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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLEAP 07-01 (2) CITY Q f r EPOSWFEE RECEIPT � r� LA EN � 30 S H KD ovr �Mn�rly STRDEPARTMENT �., IEET D pAr,A ( p,l KE ELSINORE, CA 92530 R E�(T ,H J A,, m -�JJ �q � Date I d 621 o 6 ur FfiE ELSfNORE Address ��1R1 I fS1U - l /J q zip.Erl/f�Si`c�C C'r L aSU Project Account#CRS Z Project/Description �-i�v V ti {7►L,f1d�N'7A.i_ , �c��c�.c�sT 1 (Z COST RECOVERY DEPOSITS � �4�- ��� ' �L Q�J -1 ^�aO` PUNNING ENGINEERING DQ 620-0000-261-00-00 Annexation Conditional Use Permit -Design Review 1 SC Minor Design Review Developer Agreement V 4, e---,\ Environmental Cj Extension of Time General Plan Amendment Sign Program Specific Plan Surface Mining/Reclamation Plan Tentative Parcel/Tract Map Variance Zone change PLANNING FEES/DEPOSITS AMOUNT MR 100-0000-340-09-00 Appeals EF 100-0000-340-04-00 Application of Abandonment CD 608-0000-230-01-00 Cash Bond/Deposit/Paper Bond CP 100-0000-340-11-Go Copies/Maps/Publications MR 100-0000-340-03-00 Extension of time-Minor Design Review LA 100-0000-340-07-00 Landscape review fee: Plan check 40% Inspection 40% SP 100-0000-320-26-00 Signs General / Temporary / Banner / Balloon SE 100-0000-320-24-00 Temporary Use Permits Short term/Extended MR . .1.00-0000-340-06-00 Other Misc.Fees BUILDING/CODE ENFORCEMENT FEES ANEW- PU 100-0000-340-21-01 Add')Bldg Plan Check Hours AD 100-0000-340-20-30 Administrative Fee BI 100-"0-320-20-10 Reinspection Fee B E M P AB 100-0000-340-13-03 Nuisance Abatement AB 100-0000-340-13-02 Structure Abatement MR Other ` Riverside Total County Fire Dept Fee j 1 � r,4`• � ` r tGq, 7 �e Q 13 t, 12 10 �) II 17 10 0 i. r K 5 r• Not to Scale Photo Location Map AaLBERHILL Business Park Lake Elsinore, CA December 14,2006 r��R3Yi � A -AV 0 Looking northeast from intersection of Pierce Street and Baker Road , Aw . 190A - Y I J { OLooking east from intersection of Pierce Street and Baker Road Site Photos AaLBERHILL Business Park Lake Elsinore, CA December 14,2006 Y , q OLooking southeast from intersection of Pierce Street and Baker Road OLooking south from intersection of Pierce Street and Baker Road Site Photos AaLBERHILL Business Park Lake Elsinore,CA December 14,2006 5 Looking southwest from intersection of Pierce Street and Baker Road i• 6O Looking northwest from Baker Road along southwest property line Site Photos AaLBERHILL Business Park Lake Elsinore, CA December 14,2006 - ti Te I I 7O Looking north from Baker Road 1 ® Looking northeast from Baker Road Site Photos AaLBERHILL Business Park Lake Elsinore,CA December 14,2006 1 j Al 9O Looking east from Baker Road :b. V'i ---------- Nc 10 Looking southeast from Baker Road along southwest property line Site Photos AaLBERHILL Business Park Lake Elsinore,CA December 14,2006 w 4J 11 Looking south from Baker Road ML Ask 12 Looking southwest from Baker Road Site Photos AaLBERHILL Business Park Lake Elsinore,CA December 14,2006 13 Looking west from Baker Road . ti 14 Looking northeast from Baker Road Site Photos AaLBERHILL Business Park Lake Elsinore,CA December 14,2006 7� .. I •{ �a .l 15 Looking north from Baker Road along southwest property line MINE 16 Looking northwest from Baker Road along southwest property line Site Photos AaLBERHILL Business Park Lake Elsinore, CA December 14,2006 Y big- -40 •}A'r �,. Yr' �j.p..•. Looking west from Baker Road iLooking west fromBaker R•.• os AaL. .HILL Business . Decemberark Lake ... ,a ism •� '. lt..' - _ �.s .'� - ` �. 1 e-. �'�" a�.e •. 19 Looking southwest from Baker Road 7W O20 Looking southeast from Baker Road along southwest property line g 9 P P Y Site Photos AaLBERHILL Business Park Lake Elsinore, CA December 14,2006 TTY �P DEC'OSIT/FEE RECEIPT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT x 1. SMOKE 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET QUAM EJXTVME,u LAKE EISINORE, CA 92530 ,(� J q 9S 1.674.3124 r Name / IYI�Y�(,J M� ( L11� Phone( l67) Date ! dl y Address qA0 1--6t TkA f1 S f tscti k City/State/Zip �/�lS��c% C1 � dSU Project Account#CRS l Z- Project/Description ,-- v 1fLQV,,3 AA E�-N1AC✓ COST RECOVERY DEPOSITS LLB eaAQ�L�-- PUNNING ENGINEERING DD 620-0000-261-00-00 Annexation Conditional Use Permit Design Review C s� Minor Design Review Developer Agreemen Environmental O Extension of Time General Plan Amendment Sign Program Specific Plan Surface Mining/Reclamation Plan Tentative Parcel/Tract Map Variance Zone change PLANNING FEES/DEPOSITS AMOUNT MR 100-0000-340-09-00 Appeals EF 100-0000-340-04-00 Application of Abandonment CD 608-0000-230-01-00 Cash Bond/Deposit/Paper Bond CP 100-0000-340-11-00 Copies/Maps/Publications MR 100-0000-340-03-00 Extension of time-Minor Design Review LA 100-0000-340-07-00 Landscape review fee: Plan check 40% Inspection 40% SP 100-0000-320-26-00 Signs General / Temporary / Banner / Balloon ISE 100-0000-320-24-00 Temporary Use Permits Short term/Extended MR._ .124.-0900-340-06-00 Other N{i5(Z.l=ees BUILDING/CODE ENFORCEMENT FEES PU 100-0000-340-21-01 Add'(Bldg Plan Check Hours Ar AW law AD 100-0000-340-20-30 Administrative Fee BI 100-0000-320-20-10 Reinspection Fee B E M P AB 100-0000-340-13-03 Nuisance Abatement AB 100 0000-3 W-13-02 Structure Abatement MR Other jt Riverside County Fire Dept Fee Total t 06 C AaLBERHILL PARTNERS, LLC 4887 East LaPalma Ave, Suite 706 Anaheim Hills,California 92807 Phone-714.701.9417 Fax-714.701.0403 December 6, 2006 City of Lake Elsinore Community Development Department, Planning Division 130 S. Main Street Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 RE: Application for Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) consistency determination for Assessor's Parcel Numbers (APNs) 378-020-024 and 378-020-031 This letter is to confirm that Robert PeCoy, owner of the subject property APNs# 378-020- 024 and 378-020-031 located in the City of Lake Elsinore, California, hereby authorizes Hogle-Ireland, Inc. to act as my agent when signing documents, submitting applications and plans on my behalf. Please contact me at Earth Basics Contracting Corporation at (714) 701-9100 ext. #106 if you have any questions or need further information. P , Coy Property Owner �Pna�eCbv� to�L, ►���� � �o�t�aP n� payAPM,5 • l_;p��lC{'�r N 1G�0�5 �1.t,51V�.-6�Y"�G �23 acv�� • �e,� �uwe� '� �inito,L Rio aaaeo�,w.� id done • (�ectcQ cY�ed� • T5-I b�ecre avn� rein �o - 'P • �A re u.irevnevr� w/ 4echv) ical. 5�{-tidies • '�Y��"LG � 3Ltr I y\6 i5c i dro / WG�N'1P �n2�awrat ichols R°aa ` cZell + 'f � t1 'Q Od Aerial Photograph AaLBERHILL Business Park Lake Elsinore, CA December 14,2006 �crn�evlceC'.a� �-5 08 �/Aaf,I�vl���(�u,�t.��Park� - -- -- -- ----- -------- A-V-V-L4--- D-(ljr_-va54- clf ___.___._V 45 vvke+-e-- I Vi-C ��� � rL �auce5 ore _l<<.�J_Pla�n�._ - - l000l000 _�_,�,r�� _�_alLGaf�. c�:vl_c�.�_cG� �c. -�- • Sa�a7acc�nfa__�,v_tnN_vl.�c�2e EE�,-.., Or vcv� 1 F- i /W t VlwiN radl25 do d vZAke✓ 5u,rvec,� �Y/ C�-I� 17 Plai�r�� 5urvec.� Rc-l� pmrh.are j al � TPR. I'i, _ _ I' �� w1;�{-�" �Uect,`l�e, iu�.�,ra «n�o ✓'�: {i�,(, lx. , C:�`G�A -�..sNeeded PLAZA PLAZA PR PLAZA OPERTY /NE 28,000 S.F. 29,000 S.F 29,000 S.F — 29,000 S.F. 29,000 S.F. 29,000 S.F 21 avY 7 I " 111.111 ILLI I U1 I U 111 I ENHANCED PAVING ENHANCED PAVING ENHANCED PAVING I NOT A PART 23,000 S.F. , - PROPERTVL F 0' 75' 150 300 450' Conceptual Site Plan AaLBERHILL Business Park Lake Elsinore, CA December 14,2006 Project: ate: LTI� ONE COMPANY Subject: ��uu Checked: Date: 1 L Many Solutions'" Task: /Air-, Page: of: Job : No: jf6ct l-E- +D +eA l W w4-h v",,l CRTD o-F --i+A ( ( & tv, N�cjca A A� 11 l qo f v� Nlvj Z/1P 1� � r� t file U CD V1,P�Y' -- RSH CP 4�+ �5 I 2 � c ovlG�e vah�w I V E�- cm �E;V VYd moo I C --po ` V mrin-Tt, V, � C l;m-vDw i v A�) w�VA aaboi.A- 5an Dau.rh c e (red. e�, i *el Im I V10 V- aivo d Imes- 4-kif� cfE4- �L i I Wendy Worthey From: Wendy Worthey Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 12:33 PM To: 'Tonya Pace' Subject: RE: Aalberhill Business Park MSHCP Hi Tonya, I see your email here and I think you may have left me a voicemail as well. I was already on another call when you called...I had to take it (emergency project issues). When I didn't hear from you around 10:3o a.m. I thought we probably weren't doing the call. Just so you know, for the rest of the today, I have to work fast and furious on resos for the Planning Commission's staff report, and tomorrow I have two meetings that will take up the entire day. Can we talk sometime on Thursday btwn 1 and 3 p.m? I guess the bottom-line is that Karen needs to do the focused surveys when appropriate and give the results to me so we can start the Joint Project Review process. We need: - Focused surveys for Vernal Pools, if there is evidence to suggest "suitable habitat"...if no suitable habitat, then we need to know why it's not suitable - Narrow Endemic Plant Species Surveys, if there is evidence to suggest "suitable habitat"...if no suitable habitat, then we need to know why it's not suitable - Criteria Area Species Surveys, if there is evidence to suggest "suitable habitat"...if no suitable habitat, then we need to know why it's not suitable - Burrowing Owl, if there is evidence to suggest "suitable habitat"...if no suitable habitat, then we need to know why it's not suitable - Any impacts to the above will require preparation of a DBESP (Determination of Biological Equivalent or Superior Preservation) which must provide proof as to why those impacts cannot be avoided, AND the appropriate mitigation. - Are the two species, San Jacinto Crownscale and Alkali Goldfields, already covered under the MSHCP? I'm thought they were but need confirmation. If so, this needs to be mentioned in the bio report so it is in writing that no further work needs to be done with regard to these plants species. Hope this helps explain what is needed for an adequate "consistency determination". Let me know if you have further questions, and/or if you can talk on Thursday. Thanks! PS Why are there two "Aa" letters in Aalberhill? -----Original Message----- From: Tonya Pace [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 200711:2o AM To: Wendy Worthey Subject: RE: Aalberhill Business Park MSHCP Wendy, we are ready is you are, thanks. Tonya Tonya Pace Project Manager Hogle-Ireland, Inc. A Land Planning & Development Consulting Firm 428o Latham Street, Suite C Riverside, CA 92501 Irvine I Riverside I Palm Springs t: 951-787-9222 f: 951-781-6014 w: www.hogleireland.com This message contains information that is confidential or privileged. The information is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information is prohibited. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please notify the sender and delete this message and any attachments. -----Original Message----- From: Wendy Worthey [mailto:wworthey@Lake-Elsinore.org] Sent: Monday, January o8, 2007 5:58 PM To: Tonya Pace Subject: RE: Aalberhill Business Park MSHCP I have meetings from 8 a.m. to around 10:3o a.m. Can you do this after 10:3o a.m.? -----Original Message----- From: Tonya Pace [mailto:tpace@hogleireland.com] Sent: Mon 1/8/2007 4:03 PM To: Wendy Worthey Cc: Subject: Aalberhill Business Park MSHCP Hi Wendy, Thank you for the information regarding our project this morning. I appreciate the feedback. I spoke with Karen Kirtland. Karen and I are both available tomorrow morning (as a preference) for a quick conference call. If that works for your calendar, let me know what time. 2 Thanks again, Tonya Tonya Pace Project Manager Hogle-Ireland, Inc. A Land Planning & Development Consulting Firm Irvine I Riverside I Palm Springs 428o Latham Street, Suite C Riverside, CA 92501 t: 951-787-9222 f: 951-781-6014 w: www.hogleireland.com <file:///\\www.hogleireland.com\> This message contains information that is confidential or privileged. The information is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information is prohibited. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please notify the sender and delete this message and any attachments. 3 CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANNING DIVISION Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) City of Lake Elsinore PROPERTY OWNER INITIATED APPLICATION Planning Division 130 S.Main Street For MSHCP Consistency Determination Lake Elsinore,CA 92530 (951)674-3124 (951)474-1419 fax If any part of the proposed project lies within a MSHCP Criteria Cell, then this application will serve to initiate the Lake Elsinore Acquisition Process (LEAP). If not in a Criteria Cell, this application will serve to provide information regarding MSHCP "Plan Wide Requirements". Whether the proposed project is within a Criteria Cell, or not, a full consistency determination is required as part of project approval. NOTE: This application is required on all projects, including grading permits. The exceptions are one Single-Family Home, or other projects not requiring a discretionary action. INCOMPLETE APPLICA77ONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED CHECK ONE AS APPROPRIATE: ® Parcel Maps, Design Review, Conditional Use Permits ❑ Tract Maps, Specific Plans, General Plan Amendments ❑ Other CASE NUMBER(s): DATE: December 20, 2006 Applicant's Name: Tonva Pace, Project Manager Mailing Address: Hogle-Ireland Inc., 4280 Latham Street, Suite C Street Riverside CA 92501 City State ZIP Daytime Phone No: (951) 787-9222 Fax No: (951) 781-6014 E-Mail: tpace@hogleireland.com Property Owner's Name: Robert PeCoy E-Mail: bob a earthbasics.net Mailing Address: 4887 East La Palma Avenue, Suite 706 Street Anaheim Hills CA 92807 City State ZIP Daytime Phone No: (714) 701-9100 A 06 Fax No: (714) 701-0785 Ton a Pace --: PRINTED NAME OFAPPLICANT SIGN TUBE OFAPPLICANT All signatures must be originals ("wet-signed"). Photocopies of signatures are not acceptable. AUTHORITY FOR THIS APPLICATION IS HEREBY GIVEN: I certify that I am/we are the record owner(s) or authorized agent and that the information filed is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. An authorized agent must submit a letter from the owner(s) indicating authority to sign the application on the owner's behalf. I further authorize, pursuant to Government Code Section 65105, that planning agency personnel may enter upon the subject property and make examinations and surveys, provided that, the entry, examination, and survey do not interfere with the use of the land. All signatures must be originals ("wet-signed"). Photocopies o TYOWNER(S) PRINTED NAME OF PROPERTY OWNERS) SIGNATURE OF PROPERTY OWNER(S) If the subject property is owned by persons who have not signed as owners above, attach a separate sheet that references the application case number and lists the printed names and signatures of all persons having an interest in the property. Related Permit(s)or Development Application Case Number(s) (If applicable): MSHCP CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION APPLICATION A fill consistency determination must include all of the information as described below. It will likely be necessary to submit separate pages or attach appropriate documents and technical studies. All information must be submitted both in hardcopy, and in an electronic digital format on a CD. Assessor's Parcel Number(s) (APNs): 378-020-024 and 378-020-031 Enter the APNs in the MSHCP Report Generator found at the website below, and include a copy of the report print-out. http://www.rctlma.org/gis/rciprepgen.html If applicable, identify the MSHCP Conservation Criteria cell(s) covering the above referenced APNs: Written project description: The proposed project site consists of approximately 14.27 acres on two (2) parcels_(APNs 378-020-024and_ 378-020-031). The subject site is west of the 1-15 freeway and south of Nichols Road in the City of Lake Elsinore. The subject site is zoned M-1 Limited Manufacturing. Surrounding zoning in the vicinity is as follows: R-1 Residential to the north; M-1__Limited Manufacturing to the west; C-1 Commercial to the east, and M-1 Limited Manufacturing to the south. There is also one 1 R-1 Residential zoned parcel to the north and west of the subject site. The two 2 properties a imrtl within Conservation Criteria Cell #4166. It is anticipated that a parcel map will be processe in conjunction with the proposed project. Describe unique biological features (i.e. washes, streams, oak trees, juniper trees, and rock outcroppings) and quantify anticipated impacts resulting from development of the site: The subject site is relatively flat, with a slight elevation change extending downhill from the southwest to the northeast. Much of the survey area is nearly fiat, but there is generally a gradual downward sloe across the property, ultimately culminating off site in several de ressions to the east and northeast of the property. These depressions east and northeast of the propertV potentiallycan be classified as alkaline vernal pools. The pools still had water at h the time of the survey. There is a less apparent, but significant depression in the northwest central section of the property. This depression may also be a vernal pool or an ephemerally wet depression. Anticipated impacts include the loss of 14.27 acres of mostly grassland habitat. The site supports populations of San Jacinto crownscale, listed as endangered by the USFWS, and alkali oldfields a s ecies of s ecial concern. The site has habitat suitable for at least four other )ants ecies. Suitable habitat exists on art of the site for burrowing owl. As per the biological assessment for the site, it is recommended that no further disking of the site occur, and that the site be reevaluated after the winter rains to determine if vernal pools may form on site. Page 3 of 7 MSHCP CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION APPLICATION Explain the proposed project in relation to any Cores and Linkages,Area Plan Subunits, and Cell Groups. Include discussion of MSHCP goals for these areas and how the proposed project meets them. Approximately 12.6 acres of the voposed prowect site Parcel #378-020-024 and 378-020-031 is located in the WRCMHCP- Lake Elsinore Area Plan, Subunit#3, in the western portion of Cell #4166. According to Cell Criteria, conservation within this Cell will contribute to assembly oof Proposed Linkage 2. Conservation within this Cell will focus on meadow, marsh riparian scrub woodland and forest habitat along Alberhill Creek and adiacent -grassland habitat to the east of the subject site. Areas_conserved within this Cell will be connected to riparian scrub, woodland, forest and grassland habitat prolmsed for conservation in Cell Group W to the north and to meadow, marsh and grassland habitat proposed for conservation in Cell #4169 to the east of Collier Avenue and the 1-15 freeway. Conservation within this Cell will range from 15-25% of the Cell focusing in the northeastern portion of the Cell. The portion of the property proposed for development is located away from the area designated for linkage. Explain how the proposed project design incorporates or complies with the Conservation Criteria within the affected cells? Include discussion of MSHCP goals for these Cells and how the proposed project meets them. It appears that the proposed project is located outside the area identified for linkage in the Cell Criteria. Conservation within this Cell will contribute to assembly of Proposed Linkage 2 and will range from 15-25% of the Cell focusinc i in the northeastern portion of the Cell. The subject site is located on the west portion of the cell and not in the northeast portion of the cell where 15- 25% conservation has been identified for linkage. Does the proposed project include any conservation of land to be donated to the MSHCP? If so, where and how much? Does the proposed project include any open space preservation? If so, where and how much? No, the proposed project does not incorporate an_y land for conservation, as it is outside the area identified for linkage or conservation in the Cell Criteria. Does any part of the proposed project involve a Covered Activity as described in Section 7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses? If so, please explain and include a detailed description of how the project will incorporate the required elements, including but not limited to, "siting and design" and maintenance requirements. Note that all Section 7.0 processing requirements apply. Page 4 of 7 ;Q a MSHCP CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION APPLICATION , The proposed project includes improvements to Baker Road. Per Section 7.0, local roads are considered a covered activity. The proposed project and Baker Road are outside_the area identified in the Cell Criteria for linkage or conservation. It is expected that through the processing of a Parcel Map and conditions of _approval, Baker Road will be dedicated and improved .as per the City's requirements, and maintained at some point in the future by the City. How will the proposed project implement the requirements for the Protection of Riverine/Riparian Areas and Vernal Pools as set forth in Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP (pages 6- 20 through 6-27)? Include habitat assessment. If suitable habitat is present, further focused surveys are required, and results should be included in this submittal. Impacts should be avoided, but if this is not feasible, then discussion of practicable alternative that minimizes direct and indirect impacts to the maximum extent practicable shall be included. All unavoidable impacts shall be mitigated such that the lost functions and values as they relate to MSHCP Covered Species are replaced and set forth under a Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Alternative (DBESP). If a DBESP is required, it should be included with this submittal. Is mapping required per Section 6.3.1? The field survey identified the potential for vernal pools habitat and therefore the potential for fairy shrimp species. Per the MSHCP, since there is a potential for suitable habitat, a focused survey will be conducted. How will the proposed project implement the requirements for the Protection of Narrow Endemic Plant Species as set forth in Section 6.1.3 of the MSHCP (pages 6-12 through 6-41)? All habitat assessments, as well as focused surveys as required, shall be included with this submittal. For all surveys conducted, an explanation of survey met o 0 ogy s a a so be included, as well as map depicting location(s) if applicable per Section 6.3.1. A focused survey for narrow endemic plant species will be conducted for plantspecies o concern during the months of March through June 2007 depending on the weather. How will the proposed project implement the requirements for the Additional Survey Needs and Procedures as set forth in Section 6.3.2 of the MSHCP (pages 6-63 through 6-71)? All habitat assessments, as well as focused surveys as required, shall be included with this submittal. For all surveys conducted, an explanation of survey o o ogy s a a so be included, as well as a map depicting location(s) if applicable per Section 6.3.1. Additional focused surveys will be conducted as necessa . Based on the field survey, it was determined that the site could support Burrowing Owl, although no species were found during the survey. Therefore, according to the MSHCP criteria, a nesting season survey will be necessary_between months February 1 through August 31, 2007, and prior to construction. W,Y&(- 4Xnk+ � o VI' Page 5 of 7 MSHCP CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION APPLICATION How will the proposed project commit to implement the Urban/Wildlands Interface Guidelines as set forth in Section 6.1.4 of the MSHCP (pages 6-42 through 6-46)? If applicable, the City is required to impose a condition ensuring compliance with these guidelines. Not applicable. l w6,(- *,, + -f D 4WV,,Z a vr,�A P& Ls ocL,act-� --, g , How will the proposed project comply with the F erg Is Manage= Guidelines as set forth in Section 6.4 of the MSHCP (pages 6-72 through 6-73)? If applicable, the City is required to impose a condition ensuring compliance with these guidelines. �N e: According to Section 6.4, new development planned adjacent to a MSHCP Conservation o a a or other undeveloped area The proposed project site is outside the area identified for conservation. The proposed project does not incorporate development of any land identified for conservation or linkage. The property owner/developer does not have the authority to manage, or provide, brush maintenance offsite. Within one year a brush management plan shall be approved by the MSHCP Reserve Management Oversight Committee. If you need additional information about the MSHCP, please refer to h_ttp://www.rctlma.orgLmshMlindex.html Other information that should be included in the MSHCP submittal, both in hardcopy and electronic format (CD), is listed below: • Aerial Photographic Image (TIFF format) of the subject property(ies) (delineated) and surrounding vicinity • Exhibits and associated photographs that clearly represent the project area • Site Plan/Tentative Tract or Parcel Maps (minimum size 11"x 17"; TIFF image of map) Also, one of the following data formats (linework and annotation) - ■ Shape File • Microstation CAD File ■ Autodesk Auto CAD File • Grading Permit Conceptual or preliminary Grading Plan (TIFF image of plan). Include contours as well as a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in one of the following data formats. ■ Shape File • Microstation CAD File • Autodesk Auto CAD File • Building Permits and Site Preps • All biological resource technical reports/surveys supporting the discussions above. Page 6 of 7 MSHCP CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION APPLICATION Number of Copies The City recommends first submitting one (1) complete package to include all of the above information. The City will review the information provided, and request revisions or additional information as needed. If the project lies within a Criteria Cell, and requires a Joint Project Review(JPR) with the Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), four (4) additional copies will be required once the submittal is deemed complete. Deposit for Review and Processing Fees, MSHCP Submittal Within Criteria Cell(s)...Requires Joint Project Review(JPR): • $1,5oo deposit for City(check made payable to City of Lake Elsinore), plus • $1,5oo deposit for RCA(check made payable to RCA) MSHCP Submittal Outside of any Criteria Cell(s)...No JPR required: • $800 deposit for City(check made payable to City of Lake Elsinore) ' These amounts are an estimated cost for review only, and depending upon the complexity of the project, additional money may be requested. All review fees are for cost recovery purposes. Should review and processing not require the full amount, a refund of the unused amount will be given. Should review and processing exceed the $1,500 amount, additional fees may be requested. Please also note, review fees do not include MSHCP mitigation fees; Mitigation fees are separate and are determined based on impacted acreage. Page 7 of 7 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan(MSHCP) Page 1 of 14 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) APN Cell Cell Group Acres Area Plan Sub Unit 378020024 Not A Part Independent Elsinore Not a Part 378020024 4166 Independen 10.74 Elsinore SU3 - Elsinore 378020031 4166 Independ t 1.85 Elsinore SU3 - Elsinore HABITAT ASSESSMENTS Habitat assessment shall be required and should address at a minimum potential habitat for the following species: APN Amphibia Burrowing Criteria Area Mammalian Narrow Endemic Special Linkage Species Owl Species Species Plant Species Area 378020024 NO YES YES NO YES NO 378020031 NO YES YES NO YES I NO xBurrowing Owl Burrowing owl. XCriteria Area Species c�L� 1) Thread-leaved brodiaea, Davidson's saltscale, Parish's brittlescale, Smooth Tarplant, Round-leaved filaree, Coulter's goldfields, Little Mousetail �(Narrow Endemic Plant Species 1) Munz's onion, San Diego ambrosia, Slender-Horned Spineflower, Many-stemmed dudleya, Spreading navarretia, California Orcutt grass, San Miguel savory, Hammitt's clay-cress, Wright's trichocoronis. If potential habitat for these species is determined to be located on the property,focused surveys may be required during the appropriate season. Background The final MSHCP was approved by the County Board of Supervisors on June 17, 2003. The federal and state permits were issued on June 22, 2004 and implementation of the MSHCP began on June 23, 2004. For more information concerning the MSHCP, contact your local city or the County of Riverside for the unincorporated areas. Additionally, the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority(RCA), which oversees all the cities and County implementation of the MSHCP, can be reached at: Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority 4080 Lemon Street, 12th Floor Riverside, CA 92502-1604 Phone: 951-955-9700 Fax: 951-955-8873 www.wrc-rca.org file://P:\2005\1773\Application\Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan(MSHCP) Page 2 of 14 Introduction As urbanization has increased within western Riverside County, state and federal regulations have required that public and private developers obtain "Take permits"from Wildlife Agencies for impacts to endangered, threatened, and rare species and their Habitats. This process, however, has resulted in costly delays in public and private Development projects and an assemblage of unconnected Habitat areas designated on a project-by- project basis. This piecemeal and uncoordinated effort to mitigate the effects of Development does not sustain wildlife mobility, genetic flow, or ecosystem health,which require large, interconnected natural areas. A variety of capitalized terms are used in this report. Definitions for those terms are provided at the end of this report. The MSHCP is a criteria-based plan, focused on preserving individual species through Habitat conservation. The MSHCP is one element of the Riverside County Integrated Project (RCIP), a comprehensive regional planning effort begun in 1999.The purpose of the RCIP is to integrate all aspects of land use,transportation, and conservation planning and implementation in order to develop a comprehensive vision for the future of the County. The overall goal of the MSHCP is rooted in the RCIP Vision Statement and supporting policy directives. The MSHCP will enhance maintenance of biological diversity and ecosystem processes while allowing future economic growth. Preserving a quality of life characterized by well-managed and well-planned growth integrated with an open-space system is a component of the RCIP vision. The MSHCP proposes to conserve approximately 500,000 acres and 146 different species. Approximately 347,000 acres are anticipated to be conserved on existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands,with additional contributions on approximately 153,000 acres from willing sellers. The overall goal of the MSHCP can be supported by the following: Biological Goal: In the MSHCP Plan Area, conserve Covered Species and their Habitats. Economic Goal: Improve the future economic development in the County by providing an efficient, streamlined regulatory process through which Development can proceed in an efficient way. The MSHCP and the General Plan will provide the County with a clearly articulated blueprint describing where future Development should and should not occur. Social Goal: Provide for permanent open space, community edges, and recreational opportunities,which contribute to maintaining the community character of Western Riverside County. This report has been generated to summarize the guidance in the MSHCP Plan that pertains to this property. Guidelines have been incorporated in the MSHCP Plan to allow applicants to evaluate the application of the MSHCP Criteria within specific locations in the MSHCP Plan Area. Guidance is provided through Area Plan Subunits, Cell Criteria, Cores and Linkages and identification of survey requirements. The guidance and Criteria incorporate flexibility at a variety of levels. The information within this report is composed of three parts: a summary table, Reserve Assembly guidance and survey requirements within the MSHCP Plan Area. The summary table provides specific information on this property to help determine whether it is located within the MSHCP Criteria Area or any survey areas. The Reserve Assembly guidance provides direction on assembly of the MSHCP Conservation Area if the property is within the Criteria Area. The survey requirements section describes the surveys that must be conducted on the property if Habitat is present for certain identified species within the Criteria Area or mapped survey areas. Reserve Assembly Guidance within the Criteria Area The Reserve Assembly guidance only pertains to properties that are within the Criteria Area. Please check the summary table to determine whether this property is within the Criteria Area. if it is located inside of the Criteria Area, please read both this section and the section about survey requirements within the MSHCP Plan Area. If the property is located outside the Criteria Area, only read the survey requirements within the MSHCP Plan Area section. The Area Plan Subunits, Cell Criteria and Cores and Linkages provide guidance on assembly of the MSHCP Conservation Area. The Area Plan Subunits section lists Planning Species and Biological Issues and file://P:\2005\1773\Application\Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan(MSHCP) Page 3 of 14 Considerations that are important to Reserve Assembly within a specific Area Plan Subunit. The Cell Criteria identify applicable Cores or Linkages and describe the focus of desired conservation within a particular Cell or Cell Group. Cores and Linkages guidance includes dimensional data and biological considerations within each identified Core or Linkage. The following is the Area Plan text and Cell Criteria that pertains specifically to this property. The Area Plan text includes the target acreage for conservation within the entire Area Plan, identification of Cores and Linkages within the entire Area Plan and Area Plan Subunit Planning Species and Biological Issues and Considerations. It is important to keep in mind that the Area Plan Subunits, Cell Criteria and Cores and Linkages are drafted to provide guidance for a geographic area that is much larger than an individual property. The guidance is intended to provide context for an individual property and, therefore, all of the guidance and Criteria do not apply to each individual property. Elsinore Area Plan This section identifies target acreages, applicable Cores and Linkages, Area Plan Subunits and Criteria for the Elsinore Area Plan. For a summary of the methodology and map resources used to develop the target acreages and Criteria for the MSHCP Conservation Area, including this Area Plan, see Section 3.3.1. Target Acreages The target conservation acreage range for the Elsinore Area Plan is 66,500—73,315 acres; it is composed of approximately 54,800 acres of existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands and 11,700— 18,515 acres of Additional Reserve Lands. The City of Canyon Lake and the City of Lake Elsinore sit entirely within the Elsinore Area Plan. The target acreage range within the City of Canyon Lake is 30—50 acres. The target acreage range within the City of Lake Elsinore is 4,830—7,870 acres. The target acreages of both Cities are included within the 11,700— 18,515 acre target conservation range on Additional Reserve Lands for the entire Elsinore Area Plan. Applicable Cores and Linkages The MSHCP Conservation Area comprises a variety of existing and proposed Cores, Linkages, Constrained Linkages and Noncontiguous Habitat Blocks (referred to here as"Cores and Linkages"). The Cores and Linkages listed below are within the Elsinore Area Plan, For descriptions of these Cores and Linkages and more information about the biologically meaningful elements of the MSHCP Conservation Area within the Elsinore Area Plan, see Section 3.2.3 and MSHCP Volume 11, Section A. Cores and Linkages within the Elsinore Area Plan • Contains all of Proposed Constrained Linkage 5 • Contains all of Proposed Constrained Linkage 6 • Contains most of Proposed Core 1 • Contains a portion of Proposed Extension of Existing Core 2 • Contains all of Proposed Extension of Existing Core 3 • Contains all of Proposed Linkage 1 • Contains all of Proposed Linkage 2 • Contains a portion of Proposed Linkage 3 • Contains a portion of Proposed Linkage 7 • Contains a large portion of Proposed Linkage 8 Descriptions of Planning Species, Biological Issues and Considerations and Criteria for each Area Plan Subunit within the Elsinore Area Plan are presented later in this section. These descriptions, combined with the descriptions of the Cores and Linkages referred to above, provide information about biological issues to be considered in conjunction with Reserve Assembly within the Elsinore Area Plan. As noted in Section 3.1, the Area Plan boundaries established as part of the Riverside County General Plan were selected to provide an organizational framework for the Area Plan Subunits and Criteria. While these boundaries are not biologically based, unlike the Cores and Linkages, they relate specifically to General Plan boundaries and the jurisdictional boundaries of incorporated Cities and were selected to facilitate implementation of the MSHCP in the context of existing institutional and planning boundaries. file://P:\2005\1773\Application\Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Page 4 of 14 Area Plan Subunits The Elsinore Area Plan is divided into six Subunits. 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. For more information regarding specific conservation objectives for the Planning Species, see Section 9.0. Subunit boundaries are depicted on the Cells and Cell Groupings map displays (Figures 3-6 and 3- 7). Table 3-4 presents the Criteria for the Elsinore Area Plan. Cell Criteria A preliminary check indicates that this parcel is not subject to cell criteria under the draft MSHCP. Other requirements, including species surveys, may apply under the plan. It is recommended that you review the full text of the draft document for additional details. See www.rcip.org to read the document on-line or to find a location to view the hard copy document. Cell: 4166 Area Plan: Lake Elsinore Subunit: 3 Conservation within this Cell will contribute to assembly of Proposed Linkage 2. Conservation within this Cell will focus on meadow, marsh, riparian scrub,woodland and forest habitat along Alberhill Creek and adjacent grassland habitat. Areas conserved within this Cell will be connected to riparian scrub, woodland,forest and grassland habitat proposed for conservation in Cell Group W to the north and to meadow, marsh and grassland habitat proposed for conservation in Cell#4169 to the east. Conservation within this Cell will range from 15%-25% of the Cell focusing in the northeastern portion of the Cell. Surveys Within the MSHCP Plan Area Of the 146 species covered by the MSHCP, no surveys will be required by applicants for public and private projects for 106 of these Covered Species. Covered Species for which surveys may be required by applicants for public and private Development projects include 4 birds, 3 mammals, 3 amphibians, 3 crustaceans, 14 Narrow Endemic Plants, and 13 other sensitive plants within the Criteria Area. Of these 40 species, survey area maps are provided for 34 species, and surveys will be undertaken within suitable Habitat areas in locations identified on these maps in the MSHCP Plan. The remaining six species are associated with riparian/riverine areas and vernal pools and include least Bell's vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo, Riverside fairy shrimp, Santa Rosa Plateau fairy shrimp, and vernal pool fairy shrimp.Although there are no surrey area maps for these six species, surveys for these species, if necessary, will be undertaken as described below. It is the goal of the MSHCP to provide for conservation of Covered Species within the approximately 500,000 acre MSHCP Conservation Area (comprised of approximately 347,000 acres of existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands and 153,000 acres of new conservation on private lands). Conservation that may be identified to be desirable as a result of survey findings is not intended to increase the overall 500,000 acres of conservation anticipated under the MSHCP. Please refer to Section 6.0 of the MSHCP Plan, Volume I for more specific information regarding species survey requirements. As projects are proposed within the MSHCP Plan Area, an assessment of the potentially significant effects of those projects on riparian/riverine areas and vernal pools will be performed as currently required by the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)using available information augmented by project-specific mapping. If the mapping identifies suitable habitat for any of the six species associated with riparian/riverine areas and vernal pools listed above and the proposed project design does not incorporate avoidance ofthe identified habitat, focused surveys for these six species will be conducted, and avoidance and minimization measures will be implemented in accordance with the species-specific objectives for these species. For more specific information regarding survey requirements for species associated with riparian/riverine areas and vernal pools, please refer to file://P:\2005\1773\Application\Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan(MSHCP) Page 5 of 14 Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP Plan, Volume I . Habitat conservation is based on the particular Habitat requirements of each species as well as the known distribution data for each species.The existing MSHCP database does not, however, provide the level of detail sufficient to determine the extent of the presence or distribution of Narrow Endemic Plant Species within the MSHCP Plan Area. Since conservation planning decisions for these plant species will have a substantial effect on their status, additional information regarding the presence of these plant species must be gathered during the long-term implementation of the MSHCP to ensure that appropriate conservation of the Narrow Endemic Plants occurs. For more specific information regarding survey requirements for Narrow Endemic Plants, please refer to Section 6.1.3 of the MSHCP Plan,Volume I . In addition to the Narrow Endemic Plant Species, additional surveys may be needed for certain species in conjunction with Plan implementation in order to achieve coverage for these species. The MSHCP must meet the Federal Endangered Species Act issuance criteria for Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP)which require, among other things, that the HCP disclose the impacts likely to result from the proposed Taking, and measures the applicant will undertake to avoid, minimize and mitigate such impacts. For these species in which coverage is sought under the MSHCP, existing available information is not sufficient to make findings necessary to satisfy these issuance criteria for Take authorization. Survey requirements are incorporated in the MSHCP to provide the level of information necessary to receive coverage for these species in the MSHCP. Efforts have been made prior to approval of the MSHCP and will be made during the early baseline studies to be conducted as part of the MSHCP management and monitoring efforts to collect as much information as possible regarding the species requiring additional surveys. As data are collected and conclusions can be made regarding the presence of occupied Habitat within the MSHCP Conservation Area for these species, it is anticipated that survey requirements may be modified or waived. Please refer to Sections 6.1.3 and 6.3.2 of the MSHCP Plan, Volume I for more specific information regarding survey requirements. MSHCP DEFINITIONS Adaptive To use the results of new information gathered through the Monitoring Program of the Management Plan and from other sources to adjust management strategies and practices to assist in providing for the Conservation of Covered Species. Adaptive The MSHCP's program of Adaptive Management described in Section 5.0 of the Management MSHCP,Volume I. Program Additional Reserve Conserved Habitat totaling approximately 153, 000 acres that are needed to meet the Lands goals and objectives of the MSHCP and comprised of approximately 56, 000 acres of P pp Y State and federal acquisition and mitigation for State Permittees, and approximately 97, 000 acres contributed by Local Permittees (Lands acquired since February 3, 2000 are included in the Local Permittees'Additional Reserve Lands contribution pursuant to correspondence discussed in Section 4.0 of the MSHCP, Volume I and on file with the County of Riverside) Agriculture For the species analyses, references to agriculture refer to the Vegetation Community, Agriculture, as depicted on the MSHCP Vegetation Map, Figure 2- 1 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Agricultural The production of all plants (horticulture), fish farms, animals and related production Operations activities, including the planting, cultivation and tillage of the soil, dairying, and apiculture; and the production, plowing, seeding, cultivation, growing, harvesting, pasturing and fallowing for the purpose of crop rotation of any agricultural commodity, including viticulture, apiculture, horticulture, and the breeding, feeding and raising of livestock, horses, fur-bearing animals,fish, or poultry, the operation, management, conservation, improvement or maintenance of a farm or ranch and its buildings, tools and equipment; the construction, operation and maintenance of ditches, canals, f le://P:\2005\1773\Application\Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan(MSHCP) Page 6 of 14 reservoirs, wells and/or waterways used for farming or ranching purposes and all uses conducted as a normal part of such Agricultural Operations; provided such actions are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The definition of Agricultural Operations shall not include any activities on state and federal property or in the MSHCP Conservation Area. Allowable Uses Uses allowed within the MSHCP Conservation Area as defined in Section 7.0 of the MSHCP,Volume I. Annual Report The reports prepared pursuant to the requirements of Section 6.11 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Area Plan A community planning area defined in the County of Riverside General Plan. Sixteen County of Riverside Area Plans are located within the MSHCP Plan Area. Area Plan Subunit A portion of an Area Plan for which Biological Issues and Considerations and target acreages have been specified in Section 3.3 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Biological Issues A list of biological factors to be used by the Plan Participants in assembly of the MSHCP and Considerations Conservation Area. Biological Issues and Considerations are identified for each Area Plan Subunit in Section 3.3 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Biologically Documentation that a particular project alternative will be biologically equivalent or Equivalent or superior to a project consistent with the guidelines and thresholds established in the Superior policies for the Protection of Species Associated with Riparian/Riverine Areas and Determination Vernal Pools set forth in Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP, policies for the Protection of Narrow Endemic Plant Species set forth in Section 6.1.3 of the MSHCP, Additional Survey Needs and Procedures policies set forth in Section 6.3.2 of the MSHCP, and the Criteria Refinement Process set forth in Section 6.5 of the MSHCP. Biological The program detailing the requirements for monitoring of the MSHCP Conservation Area Monitoring Program as set forth in Section 5.3 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Biological Reports prepared pursuant to the requirements of Section 5.3.7 of the MSHCP, Volume Monitoring Report I. Bioregion A generalized area with similar elevation, topography, soils and floristic characteristics within the MSHCP Plan Area. Seven Bioregions are identified in the MSHCP Plan Area and are depicted in Figure 2-6 of the MSHCP,Volume I. California CDFG, a department of the California Resources Agency. Department of Fish and Game California Caltrans, a department of the California Business,Transportation and Housing Agency. Department of Transportation Cell A unit within the Criteria Area generally 160 acres in size, approximating one quarter section. Cell Group An identified grouping of Cells within the Criteria Area. California CEQA(California Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.)and all guidelines file://P:1200511773\ApplicationlWestern Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Page 7 of 14 Environmental promulgated thereunder, as amended. For the MSHCP, the County shall be the lead Quality Act agency under CEQA as defined under State CEQA Guidelines section 15367. California CESA (California Fish and Game code, Section 2050 et seq.) and all rules, regulations Endangered and guidelines promulgated thereunder, as amended. Species Act Changed Changes in circumstances affecting a Covered Species or the geographic area covered Circumstances by the MSHCP that can reasonably be anticipated by the Parties and that can reasonably be planned for in the MSHCP. Changed Circumstances and the planned responses to those circumstances are more particularly described in Section 11.4 of the IA, and Section 6.8 of the MSHCP, Volume 1. Changed Circumstances do not include Unforeseen Circumstances. Cities The cities of Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, Canyon Lake, Corona, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Norco, Perris, Riverside, San Jacinto, and Temecula, collectively. Community and CETAP, a process overseen by RCTC to identify Acceptability Process future Environmental transportation and communication corridors designed to relieve current traffic congestion Transportation and provide for the County's and the Cities'future transportation and communication Acceptability needs. Process Conceptual Reserve A reserve concept developed for purposes of providing quantitative parameters for Design MSHCP species analyses, MSHCP Conservation Area description and target acreages within Area Plan Subunits. The Conceptual Reserve Design is intended to describe one way in which the Additional Reserve Lands could be assembled consistent with MSHCP Criteria. Conservation To use, and the use of, methods and procedures within the MSHCP Conservation Area and within the Plan Area as set forth in the MSHCP Plan, that are necessary to bring any listed species to the point at which the measures provided pursuant to FESA and the California Fish and Game Code are no longer necessary. However, Permittees will have no duty to enhance, restore or revegetate MSHCP Conservation Area lands unless required by the MSHCP Plan or agreed to through implementation of the Plan. Conservation The overall approach to assure conservation of individual species within the MSHCP Strategy Plan Area;for each individual species, the Conservation Strategy is comprised of four elements: (1)a global conservation goal; (2)global conservation objectives; (3)species- specific conservation objectives that are measurable; and (4)management and monitoring activities. Conserved Habitat Land that is permanently protected and managed in its natural state for the benefit of the Covered Species under legal arrangements that prevent its conversion to other land uses, and the institutional arrangements that provide for its ongoing management. Constrained A constricted connection expected to provide for movement of identified Planning Linkage Species between Core Areas, where options for assembly of the connection are limited due to existing patterns of use. Cooperative The local administrative structure for Implementation and management of the MSHCP, Organizational as set forth in Section 6.6 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Structure Core Area A block of Habitat of appropriate size, configuration, and vegetation characteristics to file://P.\2005\1773\Application\Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Page 8 of 14 generally support the life history requirements of one or more Covered Species. Corridor Refers to the alignment area or footprint for manmade linear projects such as transportation facilities, pipelines and utility lines. Corridor does not have a biological meaning in the MSHCP lexicon. County County of Riverside County Flood Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Control County Parks Riverside County Regional Parks and Open Space District County Waste Riverside County Waste Management District Covered Activities Certain activities carried out or conducted by Permittees, Participating Special Entities, Third Parties Granted Take Authorization and others within the MSHCP Plan Area, and described in Section 7 of the MSHCP, Volume I,that will receive Take Authorization under the Section 10(a) Permit and the NCCP Permit, provided these activities are otherwise lawful. Covered Species The current 146 species within the MSHCP Plan Area that will be conserved by the MSHCP when the MSHCP is implemented. These species are discussed in Section 2.1.4 of the MSHCP, Volume I, and listed in Exhibit C to the IA and Section 9.2 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Covered Species The initial 118 Covered Species and any of the remaining 28 Covered Species where Adequately the species objectives, set forth in Section 9.2 of the MSHCP, Volume I and Table 9-3, Conserved are met and which are provided Take Authorization through the NCCP Permit and for animals through the Section 10(a) Permit issued in conjunction with the IA. These species are discussed in Section 2.1.4 of the MSHCP, Volume I, and listed in Exhibit"D" to the IA and Section 9.2 of the MSHCP,Volume I. Criteria Descriptions provided for individual Cells or Cell Groups within the Criteria Area to guide assembly of the Additional Reserve Lands. Criteria Area The area comprised of Cells depicted on Figure 3-1 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Criteria Refinement The process through which changes to the Criteria may be made, where the refined Process Criteria result in the same or greater Conservation value and acreage to the MSHCP Conservation Area as determined through an equivalency analysis provided in support of the refinement. Critical Habitat Habitat for species listed under FESA that has been designated pursuant to Section 4 of FESA and identified in 50 C.F.R. §§ 17.95 and 17.96. Development The uses to which land shall be put, including construction of buildings, structures, infrastructure and all alterations of the land. Discretionary A proposed project requiring discretionary action or approval by a Permittee, as that Project term is used in CEQA and defined in State CEQA Guidelines section 15357, including issuance of a grading permit for County projects. file://P:\2005\1773\Application\Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Page 9 of 14 Edge Effects Adverse direct and indirect effects to species, Habitats and Vegetation Communities along the natural urban/wildslands interface. May include predation by mesopredators (including native and non-native predators), invasion by exotic species, noise, lighting, urban runoff and other anthropogenic impacts (trampling of vegetation, trash and toxic materials dumping, etc.). Effective Date Date on which the IA takes effect, as set forth in Section 19.1 of the IA. Endangered Those species listed as endangered under FESA and CESA. Species Environmental Includes state and federal laws governing or regulating the impact of development Laws activities on land, water or biological resources as they relate to Covered Species, including but not limited to CESA, FESA, the NCCP Act, CEQA, the National Environmental Policy Act("NEPA"), the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act("MBTA"), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C., Section 1251 et seq.), the Native Plant Protection Act (California Fish and Game Code, Section 1900 et seq. and Sections 1801, 1802, 3511, 4700, 5050 and 5515)and includes any regulations promulgated pursuant to such laws. Executive Director Director of the Regional Conservation Authority Existing Those lands within the MSHCP Plan Area that are actively used for ongoing Agricultural Agricultural Operations, as further defined in Section 11.3 of the IA and Section 6.2 of the MSHCP, Operations Volume I. Existing The database created by the County to identify Existing Agricultural Operations, as Agricultural further defined in Section 11.3 of the ]A. Operations Database Federal Endangered FESA(16 U.S.C., Section 1531 et seq.)And all rules and regulations promulgated Species Act thereunder, as amended. Feasible Capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, legal, social, and technological factors. Funding A committee formed by the Regional Conservation Authority Board of Directors to Coordination provide input on local funding priorities and Additional Reserve Land acquisitions. Committee Habitat The combination of environmental conditions of a specific place providing for the needs of a species or a population of such species. HabiTrak A GIS application to provide data on Habitat loss and Conservation which occurs under the Permits. Implementing The executed agreement that implements the terms and conditions of the MSHCP. Agreement Incidental Take Take of Covered Species Adequately Conserved incidental to and not the purpose of, an (also see Take) otherwise lawful activity, including, but not limited to, Take resulting from modification of Habitat as defined in FESA and its implementing regulations. file://P:\2005\1773\Application\Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Page 10 of 14 Independent The qualified biologists, conservation experts and others that may be appointed by the Science Advisors Regional Conservation Authority Executive Director to provide scientific input to assist in the implementation of the MSHCP for the benefit of the Covered Species, as set forth in Section 6.6.7 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Linkage 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. Live-In Habitat Habitat that contains the necessary components to support key life history requirements of a species; e.g., year-round Habitat for permanent residents or breeding Habitat for migrant species. Local Development The fee imposed by applicable Local Permittees on new development pursuant to Mitigation Fee Government Code Section 66000 et seq. Local Permittees The Regional Conservation Authority, the County, County Flood Control, County Parks, County Waste, RCTC and the Cities. Locality(les) An area with multiple occurrences of a species based on the MSHCP species occurrence data base or literature citations as noted in individual species accounts. Long-Term The Long-Term SKR HCP in Western Riverside County dated Habitat Conservation Stephens' Plan. March 1996 more articular) described in t p particularly Section 16.2 of the IA. Kangaroo Rat Maintenance Those Covered Activities that include the on going maintenance of public facilities as Activities described in Section 7.0 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Major Amendments Those proposed amendments to the MSHCP and the IA as described in Section 20.5 of the IA and Section 6.10 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Management Unit Broad areas planned to be consolidated for overall unified management of the MSHCP Conservation Area. Five management units have been defined and are depicted in Figure 5-1 of the MSHCP,Volume I. Migratory Bird Federal MBTA (16 U.S.C., Section 702 et seq.)and all rules and regulations Treaty Act promulgated thereunder, as amended. Migratory Bird Act A permit issued by the USFWS under 50 Code of Federal Regulations, section Treaty Special 21.27, authorizing Take under the MBTA of the Covered Species Adequately Conserved Purpose Permit listed as endangered or threatened under FESA in connection with the Covered Activities. Ministerial Certain City approvals involving little or no judgement by the City prior to issuance but Approvals that could have adverse impacts to Covered Species and their habitat. Minor Amendments Minor changes to the MSHCP and the IA as defined in Section 20.4 of the IA and Section 6.10 of the MSHCP,Volume 1. file://P:\2005\1773\Application\Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Page I I of 14 Mitigation Lands Subset of Additional Reserve Lands totaling approximately 103, 000 acres, comprised of approximately 97, 000 acres contributed by Local Permittees, and approximately 6, 000 acres contributed by State Permittees. Monitoring Program The monitoring programs and activities set forth in Section 5.3 of the MSHCP, Volume 1. Monitoring Program The individual or entity responsible for administering the Monitoring Program, as Administrator described in Section 5.0 of the MSHCP, Volume I. MSHCP Approximately 500, 000 acres comprised of approximately 347, 000 acres of Conservation Area 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. MSHCP Plan Area The boundaries of the MSHCP, consisting of an approximate 1, 966 square-mile area in Western Riverside County, as depicted in Figure 1-2 of the MSHCP Plan,Volume I, and Exhibit B of the IA. Multiple Species Western Riverside County p p Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Habitat Conservation Plan Plan, a comprehensive habitat conservation planning program that addresses multiple (MSHCP) species' needs, including Habitat, and the preservation of native vegetation in Western Riverside County, as depicted in Figure 3-1 of the MSHCP Plan, Volume I, and Exhibit A of the IA. NCCP Act California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act(California Fish and Game Code, Section 2800 et seq.) including all regulation promulgated thereunder, as amended. NCCP Permit The Permit issued in accordance with the IA by CDFG under the NCCP Act to permit the Take of identified species, including rare species, species listed under CESA as threatened or endangered, a species that is a candidate for listing, and unlisted species. National NEPA(42 U.S.C., Section 4321-4335) and all rules, regulations promulgated Environmental thereunder, as amended. For the purposes of the MSHCP, USFWS is the lead agency Policy Act under NEPA as defined in 40 Code of Federal Regulations section 1508.16. Narrow Endemic Plant species that are highly restricted by their Habitat affinities, edaphic requirements or Plant Species other ecological factors, and for which specific conservation measures have been identified in Section 6.1.3 of the MSHCP,Volume I. New Agricultural The acreage converted to Agricultural Operations after the Effective Date of the IA, as Lands described in Section 11.3 of the IA and Section 6.2 of the MSHCP,Volume I. New Agricultural A designated maximum number of acres of New Agricultural Land within the Criteria Lands Cap Area, as described in Section 11.3 of the IA and Section 6.2 of the MSHCP, Volume I. No Surprises Provided Permittees are implementing the terms and conditions of MSHCP, the IA, and Assurance the Permit(s), the USFWS can only require additional mitigation for Covered Species Adequately Conserved beyond that provided for in the MSHCP as a result of Unforeseen Circumstances in accordance with the"No Surprises"regulations at 50 Code of Federal file://P:\2005\1773\Application\Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 Western Riverside Count Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan MSHCP Page 12 of 14 y r r (MSHCP) � Regulations sections 17.22(b)(5) and 17.32(b)(5)and as discussed in Section 6.8 of the MSHCP,Volume I. Non-contiguous A block of Habitat not connected to other Habitat areas via a Linkage or Constrained Habitat Block Linkage. Other Species Species that are not identified as Covered Species under the MSHCP. Participating Any regional public facility provider, such as a utility company or a public district or Special Entity agency, that operates and/or owns land within the MSHCP Plan Area and that applies for Take Authorization pursuant to Section 11.8 of the IA. Party and Parties The signatories to the IA, namely the Regional Conservation Authority, the County, County Flood Control, County Parks, County Waste, RCTC, the Cities, Caltrans, State Parks, USFWS and CDFG and any other city within the Plan Area that incorporates after the Effective Date and complies with Section 11.6 of the IA. Permit(s) Collectively, the Section 10(a) Permit and NCCP Permit issued by the Wildlife Agencies to Permittees for Take of Covered Species Adequately Conserved pursuant to FESA, CESA and the NCCP Act and in conformance with the MSHCP and the IA. Permittees The Regional Conservation Authority, the County, County Flood Control, County Parks, County Waste, RCTC, the Cities, Caltrans and State Parks. Plan Area See "MSHCP Plan Area." Plan Participants The Regional Conservation Authority, the County, County Flood Control, County Parks, County Waste, RCTC, the Cities, Caltrans and State Parks and others receiving Take Authorization under the Permits. Planning The document prepared pursuant to the NCCP Act to guide development of the MSHCP, Agreement that is contained in Appendix A of the MSHCP, Volume I. Planning Species Subsets of Covered Species that are identified to provide guidance for Reserve Assembly in Cores and Linkages and/or Area Plans. Public/Quasi-Public Subset of MSHCP Conservation Area lands totaling approximately 347, 000 acres of Lands lands known to be in public/private ownership and expected to be managed for open space value and/or in a manner that contributes to the Conservation of Covered Species (including lands contained in existing reserves), as generally depicted in Figure 3-1 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Riverside County RCTC, created pursuant to California Public Utilities Code section 130050. Transportation Commission Regional The Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority, a joint regional Conservation authority formed by the County and the Cities to provide primary policy direction for Authority implementation of the MSHCP, as set forth in Section 6.6 of the MSHCP, Volume I, and Section 11.2 of the IA. Reserve Assembly Acquisition and Conservation of Additional Reserve Lands. file://P:\2005\1773\Application\Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Page 13 of 14 Reserve The committee established by the Executive Director to provide Committee biological, Management technical and operational expertise for implementation of the MSHCP, including Oversight oversight of the MSHCP Conservation Area as described in Section 11.2 of the IA and Section 6.6 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Reserve The plan(s)setting forth management practices for identified portions of the MSHCP Management Plan Conservation Area prepared and adopted as described in Section 5 of the MSHCP, (s) Volume I. Reserve Managers The entities managing identified portions of the MSHCP Conservation Area for the benefit of the Covered Species as described in Section 6.6.5 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Rough Step A Reserve Assembly accounting process to monitor Conservation and loss of specified Habitats within the Criteria Area. Rough Step A geographic unit within which Rough Step is tracked. Rough Step Analysis Units are Analysis Unit depicted in Figure 6-6 of the MSHCP, Volume I. Rural Mountainous A County of Riverside General Plan land use designation currently permitting single- family residential uses with a minimum lot size of 10 acres with limited animal keeping and agricultural uses allowed; characterizes areas of at least 10 acres where a minimum of 70%of the area has slopes of 25% or greater Section 10(a) Permit The permit issued by the USFWS to Permittees, in conformance with the IA and pursuant to 16 U.S.C. section 1539(a), authorizing Take of Covered Species Adequately Conserved. State Assurances Except for provisions in Section 15.5 of the IA, provided Permittees are implementing the terms and conditions of the MSHCP, the IA, and the Permits, if there are Unforeseen Circumstances, CDFG shall not require additional land, water or financial compensation or additional restrictions on the use of land, water or other natural resources for the life of the NCCP Permit without the consent of the Permittees, unless CDFG determines that continued implementation of the IA, the MSHCP, and/or the Permits would jeopardize the continued existence of a Covered Species, or as required by law and would therefore lead to NCCP Permit revocation or suspension. State Parks California Department of Parks and Recreation, a department of the California Resources Agency. State Permittees Caltrans and State Department of Parks and Recreation. Take The definition of such term in FESA with regard to species listed under FESA, and the definition of such term in the California Fish and Game Code with regard to species listed under CESA. Take Authorization The ability to Take species pursuant to the Section 10(a) Permit and/or the NCCP Permit. Third Party Granted Take Any Third Party that receives Third Party Take Authorization in compliance with Authorization Section 17 of the IA. file:HP:\2005\1773\Application\Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Page 14 of 14 Third Party Take Take Authorization received by a landowner, developer, farming interest or other public Authorization or private entity from the Permittees pursuant to Section 17 of the IA, thereby receiving Take Authorization for Covered Species Adequately Conserved pursuant to the Permits and in conformance with the MSHCP and IA. Threatened Species Those species listed as threatened under FESA and CESA. Unforeseen Changes in circumstances affecting a Covered Species Adequately Conserved or Circumstances geographic area covered by the MSHCP that could not reasonably have been anticipated by the Parties at the time of the MSHCP's negotiation and development, and that result in a substantial and adverse change in the status of the Covered Species Adequately Conserved. The term "Unforseen Circumstances"as defined in the IA is intended to have the same meaning as it is used: 1)to define the limit of the Permittees' obligation on the"No Surprises" regulations set forth in 50 Code of Federal Regulations, sections 17.22 (b)(5)and 17.32 (b)(5); and 2) in California Fish and Game Code section 2805(k). Unlisted Species A species that is not listed as rare, endangered or threatened under FESA, CESA or other applicable state or federal law. United States Fish USFWS, an agency of the United States Department of the Interior. and Wildlife Service Urban/Wildlands The area where structures and other human development occurs in proximity to the Interface MSHCP Conservation Area. Vegetation A group of plants that tend to occur together in consistent, definable groups based on Community(ies) typical constituents as depicted on the MSHCP Vegetation Map, Figure 2-1 of the MSHCP,Volume I. Wildlife Agencies The USFWS and CDFG, collectively. file://P:1200511773\Application\Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Cons... 12/20/2006 �1 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc.— ' General Biological Assessment , ' Nichols Road Property " ► Lake Elsinore, California Prepared for: \- Hogle-Ireland 1 4280 Latham Street, Suite C • , Riverside,CA 92503 `. 951787 9222 JJ , ' Prepared by: - Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. 3415 Valencia Hill Drive Riverside,CA 92507 ' 909 6861141 April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 'Project Number.HIR05-103 ' 3415 Valencia Hill Drive, Riverside, California 92507 N •0` Tele hone 951686 n41 Fax 951686 8418 E-mail nrainc@earthlink.net .. , .� ,,.,..r' ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment 1 CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the statements furnished above and in the attached exhibits present data and information required for this biological evaluation, and that the facts, statements, and information presented are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. December 14,2006 _ ' Karen Kirtland Date Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. 1 1 ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 I ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Table of Contents Page ' Table of Contents..............................................................................................................Page ExecutiveSummary.............................................................................................................S-1 1.0 Introduction.......................................................................................................................1 2.0 Project Location and Description.........................................................................................1 ' 3.0 Methods............................................................................................................................1 3.1 Research...............................................................................................................1 3.2 Field Surveys........................................................................................................4 ' 4.0 Results..............................................................................................................................4 4,1 Data Results.........................................................................................................4 1 4.2 Field Assessment...................................................................................................4 4.3 Sensitive Biological Resources...............................................................................6 4.4 Habitat Fragmentation and Wildlife Movement..................................................16 4.5 Raptors, Migratory Birds, and Habitat................................................................16 4.6 Jurisdictional Drainages and Wetlands................................................................17 4.7 Western Riverside County MSHCP.......................................................................18 5.0 Discussion........................................................................................................................19 5.1 General Biological Resources................................................................................19 ' 5.2 Sensitive Biological Resources.............................................................................19 5.3 Habitat Fragmentation and Wildlife Movement..................................................21 5.4 Raptors, Migratory Birds, and Habitat................................................................22 ' 5.5 Drainages and Wetlands......................................................................................22 6.0 References.......................................................................................................................23 ' List of Figures 1 Project Location and Site Vicinity Map........................................................................2 2 Aerial Photograph of Project Site...............................................................................3 Appendices Appendix A-Floral and Faunal Compendium Appendix B - Sensitive Biological Resources 1 ' Apri16,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 I ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Executive Summary 1 NaturaI Resources Assessment, Inc. (NRA, Inc.) was contacted by Hogle-Ireland, Inc. to conduct a general biological assessment of a property in Lake Elsinore, California. The purpose of the assessment is to evaluate the biological resources of the project site and determine potential impacts to sensitive ' resources. The site is located south of Nichols Road and southwest of Interstate 15 in the northern part of the City of Lake Elsinore.The project site consists of a 23.62±acre parcel proposed for mixed use development. A data review was conducted to provide'information on plant and wildlife species known occurrences within the vicinity. NRA, Inc.also reviewed other available technical information on the biological resources of the site. ' A general biological assessment was conducted of the project site. Binoculars were used to aid in the identification of birds. All species identified by sight, call or sign (burrows, scat, tracks, etc.) were recorded. As part of the general biological assessment,a focused survey was conducted to determine the presence or absence of sensitive biological resources,including Narrow Endemic Plants. �( San Jacinto VaII_y crownscale was the only listed plant species found on site. Alkali goldfields a ' species of special concern, was also found on site. The site also has habitat suitable for at least four other species.Impacts to these species would be significant and will require mitigation if take cannot be avoided. 0+r e NA t of dl �c CA,45 � I l� -)( No burrowing owls were found during the current survey. Because potential habitat exists for the burrowing owl, animals could move onto the site between the time of our survey and project construction. We recommend a focused survey be conducted immediately prior to project related ground disturbance, based the recommended guidelines of the Burrowing Owl Consortium(1993). X There is suitable habitat for the Stephens kangaroo rat within the project boundaries. Impacts to the SKR will be mitigated under the provisions of the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat ' Conservation Plan (MSHCP). The site may also support vernal pools and fairy shrimp. Vernal pools and fair shrim are not ' protected by the provisions of the Western Riverside MSHCP. We recommend that no further disking of the site occur,and that the site be reevaluated after the winter rains to determine if vernal pools may form on site. ' A jurisdictional determination of the project site was conducted to determine the Iimits of wetlands and waters subject to jurisdiction by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)under Section 404 of the Clean ' Water Act and California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) under Sections 1600 et seq. of the California Fish and Game Code. ' There are no Corps jurisdictional drainages or wetlands on site. There is a minor arroyo that may be considered jurisdictional under the CDFG. This drainage will be impacted by the project. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 I 1 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment The two properties are partially within Criteria Cell 4166, as defined in the MSHCP. Approximately 12.6 acres of the proposed project site(Assessor's Parcel Number 378-020-024 and 378-020-031) is located ' in the WRCMHCP-Lake Elsinore Area Plan,Subunit No.3,in the western portion of Cell No. 4166. Areas conserved within this Cell will be connected to riparian scrub, woodland, forest and grassland ' habitat proposed for conservation in Cell Group W to the north,and to meadow, marsh and grassland habitat proposed for conservation in Cell No. 4169 to the east of Collier Avenue and the 1-15 freeway. Conservation within this Cell will range from 15-25 percent of the Cell focusing in the northeastern portion of the Cell. The portion of the property proposed for development appears to be Iocated away from the area designated for linkage. Raptor foraging habitat exists on site. The loss of this habitat to development is not considered to be significant due to the limited extent of available habitat and its past and current agricultural use. ' The size of the property, proximity to development and the presence of paved roads around the property limit wildlife use of the site. Significant wildlife corridors are not present, and habitat ' fragmentation has already occurred as a result of road construction and surrounding development. r ' April 6,2006.lst Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 II ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment ' 1.0Introduction ' Natural Resources Assessment Inc. (NRA, Inc.) was contacted by Hogle-Ireland, Inc. to conduct a general biological assessment of a property in Lake Elsinore, California. The purpose of the assessment is to evaluate the biological resources of the project site and determine potential impacts to sensitive resources. 2.0 Project Location and Description The site is located south of Nichols Road and southwest of Interstate 15 (I-15) in the northern part of the City of Lake Elsinore (Figure 1). It is bounded by Nichols Road on the north and open space on the west, east and south. Baker Street on the west runs through the middle of a portion of the property. The property ownership consists of approximately 14.27 acres on two (2) parcels (APNs 378-020-024 and 378-020-031), west of the 1-15 freeway and south of Nichols Road in the City of Lake Elsinore. The site is located in the western half of Section 25, Township 5 south, Range 5 west of the Lake Elsinore 7.5' U.S. Geological Survey topographic quadrangle (1997). ' 3.0 Methods 3.1 Research tNRA,Inc. reviewed available information on the known sensitive resources in the area. The literature review included a review of standard field guides and texts on sensitive and non-sensitive biological ' resources,as well as the following sources: • Information provided by the Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) for the subject property. • List of sensitive biological resources provided by the California Natural Diversity Data Base ' • General texts and other documents identifying potential resources on or near the vicinity of the project. NRA, Inc. also reviewed other available technical information on the biological resources of the ' campus.We used the information to focus our survey effort in the field. The existing conditions within the site were recorded, paying specific attention to habitats that may potentially contain sensitive species. Sensitive species potentially present include those listed, or candidates for listing by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and California Native Plant Society (CNPS). ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 1 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. General Biological Assessment 1 1_' ,A�, •`N\' 1 " may�` - 7 Z� -!l` -`�� •,� I } VLF\ '1 - �N Ri Project Site Perris4. `—` � Jf err 1 :�/• 'I -'♦_'__., _� \Lak o Canyon Elsinore Lake JI N.T.S Temecula 7= �y l (' 11 tl -- ' - --���' � /►� �} 1J fit. tl� I I � � ,� �~�� II � •~� �— ♦ \ \_ }I _ ,• ' Project Site 44 • Terra `` • • iiJ _ f Aeserv4tf ' ,�.�',a / II y�,�-- _ �, � r ._ lei.•.,•• �;. �' _ 1 ;tom �i ,1��J fJ� i Resc r \l I ' Source:Lake Elsinore 1997 7.5'USGS topographic quadrangle Figure 1. Project Location and Site Vicinity Map N Feet (approximate) Nichols Road Property ' tI General Biological Assessment 637.5 1275 Lake Elsinore, California April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 2 1 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment 1 ��38 r.. + •jJ�, +. atr. 1, .N ' k 44 1 1'roject Site' hit,.: +_:_ '+� fir• '►A� :4 �l►';, �l .`�y.• `� C ' Source:TerraServer 2002 Figure 2. Aerial Photograph of Project Site N Feet (approximate) Nichols Road Property I WWI 0 30o boo General Biological Assessment Lake Elsinore, California ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 3 1 ' NichoIs Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment ' 3.2 Field Surveys ' Field surveys were conducted by Mr. Mitch Provance and Mr. Andrew C. Sanders of the University of California (UCR). The field team surveyed the site on May 17 and 18, 2005. They conducted a site overview of the biological resources of the project area and the surrounding areas,including natural and ' semi-natural habitats. The field team surveyed the property using standard survey techniques for biological assessments, including a walkover survey of the site and evaluation of the habitats in the surrounding area. It should be noted that the work was intended as a general evaluation of the biological resources of the ' site, including the potential presence of sensitive species. Focused surveys for most sensitive species were not conducted.Instead, NRA, Inc. made general notes on species observed, as well as noting those ' habitats that may support other species not recorded during the survey. Sign surveyed for included nests,tracks,scat,burrows, skeletal remains, calls, and live animals. During the surveys, notes were made on the plant and animal species observed, the surface characteristics and topography of the project area, and the suitability of the habitat for the sensitive species. ' Binoculars were used to aid in the identification of birds. All species identified by sight, call or sign (burrows, scat,tracks,etc.) were recorded. ' 4.0 Results 4.1 Data Results ' The California Natural Diversity Data Base identified sixteen sensitive biological resources of concern found on the Lake Elsinore quadrangle. In addition, NRA, Inc. and the UCR field team identified ' additional resources that may be present on or around the project area. The resources, their habitat preferences, status, seasonal distribution and probability of occurrence are provided in Table 1, Appendix B. ' 4.2 Field Assessment ' 4.2.1 Weather, Topography, and Soils ' The weather during the surveys was in the mid sixties (degrees Fahrenheit), with winds from three miles per hour on May 17,and winds of five to 20 miles per hour on May 18. The topography is mostly flat, with a slight elevation change extending downhill from the southwest to the northeast. Much of the survey area is nearly flat, but there is generally a gradual downward slope across the property, ultimately culminating off site in several depressions to the east and ' northeast of the property. These depressions east and northeast of the property potentially can be classified as alkaline vernal pools. The pools still had water at the time of the survey. ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 4 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment ' There is a less apparent but significant depression in the northwest central section of the property. This depression may also be a vernal pool or an ephemerally wet depression. ' The soils on the site can be divided into three groups. In the center and eastern part, the soils are a mix of Altamont clays and Willow soils. Willow soils are sodic soils formed from mixed alluvium in nearly ' level basins. Drainage and runoff is slow for this series, permeability is very slow (Soil Conservation Survey 1971). Altamont clays are predominately in the northwest and extreme southwest parts of the site. Altamont clays are well-drainage upland soils underlain by soft, fine-grained sandstone and calcareous siltstone. ' Runoff ranges from slow to medium. Garretson loams and Ramona sandy loam form minor components. The Garretson soils are found along a ' former drainage that appears to have been eliminated by disking. These soils are well-drained soils that form on alluvial fans. They are made up primarily of metasedimentary materials. Runoff ranges from slow to moderate. ' Ramona sandy loam is a sandy loam, severely eroded, that is found on alluvial fans and terraces. Runoff is rapid on this soil. ' 4.2.3 Plant Communities Plant communities found on site included (generally from most predominant to least): non-native grassland, plowed fields, and ruderal. ' The site has been plowed or disked recently (within three weeks of the survey), possibly for weed control. It is probable that this site is disked on a regular basis, although that could not be positively established. This activity has removed most of the native cover and restricted the distribution of native plant communities on site. Northeast of the site is a mixed-willow community. It is mentioned here because it seems to have an influence on the animal and plant composition found on the site. This is especially true for birds, which were observed moving back and forth from the creek to various areas of the property. This is probably also true for mammals, particularly nocturnal species. ' 4.2.4 Wildlife ' Wildlife was moderately abundant on site, and included upland birds and mammals as well as riparian species. The presence of riparian species is due to the proximity to Temescal/Alberhili Creek. Upland bird species seen included northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), common raven (Corvus cora), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), and western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). Riparian and ' woodland bird species include common yellow-throat (Geolypthus trichas), red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), and American avocet (Recurvirostra americana). ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 5 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Amphibians observed include Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla) and bullfrog (Rana catesbiana) along the drainage. Suitable habitat for these two species does not exist on site, however. Reptiles on site included western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) and side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana). Audubon's cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) and Beechey ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) were two mammal species seen. 4.2.5 Disturbances ' The site had been plowed or disked within three weeks of the field survey. Remnant populations of several plant species indicated that the site may have contained larger areas of native plants and ' sensitive biological resource prior to the plowing or disking. The extent of these areas can no longer be determined. ' Other disturbances include trash dumping and unauthorized trespass by hikers. 4.3 Sensitive Biological Resources All sensitive species were considered as potentially present on the project site if its known geographical distribution encompassed all or part of the project area or if its distribution was near the site and its ' general habitat requirements were present. A discussion of the various species potentially present is provided in Appendix B. ' 4.3.1 Mum's Onion ' MunZs onion(Allium munzii ) is an annual species that grows from a bulb. It occurs on clay soils in openings within coastal sage scrub, pinyon juniper woodland, and grasslands. It is found at elevations ranging from 900 to 3000 feet, and is known only from western Riverside. It blooms from March through May. Munz's onion is listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and is on list 1b of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory(Tibor 2001). It is listed as threatened by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). Project Site Findings Appropriate habitat for this species is located on the clay mesas and gentle clay slopes in non-native ' grassland off site south of the property. These are the areas containing Altamont clay soils. Altamont clay soils are known to support Munz's onion populations, and there have been observations collections of this species made in very close proximity to this location (California Fish and Game 2005). ' Mums onion was not found during the May surveys.However, based on the soil types present and the presence of nearby populations, it is possible that populations may be on site but had already finished ' flowering and were no longer visible.Munz's onion may be present on site in the potential vernal pool or ephemerally wet depression in the central northwest part of the property. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 6 1 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment t4.3.2 San Diego Ambrosia ' San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila) is an annual herbaceous that grows from a rhizomatous root stock. It occurs in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, valley and foothill grassland, as well as vernal pools. San Diego ambrosia grows on sandy loam or clay soils. In valleys, it persists where disturbance is ' superficial. San Diego ambrosia occurs from 100 to III feet in elevation throughout western Riverside and San Diego counties.It blooms from June through September. San Diego ambrosia is listed as endangered by the USFWS and is on list lb of the CNPS Inventory.It is not listed by the CDFG. Project Site Findings San Diego ambrosia is known from an extant population approximately 750 feet from the northwestern ' boundary, and more populations were expected in the alkali playa habitat adjacent to this population. The field team found a remnant population of thirteen individuals in the disked areas north of the ' property during the May 17 and 18 surveys. A second population of approximately 45 individuals were found adjacent to an existing fenceline, next to a disked area. Based on the distribution of the populations found, it is probable that additional populations were present in the alkali playa habitat that has since been disturbed north of the property. However, San Diego ambrosia is not expected to occur on the property due to the heavy disking that occurs. 4.3.3 San Jacinto Valley Crownscale San Jacinto Valley crownscale (Atriplex coronata var. notatior) is an annual species that occurs on alkali flats in western Riverside County. It blooms from May to August. San Jacinto Valley crownscale is listed as endangered by the USFWS and is on list lb of the California ' CNPS Inventory. It is not listed by the CDFG. Project Site Findings A few scattered small populations of San Jacinto Valle crownscale were found on theproperty, as well P P J Y as solitary plants. The plants were found primarily in two areas: Northwest of the property in open areas on the alkali playa near the edges of the vernal pool habitat, and several yards south of Baker Street, in the potential vernal pool or ephemerally wet depression. 4.3.4 Thread-leaved Brodiaea Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) is an annual herb that grows in clay soils in open I, grasslands at edges of vernal pools or floodplains. It blooms from April through June. ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 7 1 ' NichoIs Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment The thread-leaved brodiaea is found at elevations ranging from 130 to 4300 feet. It occurs throughout Los Angeles,Orange,Riverside,and San Diego counties. ' Thread-leaved brodiaea is listed as threatened by the USFWS and as endangered by the CDFG. It is on list lb of the CNPS Inventory. ' Project Site Findings ' Suitable habitat exists on site, but this species was not found during the surveys. It may have been present in years past in the disked area,but this cannot now be determined one way or the other. 4.3.5 Smooth Tarplant ' Smooth tarplant (Centromadia pungens var. laevis) is an annual herb that often grows in disturbed sites near the coast_This species is also found on alkaline soils at the edges of marshes, swamps, playas and chenopod scrub.It blooms from April through September. ' The smooth tarplant occurs at elevations ranging from sea level to 1600 feet. Preferred habitats include riparian areas, valley and foothill grasslands, and sometimes vernal pool margins. It is found ' throughout southern California and Baja California. Smooth tarplant is not listed by the USFWS or the CDFG. It is on list lb of the CNPS Inventory. ' Project Site Findings ' Smooth tarplant was not found on site, although suitable habitat was present. A few other species of Centromadia were found, but not C. pungens var. laevis. The surveys were conducted a a time of year when this species should be be present, and the species was not identified. This species is not expected ' to be present on site. 4.3.6 Many-stemmed Dudleya ' Many-stemmed dudleya (Dudleya multicaulis) is a perennial herb that flowers from an underground corm. It is found in heavy, often clayey soils on grassy slopes in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, valley and foothill grassland plant communities. Many-stemmed dudleya blooms from April to July, at elevations below 2500 feet. It occurs in Riverside,San Bernardino, and Orange counties. Many-stemmed dudleya is not listed by the USFWS or the CDFG. It is on list lb of the CNPS Inventory. ' Project Site Findings Many-stemmed dudleya may be on the property, but if so, it appears to be very scarce. This species ' preferentially grows on clay soils, and would be expected to occur on the clay mesas and clay hills towards the southern portion of the property. ' April 6,2006.lst Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 8 1 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment 4.3.7 Alkali Goldfields ' Alkali gold fields (Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulteri) is an annual wildflower that grows in coastal salt swamps and marshes, alkali playas, and vernal pools. It grows preferentially on alkaline soils at elevations below 4000 feet throughout inland southern California and along the coast from San Luis ' Obispo County to Baja California.The blooming period is from February through June. Alkali gold fields is not listed by the USFWS or the CDFG. It is on list 1b of the CNPS Inventory. ' Project Site Findings tThis species of special concern was very common on the property, numbering approximately 1,000. The plants were especially cammonon the alkali mesas to the west and northwest of the surveyed area. A ' significant number of plants were also found in ephemerally wet areas with alkali grassland bordering these areas. ' A significant population was found in a sandy arroyo bordering a disked field just north of the property. This arroyo, which shows up on topographical maps as an ephemeral stream zigzagging through the survey area from south to north can be located on the property. ' 4.3.8. Spreading Navarretia ' Spreading navarretia (Navarretia fossalis) is an annual herb that grows in saltbush scrub, various shallow freshwater marshes and swamps,and vernal pools. It occurs at elevations ranging from 100 to 1400 feet. Spreading navarretia is found from San Luis Obispo down the coast into Baja California and ' also in Riverside.It blooms from April through June. Spreading navarretia is listed as threatened by the USFWS. It is not listed by the CDFG.It is on list lb ' of the CNPS Inventory. Project Site Findings ' Suitable habitat exists on site, but the species was not observed. This species is relatively easy to identify, and therefore, it is unlikely this species is currently present on site. ' 4.3.9 California Orcutt Grass ' California Orcutt grass (Orcuttia californica) is an annual grass found only in vernal pools. This species is found at elevations ranging from 50 feet to 2400 feet, in areas extending from Ventura County south to ' Baja California, including Riverside County. It blooms from April through August. California Orcutt grass is listed as endangered by the USFWS and the CDFG. It is on list 1b of the ' CNPS Inventory. ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 9 ' NichoIs Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Project Site Findings t Suitable habitat exists on site, but the species was not observed. This species should be detectable if present.This species is not currently present on site. ' 4.3.10 Wright's Trichocoronis Wright's trichocoronis (Trichocoronis wrightii var. wrightii) is an annual herb that prefers alkaline ' conditions.It grows in meadows and seeps,marshes and swamps,riparian scrub and vernal pools. It also occurs in alkali scrub and alkali grasslands. ' It is found at elevations ranging from 15 to 1400 feet in various sites throughout California, Texas and elsewhere. The species was widespread through central California in the past, but is now considered textirpated from that region. Wright's trichocoronis blooms from May through September_ Wright's trichocoronis is not listed by the USFWS or the CDFG. It is on list 2 of the CNPS Inventory. ' Project Site Findings ' The field team was unable to locate this species, and this species is assumed to be absent at present. Collections in Southern California have been from areas several miles northeast of the present site. ' 4.3.11 Western Spadefoot Toad Western spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus hammondii intermontanus) is found in grasslands and occasionally ' hardwood woodlands. It is a mostly terrestrial species, but requires rain pools or other ponded water for 3+ weeks for breeding. It burrows in loose soils during the dry season This species is found from the Central Valley and foothills, in the coast ranges, inland valleys, and south to Baja California. ' Western spadefoot toad is not listed by USFWS. It is considered to be a Species of Special Concern (CSC) by the CDFG. ' Project Site Findings ' Collections in Southern California have been from areas several miles northeast of the present site. Grasslands near vernal pools are considered especially good habitat_ The field team was unable to ' locate this species,and this species is assumed to be absent at present. 4.3.12 Southwestern Pond Turtle ' Southwestern pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata pallida) is an aquatic species found in permanent or nearly permanent water in a wide variety of habitats. It requires basking sites such as partially submerged logs,rocks,or open mud banks. ' April 6,2006_lst Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 10 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Oviposition (egg laying) takes place in open terrestrial habitats with compact soils, sometimes nearly half a kilometer away from aquatic habitats, and overwintering of adults in terrestrial habitats may take place up to two kilometers from aquatic habitats.Terrestrial sites suitable for overwintering are often characterized by a thick layer of duff. Pond turtles do not require a permanent body of water, and in some locations may remain burrowed into ' leaf litter for more than a half of the year. Alternatively, turtles may overwinter underwater by burying themselves in mud.This is more common in still water systems. Vernal pools have been noted to ' be important congregation areas following emergence from overwintering habitats. Suitable prey items, such as red swamp crayfish, bullfrog, and pacific tree frog have been documented, both in terrestrial ' and aquatic habitats, on the property. Additionally, cattail and tule are considered important components of the post-partum female pond turtle diet. ' The southwestern pond turtle is found from Central California to northwestern Baja California, It is not listed by USFWS. It is considered to be a CSC by the CDFG. ' Project Site Findings , Suitable aquatic and terrestrial habitats for southwestern pond turtle occur north of the property line. ' Suitable aquatic habitat in the area includes vernal pools and a slow moving stream that meanders southeast from Temescal/Alberhill creek. ' No suitable habitat exists on the project site for this species. 4.1.13 San Diego Horned Lizard The San Diego horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei) is found in a wide variety of habitats (Stebbins 1966). Habitats preferred by this species include annual grassland, coastal sage ' scrub, alluvial fan scrub,broadleaf woodland and coniferous forest. It is common in lowland areas along sandy washes with low scattered shrubs,such is found in alluvial fan scrub. ' The horned lizard is typically found on or near loose sandy soils in these plant communities. The principal food item of the homed lizard is native ants, such as those belonging to the carpenter and harvester ant groups. It will feed on other, similar sized insect prey. Other habitat requirements seem ' to include warm conditions,such as open areas for sunning and patches of loose soils for burial. ' The San Diego homed lizard is active year round.The greatest level of activity is during the warmer seasons of the year, when ant populations are most active above ground.The horned lizard is less active during the cooler periods of the year,mainly from August to October. ' The San Diego homed lizard is a subspecies of the coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum). The coast homed lizard is found throughout most of California west of the desert and the Cascade-Sierra ' highlands. Populations extend into Baja California. It is not found in humid areas such as the northwestern U.S. ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 11 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment 1 The historical distribution for the San Diego horned lizard includes the coastal and inland areas of southern California from Ventura County to Baja California (Stebbins 1985). Known localities include ' the San Bernardino Valley area of San Bernardino County, with some populations extending through the Cajon Pass into the Mojave Desert. Riverside County populations include all of the coastal area of Riverside, extending through the Banning Pass and Anza area into the Coachella Valley (California Natural Diversity Data Base reports for the Victorville and Palm Spring areas). I , I Fragmentation and loss of habitat to urban development and agricultural practices have seriously contributed to the reduction in populations for this species.As a result, the San Diego horned lizard is listed as a species of special concern by the CDFG. It is not listed by the USFWS. Project Site Findings Although suitable habitat probably on existed on site for the San Diego horned lizard, the ongoing disking of the area has eliminated suitable habitat and habitat conditions for this species. No individuals were observed. I ' 4.3.14 Orange-throated Whiptail The orange-throated whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythra) inhabits washes and similar sandy areas 1 where there is a mix of rocks, patches of brush and rocky hillsides. Preferred habitats include coastal chaparral, thornscrub, and streamside habitats (Stebbins 1985). ' Prey items for this specie include insects such as termites and beetles, as well as spiders. It is active year round. ' The historic range of the orange-throated whiptail included the inland and coastal valleys of Riverside, Orange, and San Diego counties south to Baja California (Stebbins 1985). Fragmentation and loss of habitat to urban development and agricultural practices have seriously contributed to the reduction in populations for this species. As a result, the orange-throated whiptail is listed as a species of special concern by the CDFG. It is not listed by the USFWS_ ' Project Site Findings Records in the CNNDB indicate that this lizard is found on both sides of State Route 74 at Nichols Road,but suitable habitat is not present on the property_ The field team did not observe this species. ' 4.3.15 Burrowing Owl The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a resident species in lowland areas of southern California. It ' prefers open areas for foraging and burrowing, and is found widely scattered in open desert scrub_ This species is scarce in coastal areas,being found mainly in agricultural and grassland habitats. The largest remaining numbers are in the Imperial Valley,where it is common in the agricultural fields. ' Burrowing owls generally forage low to the ground, skimming just above the vegetative cover. 'Phis April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 12 1 1 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment Inc. General Biological Assessment ' species nests in burrows in the ground. They frequently can be observed perched on the dirt mound in front of the burrow, watching for potential predators. ' The burrowing owl is listed as a Species of Special Concern by the CDFG. It is not listed by the USFWS. ' Project Site Findings Burrowing owls were not observed on the property, nor were there any occupied burrows. However, a ' small amount of marginal burrowing owl habitat exists in a few openings in non-native grassland on the southwest side of Baker Street. On the northeast side of Baker Street, disking or grading has resulted in ' the creation of potential habitat burrowing owls. 4.3.16 Least Bell's Vireo ' The least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellh pusillus) is a small songbird that nests in riparian habitats. It prefers structurally diverse woodlands along drainages, including cottonwood willow forests, oak ' woodlands and mulefat scrub. Within these habitat, the preferred characteristics include a mix of tall trees, thick shrub or small tree stands within one to two meters (three to six feet) of the ground,and a dense stratified cover for foraging. ' Least Bell's vireo have been observed using adjacent upland habitat as well. They primarily forage in these areas, but there are records of nesting in upland scrub communities (U.S. Fish and Wildlife ' Service 1998). This species breeds and nests only in southwestern California. It is a migratory species that winters in I ' Baja California. Threats to this species include the loss of habitat and increasing nest parasitism by the brown cowbird (Molothrus ater). I ' Least BeII's vireo is listed by the USFWS and CDFG as endangered. Project Site Findings Least Bell's vireo is reported from northern Temescal Canyon north of the site. Suitable habitat for the vireo is adjacent to the north and north northeastern sides of the property. No individuals were i ' observed during the field surveys. t Suitable nesting habitat only exists offsite in the small drainage. The project site is too far from potentially nesting habitat to substantially impact this species. ' 4.3.17 California Gnatcatcher The California gnatcatcher is a small songbird that is a year round resident of sage scrub communities. ' Sage scrub communities preferred by this species are typically dominated by low-growing, drought deciduous and succulent shrubs, as well as sub-shrub species including California sage (Artemisia 1 April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006,2nd Revision December 14,2006 13 1 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment ' Californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), sage species (Salvia spp.), and cacti (Opuntia spp.). ' California gnatcatchers begin nesting in mid to late February. Re-nesting attempts may be made into August. Territory size ranges from 2 to 40 acres. They have a repetitive, kitten-like mewing call and ' appear to be most vocal in the early morning and evening. Detection is exceedingly difficult if the birds are not vocalizing. ' The original range for this species included all of the coastal sage scrub communities of southern California, from Ventura County south to San Diego and on into Mexico. This species also occurred in extensive coastal sage scrub habitat in Riverside County.Fragmentation or removal of sage scrub plant ' communities has reduced the known populations to scattered localities in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties. Even these populations are generally found only in the larger open space areas in and around development. 1 On March 25, 1993, the California gnatcatcher was listed by the Service as a threatened species ' pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA prohibits anyone from "taking" a listed species. Take includes,but is not limited to, harming, harassing or killing individuals of a listed species as well as destruction of habitat occupied by listed species. ' Project Site Findings ' Suitable habitat for California gnatcatcher was not found on site. Suitable habitat occurs on the hills in the immediate vicinity. t4.3.18 Stephens Kangaroo Rat The Stephens' kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi), a nocturnal rodent of the Family Heteromyidae, is ' one of several kangaroo rat species in its range. The Dulzura kangaroo rat (Dipodomys simulans) and the Pacific kangaroo rat (Dipodomys agilis) occur in areas occupied by the Stephens' kangaroo rat, but these other species have a wider habitat range. Only the Dulzura and the Stephens' kangaroo rats are ' known to be present on the MCB Camp Pendleton. ' The Stephens kangaroo (SKR) rat prefers open areas with sparse perennial cover (Lackey 1967, Bleich 1977, Thomas 1975). They occur in areas of loose soil where the soil depth is at least 0.5 meters (Price and Endo, 1989). SKR will also inhabit disturbed areas such as fallow fields by using the burrows of ' other rodents, including pocket gophers (Thomomys bottae) (Bleich 1977) and the Beechey ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) (O'Farrell 1989). The SKR is primarily a seed eater, feeding on the seeds of both annual and shrub species. It also feeds ' on green vegetation and insects when these are available. Being primarily a desert species (like all kangaroo rats), the SKR obtains nearly all of its water from the food it eats, and can subsist ' indefinitely on water extracted from dry seeds. It forages in open ground and near shrubs. Burrows are dug in loose soil,usually in open areas. ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 14 1 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment In response to habitat losses within a major portion of its range, SKR were listed as federally endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (Kramer 1988). The designation of SKR as t an endangered species resulted in the development of management plans with the aim of managing sustainable populations in different parts of the species range. Plans have been adopted or are being worked on for Riverside County,San Diego County, the Marine Corps Base (MCB)Camp Pendleton,and ' the Naval Weapon Station (NWS) Fallbrook. Project Site Findings ' The Stephens kangaroo rat may have been resent on site. Suitable habitat exists over art of the site. P g Y P P ' 4.3.19 Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp ' Vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi) is found in grasslands in ponded areas such as vernal pools, cattle watering holes, basins, and other water features. Fairy shrimp are confined to temporary pools that fill in spring and evaporate by late spring to early summer. In southern California, this species is found primarily in the interior of western Riverside County, central Santa Barbara County,eastern Orange County and more recently in Los Angeles County. ' Vernal pools are being lost to farming activities and residential development. The limited extent of available habitat, plus the ongoing loss has resulted in the vernal pool fairy shrimp being listed as ' threatened by the USFWS. Project Site Findings Because the site had been disked, it is not possible to determine the presence or absence of vernal pools on site. Therefore, it is not possible to determine whether vernal pool fairy shrimp had existed on site. ' 4.3.20 Riverside Fairy Shrimp ' Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni) are known only from ephemeral pools in farmlands and similar open, flat terrain. Fairy shrimp are confined to temporary pools that fill in spring and ' evaporate by Iate spring to early summer. The Riverside fairy shrimp is known only from southern Orange and western Riverside and San Diego ' Counties. Ongoing farming and development in these areas has resulted in the loss and degradation of these pools. Therefore, the USFWS has listed the Riverside fairy shrimp as endangered. ' Project Site Findings Because the site had been disked, it is not possible to determine the presence or absence of vernal pools ' or similar ephemeral pools on site. Therefore, it is not possible to determine whether Riverside fairy shrimp had existed on site. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14 2006 15 1 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment ' 4.3.21 Vernal Pools ' Extrapolating from the site conditions, the presence of vernal pool species and soils that typically support vernal pools, there may have been one or more vernal pools and ephemerally wet depression present.The presence or absence of such pools can no longer be determined due to recent disking. ' 4.4 Habitat Fragmentation and Wildlife Movement ' Wildlife movement and the fragmentation of wildlife habitat have come to be recognized as important wildlife issues that must be considered in assessing impacts to wildlife. In summary, habitat fragmentation is the division or breaking up of larger habitat areas into smaller areas that may or may ' not be capable of independently sustaining wildlife and plant populations. Wildlife movement (more properly recognized as species movement) is the temporal movement of species along various types of corridors. Wildlife corridors are especially important for connecting fragmented wildlife habitat areas. ' Project Site Findings Movement across the site is minimal. On site movement probably still exists. ' 4.5 Raptors, Migratory Birds, and Habitat Most of the raptor species (eagles, hawks, falcons and owls) are experiencing population declines as a ' result of habitat loss.Some, such as the peregrine falcon, have also experienced population losses as a result of environmental toxins affecting reproductive success,animals destroyed as pests or collected for ' falconry, and other direct impacts on individuals. Only a few species,such as the red-tailed hawk and barn owl, have expanded their range in spite of or a result of human modifications to the environment. As a group,raptors are of concern to state and federal agencies. ' Raptors and all migratory bird species, whether listed or not, also receive protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918. The MBTA prohibits individuals to kill, take, possess or ' sell any migratory bird, bird parts (including nests and eggs) except in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior Department(16 U. S. Code 703). ' Additional protection is provided to all bald and golden eagles under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940, as amended. State protection is extended to all birds of prey by the CDFG Code, Section 2503.5. No take is allowed under these provision except through the approval of the agencies or ' their designated representatives. Project Site Findings ' There is limited raptor foraging habitat along Temescal/Alberhill Creek and the adjacent upland habitat. There is limited raptor and migratory bird foraging habitat onsite. ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 16 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment 4.6 ,Jurisdictional Drainages and Wetlands ' 4.6.1 Army Corps of Engineers The Army Corps of Engineers(Corps) regulates discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the ' United States. These waters include wetlands and non-wetland bodies of water that meet specific criteria. Corps regulatory jurisdiction pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act is founded on a connection or nexus between the water body in question and interstate (waterway) commerce. This ' connection may be direct, through a tributary system linking a stream channel with traditional navigable waters used in interstate or foreign commerce,or may be indirect, through a nexus identified tin the Corps regulations. 4.6.2 California Department of Fish and Game ' The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), through provisions of the State of California Administrative Code, is empowered to issue agreements for any alteration of a river, stream or Iake ' where fish or wildlife resources may adversely be affected. Streams (and rivers) are defined by the presence of a channel bed and banks, and at least an intermittent flow of water. CDFG regulates wetland areas only to the extent that those wetlands are part of a river, stream or lake as defined by ' CDFG. Determining the limits of wetlands is not typically done in obtaining CDFG Agreements. The reason for ' this is that CDFG generally includes, within the jurisdictional limits of streams and lakes, any riparian habitat present. Riparian habitat includes willows, mulefat and other vegetation typically associated with the banks of a stream or lake shoreline. In most situations,wetlands associated with a ' stream or lake would fall within the limits of riparian habitat. Thus, defining the limits of CDFG jurisdiction based on riparian habitat will automatically include any wetland areas. ' 4.6.3 State Water Resources Control Board The Corps has delegated the authority for use of 404 permits to each individual state. The use of a 404 ' permit in California is regulated by the State Water Resources Board (Board)under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The Board has authority to issue a 401 permit that allows the use of a 404 permit in the state, with the authority in the state being vested in regional offices referred to as Regional Water ' Quality Control Boards. ' Project Site Findings NRA, Inc. looked at regional aerial photos of the project site and the Temescal Valley, and the field ' team evaluated the site conditions. Temescal/Alberhill Creek are considered jurisdictional waters, because they are tributary to the Santa Ana River that is already under the jurisdiction of the Corps. However, this drainage is not expected to be impacted by the project. No other drainages would come ' under the Corps jurisdiction. ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 17 I! ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment 1 The site supports a minor arroyo that may be considered jurisdictional under the CDFG. This drainage will be impacted by the project. ' 4.7 Western Riverside County MSHCP ' The Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) is a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) focusing on conservation of species and their associated habitats in western Riverside County. The goal of the MSHCP is to ' maintain biological and ecological diversity within a rapidly urbanizing region. ' The approval of the MSHCP and execution of the Implementing Agreement (IA) by the wildlife agencies allows signatories of the IA to issue "take" authorizations for all species covered by the MSHCP,including state-and federal-listed species as well as other identified sensitive species and/or their habitats. Each city or local jurisdiction will impose a Development Mitigation Fee for projects ' within their jurisdiction. With payment of the mitigation fee to the County and compliance with the survey requirements of the MSHCP where required, full mitigation in compliance with the California ' Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), CESA,and Federal Endangered Species Act(FESA) will be granted. ' The Development Mitigation Fee varies according to project size and project description. The fee for residential development ranges from approximately $800 per unit to $1,600 per unit depending on development density (Riverside County Ordinance 810.2). Payment of the mitigation fee and ' compliance with the requirements of Section 6.0 of the MSHCP are intended to provide full mitigation under CEQA, NEPA, CESA, and FESA for impacts to the species and habitats covered by the MSHCP pursuant to agreements with the USFWS, the CDFG, and/or any other appropriate participating ' regulatory agencies and as set forth in the IA for the MSHCP. Project Site Findings ' The two properties are partially within Criteria Cell 4166,as defined in the MSHCP. Approximately 12.6 acres of the proposed project site (APN 378-020-024 and 378-020-031) is located in the WRCMHCP- ' Lake Elsinore Area Plan,Subunit No.3,in the western portion of Cell No.4166. According to the cell criteria, conservation within Cell No. 4166 will contribute to the assembly of Proposed Linkage 2. Conservation within this Cell will focus on meadow, marsh, riparian scrub, woodland and forest habitat along Alberhill Creek and adjacent grassland habitat. These areas ' appear to be to the east of the subject site. Areas conserved within this Cell will be connected to riparian scrub, woodland, forest and grassland ' habitat proposed for conservation in Cell Group W to the north,and to meadow, marsh and grassland habitat proposed for conservation in Cell No. 4169 to the east of Collier Avenue and the 1-15 freeway. Conservation within this Cell will range from 15-25 percent of the Cell focusing in the northeastern ' portion of the Cell. The portion of the property proposed for development appears to be located away from the area designated for linkage. ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 18 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment 1 In addition, the potential presence of vernal pools, associated fairy shrimp, a jurisdictional drainage and Narrow Endemic Plant Species. ' 5.0 Discussion The proposed project is mixed used development.Overall impacts to general biological resources include temporary and permanent loss of plant life and wildlife habitat. I ' 5.1 General Biological Resources The proposed development will result in the loss of habitat for plant and animal species. 5.2 Sensitive Biological Resources I ' 5.2.1 Narrow Endemic Plants ' The site supports populations of San Jacinto crownscale, listed as endangered by the USFWS, and alkali goldfields, a species of special concern.The site also has habitat suitable for at least four other species. Impacts to these species would be significant and will require mitigation if take cannot be avoided.If impacts cannot be avoided,NRA,Inc. recommends the following: I , 1. Purchase of off site occupied habitat in the vicinity of the project on at least a 2:1 acreage basis, with the purchased habitat protected in perpetuity through conveyance to U. S. Fish and ' Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game or some other acceptable ownership; ' 2. If possible,contribution of land or money to a program of habitat preservation comparable to the amount of habitat lost. The habitat will need to be replaced at a minimum of 2:1 acres. 5.2.2 Wildlife Suitable habitat exists on part of the site for burrowing owl. Because the species can colonize new areas ' fairly rapidly, we recommend a focused survey for that species be conducted prior to project construction related ground disturbance. The survey should be conducted according to the following recommended guidelines of the Burrowing Owl Consortium (1993) and in consultation with the CDFG and the USFWS. Please note that occupied burrows should not be disturbed during the nesting season (February 1 through ' August 31) unless a qualified biologist approved by the CDFG verifies through noninvasive methods that either: (1) the birds have not begun egg-laying and incubation; or (2) that juveniles from the occupied burrows are foraging independently and are capable of independent survival. I ' If animals are resent,one or more of the following mitigation measures will be required. p g g q 1. If avoidance is the preferred method of dealing with potential project impacts, then no disturbance should occur within 50 meters(approx.160 ft.)of occupied burrows during the non April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 19 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment breeding season of September 1 through January 31 or within 75 meters(approx.250 ft.)during the breeding season of February 1 through August 31. 2. Avoidance also requires that a minimum of 6.5 acres of foraging habitat be permanently preserved contiguous with occupied burrow sites for each pair of breeding burrowing owls(with or without dependent young)or single unpaired resident bird.The configuration of the protected habitat should be approved by the Department. 3. To offset the loss of foraging and burrow habitat on the project site,a minimum of 6.5 acres of foraging habitat(calculated on a 100 m (approx. 300 ft.) foraging radius around the burrow) per pair or unpaired resident bird,should be acquired and permanently protected. The protected lands should be adjacent to occupied burrowing owl habitat and at a Iocation acceptable to the Department. Protection of additional habitat acreage per pair or unpaired resident bird may be ' applicable in some instances. The Burrowing Owl Consortium (BOC) has also developed mitigation guidelines(Burrowing Owl Consortium 1993)that can be incorporated by CEQA lead agencies and which are consistent with this staff report. 4. When destruction of occupied burrows is unavoidable,existing unsuitable burrows should be enhanced (enlarged or cleared of debris) or new burrows created (by installing artificial burrows) at a ratio of 2:1 on the protected lands site. 5. If owls must be moved away from the disturbance area, passive relocation techniques(as described below)should be used rather than trapping.At least one or more weeks will be necessary to accomplish this and allow the owls to acclimate to alternate burrows. ' 6. The project sponsor should provide funding for long-term management and monitoring of the protected lands.The monitoring plan should include success criteria,remedial measures, and an annual report to the Department. ' Passive Relocation -With One-Way Doors 1. Owls should be excluded from burrows in the immediate impact zone and within a 50 meter (approx. 160 ft.)buffer zone by installing one-way doors in burrow entrances.One-way doors (e.g., modified dryer vents) should be left in place 48 hours to insure owls have left the burrow before excavation. 2. Two natural or artificial burrows should be provided for each burrow in the project area that will be rendered biologically unsuitable. The project area should be monitored daily for one week to confirm owl use of burrows before excavating burrows in the immediate impact zone. 3. Whenever possible,burrows should be excavated using hand tools and refilled to prevent reoccupation.Sections of flexible plastic pipe should be inserted into the tunnels during excavation to maintain an escape route for any animals inside the burrow. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 20 1 I ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Passive Relocation -Without One-Way Doors ' 1. Two natural or artificial burrows should be provided for each burrow in the project area that will be rendered biologically unsuitable. The project area should be monitored daily until the owls have relocated to the new burrows. The formerly occupied burrows may then. be ' excavated. 2. Whenever possible,burrows should be excavated using hand tools and refilled to prevent reoccupation.Sections of flexible plastic pipe should be inserted into burrows during excavation to maintain an escape route for any animals inside the burrow. ' Please note that all mitigation measures for the burrowing owl will have to be reviewed with the resource agencies. There is potential habitat for the Stephens kangaroo rat on site.Impacts to the SKR will be mitigated p p g p g ' under conditions provided in the Western Riverside MSHCP. ' 5.2.3 Sensitive Habitats The site may also have supported vernal pools. Vernal pools are not protected by the Western ' Riverside MSHCP. We recommend that no further disking of the site occur, and that the site be reevaluated after the winter rains to determine if vernal pools may form on site. ' If vernal pools are present, mitigation in the form of preservation on site, or replacement off-site, will be required. 5.2.4 Fairy Shrimp ' The site may also have supported fairy shrimp, but this can only be determined by focused surveys. NRA, Inc. recommends that surveys to determine presence or absence be conducted according to the standard focused protocol for fairy shrimp. Two separate surveys, a dry season survey and a wet season ' survey,would have to conducted. If focused protocol-level surveys determine the presence of federally-listed fairy shrimp species, then impacts to this pond will have to be mitigated through one or more of the following measures: 1. Avoidance of removal of habitat through project redesign. ' 2. If removal of the pond cannot be required, the loss of habitat will be mitigated at a ratio and in a manner to be determined through consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.. ' 5.3 Habitat Fragmentation and Wildlife Movement ' The proposed project is not expected to have significant impacts to wildlife movement. ' Aprit 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 21 i 1 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Habitat fragmentation has also already occurred as a result of the freeway, roads and nearby development. No significant additional fragmentation is expected to occur as a result development. 5.4 Raptors, Migratory Birds, and Habitat ' Limited raptor foraging habitat exists on site The loss of the upland habitat to development is not considered to be significant due to the limited extent and Iow quality of available habitat on this and the adjacent area. ' 5.5 Drainages and Wetlands t Depending upon the final development design and a further evaluation of the site for vernal pools and jurisdictional drainages, project impacts to water bodies may need to be addressed. 1 I 1 1 ' April 6,2006.Ist Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 22 1 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment ' 6.0 References ' Army Corps of Engineers, 1994. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulations, Appendix C in Wetlands Regulation, A Complete Guide to Federal and California Programs, 1995, P.D. Cylinder, K.M. Bogdan, E.M.Davis and A.J. Herson, eds., Solano Press Books, Point Arena, California. ' Army Corps of Engineers, 1992. "CECW-OR Memorandum: Clarification and interpretation of the 1987 manual". ' Army Corps of Engineers, 1991. CECW-OR Memorandum:Questions and answers on the 1987 manual. ' Burt, W. H., 1986. A Field Guide to the Mammals in North American North of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. ' California Natural Diversity Data Base, 2005. Data Base report on threatened, endangered, rare or otherwise sensitive species and communities in the vicinity of the Lake Elsinore, California. ' Garrett, K. and J. Dunn, 1981. Birds of Southern California. Los Angeles Audubon Society. The Artisan Press, Los Angeles, California. ' Environmental Laboratory, 1987. "Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual". Technical Report Y-97-1. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Miss. ' Hall, E.R., 1981. The Mammals of North America, Volumes I and II. John Wiley and Sons, New York, New York. ' Hickman, J.C., ed., 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California Press,Berkeley,Los Angeles and London. 1 Ingles, L.G., 1965. Mammals of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. ' Jennings, M.R. and M.P. Hayes, 1994. Amphibians and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California. Inland Fisheries Division, California Department of Fish and Game. ' Kramer, K., 1988. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Determination of Endangered Status for Stephens Kangaroo Rat, Federal Register Vol. 53, pp 38465-38469. ' Munz, P.A., 1974. A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles and London. ' O'Farrell, M. J. and C. Uptain, 1989. Assessment of Population and Habitat Status of the Stephens' kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi). The Resources Agency, Sacramento, California. ' Price, M. V. and P. R. Endo, 1989. Estimating the Distribution and Abundance of a Cryptic Species, ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 23 1 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment tDipodomys stephensi (Rodentia: Heteromyidae) and Implications for Management. Conservation Biology 3:293-301. 1 Reed, P.B. Jr., 1988. "National list of plant species that occur in wetlands: California (Region 0)". U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biol. Rep 88(26.10). 135 pp. ' Remsen, Jr., J.V., 1978. Bird Species of Special Concern in California. Non-game Wildlife Investigations. Wildlife Management Branch Administrative Report No 78-1. Report ' prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game. Roberts, F.M., Jr., S.D. White, A.C. Sanders, D.E. Bramlet & S. Boyd, 2004. The Vascular Plants of ' Western Riverside County, California. An Annotated Checklist. F.M. Roberts Publications, San Luis Rey, California. ' Stebbins, R.C., 1985. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. Massachusetts. ' Thomas, J. R. 1975. Distribution, population densities and home range requirements of the Stephens kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi). Master's thesis, California State Polytechnic tUniversity, Pomona, California. Tibor, D. P., ed, 2001. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. California ' Native Plant Society, Spec. Pub. No. 1. 6th edition. Berkeley, California. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1996. Review of plant and animal taxa for listing as endangered or ' threatened species, notice of review. Federal Register Vol. 61, No. 40. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1998. Draft Recovery Plan for the Least Bell's Vireo. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. 139 pp. Williams, D.F., 1986. Mammalian Species of Special Concern in California. Wildlife Management ' Division Administrative Report 86-1. Prepared for The Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game. 1 � 1 I� ' Apri16,2006,1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 24 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Appendix A -Floral and Faunal Compendium PP P * denotes non-native floral species The species observed include species on site and on adjacent areas. ' Flora ' GYMNOSPERMAE NAKED SEED PLANTS I ' Marsileaceae Marsilea family Marsilea vestita Clover fern ANGIOSPERMAE:DICOTYLEDONES DICOT FLOWERING PLANTS Aizoaceae Fig-marigold family *Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum Small-flowered iceplant ' 5esuvium verrucosum Sea purslane Amaranthaceae Amaranthus family *Amaranthus albus White tumbleweed Anacardiaceae Sumac family II ' 5chinus mope Peruvian pepper tree Apiaceae Carrot family Daucus pusillus Rattlesnake weed ' Asteraceae Sunflower family Ambrosia psilostachya Western ragweed Ambrosia pumila San Diego ambrosia Artemisia californica California sagebrush Baccharis salicifolia Mulefat *Centaurea melitensis TocaIote ' *Chamomilla suaveolens Pineapple weed *Conyza canadensis Horseweed *Cotula australis Australian brass buttons *Cotula coronopifolia African brass buttons Lricameria palmeri var. pachylepis Grassland goldenbush Gnaphalium bicolor Particolor everlasting Gnaphalium palustre Lowland cudweed Gnaphalium stramineum Cotton-batting plant ' Helianthus annuus Annual sunflower Hemizonia fasciculata Fascicled tarweed ' April 6,2o06.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 A-1 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment ' Hemizonii kelloggii Kellogg's tarweed Hemizonia paniculatum Panicled tarweed Isocoma menziesiii Goldenbush *Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce Lasthenia californica Goldfields ' Lasthenia glabrata spp. coulteir Alkali goldfields Layia glandulosa White tidy tips Lessingia filaginifolia Cudweed aster ' Microseris douglash var. platycarpha Small-flowered microseris Microseris heterocarpha Derived microseris Microseris lindleyi Silver puffs ' Psilocarphus brevissimus var. brevissimus Woolly marbles Rafinesquia californica California chicory ' *Senecio vulgare Vulgar groundsel *Sonchus asper Prickly sow thistle *Sonchus oleraceus Common sow thistle ' *Stephanomeria virgata Twiggy wreath plant *Tragopogon porrifolius Purple salsify ' Boraginaceae Borage family Amsinckia menziesii Fiddleneck Heliotropium curassavicum Alkali heliotrope ' Plagiobothrys leptocladus Wire-stemmed popcorn flower Brassicaceae Mustard family *Hirschfeldia incana Short-podded mustard Lepidium dictyotum var. acutidens Alkali peppergrass *Sisymbrium Trio London rocket ' Caryophyllaceae Pink family Spergularia marina Salt marsh sand-spurrey ' *Spergularia rubra Purple sand-spurrey Chenopodiaceae Saltbush family Atriplex argentea ssp. mohavense Desert saltbush Atriplex canescens Four-winged saltbush Atriplex coronata var. notatior San Jacinto saltbush ' Atriplex lentiformis Big saltbush Atriplex semibaccata Australian saltbush Atriplex suberecta Sprawling saltbush ' Atriplex triangularis Triangle-Ieaved saltbush *Bassia hyssopifolia Bassia Chenopodium berlandieri Pitseed goosefoot *Chenopodium murale Nettle-leaved goosefoot ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 A-2 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment *Chenopodium pumiho Tasmanian goosefoot *Kochia scoparia Summer cypress ' Suaeda moquinii Bush seepweed Convolvulaceae Morning glory family ' Calystegia macrostegia Morning glory Cressa truxillensis Alkali weed Cuscuta saliva Salty dodder Crassulaceae Stonecrop family Crassula cornuta Stonecrop Eu horbiaceae Spurge famil pY ' Chamaesyce albomarginata Rattlesnake spurge Eremocarpus setigerus Doveweed ' Fabaceae Pea family Lupinus bicolor Miniature lupine Lupinus microcarpus ssp. densiflorum Dense-flowered chick lupine ' *Medicago polymorpha Bur-clover *Melilotus alba White sweetclover *Melilotus indices Sourclover Trifolium ciliolatum Tree clover Trifolium gracilentum Pin-point clover Frankeniaceae Alkali heath family Frankenia saliva Alkali heath Geraniaceae Geranium family *Erodium botrys Long beak filaree *Erodium cicutarium Red-stemmed filaree ' *Erodium moschatum White-stemmed filaree Hydrophyllaceae Waterleaf family ' Phacelia cicutaria Caterpillar phacelia Phacelia minor Wild Canterbury bells ' Lamiaceae Mint family *Marrubium vulgare Horehound ' Salvia columbariae Chia Trichostemma lanatum Woolly blue curls April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 A-3 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment ' Lythraceae Loosestrife family Lythrum californicum California loosestrife *Lythrum hyssopifolium Grass poly Malvaceae Mallow family ' *Malva parviflora Cheeseweed *Malva nicaaensis Bull mallow Malvella leprosa High mallow ' Myrtaceae Myrtle family *Eucalyptus sp. Eucalyptus Qna aceae Evening primrose family � gP Y ' Camissonia bistorta California suncup Camissonia boothii Woody bottle-washer Camissonia brevipes Yellow cups Camissonia californica California evening primrose ' Camissonia campestris Mojave sun cup Camissonia claviformis Brown-eyed evening primrose ' Clarkia purpurea Purple clarkia Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera Four-spot clarkia t Plantaginaceae Plantain family Plantago elongata California alkali plantain ' Polygonaceae Buckwheat family Eriogonum fasciculatum var. foliolosum Interior California buckwheat *Rumex crispus Curly dock Rumex maritimus Golden dock Rumex salicifolia ssp. denticulatus California dock Salicaceae Willow family Salix goodingii Black willow Salix laevigata Red willow Salix lasiolepis Arroyo willow Sauraraceae Lizard tail family Anemopsis californica Yerba mansa ' Scrophulariaceae Snapdragon family Mimulus guttatus Yellow monkeyflower *Veronica anagallis-aquaticus Great water speedwell Veronica peregrina Mexican speedwell I April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 A4 � i ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment ' Solanaceae Nightshade family *Nicotiana glauca Indian tobacco ' Tamaricaeae Tamarisk family *Tamarix sp. Tamarisk ' Urticaceae Nettle family Hesperocnide tenella Western nettle ' ANGIOSPERMAE: MONOCOTYLEDONAE MONOCOT FLOWERING PLANTS Cyperaceae Sedge family Eleocharis obtuse var. engelmannii Engelmann's spikerush Scirpus acutus Viscid bulrush Scirpus maritimus Alkali bulrush ' Juncaceae Rush family Juncus bufonius Toad rush Juncus triformis Yosemite dwarf rush 1 Liliaceae Lily family Brodiaea terrestris ssp. kernensis Field onion Poaceae Grass family Avena fatua Fat-seeded wild oats *Bromus diandrus Ripgut brome *Bromus hordeaceus Barley brome *Bromus madritensis Red brome ' Distichlis spicata Saltgrass Hordeum intercedens Vernal barley *Hordeum marinum Mediterranean barley ' *Hordeum murinum Glaucus barley *Phalaris canariensis Canary grass *Phalaris paradoxa Paradox canary grass ' *Vulpia myuros Foxtail Typhaceae Cattail family ' Typha c.f. dominguensis Southern cattail April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 A-5 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment ' Fauna AMPHIBIA AMPHIBIANS Hylidae Tree Frogs and Relatives tPseudacris regilla Pacific chorus frog Ranidae True Frogs Rana catesbiana Bullfrog REPTILIA REPTILES Ph onosomatidae Spiny lizards and their allies r3' ' Sceloporus occidentalis Western fence lizard Uta stansburiana Side-blotched lizard ' AVES BIRDS Ardeidae Herons and bitterns ' Ardea herodias Great blue heron Ardea alba Great egret Egretta thula Snowy egret iRallidae Rails,Gallinules and Coots Fulica americans American coot ' Charadriidae Plovers and relatives Charadrius vociferus Killdeer Cathartidae Vultures Cathartes aura Turkey vulture ' Accipitridae Kites,hawks and eagles Elanus leucurus White-tailed kite Circus cyaneus Northern harrier ' Recurvirostridae Avocets and stilts Himantopus mexicanus Black-necked stilt Recurvirostra amertcana American avocet ' Columbidae Pigeons and doves Zenaida macroura Mourning dove ' April 6,2006.Ist Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 A-6 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment ' Corvidae Crows and ravens Corvus cordx Common raven 1 Lanidae Shrikes Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead shrike ' Parulidae Wood warblers Geolypthus trichas Common yellowthroat ' Emberizidae Sparrows Melospiza melodia Song sparrow Icteridae Blackbirds,orioles and relatives ' Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged blackbird Sturnella neglecta Western meadowlark Quiscalus mexicanus Great-tailed grackle ' MAMMALIA MAMMALS ' Leporidae Rabbits and hares Sylvilagus audubonii Audubon s cottontail ' Sciuridae Squirrels,chipmunks and marmots Spermophilus beecheyi California ground squirrel ' Cricetidae Cricetine mice and rats Microtus californicus California vole Nomenclature follows Borror and White 1970, Hall 1981, Grenfell et al. 2003, Roberts, et al. 2004 and 1 Stebbins 1966. 1 ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 A-7 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. ' General Biological Assessment Appendix B - Sensitive Biological Resources ' Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence Distribution Period Designation Probability ' Plants Chaparral sand- Annual.Coastal sage March- FED:ND None.Sandy places verbena scrub,chaparral.From August STATE:ND on the property are ' Abronia villosa var. the head of the Coachella CNPS: 1B absent.This site aurita Valley to interior may be disked on a Riverside,Orange and regular basis. San Diego counties. Sandy places below 5000 feet. Munz's onion On clay soils in openings Mar -May FED:END Low. Clay soils are Allium munzii within coastal sage scrub, Flowering STATE:THR present on site,but ' pinyon juniper period CNPS: 1B this site may be woodland,and disked on a regular grasslands;900 to 3000 ft. basis and the species ' elevation. Known only may not persist. from w.Riverside Co.in Temescal Canyon.and ' Gavilan Plateau areas. San Diego Chaparral,coastal sage June-Sep FED: C2* None.Suitable ambrosia scrub,valley and foothill STATE:ND habitat has been Ambrosia pumila grassland,and vernal CNPS: 1B disked. pools.Sandy loam or clay soils.In valleys,persists where disturbance is superficial. 100 to 600 ft elevation.Riverside and San Diego County. Jaeger's milk-vetch Perennial from woody March to July FED:ND None. This species Astragalus pachypus caudex.On open sandy Flowering STATE:ND was not identified var.jaegeri slopes,dry ridges and period CNPS:1B during the survey. valleys.Often in valley and foothill grassland and oak chaparral.Also in coastal sage scrub, chaparral,cismontane ' woodland.Below 2500 feet.Banning to Aguanga and Temecula. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-1 i Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. ' General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Habitat And Activit y Status Occurrence Distribution Period Designation Probability ISan Jacinto Valley Annual.Found on alkali May-Aug FED:END —Observed.Species crownscale flats in the San Jacinto STATE:ND was found on site. Atriplex coronata Valley and Temescal CNPS: 1B ' var.notatior Canyon,Riverside Co. Davidson's Annual. Alkaline valleys May— FED:ND None.Site is above ' saltscale in Iow elevations.Valley October STATE:ND the known Atriplex serenana grasslands,coastal sage CNPS:1B elevation for this var.davtdsonu scrub,etc.The variety species. davidsonii is found on bluffs below 200 meters (600 feet)elevation. Thread-leaved Clay soils;open April -June FED:THR Unknown.Site was brodiaea grasslands at edges of STATE:END disked prior to Brodiaea fil:folia vernal pools or CNPS: 1B survey and could floodplains. Sea level to not be properly ' 2500 ft.elevation. Los surveyed for this j Angeles,Orange, species.Suitable ' Riverside,and San Diego habitat conditions Counties. Known from exist. ca.20 Iocations. Intermediate Dry,rocky,open slopes, June-July FED:C2* None.No dry rocky mariposa lily often in chaparral, coastal STATE:ND slopes are present. Calochortus weedii sage scrub,valley& CNPS: 113 I var.intermedius foothill grassland below 2000 ft.elevation. Los Angeles,Orange,and ' Riverside Counties. Southern tarplant Often in disturbed sites June- FED:ND Low.This species Centromadia parryi near the coast.Also September STATE:ND may be present on spp.australis found on alkaline soils at CNPS: 1B site,even after the edges of marshes and disking.It would swamps.Found in valley not have been and foothill grasslands, visible at the time of and sometimes along the surveys. ' vernal pool margins. Southern California and Baja California, 1 April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-2 1 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources ' Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence Distribution Period Designation Probability Smooth tarplant Often in disturbed sites April- FED:C2* None.This species is Centromadia near the coast.Also September STATE:ND not expected to be pungens ssp.laevis found on alkaline soils at CNPS: 1B present. the edges of marshes, swamps,playas and chenopod scrub.Found in riparian areas,valley and foothill grasslands, ' and sometimes along vernal pool margins. Southern California and Baja California. Orcutt's Annual.Coastal sage March-April FED:END None.No suitable spineflower scrub,chaparral,closed- STATE:END scrub or wooded Chorizanthe cone coniferous forest. CNPS: 1B habitat on site. orcuttiana Sandy sites and openings Species was not ' within plant observed. communities.San Diego County. ' Parry's spineflower Sandy openings in April-June FED:C2* None.No chaparral Chorizanthe parryi coastal sage scrub and STATE:ND or coastal sage scrub var.parryi chaparral,900 to 3500 ft. CNPS:3 on site.Species was Elevation,east Los not observed. Angeles Co.to San Gorgonio Pass and west ' Riverside Co. Long-spined Dry places below 5000 April-July FED:ND None.Species was spineflower feet.Chaparral,coastal STATE:ND not observed during Chorizanthe sage scrub,meadows, CNPS: 1B the survey during polygonoides var. vaIIey and foothill the blooming ' longispina grassland. West period. Riverside and San Diego counties. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 13-3 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. ' General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources ' Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence ' Distribution Period Designation _ Probability Many-stemmed Annual.In heavy,often May-June FED:C2* Low.Clayey soils dudleya clayey soils or grassy STATE:ND and other typical Dudleya multicaulis slopes in chaparral, CNPS: 1B site conditions are coastal sage scrub,valley present,but species and foothill grassland. was not observed. Riverside,San Bernardino,Orange counties.Below 2000 feet. ' Round-leaved Annual.Open places Mar-May FED:ND Low.Suitable clay filaree below 3500 feet.On clay flowering STATE:ND soils present on site. Erodium soils in Los Angeles period CNPS:2 Site was recently macrophyllum County and north.Santa disked. Cruz Island.AIso near San Diego. Found near Lake Skinner in Riverside County. ' San Diego button Vernal pools. Riverside April-June FED:END Low.Vernal pools celery and San Diego Counties, STATE:END may be present on Eryngium and Baja Calif.;sea level CNPS: 1B site,but site was too aristulatum var. to 3000 ft.elevation. heavily disturbed to parishii determine presence or absence of habitat. Palmer's Chaparral,coastal scrub, March-April FED:C2* Unknown.Site was grapplinghook valley&foothill STATE:ND disked prior to ' Harpagonella Palmeri grassland in clay soils on CNPS:2 survey and could dry slopes&mesas not be properly ' below 1500 ft.elevation. surveyed for this Cismontane s.Calif.from species.Suitable Los Angeles Co.to NW habitat conditions Baja Calif.,including exist. Santa Catalina Island. One population at Dana ' Point Headlands. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B4 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources ' Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence Distribution Period Designation Probability Coulter's goldfields Coastal salt marshes, Feb-Jun FED:C2* Observed.Species Lasthenia glabrata alkali playas,valley& STATE:ND was found on site. ssp.coulteri foothill grasslands,and CNPS: 1B vernal pools below 3000 ft.elevation. Inland so. ' Calif. and along coast from San Luis Obispo Co. to Baja Calif. Robinson's pepper- Annual. Chaparral and Jan-April FED:ND None.Chaparral grass coastal sage scrub STATE:ND and coastal sage Lepidium vriginicum habitats,primarily on dry CNPS: 1B scrub habitats absent ' ssp.robinsonii soils.From Los Angeles from site. County south to Baja ' California. San Diego Perennial,annual growth May FED:ND Unknown.Site was goldenstar from corm.Mesa STATE:ND disked prior to ' MuiIla clevelandii grasslands scrub edges CNPS: 1B survey and could on clay soils.Also found not be properly on raised mounds surveyed for this between vernal pools. species.Suitable Chaparral,coastal sage habitat conditions scrub,valley and foothill exist. I grasslands.San Diego and Baja California. Possibly also Riverside ' County. Little mousetail Vernal pools and alkaline April-May FED:C2* Unknown.Site was Mysosurus minimus marshes below 1500 feet. STATE:ND disked prior to San Diego to west CNPS:3 survey and could Riverside County. not be properly ' surveyed for this species.Suitable habitat conditions 1 exist. Spreading Vernal pools,ditches,30 Not FED:THR None.Suitable navarretia to 1300 meters. documented STATE:ND habitat exists but ' Navarretia fossalis CNPS: 1B this species was not observed. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-5 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. ' General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources ' Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence ' Distribution Period Designation Probability California orcutt Vernal pools,drying mud April-August FED:END None.Suitable grass flats,vernally mesic STATE:END habitat exists but ' Orcuttia californica grasslands. Ventura Co. CNPS: 1B this species was not to n.Baja Calif.,including observed. west Riverside Co. ' San Miguel savory Rocky canyons below March-May FED:ND None.No rocky Satureja chandlers 2500 feet elevation; STATE:ND canyons present on chaparral. Santa Ana CNPS:4 site. Mountains near Murrieta and San Miguel and San Jamul Mtns.in San Diego County. Salt spring Alkaline,usually wet April to June FED:ND None.Suitable scrub ' checkerbloorn places. Coastal sage STATE:ND habitat does not Sidalcea neomexicana scrub,chaparral,creosote CNPS:2 exist on site. bush scrub. Los Angeles, Orange,San Bernardino, Riverside Counties. _Amphibians ' California tiger Temporary rain pools Breeds Dec- FED:C Not sure why this salamander and permanent waters of February STATE:CSC species was Ambystoma grassland and open included by the californiense woodland of low hills CNDDB. No and valleys of central CA. populations known Agriculture and urban from this part of development have California.No impacted the species in suitable habitat the Central Valley. present on site. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-6 1 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources ' Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence ' Distribution Period Designation Probability Western spadefoot Grasslands and October-April FED:ND Low.Suitable Spea hammondii occasionally hardwood (following STATE:CSC habitat exists offsite. woodlands;largely onset of winter terrestrial but for rains) breeding,requires rain ' pools or other ponded water for 3+weeks; burrows in loose soils during dry season; Central Valley and foothills,coast ranges, inland valleys,to Baja Calif. Arroyo Washes and arroyos with Mar-Jul FED:END None. No suitable southwestern toad open water;sand or STATE:CSC washes or arroyos Bufo microscaphus gravel beds;for breeding, present on site. ' californicus pools with sparse overstory vegetation. Coastal and a few desert streams from Santa Barbara Co. to Baja Calif. California red- Streams with slow- Dec-Apr FED:THR None. No suitable ' legged frog moving water and deep STATE:CSC pond or stream Rana aurora pools;dense,shrubby habitats on site. draytonii riparian vegetation at pool edges. Coastal streams from Marin Co. to Ventura Co.;between ' Ventura Co.and Mexican border,known from only four small populations including Santa Rosa Plateau(Riverside Co.). 1 April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-7 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. ' General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources ' Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence Distribution Period Designation Probability Reptiles San Diego horned Wide variety of habitats April-July FED:ND Low.Site has been ' lizard including coastal sage (with reduced STATE:CSC disked. Phrynosoma scrub,grassland,riparian activity Aug.- coronatum blainvillei woodland;typically on or Oct.) near loose sandy soils; coastal and inland areas from Ventura Co.to Baja Calif. Coronado skink Early successional stages Active year FED:ND None.Site Iacks ' Eumeces skiltonianus or open areas in round STATE:CSC suitable habitat. interparietalis grassland,chaparral, pinyon juniper and juniper sage woodland, pine oak and pine forests in the coastal ranges of southern California.Also found in rocky areas close to streams,and on dry hillsides. Orange-throated Floodplains and terraces March-July FED:ND Low.Site has been whiptail with perennial plants and (with reduced STATE:CSC disked. ' Aspidocelis open areas nearby;sea activity Aug.- hyperythrus level to 3000 feet Feb.) elevation,inland and coastal valleys of Riverside,Orange,and ' San Diego Counties.to Baja Calif. Coastal western Firm,sandy or rocky soils Year round FED:ND None.Site lacks ' whiptail in deserts and semiarid STATE:ND suitable habitats. Aspidocelis tigris areas with sparse multiscutatus vegetation and open ' areas.Also found in woodland and riparian areas. 1 April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 8-8 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources ' Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence ' Distribution Period Designation Probability+ Rosy boa Mix brushy cover and Year round FED:ND None.Insufficient Lichanura trivirgata rocky soils.Desert and STATE:ND cover on site. ' chaparral,found from the coast to the Mojave and Colorado deserts.Prefers moderate to dense vegetation. Northern red- Occurs in rocky areas and Year round FED:ND None.This species ' diamond dense vegetation.Needs STATE:CSC requires rock rattlesnake rodent burrows,cracks in crevices and similar Crotalus exsul rocks,or other surface cover. ' material. Chaparral, woodland,grassland and ' desert areas. Coastal San Diego County to the eastern slopes of the ' mountains. Birds White-tailed kite Open country in South Year-round FED:ND High.Species may Elanus leucurus America and southern STATE:ND forage over the North America. (nesting) project site. Bald eagle Winters locally at deep Nov-Feb FED:END Low. Species is ' Haliaeetus lakes and reservoirs STATE:END known to winter at leucocephalus feeding on fish and Lake Mathews to ' waterfowl. Locally rare the north.Could fly throughout North over site. America. Northern harrier Grassland and marshy Year round FED:ND Observed.Species Circus cyaneus habitats in Southern STATE:CSC is expected to be California. Uncommonly forage on site. in open desert and brushlands. Sharp-shinned Nests in woodland, Fall&winter; FED:ND Low. Not observed hawk coniferous deciduous scarce in STATE:CSC during the surveys, Accipiter striatus forest. Winter visitor and summers but are expected to migrant to coastal forage infrequently ' Southern California. over the property Forages over a variety of during migration habitats. and in winter. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-9 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. ' General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources ' Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence ' Distribution Period Designation Probability Cooper's hawk Woodland and semi- Year round; FED:ND Low. Not observed Accipiter cooperi open habitats,riparian predominant STATE:CSC during the surveys, groves and mountain in summer but are expected to canyons.Uncommon forage infrequently permanent resident in over the property ' coastal,mountains,and during migration deserts of Southern and in winter. California. Transients ' fairly common on coast in fall. Golden eagle Grasslands,brushlands, Year round FED: ND Low. Not observed Aquila chrysaetos deserts,oak savannas, diurnal STATE:CSC during the surveys. open coniferous forests (nesting and Foraging habitat and montane valleys. wintering) for this species Nesting primarily in exists over the rugged mountainous entire property.No country. Uncommon suitable nesting resident in Southern habitat occurs on California. site. ' Feruginous hawk Fairly common in winter Winter FED:C2* Low.Foraging Buteo regalis in open grassland and STATE:CSC habitat is present, agricultural regions in but disturbed. the interior,as well as some valleys along the coast.Rare and uncommon along the coast and in the desert. Merlin Frequents several Fall&winter FED:ND Low. Not observed Falco columbarius habitats including coastal STATE:CSC during the surveys. sage scrub and annual Can be expected to grassland. Forages along forage over the site the coast, and in montane during migration valleys and open deserts and in winter.They ' with scattered clumps of are expected to use trees. Rare fall migrant the area very and winter visitor to infrequently. ' Southern California. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-10 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,.Inc. General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence Distribution Period Designation Probability American Wetlands near high cliffs; Fall&Winter FED:ND Low. Species peregrine falcon few known to nest in (in migration STATE: END passes through ' .Falco peregrinus urban settings on tall and as winter region during anatum buildings.Scattered visitor) migration and may locations in North winter in region; America;in California during migration 1 coastal areas and inland or winter,could mountains. forage on site and tin surrounding habitats. Prairie falcon Nest in cliffs or rocky Year round FED:ND Low. Not observed I ' Falco mexicanus outcrops;forage in open diurnal STATE:CSC during the surveys. and valleys,agricultural Foraging habitat ' fields. Throughout the exists for this desert and and interior species over the portions of coastal property,but there ' counties. Uncommon is no suitable resident in Southern nesting habitat. California. ' Western snowy Nests on sandy beaches Year round FED:THR Low.Site is not on plover along the coast and (coastal the coast or in the Charadrius gravelly beaches at the populations) desert. alexandrinus nivosus Salton Sea. Also nests on STATE:CSC sinks,playas,and old shorelines in the desert. ' Forages on alkali flats. Nesting sites need protection. ' Burrowing owl Grasslands and Year round FED:ND Low. No burrows Athene cunicularia rangelands,usually STATE:CSC were observed on hypugea occupying ground site,but this species ' squirrel burrows. may forage on site Resident over most of and nest in Southern California. adjacent areas. ' Found in agricultural Follow-up focused areas. survey recommended ' prior to construction. 1 April 6,2006.1st RevisionMay 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-11 1 1 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence ' Distribution Period Designation Probability Long-eared owl Rare resident in coastal Nocturnal year FED:ND Low. Foraging Asio otus Southern California and round STATE:CSC habitat exists on ' uncommon resident in the property,but desert areas. Dense no nesting habitat. willow-riparian ' woodland and oak woodland. Breeds from valley foothill hardwood up to ponderosa pine habitat. ' Short-eared owl Primarily a rare and local Fall-Winter FED:ND Low. Available Asio flammenus winter visitant to the STATE:CSC information states coast,and a rare fall that short-eared ' transient and winter owls are rare visitant in the desert, winter visitants to including the Salton Sea the coast,and, ' and the Colorado River. therefore,may Also recorded at Mystic forage on the Lake in the San Jacinto property. Valley,Riverside County, in summer 1992,and Harper Dry Lake,San t Bernardino County, summer 1993. Vaux's swift Fairly common spring Fall-Spring FED:ND Low.May fly over ' Chaetura vauxi and fall transient in STATE:CSC the site during southern California. Rare migration.No ' and irregular winter suitable nesting visitor primarily along habitats on site. coast. Nesting sites need ' protection. 1 April 6,2006_lst Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-12 1 1 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence Distribution Period Designation Probability Bank swallow Nesting habitat is vertical Variable year FED:ND Low. No suitable Riparia riparia banks of fine textured round STATE:THR nesting habitat soils,most commonly occurs within the along streams and rivers. property limits. In Southern California, Surface area of the t fairly common spring property does not and fall transient in provide actual interior;very uncommon foraging habitat. ' spring transient and rare May be transient in fall transient along coast. migration. Casual in winter. ' Coastal cactus Tall Opuntia required for Year round FED:ND None.No Opuntia wren nesting and roosting. STATE:CSC present on site. Campylorhynchus Coastal sage scrub. brunneicapillus Southern California. couesi ' California horned Found in coastal regions, Variable,year FED:ND Low.The site may lark chiefly from Sonoma round STATE:CSC provide foraging EremophiIa alpestris County to San Diego and nesting habitat ' actia County.Also found in the in the more open main part of the San areas of the Joaquin Valley and east to property. ' the foothills.Prefers short- grass prairie,"bald"hills, mountain meadows,open ' coastal plains,fallow grain fields,and alkali flats. ' California Coastal sage scrub; Year-round FED:THR None.No suitable gnatcatcher occurs only in STATE:ND coastal sage scrub Polioptila californica cismontane Southern habitat present on California and site. northwestern Baja California in low-lying foothills and valleys. Loggerhead shrike Open fields with Year round FED:ND Observed.This Lanius ludovicianus scattered trees,open STATE:CSC species was seen. woodland,scrub. Fairly Loggerhead shrike common resident may nest near the throughout Southern project site and ' California. may forage on site. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-13 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources 1 Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence ' Distribution Period Designation Probability Southern California Fairly common resident Year round FED:ND None.Site does not rufous-crowned along the coast of STATE:CSC support grassy areas sparrow California;breeds very with sparse shrubs, Aimophila ruficeps locally on desert or large areas of canescens mountain ranges, coastal sage scrub. ' Preferred habitat is slopes with sparse shrubs and open grassy areas ' intermixed. Coastal sage scrub is the most ' common plant community used. Least Bell's vireo Riparian forests and Apr-Sept FED:END None.No suitable Vireo bellii pusillus willow thickets.Breeds STATE:END habitat present on- and nests only in site. southwestern California, winters in Baja Calif. 1 Bell's sage sparrow Uncommon to common Year round FED:ND None.Site does not Amphispiza belli belli resident.Nests in STATE:CSC support dense scrub ' chaparral dominated by habitat. fairly dense stands of chamise. Fairly common ' in coastal sage scrub in the south portion of its range.Nests are located on the ground beneath a shrub or in a shrub six to eight inches above the ground.Individual territories are about 50 yards apart. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-14 II Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence Distribution Period Designation Probability Mammals California leaf- In California, these bats Year round FED:ND Low. Because nosed bat primarily occupy low- nocturnal STATE:CSC there are no roost Macrotus lying desert areas,where sites in the californicus they roost in caves, property limits this ' mines,and old buildings. species does not Historic records extend roost on the west to near Chatsworth, property.However, Los Angeles County,but it may forage over most populations from the property if ' the California coastal there are roosting basins are believed to sites such as caves have disappeared. in the nearby Occurs from northern mountains. Nevada,Southern California,and western Arizona south to southern Baja California and Sonora. ' Townsend's Requires caves,mines, Year round FED:ND Low. Because western big-eared tunnels,buildings or Nocturnal STATE:CSC there are no bat other similar structures suitable roost sites ' Plecotus townsendii, for roosting. May use in the property two ssp. separate sites for night, limits,this species day,hibernation or does not roost on ' maternity roosts. Found the property. in all but subalpine and However,it may ' alpine habitats forage over the throughout California. property if there are roosting sites such as caves in the nearby mountains. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-15 1 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources 1 Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence Distribution Period Designation Probability Pallid bat Day roosts in caves, Spring, FED:ND Low. There are no Antrozous pallidus crevices,mines,and Summer,Fall STATE:CSC suitable roost sites occasionally hollow trees Nocturnal in the property and buildings. Night Hibernates in limits.This species roosts may be more open Winters may forage over sites,such as porches and the property if open buildings. there are roosting Hibernation sites are sites such as caves probably rock crevices. in the nearby Grasslands,shrublands, mountains. woodlands and forest ' from sea level through to mixed conifer. Throughout Southern California. Spotted bat Found in the western Spring, FED:ND Low. Because ' Euderma maculatum North America from Summer,Fall STATE:CSC there are no southern British Nocturnal suitable roost sites Columbia to the Mexican Hibernates in in the property ' border,at a small number Winters limits,this species of widely scattered does not roost on localities.Habitats range the property. from and deserts and However,it may grasslands through forage over the mixed conifer forest up to property if there ' 10,600 feet in elevation. are roosting sites Prefers rock crevices in such as caves in the cliffs,also uses caves and nearby mountains. ' buildings. 1 April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-16 I ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Table 9. Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence Distribution Period Designation Probability California mastiff Historically from north- FED:ND Low. Because bat central California south STATE:CSC there are no ' Eumops perotis to northern Baja suitable roost sites californicus California,eastward in the property across the southwestern limits,this species ' United States,and does not roost on northwestern Mexico to the property. west Texas and Coahuila However,it may (Hall, 1981;Williams, forage over the 1986).In California,most property if there records are from rocky are roosting sites areas at low elevations such as caves in the where roosting occurs nearby mountains. ' primarily in crevices. Pocketed free-tailed Spotty distribution in Warmer FED:ND Low. Because bat California,ranging from months. STATE:CSC there are no ' Nyctinomops Southern California south Nocturnal suitable roost sites femorasacca to the Baja Peninsula,and in the property through southwestern limits,this species ' Arizona to at least central does not roost on Mexico(Williams, 1986). the property. In California,pocketed However,it may free-tailed bats are forage over the typically found in rocky, property if there desert areas with are roosting sites ' relatively high cliffs. such as caves in the nearby mountains. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-17 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. ' General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence Distribution Period Designation Probability Big free-tailed bat Found from northern Nocturnal FED:ND Low. Because Nyctinomops South America and the spring-fall STATE:CSC there are no ' macrotis Caribbean Islands Hibernates in suitable roost sites northward to the western Winters in the property United States(Williams, limits,this species ' 1986).In the does not roost on southwestern U.S., the property. populations appear to be However,it may ' scattered. Known forage over the breeding localities are in property if there parts of Arizona,New are roosting sites Mexico,and Texas. such as caves in the Prefers rocky,rugged nearby mountains. ' terrain.Roosts in crevices in high cliffs or rocky outcrops.Ranges up to ' 8000 feet in elevation. San Diego black- Variety of habitats Year round, FED:ND Low.The site is tailed jackrabbit including herbaceous and diurnal and STATE:CSC probably too Lepus californicus desert scrub areas,early crepuscular heavily disturbed bennettii stages of open forest and activity for this species to chaparral.Most common be present. I ' in relatively open habitats. Restricted to the cismontane areas of ' Southern California, extending from the coast to the Santa Monica,San ' Gabriel,San Bernardino and Santa Rosa mountain ' ranges. Los Angeles pocket Prefers sandy soil for Nocturnal; FED:ND None.Suitable scrub mouse burrowing,but has been active late STATE:CSC or sandy soil Perognathus found on gravel washes spring to early habitats absent from 1 longimembris and stony soils. Found in fall. the site. brevinasus coastal scrub and alluvial fan scrub. Los Angeles, Riverside,and San Bernardino Counties. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-18 ' Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence Distribution Period Designation Probability Northwestern San Sandy herbaceous areas, Nocturnal; FED:ND None. No suitable Diego pocket usually with rocks or active year STATE:CSC grasslands,coastal ' mouse coarse gravel. Arid round. sage scrub and Chaetodipus fallax coastal areas in chaparral habitats fallax grassland,coastal scrub on site. ' and chaparral. San Diego,San Bernardino, Los Angeles,and Riverside Counties. Stephens kangaroo Open areas with sparse Nocturnal; FED:END Low.No occupied rat perennial cover with active year STATE:THR habitat on site. Dipodomys stephensi areas of loose soil where round ' the soil depth is at least 0.5 meters.Also inhabit disturbed areas such as l i fallow fields by using the burrows of other rodents, including pocket gophers ' and Beechey ground squirrel. San Diego desert Moderate to dense Nocturnal; FED:ND None.No scrub woodrat canopies,particularly in active year STATE:CSC habitats or rock Neotoma lepida rocky areas.Coastal sage round outcrops exist on intermedia scrub and chaparral. site. ' Coastal southern California. ' Invertebrates Vernal pool fairy Grasslands and ponded Spring FED:THR Unknown.Site was shrimp areas such as vernal STATE:ND disked prior to i Branchinecta lynchi pools,cattle watering survey and could holes,basins,etc. In not be evaluated for Southern California, suitable habitat ' species found primarily conditions. in the interior of western Riverside Co.,central l i Santa Barbara Co.,and eastern Orange Co. Also, more recently discovered in Los Angeles Co. April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-19 Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Table 1. Sensitive Biological Resources 1 Resource Habitat And Activity Status Occurrence Distribution Period Designation Probability Riverside fairy Known only from Spring FED:END Unknown.Site was shrimp ephemeral pools in STATE:ND disked prior to ' Streptocephalus southern Orange and survey and could woottoni western Riverside and not be evaluated for San Diego Counties. suitable habitat conditions. Quino checkerspot Open grassy sites on Spring FED:END Low.Site is heavily butterfly grasslands and in open STATE:ND disturbed and Euphydryas editha areas in coastal sage foraging habitat may quino scrub. Areas must not be present. contain food plants (plantain and owl's clover)with low levels of non-native vegetation, open or bare soils with sparse shrub cover. Historic range was western Riverside County and n. San Diego co;range recently extended to include inland and coastal San ' Bernardino,L.A.,Orange, Ventura and San Diego counties. i ' Sensitive Habitats Southern coast live Steep canyons and Year round Declining Not present on site. oak riparian forest drainages in the foothills plant ' of local mountain ranges. community Southern Steep,narrow and Year round Declining Not present on site. cottonwood willow shallow,broad canyons plant riparian forest and drainages in the community foothills of local ' mountain ranges. Southern sycamore Steep,narrow and Year round Declining Not present on site. alder riparian shallow,broad canyons plant woodland and drainages in the community ' foothills of local mountain ranges. I April 6,2006.1st Revision May 19,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 8-20 I � � II Nichols Road Property Natural Resources Assessment,Inc. General Biological Assessment Legend FED: Federal Classifications END Taxa listed as endangered THR Taxa listed as threatened PE Taxa proposed to be listed as endangered ' PT Taxa proposed to be listed as threatened C2* The USFWS will continue to assess the need for protection of these taxa and may,in the future,designate such taxa as Candidates.NRA,Inc.has noted the change in species status by marking with an asterisk(*) those C2 candidates that were removed from the list. C Candidate for listing.Refers to taxa for which the USFWS has sufficient information to support a proposal to list as Endangered or Threatened and issuance of the proposal is anticipated but precluded at this time. ' ND Not designated as a sensitive species STATE: State Classifications END Taxa listed as endangered THR Taxa listed as threatened CE Candidate for endangered listing ' CT Candidate for threatened listing CFP California Fully Protected.Fully Protected species may not be taken or possessed at any time and no Iicenses or permits may be issued for their take except for collecting these species for necessary scientific research and relocation of the bird species for the protection of livestock. CSC California Species of Special Concern. Taxa with populations declining seriously or that are otherwise highly vulnerable to human development. SA Special Animal. Taxa of concern to the California Natural Diversity Data Base regardless of their current legal ' or protected status. ND Not designated as a sensitive species CNPS: California Native Plant Society Classifications 1A Plants presumed by CNPS to be extinct in California 1B Plants considered by CNPS to be rare or endangered in California and elsewhere 2 Plants considered by CNPS to be rare,threatened or endangered in California,but which are more common elsewhere 3 Review list of plants suggested by CNPS for consideration as endangered but about which more information is needed. 4 Watch list of plants of limited distribution whose status should be monitored. Occurrence Probabilities Occurs Observed on the site during this study or recorded on site by other qualified biologists. Expected Not observed or recorded on site,but likely to be present at least during a portion of the year. High Known to occur in the vicinity of the project site.Suitable habitat exists on site. Moderate Known to occur in the vicinity of the project site.Small areas of or marginally suitable habitat exists on site. Low No reported sightings within the vicinity of the project.Available habitat limited and rarely used. None Focused surveys did not locate the species,or suitable habitat does not exist on site. Unknown No data is available on whether species is on or in the vicinity of the site,and information about the species is insufficient to make an accurate assessment of probability occurrence. ' April 6,2006.1st Revision May 14,2006.2nd Revision December 14,2006 B-21 • 0 Natural Resources— Assessment, Inc. HOGLE-IRELAND Alen Ptnnning f:tMvtopmn,((:nn,uhmg Firm Karen Kirtland, M.A. President Pamela D. Steele 4281t Latham Street,Suite C Partner Riverside,CA 92501 3415 Valencia Hill Drive,Riverside,CA 92507 Telephone 9516861141 Fax 951686 8418 E-mail nrainc@earthlink.net t:951 78?9222 f:951?81.6014 e:pstecle(a'.ht)glcireland.com xvwNx,ho8lcireIa rid.com Irvine --- - 949.553,1427 Irvine Riverside -- — 949.553.1427 951.787.9222 i Riverside Palm Springs 9 51.78 7.9222 760.327.9042 --- --' Palm Springs 760.327.9042 A Land Planning t Development Consulting Firm A Land Planning Cr Development Consulting Firm HOGLE-IRELAND A Fnnd POnning&FHnrloP._a r_,w gR_ �Iilll Roobert PeCoy CE Tonya Pace 42841 Latham Sircct,Suite(. 7 office 714.701.9100 x106 Protect Manager Rit•c•rsidc,CA 92;111 w fax 714.701.0785 mobile 714.412.2833 urwan c.e.er(.rme,. bob@earthbasics.net 4887 E.La Palma Ave.Ste 706 is o;1781 6014 Anaheim Hills,CA 92807 c:thacc(dhogicircland.com ttxx hOgIcircland.com