Habitat Assessment, Mt San Jacinto CCD/MSJC Southwest Campus

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Habitat Assessment, Mt San Jacinto CCD/MSJC Southwest Campus"

Dorthy Doyle
6 years ago
Views:

1 I - 15 CORRIDOR CAMPUS MASTER PLAN DRAFT EIR MT. SAN JACINTO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT Appendices Appendix D7 Habitat Assessment, Mt San Jacinto CCD/MSJC Southwest Campus August 2017

2 I - 15 CORRIDOR CAMPUS MASTER PLAN DRAFT EIR MT. SAN JACINTO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT Appendices This page intentionally left blank. PlaceWorks

3 Draft Habitat Assessment Mt San Jacinto CCD/MSJC Southwest Campus Wildomar, CA Prepared for: The Planning Center 3 MacArthur Place, Suite 1100 Santa Ana, CA By Arthur Davenport Davenport Biological Services P.O. Box 1692 Barstow, California June 25, 2013 D7-1

4 INTRODUCTION Davenport Biological Services was contracted with by The Planning Center to complete a habitat assessment for several Federal listed or otherwise sensitive species within a potential school site in Wildomar, CA (i.e., Mt San Jacinto CCD/MSJC Southwest Campus). Specific species to be reviewed included the Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino), arroyo toad (Bufo californicus), coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), least Bell s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) and burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). There regulatory status of each of the species is provided (Table 1) Table 1. Threatened, endangered and otherwise sensitive species reviewed under this HA. Common Name Scientific Name Status Invertebrates Quino checkerspot butterfly Euphydryas editha quino FE Amphibians Arroyo Toad Bufo californicus FE & SSC Birds Coastal California Gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica FT & SSC Least Bell s Vireo Vireo bellii pusillus FE & SE Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus FE & SE Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia SCC The survey area was approximately 84 acres in size. The elevation within the survey area ranged from approximately 417 to 485 meters (1,368 to 1,592 feet). Most of the site was gently sloping and increased in elevation to the north. A hill occurred in the northern portion of the site. The most common plant communities within the survey area include introduced annual grassland, chamise chaparral and coastal sage scrub. In addition, an arroyo with oak, willow and mule fat occurred on and immediately adjacent to the site. It is important to note that many native annual species remained within the annual grassland, including dwarf plantain (Plantago erecta), a host plant for Quino checkerspot butterfly larvae. Based on the USDA s soil data, the soils within the project area were a mix of sandy and rocky sandy loams. Parent material includes gabbro, granite, granodiorite and or tonalite and igneous rock. (Table 2). On a finer scale than provided by the USDA, some areas on site indicated the potential for holding water, as small areas of old ponding were observed. The project is located in Riverside County, California (Figures 1 & 2) 2 D7-2

5 Table 2. Soil types found within survey area (USDA, NRCS 2013) Map Unit Map Unit Name Parent Material Acres Percent Symbol CaC2 Cajalco fine sandy loam, 2 to 8% slopes, Gabbro eroded CaD2 Cajalco fine sandy loam, 8 to 15% Gabbro slopes, eroded CaF2 Cajalco fine sandy loam, 15 to 35% Gabbro slopes, eroded CbF2 Cajalco rocky fine sandy loam, 15 to Gabbro % slopes, eroded ChD2 Cieneba sandy loam, 8 to 15% slopes, Igneous eroded CkF2 Cieneba rocky sandy loam, 15 to 50% Igneous slopes, eroded FaD2 Fallbrook sandy loam, 8 to 15% slopes, Granodiorite and/or eroded tonalite MmB Monserate sandy loam, 0 to 5% slopes Granite MmD2 Monserate sandy loam, 8 to 15% slopes, Granite eroded MnD2 Monserate sandy loam, shallow, 5 to Granite % slopes, eroded MnE3 Monserate sandy loam, shallow, 15 to Granite % slopes, severely eroded PID Placentia fine sandy loam, 5 to 15% Granite slopes TeG Terrace escarpments Mixed Sources D7-3

6 Figure 1. Shows geographic location of project area. 4 D7-4

7 Figure 2. Shows aerial photograph of survey area (area define by red line). It is important to note that for the purpose of this habitat assessment, that only the defined project area was assessed, and that suitable habitat for several species of interest occur adjacent to the survey area. The action area is understood to include all areas that may be affected directly or indirectly by a proposed action. If additional areas are to be affected by this project then a review of the other site or sites will need to be completed before project implementation. METHODS The potential for the occurrence of each of the five target species was based on the species geographic range, elevation range, as well as the specific plant communities associated with the species. If the survey area was located within the geographic range of the species, within or close to its elevation range limits, and a plant community associated with the species was found to occur on site, it was determined that the species may be on site. A site visit was completed on 15 May 2013 to determine the suitability of habitat on site for each of the target species. The regulatory history of each species is also provided. RESULTS Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Listing History The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed the Quino checkerspot butterfly as endangered on 16 Jan 1997 (USFWS 1997). Critical habitat was designated for the Quino checkerspot butterfly on April 15, 2002 (USFWS 2002) and revised on June 17, 2009 (USFWS 2009). The proposed project does not occur within designated critical habitat. Distribution The species occurred in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego Counties (USFWS 1997). Based on a review of location data maintained by the USFWS, there are several records of this species in the Wildomar area (Figures 3 & 4). 5 D7-5

8 Habitat The Quino checkerspot butterfly is associated with chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, and native and introduced grasslands. The butterfly s primary host plant is dwarf plantain (Plantago erecta). Other host plants include owl s clover (Orthocarpus sp.), white snap dragon (Antirrhinum coulterianum), Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla), and bird s-beak (Cordylanthus rigidus). Plantain is considered the primary host plant of this species. The elevation range of habitat occupied by this species is between, approximately, sea level and 1,700 meters (5,577 feet). Site Visit Annual grassland, coastal sage scrub and chamise chaparral plant communities occur within the project area. All of the plant communities are recovering from disturbance and patches of ground with little vegetative cover are located throughout the survey area. Native and non-native annual plants are distributed throughout the annual grassland. Host plants for both adult Quino checkerspot butterflies and larva are located within the annual grassland. Host plants for both adult Quino checkerspot butterflies and their larva may also be located within the coastal sage scrub as well as the chamise chaparral plant communities. The openings within the shrub dominated plant communities may be beneficial to the host plants of the Quino checkerspot butterfly. Conclusion Based on the site assessment and the ecology of the Quino checkerspot butterfly, suitable habitat occurs on and adjacent to the site. Therefore, a formal survey should be completed for this species. The project is not located in designated critical habitat of this species. Arroyo Toad Listing History The arroyo toad was listed by the USFWS as endangered on 16 Dec 1994 (USFWS 1994a). Critical habitat was designated on April 13, 2005 (USFWS 2005a). The proposed project is not located in designated critical habitat. Distribution The species occurred in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego Counties (Federal Register 59:64866). Based on a review of location data maintained by the USFWS, there are no records of this species for the survey area. Habitat The arroyo toad uses wetland and upland plant communities (e.g., coastal sage scrub) for different aspects of its life cycle. Depending on rainfall and local conditions, the arroyo toad may lay eggs as early as February. Although adult arroyo toads may be found in upland and wetland vegetation, the young-of-the-year apparently remains within or immediately adjacent to wetland/riparian vegetation. Arroyo toads are known to occur along the San Luis Rey River. Site Visit The site contains suitable upland habitat for the arroyo toad. An arroyo with coast live oak and willow riparian occurs on and immediately adjacent to the site. However, due to a limited watershed, and despite the presence of some riparian vegetation, the drainage does not appear to sustain surface flows of adequate duration to support breeding arroyo toads. 6 D7-6

9 Conclusion The project site does not appear to contain suitable breeding habitat for arroyo toads. Therefore, a survey for arroyo toads is not recommended at this time. The project is not located in designated critical habitat of this species. Coastal California Gnatcatcher Listing History The coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) was listed as a threatened species on 30 March 1993 (USFWS 1993). In addition, critical habitat was designated for the coastal California gnatcatcher on 24 October 2000 (USFWS 2000). The designation was subsequently remanded. Revised critical habitat was designated on December 19, 2007 (USFWS 2007). Distribution The coastal California gnatcatcher occurs in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. This species may also still occur in Ventura County. The species is generally associated with the coastal sage scrub, but will use chamise chaparral when in close association to its preferred habitat. Based on a review of location data maintained by the USFWS, there are several records of this species within the Wildomar area (Figures 3 & 4). During completion of this habitat assessment, a pair was observed during a site visit to the survey area this spring (Davenport, pers. obs. 15 May 2013). Habitat The coastal California gnatcatcher nests in coastal sage scrub, baccharis scrub, as well as in chaparral when located adjacent to coastal sage scrub. In addition, the species will forage in riparian vegetation during and following nesting. The home range of the coastal California gnatcatcher expands during the non-breeding season. The gnatcatcher is non-migratory and occurs throughout much of the coastal sage scrub plant community of San Diego County. Site Visit Mature coastal sage scrub, suitable for nesting or wintering coastal California gnatcatchers, occurs within the project site. Conclusion The site contains suitable habitat for the coastal California gnatcatcher. A pair of coastal California gnatcatchers was observed on site this spring. Formal surveys should be completed to quantify the distribution and number of coastal California gnatcatchers using this site for nesting. The project is not located in designated critical habitat of this species. Least Bell s Vireo Listing History The least Bell s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) was listed as an endangered species on 2 May 1986 (USFWS 1986). Critical habitat was designated on February 6, 1994 (USFWS 1994b). Distribution In southern California, the species occurred in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial Counties (USFWS 1986). Based on a review of location data maintained by the USFWS there are no records of this species for the survey area. However, the 7 D7-7

10 survey area occurs within the range of this species and the species is known to occur in suitable habitat in the Murrieta/Wildomar area (Figures 3 & 4). Habitat The least Bell s vireo establishes nests in riparian vegetation (e.g., willows (Salix sp.), mule fat (Baccharis glutinosa), cottonwood (Populus sp.), etc.) as well as coastal sage scrub vegetation where Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicanus) forms adequate patches of vegetation. Least Bell s vireos will also nest in coastal sage scrub located adjacent to riparian vegetation. The species will also forage in coastal sage scrub located up to 328 feet (100 meters) or more from riparian vegetation. The least Bell s vireo generally begins to arrive in southern California to nest in mid March and generally departs for Mexico in late August or September. Site Visit The site contains a mix of coast live oak as well as willow dominated riparian vegetation. The habitat appears suitable for nesting by this species. Conclusion Suitable habitat for nesting least Bell s vireos was observed within and adjacent to the project site. Formal surveys should be completed. The project is not located in designated critical habitat of this species. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Listing History The southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) was listed as an endangered species on 27 February 1995 (USFWS 1995). Critical habitat was designated on October 19, 2005 (USFWS 2005b). Distribution The species occurred in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial Counties (USFWS 1995). Based on a review of location data maintained by the USFWS, there are no records of this species for the survey area (Figures 3 & 4). However, the survey area is located within the historic geographic range of this species. Habitat The southwestern willow flycatcher generally nests in well-developed riparian vegetation (i.e., has both well developed vertical and horizontal cover). In addition, nesting pairs appear to prefer nesting in riparian vegetation where there is standing water, or at least wet soils. The southwestern willow flycatcher generally arrives in southern California in mid May and departs for South America in September or October. Site Visit The riparian vegetation appears to be too sparse for nesting southwestern willow flycatchers. In addition, the arroyo does not appear to maintain flows or remain wet into the nesting season. Conclusion Suitable habitat for nesting willow flycatchers does not appear to occur on or immediately adjacent to the survey site. Based on the apparent lack of suitable nesting habitat, formal surveys are not recommended. The project is not located in designated critical habitat of this species 8 D7-8

11 Burrowing Owl The burrowing is not listed under the Endangered Specie Act, of 1973, as amended. However, active nests (i.e., nests with eggs, nestlings or fledglings) are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In addition, the species is identified by the Department of Fish and Wildlife as a species of special concern. Habitat In California, nesting burrowing owls occur from the deserts to the coastal plane of southern California. This species occupies burrows for the purpose of nesting, and nests in a wide variety of plant communities, including annual and perennial grasslands, creosote bush scrub, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and oak dominated savanna. Burrowing owls also nest in areas dominated by agriculture, such as the dry-land farming fields of western Riverside County. The common characteristic of nesting areas is the openness of the habitat. That is, there is generally low vegetative cover within or near areas occupied by this species. Site Visit The site contains annual grassland as well as open pockets of coastal sage scrub and chamise chaparral. Conclusion The site contains suitable habitat for nesting and wintering burrowing owls. Therefore, formal surveys for this sensitive species should be completed in the spring. 9 D7-9

12 Figure 3. Shows location data for target species on geo-referenced aerial photograph. 10 D7-10

13 Figure 4. Shows location data for target species on USGS 7.5 min quadrangle. 11 D7-11

14 DISCUSSION Although portions of the project site are disturbed from past agricultural activities, the site remains suitable for several listed species. In addition, the plant communities will continue to recover from past disturbances. The survey area contained both nectar sources for adult Quino checkerspot butterflies (e.g., flattopped buckwheat) as well as food plants for their larva (e.g., dwarf plantain). Because both adult and larva host plants likely occur across the survey area, the entire site should be surveyed in the spring for this species. It is important to note that below normal winter rainfall may delay surveys for this listed species. Regarding the arroyo toad, the site should only be considered marginally suitable. Based on the limited riparian plant community associated with the arroyo, adequate flows would appear to be rare in this drainage. The reason for low flows is likely due to the limited watershed present above the survey area. As such, formal protocol surveys for the arroyo toad are not recommended at this time. However, the arroyo should be checked in the early spring to assess the adequacy of flows. As for the coastal California gnatcatcher, the site contains suitable habitat for nesting pairs of this species. During the site visit for this habitat assessment, a nesting pair of coastal California gnatcatchers was observed along the western slope of the hill located in the northern portion of the survey area. Based on the suitability of the coastal sage scrub across the site, the site may harbor up to five or more pairs of this listed species. Additionally, during the non-nesting season, the entire site is likely used by foraging individuals of this species. Based on the suitability of the willow riparian vegetation on and adjacent to the survey area for least Bell s vireo, the site may be occupied by this species during the nesting season. Thus, protocol surveys should be completed in the spring for this listed species. The southwestern willow flycatcher is not expected to nest on or immediately adjacent to the site. The willow riparian vegetation did not appear extensive enough to harbor this listed species. Therefore, protocol surveys are not recommended at this time. However, if a southwestern willow flycatcher is detected during the surveys for least Bell s vireo or other species outside the spring migration window for this species, surveys should be completed to ascertain the pair and nesting status of the observed bird. Based on the openness of the grassland and shrub dominated plant communities, the burrowing owl is anticipated to occupy the site, at least on a seasonal basis. Whether or not the species is nesting on site needs to be determined. Therefore, surveys need to be completed in the spring for this species of special concern. CONCLUSION Suitable habitat occurs within the survey area of the proposed project for Quino checkerspot butterfly, arroyo toad, least Bell s vireo and burrowing owl. Therefore, formal surveys should be completed for these species. Although likely present during migration, suitable nesting habitat does not appear to occur on site for the southwestern willow flycatcher and surveys are not recommended. 12 D7-12

15 LITERATURE CITED California Department of Fish and Game. 2009c. Special Animals (901 Taxa). Biogeographic Data Branch, California Natural Diversity Data Base. March Holland, R. F Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California Department of Fish and Game, Non-game Heritage Program, Sacramento, CA. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; determination of endangered status for the least Bell s vireo. Federal Register 51: Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; determination of threatened status for the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica); final rule. Federal Register: March 25, 1993 (Volume 58), page a. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; determination of endangered status for the arroyo southwestern toad (Bufo microscaphus californicus); final rule. Federal Register: December 16, 1994 (Volume 59), page b. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; designation of critical habitat for the least Bell s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus); final rule. Federal Register: February 2, 1994 (Volume 59, No. 22), pages Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; final rule determining endangered status for the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus). Federal Register February 27, 1995 (Volume 60: No. 38), pages Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; determination of endangered status for the Laguna Mountains skipper and Quino checkerspot butterfly; final rule. Federal Register: January 16, 1997 (Volume 62, No. 11), pages Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; final determination of critical habitat for the coastal California gnatcatcher; final rule. Federal Register: October 24, 2000 (Volume 65, No. 206), pages Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; designation of critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino); final rule. Federal Register: April 15, 2002 (Volume 67, No. 72), pages a. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; final designation of critical habitat for the arroyo toad (Bufo californicus); final rule. Federal Register: April 13, 2005 (Volume 70, No. 70), pages b. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; final designation of critical habitat for the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus); final rule. Federal Register: October 19, 2005 (Volume 70, No. 201), pages D7-13

16 Literature Cited (Cont.) Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; final designation of critical habitat for the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica); final rule. Federal Register: December 19, 2007 (Volume 72, No. 243), pages Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; revised designation of critical habitat for the Quino Checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino); final rule. Federal Register: June 17, 2009 (Volume 74, No. 115), pages D7-14

County of Riverside - PSEC Project General Habitat Assessment Appendix A

County of Riverside - PSEC Project General Habitat Assessment Appendix A Lake Elsinore Lake Elsinore The Lake Elsinore study area is located in the hills directly adjacent to Lake Elsinore, in the City