HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRAFT_BRA_Crocker_3745 Sueldo St.,10&11_City of SLO_Reduced
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT
Prepared by:
STORAGE FACILITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
3745 Sueldo Street, Lots 10 & 11
City of San Luis Obispo
(APNs 053-251-083, -084)
Axon Biological Consulting, LLC 1660 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA (805) 215-8089 ken@axonbiological.com
December 1, 2023
Prepared for:
Theodore Crocker
Darme Holding Co., Inc.
7036 Valley Greens Circle
Carmel, CA 93923
C/O: Julie McGeever
Julie@hbarchitects.com
805.452.1951
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Biological Resources Assessment
3745 Sueldo Street
City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Ken Wimer
Principal Biologist
Axon Biological Consulting, LLC
Axon Biological Consulting, LLC has prepared this Biological Resource Assessment (BRA) for the property located at
3745 Sueldo Street., City of San Luis Obispo, California (APNs 053-251-083, -084). As the qualified lead field biologist, I
hereby certify that I was present throughout the site visit associated with this report and that the statements furnished in
this report and associated maps are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Signature Date
12/1/2023
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Biological Resource Assessment has been prepared for Mr. Theadore Crocker in support of the Major Development
Review entitlement package for proposed storage facility development (Project) at 3745 Sueldo St./250 Tank Rd., City of
San Luis Obispo (City), San Luis Obispo County (County), California (Property) (APNs 053-251-083, -084), as well as to
comply with provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The proposed Project includes a five-unit
114,310 square foot self-storage facility, as well as a 2,360-ft.2 manager’s building (office and apartment); several of which
will be two-storied, including the managers building. Also included are onsite electrical, water, sewer, and drainage
infrastructure (i.e., underground infiltration system and bio filter), as well as landscaping and hardscape (e.g., fire lane,
parking area, patio, accessibility lane, etc.) (Development Area).
Prior to field surveys, a literature review was performed which included online text and geospatial databases, published
lists, existing technical reports, and local planning documents. On November 20, 2023, Axon Biologist, Ken Wimer,
conducted a field survey of the Development Area, as well as a 200-ft. walking and visual buffer. The survey was conducted
by mapping vegetation communities/cover types, compiling an inventory of observed plant and wildlife species, taking
photographs of general site conditions, and inspecting for any other sensitive resources in the vicinity, including potential
jurisdictional waters. As observed, there are four native vegetation communities, as well as two non-native and one
anthropogenic cover type not described by any vegetation classification scheme within the survey area. These were
classified as Mixed Riparian Woodland, Arroyo Willow Thickets, Coyote Brush Scrub: Disturbed, Palustrine Non-
Persistent Emergent Vernal Swale/Pool, Wild Oats and Annual Brome Grasslands, Ruderal, and Anthropogenic. Several
of these occur in the grater survey area, outside of the Property, while the Property itself is comprised almost entirely of
non-native annual grasslands. Three Sensitive Natural Communities were identified at the association level, all outside the
Property, as well as several state and federal Wetland and Non-Wetland Waters of the U.S./State in the greater survey
area, also outside of the Property. These included previously mapped wetlands on the Chevron-owned Tank Farm
Remediation Site, as well as riparian vegetation associated with West Fork Tank Farm Creek.
The Property generally consists of poor/marginal quality habitat, having been intensively disturbed during prior
agricultural uses and remediation; however, some habitat has since returned, and signs of wildlife usage was evident.
Further, the Property is immediately west/adjacent to the Chevron Tank Farm Site where sensitive resources of been
extensively documented, including state and federal jurisdictional waters and several special-status plant and wildlife species
in close proximity to the property. No special-status plant or wildlife species were observed during the November 20
survey; however, it was completed outside of the typical blooming season and no focused wildlife surveys were conducted.
As such, a moderate/high potential remains for the Property to support four special-status plant species and 12 special-
status wildlife species.
Recommendations are provided in Section 8.0 to avoid/minimize impacts to Sensitive Natural Communities, City-
protected trees, and special-status species, including a recommendation for a follow-up spring botanical survey.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION……………………………………………………………………………….. 2
3.0 PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING…………………………………………………….. 4
4.0 DESKTOP REVIEW………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
5.0 SURVEY METHODOLOGY……………………………………………………………………………... 7
6.0 FINDINGS…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
6.1 Streams and Wetlands…………………………………………………………………………………… 9
6.1.1 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdiction…………………………………………………………..10
6.1.2 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Jurisdiction……………………………………………...10
6.1.3 Regional Waters Quality Control Board Jurisdiction…………………………………………………. 11
6.1.4 City Creek Ordinance………………………………………………………………………………... 12
6.2 Vegetation………………………………………………………………………………………………...12
6.3 Protected Trees…………………………………………………………………………………………...15
6.4 Sensitive Habitats………………………………………………………………………………………...15
6.4.1 Sensitive Natural Communities……………………………………………………………………………16
6.4.2 Critical Habitat……………………………………………………………………………………………. 16
6.5 Common Wildlife…………………………………………………………………………………………16
6.6 Special-Status Species……………………………………………………………………………………16
6.6.1 Special-Status Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens………………………………………………….. 17
6.6.2 Special-Status Wildlife……………………………………………………………………………………..18
6.6.3 Migratory Corridors……………………………………………………………………………………….21
7.0 IMPACT DISCUSSION. ………………………………………………………………………….………. 24
8.0 IMPACT AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURES………………………………………...27
8.1 Special-Status Plants………………………………………………………………………………………....27
8.2 Nesting Birds………………………………………………………………………………………………...27
8.3 Bumble Bees…………………………………………………………………………………………………28
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8.4 Other Special-Status Species…………………………………………………………………… 28
8.5 Sensitive Natural Communities………………………………………………………………… 29
8.6 Protected Trees……………………………………………………………………………………………... 30
9.0 REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………………………….31
FIGURES
Figure 2-1. Project Site
Figure 6-1. National Wetlands Inventory
Figure 6-2. Jurisdictional Waters Resources
Figure 6-3. Vegetation Communities
Figure 6-4. Special-Status Species Documented within the BSA
Figure 7-1. Impact Analysis
APPENDICES
Appendix A – Plant Inventory
Appendix B – NRCS Soils Report
Appendix C – Site Photographs
Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables
Appendix E – Resume
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Axon Biological Consulting (Axon) has prepared this Biological Resources Assessment (BRA) on behalf of Theadore
Crocker (Client) for the proposed development of self-storage facility and manager’s unit/apartment (Project) on two
existing subdivided parcels located at 3745 Sueldo St./250 Tank Rd., City of San Luis Obispo (City), San Luis Obispo
County, California (Property) (APNs 053-251-083, -084).
Per the Pre-Application Meeting Letter (PRE-0365-2023) dated August 21, 2023 (City, 2023), a Mitigated Negative
Declaration (MND) (ER 65-14) (City, 2015) was prepared for the initial subdivision of the tract; however, the MND did
not account for potential impacts to sensitive biological resources which may result from development of the parcels. As
such, this BRA is intended to provide supporting documentation for the Project Major Development Review entitlement
package and to comply with provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It includes a summary of
desktop and field survey methodology, findings, potential impacts, and impact avoidance/minimization recommendations.
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2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed Project consists of a five-unit 114,310 square foot (ft.2) self-storage facility, as well as a 2,360-ft.2 manager’s
building (office and apartment); several of which will be two-storied, including the managers building. Plans include onsite
electrical, water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure (i.e., underground infiltration system and bio filter), as well as
landscaping and hardscape (e.g., fire lane, parking area, patio, accessibility lane, etc.) (Development Area); however, the
Property is located within a subdivision with existing paved roads, curbs, gutters, and utilities stubbed at the Property line,
and will be accessed from the west via two entry aprons along Sueldo St. (refer to Figure 2-1. Project Site below). The
Client is also requesting a lot line adjustment or merger of parcels.
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3.0 PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The broader Project region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with the coastal influence of the Pacific Ocean to
the west and warmer/dryer inland valleys to the east. Outside of the urbanized City center the landscape is typified by
rolling hills, volcanic plugs, streams, floodplains, and moderately steep ridges and valleys, with the Santa Lucia and Irish
Hills Ranges to the north and South, respectively. Vegetation broadly consists of a mosaic of fire adapted coastal scrub,
chapparal, oak woodland, mixed riparian, and grassland communities; within each are diverse ecosystems stratified by
proximity to the coast, slope aspect, elevation, and local factors such as soils and hydrology; much of which has
undergone some degree of anthropogenic alteration by past and present uses, such as mining, cattle ranching, or farming.
The Property is located the within the San Luis Obispo United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute quadrangle,
Section 2, Township 31, South, Range 12, in the incorporated City and Airport Area Specific Plan Area (AASP). The
Property is generally flat, and vegetation consists primarily of annual grasses and ruderal forbs, with some scattered native
shrubs. It is zoned for Commercial Services, as are parcels to the north, south, and west which all contain some degree of
existing development. One parcel immediately west is still being used for agricultural row crops and one to the northwest
which aligns with West Fork Tank Farm Creek is zoned for Conservation/Open Space. The parcel to the east is the
northern side of the 336-acre Chevron-owned Tank Farm Remediation Site (Tank Farm) and a City Development Plan
proposes future uses to include commercial and industrial, as well as 250 ac. of conserved open space. An Environmental
Impact Report has been prepared and finalized by the City (MRS, 2013) which includes a BRA prepared by Padre
Associates, Inc. (Padre, 2013). In it, they compile findings from several prior biological and hydrological studies and
describe a complex mosaic of natural and man-made habitats, including those that support local, state, and federally
protected plant and wildlife species, as well jurisdictional water features.
Habitat within the subject Property is of much lower quality than that of the neighboring Tank Farm, as it had long been
cleared and cultivated prior to being remediated with imported and engineered soils; however, after having been left idle
for two years some vegetation has returned, and signs of wildlife usage is evident. It is also important to consider nearby
resources, such as those on the Tank Farm, when assessing potential of occurrence for certain species, particularly those
that are highly transitory or may be indirectly impacted by Project activities.
Other variables that affect a site’s habitat suitability include soils, topography, and elevation. The USGS has mapped soil
within the Property as “Marimel sandy clay loam, occasionally flooded” which compares to the City-mapped soil layer;
however, it is unclear if soils would still fit this classification, as they have been imported and heavily altered as part of past
remediation activities, which may include altered drainage qualities. Refer to Appendix A - NRCS Soils Report for a
description of the mapped USGS soil series. Topography within the Property is generally flat with elevations range from
122 ft. to 125 ft. and generally slopes to the southeast.
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4.0 DESKTOP REVIEW
Prior to field surveys, a desktop literature review was performed which included online text and geospatial databases,
published lists, and planning documents. Several of these resources are described in greater detail below.
The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (IREP) is considered the most
authoritative resource for rare, threatened, and endangered plant species in California and is widely used by resource
professionals to assess potential for occurrence, impact risks, and conservation priorities at the site, regional, and state
level. There are currently 2,000 species listed in the IREP, which include not only state and federally listed threatened and
endangered species, but also those with limited distribution, requiring more information, or thought to already be extinct;
each of which is assigned a California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) by CNPS. Beginning as six print editions and now an
online database, the IREP maintains and continuously updates relevant information for these species, including
conservation status, ecology, occurrence data (distribution), and known threats. That said, the IREP may not include
species that are generally abundant throughout the state but are nevertheless declining in localized regions. As such, it
should always be used in conjunction with lists of locally rare species when available (CNPS, 2023).
The CNDDB is overseen by the non-profit organization, NatureServe, and administered by the California Department of
Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). It is considered a “natural heritage program” and provides locational and ecological
information, as well as conservation statuses, for plants, wildlife, bryophytes, and lichens that have been deemed a
conservation priority by one or more agencies or organizations. These include state and federally listed threatened and
endangered species as well as all plants with a CRPR. Collectively, these are referred to by environmental professionals as
special-status species.
Also included in the CNDDB are sensitive natural communities, though this is considered “legacy data,” as the community
classification standards and nomenclature are based on the now-disused “Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial
Natural Communities of California (Holland, 1986). Refer to Section 6.2.1 for more information on these classification
standards.
Two subscription-based options are provided by CDFW for accessing text and spatial CNDDB data online: 1) Rarefind
5, a downloadable database containing location and ecological information for special-status species and sensitive
communities (CDFW, 2023b), and 2) the Biographic Information and Observation System (BIOS), a Geographic
Information System (GIS)-enabled spatial analysis tool (CDFW, 2023a).
The Web Soil Survey (WSS) is a GIS-enabled online tool managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) NRCS.
It provides geospatial and tabular data from more than 3200 soil surveys nationwide. It is used by public, private, and non-
profit entities for identifying soil types and characteristics for a variety of uses. As a biological assessment tool, it is
particularly useful in delineating wetlands and as a variable in determining potential of occurrence for specific plant species
(USDA, 2019).
Other sources reviewed include historical aerial imagery (Netronline, 2019; Earth, 2023), topographic maps (Earth Point,
2023), the USFWS Critical Habitat web application (USFWS, 2023), City Parcel Viewer interactive map (City, n.d.), County
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Department of Planning and Building Land Use View web application (County, n.d.), the City Municipal Code (City, 2023),
and various technical reports prepared for surrounding properties.
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5.0 SURVEY METHODOLOGY
Axon Biologist, Ken Wimer, conducted field surveys at the Property on November 20, 2023. Weather conditions were
clear with good visibility, low wind (<5mph), no precipitation, and a temperature of approximately 62֯ Fahrenheit. Survey
limitations included being outside of the typical blooming period for most regional special-status plants, normal variability
in climatic factors (e.g., annual precipitation, temperature, etc.), past mowing within the Property, and inaccessibility within
surrounding private properties.
The biological survey area (BSA) encompassed the proposed Development Area, as well as a 200-ft. walking and visual
buffer. The buffer size was selected based on a potential defensible space requirement of at least 100 ft. around the
habitable structures, as well as to better assess surrounding vegetation structure and potential for special-status species
occurrence with the Disturbance Area/defensible space. The survey was conducted by walking meandering transects
throughout the BSA and visually observing inaccessible areas/private property with 10X40 binoculars while compiling an
inventory of all observed plant species (refer to Attachment B – Plant Inventory), mapping vegetation communities, and
inspecting for other sensitive resources, such as City protected trees and potential jurisdictional streams/wetlands.
Photographs were also taken of general site conditions and vegetation distribution (refer to Attachment C – Site
Photographs). Resources were mapped using a combination of aerial imagery and a Jumper Systems Geode GNS2 sub-
meter accuracy global positioning system (GPS), as well as the ArcGIS Field Maps mobile application. Mapped features
were later digitized using ArcGIS Pro desktop Geographic Information System (GIS) software.
The survey was conducted in accordance with relevant guidance from agencies and professional organizations for
conducting rare and protected plant inventories (USFWS, 2020; CDFW, 2018; and CNPS, 2001), including visiting
reference populations for select relevant species during the 2023 spring growing season; however, the November field
surveys were conducted outside of the typical blooming period for most regional special-status plant species.
While all potentially occurring special-status plants and habitats were inspected for, particular focus was paid to those that
warrant consideration under CEQA. These include species listed as threatened, endangered, or candidates under the
State/Federal Endangered Species Acts (CESA/FESA), species on CRPR Lists 1 and 2, and Sensitive Natural
Communities with State Ranks of 1 through 3. Whenever possible, given seasonal timing, unfamiliar plants were identified
to their lowest taxonomic level using dichotomous treatments from The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California,
Second Edition (Baldwin et al., 2012).
Inspection for jurisdictional Wetland and Non-Wetland Waters of the U.S/State included a combination of existing
technical reports, field observations, topographic maps, aerial imagery, and online datasets. While formal wetland
delineation surveys were completed, qualitative assessment of potential waters was performed using indicators described
in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid
West Region and A Field Guide to the Identification of the Ordinary High Water mark (OHWM) in the Arid West Region of the Western
United States, as well as the USACE OHWM Datasheet and Wetland Determination Data Form. One soil pit was dug
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within an area containing hydrophytic vegetation to inspect for primary or secondary indicators of hydric soils and wetland
hydrology.
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6.0 FINDINGS
The following is a summary of desktop review and field survey findings. Combined, the findings were used to determine
the likelihood that sensitive resources may occur within the BSA and/or be impacted by Project activities.
6.1 Streams and Wetlands
The Property is within the Lower San Luis Obispo Creek Watershed, Hydrological Unit Code (HUC) 180600060702. The
USFWS NWI online Wetland Mapper depicts two wetlands within the BSA, east/outside of the Property boundary, which
it classifies as palustrine with persistent emergent vegetation and that is seasonally flooded (refer to Figure 6-1. National
Wetlands Inventory at the end of this section).
The NWI wetlands are contained within neighboring former tank rings and not visible from the Property; however, based
on the author’s observations, having worked at the Tank Farm for several years, the mapped locations are generally
accurate, though the precise extent may not be. They are also generally consistent with findings of past technical studies
prepared for the site (Padre WSP, 2008a; 2008b).
The West Fork of Tank Farm Creek, which originates in the South Hills Open Space to the north, also intersects the BSA,
off-parcel, before entering the Tank Farm. This creek is depicted as a tributary to SLO Creek, a Traditionally Navigable
Water (TNW), in the City General Plan. In addition to being historically channelized for agricultural purposes, the creek
was heavily modified in 2011/2012, including widening and the addition of spillway and stone riprap; presumably to
accommodate runoff from future business park uses to the east, as indicated by the zoning classification, and to reduce
sediment/flow volumes before entering the Tank Farm. Based on the creek’s alignment, there is currently no continuous
surface connection between it and the Property.
There is a small amount of riparian woodland which aligns with Tank Farm Creek just off-parcel to the northeast. This
vegetation appears on aerial imagery around 2016 and may be the result of longer duration inundation upstream of the
spillway, restorative planting, and/or ceasing of routine clearing associated with prior agricultural uses. There is also a
stand of arroyo willow tees (Salix laseolepis) that abuts the norther Property boundary, but that does not appear to be
associated with the creek. Rather, it may be the result of mesic conditions created by local relief and/or irrigation runoff
from adjacent commercial properties (the tree stand is defined in Section 6.2 as Arroyo Willow Thickets and is referred to
herein as such).
There are no potential jurisdictional features on the Property, and no direct impacts are proposed within previously
mapped features outside of the Property. As such, the discussion below is intended as an assessment of whether
hydrophytic vegetation (Arroyo Willow Thickets) which abuts the northern Property line indicates an “adjacent”
jurisdictional wetland, and for setback/avoidance purposes only. No surface water was observed within the BSA during
the field surveys.
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6.1.1 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdiction
The USACE regulates the discharge of dredged or fill materials into Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) pursuant to Section 404
of the Clean Water Act. The Code of Federal Regulations provides a definition of WOTUS which is paraphrased here as
TNWs, relatively permanent (at least intermittent) tributaries to TNWs, and wetlands adjacent to these waters, where
wetlands are defined as “those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration
sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for
life in saturated soil conditions. 1” A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, Sackett v. EPA, revised the definition of the
WOTUS to define the term “adjacent” to mean “having a continuous surface connection” as it pertains to wetlands. The
final ruling went into effect September 8, 2023.
The USACE uses three-parameter methodology for determining the jurisdictional limits of Wetland WOTUS, which
includes sampling for indicators of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology.
Potential Waters of the United States
The palustrine wetlands mapped inside the former tank rings were previously identified as Wetland WOTUS (Padre WSP,
2008a). Following Sackett v. EPA, it is unclear if they still meet the requirement of a continuous surface connection to a
TNW or relatively permanent tributary to a TNW, and therefore, if they would still maintain their federal wetland status.
There are no proposed impacts to the wetland locations, however, so for the purpose of this report their status is presumed
to be unchanged.
A preliminary desktop assessment of the creek indicates that it is more likely ephemeral than intermittent based on its
location in the upper reach of the system, and similar environmental context as the East Fork which Avocet
Environmental, Inc. (2009) has previously indicated is ephemeral. It is, therefore, not expected to be a Non-Wetland
(tributary) WOTUS, though, urban runoff and recent alterations may have increased flow volumes and duration, as
evidenced by the presence of hydrophytic vegetation.2
There is no continuous surface connection between the creek and the Arroyo Willow Thicket and, therefore, the thicket
is not believed to be a Wetland WOTUS, regardless of whether other sampling parameters are met.
6.1.2 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Jurisdiction
Pursuant to the California Fish and Game Code (FGC), CDFW has jurisdictional authority over Wetland and Non-
Wetland Waters of the State (WOTS) associated with rivers, streams, and lakes. Under Sections 1600–1616, CDFW has
authority over any project that will: 1. substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow of any river, stream, or lake, 2.
substantially change or use any material from the bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake, or 3. deposit or dispose
1 88 FR 6196440
2 Hydrophytic species status based on the USACE Arid West Wetland Plant List. Species classified as Obligate (OBL), Facultative Wetland (FACW), or Facultative
(FAC) are considered hydrophytic, while facultative Upland (FACU) and Upland (UPL) are not.
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of debris, waste, or other material containing crumbled, flaked, or ground pavement where it may pass into any river,
stream, or lake.
It has been common practice for delineators to apply the stream definition found in Title 14, Section 1.72, of the California
Code of Regulations, which states that a stream: “flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel
having banks and supports fish and other aquatic life, including watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that
supports or has supported riparian vegetation.” Under current regulatory guidance in Central and Southern California,
however, CDFW often extends their jurisdiction to include many types of ephemeral drainages with/without aquatic
wildlife, hydrophytic vegetation, or indicators of intermittent flow as qualifiers. In this case, their jurisdiction within the
BSA would extend to any physical or biological indicators of water confinement, which may include vegetation
density/alignment (hydrophytic or otherwise), top of bank (TOB), or other more subtle geomorphic/biophysical
gradients. The CDFW provides additional clarification on their Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement (LSAA)
Program webpage that LSAA notifications are required for streams that are “ephemeral/episodic.”
Whereas the USACE’s and RWQCB’s primary interests in these resources are interstate commerce and water quality,
respectively, CDFW’s interest is in the conservation of all flora and fauna dependent on them. Considering this, ephemeral
sources of fresh water tend to support higher relative biodiversity and are critical sources of freshwater for flora and fauna
in dryland environments, such as the Arid West. Ephemeral headwaters are also critical for the functioning of downstream
systems through contribution of flow volume and nutrients.
In addition, CDFW uses a one-parameter delineation standard for determining the extent of their jurisdiction over
wetlands adjacent to Non-Wetland WOTS.
6.1.1 Regional Waters Quality Control Board Jurisdiction
The State Water Resources Control Board (WRCB) and nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) were
established under the Porter Water Quality Act (Porter-Cologne) to oversee discharge to State water resources. Pursuant
to Section 401 of Porter-Cologne, the RWQCB issues water quality certifications for projects that may result in discharges
to Waters of the State (WOTS). In 2019 the SWRCB adopted a definition of wetlands under their jurisdiction and a process
for delineating them (SWRCB, 2019). In summary, their jurisdiction coincides with that of the USACE, with the exception
of isolated wetlands not adjacent to WOTUS which they do assert jurisdiction over, and they recommend using the
USACE three-parameter delineation methodology. They go onto clarify that WOTS include all WOTUS and specify
certain artificial isolated wetlands that are not WOTS.
Potential Waters of the State
Based on the above, CDFW jurisdiction is expected to include the West Fork of Tank Farm Creek streambed (i.e., Non-
Wetland WOTS), as well as all riparian vegetation beyond the top of bank. The Arroyo Willow Thicket that abuts the
Property does not appear to be related to the creek’s riparian vegetation based on its isolated nature, but rather the result
of mesic conditions created by local relief/irrigation runoff.
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No USACE Wetland Data Forms were completed; however, a soil pit was dug to approximately 20 inches in/near the
Arroyo Willow Thicket, and the area did not display any primary/secondary indicators for hydric soil or wetland hydrology.
As such, it is not expected to be a RWQCB jurisdictional feature.
Non-Jurisdictional Waters
There is a north-to-south linear depressional features immediately east and southeast of the Property that appear to have
been designed to capture stormwater runoff from the subdivision (Stormwater Basin). It is underlain with gravel and
connected to a nearly identical basin to the south via culvert. In addition, it has a concrete spillway with stone riprap
leading to the Tank Farm. Based on previous wetland mapping within the Tank Farm (Padre WSP, 2008a), there is no
continuous surface connection between the feature and federal waters; therefore, it is not expected to be a Wetland
WOTUS. Further, based on the WRCB’s exceptions for certain artificial depressions, the feature is not expected to be an
isolated Wetland WOTS. The area containing Arroyo Willow Thickets is also not expected to be a Wetland
WOTUS/WOTS, as stated above.
Refer to Figure 6-2 – Jurisdictional Water Resources below for limits of mapped Wetland and Non-Wetland
WOTUS/WOTS.
6.1.2 City Creek Ordinance
The City of SLO regulates all perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams within its boundaries. Per Section 17.70.030
of the City General Plan, creek avoidance setbacks apply to “all creeks as defined in the General Plan Open Space Element
and shown on that element’s creek map, and only to those creeks.” Setback measurements are summarized here as being
“from the existing top of bank (or the future top of bank resulting from a creek alteration reflected in a plan approved by
the city), or from the edge of the predominant pattern of riparian vegetation, whichever is farther from the creek flow
line.” It states that the Director [or Natural Resource] will not base the setback line on individual trees or branches
extending out from the channel or on small gaps in vegetation extending toward the channel. As applicable to this Project,
setback distances for creeks not listed in subsections E(2)(a) and (b) are to be 20 ft.
Tank Farm Creek and its branches are depicted in the City General Plan Open Space Element and are not included in
subsections E(2)(a) and (b). As such, the setback distance is 20 ft. from the predominant pattern of riparian vegetation.
For setback purposes, the patch of arroyo willows abutting the Property edge can be considered isolated away from
predominant pattern of riparian vegetation and not subject to the setback defined under this provision, though avoidance
is still recommended for reasons described in Sections 6.3 and 6.2.1 below.
The Project Site/Property is greater than 20 ft. from the creek’s riparian vegetation.
6.2 Vegetation
The National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS) is the current standard used by agencies, organizations, and
professionals to classify vegetative communities in California. The alliance nomenclature developed using the NVCS was
first published in the Manual of California Vegetation, now in its second edition (MCVII) (Sawyer et al., 2009). In addition
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to printed versions, this nomenclature can be referenced through the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation Online and
CDFW Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program (VegCAMP) online. Communities that do not conform to any
alliance are classified using the Holland (1986) system.
Prior to remedial grading and soil engineering in 2018, the Property had been consistently tilled and kept under row crops
at least as far back as 1956 which is responsible for low natural recruitment of native vegetation to-date. Using descriptions
in the MCVII and Holland classification systems, vegetation within the BSA is divided into two native communities and
one non-native community. In addition, to be consistent with previous off-parcel mapping conducted by Padre (2008a),
classification of wetland vegetation on the Tank Farm conforms to the system developed for streams and wetlands in
Central and Southern California by Ferren et al. (1996). There are also two anthropogenic cover types not described in
either system. Each of these are discussed further below.
Wild Oats and Annual Brome Grasslands (Avena spp. - Bromus spp. Herbaceous Semi-Natural Alliance)
The MCVII describes this non-native alliance having wild oats or annual brome as dominant or co-dominant with other
non-native species in the herbaceous layer, such as creeping saltbush (Atriplex semibaccata), redstem filaree (Erodium
cicutarium), wild barley (Hordeum spp.), etc. Scattered shrubs and trees may be present, and cover is open to continuous
(Sawyer et al., 2009).
Within the BSA, this alliance is dominated by non-native ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) and slender wild oat (Avena barbata)
with components of non-native black mustard (Brassica nigra), cheeseweed (Malva parviclora), Harding grass (Phalaris
aquatica), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) in the herbaceous layer. Scattered coyote brush
(Baccharis pilularis) is present as a minor component in the shrub layer. It comprises most of the vegetation within BSA at
6.04 ac.; 2.91 of which are on-parcel.
Coyote Brush Scrub (Baccharis pilularis Shrubland Alliance): Disturbed
The MCVII describes this alliance as having coyote brush, coffeeberry (Frangula californica), and/or silk tassel (Garrya
elliptica) as dominant to co-dominant in the shrub canopy with components that may include California sagebrush (Artemisia
californica), monkeyflower (Diplacus aurantiacus), coast buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and seaside woolly sunflower
(Eriophyllum staechadifolium). Scattered trees may also be present, including coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) and California bay
(Umbellularia californica) (Sawyer et al., 2009).
Within the BSA, this alliance occurs in a narrow strip along the eastern Property boundary. Other species in the shrub
layer are limited to a single coffeeberry, while the understory is variable with several species of non-native grasses and
ruderal forbs. Scattered coyote brush was observed elsewhere in the BSA; however, due to its low cover it was included
as a component of other alliances. A modifier of “disturbed” has been added, as this mid-successional alliance would likely
be more widespread throughout the BSA without mowing, or in the case of Tank Farm, without cattle grazing. It comprises
0.13 ac. within the BSA, 0.7 of which is on-parcel.
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Mixed Riparian Woodland
This Holland (1986) community aligns with West Fork Tank Farm Creek in the northeast corner of the BSA. The dense
tree canopy may or may not be a mixture of planted and naturally recruited native trees, based on how quickly they seem
to have appeared on historical aerial imagery. It is a mixture of arroyo willow, coast live oak, box elder (Acer negundo), and
at least one western sycamore (Platanus racemosa). The understory appeared to be a mixture of coyote brush, annual grasses,
and ruderal forbs.
Within the BSA, this community comprises 0.21 acres, entirely off-parcel.
Arroyo Willow Thickets (Salix lasiolepis Shrubland Alliance)
This alliance is dominated or co-dominated by arroyo willow in the tall shrub or low tree canopy with components that
may include coyote brush, mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), dogwood (Cornus sericea), western sycamore (Platanus racemose),
Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), and other willows (Salix spp.). As a shrubland,
emergent trees may be present at low cover.
Within the BSA this alliance forms a dense thicket adjacent to the northern Property boundary with a high component of
coyote brush in the shrub layer. It appears as somewhat isolated from the Mixed Riparian Woodland to the northeast;
however, it looks as though some maintenance clearing around a nearby gate may be responsible for the gap. The area is
also identified as a public access easement on the Project plans which may entail periodic clearing. It comprises 0.4 ac.
within the BSA, entirely off-parcel (Sawyer et al., 2009).
Palustrine Non-Persistent Emergent Vernal Swale/Pool
Based on Padre’s 2008 assessment there a wide variety of seasonal wet meadow communities throughout the Tank Farm,
and within the BSA, this includes Palustrine Non-Persistent Emergent Vernal Swale/Pool as defined by Ferren et al.
(1996). Collectively, the seasonal wetland meadows were documented as having components of “saltgrass (Distichlis spicata),
spikerush (Eleocharis macrostachya), beardgrass (Polypogon monspeliensis), tall flatsedge (Cyperus eragrostis), brass buttons (Cotula
coronopifolia), rush (Juncus spp.), curly dock (Rumex crispus), and cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium).” Other components
commonly included “bristly ox tongue (Helminthotheca echioides), meadow barley (Hordeum brachyantherum), and Congdon’s
tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii) (Padre WSP, 2008c).
Within the BSA, this community is found within the former tank rings east of/outside the Property and aligns with the
Wetland WOTUS/WOTS mapped by Padre. It comprises 0.08 ac., entirely off-parcel.
Ruderal
This predominantly non-native cover type does not conform to any alliances/communities; rather, it refers to the often-
herbaceous species that are first to colonize land disturbed by natural or human causes, or species adapted to negatively
altered growing conditions, such as compacted soils or imported fill soil. Within the BSA, it is comprised of an assemblage
of early- to mid-successional non-native grasses and forbs. These include wild oat, annual brome, sow thistle, redstem
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filaree (Erodium cicutarium), Russian thistle, and nettle-leaved goosefoot (Chonopodiastrum murale), and an unidentified non—
native grass varietal.
Within the BSA, this cover type occurs within the stormwater catchment basins, around the neighboring Chevron office,
and adjacent to a playground in the northwest corner of the BSA. It comprises 0.55 ac., entirely off-parcel.
Anthropogenic
For the purpose of this Report, a distinction has not been made between developed land and ornamental landscaping;
rather, a combining classification of “Anthropogenic” is used to describe all structures, hardscape, and ornamental
landscaping. Within the BSA, this includes Sueldo St., Vanguard Way, parking lots, commercial buildings, and landscaped
strips. Native and non-native ornamental species observed, include coast live oak, Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa),
Japanese cheeswood (Pittosporum tobira), and western sycamore. It comprises 2.52 ac. within the BSA, 0.2 of which are on-
parcel.
For the locations of these cover types, please refer to Figure 6-1. Vegetation Communities at the end of this section.
6.3 Protected Trees
The City prioritizes tree preservation whenever possible through a removal permitting process with native species given a
higher priority than non-native. Section 12.24.090(B) states that “no person shall cut down, remove or destroy any tree,
or cause the cutting down, removal or destruction of any tree, unless that person has obtained a tree removal permit issued
by the approving authority,” with certain exceptions for R-1 and R-2 residential properties. The City does not define a
sphere of influence relative to trunk or dripline that is considered to be a “protection zone”.
There are no native or non-native trees within the Property. There are several arroyo willow trees just to the north, but
their driplines do not appear to overhang the Property. Avoidance measures for protected trees are nevertheless provided
in Section 8.0 – Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures.
6.4 Sensitive Habitats
Natural Community nomenclature is based on the “Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of
California” (Holland 1986). Through its Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program (VegCAMP), CDFW ranks
Natural Communities and corresponding alliances and associations based on their rarity and threat level. Those with a
State Rank of S1-S3 are considered sensitive.
The USFWS designates Critical Habitat units for plant and wildlife species that are listed as threatened or endangered
under FESA. While Critical Habitat does not affect projects on private land where there is no federal nexus, the proximity
of a habitat unit is useful in determining potential for occurrence of a given species and whether the project may negatively
impact the long-term survival of the species.
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6.4.1 Sensitive Natural Communities
Based on a nine-quadrangle query of the CNDDB, there are five Sensitive Natural Communities documented within the
Project region. These include Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh, Coastal Brackish Marsh, Northern Coastal Salt Marsh,
Northern Interior Cypress Forest, Valley Needlegrass Grassland (CNDDB, 2023); none of which are present within the
BSA.
The Mixed Riparian Woodland northeast of the Property contains two Sensitive Natural Communities at the association
level, Platanus racemosa – Quercus agrifolia (CaCode 61.312.01) and Quercus agrifolia / Salix lasiolepis (CaCode 71.060.47). Arroyo
Willow Thickets are also a Sensitive Natural Community at the association level; Salix lasiolepis (CaCode 61.201.01)
No disturbance is proposed to Sensitive Natural Communities; however, avoidance measures are provided in Section 8.0
for the Arroyo Willow Thickets due to proximity.
6.4.2 Critical Habitat
The Property is not within USFWS Critical Habitat, with the nearest being that of California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii),
approximately 1.8 mi. to the north (USFWS, 2023).
6.5 Common Wildlife
The BSA provides habitat for a variety of common wildlife species, including fossorial small mammals, reptiles,
invertebrates, and transitory amphibians, as well as native ground, shrub, and tree nesting birds, including raptors.
Native and non-native wildlife species observed directly or indirectly (e.g., auditory cues, scat, skeletal remains, etc.) within
the BSA during the field survey included garden snail (Cornu aspersum), cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae), Sierran treefrog
(Pseudacris sierra), western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), Great Blue Geron (Ardea herodias)(G5/S4: nesting colonies),
Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata), Lincon’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii), Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya), Black Phoebe
(Sayornis nigricans), White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), Gold-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla), Song
Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulate), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula), California
Towhee (Melozone crissalis), Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii), Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), Turkey Vulture (Cathartes
aura), Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana), California Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma
californica), American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Eurasian Collard Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), California ground squirrel
(Otospermophilus beecheyi), desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), coyote (Canis latran),
and domestic dog (Canis familiaris).
6.6 Special-Status Species
A nine-quadrangle query of the CNDDB was conducted to cover the location of the BSA and adjacent region. These
include the San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay South, Morro Bay North, Atascadero, Santa Margarita, Lopez Mtn., Arroyo
Grande NE, Pismo Beach, Port San Luis. The results of the query were ranked on their potential to occur within the BSA
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based on habitat suitability, proximity of documented occurrences within five miles, and other ecological factors, such as
elevation and soil type. The rankings are defined as follows:
Present = Detected during site visit or known to occur within the BSA. Some wildlife species may only occur
transitorily and are not necessarily at risk of Project-related impacts.
High Potential = Species is documented within five miles of the BSA, and suitable habitat is present.
Moderate Potential = Species is documented within five miles of the BSA and/or the BSA contains marginal or poor
habitat.
Low Potential = Species may/may not be documented within five miles of the BSA, and no suitable habitat is
present, or vice versa.
Absent = Species are considered absent if they are: 1) endemic to specific habitats not found within the BSA (e.g.,
aquatic species being considered in upland settings), and/or 2) not observed during comprehensive botanical
inventory during appropriate blooming period(s), precluding significant confounding factors that may temporarily
affect growth.
Note: in the absence of confounding factors, some annual species may still maintain potential of occurrence due to
uncertainty surrounding normal seasonal fluctuations.
6.6.1 Special-Status Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens
With the exception of Southern California black walnut (CNPR 4.2) which occurs outside the Property line, no other
special-status plants or lichens were observed within the BSA; however, the survey was completed outside the blooming
season for the majority of regional species. Based on the desktop review, four special-status plant species still have a
moderate potential for occurrence within BSA, including the Property. These include Cambria morning-glory (Calystegia
subacaulis ssp. episcopalis), San Luis Obispo owl's-clover (Castilleja densiflora ssp. obispoensis), Congdon's tarplant (Centromadia
parryi ssp. congdonii), and Hoover's button-celery (Eryngium aristulatum var. hooveri). Refer to Attachment D – Special-Status
Species Tables for a summary of habitat requirements and ranking rationale, as well the brief discussion below.
Cambria Morning-Glory
Cambria morning glory is a perennial rhizomatous herb in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). It has a CNPR
Rank of 4.2 (i.e., limited distribution in the state) and is only known to occur in SLO County. It typically blooms from
April through June and habitat consists of grassland communities, as well as openings in shrub communities, typically in
clayey soil and often in recently disturbed sites if the seed bank remains intact. It is widespread throughout neighboring
Tank Farm, with the closest population approximately 1,150 ft. from the Property line.
San Luis Obispo Owl's Clover
San Luis Obispo owl’s clover is an annual herb in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). It has a CNPR rank of 1B.2 (i.e.,
fairly endangered in California) and is endemic to the County. It typically blooms March through June and habitat includes
mesic sites within grassland communities and often serpentine soils. It is widespread throughout the Tank Farm, including
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in non-serpentine clay soils, approximately 1, 200 ft. from the Property line.
Congdon's Tarplant
Congdon’s tarplant is an annual herb in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It has a CNPR rank of 1B.1 (i.e., seriously
threatened in California) and occurs from Yolo County to SLO County. It typically blooms from March through October
and habitat includes mesic sites in grassland communities, particularly on alkaline soils. It is widespread throughout the
Tank Farm within depressions/swales, approximately 220 ft. from the Property line.
Hoover’s Button-Celery
Hoover’s button-celery is an annual or perennial herb in the parsley family (Apiaceae). It has a CNPR rank of 1B.1 (i.e.,
seriously threatened in California) and occurs from south San Francisco Bay to SLO County. It typically blooms in June
and habitat includes mesic sites, such as vernal pools, alkaline depressions, and roadside ditches. It documented within the
Tank Farm, approximately 300 ft. from the Property line.
6.6.2 Special-Status Wildlife
No special-status wildlife species were observed during the November 20 survey; however, focused surveys were not
conducted and many species are cryptic or transitory. Further, despite the Property’s history of significant disturbance,
marginal habitat elements for native plants and wildlife have returned since completion of remediation activities. As such,
based on the literature review, there are 12 species with a moderate or high likelihood of occurring within the BSA. These
include, obscure bumble bee (Bombus caliginosus), Crotch bumble bees (B. caliginosus), western spadefoot toad (Spea
hammondii), Coast Range newt (Taricha torosa), Blainville’s horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii), Northern California legless
lizard (Anniella pulchra), burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), California horned lark
(Eremophila alpestris actia), merlin (Falco columbarius), loggerhead shrike (Lanus ludovicianus), and ferruginous hawk (Buteo
regalis). Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables, as well as the discussion below, provide a summary of habitat
requirements and ranking rationale.
Invertebrates
According to CDFW, overwintering habitat for North American bumble bees is poorly understood and, therefore, they
recommend against overwintering habitat assessments. That said, bumble bee queens are known to overwinter in annual
grassland and disturbed shrublands, often using small mammal burrows and leaf litter; all of which occur within the
Property. At least one preferred food genera for obscure bumble bee, Baccharis, is also found scattered throughout the BSA
(B. pilularis). In addition, both long and short tongue bumble bees are known to forage on variety of flowering plants,
outside of their preferred species. The dispersal range for overwintering queen bumble bees is also not well understood,
but available literature indicates they can disperse at least six miles, putting the Development Area within dispersal range
of documented occurrences.
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Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp
The potential for vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi), a Federally Threatened species, to occur within the Property
is considered low; however, because the Property, once developed, is intended to drain stormwater to an ephemeral pool
(stormwater basin) that is situated between the Property and occupied habitat, a more detailed discussion of potential is
provided below.
The VPFS is an aquatic invertebrate/crustacean in the Branchinectidae family that inhabits cool ephemeral pools in
grasslands, such as rock outcrops and pools formed by hardpan layers, typically with neutral to slightly alkaline pH, and
often with basalt or mud-lined bottoms. They are known to inhabit artificial pools, as well, including man-made swales
and roadside ditches with depths as shallow as three centimeters and hydroperiods just long enough for them to complete
their life cycle (i.e., 18-40 days). While VPFS have been documented in marginal habitats, vernal pool microhabitat has
several unique characteristics distinguishing it from other types of ephemeral pools; one of which is their ability to resist
invasion of non-native plants in the portions with prolonged inundation, with 75-90 percent of species being native
annuals, including emergent OBL species. The other is that they tend to exhibit all three USACE wetland parameters
during the rainy season, and only hydric soils in the dry season. Altered microhabitat, such as establishment of non-native
forbs resulting in thatch shading, as well as sedimentation from disturbed upland habitat, is negatively correlated with
vernal pool habitat quality (USFWS, 2005).
This species has been extensively documented throughout the Tank Farm property (Padre, 2013), including three occupied
pools between 100 and 175 ft. east of the Property. Two pools are contained within former tank rings and not
hydrologically connected to the Property. The third is outside/between the rings and could theoretically connect to the
basin during significant flood events; however, aerial imagery does not depict surface connectivity even during above
average rainfall periods, such as the 2022/2023 rainy season. Further, there are many instances of unoccupied pools next
to occupied ones throughout the Tank Farm, indicating that microhabitat is more closely correlated to suitability than
proximity. The detention basin and spillway were also designed to flow to the east, away from the Property, limiting
potential for westerly movement of cysts/shrimp (M. Craighead, Tank Farm VPFS Biologist, pers. comm., 2023).
Based on a lack of hydrologic connectivity to occupied vernal pools, as well as marginal/poor microhabitat elements,
including poor substrate (gravel fill) and substantial (>90 percent) non-native FACU and UPL species thatch cover, VPFS
have a low potential to occur within the basin. Further, the basin is outside the Property and no impacts are proposed
aside from receiving stormwater runoff, as designed. A similar spillway to the north currently conveys flow from a larger
watershed to the vernal pool complex via the more direct connection of West Fork Tank Farm Creek.
Amphibians
Much of the habitat within the Property may provide suitable upland dispersal habitat for amphibians between nearby
aquatic features, as well as estivation habitat. This is further evidenced by a Sierra tree frog observed midday in upland
habitat. Special-status amphibians with a moderate potential to occur within the BSA/Property include western spadefoot
toad (WST) and Coast Range newt (CRN). Neither of these are documented on the CNDDB within five miles; however,
a habitat suitability assessment conducted by Rincon (2003) determined there was suitable upland and aquatic habitat for
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WST within the Tank Farm, and regarding CRN, they are likely underreported to the CNDDB, as evidenced by
recreational and research grade observations on iNaturalist (iNaturalist, 2023). Known dispersal distances are 130 ft. for
WST and 2 mi. for CRN, and as such, the Property is within dispersal range from suitable aquatic habitat (Baumberger,
2009; NatureServe, 2023). No focused surveys have been conducted for either species within the Tank Farm.
In contrast, protocol-level surveys were completed for California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) (CRLF) on two occasions
within Tank Farm (Padre, 2008d; 2012b), both with negative findings. The nearest documented occurrence is
approximately 0.9 mi. southeast. Despite upland dispersal distances of up to two miles, there are significant migration
barriers between the Property and the occurrence location, including a continuous stretch of urban development and
several major roads. There are also occurrences with the main stem of SLO Creek which has tributary connectivity to the
Tank Farm; however, these tributaries were the focus of the protocol-level surveys and do not pass directly through the
Property. All considered, there is low potential for CRLF to occur within the Property.
Reptiles
Special-status reptiles with a moderate potential to occur within the BSA/Property include Blainville’s horned lizard and
Northern California legless lizard. Both species are associated with open stages of native vegetation, including coastal scrub
communities and/or mixed riparian. Microhabitat includes friable sandy/gravely soils, and in the case of Northern
California legless lizard, and high soil moisture and duff layer. While prevalence of these species tends to decrease with
habitat fragmentation/degradation, such as the type seen in the BSA, the scattered Coyote Brush Scrub, Mixed Riparian
Woodlan, and Arroyo Willow Thickets, with components of friable soil, organic duff, and mesic soils may provide suitable
habitat.
Nesting/Overwintering Birds
Native birds are protected at the federal and state level by several laws, including the: 1) Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918
(MBTA)3, which regulates the take (as defined therein) of all migratory non-game birds in the U.S., 2) the Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act 4, which prohibits take, possession, or trafficking of any living or dead Bald or Golden Eagle or their
parts/nests, and 3) the FGC Sections 3503-3503.5 and 3513 5, which further prohibits take of any native bird or their active
nest in California. The State also assigns conservation statuses to some native birds, either at the individual or colony level,
or in some cases only applying to nesting/overwintering birds.
No direct/indirect evidence of nesting passerines or nesting/roosting raptors was observed. (e.g., stick nests, tree cavities,
pairing behavior, prey remains, whitewash, molted feathers, etc.); however, the Arroyo Willow Thickets, Mixed Riparian
Woodland, tall ornamental trees, open low-growing grasslands, and ground squirrel burrows provide potentially suitable
nesting/overwintering habitat for several passerine and raptor bird species, as well as ample foraging habitat and prey.
Species with a moderate or high potential to nest/overwinter within the BSA include burrowing owl (ground squirrel
3 50 CFR § 10.13
4 16 CFR § 668
5 FGC §§ 3503-3503.5; § 3513
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burrows), white-tailed kite (riparian/ornamental trees), California horned lark (open grassland), merlin
(riparian/ornamental tree stands), loggerhead shrike (shrubs, Russian thistle/brush piles), and ferruginous hawk
(grasslands with abundant small mammal prey). Several of these species have been documented by Padre (2013) and
observed by the author on the neighboring Tank Farm property, including burrowing owl, white-tailed kite, merlin, and
loggerhead shrike.
In addition, there is suitable ground, shrub, and tree nesting habitat for a variety of other common bird species throughout
the BSA/Property, which are no less protected the MBTA.
Mammals
The BSA/Property contains suitable habitat for a variety of mammals. Evidence of common mammals included extensive
California ground squirrel burrow systems and coyote scat. Special-status mammals with a moderate potential to occur
within the BSA/Property are limited to American badger (Taxidea taxus), a fossorial mammal which has been documented
within the north side of the Tank Farm and personally observed by the author. American badger utilizes grasslands and
open stages of shrub and woodland communities with friable soils and abundant small mammal prey. That said, they prefer
to dig burrows on slopes/berms so habitat within the mostly flat Property is considered marginal.
While a variety of bats may forage in the vicinity, the Property itself lacks suitable roosting habitat, such as rock outcrops,
cliffs, caves, tree cavities, and structures. The commercial buildings and trees elsewhere in the BSA may provide marginal
roosting habitat/cover for several species, including Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii); however, this
species has not been documented within five miles and it is very sensitive to human disturbance. As such, there is a low
potential for special-status bats to roost within the Property or surrounding buildings.
6.2.1 Migratory Corridors
Corridors and linkages between contiguous blocks of habitat are critical for ecosystem function through facilitation of
wildlife movement, foraging, breeding, and genetic exchange between populations, as well as seed dispersal. Examples
include stream channels, riparian vegetation, ridgetops, and chokepoints such as culverts, underpasses, or narrow strips of
undeveloped land. While localized movement of urbanized wildlife is common in developed areas, migration distance and
diversity are impeded, and mortality from road crossings is a common contributor to species decline.
The Property itself does not provide unique value as a migratory corridor, as it is mostly flat and lacks significant vegetative
cover, streams, chokepoints, etc. It is also bounded on three sides by commercial development and agriculture with
substantial barriers, such as roads, structures, and fences. Undeveloped land to the east, however, provides relatively
expansive connectivity between the rural southern parts of the City, including the Irish Hills, and the South Hills Open
Space. This includes the Tank Farm directly east and southeast, which contains several ephemeral and intermittent stream
channels, mixed riparian, and emergent wetlands. There are also culverts beneath Tank Farm Road that connect the north
and south sides of the property via East Fork SLO Creek and Tank Farm Creek. Movement through West Fork Tank
Farm Creek is likely to occur within the channel itself and Mixed Riparian Woodland off-parcel, not through the Property.
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Given the availability of high-quality habitat and connectivity within the neighboring Tank Farm, the subject Property
does not substantially contribute to any migratory corridors or linkages.
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7.0 IMPACT DISCUSSION
Proposed impacts to vegetation resulting from the Development Area include 2.62 ac. of Wild Oat and Annual Brome
Grasslands. Any required fuel modification is typically applicable only within parcel boundaries, so in this case, total
proposed impacts to vegetation include 2.91 ac. of Wild Oat and Annual Brome Grasslands and 0.7 ac. of disturbed Coyote
Brush Scrub. Table 1 below provides a summary of impact acreages.
Table 1. Vegetation Community Impact Acreages
Vegetation Communities
On-Parcel Impact Areas (Acres)
Development Area Fuel Modification Total
Arroyo Willow Thickets -- -- --
Coyote Brush Scrub: Disturbed -- 0.07 007
Mixed Riparian Woodland -- -- --
Palustrine Nonpersistent Emergent Wetland -- -- --
Wild Oats and Annual Brome Grasslands 2.62 0.29 2.91
Ruderal -- -- --
Anthropogenic -- 0.2* 0.2*
*In fact, 0.0 ac., as category consists of the stormwater basin’s concrete spillway which will not be disturbed.
The November 20 survey was completed outside the blooming period for most special-status plant species in the region
and no focused wildlife surveys were completed. As such, potential remains for the Property to support several special-
status species, including Cambria morning-glory, San Luis Obispo owl's-clover, Congdon's tarplant, Hoover's button-
celery, obscure bumble bee, Crotch bumble bees, western spadefoot toad, Coast Range newt, Blainville’s horned lizard,
burrowing owl, white-tailed kite, California horned lark, merlin, loggerhead shrike, and ferruginous hawk, as well as
common ground, shrub, and tree nesting birds. One Sensitive Natural Community, Salix lasiolepis association, also has the
potential to be impacted by the Project.
While mesic sites outside the Property may support Northern California legless lizard, this species is not expected to occur
within the Property due to extensive past soil disturbance or, likewise, be impacted by Project activities.
Potential impacts to special-status plants and communities include direct removal of plants and seed bank during the
construction/site preparation phase. Potential direct/indirect impacts to special-status wildlife include equipment strikes,
crushing/trampling of fossorial species, noise, light, vibration, removal of foraging habitat, and exposure to environmental
toxins, such as petroleum-based fluids. That said, the marginal habitat quality within the Property, migration barriers, and
previous use as cultivated farmland, suggests that the Proposed project and future occupation will not substantially impact
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the long-term survival of any special-status species or substantially contribute to cumulative habitat fragmentation or loss
of ecological function. Section 8.0 below provides suggestions for impact avoidance and minimization to further reduce
potential for direct/indirect harm to biological resources.
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8.0 IMPACT AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURES
Due to the potential for direct/indirect impacts to known and potentially occurring biological resources within the
BSA/Property, the following impact avoidance and minimization measures are recommended.
8.1 Special-Status Plants
At least one follow-up spring botanical survey should be conducted prior to construction. The survey should be
timed during the appropriate blooming period(s) for Cambria morning-glory, San Luis Obispo owl's-clover,
Congdon's tarplant, and Hoover's button-celery (March through May). Surveys for Condon’s tarpland and Hoover’s
button-celery should focus on the stormwater basin, while surveys for Cambria morning glory and San Luis Obispo
owl’s clover should cover the whole Property. If special-status plants are discovered, not limited to those above,
then avoidance should be prioritized over transplanting and off-site mitigation. If plants/populations are
unavoidable, then a Rare Plant Mitigation Plan should be prepared by a qualified restoration practitioner in
accordance with all relevant professional guidance, including the CNPS Policy on Mitigation Guidelines Regarding Impacts
to Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants (CNPS, 1991).
8.2 Nesting B irds
If work is scheduled from February 1 through August 31, a qualified biologist should conduct a nesting survey within
the Development Area and 300-ft. buffer, at least one (1) week of work start and again within two (2) days. The
qualified biologist should also conduct a morning site clearance for nesting activity within all access, staging, and
ground disturbing locations. Exclusion buffers of not less than 250 ft. for common passerines or 500 ft. for raptors
and special-status passerines will be delineated around active nests. Any reduction in buffer size be at the discretion
of the qualified biologist and with approval CDFW. Where nesting special-status raptors are discovered, an exclusion
buffer of 0.5 mi. will be established, if feasible, and at the discretion of the qualified biologist and CDFW given
existing surrounding development.
Burrowing owl
Due to the high potential for overwintering burrowing owl within the Property, the following measures from the
CDFW Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation should be implemented:
a) “Pre-construction surveys for burrowing owls will be conducted in areas supporting potentially suitable habitat
and within 30 days prior to the start of construction activities. If ground-disturbing activities are delayed or
suspended for more than 30 days after the pre-construction survey, the site will be resurveyed. CDFW will
conduct surveys for burrowing owls in accordance with protocols established in the,
b. If burrowing owls are detected, disturbance to burrows will be avoided during the nesting season (February 1
through August 31). CDFW will establish buffers around occupied burrows in accordance with guidance
provided in the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation. Buffers around occupied burrows will be a
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minimum of 656 feet (200 meters) during the nesting season, and 160 feet (100 meters) during the non-
breeding season,
c. Outside of the nesting season (February 1 through August 31), passive owl relocation techniques will be
implemented. Owls would be excluded from burrows in the immediate impact zone within a 160-foot buffer
zone by installing one-way doors in burrow entrances. These doors will be in place at least 48 hours prior to
excavation to ensure the owls have departed,
d. The work area will be monitored daily for 1 week to confirm owl departure from burrows prior to any ground-
disturbing activities, and
e. Where possible, burrows will be excavated using hand tools and refilled to prevent reoccupation. Sections of
flexible plastic pipe will be inserted into the tunnels during excavation to maintain an escape route for any
animals inside the burrow (CDFW, 2012).”
8.3 Bumble B ees
There are no mandated survey protocols for American or Crotch bumble bee as of this writing, and detection of
bumble bees can be difficult even with survey considerations provided by CDFW (2023) which require significant
field time. The CDFW goes on to specifically recommend against overwintering habitat assessments due to the
current poor understanding of habitat preferences. It is often more practical, therefore, to apply construction
avoidance measures as if assuming presence. As such, the following measures are recommended to avoid impacts to
overwintering queens or active nests:
a. A qualified biologist should be onsite to monitor initial vegetation removal and ground disturbing
activities. At a minimum, the qualified biologist should be familiar with American and Crotch bumble bee
habitat requirements and taxonomy.
b. If a suspected American or Crotch bumble bee queen or nest is encountered during initial site disturbance,
work should be stopped, and a suitable avoidance buffer should be established around the nest. The
qualified biologist should then contact CDFW for guidance on how to proceed, and
c. Handling of American or Crotch bumble bee, including relocation and voucher collection, should be
avoided unless the qualified biologist holds a CDFW Memorandum of Understanding and/or Scientific
Collectors Permit depending on the species.
8.4 Other Special-Status Species
Pre-Activity Surveys
Within two (2) days of initial grubbing, fuel modification, or ground disturbance, a qualified biologist should conduct
a pre-activity survey for any other potentially occurring special-status species that may have moved into the BSA
since the initial survey or gone undetected, including but not limited to American badger and Blainville’s horned
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lizard. This survey may be combined with the final nesting bird survey discussed in Section 8.1, if practical and at
the discretion of the biologist.
If potential American badger dens are observed they should be monitored for activity, and if determined to be active,
the entrance should be incrementally blocked with soil, sticks, and debris for a period of three (3) to five (5) days
until the biologist has determined that the badger has self-relocated. After this, the den should be hand excavated
with shovel.
If Blainville’s horned lizard is discovered, it should either be allowed to self-relocate off the Project Site or moved
to suitable habitat outside the Project Site by a qualified biologist.
All handling of special-status wildlife should be done by a holder of a CDFW Scientific Collector’s Permit and/or
Memorandum of Understanding for the relevant species. Handling of federally listed species should only be
conducted by a USFWS 10(a)1(A) Recover Permit holder.
Following pre-activity surveys, a brief completion letter report should be provided to the City describing the results
of the surveys and any subsequent recommendations, if relevant.
Project Monitoring
All initial grubbing, fuel modification, or ground disturbance should be monitored by a qualified biologist to inspect
for special-status species that may be cryptic, including those that live in the top few inches of duff/topsoil. The
limits of disturbance should be clearly delineated and communicated with workers, as should any plant/wildlife
exclusion buffers based on pre-activity survey results. If special-status wildlife is observed, work should be stopped
until the animal self-relocates or can be relocated by the biologist. Any injured or killed wildlife should be reported
promptly to CDFW and/or USFWS, and handling of special-status species should only be conducted by a MOU,
SCP, and/or Recovery Permit holder for the relevant species.
This may coincide with the monitoring discussed for bumble bee avoidance above.
Environmental Awareness Training
An Environmental Awareness Training should be provided to all workers by a qualified biologist prior to initial
grubbing, fuel modification, or ground disturbance. At a minimum the training should include information on
environmental permit conditions, exclusion areas, special-status wildlife observed or likely to occur within the work
area, the definition for “take,” relevant regulations guiding the management of said species, stop work and
notification procedures for wildlife encounters, contact information for the overseeing/qualified biologist, and legal
repercussions for take of protected species.
8.5 Sensitive Natural Communities
The Arroyo Willow Thickets (Association: 61.201.01) are considered a CDFW Sensitive Natural Community. The
vegetation stand is located just outside the northern Property boundary and not proposed for impact; however, there
is currently no clear delineation of the Project Site limits, and due to the proximity, there is potential for inadvertent
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removal/damage. As such, prior to ground disturbance the stand should be delineated with Environmentally Sensitive
Area (ESA) fencing (e.g., orange construction fencing or something of similar height and visibility). The fencing
should be maintained for the duration of the Project and all new workers should be made aware of the exclusion area
and protected status of the stand.
8.6 Protected Trees
There are no native or non-native trees within the Property itself; however, all trees in the greater BSA, including
those in the Arroyo Willow Thicket, Mixed Riparian Woodland, and ornamental landscaping are protected by the
City. No impacts are proposed to any trees; however, due to the proximity of the Arroyo Willow Thicket, ESA
fencing should be installed around the trees, as mentioned in Section 6.9 above. Currently, the proposed Property
line setback should be sufficient to avoid impacts to the root zone; however, if ground disturbing encroachment is
ultimately necessary within five (5) ft. of the tree dripline, then a Certified Arborist should be retained to provide
guidance and/or monitor the encroachment.
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9.0 REFERENCES
Al-Shehbaz, I. A. (2003). A synopsis of Tropidocarpum (Brassicaceae). Published in Novon 13:4 392-5. Available at
https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/partpdf/25171.
Althouse and Meade, Inc. (Althouse). 2015. Biological Report for Avila Ranch. Prepared for Avila Ranch, LLC.
Baldwin et al. 2012. The Jepson manual: Vascular Plants of California: Second Edition. Published by University of
California Press, Berkeley.
Baumberger, K.L., Eitzel M.V., M.E., Horn, M.H. 2009. Movement and habitat selection of the western spadefoot (Spea
hammondii) in Southern California. PLOS ONE web journal. Available at
www.journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0222532.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2023a. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB): RareFind.
Query for 7.5-minute quadrangles: Topanga, Malibu Beach, Point Dume, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Canoga
Park. Available at: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Maps-and-Data [accessed November 17, 2023].
------- 2023b. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB): Biogeographic Information and Observation System
(BIOS). Query for 5-miles search radius. Available at: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Maps-and-
Data#43018408-cnddb-in-bios [accessed November 17, 2023].
------- 2018. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural
Communities. Available at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Survey-Protocols#377281280-plants.
------- 2023. Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation. Available at
file:///C:/Users/kenny/Downloads/BUOW_MIT_StaffReport2012.pdf
Calflora. 2014. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database (a non-profit organization). Available online at:
http://www.calflora.org/ [accessed November 17, 2023].
California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2023. Rare Plant Program: Rare Plant Inventory [online edition, v9.5]. Available
online at: https://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed November 17, 2023].
------- 2001. Botanical Survey Guidelines. Available at https://cnps.org/wp-
content/uploads/2018/03/cnps_survey_guidelines.pdf.
------- 1991. Policy on Mitigation Guidelines Regarding Impacts to Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants. Native
Plant Society Rare Plant Scientific Advisory Committee. Revised April 1998.
City of San Luis Obispo (City). N.d. Parcel Viewer online interactive GIS map. Available at
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/a51155e46d504bfab3b7a107c3eb6643/page/Planning/ [accessed
November 22, 2023].
------- 2015. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared and Addendum for 250 Tank Farm Vesting
Tentative Parcel Map Subdivision SBDV-1106-2017) (SCH# 2007011117). Adopted July 7, 2015.
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------- 1983. San Luis Obispo County Municipal Code. Published and regularly updated by the Code Publishing
Company. Available at https://sanluisobispo.municipal.codes/Code [accessed November 22, 2023].
Craighead, Michaela. 2023. Padre Associates, Inc., VPFS Lead Biologist for the Chevron Tank Farm. Personal
communication [November 22, 2023].
Ferren, W. R., Jr., P. L. Fiedler, and R. A. Leidy, 1996. Wetlands of California, Parts I (History of Wetland Habitat
Classification), II (Classification and Description of Wetlands of the Central and Southern California Coast and
Coastal Watersheds), and III (Key to and Catalogue of Wetlands of the Central and Southern California Coast
and Coastal Watersheds). Madroño 43 (1) Supplement: 105-233.
Google Earth (Earth). 2023. Imagery for 1737 Little Ct., City of Arroyo Grande, California. Available online at:
https://earth.google.com/web/ [accessed November 22, 2023].
Holland, R. 1986. Preliminary list of terrestrial natural communities of California. Department of Fish and Game,
Sacramento, CA.
Lichvar, R.W., D.L. Banks, W.N. Kirchner, and N.C. Melvin. 2016. The National Wetland Plant List: 2020 wetland ratings.
Marine Research Specialists (MRS). 2013. Final Environmental Impact Report. Chevron Tank Farm Remediation and
Development Project. Prepared for Prepared For the City of San Luis Obispo and San Luis Obispo County.
Netronline. 2019. Historic Aerials. Imagery for 1737 Little Ct., City of Arroyo Grande, California. Available at
https://www.historicaerials.com/viewer [accessed November 22, 2023].
Padre Associates Inc. (Padre). 2012a. Padre Associates, Inc. 2012. 90-Day Report on Wet Season Vernal Pool Branchiopod
Surveys for the Chevron San Luis Obispo Tank Farm Site, 276 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo, California.
July 18, 2012
------- 2012b. California Red-Legged Frog Survey for the San Luis Obispo Tank Farm, San Luis Obispo County,
California. California.
------- 2008b. Protocol-level California Red-legged Frog Survey Report for the Former San Luis Obispo Tank Farm
Site (Tank Farm), San Luis Obispo County, California. Prepared for Chevron Environmental Management
Company.
Padre and WSP Ecosystem Science & Natural Resources Management Services. (WSP). 2008a. An Analysis of the
Geographic Extent of Waters of the U.S., Including Wetlands at the Chevron Tank Farm Facility, San Luis
Obispo, California. Prepared for Chevron Environmental Management Company.
------- 2008b. Description and Analysis of the Botanical Resources, Including Vascular Plant Species of Conservation
Concern, at the Chevron Tank Farm Facility, San Luis Obispo, California. Final Report. Prepared for Chevron
Environmental Management Company.
State Water Resources Control Board (WRCB). 2019. State Policy for Water Quality Control: State Wetland Definition
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and Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State. Revised April 6, 2021.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2019. Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS): Web Soil Survey.
Available online at https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx [accessed November 17,
2023].
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2005. Recovery Plan for Vernal Pool Ecosystems of California and
Southern Oregon. Portland, Oregon.
------- 2023. Critical Habitat for Threatened & Endangered Species. Available at:
https://fws.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=9d8de5e265ad4fe09893cf75b8dbfb77#!
------- 2020. Guidelines for Conducting and Reporting Botanical Inventories for Federally Listed, Proposed and
Candidate Plants. Available at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Survey-Protocols#377281280-plants.
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Technical Report Y-97-1. In: United
States Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. United States Army Corps of Engineers
Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg, MS.
------- 2008a. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (Version
2.0). United States Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center. Vicksburg, MS. September
------- 2008b. A Field Guide to the Identification of the Ordinary High Water mark (OHWM) in the Arid West Region
of the Western United States. Technical Report ERDC/CRREL TR-08-12. U.S. Army Engineer Research and
Development Center, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. Hanover, New Hampshire.
------- 2010. Updated Datasheet for the Identification of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) in the Arid West
Region of the Western United States. Technical Report ERDC/CRREL TN-10-1. U.S. Army Engineer Research
and Development Center, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. Hanover, New Hampshire.
------- 2023. National Hydric Soils List by State: California Available at:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcseprd1316620.html [Accessed August 2023].
Sawyer, J.O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J.M. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition. California Native
Plant Society, Sacramento.
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APPENDICES
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United States
Department of
Agriculture
A product of the National
Cooperative Soil Survey,
a joint effort of the United
States Department of
Agriculture and other
Federal agencies, State
agencies including the
Agricultural Experiment
Stations, and local
participants
Custom Soil Resource
Report for
San Luis Obispo
County, California,
Coastal Part
3745 Sueldo St., San Luis
Obispo, CA
Natural
Resources
Conservation
Service
November 23, 2023
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Preface
Soil surveys contain information that affects land use planning in survey areas.
They highlight soil limitations that affect various land uses and provide information
about the properties of the soils in the survey areas. Soil surveys are designed for
many different users, including farmers, ranchers, foresters, agronomists, urban
planners, community officials, engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers.
Also, conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, waste
disposal, and pollution control can use the surveys to help them understand,
protect, or enhance the environment.
Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may impose
special restrictions on land use or land treatment. Soil surveys identify soil
properties that are used in making various land use or land treatment decisions.
The information is intended to help the land users identify and reduce the effects of
soil limitations on various land uses. The landowner or user is responsible for
identifying and complying with existing laws and regulations.
Although soil survey information can be used for general farm, local, and wider area
planning, onsite investigation is needed to supplement this information in some
cases. Examples include soil quality assessments (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/
portal/nrcs/main/soils/health/) and certain conservation and engineering
applications. For more detailed information, contact your local USDA Service Center
(https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs) or your NRCS State Soil
Scientist (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/contactus/?
cid=nrcs142p2_053951).
Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils are
seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are too unstable to be used as a
foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited to use as
septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorly suited to
basements or underground installations.
The National Cooperative Soil Survey is a joint effort of the United States
Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, State agencies including the
Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) has leadership for the Federal part of the National
Cooperative Soil Survey.
Information about soils is updated periodically. Updated information is available
through the NRCS Web Soil Survey, the site for official soil survey information.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its
programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability,
and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion,
sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a
part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not
all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
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alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print,
audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice
and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or
call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity
provider and employer.
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Contents
Preface....................................................................................................................2
How Soil Surveys Are Made..................................................................................5
Soil Map..................................................................................................................8
Soil Map................................................................................................................9
Legend................................................................................................................10
Map Unit Legend................................................................................................12
Map Unit Descriptions........................................................................................12
San Luis Obispo County, California, Coastal Part..........................................14
169—Marimel sandy clay loam, occasionally flooded.................................14
References............................................................................................................16
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How Soil Surveys Are Made
Soil surveys are made to provide information about the soils and miscellaneous
areas in a specific area. They include a description of the soils and miscellaneous
areas and their location on the landscape and tables that show soil properties and
limitations affecting various uses. Soil scientists observed the steepness, length,
and shape of the slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of crops and
native plants; and the kinds of bedrock. They observed and described many soil
profiles. A soil profile is the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The
profile extends from the surface down into the unconsolidated material in which the
soil formed or from the surface down to bedrock. The unconsolidated material is
devoid of roots and other living organisms and has not been changed by other
biological activity.
Currently, soils are mapped according to the boundaries of major land resource
areas (MLRAs). MLRAs are geographically associated land resource units that
share common characteristics related to physiography, geology, climate, water
resources, soils, biological resources, and land uses (USDA, 2006). Soil survey
areas typically consist of parts of one or more MLRA.
The soils and miscellaneous areas in a survey area occur in an orderly pattern that
is related to the geology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural vegetation of the
area. Each kind of soil and miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind
of landform or with a segment of the landform. By observing the soils and
miscellaneous areas in the survey area and relating their position to specific
segments of the landform, a soil scientist develops a concept, or model, of how they
were formed. Thus, during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to predict
with a considerable degree of accuracy the kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a
specific location on the landscape.
Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge into one another as their
characteristics gradually change. To construct an accurate soil map, however, soil
scientists must determine the boundaries between the soils. They can observe only
a limited number of soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, supplemented
by an understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient to
verify predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to determine the boundaries.
Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil profiles that they studied. They
noted soil color, texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount of rock
fragments, distribution of plant roots, reaction, and other features that enable them
to identify soils. After describing the soils in the survey area and determining their
properties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units).
Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soil
characteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a basis for
comparison to classify soils systematically. Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic
classification used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and character
of soil properties and the arrangement of horizons within the profile. After the soil
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scientists classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared the
individual soils with similar soils in the same taxonomic class in other areas so that
they could confirm data and assemble additional data based on experience and
research.
The objective of soil mapping is not to delineate pure map unit components; the
objective is to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that
have similar use and management requirements. Each map unit is defined by a
unique combination of soil components and/or miscellaneous areas in predictable
proportions. Some components may be highly contrasting to the other components
of the map unit. The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way
diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data. The delineation of such
landforms and landform segments on the map provides sufficient information for the
development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, onsite
investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.
Soil scientists make many field observations in the process of producing a soil map.
The frequency of observation is dependent upon several factors, including scale of
mapping, intensity of mapping, design of map units, complexity of the landscape,
and experience of the soil scientist. Observations are made to test and refine the
soil-landscape model and predictions and to verify the classification of the soils at
specific locations. Once the soil-landscape model is refined, a significantly smaller
number of measurements of individual soil properties are made and recorded.
These measurements may include field measurements, such as those for color,
depth to bedrock, and texture, and laboratory measurements, such as those for
content of sand, silt, clay, salt, and other components. Properties of each soil
typically vary from one point to another across the landscape.
Observations for map unit components are aggregated to develop ranges of
characteristics for the components. The aggregated values are presented. Direct
measurements do not exist for every property presented for every map unit
component. Values for some properties are estimated from combinations of other
properties.
While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some of the soils in the area generally
are collected for laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soil scientists
interpret the data from these analyses and tests as well as the field-observed
characteristics and the soil properties to determine the expected behavior of the
soils under different uses. Interpretations for all of the soils are field tested through
observation of the soils in different uses and under different levels of management.
Some interpretations are modified to fit local conditions, and some new
interpretations are developed to meet local needs. Data are assembled from other
sources, such as research information, production records, and field experience of
specialists. For example, data on crop yields under defined levels of management
are assembled from farm records and from field or plot experiments on the same
kinds of soil.
Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on soil properties but also on
such variables as climate and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable over
long periods of time, but they are not predictable from year to year. For example,
soil scientists can predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will
have a high water table within certain depths in most years, but they cannot predict
that a high water table will always be at a specific level in the soil on a specific date.
After soil scientists located and identified the significant natural bodies of soil in the
survey area, they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial photographs and
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identified each as a specific map unit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings,
fields, roads, and rivers, all of which help in locating boundaries accurately.
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Soil Map
The soil map section includes the soil map for the defined area of interest, a list of
soil map units on the map and extent of each map unit, and cartographic symbols
displayed on the map. Also presented are various metadata about data used to
produce the map, and a description of each soil map unit.
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Soil Map
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Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 10N WGS84
0 50 100 200 300
Feet
0 15 30 60 90
Meters
Map Scale: 1:1,260 if printed on A portrait (8.5" x 11") sheet.
Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
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MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI)
Area of Interest (AOI)
Soils
Soil Map Unit Polygons
Soil Map Unit Lines
Soil Map Unit Points
Special Point Features
Blowout
Borrow Pit
Clay Spot
Closed Depression
Gravel Pit
Gravelly Spot
Landfill
Lava Flow
Marsh or swamp
Mine or Quarry
Miscellaneous Water
Perennial Water
Rock Outcrop
Saline Spot
Sandy Spot
Severely Eroded Spot
Sinkhole
Slide or Slip
Sodic Spot
Spoil Area
Stony Spot
Very Stony Spot
Wet Spot
Other
Special Line Features
Water Features
Streams and Canals
Transportation
Rails
Interstate Highways
US Routes
Major Roads
Local Roads
Background
Aerial Photography
The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at
1:24,000.
Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause
misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil
line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of
contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed
scale.
Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map
measurements.
Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey URL:
Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)
Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator
projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts
distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the
Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more
accurate calculations of distance or area are required.
This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as
of the version date(s) listed below.
Soil Survey Area: San Luis Obispo County, California, Coastal
Part
Survey Area Data: Version 16, Sep 11, 2023
Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales
1:50,000 or larger.
Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Mar 12, 2022—Apr
12, 2022
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were
compiled and digitized probably differs from the background
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MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor
shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.
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Map Unit Legend
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
169 Marimel sandy clay loam,
occasionally flooded
3.6 100.0%
Totals for Area of Interest 3.6 100.0%
Map Unit Descriptions
The map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in a soil survey represent the
soils or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions, along
with the maps, can be used to determine the composition and properties of a unit.
A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an area dominated by one or more
major kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and named
according to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils. Within a taxonomic
class there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On the
landscape, however, the soils are natural phenomena, and they have the
characteristic variability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some
observed properties may extend beyond the limits defined for a taxonomic class.
Areas of soils of a single taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mapped without
including areas of other taxonomic classes. Consequently, every map unit is made
up of the soils or miscellaneous areas for which it is named and some minor
components that belong to taxonomic classes other than those of the major soils.
Most minor soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils in the
map unit, and thus they do not affect use and management. These are called
noncontrasting, or similar, components. They may or may not be mentioned in a
particular map unit description. Other minor components, however, have properties
and behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to require different
management. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar, components. They
generally are in small areas and could not be mapped separately because of the
scale used. Some small areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas
are identified by a special symbol on the maps. If included in the database for a
given area, the contrasting minor components are identified in the map unit
descriptions along with some characteristics of each. A few areas of minor
components may not have been observed, and consequently they are not
mentioned in the descriptions, especially where the pattern was so complex that it
was impractical to make enough observations to identify all the soils and
miscellaneous areas on the landscape.
The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the
usefulness or accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate
pure taxonomic classes but rather to separate the landscape into landforms or
landform segments that have similar use and management requirements. The
delineation of such segments on the map provides sufficient information for the
development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, however,
onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous
areas.
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An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions.
Each description includes general facts about the unit and gives important soil
properties and qualities.
Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except for
differences in texture of the surface layer, all the soils of a series have major
horizons that are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement.
Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness,
salinity, degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the
basis of such differences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas
shown on the detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil phase
commonly indicates a feature that affects use or management. For example, Alpha
silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is a phase of the Alpha series.
Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas.
These map units are complexes, associations, or undifferentiated groups.
A complex consists of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intricate
pattern or in such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps.
The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar
in all areas. Alpha-Beta complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, is an example.
An association is made up of two or more geographically associated soils or
miscellaneous areas that are shown as one unit on the maps. Because of present
or anticipated uses of the map units in the survey area, it was not considered
practical or necessary to map the soils or miscellaneous areas separately. The
pattern and relative proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat
similar. Alpha-Beta association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.
An undifferentiated group is made up of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas
that could be mapped individually but are mapped as one unit because similar
interpretations can be made for use and management. The pattern and proportion
of the soils or miscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not uniform. An area can
be made up of only one of the major soils or miscellaneous areas, or it can be made
up of all of them. Alpha and Beta soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.
Some surveys include miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil
material and support little or no vegetation. Rock outcrop is an example.
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San Luis Obispo County, California, Coastal Part
169—Marimel sandy clay loam, occasionally flooded
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: hbph
Elevation: 0 to 400 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 15 to 20 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 55 to 59 degrees F
Frost-free period: 300 to 365 days
Farmland classification: Prime farmland if irrigated and drained
Map Unit Composition
Marimel and similar soils:85 percent
Minor components:11 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Marimel
Setting
Landform:Alluvial fans, flood plains, valleys
Landform position (two-dimensional):Footslope, toeslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Tread
Down-slope shape:Linear, concave
Across-slope shape:Linear
Parent material:Alluvium derived from sedimentary rock
Typical profile
H1 - 0 to 16 inches: sandy clay loam
H2 - 16 to 60 inches: stratified loam to clay loam to silty clay loam
Properties and qualities
Slope:0 to 2 percent
Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches
Drainage class:Somewhat poorly drained
Runoff class: High
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high (0.20
to 0.57 in/hr)
Depth to water table:About 24 to 60 inches
Frequency of flooding:Occasional
Frequency of ponding:None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content:5 percent
Maximum salinity:Nonsaline to very slightly saline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm)
Available water supply, 0 to 60 inches: High (about 10.2 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): 3w
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 3w
Hydrologic Soil Group: C
Ecological site: R014XD037CA - FINE LOAMY FLAT
Hydric soil rating: No
Minor Components
Marimel, buried
Percent of map unit:3 percent
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Hydric soil rating: No
Tujunga, frequently flooded
Percent of map unit:3 percent
Landform:Flood plains
Landform position (two-dimensional):Toeslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Tread
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Hydric soil rating: Yes
Camarillo, sandy loam
Percent of map unit:3 percent
Landform:Alluvial flats
Landform position (two-dimensional):Toeslope
Landform position (three-dimensional):Tread
Down-slope shape:Linear
Across-slope shape:Linear
Hydric soil rating: Yes
Unnamed
Percent of map unit:2 percent
Landform:Depressions
Hydric soil rating: Yes
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References
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
2004. Standard specifications for transportation materials and methods of sampling
and testing. 24th edition.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2005. Standard classification of
soils for engineering purposes. ASTM Standard D2487-00.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of
wetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service FWS/OBS-79/31.
Federal Register. July 13, 1994. Changes in hydric soils of the United States.
Federal Register. September 18, 2002. Hydric soils of the United States.
Hurt, G.W., and L.M. Vasilas, editors. Version 6.0, 2006. Field indicators of hydric
soils in the United States.
National Research Council. 1995. Wetlands: Characteristics and boundaries.
Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil survey manual. Soil Conservation Service.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 18. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/
nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_054262
Soil Survey Staff. 1999. Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for
making and interpreting soil surveys. 2nd edition. Natural Resources Conservation
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 436. http://
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053577
Soil Survey Staff. 2010. Keys to soil taxonomy. 11th edition. U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. http://
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053580
Tiner, R.W., Jr. 1985. Wetlands of Delaware. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Wetlands
Section.
United States Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of
Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Waterways Experiment Station Technical
Report Y-87-1.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National forestry manual. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/
home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053374
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National range and pasture handbook. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/
detail/national/landuse/rangepasture/?cid=stelprdb1043084
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United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/
nrcs/detail/soils/scientists/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States,
the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook
296. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?
cid=nrcs142p2_053624
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1961. Land
capability classification. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 210. http://
www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_052290.pdf
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Biological Resources Assessment
3745 Sueldo Street
City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Attachment B – Plant Inventory
Plant Inventory
Survey Date: November 20, 2023
Scientific Name Common Name Habit
Native/Non-
Native
(N/NN)
Protective
status
Acer negundo Boxelder Tree N City
Avena barbata Slender wild oat Annual grass-like herb NN N/A
Avena fatua Wild oat Annual grass-like herb NN N/A
Baccharis pilularis Coyote brush Shrub N N/A
Brassica nigra Black mustard Annual herb NN N/A
Bromus diandrus Ripgut brome Annual grass-like herb NN N/A
Bromus madritensis Softchess brome Annual grass-like herb NN N/A
Centaurea solstitialis Yellow star thistle Annual herb NN N/A
Chenopodiastrum
murale Nettle-leaved goosefoot Annual herb NN N/A
Conium maculatum Poison hemlock Perennial herb NN N/A
Datura stramonium Jimson weed Annual herb NN N/A
Erigeron horseweed Annual herb NN N/A
Festuca perennis Italian rye grass Perennial grass-like herb NN N/A
Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Perennial herb NN N/A
Frangula californica Coffeeberry Shrub N N/A
Helminthotheca
echioides Bristly ox tongue Annual herb NN N/A
Malva parviflora Cheeseweed Annual herb NN N/A
Phalaris aquatica Harding grass Perennial grass-like herb NN N/A
Platanus racemosa Western sycamore Tree N City
Quercus agrifolia Coast live oak Tree N City
Raphanus sativus Wild raddish Annual herb NN N/A
Rumex crispus Curly dock Perennial herb NN N/A
Salix laseolepis Arroyo willow Tree/Shrub N City
Salsola tragus Russian thistle Annual herb NN N/A
Salvia rosmarinus Rosemerry Perennial shrub NN N/A
Sonchus oleraceus Sow’s thistle Annual herb NN N/A
Tecomaria capensis Cape honesuckle Shrub/Vine NN N/A
DRAFT
Biological Resources Assessment
3745 Sueldo Street
City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Attachment C – Site Photographs 1
Photograph 1. Property shown from Vanguard Way with annual grasses, ruderal forbs and scattered coyote
brush in foreground and development in background.
Photograph 2. Stormwater basin shown overgrown with black mustard.
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Attachment C – Site Photographs 2
Photograph 3. Alternate view from eastern Property line with annual grasses and ruderal forbs in foreground
and development in background.
Photograph 4. Alternate view from northern Property line with gravel fill material, annual grasses, and ruderal
forbs in foreground and Sueldo St. at center right.
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Attachment C – Site Photographs 3
Photograph 5. Representative view of ruderal cover on neighboring property to the west within the BSA.
Photograph 6. Representative view of disturbed Coyote Brush Scrub along eastern Property boundary.
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Attachment C – Site Photographs 4
Photograph 7. Spillway shown in foreground with Tank Farm in background, including former tank ring
berm and location of occupied VPFS pool at center right.
Photograph 8. Example of ground squirrel burrow within Property.
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Attachment C – Site Photographs 5
Photograph 9. Sierran tree frog shown within BSA.
Photograph 10. Mixed Riparian Woodland shown south of West Fork Tank Farm Creek and northeast of
Property.
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Attachment C – Site Photographs 6
Photograph 11. Isolated patch of Arroyo Willow Thickets shown north of Property boundary.
Photograph 12. Alternate view of Arroyo willow Thicket next to Coyote Brush Scrub.
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 1
VASCULAR PLANTS, BRYOPHYTES, AND LICHENS 1
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
Arctostaphylos morroensis
Morro manzanita ST --
1B.1
G1/S1
30-125 m
Shrub
December - March
Absent
Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal dunes, coastal
scrub on Baywood sands, usually with chaparral associates.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat. Not observed during field survey.
Arctostaphylos osoensis
Oso manzanita -- --
1B.2
G1/S1
180-275 m
Shrub
February - March
Low
Chaparral, cismontane woodland. Usually occurs in
openings within oak woodland on dacite porphyry buttes.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Not observed during field survey.
Arctostaphylos pechoensis
Pecho manzanita -- --
1B.2
G2/S2
60-855 m
Shrub
November - March
Low
Closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral, coastal scrub.
Grows on siliceous shale with other chaparral associates.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Not observed during field survey.
1 CNDDB query for 7.5-minute quadrangles: San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay South, Morro Bay North, Atascadero, Santa Margarita, Lopez Mtn., Arroyo Grande NE, Pismo Beach, Port San Luis.
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3745 Sueldo Street
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 2
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
Arctostaphylos pilosula
Santa Margarita
manzanita
-- --
1B.2
G1/S1
60-1220 m
Shrub
December - March
Low
Woodland on shale outcrops and slopes. Reported growing
on decomposed granite or sandstone.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Not observed during field survey.
Arctostaphylos rudis
sand mesa manzanita -- --
1B.2
G2/S2
20-335 m
Shrub
November - February
Absent
Chaparral, coastal scrub on sandy soils in Lompoc/Nipomo
area.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat. Not observed during survey.
Arctostaphylos tomentosa ssp.
daciticola
dacite manzanita
-- --
1B.1
G4T1/S1
~ 120 m
Shrub
January - May
Absent
Chaparral, cismontane woodland. Only known from one
site in SLO County on dacite porphyry buttes.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat. No observed during survey.
Arenaria paludicola
marsh sandwort FE SE
1B.1
G1/S1
3-170 m
Perennial herb
Absent
Freshwater marshes and swamps growing up through dense
mats of Typha, Juncus, Scirpus, etc. on sandy soils.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 3
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
March - August
Astragalus didymocarpus var.
milesianus
Miles' milk-vetch
-- --
1B.2
G5T2/S2
50-385 m
Annual herb
March - June
Low Coastal scrub on clay soils.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Atriplex coulteri
Coulter's saltbush
-- --
1B.2
G3/S1S2
3 m - 460 m
Perennial shrub
March - October
Low
Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, and valley
and foothill grassland. Ocean bluffs, ridgetops, as well as
alkaline clay soils in low-lying areas.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Calochortus obispoensis
San Luis mariposa-lily -- --
1B.2
G2/S2
15-550 m
Perennial herb
March - July
Low
Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, valley and
foothill grassland, often in serpentine soils.
Documented within 5 miles. BSA contains marginal habitat,
but not observed by Padre (2013) during botanical surveys
in preferred serpentine habitat on neighboring Tank Farm
property.
Calochortus simulans -- -- 1B.3 150-1160 m Low Valley and foothill grassland, cismontane woodland,
chaparral, lower montane coniferous forest on decomposed
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 4
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
La Panza mariposa-lily G2/S2 Perennial herb (bulb)
April - June
granite or sometimes serpentine.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Not observed during field survey.
Calystegia subacaulis ssp.
episcopalis
Cambria morning-glory
-- --
4.2
G3T2?/S2?
5-475 m
Perennial herb
(rhizomatous)
April - June
Moderate
Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal prairie, and valley
and foothill grassland, usually on clay soils. Often grows in
freshly disturbed soil.
Personal observations (2012-2016) and documented on
neighboring Tank Farm property (Padre 2013; CNDDB,
2023). Potentially suitable habitat within BSA, but subject
Property was capped with imported fill material/gravel, so
unclear if similar soil conditions to that of known
population areas are still present.
Camissoniopsis hardhamiae
Hardham's evening-
primrose
-- --
1B.2
G2/S2
4 m - 640 m
Annual herb
March - May
Low
Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland.
Usually on sandstone with carbonate layers in recently
burned or disturbed areas; Soil specialist requiring shallow
free of gophers and open areas, preferably on hilltops,
saddles or bowls between hills.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Carex obispoensis
San Luis Obispo sedge -- -- 1B.2 5-845 m Low
Closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral, coastal prairie,
coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Usually in
transition zones on sand, clay, serpentine, or gabbro in
seeps.
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 5
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
G3?/ S3? Perennial Herb
January - August
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Castilleja densiflora ssp.
obispoensis
San Luis Obispo owl's-
clover
-- --
1B.2
G5T2/S2
9-485 m
Annual herb
March - May
Moderate
Valley and foothill grassland, meadows, and seeps.
sometimes on serpentine.
Widespread populations documented on neighboring Tank
Farm property. In some cases, color forms keyed to both
species and rare subspecies making discernment difficult
(Padre, 2013; CNDDB, 2023). Potentially suitable habitat
elements within BSA, but subject Property was capped with
imported fill material/gravel, so unclear if similar soil
conditions to that of known population areas are still
present.
Ceanothus impressus var.
nipomensis
Nipomo Mesa ceanothus
-- --
1B.2
G3T2/S2
10-215 m
Shrub
April - May
Absent
Chaparral on sandy soils.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Not observed during survey.
Centromadia parryi ssp.
congdonii
Congdon's tarplant
-- --
1B.1
G3T2/S2
0-245 mx
Annual herb
Moderate
Valley and foothill grassland on alkaline soils (sometimes
described as heavy white clay).
Widespread populations documented on neighboring Tank
Farm property (Padre, 2013; CNDDB, 2023). Potentially
suitable habitat within BSA, but subject Property was
capped with imported fill material/gravel, so unclear if
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 6
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
March - October similar soil conditions to that of known population areas
are still present.
Chenopodium littoreum
coastal goosefoot -- --
1B.2
G1/S1
5-40 m
Annual herb
April - August
Low
Generally on coastal dunes in sandy soils
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat. Only Chenopod observed identified as C. murale.
Chlorogalum pomeridianum
var. minus
dwarf soaproot
-- --
1B.2
G5T3/S3
120-1220 m
Perennial herb (bulb)
March - August
Low
Chaparral in serpentine.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Chloropyron maritimum ssp.
palustre
Point Reyes salty bird's-
beak
-- --
1B.2
G4?T2/S2
0-115 m
Annual herb
June - October
Absent
Coastal salt marsh. Usually in coastal salt marsh with
Salicornia, Distichlis, Iaumea, Spartina, etc.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Chorizanthe aphanantha
Irish Hills spineflower -- -- 1B.1 100-370 m Low Chaparral and coastal scrub on serpentinite which is rocky
to gravelly.
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 7
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
G1/S1 Annual herb
April - August
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Chorizanthe breweri
Brewer's spineflower
-- --
1B.3
G3/S3
45-765 m
Annual herb
April - August
Absent
Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, closed-
cone coniferous forest. Rocky or gravelly serpentine sites;
usually in barren areas.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Chorizanthe rectispina
straight-awned
spineflower
-- --
1B.2
G2/S2
45-1040 m
Annual herb
August - June
Absent
Chaparral, cismontane woodland, and coastal scrub, often
on granite.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Cirsium fontinale var.
obispoense
Chorro Creek bog thistle
FE SE
1B.2
G2T2/S2
5-385 m
Perennial herb
February - July
Low
Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, and valley
and foothill grassland. Ocean bluffs, ridgetops, as well as
alkaline clay soils in low-lying areas.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Cirsium occidentale var.
lucianum -- -- 1B.2 326-800 m Absent Chaparral in openings on serpentinite. often on steep rocky
slopes and along disturbed roadsides.
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 8
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
Cuesta Ridge thistle G3G4T2/S2 Annual herb
April - June
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Cirsium rhothophilum
surf thistle
-- FT
1B.2
G1/S1
3-60 m
Perennial herb
April - June
Absent
Coastal dunes and coastal bluff scrub in open areas, usually
in coastal dunes.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Cladonia firma
popcorn lichen -- --
2B.1
G4/S1
30-80 m
Lichen
N/A
Absent
Coastal dunes, coastal scrub on soil and detritus on
stabilized sand dunes, in pure stands or intermixed with
other lichens and mosses forming biotic soil crusts,
covering areas up to several meters.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Clarkia speciosa ssp.
immaculata
Pismo clarkia
FE SR
1B.1
G4T1/S1
30-185 m
Annual herb
May - July
Low
Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill
grassland. On ancient sand dunes not far from the coast.
sandy soils and openings.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
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City of San Luis Obispo, California
Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 9
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
Delphinium parryi ssp.
blochmaniae
dune larkspur
-- --
1B.2
G4T2/S2
18-305 m
Perennial herb
April - May
Absent
Chaparral, coastal dunes (maritime) on rocky areas and
dunes.
Documented within 5 miles; however, the BSA lacks
suitable habitat. Not observed during survey.
Delphinium parryi ssp.
eastwoodiae
Eastwood's larkspur
-- --
1B.2
G4T2/S2
60-640 m
Perennial herb
April - May
Low
Chaparral, valley and foothill grassland. In serpentine and
openings.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Delphinium umbraculorum
umbrella larkspur
-- --
1B.3
G3/S3
215-2075 m
Perennial herb
April - June
Low
Cismontane woodland and chaparral in mesic sites. Often
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Dithyrea maritima
beach spectaclepod
-- ST
1B.1
G1/S1
3-60 m
Perennial herb
(rhizomatous)
Absent
Coastal dunes, coastal scrub. Along sea shores and on sand
dunes.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
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City of San Luis Obispo, California
Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 10
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
March - May
Dudleya abramsii ssp.
bettinae
Betty's dudleya
-- --
1B.2
G4T2/S2
20-250 m
Perennial herb
March - July
Low
Coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, and chaparral
on rocky, barren exposures of serpentine within scrub
vegetation.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Dudleya abramsii ssp. murina
mouse-gray dudleya
-- --
1B.3
G4T2/S2
25-535 m
Perennial herb
May - June
Absent
Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill
grassland. serpentine outcrops.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Dudleya blochmaniae ssp.
blochmaniae
Blochman's dudleya
-- --
1B.1
G3T2/S2
5 m - 290 m
Perennial herb
August - July
Low
Coastal scrub, coastal bluff scrub, chaparral, valley and
foothill grassland. Open rocky slopes in shallow clays over
serpentine or in rocky areas with little
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Eriastrum luteum
yellow-flowered eriastrum
-- ST 1B.2 240-580 m Absent
Broadleaf upland forest, cismontane woodland, and
chaparral on bare sandy decomposed granite slopes.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
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City of San Luis Obispo, California
Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 11
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
G2/S2 Annual herb
May - June
habitat.
Erigeron blochmaniae
Blochman's leafy daisy
-- --
1B.2
G2/S2
0-185 m
Perennial herb
(rhizomatous)
June - August
Low
Coastal dunes and coastal scrub on sand dunes and hills.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Eriodictyon altissimum
Indian Knob
mountainbalm
FE SE
1B.1
G1/S1
95-245 m
Shrub
March - June
Absent
Chaparral (maritime), cismontane woodland, and coastal
scrub on pismo sandstone and ridges in open, disturbed
areas.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Eryngium aristulatum var.
hooveri
Hoover's button-celery
FT SR
1B.1
G5T1/S1
1-50 m
Annual/perennial
herb
June - August
Moderate
Vernal pools, alkaline depressions, roadside ditches, and
other wet places near the coast.
Widespread populations documented on neighboring Tank
Farm property within vernal pools, outside of BSA (Padre,
2013). Subject Property may contain suitable habitat in
man-made depression, but Property was capped with
imported fill material/gravel, so unclear if similar soil
conditions to that of known population areas are still
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 12
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
present.
Erythranthe serpentinicola
Irish Hills monkeyflower
FT --
1B.1
G5T1/S1
60-360 m
Annual herb
April (needs more
study)
Low
Chaparral, meadows, and edges of seeps in rocky serpentine
openings.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Extriplex joaquinana
San Joaquin spearscale -- --
1B.2
G2/S2
0-800 m
Annual herb
April - September
Low
Chenopod scrub, alkali meadow, playas, valley and foothill
grassland in seasonal alkali wetlands or alkali sink scrub
with Distichlis spicata, Frankenia, etc.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Fritillaria ojaiensis
Ojai fritillary -- --
1B.2
G3/S3
95-1140 m
Perennial herb
February - May
Low
Broadleaf upland forest (mesic), chaparral, lower montane
coniferous forest, cismontane woodland. Rocky sites, on
serpentine and along roadsides.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Horkelia cuneata var.
puberula -- -- 1B.1 15-1645 m Absent
Chaparral, cismontane woodland, and coastal scrub on
sandy or gravelly sites.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
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City of San Luis Obispo, California
Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 13
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
mesa horkelia G4T1/S1 Perennial herb
February - July
Horkelia often identifiable to genus outside of blooming
period. None observed.
Horkelia cuneata var. sericea
Kellogg's horkelia
-- --
1B.1
G4T1?/ S1?
5-430 m
Perennial herb
February - July
Absent
Closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal scrub, coastal dunes,
and chaparral. Openings with sandy or gravelly soils on
ancient dunes and coastal sandhills.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable
habitat. Horkelia often identifiable to genus outside of
blooming period. None observed.
Lasthenia californica ssp.
macrantha
perennial goldfields
-- --
1B.2
G3T2/S2
5-185 m
Perennial herb
January - November
Low
Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal scrub.
Not documented within 5 miles and the BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Lasthenia glabrata ssp.
coulteri
Coulter's goldfields
-- --
1B.1
G4T2/S2
1 m - 1375 m
Annual herb
February - June
Low
Coastal salt marshes, playas, vernal pools usually on alkaline
soils in playas, sinks, and grasslands.
Not documented within 5 miles but the BSA contains
marginal habitat.
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City of San Luis Obispo, California
Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 14
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
Layia erubescens
blushing layia
-- --
1B.2
G2/S2
10-245 m
Annual herb
March - June
Low
Coastal dunes and coastal scrub. Prefers loose, fine sand of
stabilized dunes and sandhills.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Layia jonesii
Jones' layia
-- --
1B.2
G2/S2
5-245 m
Annual herb
March - May
Low
Chaparral, valley and foothill grassland on clay soils and
serpentine outcrops.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Lupinus ludovicianus
San Luis Obispo County
lupine
-- --
1B.2
G1/S1
85-525 m
Perennial herb
April - July
Low
Chaparral, cismontane woodland open areas in sandy soil,
(Santa Margarita Formation).
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Malacothamnus palmeri var.
palmeri
Santa Lucia bush-mallow
-- --
1B.2
G3T2Q/S2
3-670 m
Shrub
May - July
Absent
Chaparral on dry rocky slopes, mostly near summits, but
occasionally extending down canyons to the sea.
Not documented within 5 miles and the BSA lacks suitable
habitat. Not observed during survey.
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 15
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
Malacothamnus gracilis
slender bush-mallow
-- --
1B.1
G1Q/S1
150-335 m
Shrub
March - October
Absent
Chaparral on dry rocky slopes.
Documented within 5 miles; however, BSA lacks suitable
habitat. Not observed during field survey despite being
perennial shrub and within blooming season.
Monardella palmeri
Palmer's monardella
-- --
1B.2
G2/S2
90-945 m
Perennial herb
(rhizomatous)
June - August
Absent
Cismontane woodland and chaparral on serpentine. Often
associated with Sargent cypress forests.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Monardella sinuata ssp.
sinuata
southern curly-leaved
monardella
-- --
1B.2
G3T2/S2
20-305 m
Annual herb
March - July
Low
Coastal dunes, coastal scrub, chaparral, and cismontane
woodland sandy soils.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Several occurrences reported in South County on
iNaturalist, though not location specific. BSA may contain
some suitable habitat elements; however, species strongly
associated with coastal dunes/back dunes
Monolopia gracilens
woodland woollythreads -- --
1B.2
G3/S3
120-975 m
Annual herb
Low
Chaparral, valley and foothill grassland, cismontane
woodland, broadleafed upland forest, and north coast
coniferous forest on grassy sites in openings. Sandy to
rocky soils. Often seen on serpentine after burns but may
have only weak affinity to serpentine.
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 16
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
March - July Not documented within 5 miles and the BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Muhlenbergia utilis
aparejo grass
-- --
2B.2
G4/S2S3
25-2325 m
Perennial grass
October - March
Low
Meadows, seeps, marshes, swamps, and mesic sites within
chaparral, coastal scrub, and cismontane woodland.
sometimes alkaline or serpentinite.
Not documented within 5 miles and the BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Navarretia nigelliformis ssp.
radians
shining navarretia
-- --
1B.2
G4T2/S2
60-975 m
Annual herb
April - July
Low
Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland, vernal
pools (from CDFW: apparently in grassland, and not
necessarily in vernal pools).
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA below elevation
range.
Nemacaulis denudata var.
denudata
coast woolly-heads
-- --
1B.2
G3G4T2/S2
0-5 m
Perennial herb
April - October
Absent
Coastal dunes.
Not documented within 5 miles and the BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Plagiobothrys uncinatus
hooked popcornflower -- --
1B.2
G2/S2
210-855 m
Annual herb
Absent
Chaparral, cismontane woodland, and valley and foothill
grassland on sandstone outcrops and canyon sides; often in
burned or disturbed areas.
Not documented within 5 miles and the lacks suitable
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 17
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
April - May habitat.
Poa diaboli
Diablo Canyon blue grass -- --
1B.2
G2/S2
115-400 m.
Grasslike herb
(rhizomatous)
March - April
Low
Chaparral (mesic sites), cismontane woodland, coastal
scrub, closed-cone coniferous forest on shale and
sometimes burned areas.
Not documented within 5 miles and the BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Sanicula maritima
adobe sanicle -- SR
1B.1
G2/S2
15-215 m
Perennial herb
February - May
Low
Meadows, seeps, valley and foothill grassland, chaparral,
and coastal prairie in moist clay or ultramafic soils.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Scrophularia atrata
black-flowered figwort -- --
1B.2
G2?/ S2?
10-445 m
Perennial herb
March - July
Low
Closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral, coastal dunes,
coastal scrub, and riparian scrub on sand, diatomaceous
shales, and soils derived from other parent material. In
vicinity of swales and in sand dunes.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Senecio aphanactis
chaparral ragwort -- -- 2B.2 20-1020 m Low Chaparral, cismontane woodland, and coastal scrub on
drying alkaline flats.
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 18
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
G3/S2 Annual herb
January - April
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Sidalcea hickmanii ssp.
anomala
Cuesta Pass
checkerbloom
-- SR
1B.2
G3T1/S1
600-800 m
Perennial herb
May - June
Absent
Closed-cone coniferous forest and chaparral on rocky
serpentine soil; associated with Sargent cypress forest.
Not documented within 5 miles and the BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Streptanthus albidus ssp.
peramoenus
most beautiful
jewelflower
-- --
1B.2
G2T2/S2
90-1040 m
Annual herb
April - September
Low
Chaparral, valley and foothill grassland, and cismontane
woodland on serpentine outcrops, ridges, and slopes.
Not documented within 5 miles and the BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Suaeda californica
California seablite FE --
1B.1
G1/S1
0-5 m
Shrub
July – October
Absent
Marshes and swamps. Margins of coastal salt marshes.
Not documented within 5 miles and the BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Sulcaria isidiifera
splitting yarn lichen -- -- G1/S1
20-55 m
Lichen
N/A
Absent
Coastal scrub on branches of oaks and shrubs in old
growth coastal scrub.
Not documented within 5 miles and the BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 19
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
Sulcaria spiralifera
twisted horsehair lichen -- --
1B.2
G3G4/S2
0-90 m
Lichen
N/A
Absent
North coast coniferous forest (immediate coast) and coastal
dunes, usually on conifers.
Not documented within 5 miles and the BSA lacks suitable
habitat.
Trifolium hydrophilum
saline clover -- --
1B.2
G2/S2
1-335 m
Annual herb
April - June
Low
Marshes and swamps, valley and foothill grassland, and
vernal pools in mesic, alkaline sites.
Documented near Laguna Lake growing in grassy spring-
fed swale at the base of a serpentine slope. Historical
occurrences also attributed to this site.
Tropidocarpum capparideum
caper-fruited
tropidocarpum
-- --
1B.1
G1/S1
0-360 m
Annual herb
May - April
Low
Valley and foothill grassland in alkaline clay. Generally
considered extinct prior to specimens being collected at
Fort Hunter Liggett in 2000 and 2001.
Not documented within 5 miles and no recent occurrences
in search area.
NOTES:
2Federal Status
FE - Federally Endangered
FT - Federally Threatened
FC - Federal Candidate Species
3Statue Status
SE - State Endangered
ST - State Threatened
SR - State Rare
SC - State Candidate
4NatureServe Global Rank
GQ = Questionable Taxonomy
GX = Presumed Extinct
GH = Possibly Extinct
G2 = Imperiled
G3 = Vulnerable
G4 = Apparently Secure
G5 = Secure
G? = Inexact Numeric Rank
GU = Unrankable
NatureServe State Rank
SQ = Questionable Taxonomy
SX = Presumed Extirpated
SH = Possibly Extirpated
S1 = Critically Imperiled
S2 = Imperiled
S3 = Vulnerable
S4 = Apparently Secure
S5 = Secure- Common, widespread, and abundant in the state.
S? = Inexact Numeric Rank
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 20
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
GNR = Unranked
GNA = Not Applicable
C = Captive or Cultivated Only
SU = Unrankable
SNR = Unranked
SNA = Not Applicable
4CNPS Rare Plant Rank
Rank 1A - Plants Presumed Extinct in California
Rank 1B - Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California and Elsewhere
Rank 2 - Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California, but more common elsewhere
Rank 3 - Plants About Which We Need More Information - A Review List
Rank 4 - Plants of Limited Distribution - A Watch List
0.1 - Seriously threatened in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat)
0.2 - Fairly threatened in California (20-80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat)
0.3 - Not very threatened in California (<20% of occurrences threatened / low degree and immediacy of threat or no current threats known)
Elevation, life form, and blooming period source:
Calflora. 2023. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database. Available at: https://www.calflora.org.
California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2023. Rare Plant Program: Rare Plant Inventory (online edition, v9.5). Available at: www.rareplants.cnps.org
Al-Shehbaz, I. A. (2003). A synopsis of Tropidocarpum (Brassicaceae). Published in Novon 13:4 392-5
6Potential for Occurrence*
Present = Observed during site visit or known to occur within the BSA.
High Potential = Species is documented within five miles of the BSA, and suitable habitat is present.
Moderate Potential = Species is documented within five miles of the BSA, or marginal/suitable habitat is present.
Low Potential = Species may/may not be documented within five miles of the BSA, and no suitable habitat is present, or vice versa.
Absent = Species are considered effectively absent if they are: 1) endemic to specific habitats not found within the BSA (e.g., aquatic species being considered in upland settings),
and/or 2) not observed during comprehensive botanical inventory during appropriate blooming period(s), precluding significant confounding factors that would temporarily affect
growth. Annual species may maintain a “low potential” ranking following comprehensive inventories due to seasonal fluctuations.
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 21
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2
State
Status3
CNPS
Global/State
Rank4
Elevation
Life Cycle
Blooming Period5
Potential for
Occurrence6 Rationale7
*Some variables may require deviation from these rankings.
7Habitat and proximity sources:
CDFW. 2023. CNDDB BIOS: five-mile search radius. Available at https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/bios6/.
iNaturalist. 2023. Web Database published by California Academy of Sciences and National Geographic. Available at https://www.inaturalist.org.
WILDLIFE 2
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
Invertebrates
Atractelmis wawona
Wawona riffle beetle
-- -- --
G3/S1S2
Aquatic and found in riffles of rapid, small to medium clear
mountain streams at 2000-5000 ft. Strong associated with
submerged aquatic mosses.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Absent
2 CNDDB query for 7.5-minute quadrangles: San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay South, Morro Bay North, Atascadero, Santa Margarita, Lopez Mtn., Arroyo Grande NE, Pismo Beach, Port San Luis.
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 22
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
Bombus caliginosus
obscure bumble bee -- -- --
G2G3/S1/S2
Coastal areas from Santa Barbara County north to Washington
State. Food plant genera include Baccharis, Cirsium, Lupinus, Lotus,
Grindelia and Phacelia
Not documented within 5 miles but BSA may contain marginal
foraging and wintering habitat.
Moderate
Bombus crotchii
Crotch bumble bee
-- SC
(Endangered)
--
G3G4/S1S2
Open grassland and scrub habitats. Food plants include Asclepias
spp., Chaenactis spp., Lupinus spp., Medicago spp., Phacelia spp., and
Salvia spp.
Documented within 5 miles and BSA contains marginal foraging
and wintering habitat. This species has not been documented
within the neighboring Tank Farm property; however, many of
the biological surveys took place prior to its state listing when it
would not have been a focus and in invertebrates are generally
cryptic.
Moderate
Bombus occidentalis
western bumble bee -- SC
(Endangered)
--
G3/S1
Habitat preferences need more study. Once common and
widespread, species has declined precipitously from Central
California to Southern B.C. perhaps from disease.
Occurrence within search area limited to one historical occurrence
(Site Date: 1936; Presumed Extant). No nearby occurrences on
iNaturalist.
Low
Branchinecta lynchi
vernal pool fairy shrimp FT -- --
G3/S3
Endemic to the grasslands of the Central Valley and
Central/South Coast Ranges, in astatic rain-filled pools. Inhabit
small, clear-water sandstone-depression pools and grassed swale,
earth slump, or Basalt-flow depression pools.
Documented within northern and southern portions of
neighboring Tank Farm property (Wolff, 2005; Padre, 2012a), as
well as on CNDDB. Recent man-made basin just outside Property
appears to lack suitable microhabitat and hydrologic surface
connection between Property and occupied pools which are
contained in earthen berms (Padre WSP, 2008a; FEMA, 2023).
Low
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 23
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
Cicindela hirticollis gravida
sandy beach tiger beetle -- -- --
G5T2/S2
Inhabits areas adjacent to non-brackish water along the coast of
California from San Francisco bay to northern Mexico in clean,
dry, light-colored sand in the upper zone. Subterranean larvae
prefer moist sand. Not affected by wave action.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Absent
Helminthoglypta walkeriana
Morro shoulderband FT -- --
G2/S2
Restricted to the coastal strand in the immediate vicinity of Morro
Bay. Inhabits the duff beneath Haplopappus, Salvia, Dudleya, and
Mesembryanthemum.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Absent
Icaricia icarioides moroensis
Morro Bay blue butterfly -- -- --
G5T2/S2
Inhabits stabilized dunes and adjacent areas of coastal San Luis
Obispo and NW Santa Barbara Counties. Larval foodplant
thought to be Lupinus chamissonis.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Absent
Linderiella occidentalis
California linderiella -- -- --
G2G3/S2S3
Seasonal pools in unplowed grasslands with old alluvial soils
underlain by hardpan or in sandstone depressions. Water in the
pools has very low alkalinity, conductivity, and total dissolved
solids.
Documented within the neighboring Tank Farm property during
positive surveys for B. lynchi (Padre, 2012a); however, BSA lacks
hydrologic connectivity to these locations, as well as suitable
microhabitat habitat elements.
Low
Polyphylla morroensis
Morro Bay June beetle -- -- --
G1/S1
Found within maritime chaparral and coastal-dune scrub on
Baywood fine sands at the southern end of Morro Bay. Males in
flight have been attracted to lights; flight period appears to be May
– August. Females are presumed flightless, emerging from
underground burrows and emitting pheromones to attract males
(hypothesis).
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Low
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 24
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
Polyphylla nubila
Atascadero June beetle -- -- --
G1/S1
Limited information. Habitat preferences include inland sand
dunes but needs more study.
Nearest occurrence mapped with low accuracy 1.5 miles NE of
Property. Site date in search area is historical (1956) and BSA lacks
sand dune habitat.
Low
Pyrgulopsis taylori
San Luis Obispo pyrg -- -- --
G1/S1
Limited information. Habitat preferences need study. Freshwater
habitats in San Luis Obispo County.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA suspected of lacking suitable
habitat, as occurrences are within riverine/creek systems, not
palustrine/vernal wetlands.
Low
Tryonia imitator
mimic tryonia (=California
brackishwater snail)
-- -- --
G2/S2
Inhabits coastal lagoons, estuaries and salt marshes, from Sonoma
County south to San Diego County. Found only in permanently
submerged areas in a variety of sediment types; able to withstand a
wide range of salinities.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Absent
Coelus globosus
Globose dune beetle -- --
--
G1G2/S1S2
Inhabits fore dunes, sand hummocks, and back dunes from
Bodega Bay, south, and some Channel Islands.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Absent
Danaus plexippus plexippus pop. 1
Monarch butterfly
(overwintering population)
FC
(Endangered)
--
--
G4T1T2Q/S2
Overwintering habitat includes stands of eucalyptus and conifers,
such as Monterey pine. Microclimate elements are important,
however, and not all scattered or individual trees of these species
are used. Elements such as filtered light, wind speeds of less than
four miles per hour (mph), and nearby freshwater sources appear
to be important criteria.
Documented within 5 miles, but BSA lacks suitable overwintering
habitat.
Low
Fish
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 25
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
Eucyclogobius newberryi
Tidewater goby FE -- --
G3/S3
Occurs in cool brackish water of lagoons; favoring salinities less
than 10 ppt. Favorable habitat includes shallow open water with
emergent vegetation.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Absent
Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus pop. 9
steelhead – south-central
California DPS
FT -- --
G5T2Q/S2
Federal listing refers to populations from Santa Maria River south
to southern extent of range (San Mateo Creek in San Diego
County). Likely have greater physiological tolerances to warmer
water and more variable conditions than northern counterparts.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Absent
Reptiles
Emys marmorata
Western pond turtle -- --
SSC
G3G4/S3
Permanent or near-permanent ponds, marshes, rivers, streams and
irrigation ditches, usually with emergent vegetation, below 6000 ft
elevation. Needs basking sites and suitable (sandy banks or grassy
open fields) upland habitat up to 0.5 km. from water for egg-
laying.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable aquatic habitat
and nearest occurrence is outside known dispersal distance.
Low
Phrynosoma blainvillii
Coast horned lizard -- --
SSC
G3G4/S3S4
Wide variety of habitats, most common in lowlands along sandy
washes with scattered low bushes. Open areas for sunning, bushes
for cover, patches of loose soil for burial, and abundant supply of
ants and other insects.
Documented within 5 miles and BSA contains marginal habitat.
Moderate
Anniella pulchra
Northern California legless
lizard
-- -- SSC
G3/ S2S3
Contra Costa County south to San Diego, within a variety of open
habitats, ranging from dunes and chaparral to stream terraces and
mixed riparian woodland. Lives underground or in organic duff
layer and is most active at dusk and dawn. Prefers soil with high
moisture.
Documented within 5 miles and BSA contains marginal habitat
Moderate
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 26
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
outside of the Property
Amphibians
Rana draytonii
California red-legged frog
FT
-- SSC
G2G3/S2S3
Lowlands and foothills in or near permanent sources of deep
water with dense, shrubby or emergent riparian vegetation.
Require 11-20 weeks of permanent water for larval development
and must have access to upland estivation habitat.
Documented within 5 miles, but Property lacks suitable aquatic
habitat. Protocol-level surveys conducted within suitable habitat
on neighboring Tank Farm property resulted in absence (Padre,
2012b). Property is within known dispersal distance (2 mi.) of
nearest occurrence, but no suitable aquatic connectivity and
upland habitat has numerous urban barriers.
Low
Rana boylii pop. 6
foothill yellow-legged frog -
south coast DPS
FE SE --
G3T1/S1
Southern coast ranges from Monterey Bay south through San
Gabriel Mountains; west of the Salinas River in Monterey County
South Through Transverse Ranges, and east through San Gabriel
Mountains. Historically may have ranged to Baja California. Partly
shaded shallow streams and riffles with a rocky substrate in a
variety of habitats. Needs at least some cobble-sized substrate for
egg-laying and at least 15 weeks to attain metamorphosis.
Documented occurrences within 5 miles are historical. Expert
opinion is that they were extirpated from nearest occurrences
around 1975-1978. The only known extant Population in San Luis
Obispo County is near the County line and Ragged Point in the
far NW portion.
Low
Spea hammondii
Western spadefoot -- --
SSC
G2G3/S3S4
--
Occurs primarily in grassland habitats but can be found in valley-
foothill hardwood woodlands. Vernal pools are essential for
breeding and egg-laying. Average dispersal distance between
upland estivation and breeding ponds is approximately 130 ft.
Not documented within 5 miles, but Property may provide upland
dispersal habitat between aquatic habitat elsewhere in BSA.
Moderate
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 27
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
Taricha torosa
Coast Range newt -- -- SSC
G4/S4
Coastal drainages from Mendocino County to San Diego County.
Occurs in wet valley-foothill hardwood, hardwood-conifer, mixed
conifer, oak woodlands, coastal scrub, chaparral, and annual
grasslands. They summer in moist habitats under woody debris, or
in rock crevices and animal burrows. Adults migrate in large
numbers from terrestrial locations to ponds, reservoirs, and
sluggish pools in streams to breed. Known to migrate up to 2 mi.
to breed in ponds, reservoirs and slow-moving streams.
Not documented within 5 miles; however, they are not
uncommon locally, relatively speaking, and anecdotally tend to be
underreported. Moist habitats within BSA, such as Tank Farm
Creek may provide suitable habitat.
Moderate
Birds
Aquila chrysaetos
Golden eagle
-- --
FP
(Nesting/Wintering)
G5/S3
Foothills, mountainous areas, sage-juniper flats, and desert. Cliff-
walled canyons provide nesting habitat in most parts of range, but
also large trees in open areas.
Two personal observations on neighboring Tank Farm property,
outside BSA (2012, 2013). Individual or multiple bird(s) observed
foraging; neither displayed wintering/roosting behavior. No
nesting habitat in/near BSA and no documented roosting in/near
BSA.
Low (nesting
/wintering)
Accipiter cooperii
Cooper's hawk
-- --
WL (Nesting)
G5/S4
Woodland with open or intermittent canopy, including live oak
woodland. Nest sites mainly in deciduous riparian areas or oaks
along canyon bottoms and flood plains.
Documented within 5 miles (iNaturalist, 2023; eBird, 2023). May
forage in vicinity, but BSA contains low quality nesting habitat and
Low
(Nesting)
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 28
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
no remnant stick nests observed in surrounding trees during
November 2023 survey.
Athene cunicularia
Burrowing owl
-- --
SSC (Burrow &
Wintering Sites)
G4/S3
Open, dry annual or perennial grasslands, deserts, and scrublands
characterized by low-growing vegetation. Subterranean nester,
dependent upon burrowing mammals, most notably, the
California ground squirrel.
Wintering birds documented within neighboring Property, outside
of BSA (Padre, 2012), as well as on CNDDB. BSA contains
suitable habitat elements, such as ground squirrel burrows. No
signs of owl usage, such as whitewash, during November 2023
survey.
High
Ardea herodias
great blue heron
-- --
--
G5/S4 (Nesting
Colony)
Colonial nester in tall trees, cliffsides, and sequestered spots on
marshes. Rookery sites in close proximity to foraging areas:
marshes, lake margins, tide-flats, rivers and streams, and wet
meadows.
Individual observed during November 2023 field survey within
northeast corner of BSA. Startled into flight by domestic dog.
BSA. No rookeries documented in/near BSA.
Low (Nesting
Colony)
Buteo regalis
ferruginous hawk
-- --
WL (Wintering)
G4/S3S4
Open grasslands, sagebrush flats, desert scrub, low foothills and
fringes of pinyon and juniper habitats. Eats mostly lagomorphs,
ground squirrels, and mice. Population trends may follow
lagomorph population cycles.
Documented 0.40 miles northeast of the Property as a wintering
site in 1993, but pair did not return following winter. Other more
recent wintering sites in quad. BSA may provide suitable wintering
habitat.
Moderate
(Wintering)
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 29
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
Coccyzus americanus occidentalis
western yellow-billed cuckoo
FT SE
--
G5T2T3/S1
Riparian forest nester, along the broad, lower flood-bottoms of
larger river systems. Nests in riparian thickets of willow, often
mixed with cottonwoods, with lower story of blackberry, nettles,
or wild grape. Requires densely foliaged deciduous trees and
shrubs, especially willows, for nesting and mature cottonwoods
for foraging.
Single documented occurrence within search area believed
extirpated. BSA does not provide suitable habitat.
Low
Elanus leucurus
White-tailed kite
-- --
FP (Nesting)
G5/S3S4
Rolling foothills and valley margins with scattered oaks and river
bottomlands or marshes next to deciduous woodland. Open
grasslands, meadows, or marshes for foraging close to isolated,
dense-topped trees for nesting and perching.
Personal observations within the north side of neighboring Tank
Farm property, outside of BSA. Same or multiple individual(s)
observed foraging and perching on same tree snag (2012-2015).
No nesting behavior observed. Potential nesting habitat in nearby
mature pines, though no remnant stick nests observed.
Moderate
(Nesting)
Eremophila alpestris actia
California horned lark
-- --
WL
G5T4Q/S4
Coastal regions from Sonoma County to San Diego County, as
well as San Joaquin valley east to foothills. Short-grass prairie,
"bald" hills, mountain meadows, open coastal plains, fallow grain
fields, and alkali flats.
Observed by Padre on neighboring Tank Farm property (Padre,
2013). BSA provides suitable foraging habitat.
High
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 30
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
Falco columbarius
merlin
-- --
WL (Wintering)
G5/S3S4
Seacoast, tidal estuaries, open woodlands, savannahs, edges of
grasslands and deserts, farms and ranches. Clumps of trees or
windbreaks are required for roosting in open country.
Documented within 5 miles (iNaturalist, 2023). Mature
ornamental trees on neighboring properties may provide suitable
wintering/roosting habitat.
Moderate
Falco mexicanus
prairie falcon
-- --
WL (Nesting)
G5/S4
Inhabits dry, open terrain, either level or hilly. Breeding sites
located on cliffs. Forages in wide variety of habitats, including
marshlands and ocean shores.
Occurrence is historical but presumed extant (Site Date: 1978).
Rare transient to the area. Actual location is considered sensitive
and not disclosed on CNDDB. BSA lacks nesting habitat.
Low (Nesting)
Lanius ludovicianus
loggerhead shrike
-- --
SSC (Nesting)
G4/S4
Broken woodlands, savannah, pinyon-juniper, Joshua tree, and
riparian woodlands, desert oases, scrub and washes. Prefers open
country for hunting, with perches for scanning, and fairly dense
shrubs and brush for nesting.
Documented by Padre (2013) within the north side of neighboring
Tank Farm property during nesting season. No nesting behavior
observed but potentially suitable nesting habitat present.
High (Nesting)
Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus
California black rail
-- FT
FP
G3T1/S2
Inhabits freshwater marshes, wet meadows and shallow margins
of saltwater marshes bordering larger bays. Needs water depths of
about 1 inch that do not fluctuate during the year and dense
Absent
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 31
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
vegetation for nesting habitat.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Rallus obsoletus obsoletus
California Ridgway's rail
FE SE
FP
G3T1/S2
Salt water and brackish marshes traversed by tidal sloughs in the
vicinity of San Francisco Bay. Associated with abundant growths
of pickleweed, but feeds away from cover on invertebrates from
mud-bottomed sloughs.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Absent
Agelaius tricolor
Tricolored blackbird
--
SE
SSC
(Nesting Colony)
G1G2/S1S2
Highly colonial species, most numerous in central valley and
vicinity. Largely endemic to California. Requires open water, with
emergent vegetation such as cattails and bullrush, but also dense
brambles near water, such as blackberry. Requires protected
nesting substrate, and foraging area with insect prey within a few
miles of the colony.
Documented by Padre (2013) in freshwater marsh on north side
of neighboring Tank Farm property. Any suitable nesting habitat
within the neighboring property is over 300 ft. away, however.
Low (Nesting
Colony)
Ammodramus savannarum
grasshopper sparrow -- -- SSC (Nesting)
G5/S3
Dense grasslands on rolling hills, lowland plains, in valleys and on
hillsides on lower mountain slopes. Favors native grasslands with
a mix of grasses, forbs and scattered shrubs. Loosely colonial
when nesting.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Nearest occurrence greater than 10 miles to the north.
Low (Nesting)
Mammals
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 32
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
Antrozous pallidus
Pallid bat
-- --
SSC
G4/S3
Deserts, grasslands, shrublands, woodlands and forests. Most
common in open, dry habitats with rocky areas for roosting.
Roosts must protect bats from high temperatures. Very sensitive
to disturbance of roosting sites.
Documented within 5 miles but BSA lacks suitable roosting
habitat
Low
Corynorhinus townsendii
Townsend's big-eared bat
-- --
SSC
G4/S2
Throughout California in a wide variety of habitats. Most
common in mesic sites. Roosts in the open, hanging from walls
and ceilings. Roosting sites limiting. Extremely sensitive to human
disturbance.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable roosting
habitat
Low
Dipodomys heermanni morroensis
Morro Bay kangaroo rat
FE SE
FP
G4TH/SH
Coastal sage scrub on the south side of Morro Bay. Needs sandy
soil, but not active dunes, prefers early seral stages.
Occurrences historical (Site Dates: 1984, 1985) and presumed
extirpated or possibly extirpated. BSA lacks suitable habitat.
Absent
Neotoma lepida intermedia
San Diego desert woodrat
-- --
SSC
G5T3T4/S3S4
Coastal scrub of Southern California from San Diego County to
San Luis Obispo County. Moderate to dense canopies preferred.
They are particularly abundant in rock outcrops, rocky cliffs, and
slopes.
Documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable habitat. No
Low
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 33
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
woodrat houses observed.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable habitat
Nyctinomops macrotis
big free-tailed bat
-- --
SSC
G5/S3
Low-lying arid areas in Southern California. Needs high cliffs or
rocky outcrops for roosting sites. Feeds principally on large
moths.
Not documented within 5 miles and BSA lacks suitable habitat
Low
Eumops perotis californicus
Western mastiff bat
-- --
SSC
G4G5T4/S3S54
Many open, semi-arid to arid habitats, including conifer and
deciduous woodlands, coastal scrub, grasslands, chaparral, etc.
Roosts in trees cavities,
Documented within 5 miles. May forage in vicinity but BSA does
not contain suitable roosting habitat, such as cliff faces, tree
cavities, or tunnels.
Low
Taxidea taxus
American badger
-- --
SSC
G5/S4
Most abundant in drier open stages of shrub, forest, and
herbaceous habitats, with friable soils. Needs sufficient food,
friable soils and open, uncultivated ground. Fossorial and preys on
burrowing rodents.
Personal observation within south side of neighboring Tank Farm
property, outside of BSA (2014), as well as CNDDB documented
occurrence on tank farm road (mortality), outside of BSA. No
suspected badger dens observed within accessible parts of BSA
during November 2023 survey. BSA has suitable friable soils, but
is mostly flat; lacking preferred slopes/berms for burrowing.
Moderate DR
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Appendix D – Special-Status Species Tables 34
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status2 State Status3 CDFW4 &
NatureServe Rank5 Habitat and Proximity6 Potential for
Occurrence7
Abundance of prey, such as ground squirrels, however.
NOTES:
2Federal Listing
FE: Federally Endangere
FT: Federally Threatened
FC: Federal Candidate
3. State Listing
SE: State Endangered
ST: State Threatened
SC: State Candidate
4. CDFW Designation
FP: Fully Protected
SSC: Species of Special Concern
WL: Watch List
5. NatureServe Global Rank
GQ = Questionable Taxonomy
GX = Presumed Extinct
GH = Possibly Extinct
G1 = Critically Imperiled
G2 = Imperiled
G3 = Vulnerable
G4 = Apparently Secure
G5 = Secure
G? = Inexact Numeric Rank
GU = Unrankable
NatureServe State Rank
SQ = Questionable Taxonomy
SX = Presumed Extirpated
SH = Possibly Extirpated
S1 = Critically Imperiled
S2 = Imperiled
S3 = Vulnerable
S4 = Apparently Secure
S5 = Secure
S? = Inexact Numeric Rank
SU = Unrankable
SNR = Unranked
SNA = Not Applicable
6. Habitat and proximity sources
CDFW. 2023. California Interagency Wildlife Task Group: California Wildlife Habitat Relationships. Sacramento, California.
CDFW. 2023. CNDDB BIOS: five-mile search radius. Available at https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/bios6/.
Baumberger, K.L., Eitzel M.V., M.E., Horn, M.H. 2009. Movement and habitat selection of the western spadefoot (Spea hammondii) in Southern California. PLOS ONE web journal.
Available at www.journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0222532.
NatureServe. 2023. NatureServe Network Biodiversity Location Data accessed through NatureServe Explorer [web application]. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available
https://explorer.natureserve.org/.
7. Potential for Occurrence*
Present = Detected during site visit or known to occur within the BSA. Some wildlife species may only occur transitorily and are not necessarily at risk of Project-related impacts.
High Potential = Species is documented within five miles of the BSA and suitable habitat is present.
Moderate Potential = Species is documented within five miles of the BSA and/or the BSA contains marginal or poor habitat.
Low Potential/Absent = Species may/may not be documented within five miles of the BSA and no suitable habitat is present. Species with radically different habitat requirements
(e.g., aquatic species being considered for upland sites) are considered effectively absent.
Absent = Species are considered effectively absent if they are endemic to specific habitats not found within the BSA (e.g., aquatic species being considered in upland settings).
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Appendix E – Resume 1
Ken Wimer – Resume
Email: ken@axonbiological.com ● Phone: (805) 215-8089 ● Address: 1660 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA
Website: www.axonbiological.com
Axon Biological Consulting (Axon) specializes in a variety of
environmental services for public and private clientele; always taking the
"one team" approach to ensure common project goals are met on
schedule and within budget. Axon is owned and operated by Principal
Biologist, Ken Wimer, who has 12 years of consulting experience in
Central and Southern California and has supported projects ranging from
complex large-scale remediations to sub-acre residential developments.
Axon is listed as a Qualified Biological Consultant by the Counties of
Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles, as
well as various cities, including Malibu, and is regularly trusted by industry
leading firms to prepare technical reports on their behalf.
Mr. Wimer has extensive experience quantifying vegetation cover and conducting native tree surveys, having
acted as a lead restoration practitioner for Padre Associates, Inc. for over 10 years. He has also been granted
CDFW, USFWS, and NMFS approvals to work with a variety of special-status species, including tidewater goby
(Eucyclogobius newberryi), California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) (CRLF), steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and
San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica), and differentiates himself with an ability to synthesize technical
information into clear, thoughtful assessments and recommendations. He relies on a team of subject experts,
when needed, to ensure tasks are completed to the right way the first time. As a team, Axon believes that
experience, only when combined with integrity and the highest professional standards, can produce deliverables
that prevent regulatory headaches and save clients valuable time and resources.
Services Provided:
Technical reporting, including Initial Study
Biological Assessments, Inventories, and SB9
Statements of Habitat,
ESHA and SERA site consultations,
CDFW 1602, ACOE 404, and RWQCB 401
jurisdictional delineations and permitting,
Construction monitoring,
Comprehensive and focused species surveys,
including USFWS protocol surveys,
Habitat restoration implementation,
monitoring, and reporting,
Geographic Information System (GIS)
mapping, and
Tree Surveys and Protection Plans.
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Statement of Qualifications
Appendix E – Resume 2
Project Examples:
Biological Inventory and Assessment Reporting; various locations throughout Central and Southern
California: December 2011 - Present
Axon regularly prepares Biological Inventory and Biological Assessment Reports for Coastal Development and
Land Use Permit Applications. Includes desktop literature reviews (e.g., CNDDB, BIOS, NWI, USDA Soil
Survey, applicable research studies, etc.), vegetation mapping utilizing the Manual of California Vegetation
classification system, comprehensive and focused plant utilizing dichotomous treatments found in the Jepson
Manual: Vascular Plants of California, focused wildlife surveys performed to all relevant standards/protocols,
impact assessment, avoidance measure recommendations, and GIS mapping. Jurisdictional delineations for
Waters of the U.S./State are often included, as well.
Mr. Wimer has successfully managed many technical reporting projects for Padre Associates, Inc. (Padre),
Forde Biological Consulting, LLC (Forde), Rincon Consultants, Inc. (Rincon), and Sentinel Science, Inc
(Sentinel), and is known for bringing process and quality improvement to survey and reporting procedures.
SoCal Edison - Permitting Services for Waters of the U.S. and State, various locations throughout the
Central and Southern California: February 2023 – present
Preparation of permit applications and supporting documentation for pole replacement in/near Waters of the
U.S. and State, including Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) Section 404, California Department of Fish and
Wildlife (CDFW) 1600, and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) 401 permits.
Requires jurisdictional delineations for streams and wetlands, along with Habitat Assessment Reports,
Jurisdictional Delineation Reports, and permit application preparation. Employed by Sentinel Science, Inc.
under contract of Rincon Consultants. A recent Habitat Assessment Report prepared by Mr. Wimer is now
being utilized by Rincon as the training template for their waters permitting program.
SoCal Edison – Routine Line Clearance and Maintenance Program, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los
Angeles Counties: March 2021 – November 2022
Project management in support of utility line operations and maintenance activities. Included training staff on
habitat assessment, species ecology, Waters of the U.S. and State delineation and regulations, surveying, and
data collection techniques. Employed by Forde Biological Consultants, LLC (Forde).
SoCal Gas Company – Waters of the U.S. and State Delineation and Habitat Assessment Report, Los
Angeles County, CA: June 2021
Preparation of Habitat Assessment and Jurisdictional Delineation Report for anticipated impacts to Waters of
the U.S. and State. Employed by Forde.
Chevron San Joaquin Valley Business Unit (SJVBU) - Cymric Oil Field; Kern County, CA: 2015-2020
Conducted over 300 hours of CDFW jurisdictional delineations in dryland/ephemeral stream systems,
conducted botanical inventories, and participated in protocol-level blunt-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia silu)
surveys; obtaining sufficient hours and experience to qualify as USFWS Level II surveyor (qualified to lead
surveys). Employed by Padre.
Caltrans - Highway 46 Corridor Improvement Project, San Luis Obispo County, CA: March-April 2023
USFWS-approved Designated Biologist for California red-legged frog (CRLF) and San Joaquin Kit Fox (SJKF)
and approved Biological Monitor for California Tiger Salamander (CTS). Ensured Incidental Take Permit
compliance during all ground disturbance. Contracted under Padre Associates, Inc. (Padre).
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Statement of Qualifications
Appendix E – Resume 3
Monterey County Public Works Department – Bradley Road Bridge Scour Repair Project, Bradley,
CA: June 2023 – present
Qualified Biologist for CRLF and steelhead. Tasked with monitoring coffer dam installation, dewatering, and
diversion, as well as general permit compliance. Conduct dip net capture and relocation of native fish and
amphibians to suitable habitat and removal of invasive American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) and crayfish
(Pacifastacus leniusculus). Contracted under JBD Consulting.
California Army National Guard – Camp Roberts Military Base, Monterey County, CA: January 2017-
February 2020
Conducted jurisdictional delineations for Wetland Waters of the U.S/State, Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Plan (SWPPP) monitoring (e.g., erosion control BMPs, water quality sampling, reporting, etc.), and habitat
restoration for upland and wetland vegetation communities, including planning, implementation, monitoring,
and reporting. Employed by Padre.
Chevron North American Exploration and Production Company (CNEAP) San Ardo Oil Field,
Monterey County, CA: 2013-2020; Monterey County, CA: 2013-2020
USFWS-approved biologist for protocol-level CRLF surveys in/around the Salinas River.
Coordinated/conducted USFWS protocol surveys for SJKF. Assisting biologist for USFWS protocol surveys
for vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi). Other tasks included oak tree and rare plant surveys, CDFW
jurisdictional delineation, and mapping woodrat houses (Neatomoa sp.). Employed by Padre.
County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department – Toro Creek Road Repair Project, Cayucos,
CA: 2020
Qualified Biologist for CRLF and steelhead. Included seining and relocation of 26 steelhead to suitable habitat,
and monitoring of stream isolation, dewatering, and road repair. Employed by Padre.
City of San Luis Obispo – Marsh Street Bridge Replacement Project, San Luis Obispo: April-August
2020
NMFS-approved to handle and relocate steelhead (relocated one juvenile). Responsible for implementing
Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) 401 permit and NMFS Biological Opinion. Prepared Project
completion letter summarizing construction and monitoring activities, as well as compliance with permit
measures. Employed by Padre.
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District (RCD) – Santa Rosa Creek Restoration
Project; Cambria, CA: August 2020
Electro-fishing capture and relocation of 81 South-Central California Coast steelhead prior to stream isolation
and dewatering. Included size classing and demonstration of methodologies for California Conservation Corps.
Assisting biologist to RCD and Stillwater Sciences.
Dynegy Morro Bay Power Plant – Loading Lines Decommissioning Project, City of Morro Bay: 2019
Conducted sein net capture and relocation of approximately 1,500 tidewater goby in all life stages, as well as
associated native fish species, under supervision of permitted biologist. Non-native species were removed.
Other tasks included monitoring coffer dam installation and dewatering within Morro Creek, offshore marine
mammal and hydrophone monitoring as NMFS-approved biologist and preparation of Project Completion
Letter. Employed by Padre.
CNAEP – Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD3) Pipeline Replacement Project, Contra Costa
Solano, CA: May-October 2019.
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Statement of Qualifications
Appendix E – Resume 4
Hydroacoustic monitoring during piledriving activities and general permit compliance related to pipeline
replacement/horizontal drilling in the San Francisco Bay Delta. Agency-approved marine mammal, salmonids,
green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris), delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), and salt marsh harvest mouse
(Reithrodontomys raviventris). Other tasks included water quality monitoring/reporting. Employed by Padre.
Chevron Environmental Management Company (CEMC) - Guadalupe Restoration Project, Santa
Barbara & San Luis Obispo Counties, CA: 2013-2018
Approved to independently survey for, handle, and relocate tidewater goby and CRLF under USFWS Biological
and Conference Opinion (BO#1-8-03-F/C-57). Routinely conducted eyeshine and egg mass surveys for CRLF,
as well as rare plant surveys, propagation, and outplanting for State threatened beach spectaclepod (Dithyrea
maritima) and surf thistle (Cirsium rhothophilum), and federally endangered La Graciosa thistle (Cirsium loncholepis).
Other common tasks included pre-activity site clearances, construction monitoring, restoration success
monitoring, and SWPPP monitoring. Employed at Padre.
ExxonMobil – Las Flores Canyon Oil and Gas Refinery, Santa Barbara County, CA: 2014-2018
Emergency relocation of 61 CRLF from stormwater retention basin to suitable habitat, USFWS-approved
CRLF monitor during vegetation maintenance and pipeline/bridge replacement activities (Venadito Canyon).
Employed by Padre.
CEMC – San Luis Obispo Tank Farm Remediation Project; San Luis Obispo County, CA: 2012-2018
USFWS-approved to independently survey for CRLF. Conducted 13 protocol-level CRLF surveys over two
breeding/non-breeding seasons, including reporting. Other tasks performed included rare plant surveys,
mapping, seed collection, propagation, and transplanting, pre-activity surveys and construction monitoring for
CRLF, invasive plant control, and SWPPP monitoring. Employed by Padre.
Cojo and Hollister Ranch Properties (various clients), Santa Barbara County, CA: 2013-2019
Project work for the Nature Conservancy (TNC), CEMC, and Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas (Freeport) within
Cojo and Hollister Ranches. Included: surveys, mapping, and monitoring for Gaviota tarplant (Deinandra
increscens ssp. villosa) (CEMC), comprehensive rare plant surveys and preparation of BA Report (Freeport), and
success monitoring for coast live oak woodlands restoration (TNC). Employed by Padre.
Ventura County Public Works Department – J Street Drain Flood Control Project, City of Oxnard, CA:
2014
Conducted sein net capture and relocation of approximately 2000 tidewater goby in all life stages, as well as
associated native species, under supervision of permitted biologist. Non-native species were removed. Other
tasks included monitoring coffer dam installation and dewatering.
Aera Energy, LLC East Cat Canyon Exploration and Redevelopment Project, Santa Barbara, CA: 2011-
2020
Conducted site-wide oak tree surveys, site-wide vegetation mapping and rare-plant surveys and
coordinated/implemented/monitored an oak tree restoration pilot test project. Assisting biologist for USFWS
protocol-level surveys for CTS. Prepared a BA report for overhead transmission line replacement and
contributed to another BA for oil well redevelopment. Employed by Padre.
Chevron Environmental Management Company (CEMC) – Casmalia Mineral Fee Remediation
Project, Santa Barbara County, CA: 2013-2018
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Statement of Qualifications
Appendix E – Resume 5
Restoration of ephemeral stream following bridge replacement, as well as three isolated wetlands. Included
implementation, quantitative monitoring, and preparation of annual monitoring reports. Other activities
included camera trapping for American badger (Taxidea taxus), site-wide spring botanical surveys, and
construction monitoring as USFWS-approved biologist for CRLF. Employed by Padre.
CEMC – Morro Bay Estero Marine Terminal; San Luis Obispo County, CA: 2011-2017
Restoration implementation, monitoring, and reporting for three freshwater wetlands, and rare plant restoration
for Blochman’s dudleya (Dudleya blochmaniae), Palmer’s spineflower (Chorizanthe palmeri), and San Luis Obispo
morning glory (Calystegia subacaulis ssp. episcopalis). Conducted protocol-level CRLF surveys for the Alva Paul
Creek pipeline decommissioning. Employed at Employed by Padre.
Education
B.S. Environmental Management and Protection – California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo;
2011.
Coursework in statistics, biology, ecology, dendrology, watershed management, soil science, and environmental
impact analysis/assessment.
Other Qualifications and Continuing Education:
CEQA Impact Assessment – Hosted by David Magney of CNPS: September 2021
Successful CEQA Compliance: A Step-by-Step Approach – Hosted by UCLA Extension: November 2021
Basic Wetland Delineation – Hosted by Wetland Training Institute: February 2022
22nd Annual Cojo Confab – Hosted by Salmonid Restoration Federation, Orleans, CA: August 23-25, 2019
Second Annual Steelhead Summit – Hosted by Salmonid Restoration Federation, San Luis Obispo,
California: October 27-28, 2016
Biology and Conservation of the California Tiger Salamander Workshop – Hosted by Alameda County
Conservation Partnership: May 6-7, 2014. Handled two (2) adults, one (1) metamorph, and 12 larvae.
California Red-Legged Frog Biology and Management Workshop – Hosted by Alameda County
Conservation Partnership: April 24-25, 2013. Handled eight (8) adults and 15 sub-adults. Identified individuals
in all life stages.
California Conservation Corps, Fisheries Technician – Temporary grant-funded staff position; September-
November 2011
USFWS 10(a)1(A) Recover Permit for CLRF pending (#PER3319297)
CDFW Plant Voucher Collecting Permit No. 2081(a)-23-095-V
Professional affiliations:
The Wildlife Society: Western Section (Volunteer Mentor)
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