(alluvial None. Riverine Covered,NE Slender-horned fan scrub). Hist.from/LA,RIV, bench conditions Spineflower SBD Cos;extirp.fr/much of absent range. Flood-deposited terraces &washes;assoc.Encelia,Dalea, Lepidospartum,etc. 200-760 m. Dudleya multicaulis FSC/None/1B(1-2-3) Chaparral,coastal scrub,valley& None. Clay soils Covered,NE Many-stemmed Dudleya foothill grassland,esp.in heavy, absent often clayey soils or grassy slopes, 0-790 m. Erodium macropbyllum None/None/2(2-3-1) Cismontane woodland,valley& None. Gypsum Covered,CA var.macropbyllum foothill grassland. Clay soils,15- substrate absent Round-leaved Filaree 1200 m. Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 14 SPECIES NAME STATUS HABITAT PROBABILITY HCP: W. Federal/State/CNPS REQUIREMENTS OF Riverside Co. OCCURRENCE MSHCP 2003 Lastbeniaglabrata ssp. FSC/None/1B(2-3-2) Coastal salt marshes,playas, None. Alkaline soils Covered,CA coulter valley&foothill grassland,vernal absent Coulter's Goldfields pools,usu in alkaline soils in playas,sinks,grassland,1-1400 In. Myosurus minimus ssp. FSC/None/3(2-3-2) Vernal pools. This ssp.has None. Absence of Covered,CA apus taxonomic probs. Distinguishing ephemeral ponding Little Mousetail betw this and M.sessilis is sites difficult. Hybrid? Alkaline soils, 20-640 in. Navarretia fossalis FT/None/1B(2-3-2) Vernal pools,chenopod scrub, None. Absence of Covered,NE Spreading Navarretia marshes&swamps,playas,esp in ephemeral ponding SD hardpan&SD claypan vernal sites pools,in swales&vernal pools, often surr.by other habitat types, 30-1300 m. Orcuttia calzfornica FE/CE/1B(3-3-2) Vernal pools,15-660 m. None. Absence of Covered,NE California Orcutt Grass ephemeral ponding sites Saturya cbandleri None/None/4(1-2-2) Chaparral,cismontane woodland, None. Absence of Covered,NE San Miguel Savory coastal scrub,riparian woodland, gabbroic substrate valley&foothill grassland,esp gabbroic or metavolcanic substrate,120-1005 in. Sibaropsis bammittii None/None/1B(3-2- Chaparral(openings),valley& None. Clay soils Covered,NE Hammitt's Clay-cress 3) foothill grassland/gabbroic- absent derived clays,730-1065 m. Tricbocoronis nvrigbtii var. None/None/2(3-3-1) Marshes&swamps,riparian None. Absence of Covered,NE avrigbtii forest,meadows&seeps,vernal mesic sites Wright's Trichocoronis pools. Mud flats of vernal lakes, drying river beds,alkali meadows, 5-435 m. *NE=Narrow Endemic Species 'CA=Criteria Area Species 5.1.3 Section 6.1.4 Urban/Wildlife Interface Guidelines The guidelines presented in this section are intended to address indirect effects associated with locating Development in proximity to the MSHCP Conservation Area, where applicable. The MSHCP Conservation Area is defined as "Approximately 500,000 acres comprised of approximately 347,000 acres of Public/Quasi-Public Lands and approximately 153,000 acres of Additional Reserve lands within Western Riverside County. The MSHCP Conservation Area provides for the conservation of the Covered Species." The proposed project is not located near any Public/Quasi-Public lands, as mapped in the MSHCP, and the "Additional Reserve lands" are as yet unidentified. Accordingly, the guidelines pertaining to the Urban/Wildlands Interface do not apply to the proposed project. Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 15 5.1.4 Section 6.3.2 Additional Survey Needs and Procedures The MSHCP indicates that additional surveys may be needed for certain species in conjunction with Plan implementation in order to achieve coverage for these species. The MSHCP specifies that because of the location of the project site Cells #5137 and#5240, habitat assessments are required and should address potential habitat for the Burrowing Owl,Narrow Endemic Plant Species, and certain Criteria Area Species. These additional habitat assessments and surveys have been completed; no additional habitat assessments and surveys are required. However, since suitable Burrowing Owl habitat is present, a pre-construction survey 30 days prior to ground disturbance to avoid direct take of the Burrowing Owl is required. 6.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS 6.1 JURISDICTIONAL IMPACTS Implementation of the project design would not result in impacts to U. S. Army Corps of Engineers or California Department of Fish and Game jurisdictional areas. 6.2 SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ON-SITE No jurisdictional wetlands, drainages, or streambeds occur on the site. No vernal pools occur on the site. No sensitive vegetation communities occur on the site. Two individuals of the federally-listed San Jacinto Valley Crownscale plants occur off-site to the southwest of the project site, and would not be impacted by the proposed project. Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 16 REFERENCES American Ornithologists' Union. 1998. Checklist of North American Birds. 7th Edition. American Ornithologists' Union. 829 pp. California Native Plant Society. 2001. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (6th Edition). Rare Plant Scientific Advisory Committee, D. P. Tibor, Convening Editor. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA. x+388 pp. Crother, B. 1. 2000. Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America North of Mexico, with Comments Regarding Confidence in Our Understanding. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Herpetological Circular No. 29. iv+ 82 pp. November 2000. Crother, B. I., J. Boundy, J. A. Campbell, K. de Quieroz, K., D. Frost, D. M. Green, R. Highton, J. B. Iverson, R. W. McDiarmid, P. A. Meylan, T. W. Reeder, M. E. Seidel, J. W. Sites, Jr., S. G. Tilley, and D. B. Wake. 2003. Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America North of Mexico: Update. Herpetological Review 34 (3): 196-203. Hickman, J. C., ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley. 1,400 pp. Holland,R. F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California Department of Fish and Game. 156 pp. Jameson, E.W., Jr. and H. J. Peeters. 1988. California Mammals. University of California Press, Berkeley. 403 pp. Knecht, A. A. 1971. Soil Survey of Western Riverside Area, California. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior, Soil Conservation Service. 157 pp. + appendices and maps. Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. 2007. Mentor Aviation Property, Lake Elsinore, California. Biological Assessment and Jurisdictional Delineation. January 12 2007. Riverside County Integrated Project. 2003. Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. June 17, 2003. Rogers, T. H. 1973. Geological Map of California, Santa Ana Sheet. California Division of Mine and Geology, Sacramento, California. Tierra Madre Consultants, Inc. 1991. Mentor Aviation Lake Elsinore Runway Project. Biological Assessment. September 5, 1991. Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 17 U. S. Department of Agriculture. 1995. Soil Conservation Service. 1995. Hydric Soils of California. Revised December 15, 1995. U. S. Department of Agriculture. 2006. Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006 National Hydric Soils List by State. ftp:Hftp- fc.egov.usda.gov/NSSC/Hydric_Soils/List/ca/xls Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Program. 2006. Burrowing Owl Survey Instructions for the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Area. March 29, 2006. 4 pp. Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 APPENDIX 1. FLORAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED—SKYDIVE ELSINORE PROPERTY, LAKE ELSINORE,CALIFORNIA DICOTYLEDONS Aizoaceae-Carpet-weed Family Sesuvium verrucosum Raf. Western Sea-purslane Asteraceae-Sunflower Family Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook. Annual Bursage Baccharis salicifolia(R.&P.)Pers. Mule-Fat * Centaurea melitensis L. Tocalote * Centromadia pungens(Hook. &Arn.)E.Greene ssp.pungens Common Spikeweed * Conyza canadensis(L.)Cronq. Horseweed * Filago gallica L. Narrow-leaf Filago Helianthus annuus L. Western Sunflower Heterotheca grandiflora Nutt. Telegraph Weed * Lactuca serriola L. Wild Lettuce Pluchea odorata Cay. Salt Marsh Fleabane Boraginaceae-Borage Family Amsinckia menziesii(Lehm.)Nelson&J.F.Macbr.var. intermedia(F.&M.)Ganders Rancher's Fireweed Heliotropium curassavicum L. Salt Heliotrope Plagiobothrys spp. Popcornflower Brassicaceae-Mustard Family * Hirschfeldia incana(L.)Lagr.-Fossat Short-pod Mustard Chenopodiaceae-Goosefoot Family Atriplex coronata S.Wtas.var.notation Jeps. San Jacinto Valley Crown-scale(off-site) * Chenopodium album L. Lamb's Quarters * Salsola tragus L. Russian Thistle Convolvulaceae-Morning-Glory Family Cressa truxillensis Kunth. Alkali Weed Geraniaceae-Geranium Family * Erodium cicutarium(L.)L'Her. Red-stem Filaree Lamiaceae-Mint Family Trichostema lanceolatum Benth. Vinegar Weed Lythraceae-Loosestrife Family * Lythrum hyssopifolia L. Grass Poly Polygonaceae-Buckwheat Family Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth.var.foliolosum(Nutt.) S. Stokes Interior Flat-top Buckwheat * Rumex crispus L. Curly Dock Portulacaceae-Purslane Family * Portulaca oleracea L. Common Purslane Salicaceae-Willow Family Salix gooddingii Ball Goodding's Black Willow Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 APPENDIX 1. FLORAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED-SKYDIVE ELSINORE PROPERTY, LAKE ELSINORE,CALIFORNIA Tamaricaceae-Tamarisk Family * Tamarix pary f ora DC. European Tamarisk MONOCOTYLEDONS Poaceae-Grass Family * Bromus diandrus Roth Ripgut Grass * Bromus hordeaceus L. Soft Chess * Bromus madritensis L. ssp.rubens(L.)Husnot Red Brome Distichlis spicata(L.)Greene Saltgrass * Polypogon monspeliensis(L.)Desf. Annual Beard Grass *-Denotes non-native plant taxa Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc. PSBS#U921 APPENDIX 2. FAUNAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED-SKYDIVE ELSINORE PROPERTY, LAKE ELSINORE,CALIFORNIA COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME REPTILES Colubridae(Colubrids) Gophersnake Pituophis catenifer BIRDS Accipitridae(Hawks,Eagles,Harriers,and Kites) Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Falconidae(Falcons) American Kestrel Falco sparverius Columbidae(Pigeons and Doves) Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Tyrannidae(Tyrant Flycatchers) Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Say's Phoebe Sayornis saya Corvidae(Jays,Crows,Ravens,and Magpies) American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Troglodytidae(Wrens) Bewick's Wren Thryomanes bewickii Regulidae(Kinglets) Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula Motacillidae(Wagtails and Pipits) American Pipit Anthus rubescens Emberizidae(Towhees and Sparrows) White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys MAMMALS Leporidae(Rabbits and Hares) Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii Geomyidae(Pocket Gophers) Botta's Pocket Gopher Thomomys bottae Canidae(Foxes,Wolves,and Relatives) Coyote Canis latrans Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc.