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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2d_Biological Resources Inventory   FROOM  RANCH  PROJECT   SAN  LUIS  OBISPO  COUNTY,  CALIFORNIA     BIOLOGICAL  RESOURCES  INVENTORY         Prepared  for:     John  Madonna  Construction,  Inc.   P.O.  Box  5310   San  Luis  Obispo,  California  93403       Prepared  by:     KMA Kevin  Merk  Associates,  LLC   P.O.  Box  318   San  Luis  Obispo,  California  93406         January  2016   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. ES-­‐i   EXECUTIVE  SUMMARY   Kevin  Merk  Associates,  LLC  (KMA)  conducted  a  biological  resources  inventory  to  support  development   planning  efforts  on  the  Froom  Ranch  located  in  San  Luis  Obispo  County,  California.    The  purpose  of  the   study  was  to  characterize  the  existing  conditions  on  the  property  and  evaluate  the  potential  for  special   status  biological  resources  to  be  present  within  the  study  area.    A  background  literature  review,   floristic  inventory,  tree  inventory  and  special  status  species  evaluation  was  conducted.   The  study  took  place  over  the  course  of  the  winter,  spring,  summer  and  fall  of  2015  to  delineate  and   characterize  plant  communities  onsite,  conduct  rare  plant  surveys,  and  identify  any  habitat  that  could   potentially  support  special  status  species  or  otherwise  be  of  concern  to  the  United  States  Fish  and   Wildlife    (USFWS),  U.S.  Army  Corps  of  Engineers  (USACE),  NOAA  Fisheries,  California  Department  of   Fish  and  Wildlife  (CDFW),  California  Regional  Water  Quality  Control  Board  (RWQCB),  and  the  City  of   San  Luis  Obispo.    As  stated  above,  prior  to  field  work,  a  background  literature  review  including  past   biological  studies  conducted  in  the  region  and  environmental  documents  from  projects  onsite  and  in   the  immediate  area  was  conducted.    The  California  Natural  Diversity  Data  Base  (CNDDB)  maintained   by  the  CDFW  was  queried  to  compile  a  list  of  special  status  resources  known  to  occur  in  the  area  that   could  potentially  be  present  onsite.    The  field  effort  mapped  onsite  habitat  types,  characterized  natural   drainage  features,  and  identified  all  plants  within  the  study  area  to  a  sufficient  level  to  determine  their   respective  rarity  status.    For  special  status  wildlife,  a  habitat  suitability  analysis  was  used  to  determine   the  species  that  could  potentially  occur  within  the  study  area.  The  following  findings  were  gathered  in   the  report:   Existing  Conditions.    The  site  is  a  111  acre  working  cattle/horse  ranch  that  supports  primarily   grassland  habitat  (both  native  bunchgrass  and  non-­‐native  annual).    Oak  woodlands,  coastal  scrub,  and   serpentine  outcrops  were  identified  within  the  study  area.    Froom  Creek  and  three  tributary  drainages   are  also  present  onsite.    Froom  Creek  is  a  tributary  to  San  Luis  Obispo  Creek  located  offsite  to  the   southeast.    A  site  location  map,  aerial  overview  map,  soils  map,  habitat  map,  CNDDB  botanical   occurrences  map,  special  status  plant  occurrences  map,  and  CNDDB  wildlife  occurrences  map  are   provided  herein.    A  list  of  plant  and  animal  species  observed,  special  status  species  known  to  occur  in   the  region  and  an  evaluation  of  their  potential  to  occur  onsite,  a  photo  plate,  and  tree  inventory  data   are  included  as  appendices.   Special  Status  Biological  Resources.    The  site  contains  Froom  Creek  and  associated  tributary   drainages.    The  upper  elevation  areas  in  the  southwest  of  the  site  have  serpentine  derived  soils  and   rock  outcrops.    Grasslands  in  the  southwest  part  of  the  study  area  contain  native  species  such  as  purple   needlegrass  (Stipa  pulchra),  and  was  mapped  as  serpentine  bunchgrass  grassland  separated  from  the   annual  grassland  that  forms  the  dominant  cover  onsite.    Other  special  status  resources  onsite  include   coast  live  oak/California  bay  woodland,  and  wetland  and  riparian  habitat  associated  with  natural   drainage  features.    In  addition,  wetlands  were  delineated  along  Calle  Joaquin  and  Los  Osos  Valley  Road   where  surface  and  subsurface  hydrology  has  been  impounded  due  to  the  construction  of  roads  and   adjacent  development.         The  floristic  inventory  identified  the  following  special  status  plants  occurring  in  the  serpentine   bunchgrass  grassland,  wetlands  and  on  scattered  serpentine  outcrops  in  the  southwest  part  of  the  site:   • Blochman's  dudleya  (Dudleya  blochmaniae;  CRPR  List  1B.1);   • Brewer's  spineflower  (Chorizanthe  breweri;  CRPR  List  1B.3);   • Cambria  morning  glory  (Calystegia  subacaulis  ssp.  episcopalis;  CRPR  List  4.2);   • Chaparral  ragwort  (Senecio  aphanactis;  CRPR  List  2.2);   • Chorro  Creek  bog  thistle  (Cirsium  fontinale  var.  obispoense;  federal  and  state  endangered  and   CRPR  List  1B.2);   • club  hair  mariposa  lily  (Calochortus  clavatus  ssp.  clavatus  CRPR  List  4.3);   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. ES-­‐ii   • Congdon's  tarplant  (Centromadia  parryi  ssp.  congdonii;  CRPR  List  1B.1);   • Eastwood’s  larkspur  (Delphinium  parryi  ssp.  eastwoodiae;  CRPR  List  1B.2);   • Jones's  layia  (Layia  jonesii;  CRPR  List  1B.2);   • mouse-­‐gray  dudleya    (Dudleya  abramsii  ssp.  murina;  CRPR  List  1B.2);   • Palmer’s  spineflower  (Chorizanthe  palmeri:  CRPR  List  4.2);   • San  Luis  mariposa  lily  (Calochortus  obispoensis;  CRPR  List  1B.2);  and   • San  Luis  Obispo  owl's-­‐clover  (Castilleja  densiflora  ssp.  obispoensis;  CRPR  List  1B.2).     No  rare  animals  were  observed  onsite  during  the  field  surveys,  but  based  on  a  habitat  suitability   analysis,  the  following  special  status  animals  could  potentially  occur  onsite:       • American  badger  (Taxidea  taxus;  species  of  special  concern)   • Burrowing  owl  (Athene  cunicularia;  species  of  special  concern);   • California  homed  lark  (Eremophila  alpestris  actia;  watch  list);   • Cooper’s  hawk  (Accipiter  cooperi;  watch  list);   • Golden  eagle  (Aquila  chrysaetos;  watch  list  and  CDFW  Fully  Protected);   • Loggerhead  shrike  (Lanius  ludovicianus;  species  of  special  concern);   • Merlin  (Falco  columbarius;  watch  list);   • Northern  harrier  (Circus  cyaneus;  species  of  special  concern);   • Purple  martin  (Progne  subis;  species  of  special  concern);   • Sharp-­‐shinned  hawk  (Accipiter  striatus;  watch  list);   • Tricolored  blackbird  (Agelaius  tricolor;  candidate  species  and  species  of  special  concern);   • White-­‐tailed  kite  (Elanus  leucurus;  CDFW  Fully  Protected);   • Yellow  warbler  (Dendroica  petechia  brewsteri;  species  of  special  concern);   • Big  free-­‐tailed  bat  (Nyctinomops  macrotis;  species  of  special  concern;   • Hoary  bat  (Lasiurus  cinereus;  special  animal);   • Pallid  bat  (Antrozous  pallidus;  species  of  special  concern);   • San  Diego  woodrat  (Neotoma  lepida  intermedia;  species  of  special  concern);   • Steelhead  (Oncorhynchus  mykiss  irideus;  federal  threatened  and  species  of  concern);   • Townsend’s  western  big-­‐eared  bat  (Corynorhinus  townsendi  townsendi;  species  of  special   concern);   • Western  mastiff  bat  (Eumops  perotis  californicus;  species  of  special  concern);   • Western  red  bat  (Lasiurus  blossevilli;  species  of  special  concern);  and   • Yuma  Myotis  (Myotis  yumanensis;  special  animal).     A  variety  of  birds  and  bats  could  also  utilize  the  larger  trees  within  the  oak/bay  woodland  and  riparian   habitat  for  nesting  and  roosting  activities.    In  addition,  several  bird  species  could  potentially  use  the   grassland  habitat  in  the  study  area  for  nesting.    Given  the  property  contains  a  mosaic  of  habitat  types,   birds  and  bats  would  be  expected  to  forage  throughout  the  property.     KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. i TABLE  OF  CONTENTS   Page       1.0      INTRODUCTION  ..............................................................................................................................................................  1       2.0      METHODS  ..........................................................................................................................................................................  1    2.1    Background  Literature  Review  ........................................................................................................................  1    2.2    Special  Status  Biological  Resources  Definition  .........................................................................................  4    2.3    Field  Surveys  ...........................................................................................................................................................  5    2.4    Tree  Inventory  ........................................................................................................................................................  6    2.5    Floristic  Inventory  .................................................................................................................................................  7    2.6    Wildlife  Assessment  .............................................................................................................................................  7       3.0      RESULTS  .............................................................................................................................................................................  8    3.1    Habitat  Types  .......................................................................................................................................................  11    3.2    Tree  Survey  ...........................................................................................................................................................  15    3.3    Drainage  Features  ..............................................................................................................................................  15    3.4    Soils  ...........................................................................................................................................................................  18    3.5    Special  Status  Biological  Resources  ............................................................................................................  19       5.0      CONCLUSION  .................................................................................................................................................................  26       6.0      REFERENCES  .................................................................................................................................................................  27       LIST  OF  FIGURES     Figure  1  –  Site  Location  Map  .................................................................................................................................................  2   Figure  2  –  Aerial  Overview  Map  ..........................................................................................................................................  3   Figure  3  -­‐    Soils  Map  ..................................................................................................................................................................  9   Figure  4  –  Habitat  Map  .........................................................................................................................................................  10   Figure  5  –  Tree  Survey  Map  ................................................................................................................................................  16   Figure  6  –  CNDDB  Botanical  Occurrences  Map  ..........................................................................................................  20   Figure  7  -­‐    Special  Status  Plant  Occurrences  Map  .....................................................................................................  22   Figure  8  –  CNDDB  Wildlife  Occurrences  Map  .............................................................................................................  24     LIST  OF  TABLES     Table  1  –  Survey  Dates  and  Personnel  ..............................................................................................................................  6     APPENDICES     Appendix  A  –  List  of  Plants  and  Animals  Observed  Onsite   Appendix  B  –  CNDDB  Table  of  Special  Status  Biological  Resources  Known  or  Potentially  Occurring   on  the  Site   Appendix  C  –  Photo  Plate   Appendix  D  –  Tree  Survey  Data  Form   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 1 1.0  INTRODUCTION     Kevin  Merk  Associates,  LLC  (KMA)  conducted  a  biological  resources  inventory  on  the  Froom  Ranch   located  just  outside  the  current  city  limits  of  the  City  of  San  Luis  Obispo,  in  San  Luis  Obispo  County,   California.    The  purpose  of  the  investigation  was  to  provide  baseline  information  of  the  biological   resources  present  or  potentially  present  on  the  site  for  future  development  planning  and  review  by   the  project  team  and  the  City  of  San  Luis  Obispo.    The  site  is  located  in  the  eastern  flank  of  the  Irish   Hills  of  the  San  Luis  Range  just  north  and  west  of  Highway  101,  and  west  of  Los  Osos  Valley  Road   (please  refer  to  Figures  1  and  2).    The  subject  property  is  bounded  by  the  Irish  Hills  Plaza  to  the   north,  Los  Osos  Valley  Road  (LOVR)  to  the  east,  the  City  of  San  Luis  Obispo  Irish  Hills  Natural   Reserve  to  the  west,  and  Mountainbrook  Church  and  several  hotels  along  Calle  Joaquin  to  the  south.     The  Froom  Ranch  has  a  long  history  as  a  working  ranch  composed  of  a  diverse  array  of  coastal   habitats  including  annual  and  perennial  grasslands,  coastal  scrub,  chaparral,  oak  and  bay  woodland,   riparian  and  wetland  creating  a  mosaic  of  plant  communities  across  the  landscape.         The  region  is  characterized  as  a  Mediterranean  climate  with  mild,  wet  winters  and  warm,  dry   summers.    Due  to  the  site’s  proximity  to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  daily  temperatures  do  not  fluctuate  as   much  as  the  County’s  interior  northeast  of  the  Santa  Lucia  Mountains.    Average  annual   temperatures  range  from  approximately  41  degrees  Fahrenheit  (F)  to  71  degrees  F,  and  annual   precipitation  in  the  San  Luis  Obispo  area  ranges  from  approximately  21  to  24  inches  depending  on   location  (Western  Regional  Climate  Center  and  National  Oceanic  and  Atmospheric  Administration,   2015).    Most  of  the  rain  occurs  between  November  and  March  with  a  small  amount  attributed  to   coastal  fog  and  monsoonal  flow  during  the  summer  months.     The  biological  resources  inventory  was  prepared  at  the  request  of  Mr.  John  Madonna  to  identify   plant  communities,  plants  and  wildlife  present  on  the  property  that  could  be  of  special  regulatory   importance.    In  addition,  a  delineation  of  waters  of  the  United  States  and  State  of  California  was   conducted  onsite  (KMA  2015),  and  the  report  was  reviewed  by  the  U.S.  Army  Corps  of  Engineers   (USACE).    Based  on  field  and  office  review  of  the  delineation  report,  the  USACE  confirmed  the  maps   identified  the  extent  of  their  Clean  Water  Act  jurisdiction  (letter  dated  September  24,  2015).     2.0  METHODS     2.1  Background  Literature  Review     Prior  to  conducting  field  work,  KMA’s  Principal  Biologist,  Kevin  Merk,  and  Senior  Biologist,  Robert   Sloan,  reviewed  pertinent  background  information  from  the  general  area.    This  included  the  review   of  past  studies  conducted  by  KMA  and  other  biological  consultants  in  the  region  and  on  the  subject   site.    Portions  of  the  study  area  and  surrounding  lands  have  been  subject  to  previous  biological   studies.    Several  Environmental  Impact  Reports  for  nearby  development  projects  were  also   reviewed.    Several  surrounding  development  projects  included  wetland  delineations  and  some   focused  biological  studies.    In  some  instances,  the  focused  studies  included  the  northern  and   eastern  parts  of  the  study  area  (i.e.:    Home  Depot/Irish  Hills  Plaza  and  Calle  Joaquin  Improvement   projects).    Hydrologic  studies  and  wetland  mitigation  plans  and  subsequent  mitigation  monitoring   reports  were  also  prepared  and  reviewed  as  part  of  the  investigation.  Clean  Water  Act  permitting   for  the  Home  Depot  project,  and  subsequent  regulatory  actions  taken  by  the  USACE  for  permit   violations  during  the  construction  of  Home  Depot  resulted  in  a  settlement  agreement  (e.g.,  Consent   Decree  dated  August  12,  2002)  between  the  former  owner  of  the  property  and  the  USACE.    The   Consent  Decree  has  been  resolved  and  all  stipulations  were  met  (letter  from  the  USACE  on   2/19/2015).       Site Location Froom Ranch Figure 1 Sources: Sources: National Geographic, Esri, DeLorme, HERE, UNEP-WCMC, USGS, NASA, ESA, METI, NRCAN, GEBCO, NOAA, increment P Corp.© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed 1 inch = 10,000 feet Site Location John Madonna Construction, Inc.Site Location 1 in = 400,000 ft Froom Ranch John Madonna Construction, Inc. Figure 2 Aerial Overvie w Sources: (c) ESRI and its data providers; USFWS, NWI Data; City of San Luis Obispo Study Area Boundary 1 inch = 1,500 feet HWY 101 L o s O s o s V alle y R d M a d o n n a R d S. Higuera St KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 4 The  following  documents  were  reviewed  as  part  of  the  existing  conditions  characterization  and   preliminary  biological  constraints  analysis:       • Madonna  Eagle  Hardware  Environmental  Impact  Report  (1998);     • Biological  Resources  Analysis  Letter  of  Findings  for  the  Los  Osos  Valley  Road  Improvement   Project  (Olberding  Environmental,  2001);   • Wetland  Restoration  and  Mitigation  Plans  Relating  to  the  Froom  Ranch/Home  Depot   Project  (Olberding  Environmental,  2002);   • San  Luis  Obispo  Creek  Watershed  Enhancement  Plan  (Land  Conservancy  of  San  Luis  Obispo   County,  2002);   • Year  1  Wetland  Monitoring  Report  for  the  Froom  Ranch/Boysen  Ranch  Mitigation  Sites   (Olberding  Environmental,  2003);   • Calle  Joaquin  Realignment  Wetland  Delineation  (Morro  Group,  2004);   • Irish  Hills  Plaza  II  Wetland  Delineation  Map  (Morro  Group,  2004);   • Froom  Ranch  Wetland  Assessment  (Morro  Group,  2005);   • Hydrologic  Monitoring  Plan  for  Sustaining  a  Separated  Wetland  Near  Calle  Joaquin  (Balance   Hydrologics,  2005);   • Irish  Hills  Plaza  Detention  Basin  Report  (Wallace  Group,  2006);     • Year  5  Wetland  Monitoring  Report  for  the  Froom  Ranch/Home  Depot  Site  (Olberding   Environmental,  2007);     • Los  Osos  Valley  Road/U.S.  101  Interchange  Improvements  Project  Biological  Assessment  for   Central  California  Coast  Steelhead  (2008);  and   • Irish  Hills  Natural  Area  Conservation  Plan  Update  (2011).         The  California  Natural  Diversity  Database  maintained  by  the  California  Department  of  Fish  and   Game  (updated  in  2015;  CNDDB)  was  searched  for  special  status  biological  resources  documented   within  the  United  States  Geological  Survey’s  (USGS)  7.5-­‐minute  topographic  quadrangle  maps   centered  on  and  surrounding  the  site.    This  included  the  Morro  Bay  South,  San  Luis  Obispo,  Lopez   Mtn.,  Port  San  Luis,  Pismo  Beach  and  Arroyo  Grande  NE  quads.    Given  the  project  site’s  proximity  to   the  Pacific  Ocean  and  geographic  setting  within  the  San  Luis  Range  in  close  proximity  to  San  Luis   Obispo,  the  focus  on  these  six  quads  was  deemed  a  sufficient  search  area  to  identify  special  status   species  occurring  in  the  vicinity  of  the  site  for  inclusion  in  the  study.    A  larger  search  radius  picks   up  a  number  of  plants  and  animals  known  from  higher  elevations  in  the  Santa  Lucia  Mountains  and   further  south  in  the  Callendar  and  Guadalupe  Dunes  that  would  not  be  expected  to  occur  on  this  site   based  on  the  lack  of  suitable  habitat  and  soils.     The  Natural  Resources  Conservation  Service  (NRCS)  Web  Soil  Survey  was  reviewed  to  determine   the  soil  mapping  units  present  within  the  study  area  (U.S.  Department  of  Agriculture  2015).    The  U.  S.   Fish  and  Wildlife  Service’s  online  Wetland  and  Critical  Habitat  Mapper   (http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html;  http://criticalhabitat.fws.gov/crithab/)  were   also  reviewed  to  evaluate  the  extent  of  documented  wetlands  and  designated  critical  habitat   defined  in  the  region.         2.2  Special  Status  Biological  Resources  Definition     For  the  purpose  of  this  report,  special  status  species  are  those  plants  and  animals  listed,  proposed   for  listing,  or  candidates  for  listing  as  Threatened  or  Endangered  by  the  U.S.  Fish  and  Wildlife   Service  (USFWS)  under  the  federal  Endangered  Species  Act  (ESA);  those  listed  or  proposed  for   listing  as  Rare,  Threatened,  or  Endangered  by  the  California  Department  of  Fish  and  Wildlife   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 5 (CDFW)  under  the  California  Endangered  Species  Act  (CESA);  animals  designated  as  “Species  of   Special  Concern,”  “Fully  Protected,”  or  “Watch  List”  by  the  CDFW;  and  plants  occurring  on  California   Rare  Plant  Rank  1,  2,  3  and  4  developed  by  the  CDFW  working  in  concert  with  the  California  Native   Plant  Society  (CNPS).    The  specific  code  definitions  are  as  follows:       • Rank  1A  =  Plants  presumed  extinct  in  California;   • Rank  1B.1  =  Rare  or  endangered  in  California  and  elsewhere;  seriously  endangered   in  California  (over  80%  of  occurrences  threatened/high  degree  and  immediacy  of   threat);   • Rank  1B.2  =  Rare  or  endangered  in  California  and  elsewhere;  fairly  endangered  in   California  (20-­‐80%  occurrences  threatened);   • Rank  1B.3  =  Rare  or  endangered  in  California  and  elsewhere,  not  very  endangered   in  California  (<20%  of  occurrences  threatened  or  no  current  threats  known);   • Rank  2  =  Rare,  threatened  or  endangered  in  California,  but  more  common   elsewhere;   • Rank  3  =  Plants  needing  more  information  (most  are  species  that  are   taxonomically  unresolved;  few  species  on  this  list  meet  the  definitions  of  rarity   under  CEQA);  and   • Rank  4.2  =  Plants  of  limited  distribution  (watch  list),  fairly  endangered  in   California  (20-­‐80%  occurrences  threatened,  seldom  meets  the  definition  of  rarity   under  CEQA).     • Rank  4.3=  Plants  of  limited  distribution  (watch  list),  not  very  endangered  in   California  (seldom  meets  the  definition  of  rarity  under  CEQA).     Sensitive  or  special  status  natural  communities  are  those  plant  communities  listed  as  rare  in  the   CNDDB  queried  in  April  and  November  2015.    In  addition,  those  habitat  types  or  plant  communities   that  have  special  regulatory  status  such  as  riparian  habitats  protected  by  California  Fish  and  Game   Code  or  the  Clean  Water  Act  are  also  identified  as  special  status  biological  resources.     2.3  Field  Surveys     Kevin  Merk  and  Robert  Sloan  were  the  primary  investigators  for  all  field  work  associated  with  the   biological  resources  inventory.    Additional  field  support  was  provided  by  KMA  staff,  Mr.  Jaryd   Block.    Surveys  were  conducted  on  multiple  days  through  the  winter,  spring,  summer  and  fall  of   2015.    In  addition,  Mr.  Merk  conducted  multiple  site  visits  prior  to,  during  and  immediately   following  winter  rain  events  during  2013/2014  to  evaluate  and  characterize  onsite  wetlands  to   support  the  delineation  of  waters  of  the  United  States  and  state  of  California  prepared  by  KMA  in   August  2015.    A  focused  tree  survey,  a  full  floristic  inventory,    and  a  wildlife  habitat  assessment   were  conducted  on  the  site.     The  following  table  provides  the  date  and  personnel  for  each  survey  conducted  in  2015:   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 6 Table  1.    2015  Survey  Dates  and  Personnel.   Survey  Date  Survey  Personnel   January  28,  Merk,  Sloan,  Block   February  10  Sloan,  Block   March  3  Merk,  Sloan   March  11  Merk,  Sloan,  Block   March  20  Merk,  Sloan   April  3  Merk,  Sloan   April  24  Merk   May  22  Sloan   June  1  Merk,  Sloan   June  19  Merk   July  21  Merk,  Sloan   August  19  Merk   September  17  Merk   October  15  Merk     The  entire  property  was  included  in  the  study.    During  each  survey,  the  study  area  was  traversed  on   foot  with  special  attention  given  to  the  drainage  features,  wetlands,  native  grasslands  and   serpentine  rock  outcrops.    Extensive  time  was  spent  onsite,  especially  in  the  lower  elevation   grasslands  along  Los  Osos  Valley  Road  and  Calle  Joaquin,  to  delineate  the  extent  of  federal  and  state   jurisdictional  wetlands  and  other  waters  (please  refer  to  KMA’s  Delineation  of  Waters  of  the  United   States  and  State  of  California  prepared  in  August  2015  for  further  information).    Existing  plant   communities  were  mapped  on  an  aerial  photograph  obtained  from  Google  Earth  and  ESRI,  both   from  2015.    Serpentine  bunchgrass  grassland  was  identified  based  on  the  dominant  cover  of  native   bunchgrasses  and  forb  associates,  and  then  delineated  with  a  Trimble  GPS  unit.    Historic  aerial   imagery  obtained  from  Google  Earth  was  also  utilized  to  assess  plant  community  distribution  onsite   during  field  surveys.    Photos  of  notable  features  including  special  status  plants  were  also  taken  to   document  existing  conditions  of  the  study  area.     2.4  Tree  Inventory     KMA  Senior  Biologist  Robert  Sloan  with  field  support  from  Jaryd  Block  and  Kevin  Merk  conducted   an  inventory  of  trees  within  the  Froom  Ranch  property  on  February  10  and  March  3,  2015.    The   survey  covered  the  entire  Froom  Ranch  property.    Trees  on  the  steep  western  hillside  area  were  not   tagged  due  to  access  and  dense  poison  oak.    All  other  trees  located  within  the  property  with  a   diameter  at  breast  height  (about  4.5  feet  above  grade;  DBH)  of  approximately  four  (4)  inches  or   greater  were  identified,  measured,  tagged,  and  evaluated  during  the  inventory.  Tags  consisted  of   aluminum  disks  numbered  1  through  96,  and  were  attached  with  aluminum  nails  to  the  east  side  of   the  main  trunk.    The  locations  of  all  tagged  trees  were  recorded  with  a  Trimble  GPS  unit.    Willow   shrubs/trees  along  LOVR  that  were  four  inches  DBH  or  greater  were  not  tagged,  but  were  counted   and  generally  evaluated  for  health  or  vigor.         Basic  tree  characteristics  and  physical  conditions  were  evaluated  for  each  tagged  tree,  and  overall   health  was  evaluated  based  on  vigor,  presence  of  damage  (i.e.  pathogens,  insect  pests,  and  other   forms  of  natural  and  human-­‐caused  damage),  and  comparison  to  the  typical  archetype  of  the  same   species.    Field  evaluations  of  all  trees  considered  the  following  attributes:     KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 7 Trunk  diameter  –  The  diameter  of  the  trunk  of  each  tagged  tree  was  measured  at  approximately  4.5   feet  above  grade  using  a  forester’s  steel  diameter-­‐equivalent  tape  measure.    Trees  with  multiple   trunks  or  stems  were  measured  at  the  same  height  and  measurements  for  all  trunks  larger  than   four  inches  were  collected.       Damage  –  Identification  of  damage  caused  by  pathogens  or  insect  pests,  by  natural  causes  such  as   wildlife  interaction,  or  by  human  activity  was  noted.     Vigor  rating  –  All  tagged  trees  were  evaluated  based  on  various  parameters,  including  amount  of   new  growth,  leaf  color,  bark  conditions,  dead  wood,  evidence  of  wilt,  excessive  branch  or  leaf   necrosis,  thinning  of  crown,  presence  of  exudate,  etc.    A  subjective  ranking  was  assigned  to  quantify   the  overall  physical  condition  of  each  tree  based  on  the  ratings  described  below:     • High:    A  healthy  and  vigorously  growing  tree  characteristic  of  its  species  and  reasonably   free  of  any  visible  signs  of  stress,  disease,  or  pest  infestation.   • Moderate:    A  healthy  and  vigorous  tree  with  minor  visible  signs  of  stress,  disease,  and/or   pest  infestation.    Some  dead  wood,  broken  branches,  or  yellowing  leaves  may  be  present.   • Low:    A  tree  exhibiting  signs  of  dieback,  necrosis,  stress,  disease,  or  insect  damage  at  levels   above  what  is  typically  expected  for  the  species.    Symptoms  could  also  include  sparse  leaf   growth,  predominately  yellow  leaves,  dead  or  rotted  wood  in  lower  trunk,  broken  limbs,   exposed  roots,  and  parasite  growth.   • Dead:    Tree  had  no  foliage  and  exhibited  no  sign  of  life  or  vigor.     2.5  Floristic  Inventory     Kevin  Merk  and  Robert  Sloan  conducted  the  botanical  surveys  in  accordance  with  accepted   protocols  developed  by  the  USFWS  (U.S.  Fish  and  Wildlife  Service,  2000),  CDFW  (California   Department  of  Fish  and  Wildlife,  2000),  and  CNPS  (California  Native  Plant  Society,  2001),  which   means:    1)  survey  personnel  traversed  all  suitable  habitat  within  the  entire  project  area  on  foot  by   walking  meandering  transects  to  ensure  thorough  coverage  of  the  area;  2)  surveys  were  spaced   throughout  the  late  winter,  spring,  summer  and  fall  seasons  to  document  the  site’s  flora;  a  3)   surveys  were  floristic  in  nature,  and  all  plant  species  observed  were  recorded  and  identified  to  a   sufficient  level  to  determine  rarity.    Plant  taxonomy  followed  nomenclature  included  in  the  Jepson   Manual,  second  addition  (Baldwin  et  al.,  2012).    Robert  Hoover’s  The  Vascular  Plants  of  San  Luis   Obispo  County,  California  (1970)  was  also  used  to  identify  plants  observed  onsite.    Species  not   readily  identifiable  in  the  field  were  brought  to  the  office  for  further  analysis.    Calflora   (www.calflora  .org)  and  the  Consortium  of  California  Herbarium  were  also  accessed  online  to   obtain  records  of  special  status  plant  observations  from  the  region.  Special  status  plant  occurrences   observed  in  the  field  were  delineated  using  a  Trimble  GPS  (GeoXH  6000)  unit  capable  of  sub-­‐meter   and  decimeter  accuracy.     2.6  Wildlife  Assessment     Direct  observations  of  wildlife  including  their  sign  (i.e.:  tracks  and  scat)  were  noted  in  the  field  and   are  included  on  the  species  list  in  Appendix  A.    The  evaluation  of  special  status  animal  species  and   identification  of  habitat  that  could  support  these  species  was  based  on  our  field  observations   coupled  with  an  understanding  of  the  species  biology.    Definitive  or  protocol-­‐level  surveys  to   determine  the  presence  or  absence  of  the  animal  species  that  may  occur  within  the  project  area   were  not  conducted.    USFWS  protocol  surveys  for  special  status  wildlife  species,  such  as  the  federal   threatened  California  red-­‐legged  frog  (Rana  draytonii;  CRLF),  require  extensive  field  time  to  be   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 8 conducted  only  at  certain  times  of  the  year.    In  addition,  given  that  2015  is  the  fourth  year  of  an   ongoing  drought,  no  sufficient  aquatic  habitat  was  present  to  search  for  species  such  as  the  CRLF.     Further,  we  relied  on  survey  data  from  the  immediate  project  vicinity  contained  in  the  CNDDB  and   conducted  by  other  knowledgeable  biologists  to  conclude  whether  or  not  certain  special  status   animals  were  expected  to  occur  onsite.    Known  occurrence  records  in  the  region  coupled  with  our   site-­‐specific  observations  were  used  to  make  presence/absence  determinations  for  special  status   wildlife  potentially  occurring  onsite.         3.0  RESULTS     The  Froom  Ranch  covers  approximately  111  acres  spanning  two  Assessor’s  parcels  (APN  067-­‐241-­‐ 030  and  067-­‐241-­‐031).    The  ranch  has  been  grazed  by  cattle  and  horses  for  many  years,  and  is   composed  of  a  mix  of  habitat  types,  including  annual  grassland,  serpentine  bunchgrass  grassland,   coastal  scrub/chaparral,  coast  live  oak/California  bay  woodland,  wetland,  and  riparian.    Also   present  are  developed  and  disturbed  (or  ruderal)  areas  including  existing  buildings,  roads,  an   active  mine  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  site,  and  storm  water  detention  facilities  for  the   neighboring  Irish  Hills  Plaza  to  the  north.    Planted  trees  such  as  blue  gum  eucalyptus  (Eucalyptus   globulus)  and  pepper  tree  (Schinus  molle)  are  also  present.     The  primary  parent  material  underlying  the  site  is  serpentinite  with  varying  amalgamations  of   serpentine  derived  clays  that  affect  the  distribution  of  vegetation  on  the  site.    Serpentine  rock   outcrops  are  scattered  across  the  upper  western  part  of  the  site  and  support  a  diverse  assemblage   of  native  plants  adapted  to  the  high  metal  content,  including  some  that  have  special  regulatory   status.    Many  of  the  native  plants  are  endemic  to  this  area,  and  occur  nowhere  else  on  earth.     Hoover  (1970)  referred  to  this  biological  hot  spot,  which  is  within  an  approximate  ten-­‐mile  radius   around  San  Luis  Obispo,  as  the  Obispoan  pocket  of  endemism.         Froom  Creek  and  three  small  tributary  drainages  are  present  on  the  study  area.    In  several  areas,   the  drainages  include  pockets  of  wetland  habitat.    In  addition,  the  steeper  hillsides  in  the   southwestern  part  of  the  site  contain  springs,  or  seeps,  where  fresh  water  “daylights”  out  of  the   ground.    Coastal  scrub/chaparral  occurs  on  drier,  shallow  rocky  soils  on  the  steep  slopes  in  the   upper  western  part  of  the  site.    Coast  live  oak/California  bay  woodlands  are  present  along  drainage   courses  (identified  as  Drainages  1  and  2)  and  more  north-­‐facing  slopes  in  the  southwestern  part  of   the  site.    As  stated  above,  wetlands  are  present  at  seeps  and  springs  formed  at  fractures  in  the   serpentinite  bedrock,  along  drainages,  and  along  Los  Osos  Valley  Road  and  Calle  Joaquin  where  the   roads  have  impounded  surface  and  subsurface  flow.    Riparian  habitat  is  also  present  onsite,  but   primarily  restricted  to  the  drainage  ditch  constructed  along  Los  Osos  Valley  Road.       A  total  of  204  plant  species  were  identified  in  the  study  area,  including  151  native  species  and  53   non-­‐natives.    Thirteen  of  the  native  plants  are  special  status  species  as  defined  in  this  report.    Of   this  number  one  plant  is  a  federal  and  state  endangered  species,  nine  (9)  are  California  Rare  Plant   Rank  (CRPR)  List  1B  species  and  one  (1)  is  a  CRPR  List  2  species.    Three  (3)  are  CRPR  List  4  species,   which  is  a  watch  list.    The  endangered  and  List  1B  and  2  species  meet  the  rarity  threshold  defined   in  Section  15380  of  the  California  Environmental  Quality  Act  (CEQA).    List  4  species  typically  do  not.     37  animal  species  were  observed  within  the  project  area  during  field  surveys.     A  soils  map  is  provided  as  Figure  3  to  illustrate  soil  map  units  present  onsite,  and  Figure  4   illustrates  the  plant  communities,  or  habitat  types,  present  onsite.    A  list  of  plants  and  animals   observed  during  the  surveys  is  included  as  Appendix  A.    Appendix  B  includes  a  list  of  all  special   status  species  and  plant  communities  identified  in  the  CNDDB,  and  identifies  whether  they  were     Study Area Boundary Soil Type Cropley clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes Diablo and Cibo clays, 15 to 30 percent slopes Diablo and Cibo clays, 9 to 15 percent slopes Los Osos-Diablo complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes Los Osos-Diablo complex, 5 to 9 percent slopes Obispo-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 75 percent slopes Riverwash Salinas silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes Xererts-Xerolls-Urban land complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes 0 230 460 690 920115Feet Soils Map Figure 3Froom Ranch Source(s): (c) Microsoft Corporation and its data suppliers (2010): NRCS, SLO County Soils Data (2008) John Madonna Construction, Inc. 1 in = 400 ft HW Y 1 0 1 L o s O s o s V a l l e y R d Ca l l e J o a q u i n Irish Hills Plaza Mountainbrook Church Los Oso s V a l l e y R d HWY 101 Calle J o a q u i n Irish Hills Natural Reserve Froom Creek Drainage 1 Drainage 2 Drainage 3 Study Area Boundary Storm Water Basin (5.21 ac) Sycamore Trees (0.13 ac) Developed/Disturbed (8.88 ac) Eucalyptus Trees (0.61 ac) Arroyo Willow Riparian Scrub (1.87 ac) Wetland (7.25 ac) Drainage Feature (2.66 ac) Coast Live Oak/CA Bay Woodland (3.23 ac) Serpentine Rock Outcrop (1.96 ac) Serpentine Bunchgrass Grassland (13.46 ac) Coastal Scrub/Chaparral (6.52 ac) Annual Grassland (59.22 ac) 0 230 460 690 920115Feet Habitat Map Figure 4Froom Ranch Source(s): ESRI and its data providers; San Luis Obispo County Parcel Information John Madonna Construction, Inc. 1 in = 400 ft KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 11 observed  onsite.    If  they  were  not  observed,  an  evaluation  as  to  their  potential  to  occur  onsite  is   provided.    Appendix  C  includes  a  series  of  photographs  of  representative  areas  of  the  site  and   special  status  plants  taken  during  the  field  surveys.    Appendix  D  includes  the  tree  inventory  data.     3.1  Habitat  Types     Six  primary  habitat  types,  or  plant  communities,  were  observed  within  the  project  site,  and   included  native  bunchgrass  grassland  (Valley  and  Foothill  Grassland/Serpentine  Bunchgrass   Grassland),  non-­‐native  annual  grassland,  coastal  scrub,  coast  live  oak  woodland,  wetland,  and   riparian.  In  addition,  serpentine  rock  outcrops  are  present  throughout  the  study  area  that  support   an  interesting  assemblage  of  native  plants  that  thrive  due  to  the  lower  competition  from  non-­‐native   species  as  a  result  of  the  higher  metal  content.      The  characterizations  of  these  plant  communities   generally  follow  those  of  Holland’s  (1986)  vegetation  classification  system  and  the  plant   community  descriptions  in  the  Manual  of  California  Vegetation,  second  edition  (Sawyer,  Keeler-­‐ Wolf,  and  Evens;  2009).    Other  mapped  features  onsite  included  natural  drainage  features  that   traverse  the  property  and  horticultural  plantings  of  Monterey  cypress  (Hesperocyparis  macrocarpa)   and  blue  gum  eucalyptus  (Eucalyptus  globulus).    The  following  discusses  the  habitat  types   delineated  on  Figure  4  and  provides  a  characterization  of  the  existing  conditions.     3.1.1  Annual  Grassland  (Lolium  perenne  Semi-­‐Natural  Herbaceous  Stands)     The  primary  grassland  type  observed  onsite  is  dominated  by  annual  species,  and  occurs  on  the  flat   portions  of  the  property  historically  impacted  by  cattle  and  horse  grazing.    The  annual  grassland   habitat  type  corresponds  to  the  perennial  rye  grass  fields  described  in  the  Manual  of  California   Vegetation  (2009,  second  edition)  with  the  exception  that  it  is  dominated  by  the  annual  Italian  rye   grass.    It  corresponds  to  the  Non-­‐native  Grassland  described  by  Holland  (1986).    The  annual   grassland  onsite  was  dominated  by  Italian  ryegrass  (Lolium  multiflorum  =  Festuca  perennis).    Other   non-­‐native  grasses  observed  in  this  habitat  type  included  wild  oats  (Avena  barbata),  false  brome   (Brachypodium  distachyon),  soft  chess  (Bromus  hordeacous),  and  prickly  sow  thistle  (Sonchus   asper).      Pockets  of  yellow  star  thistle  (Centaurea  solstitialis)  were  also  present  adjacent  to   disturbed  areas.    This  grassland  type  was  also  present  along  the  ranch  roads  as  they  become   recolonized  by  vegetation.       Annual  grasslands  provide  foraging,  breeding  habitat  and  movement  corridors  for  many  wildlife   species.    Several  mammals,  such  as  the  California  ground  squirrel  (Spermophilus  beecheyi),  Botta’s   pocket  gopher  (Thomomys  bottae),  and  deer  mice  (Peromyscus  spp.)  were  observed  within  this   habitat  type.    Numerous  invertebrate  species  (such  as  insects),  many  of  which  provide  a  food   source  for  larger  animals  such  as  lizards,  birds  and  some  small  mammals  can  also  be  found  within   grassland  communities.    A  variety  of  birds  rely  on  open  expanses  of  grasslands  for  foraging  habitat.     Grasslands  that  are  bordered  by  habitats  containing  trees  are  particularly  important  for  raptors   because  the  birds  can  use  the  large  trees  as  nesting,  roosting,  and  as  observation  points  to  locate   potential  prey  within  nearby  grassland  habitats.    Reptiles  are  also  frequently  found  in  grasslands.     In  addition,  in  areas  where  grasslands  surround  creeks,  wetlands  and  seasonal  water  availability  is   important  for  wildlife.         3.1.2    Serpentine  Bunchgrass  Grassland     Native  grassland  composed  of  purple  needlegrass  (Stipa  pulchra)  along  with  a  mix  of  native  and   non-­‐native  species  was  present  primarily  in  the  upper  elevation  southwest  portion  of  the  study   area  where  serpentine  soils  influence  plant  distribution.  The  native  grassland  onsite  corresponds  to   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 12 the  Valley  Needlegrass  and  Serpentine  Bunchgrass  Grasslands  described  by  Holland  (1986)  and  the   Nassella  (or  Stipa)  pulchra  Herbaceous  Alliance  (purple  needlegrass  grassland)  described  by   Sawyer,  Keeler-­‐Wolf  and  Evens  (2009).  Occurrences  of  non-­‐native  species,  such  as  red-­‐stemmed   filaree  (Erodium  cicutarium),  cat’s  ear  (Hypochaeris  glabra),  and  hairy  vetch  (Vicia  villosa  ssp.   villosa)  were  observed  scattered  in  this  habitat  on  the  site,  but  for  the  most  part,  the  area  was   dominated  by  native  species  such  as  yarrow  (Achillea  millefolium),  Cambria  morning  glory   (Calystegia  subacaulis  ssp.  episcopalis),  checker  bloom  (Sidalcea  malviflora),  blue-­‐eyed  grass   (Sisyrinchium  bellum),  and  western  vervain  (Verbena  lasiostachys).         Similar  to  the  wildlife  habitat  discussion  above,  this  grassland  type  provides  suitable  habitat  for  a   number  of  species  common  to  the  area.     3.1.3  Coastal  Scrub/Chaparral     The  shrubland  association  found  on  the  project  site  was  dominated  by  open  to  dense  stands  of   California  sagebrush  (Artemisia  californica),  with  other  shrub  constituents  such  as  black  sage   (Salvia  mellifera)  primarily  occurring  on  drier  serpentine  soils  and  rock  outcrops  in  the  steep  upper   reaches  of  the  project  site.  This  habitat  type  was  described  by  Sawyer,  Keeler-­‐Wolf  and  Evens  as  the   Artemisia  californica-­‐  Salvia  mellifera  Shrubland  Alliance  (Manual  of  California  Vegetation,  2009),   and  the  Central  Lucian  Coastal  Scrub  by  Holland  (1986).    In  some  areas,  the  scrub  vegetation   segued  into  more  chaparral  habitat  with  species  such  as  buck  brush  (Ceanothus  cuneatus)  forming   the  dominant  cover.    Also  included  in  this  shrub  habitat  were  occurrences  of  poison  oak   (Toxicodendron  diversilobum),  bush  monkey  flower  (Mimulus  aurantiacus),  California  fuchsia   (Epilobium  canum),  and  deerweed  (Acmispon  glaber).  The  understory  was  composed  of  leaf  litter  in   may  places,  but  in  some  open  areas  the  herbaceous  layer  consisted  of  scattered  occurrences  of  non-­‐ native  grasses  such  as  ripgut  brome  (Bromus  diandrus)  and  rattail  fescue  (Festuca  myuros)  with   pockets  of  purple  needlegrass  also  present.       Coastal  scrub/chaparral  communities  provide  cover  and  nesting  habitat  for  a  variety  of  animals   such  as  western  fence  lizard  (Sceloporus  occidentalis),  western  rattlesnake  (Crotalis  viridis),  blue-­‐ gray  gnatcatcher  (Polioptila  caerulea),  wrentit  (Chamae  fasciata),  California  towhee  (Melazone   crissalis),  California  mouse  (Peromyscus  californicus),  and  gray  fox  (Urocyon  cinereoargentus).     Larger  mammals  such  as  coyote  (Canis  latrans)  and  bobcat  (Lynx  rufus)  would  also  be  expected  to   occur  onsite  and  use  the  entire  property.    Mountain  lions  (Felix  concolor)  have  also  been   documented  in  the  region  and  could  occur  onsite  as  a  rare  transient.     3.1.4  Coast  Live  Oak/California  Bay  Woodland     The  woodland  community  observed  in  the  study  area  was  dominated  by  coast  live  oak  and   California  bay  trees.    This  habitat  type  corresponds  to  the  coast  live  oak  woodland  and  California   bay  forest  (Quercus  agrifolia  and  Umbellularia  californica  woodland  alliances)  described  by  Sawyer   et  al.  in  the  Manual  of  California  Vegetation  (2009).    Holland  (1986)  classified  this  community  as   the  coast  live  oak  woodland  and  California  bay  forest.    Shrubs  and  understory  species  observed  in   this  part  of  the  site  consisted  of  toyon  (Heteromeles  arbutifolia),  California  coffeeberry  (Rhamnus   =Frangula  californica),  poison  oak,  and  hummingbird  sage  (Salvia  spathacea).    In  areas  where   California  bay  trees  formed  the  dominant  cover,  the  understory  was  sparse  and  consisted  mostly  of   leaf  litter.    Similarly,  very  little  understory  vegetation  was  present  where  the  oak  tree  canopy  was   dense.     Oak/bay  woodlands,  in  general,  provide  quality  habitat  for  a  large  variety  of  wildlife  species.  Large   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 13 trees  provide  nesting  sites  and  cover  for  birds  and  many  mammals.    Dead  and  decaying  trees  with   few  branches  or  no  leaves  provide  “hawking  sites”  for  raptors  and  perches  for  other  bird  species.   They  also  contribute  woody  debris  to  the  duff  in  the  woodland  understory,  which  provides  foraging   areas  for  small  mammals  and  microclimates  suitable  for  amphibians  and  reptiles  in  addition  to   fungi.    Acorns  are  a  valuable  food  source  for  many  animal  species,  including  acorn  woodpecker   (Melanerpes  formicivorus),  scrub  jay  (Aphelocoma  corulescens),  western  gray  squirrel  (Sciurus   griseus),  and  black-­‐tailed  deer  (Odocoileus  hemionus).    Scrub  jay,  western  bluebird  (Sialia   mexicana),  turkey  vulture  (Cathartes  aura),  red-­‐tailed  hawk  (Buteo  jamaicensis),  and  black-­‐tailed   deer  were  observed  within  oak/bay  woodlands  onsite.  Other  representative  animal  species  that   could  potentially  occur  in  the  oak  dominated  woodland  on-­‐site  include  western  screech  owl  (Otus   kennicottii),  oak  titmouse  (Baeolophus  inornatus),  and  Virginia  opossum  (Didelphis  virginianus).         3.1.5  Wetland     This  habitat  type  is  a  combination  of  the  Coastal  and  Valley  Freshwater  Marsh  and  Vernal  Marsh   vegetation  communities  described  by  Holland  (1986).    Sawyer,  Keeler-­‐Wolf  and  Evens  have  several   classifications  for  wetlands  that  describe  the  perennial  and  seasonal  wetlands  onsite,  including  the   Eleocharis  macrostachya,  Juncus  effusus,  Juncus  patens,  and  Juncus  phaeocephalus  Herbaceous   Alliances  (spike  rush,  soft  rush,  and  western  marshes).    In  the  wetland  area  adjacent  to  Calle   Joaquin,  a  more  perennial  wetland  was  observed  that  supports  occurrences  of  other  wetland  plants   such  as  round-­‐leaf  leather  root  (Hoita  orbicularis),  seep  spring  monkey  flower  (Mimulus  guttatus),   silverleaf  (Potentilla  anserina),  California  bulrush  (Schoenoplectus  californicus),  and  rough  sedge   (Carex  senta).    Seasonal  wetlands  consisted  of  species  such  as  rabbitfoot  grass  (Polypogon   monspeliensis),  Italian  ryegrass,  and  grass  poly  (Lythrum  hyssopifolia).     Wetlands  occur  in  nutrient-­‐rich  mineral  soils  that  are  saturated  through  part  or  all  of  the  year.     Wetland  communities  are  best  developed  in  locations  with  slow-­‐moving,  stagnant  or  ponded   shallow  water,  which  is  the  case  with  the  impounded  hydrology  created  by  the  construction  of  Los   Osos  Valley  Road  and  Calle  Joaquin.    In  between  the  large  constructed  basin  and  the  mapped   wetland  along  Calle  Joaquin,  an  extensive  reed  fescue  occurrence  was  observed,  most  likely  due  to   the  historic  grazing  regime  on  the  site.     Small  ponded  areas  within  these  wetlands  may  provide  habitat  for  aquatic  invertebrates  such  as   water  striders  (family  Gerridae)  and  boatmen  (family  Carixidae),  and  more  opportunistic   amphibians  such  as  the  Pacific  chorus  frog  (Psuedacris  regilla).    Seasonal  ponded  water  would  also   be  expected  to  be  used  as  a  drinking  source  for  larger  animals,  and  also  a  potential  stop  over  or   foraging  site  for  ducks  and  great  blue  herons  (Ardea  herodias).     3.1.6    Riparian     This  habitat  on-­‐site  is  consistent  with  the  Arroyo  Willow  Shrubland  Alliance  as  described  by   Sawyer,  Keeler-­‐Wolf  and  Evens  (2009),  and  corresponds  to  the  Central  Coast  Arroyo  Willow   Riparian  Scrub  community  described  by  Holland  (1986).    This  vegetation  community  was  restricted   to  the  lower  reach  of  the  study  area  along  LOVR.    This  habitat  was  mostly  dominated  by  arroyo   willow  (Salix  lasiolepis)  and  contained  a  few  young  cottonwoods  in  the  ditch  behind  TJ  Maxx.    The   dry  ephemeral  nature  of  Froom  Creek  and  historic  grazing  pressure  limited  the  extent  of  riparian   vegetation  development.    In  one  location  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  site,  a  small  occurrence  of   riparian  scrub  was  observed  on  the  creek  bank,  south  of  the  existing  buildings  and  equipment   storage  yard.    Common  plant  species  observed  in  this  habitat  included  Himalayan  blackberry   (Rubus  discolor),  poison  oak,  and  stinging  nettle  (Urtica  dioica).  Central  Coast  Arroyo  Willow   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 14 Riparian  Scrub  is  a  form  of  forested  wetland  that  is  considered  a  sensitive  natural  community  by   the  CDFW.         Riparian  communities  along  larger  drainage  courses  are  important  for  many  wildlife  species  since   the  abundance  of  moisture  and  associated  vegetation  provide  structure,  materials,  and  food  sources   for  nesting  and  roosting  animals.    However,  the  onsite  riparian  habitat  consists  of  a  relatively  young   monoculture  of  arroyo  willows  growing  along  a  constructed  roadside  ditch.    This  severely  limits  the   forage  value  within  the  understory  and  expected  use  of  this  habitat  as  cover  or  as  a  corridor  for   movement  along  the  edges  of  open  areas.    In  addition,  people  have  been  using  the  riparian  habitat   in  this  area  as  shelter.         Given  the  limited  extent  of  this  habitat  onsite,  common  wildlife  such  as  the  Pacific  chorus  frog,   western  fence  lizard,  raccoon  (Procyon  lotor),  opossum,  and  striped  skunk  (Mephitis  mephitis)   would  be  expected  to  use  this  area  periodically.    While  nesting  habitat  is  limited  in  this  area,  house   wren  (Troglodytes  aedon),  ruby-­‐crowned  kinglet  (Regulus  calendula),  song  sparrow  (Melospiza   melodia),  black  phoebe  (Sayornis  nigricans),  and  goldfinches  (Carduelis  spp.)  could  potentially  nest,   perch  and  forage  in  this  habitat.    As  stated  above,  the  willows  are  relatively  young,  and  would  not   be  expected  to  provide  suitable  nesting  or  perching  habitat  for  larger  raptors  such  as  the  red-­‐tailed   hawk  that  are  present  in  the  area.     Seasonal  water  and  the  wetness  of  the  soil  would  typically  increase  the  value  of  this  habitat  for   wildlife  if  it  wasn’t  associated  with  a  roadside  ditch.    This  riparian  habitat  likely  improves  water   quality  by  protecting  the  ditch  from  erosion,  and  filtering  sediment  and  some  pollutants  from   runoff  before  it  drains  to  the  Calle  Joaquin  wetland  area,  and  eventually  offsite  towards  San  Luis   Obispo  Creek.         3.1.7  Developed/Disturbed  (Ruderal)     The  existing  ranch  roads,  equipment  storage  area,  buildings  and  active  mine  were  mapped  as   Developed/Disturbed  (also  known  as  ruderal)  habitat  based  on  the  presence  of  bare  soils,  base   rock,  and  structures.  Developed/Disturbed  (Ruderal)  habitat  is  not  a  native  plant  community,  nor  is   it  described  by  the  vegetation  classification  systems  used  in  this  study  since  it  is  an  anthropogenic   influenced  land  type.    Along  road  margins,  high  concentrations  of  invasive,  non-­‐native  species  were   present,  likely  due  to  the  historic  disturbance.    Some  plants  characteristic  of  the  onsite  annual   grassland  habitat  described  above  were  present,  in  addition  to  dominant  weedy  species  such  as   Italian  thistle  (Carduus  pycnocephalus)  and  yellow  star  thistle.    Because  of  the  highly  disturbed   nature  of  this  habitat,  it  is  of  marginal  value  to  wildlife.    Nonetheless,  its  proximity  to  the  natural   plant  communities  onsite  allow  several  common  species  such  as  the  western  fence  lizard  and   California  ground  squirrel  to  utilize  disturbed  or  ruderal  areas  of  the  site  for  basking  in  the  sun  and   foraging.         3.1.8    Serpentine  Rock  Outcrop     Scattered  throughout  the  steeper  portions  of  site,  primarily  in  the  southwest  part  of  the  study  area,   are  areas  of  serpentine  rock  outcroppings.    The  exposed  serpentine  rocks  were  mostly  bare,  but  did   support  native  plants  in  cracks  or  areas  of  talus  accumulation.    Species  observed  included  several   species  of  mariposa  lily  (Calochortus  clavatus  ssp.  clavatus,  C.  obispoensis),  cryptantha  (Cryptantha   clevelandii),  mouse  gray  dudleya  (Dudleya  abramsii  ssp.  murina),  Blochman’s  dudleya  (Dudleya   blochmaniae),  and  stinging  phacelia  (Phacelia  imbricata).         KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 15 3.1.9  Eucalyptus  and  Sycamore  Trees     Within  the  study  area,  several  planted  blue  gum  eucalyptus  trees  were  present.    In  addition,  several   sycamore  (Platanus  racemosa)  trees  were  identified  in  the  active  mine  in  the  northwestern  part  of   the  site.    The  extent  of  tree  canopies  was  delineated  on  the  habitat  map  included  as  Figure  4.    While   bird  nests  were  not  observed  during  surveys,  these  trees  provide  perching  and  nesting   opportunities  for  a  variety  of  birds,  including  raptors  such  as  great  horned  owl  and  red-­‐tailed  hawk.     3.2  Tree  Survey     A  total  of  96  trees  with  DBH  of  four  (4)  inches  or  greater  were  tagged  within  the  study  area,  and   included  five  (5)  species  of  native  trees  and  two  (2)  non-­‐native  tree  species.    Please  refer  to  Figure   5  –  the  Tree  Survey  Map.    Trees  were  concentrated  primarily  along  Drainage  1.    Native  trees   recorded  included  41  Coast  live  oak  (Quercus  agrifolia),  31  California  bay  (Umbellularia  californica),   three  (3)  western  sycamore  (Platanus  racemosa),  three  (3)  Fremont  cottonwood  (Populus   fremontii),  three  (3)  arroyo  willow  (Salix  lasiolepis),  and  one  (1)  holly-­‐leaf  cherry  (Prunus  ilicifolia).     Non-­‐native  trees  present  included  12  blue  gum  eucalyptus  (Eucalyptus  globulus),  and  two  (2)   Peruvian  pepper  (Schinus  molle).      Generally,  the  majority  of  trees  present  exhibited  high  or   moderate  vigor.    Several  large  oak  and  bay  trees  exhibited  hollow  or  dead  main  trunks,  but  had   large,  healthy  secondary  trunk  growth.    Several  trees  exhibited  sparse  canopy  growth  and  poor  leaf   development.       The  very  steep  upper  portion  of  Drainage  1  in  the  southwestern  corner  of  the  site  contained  oak   and  bay  trees  in  a  narrow  canyon  area.    This  area  was  not  accessible  due  to  steep  terrain,  dense   vegetation  and  poison  oak.       The  LOVR  roadside  channel  contained  approximately  200  arroyo  willow  shrubs/trees  that  have   established  along  the  channel  over  the  last  10  years.    These  willows  consisted  primarily  of  multi-­‐ stemmed  specimens  (some  with  10  or  more  trunks)  located  mostly  within  the  centerline  of  the   ditch.    The  willow  occurrences  were  mapped  as  riparian  habitat  as  part  of  the  plant  community  or   habitat  type  mapping  effort,  and  the  areal  extent  calculated.     3.3  Drainage  Features     3.3.1  Froom  Creek  and  Tributaries     Froom  Creek  is  an  intermittent  stream  with  a  relatively  small  watershed  that  originates  in  the  Irish   Hills  to  the  southwest  of  the  study  area.    The  creek  channel  bisects  the  study  area  in  a  generally   north  to  south  direction,  and  ultimately  passes  beneath  Calle  Joaquin  and  U.S.  Highway  101  via  two   concrete  box  culverts,  heading  to  its  confluence  with  San  Luis  Obispo  Creek.    San  Luis  Obispo  Creek   flows  in  a  westerly  direction  ultimately  connecting  to  the  Pacific  Ocean  at  Avila  Beach.    Due  to  the   lack  of  dominant  wetland  vegetation  within  or  adjacent  to  the  channel,  Froom  Creek  was  classified   as  Riverine  Intermittent  Streambed  per  Cowardin,  and  as  non-­‐wetland  waters  of  the  U.S.  and  state   of  California  subject  to  USACE,  RWQCB  and  CDFW  jurisdiction.     Three  small  ephemeral  drainage  features  (identified  as  Drainages  1,  2,  and  3)  are  present  in  the   southwestern  portion  of  the  study  area  that  are  tributaries  to  Froom  Creek.    Due  to  the  presence  of   a  defined  bed  and  bank,  OHWM,  and  hydrologic  connectivity  to  Froom  Creek,  these  small  features   were  classified  as  Riverine  Intermittent  Streambed  per  Cowardin,  and  constitute  jurisdictional  non-­‐ wetland  waters  of  the  U.S.  and  state  of  California.    While  these  drainages  were  mostly  comprised  of     Los Os o s V a l l e y R d Calle Jo a q u i n HWY 101 Irish Hills Plaza Mountainbrook Church Tagged Trees (96 total) Arroyo Willow California Bay Coast Live Oak Eucalyptus Fremont Cottonwood Hollyleaf Cherry Peruvian Pepper Tree Western Sycamore Study Area Boundary Untagged Arroyo Willow Riparian Scrub Untagged Coast Live Oak Forest John Madonna Construction, Inc.0 230 460 690 920115Feet Tree Survey Map Source(s): ESRI and its data providers; San Luis Obispo County Froom Ranch Figure 51 in = 400 ft KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 17 upland  vegetation,  areas  of  wetland  habitat  were  observed  and  mapped  in  specific  locations.    In   addition,  several  seeps  or  springs  were  observed  originating  on  adjacent  hillsides  and  were   hydrologically  connected  to  the  drainage  feature.    In-­‐channel  areas  and  abutting  areas  dominated   by  wetland  vegetation  are  classified  as  Palustrine  Emergent  Wetland  per  Cowardin,  and  constitute   wetlands  under  USACE,  RWQCB  and  CDFW  jurisdiction.       3.3.2  LOVR  Roadside  Channel     The  LOVR  Roadside  Channel  is  located  along  the  northern  property  boundary,  and  contained  a   dense  willow  canopy  and  wetland  understory,  along  a  narrow  and  shallow  constructed  channel   area.    The  willow  canopy  has  developed  since  the  ditch  was  constructed,  and  the  channel  appears  to   have  lost  capacity  due  to  vegetative  growth  and  sediment  accumulation.    Current  channel   dimensions  in  this  area  ranged  from  six  inches  to  two  feet  deep,  and  one  to  four  feet  wide.    Willow   canopy  and  wetland  vegetation  extended  beyond  the  channel  banks  into  the  adjacent  meadow  area,   apparently  the  result  of  the  constructed  roadways  impounding  seasonal  surface  and  subsurface   water.    Because  the  majority  of  in-­‐channel  and  abutting  areas  were  dominated  by  wetland   vegetation,  the  LOVR  Roadside  Channel  is  classified  as  Palustrine  Emergent  Wetland  per  Cowardin,   and  constitutes  wetland  waters  under  USACE,  RWQCB  and  CDFW  jurisdiction.    Jurisdictional   boundaries  in  this  area  were  mapped  into  the  LOVR  right-­‐of  way  to  the  road  shoulder,  which  was   outside  the  Froom  Ranch  property  line.    Please  refer  to  the  KMA  Delineation  of  Waters  of  The  U.S.   and  State  of  California  for  further  detail.     3.3.3  Detention  Basins     The  northern  basin  is  an  approximately  one-­‐acre  temporary  basin  constructed  in  upland  grassland   areas  to  receive  runoff  during  the  construction  of  Home  Depot.    During  construction  of  the  Irish   Hills  Plaza,  a  swale  and  culverts  were  installed  behind  the  current  Whole  Foods  and  TJ  Maxx   buildings  to  direct  surface  runoff  into  this  basin  and  then  let  it  spread  overland  to  support  the   historic  wetland  feature  in  the  area.    Seasonally  ponded  water  was  evident  in  the  basin  during   aerial  photograph  review,  and  patchy  occurrences  of  seasonal  wetland  vegetation  were  noted   during  field  work  conducted  in  2015  confirming  some  wetland  habitat  attributes  are  still  present.     However,  it  is  our  understanding  that  once  the  Home  Depot  and  surrounding  areas  were   constructed,  surface  runoff  from  this  development  was  directed  into  the  larger  basins  constructed   further  south.      As  a  result,  this  temporary  basin  was  not  identified  as  a  potential  jurisdictional   feature  subject  to  Clean  Water  Act  regulation  since  it  was  constructed  in  an  upland  as  a  temporary   basin  to  support  construction  of  the  neighboring  project.         The  approximately  3.2-­‐acre  southern  basin  is  a  permanent  feature  constructed  in  upland  grassland   habitat  to  receive  runoff  from  the  Plaza  Hills  I  development  fronting  LOVR.    Following  development   of  the  Home  Depot  project,  surface  runoff  was  then  directed  into  this  basin.    It  consists  of  two   basins  and  a  spillway,  and  was  sized  to  contain  runoff  from  any  future  Phase  II  development  within   the  study  area  (Wallace  Group,  2006).    This  basin  releases  water  to  the  LOVR  Roadside  Channel  by   a  storm  drain  and  swale.    During  large  storm  events,  it  was  designed  to  discharge  water  into  the   wet  meadow  area  along  Calle  Joaquin  via  a  concrete  spillway.    Otherwise,  water  leaves  the  basin   through  evaporation  and  percolation  into  the  ground.    This  feature  was  also  not  identified  as  a   potential  jurisdictional  feature  since  it  was  constructed  in  an  upland  area  and  is  part  of  the   neighboring  project’s  storm  drainage  system.         Because  both  basins  are  man-­‐made  structures  constructed  in  uplands  that  are  fed  primarily  by   concentrated  hardscape  runoff  from  neighboring  development,  these  basins  and  associated  swales   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 18 are  not  expected  to  be  subject  to  Clean  Water  Act  or  California  Fish  and  Game  Code  requirements.   The  2015  USACE  verification  of  the  Wetland  Delineation  does  not  include  these  features  as  Waters   of  the  U.S.     3.4    Soils     The  NRCS  identified  eight  soil  map  units  as  occurring  on  the  study  area  (refer  to  Figure  3).    Of  these   map  units,  Riverwash,  and  Xererts-­‐Xerolls  are  listed  as  hydric  soils  by  the  NRCS  California  Hydric   Soils  List  for  San  Luis  Obispo  County.    An  unnamed  component  of  Cropley  clay,  0-­‐2  %  slopes,  is  also   considered  hydric,  when  present  in  drainageways.           Cropley  clay  0-­‐2  %  slopes.    Cropley  clay  consists  of  a  dark  gray  or  black  (10YR  4/1,  3/1,  2/1  moist)   clay  horizon  about  36  inches  thick,  underlain  by  a  light  brown  calcareous  clay  loam  to  60  inches  or   more.    Permeability  of  this  soil  is  slow  and  the  available  water  capacity  is  high.    Cropley  soils   formed  in  alluvium  developed  from  sedimentary  rocks.    An  unnamed  component  of  Cropley  clay  is   listed  as  a  hydric  soil  when  present    in  drainageways.    This  inclusion  is  typically  very  dark  gray   throughout,  with  mottles  present  in  the  lower  horizons.    This  dark  gray  soil  was  not  observed  on-­‐   site.    Mapped  inclusions  within  this  series  include  Diablo  clay,  Los  Osos  loam,  and  Salinas  silty  clay   loam.       Diablo  and  Cibo  clays  9-­‐15  and  15  -­‐  30  %  slopes.    Diablo  clay  consists  of  a  0  to  23  inch,  black  (10YR   2/1)  clay  formed  in  residual  material  weathered  from  sandstone,  shale,  or  mudstone,  commonly   displaying  fine  roots  to  four  inches.    The  structure  is  granular  to  4  inches,  and  coarse,  angular,  and   blocky  to  23  inches.    This  moderately  to  steeply  sloping  soil  is  very  poorly  drained.    The  soil  has   moderate  erodibility  and  high  shrink-­‐swell  characteristics,  and  has  potential  septic  system   constraints  due  to  steep  slopes  and  slow  percolation.         Cibo  clay  consists  of  a  0  to  31  inch,  dark  brown  (7.5YR  3/2)  clay  formed  in  residual  material   weathered  from  hard  metasedimentary  rocks,  and  commonly  displaying  fine  roots.    The  structure  is   coarse  and  angular  blocky.    This  moderately  to  steeply  sloping  soil  is  considered  very  poorly   drained.    The  soil  has  moderate  erodibility  and  high  shrink-­‐swell  characteristics,  and  potential   septic  system  constraints  due  to  steep  slopes,  shallow  depth  to  bedrock,  and  slow  percolation.             Los  Osos-­‐Diablo  Complex  5-­‐9  and  15-­‐30  percent  slopes.    Los  Osos-­‐Diablo  Complex  consists  of  about   40  percent  Los  Osos  soil,  and  35  percent  Diablo  soil,  found  on  foothills  and  mountain  ridge  tops.   These  soils  are  moderately  deep,  well  drained,  and  have  low  permeability.  Typical  Los  Osos-­‐Diablo   Complex  soil  (moist)  consists  of  a  very  dark  grayish  brown  (10YR  3/2)  loam  or  black  (10YR  2/2)   clay,  40-­‐60  inches  thick.  Permeability  of  Los  Osos-­‐Diablo  Complex  soil  is  rapid,  and  the  available   water  capacity  is  low.  The  available  water  capacity  of  Los  Osos-­‐Diablo  Complex  soil  is  low  to  very   high,  while  surface  runoff  is  rapid.       Obispo-­‐Rock  outcrop  15-­‐75%  slopes.    Obispo-­‐Rock  outcrop  consists  of  about  50  percent  Obispo  soil   and  30  percent  Rock  outcrop.  Obispo  soils  are  shallow,  well  drained,  slowly  permeable  soils  formed   in  residual  materials  weathered  from  serpentine  rock.  Typical  Obispo  soil  (moist)  consists  of  a   black  (10YR  2/1)  clay  to  a  depth  of  about  18  inches,  underlain  by  serpentine  rock.  The  available   water  capacity  of  Obispo-­‐Rock  outcrop  soil  is  low,  while  surface  runoff  is  rapid  or  very  rapid.       Riverwash  includes  soils  found  in  active  stream  and  river  channels,  and  consists  of  excessively   drained,  water  deposited  sand,  loamy  sand,  and  sandy  loam  with  varying  amounts  of  gravel  and   cobbles  present.    Riverwash  soils  located  in  and  along  stream  channels  are  generally  subject  to   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 19 flooding  during  and  immediately  after  every  storm.    Riverwash  soils  are  typically  excessively   drained,  but  can  be  somewhat  poorly  drained  in  low  lying  areas.    Permeability  is  very  rapid,  surface   runoff  is  very  slow,  and  the  erosion  hazard  is  variable.    Typical  inclusions  include  Psamments  and   Fluvents,  and  Corralitos  soils.    Riverwash  and  Psamments  and  Fluvents  located  in  drainageways  are   listed  as  hydric  soils.    These  soils  have  a  Hydric  Criteria  Code  of  4:  soils  that  are  frequently  flooded   for  long  or  very  long  duration  during  the  growing  season.     Xererts-­‐Xerolls-­‐Urban  land  complex  0-­‐15%  slopes.    The  Xererts-­‐Xerolls-­‐Urban  land  complex   consists  of  nearly  level  to  strongly  sloping  soils  and  miscellaneous  areas  that  are  covered  by  urban   structures.    Most  areas  of  these  soils  are  used  for  urban  development.    The  soil  materials  have  been   modified  by  earthmoving  equipment  or  covered  by  urban  structures  so  that  much  of  their  original   shape  and  physical  characteristics  have  been  altered.    The  Xererts  of  this  complex  are  Cropley  or   Los  Osos-­‐Diablo  soils.    The  percentage  of  the  various  soils  in  this  complex  and  the  degree  of   urbanization  vary  from  place  to  place  (SCS  1984).    An  unnamed  inclusion  of  the  Xererts-­‐Xerolls-­‐ Urban  land  complex  associated  with  depressions  has  a  Hydric  Criteria  Code  of    2A:  soils  in  Aquic   suborder  that  are  somewhat  poorly  drained  and  have  a  frequently  occurring  water  table  less  than  0.5   feet  from  the  surface  for  a  significant  period  (usually  14  consecutive  days  or  more)  during  the  growing   season.     3.5  Special  Status  Biological  Resources     The  San  Luis  Obispo  area  supports  numerous  special  status,  or  rare,  plant  communities,  and  species   of  plants  and  animals.    As  stated  in  the  methodology  section  above,  the  biological  resources   inventory  used  a  six  quadrangle  search  of  the  CNDDB  in  addition  to  the  review  of  environmental   documents  prepared  for  projects  in  the  area  to  identify  special  status  resources  that  could  be   present  onsite.  Appendix  B  provides  a  table  with  the  special  status  biological  resources  occurrence   data,  listing  status  for  all  special  status  species  and  habitats,  the  results  of  the  surveys,  and  an   evaluation  of  wildlife  presence  or  potential  to  occur  onsite.    The  following  discussion  provides   further  detail  regarding  the  special  status  biological  resources  occurring  or  potentially  occurring  on   the  Froom  Ranch  study  area.     3.5.1  Special  Status  Natural  Communities     The  CNDDB  search  identified  occurrences  of  nine  (9)  special  status  plant  communities  within  the   general  area  and  included  Central  Dune  Scrub,  Central  Foredunes,  Central  Maritime  Chaparral,   Coastal  Brackish  Marsh,  Coastal  and  Valley  Freshwater  Marsh,  Northern  Coastal  Marsh,  Northern   Interior  Cypress  Forest,  Serpentine  Bunchgrass,  and  Valley  and  Foothill  Grassland.    Please  refer  to   Figure  6  illustrating  the  botanical  data  obtained  from  the  CNDDB.    Our  observations  onsite   identified  another  special  status  natural  community  in  the  area,  consisting  of  the  riparian  habitat   along  LOVR  and  Froom  Creek.    Three  special  status  natural  communities,  including  the  Coastal  and   Valley  Freshwater  Marsh  (Wetland),  Riparian,    and  the  Serpentine  Bunchgrass  Grassland  were   observed  onsite  (please  refer  to  Figure  6)  and  meet  the  special  status  natural  communities   definition  pursuant  to  the  CDFW.    In  addition,  special  status  plants  occur  on  serpentine  rock   outcrops  or  in  areas  of  annual  grassland,  these  features  should  also  be  considered  special  status   resources  since  they  support  special  status  plants.     USGS QUAD PORT SAN LUIS USGS QUAD PISMO BEACH USGS QUAD MO RRO BAY SOUTH USGS QUAD LOPEZ MTN.USGS QUAD SAN LUIS OBISPO USGS QUAD ARROYO GRANDE NE Study Area Boundary USGS Quadrangle Search Radius (5 miles) CNDDB Occurrences (CDFW October 2014) Agrostis hooveri Arctostaphylos cruzensis Arctostaphylos morroensis Arctostaphylos pechoensis Arctostaphylos pilosula Astragalus didymocarpus var. milesianus Calochortus obispoensis Calochortus simulans Calystegia subacaulis ssp. episcopalis Carex obispoensis Castilleja densiflora var. obispoensis Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii Chorizanthe breweri Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense Cirsium occidentale var. lucianum Clarkia speciosa ssp. immaculata Delphinium parryi ssp. blochmaniae Delphinium parryi ssp. eastwoodiae Dudleya abramsii ssp. bettinae Dudleya abramsii ssp. murina Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae Eriodictyon altissimum Eryngium aristulatum var. hooveri Fritillaria viridea Horkelia cuneata var. puberula Layia jonesii Lupinus ludovicianus Monardella palmeri Monardella sinuata ssp. sinuata Monolopia gracilens Sanicula maritima Scrophularia atrata Senecio aphanactis Streptanthus albidus ssp. peramoenus Trifolium hydrophilum Central Maritime Chaparral Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh Serpentine Bunchgrass John Madonna Construction, Inc04,700 9,400 14,1 00 18,8 002,350 Feet CNDDB Botanical Occurrences Map Figure 6Froom Ranch Source(s): ESRI and its data providers: CDFW, CNDDB, October 2014; USFWS Critical Habitat Data, September 2015 1 in = 8,000 ft KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 21 3.4.2    Special  Status  Plants       The  CNDDB  contains  records  of  many  special  status  plant  species  that  are  known  to  occur  within   the  greater  San  Luis  Obispo  area  (please  refer  to  Figure  6).  Special  status  plant  species  typically   have  highly  localized  habitat  requirements  and  many  are  known  to  occur  on  serpentine  rock   outcrops  and  soils,  active  and  stabilized  coastal  dunes,  or  in  maritime  chaparral,  and  brackish   marsh  habitats.    Coastal  dunes,  central  maritime  chaparral  and  brackish  marsh  habitats  do  not   occur  on  the  property,  and  therefore,  species  such  as  beach  spectacle  pod  (Dithyrea  maritima),   Morro  manzanita  (Arctostaphylos  morroensis),  and  salt  marsh  bird’s  beak  (Chloropyron  maritimum)   are  not  expected  to  occur  onsite  based  on  the  lack  of  suitable  habitat.    In  addition,  a  number  of   species  identified  in  the  database  search  occur  at  higher  elevations  in  the  Santa  Lucia  Mountains   further  to  the  north  of  the  Ranch.    This  includes  species  such  as  the  San  Benito  fritillary  (Fritillaria   viridea),  hooked  popcorn  flower  (Plagiobothrys  uncinatus),  and  Cuesta  Pass  checkerbloom  (Sidalcea   hickmanii  ssp.  anomala).         While  elevation  alone  is  not  sufficient  to  rule  out  a  species  from  a  particular  study  area,  these   species  were  not  observed  during  the  focused  surveys  of  the  property  at  a  time  of  year  when  they   would  have  been  identifiable.    Therefore,  it  is  reasonable  to  conclude  that  they  are  not  expected  to   occur  onsite.    Moreover,  special  status  perennials  would  have  been  identifiable  at  the  time  the  field   surveys  were  conducted.    Perennial  shrubs  such  as  Arroyo  de  la  Cruz  manzanita  (Arctostaphylos   cruzensis),  Santa  Lucia  manzanita  (Arctostaphylos  luciana),  and  Santa  Margarita  manzanita   (Arctostaphylos  pilosula)  were  not  observed  during  field  surveys,  and  as  a  result,  are  not  expected  to   occur  on  the  project  site.       Special  status  plants  identified  in  the  area  by  the  CNDDB  that  are  known  to  occur  on  serpentine  based   soils  were  identified  as  having  potential  to  occur  onsite  and  put  on  the  target  search  list  during  the   surveys  (please  refer  to  Appendix  B  for  further  detail).    Surveys  conducted  in  2015  located    the  13   special  status  plants  listed  below.    Please  refer  to  Figure  7  for  species  locations.       • Blochman's  dudleya  (Dudleya  blochmaniae;  CRPR  List  1B.1);   • Brewer's  spineflower  (Chorizanthe  breweri;  CRPR  List  1B.3);   • Cambria  morning  glory  (Calystegia  subacaulis  ssp.  episcopalis;  CRPR  List  4.2);   • Chaparral  ragwort  (Senecio  aphanactis;  CRPR  List  2.2);   • Chorro  Creek  bog  thistle  (Cirsium  fontinale  var.  obispoense;  federal  and  state  endangered  and   CRPR  List  1B.2);   • club  hair  mariposa  lily  (Calochortus  clavatus  ssp.  clavatus  CRPR  List  4.3);   • Congdon's  tarplant  (Centromadia  parryi  ssp.  congdonii;  CRPR  List  1B.1);   • Eastwood’s  larkspur  (Delphinium  parryi  ssp.  eastwoodiae;  CRPR  List  1B.2);   • Jones's  layia  (Layia  jonesii;  CRPR  List  1B.2);   • mouse-­‐gray  dudleya    (Dudleya  abramsii  ssp.  murina;  CRPR  List  1B.2);   • Palmer’s  spineflower  (Chorizanthe  palmeri:  CRPR  List  4.2);   • San  Luis  mariposa  lily  (Calochortus  obispoensis;  CRPR  List  1B.2);  and   • San  Luis  Obispo  owl's-­‐clover  (Castilleja  densiflora  ssp.  obispoensis;  CRPR  List  1B.2).     Even  though  drought  conditions  were  experienced  in  the  project  region  over  the  course  of  the  last  four   years,  sufficient  rain  fell  during  the  2015  growing  season  to  allow  an  accurate  inventory  of  the  site’s   vegetation  and  identification  of  special  status  plants  on  the  study  area  as  shown  on  Figure  7  –  the   Special  Status  Plant  Occurrences  Map.   De pa eaLa jo De pa ea De pa La jo Ca de ob Ca de obCa ob Du ab m u La jo Ca de obLa jo Ca de ob La jo Ca de obLa jo Ca de ob Du bl Du bl Du bl La jo Du ab m u Se ap Ca de ob Du ab m u Ch br Ch br Ca de ob Du bl Ce pa co La jo Study Area Boundary Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense CDFW List 1B Species John Madonna Construction, Inc.0 200 400 600 800100Feet Special Status Plant Occurrences M ap Froom Ranch Figure 71 in = 350 ft Irish Hills Natural Reserve Irish Hills Plaza Mountainbrook Church Ca de ob = Castilleja densiflora ssp. obispoensis Ca ob = Calochortus obsipoensis Ce pa co = Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii Ch br = Chorizanthe breweri De pa ea = Delphinium parryi ssp. eastwoodiae Du ab mu = Dudleya abramsii ssp. murina Du bl = Dudleya blochmaniae La jo = Layia jonesii Se ap = Senecio aphanactis KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 23 3.4.3  Special  Status  Animals     The  CNDDB  contained  occurrence  data  for  numerous  special  status  animal  species  in  the  general   area.      Please  refer  to  Figure  8  and  Appendix  B  for  the  special  status  animals  that  were  evaluated  in   this  study,  and  a  determination  as  to  their  potential  to  occur  onsite.    Similar  to  the  plant  evaluation   above,  many  of  these  special  status  animal  species  are  not  expected  to  occur  on  the  subject  site  due   to  the  lack  of  suitable  habitat.    Species  such  as  California  black  rail  (Rallus  longirostris  obsoletus),   western  snowy  plover  (Charadrius  alexandrines  nivosus),  Morro  shoulderband  snail   (Helminthoglypta  walkeriana),  and  Morro  Bay  blue  butterfly  (Plebejus  icarioides  morroensis)  are   coastal  species  that  have  specific  habitat  attributes  and  requirements  that  are  not  present  onsite,   and  therefore,  are  not  expected  to  occur  on  the  property  because  suitable  habitat  is  not  present.         A  number  of  avian  species  are  known  from  the  general  area  and  could  potentially  utilize  the   grasslands,  coast  live  oak/California  bay  woodland,  coastal  scrub,  and  eucalyptus  stands  for  nesting   and  foraging.    Given  the  large  expanses  of  open  grasslands  and  mixed  shrub/woodlands  on  the   property,  many  of  the  special  status  birds  known  from  the  general  area  could  potentially  occur  on   the  property  at  least  as  transients  moving  through  the  region  seasonally.    Ground  nesting  birds,  and   small  songbirds  could  potentially  use  the  site  for  nesting  activities.    Special  status  species  identified   in  the  CNDDB  and  that  could  potentially  occur  onsite  include  the  grasshopper  sparrow   (Ammodramus  savannarum),  ferruginous  hawk  (Buteo  regalis),  peregrine  falcon  (Falco  peregrinus   anatum),  Cooper’s  hawk  (Accipiter  cooperii),  burrowing  owl  (Athene  cunicularia),  and  white-­‐tailed   kite  (Elanus  leucurus).       Bat  species,  such  as  the  pallid  bat  (Antrozous  pallidus),  Townsend’s  big-­‐eared  bat  (Corynorhinus   townsendii),  and  various  species  of  Myotis  have  large  home  ranges,  and  could  forage  over  and   around  the  site,  as  well  as  roost  in  trees  and  under  the  eves  of  existing  structures.    The  Monarch   butterfly  (Danaus  plexippus)  is  a  relatively  common  species  from  the  general  area,  and  could  forage   onsite.    It  would  not  be  expected  to  overwinter  on  the  Ranch  because  the  species  requires  specific   autumnal  and  overwintering  habitat  attributes  typically  observed  closer  to  the  coast.    The  small   grouping  of  eucalyptus  trees,  and  riparian  oak  and  bay  trees  that  are  present  in  the  study  area  are   not  suitable  to  support  monarch  butterfly  overwintering  habitat.         Based  on  the  lack  of  suitable  sandy  soils,  the  legless  lizard  (Anniella  pulchra)  and  coast  horned   lizard  (Phrynosoma  blainvillii)  are  not  expected  to  occur  in  the  coastal  scrub  habitat  mapped  onsite.     The  heavy  clay  soils  on  the  property  preclude  fossorial  (burrowing)  reptiles  such  as  the  legless   lizard  from  occurring  under  shrubs  on  the  slopes  or  flatter  areas  of  the  site.    Species  such  as  the  San   Diego  woodrat  (Neotoma  lepida  intermedia)  and  American  badger  (Taxidea  taxus)  could  potentially   occur  onsite,  and  woodrat  nests  were  observed  in  dense  oak/California  bay  woodland  areas  in  the   southwestern  part  of  the  property.         The  portion  of  Froom  Creek  within  the  site  does  not  appear  to  contain  appropriate  aquatic  and   riparian  habitat  to  support  the  federally  threatened  California  red-­‐legged  frog  (Rana  draytonii;   CRLF).    The  closest  known  occurrence  is  from  the  waste  water  treatment  ponds  on  the  east  side  of   Highway  101.    No  records  of  CRLF  in  the  immediate  project  area  were  found.    It  appears  that  Froom   Creek  does  not  contain  flowing  water  or  any  deep  pools  during  the  late  spring  or  summer  months   to  support  a  breeding  population  of  CRLF.    The  small  tributary  drainages  in  the  higher  elevations  of   the  study  area  also     USGS QUAD PORT SAN LUIS USGS QUAD PISMO BEACH USGS QUAD MO RRO BAY SOUTH USGS QUAD SAN LUIS OBISPO USGS QUAD LOPEZ MTN. USGS QUAD ARROYO GRANDE NE Study Area Boundary USGS Quadrangle Search Radius (5 miles) CNDDB Occurrence (CDFW September 2015) Am erican badger Atascadero June beetle California red-legged frog Coast Range newt San Luis Obispo pyrg Townsend's big-eared bat black legless lizard (silver legless lizard) ferruginous hawk foothill yellow-legged frog mon arch butterfly pallid bat prairie falcon steelhead - south/central California coast DPS tidew ater goby vernal pool fairy shrimp western mastiff bat western pond turtle western yellow-billed cuckoo white-tailed kite USFWS Critical Habitat California red-legged frog (USFWS 2010) Steelhead Critical Habitat (USFWS 2005) John Madonna Construction, Inc.0 4,100 8,200 12,3 00 16,4 002,050 Feet CNDDB Wildlife Occurrences Map Figure 8Froom Ranch Source(s): (c)ESRI and its data suppliers (2010): CDFW, CNDDB, October 2014; USFWS Critical Habitat Data, September 2015 1 in = 7,000 ft KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 25   did  not  contain  suitable  aquatic  habitat  to  support  CRLF.    The  constructed  detention  basins  onsite   lack  suitable  aquatic  habitat  with  a  sufficient  hydroperiod  to  support  CRLF,  and  did  not  contain  any   emergent  vegetation.       Southern  steelhead  (Oncorhynchus  mykiss  irideus)  are  known  to  occur  further  to  the  southeast  of   the  project  site  in  San  Luis  Obispo  Creek.    They  have  also  been  identified  as  occurring  within  the   upper  reaches  of  Froom  Creek  outside  the  study  area  (personal  communication  with  Freddy  Otte,   City  of  San  Luis  Obispo  Biologist).    Also,  other  highly  aquatic  species  such  as  the  western  pond   turtle  (Emys  marmorata),  the  two-­‐striped  garter  snake  (Thamnophis  hammondii),  and  the  Coast   Range  newt  (Taricha  torosa  torosa)  are  not  expected  to  occur  onsite  in  Froom  Creek,  its  tributaries   or  the  constructed  basins  based  on  the  lack  of  seasonally  flowing  and  ponded  water.     The  USFWS  has  identified  critical  habitat  for  steelhead  and  CRLF  in  the  region.    The  project  site,   however,  does  not  occur  in  the  critical  habitat  polygons  developed  for  CRLF,  but  Froom  Creek  is   identified  as  critical  habitat  for  southern  steelhead.    It  is  highly  unlikely,  however,  that  Froom  Creek   supports  a  steelhead  run  since  it  is  separated  from  San  Luis  Obispo  Creek  by  a  series  of  culverts  and   man-­‐made  ditches.       The  Coast  Range  newt  is  a  species  of  concern  known  to  occur  in  the  Santa  Lucia  Mountains  and   Santa  Margarita  region  north  of  the  project  site.    This  species  lives  in  terrestrial  habitats  and  breeds   in  ponds  and  slow  moving  streams  during  winter  months.    Although  the  species  is  not  documented   from  the  Irish  Hills  of  the  San  Luis  Range,  there  is  potential  for  this  animal  to  occur  further   upstream  in  the  watershed.    It  is  unlikely  to  occur  within  the  study  area  due  to  the  lack  of  suitable   habitat.         The  evaluation  of  special  status  species  occurrences  onsite  was  based  on  a  habitat  suitability   analysis  coupled  with  on  the  ground  observations.    Please  refer  to  Appendix  B  for  further  detail.     The  investigation  did  not  include  definitive  surveys  to  determine  the  presence  or  absence  of  species   such  as  the  CRLF,  but  did  include  direct  observation  of  onsite  and  offsite  conditions,  inspection  of   the  drainage  channels  and  their  respective  hydrologic  regime,  and  review  of  biological  reports  and   the  CNDDB  records  documenting  recorded  occurrence  data  from  the  area  to  conclude  whether  or   not  a  particular  species  could  be  expected  to  occur.    Based  on  this  analysis,  the  following  species   have  the  potential  to  be  present  within  the  project  study  area  at  some  point  in  time:   • American  badger  (Taxidea  taxus;  species  of  special  concern)   • Burrowing  owl  (Athene  cunicularia;  species  of  special  concern);   • California  homed  lark  (Eremophila  alpestris  actia;  watch  list);   • Cooper’s  hawk  (Accipiter  cooperi;  watch  list);   • Golden  eagle  (Aquila  chrysaetos;  watch  list  and  CDFW  Fully  Protected);   • Loggerhead  shrike  (Lanius  ludovicianus;  species  of  special  concern);   • Merlin  (Falco  columbarius;  watch  list);   • Northern  harrier  (Circus  cyaneus;  species  of  special  concern);   • Purple  martin  (Progne  subis;  species  of  special  concern);   • Sharp-­‐shinned  hawk  (Accipiter  striatus;  watch  list);   • Tricolored  blackbird  (Agelaius  tricolor;  candidate  species  and  species  of  special  concern);   • White-­‐tailed  kite  (Elanus  leucurus;  CDFW  Fully  Protected);   • Yellow  warbler  (Dendroica  petechia  brewsteri;  species  of  special  concern);   • Big  free-­‐tailed  bat  (Nyctinomops  macrotis;  species  of  special  concern;   • Hoary  bat  (Lasiurus  cinereus;  special  animal);   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 26 • Pallid  bat  (Antrozous  pallidus;  species  of  special  concern);   • San  Diego  woodrat  (Neotoma  lepida  intermedia;  species  of  special  concern);   • Steelhead  (Oncorhynchus  mykiss  irideus;  federal  threatened  and  species  of  concern);   • Townsend’s  western  big-­‐eared  bat  (Corynorhinus  townsendi  townsendi;  species  of  special   concern);   • Western  mastiff  bat  (Eumops  perotis  californicus;  species  of  special  concern);   • Western  red  bat  (Lasiurus  blossevilli;  species  of  special  concern);  and   • Yuma  Myotis  (Myotis  yumanensis;  special  animal).     As  stated  above,  CRLF,  western  pond  turtle,  Coast  Range  newt,  and  two-­‐striped  garter  snake  are   known  from  the  region.    Given  Froom  Creek’s  inconsistent  flow  regime,  these  species  are  not   expected  to  occur  onsite  based  on  the  lack  of  seasonal  aquatic  habitat.    Under  above  average  rainfall   years  when  Froom  Creek  is  flowing  and  seasonal  in-­‐channel  pools  persist  for  a  longer  period,  it  is   possible,  albeit  unlikely,  that  these  species  could  find  their  way  onto  the  site.    Furthermore,   seasonally  ponded  water  along  Calle  Joaquin  could  also  potentially  provide  seasonal  habitat  for   these  highly  aquatic  species.     5.0  CONCLUSION     The  Froom  Ranch  is  situated  in  a  biologically  rich  area  of  San  Luis  Obispo  County  composed  of  a   mosaic  of  annual  and  native  grasslands,  coast  live  oak/California  bay  woodland  and  coastal   scrub/chaparral  habitats  bisected  by  natural  drainages  in  the  northeastern  flank  of  the  Irish  Hills  of   the  San  Luis  Range.    Froom  Creek  traverses  the  site  in  a  mostly  north  to  south  direction  and  joins   San  Luis  Obispo  Creek  south  of  the  site  before  flowing  to  the  Pacific  Ocean  in  Avila  Beach.    Wetland   habitat  occurs  along  the  unnamed  tributary  drainages  to  Froom  Creek,  and  in  flat  grassland  areas   where  surface  and  subsurface  water  is  impounded  by  LOVR  and  Calle  Joaquin.    The  LOVR  Roadside   Channel  also  contained  riparian  habitat  composed  of  an  arroyo  willow  monoculture.    The  most   significant  biological  resources  present  onsite  are  the  natural  drainage  features  (i.e.:    Froom  Creek   and  its  three  tributary  drainages)  and  associated  wetland  and  riparian  habitats,  and  the  native   serpentine  bunchgrass  grassland  and  serpentine  rock  outcrops  supporting  a  suite  of  special  status   plant  species,  many  of  which  are  endemic  to  the  San  Luis  Obispo  area.       Non-­‐native  annual  grassland  was  the  dominant  plant  community  on  the  ranch,  primarily  occurring   in  the  flatter  portions  of  the  site  where  past  disturbances  such  as  cattle/horse  feeding  has  occurred.     The  southwestern  part  of  the  site  contained  native  serpentine  bunchgrass  grassland  where  rock   outcrops  and  thinner,  less  developed  soils  were  present.    The  wetland,  riparian,  and  native   bunchgrass  grassland  habitats  delineated  on  the  habitat  map  were  identified  as  special  status   natural  communities.         Occurrences  of  special  status  plants  were  identified  within  the  study  area  and  their  occurrences   shown  on  Figure  7,  the  Special  Status  Plant  Occurrence  Map.    Nine  of  the  special  status  plants  are   California  Rare  Plant  Rank  List  1B  species,  and  one  is  a  List  2  species.    List  2  means  that  the  species   is  rare  in  California  but  more  widespread  elsewhere.    The  federal  and  state  endangered  and  CRPR   List  1B  Chorro  Creek  bog  thistle  was  also  identified  onsite,  and  was  confined  to  wetland  areas  in   Drainages  1  and  2  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  study  area.    List  4  species  are  on  a  watch  list  and   are  relatively  common  in  the  project  area.    No  special  status  wildlife  species  were  observed  onsite,   but  Froom  Creek  could  potentially  provide  a  movement  corridor  for  the  federal  threatened   southern  steelhead  between  upstream  breeding  areas  and  San  Luis  Obispo  Creek  when  flowing   water  was  present.    In  addition,  a  number  of  species  of  special  concern  including  a  diverse  range  of   birds,  (including  raptors),  and  bats  could  potentially  occur  onsite  on  a  seasonal  basis.       KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory Report John Madonna Construction, Inc. 27   6.0  REFERENCES     Baldwin,  B.G.,  D.H.  Goldman,  D.J.  Keil,  R.  Patterson,  T.J.  Rosatti,  and  D.H.  Wilken,  editors.    2012.    The   Jepson  Manual:  vascular  plants  of  California,  second  edition.    University  of  California  Press,   Berkeley.   Calflora.    2015.    Information  on  wild  California  plants  for  conservation,  education,  and  appreciation.   Berkeley,  CA.    Accessed  via:    http://www.calflora.org/.     California  Department  of  Fish  and  Game.    2009.    Protocols  for  Surveying  and  Evaluating  Impacts  to   Special  Status  Native  Plant  Populations  and  Natural  Communities.    November  24,  2009.       California  Department  of  Fish  and  Game.  2001.    Fish  and  Game  Code  of  California,  Section  3503.5.     Gould  Publications,  Altamonte  Springs,  FL.   California  Department  of  Fish  and  Game.    2003.    California  Natural  Diversity  Database,  Rarefind  V.   3.    Queried  April  and  November  2015.   County  of  San  Luis  Obispo.    2009.    Guidelines  for  Preparation  of  Biological  Reports.  Department  of   Planning  and  Building,  Environmental  Division.   Granger,  T.,  T.  Hruby,  A.  McMillan,  D.  Peters,  J.  Rubey,  D.  Sheldon,  S.  Stanley,  E.  Stockdale.  April   2005.  Wetlands  in  Washington  State  -­‐  Volume  2:  Guidance  for  Protecting  and  Managing   Wetlands.  Washington  State  Department  of  Ecology.  Publication  #05-­‐06-­‐008.  Olympia,  WA.   Holland,  R.F.    1986.    Preliminary  Descriptions  of  the  Terrestrial  Natural  Communities  of  California.     California  Department  of  Fish  and  Game,  Sacramento.   Hoover,  Robert  F.    1970.    The  Vascular  Plants  of  San  Luis  Obispo  County,  California.    University  of   California  Press,  Berkeley,  CA.   Jennings,  M.  R.,  and  M.  P.  Hayes.  1994.  Amphibian  and  reptile  species  of  special  concern  in   California,  1  November  1994.    California  Department  of  Fish  and  Game,  Inland  Fisheries   Division,  Rancho  Cordova,  California.    255  pp.   National  Marine  Fisheries  Service.    2006  (January).    50  CFR  Parts  223  and  224.    Endangered  and   Threatened  Species:  Final  Listing  Determinations  for  10  Distinct  Population  Segments  of  West   Coast  Steelhead;  Final  Rule.    National  Oceanic  and  Atmospheric  Administration,  United  States   Department  of  Commerce.       Natural  Resources  Conservation  Service.    2015.    Web  Soil  Survey.    National  Cooperative  Soil  Survey,   U.S.  Department  of  Agriculture.    Accessed  via:  http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app.     Sawyer,  J.  O.,  T.  Keeler-­‐Wolf,  and  J.M.  Evens.    2009.    A  Manual  of  California  Vegetation,  Second   Edition.    California  Native  Plant  Society,  Sacramento,  CA.   United  States  Fish  and  Wildlife  Service.  1973.  The  Endangered  Species  Act  of  1973,  as  amended  (16   U.S.C  1531  et  seq.).   United  States  Fish  and  Wildlife  Service.    2000.    Guidelines  for  Conducting  and  Reporting  Botanical   Inventories  for  Federally  Listed,  Proposed,  and  Candidate  Plants.    January  2000.       United  States  Fish  and  Wildlife  Service.    2015.    National  Wetlands  Inventory  website.  U.S.  Department   of  the  Interior,  Washington,  D.C.    Accessed  via:    http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/.                                         APPENDIX  A   List  of  Plants  and  Animals  Observed                     KMA KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc A - 1 Appendix  A  –  List  of  Plants  and  Animals  Observed  Onsite  During  2015  Field  Surveys.   Scientific  Name  Common  Name   Plants   Achillea  millefolium  Yarrow   Achyrachaena  mollis  Blow  wives   Acmispon  americanus  var.  americanus  Spanish  lotus   Acmispon  glaber  (=Lotus  scoparius)  Deer  weed   Acmispon  wrangelianus  Lotus   Agrostis  pallens  Bent  grass   Aira  caryophyllea*  Silver  hair  grass   Allium  crispum  Crinkled  onion   Ambrosia  psilostachys  Ragweed   Amsinckia  intermedia  Common  fiddleneck   Anagallis  arvensis  Scarlet  pimpernel   Anthriscus  caucalis*  Bur  chervil   Aquilegia  eximia  Vanhouette’s  columbine   Artemisia  californica  California  sagebrush   Artemisia  douglasiana  Mugwort   Asphodelus  fistulosus*  Onionweed   Astragalus  curtipes  South  coast  milkvetch   Astragalus  gambelianus  Gambel’s  dwarf  locoweed   Avena  barbata*  Slender  wild  oats   Baccharis  pilularis  Coyote  brush   Bloomeria  crocea  Golden  stars   Brachypodium  distachyon*  False  brome   Brassica  nigra*  Black  mustard   Brodiaea  terrestris  Dwarf  brodiaea   Bromus  carinatus  California  brome   Bromus  diandrus*  Ripgut  brome   Bromus  hordeacous*  Soft  chess   Bromus  madritensis  ssp.  rubens*  Red  brome   Calandrinia  ciliata  Red  maids   Calochortus  argillosus  Clay  mariposa  lily   Calochortus  clavatus  ssp.  clavatus  Club-­‐hair  mariposa  lily  (List  4.3)   Calochortus  obispoensis  San  Luis  mariposa  lily  (List  1B.2)   Calystegia  macrostegia  ssp.  cyclostegia  Coast  morning  glory   Calystegia  subacaulis  ssp.  episcopalis  Cambria  morning  glory  (List  4.2)   Cardamine  californica  California  toothwort   Carduus  pycnocephalus*  Italian  thistle   Carex  praegracilis  Clustered  field  sedge   Carex  senta  Rough  sedge   Castilleja  densiflora  ssp.  obispoensis  San  Luis  Obispo  owl’s  clover  (List  1B.2)   Ceanothus  cuneatus  Buck  brush   Centaurea  solstitialis*  Yellow  star  thistle   Centromadia  parryi  ssp.  congdonii  Congdon’s  tarplant    (List  1B.1)   Chenopodium  album*  Goosefoot   Chlorogallum  pomeridianum  var.  pomeridianum  Soap  plant   Chorizanthe  breweri  Brewer’s  spineflower  (List  1B.3)   Chorizanthe  palmeri  Palmer’s  spineflower  (List  4.2)   Cirsium  fontinale  var.  obispoense  Chorro  Creek  bog  thistle  (FE,  SE,  List  1B.2)   Cirsium  vulgare*  Bull  thistle   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc A - 2 Scientific  Name  Common  Name   Clarkia  bottae  Botta’s  clarkia   Claytonia  perfoliata  Miner’s  lettuce   Conium  maculatum*  Poison  hemlock   Conyza  canadensis  Horseweed   Corethrogyne  filaginifolia  Corethrogyne   Crassula  connata  Pygmy  weed   Cryptantha  clevelandii  Cryptantha   Cynodon  dactylon*  Bermuda  grass   Cyperus  eragrostis  Tall  flatsedge   Deinandra  fasciculata  Yellow  tarweed   Delphinium  parryi  ssp.  eastwoodiae  Eastwood’s  larkspur  (List  1B.2)   Dichelostemma  pulchra  Blue  dicks   Dipsacus  fullonum*  Fuller’s  teasel   Distichlis  spicata  Saltgrass   Dodecatheon  clevelandii  Padre’s  shooting  star   Dudleya  abramsii  ssp.  murina  San  Luis  Obispo  serpentine  dudleya  (List  1B.2)   Dudleya  blochmaniae  Blochman’s  dudleya  (List  1B.1)   Eleocharis  macrostachya  Spike  rush   Elymus  glaucus  Western  wild  rye   Epilobium  canum  California  fuchsia   Erigeron  philadelphicus  Philadelphia  fleabane   Eriogonum  fasciculatum  California  buckwheat   Eriogonum  parvifolium  Coastal  buckwheat   Eriophyllum  confertiflorum  Golden  yarrow   Erodium  botrys*  Filaree   Erodium  cicutarium*  Red-­‐stemmed  filaree   Eschscholzia  californica  California  poppy   Eucalyptus  globulus*  Blue  gum  eucalyptus   Euphorbia  peplus*  Petty  spurge   Euphorbia  spathulata  Spurge   Festuca  arundinaceae*  Tall  fescue   Festuca  microstachys  Eastwood  fescue   Festuca  perennis*  Italian  rye  grass   Filago  californica  California  filago   Filago  (=Logfia)  gallica*  Narrowleaf  cottonrose   Foeniculum  vulgare*  Fennel   Fritillaria  biflora  var.  biflora  Chocolate  lily   Galium  aparine  Bedstraw   Galium  porrigens  Climbing  bedstraw   Gastridium  ventricosum*  Nit  grass   Genista  monspessulana*  French  broom   Geranium  dissectum*  Cut-­‐leaf  geranium   Gilia  achilleifolia  California  gilia   Gilia  capitatum  Blue  field  gilia   Gnaphalium  californica  California  everlasting   Gnaphalium  purpureum  Purple  everlasting   Hazardia  squarrosa  Saw-­‐tooth  golden  bush   Helminthotheca  echioides  Prickly  ox  tongue   Hemizonia  congesta  ssp.  luzulifolia  Hayfield  tarweed   Hesperocyparis  (=Cupressus)  macrocarpa  Monterey  cypress   Hesperoyucca  whipplei  Chaparral  yucca   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc A - 3 Scientific  Name  Common  Name   Heteromeles  arbutifolia  Toyon   Hirschfeldia  incana*  Summer  mustard   Hoita  orbicularis  Round-­‐leaf  leather  root   Hordeum  brachyantherum  Meadow  barley   Hordeum  marinum  ssp.  gussoneanum*  Mediterranean  barley   Hordeum  murinum  ssp.  leporinum*  Foxtail   Hypochaeris  glabra*  Smooth  cat’s  ear   Juncus  bufonius  Toad  rush   Juncus  effusus  Spreading  rush   Juncus  patens  Common  rush   Juncus  phaeocephalus  Brown  headed  rush   Koeleria  micrantha  June  grass   Lactuca  serriola*  Wild  lettuce   Lamarckia  aurea*  Goldentop   Lasthenia  californica  Common  goldfields   Layia  jonesii  Jones’s  layia  (List  1B.2)   Leptosiphon  parvifolius  Variable  linanthus   Leymus  condensatus  Giant  wild  rye   Leymus  triticoides  Creeping  wild  rye   Lomatium  utriculatum  Biscuit  root   Lotus  corniculatus  Birdsfoot  trefoil   Lupinus  bicolor  Miniature  lupine   Lupinus  microcarpus  Chick  lupine   Lupinus  nanus  Sky  lupine   Lupinus  succulentus  Succulent  lupine   Lythrum  hyssopifolium*  Grass  poly   Malva  nicaaensis*  Bull  mallow   Matricaria  matricarioides*  Pineapple  weed   Medicago  polymorpha*  Bur  clover   Melica  californica  California  melic   Melica  imperfecta  Melic  grass   Melilotus  sativa*  Sweet  cicily   Microseris  douglasii  Douglas’  microseris   Mimulus  aurantiacus  Sticky  monkey  flower   Mimulus  guttatus  Seep  monkey  flower   Muhlenbergia  stricta  Deer  grass   Nicotiana  glauca  Tree  tobacco   Oenanthe  sarmentosa  Water  parsley   Opuntia  ficus-­‐indica  Prickly  pear  cactus   Oxalis  pes-­‐caprae  Bermuda  buttercup   Pellaea  mucronata  Birdfoot  fern   Pennisetum  setaceum*  Fountaingrass   Phacelia  imbricata  Stinging  phacelia   Plagiobothrys  nothofulvus  Popcorn  flower   Plantago  erecta  California  plantain   Plantago  lanceolata*  English  plantain   Platanus  racemosa  Sycamore   Platystemon  californicus  Cream  cups   Polypogon  monspeliensis*  Rabbitfoot  grass   Populus  fremontii  Fremont  cottonwood   Potentilla  anserina  Silverweed   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc A - 4 Scientific  Name  Common  Name   Prunus  ilicifolia  Holly-­‐leaved  cherry   Psilocarphus  tenellus  Wooly  marbles   Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  live  oak   Ranunculus  californicus  California  buttercup   Raphanus  sativa*  Wild  radish   Rhamnus  (=Frangula)  californica  Coffeeberry   Rosa  californica  California  rose   Rubus  discolor  Himalayan  blackberry   Rubus  ursinus  California  blackberry   Rumex  acetosella*  Sheep  sorrel   Rumex  crispus*  Curly  dock   Rumex  pulcher*  Fiddle  dock   Salix  lasiolepis  Arroyo  willow   Salvia  columbariae  Chia  sage   Salvia  mellifera  Black  sage   Salvia  spathacea  Hummingbird  sage   Sanicula  bipinnatifida  Purple  sanicle   Sanicula  crassicaulis  Common  sanicle   Sanicula  laciniata  Coast  sanicle   Schinus  molle*  Peruvian  pepper   Schoenoplectus  acutus  var.  occidentalis  California  tule   Schoenoplectus  californicus  California  bulrush   Scirpus  microcarpus  Panicled  bulrush   Scrophularia  californica  California  bee  plant   Senecio  aphanactis  Rayless  ragwort  (List  2.2)   Sidalcea  malviflora  Checker  bloom   Silene  californica  California  catch-­‐fly   Silybum  marianum*  Milk  thistle   Sisyrinchium  bellum  Blue-­‐eyed  grass   Solanum  xantii  Purple  nightshade   Sonchus  asper*  Prickly  sow  thistle   Stachys  pycnantha  Short  spike  hedge  nettle   Stipa  (=Nassella)  pulchra  Purple  needlegrass   Symphoricarpos  mollis  Creeping  snowberry   Toxicodendron  diversilobum  Poison  oak   Trifolium  depauperatum  var.  depauperatum  Dwarf  sack  clover   Trifolium  fucatum  Sour  clover   Trifolium  hirtum*  Rose  clover   Trifolium  subterraneum*  Subterranean  clover   Trifolium  willdenovii  Tomcat  clover   Triphysaria  eriantha  ssp.  eriantha  Butter  and  eggs   Typha  latifolia  Cattail   Umbellularia  californica  California  bay  laurel   Urtica  dioica  ssp.  holosericea  Stinging  nettle   Verbena  lasiostachys  Western  vervain   Veronica  anagallis-­‐aquatica  Water  speedwell   Vicia  sativa*  Spring  vetch   Vicia  villosa  ssp.  villosa*  Hairy  vetch   Viola  pedunculata  Johnny  jump  up   Woodwardia  fimbriata  Giant  chain  fern   Xanthium  spinosum  Spiny  cocklebur   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc A - 5 Scientific  Name  Common  Name   Xanthium  strumarium  Cocklebur   Zeltnera  davyi  Davy’s  centaury   Zigadenus  fremontii  Star  lily   Animals   Accipiter  cooperi  Cooper’s  hawk   Agelaius  phoenicius  Red-­‐winged  blackbird   Ammodramus  savannarum  Grasshopper  sparrow   Aphelocoma  corulescens  Scrub  jay   Ardea  herodias  Great  blue  heron   Bubo  virginianus  Great  horned  owl   Buteo  jamaicensis  Red-­‐tailed  hawk   Buteo  lineatus  Red-­‐shouldered  hawk   Callipepla  californica  California  quail   Calypte  anna  Anna’s  hummingbird   Canis  latrans  Coyote   Carpodacus  mexicanus  House  finch   Cathartes  aura  Turkey  vulture   Chamae  fasciata  wrentit   Circus  cyaneus  Northern  harrier   Egretta  thula  Snowy  egret   Elgaria  multicarinata  Alligator  lizard   Euphagus  cyanocephalus  Brewer’s  blackbird   Icterus  bullockii  Bullock’s  oriole   Melanerpes  formicivorus  Acorn  woodpecker   Melazone  crissalis  California  towhee   Mimus  polyglottos  Northern  mockingbird   Odocoileus  hemionus  Black-­‐tailed  deer   Pituophis  catenifer  catenifer  Pacific  gopher  snake   Procyon  lotor  Raccoon   Regalus  calendula  Ruby  crowned  kinglet   Sayornis  nigricans  Black  phoebe   Sceloporis  occidentalis  Western  fence  lizard   Setophaga  townsendi  Townsend’s  warbler   Sialia  mexicana  Western  blue  bird   Spermophilus  beecheyi  California  ground-­‐squirrel   Sturnella  neglecta  Meadowlark   Sturnus  vulgaris*  European  starling   Thomomys  bottae  Botta’s  pocket  gopher   Tyrannus  verticalis  King  bird   Zenaida  macroura  Mourning  dove   Zonotrichia  leucophorys  White  crowned  sparrow   *Asterisk  identifies  non-­‐native  species;  species  in  bold  type  are  special  status  species.                                               APPENDIX  B   Special  Status  Biological  Resources  Known  to  Occur   or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite                     KMA KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. B - 1 Appendix  B.    Special-­‐Status  Biological  Resources  Present  or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite   Species Status* Fed/CA/CRPR Habitat Requirements Project Site Suitability/Observations LICHENS/BRYOPHYTES Firm cup lichen Cladonia firma --/--/-- Lichen known from maritime habitats in Europe and North America on stabilized sand dunes on the coast. Documented in the Morro Bay/Los Osos area on sands of marine origin. No suitable habitat present onsite. Not expected to occur. Splitting yarn lichen Sulcaria isidiifera --/--/-- Known from the Los Osos area growing on branches of coast live oak and maritime chaparral plants in sandy areas. No suitable habitat present onsite. All reported collections are from the Baywood fine sands of Los Osos. Not expected to occur based on the lack of suitable habitat. PLANTS Adobe sanicle Sanicula maritima --/R/1B.1 Perennial herb; blooms February through March; ranges from 30 to 240 meters; Occurs on clay and serpentine soils in chaparral, coastal prairie, meadows, seeps, and valley and foothill grassland. Potential habitat present in on-site grasslands in proximity to serpentine rock outcrops. Not observed within the study area during floristic surveys. Not expected to occur. Arroyo de la Cruz manzanita Arctostaphylos cruzensis --/--/1B.2 Perennial shrub; blooms from December to March; occurs between 60 and 310 meters in sandy soils; found in broadleaved upland forest, coastal bluff scrub, closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral, coastal scrub and valley and foothill grassland. This perennial shrub would have been easily identifiable during surveys. Not observed during surveys. Not present onsite. Beach spectaclepod Dithyrea maritima --/T/1B.1 Rhizomatous, perennial herb; blooms March through May; found in sandy soils, usually near shore, in coastal dunes and coastal scrub habitats; ranges from 3 to 50 meters in elevation. Site is too far from the immediate coast for this species to occur. Species only known to occur on sand dunes along the coast. Not observed during surveys. Not present onsite. Betty’s dudleya Dudleya abramsii ssp. bettinae --/--/1B.2 Perennial succulent; blooms May through July and is endemic to coastal San Luis Obispo County west of Cerro Romualdo; found in chaparral, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grasslands, usually on serpentine outcrops or shallow rocky soils; ranges in elevation from 20 to 180 meters. Suitable serpentine soils present on-site, but this particular subspecies is known to occur further west of the property towards Morro Bay and Cayucos. The Dudleya observed onsite was D. abramsii ssp. murina. Betty’s dudleya was not observed onsite and is not expected to occur. Black-flowered figwort Scrophularia atrata --/--/1B.2 Perennial herb; blooms April through July; ranges from 10 to 500 meters in elevation; occurs in closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, and riparian scrub habitats, typically on sandy or diatomaceous shale soils. Marginal habitat present along the edges of coast live oak woodland and riparian habitats on-site. Not observed during surveys, and not expected to occur. S. californica was identified on site. Blochman’s dudleya Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae --/--/1B.1 Perennial herb; blooms April through June; found on rocky, often clay or serpentine soils in coastal bluff scrub, chaparral, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grassland; ranges from 5 to 450 meters in elevation. This species was observed growing on rock outcrops in select locations in the southwestern part of the study area. Blochman’s leafy daisy Erigeron blochmaniae --/--/1B.2 Rhizomatous perennial herb; blooms July through August; ranges from 3 to 45 meters in elevation and occurs in coastal dunes and coastal scrub. This species is restricted to coastal dunes typically along the immediate coastline. No suitable habitat or soils present onsite. Not observed during surveys, and not expected to occur onsite. KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. B - 2 Appendix  B.    Special-­‐Status  Biological  Resources  Present  or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite   Species Status* Fed/CA/CRPR Habitat Requirements Project Site Suitability/Observations Brewer’s spineflower Chorizanthe breweri --/--/1B.3 Occurs in closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral, cismontane woodland, and coastal scrub habitats on serpentine derived soils and rock outcrops, mostly in rocky and gravelly areas; ranges in elevation from 45 to 800 meters; annual herb; blooms May through August. This species was observed growing on serpentine rock outcrops and gravelly soils in the southwestern part of the study area. California seablite Suaeda californica E/--/1B.1 Perennial succulent shrub that grows along the margins of coastal salt marshes in a narrow elevational range from 0 to 5 meters; known to occur in the Morro Bay area Not expected to occur onsite due to the lack of suitable habitat (i.e., no coastal salt marsh habitat present). Cambria (San Luis Obispo County) morning-glory Calystegia subacaulis ssp. episcopalis --/--/4.2 Rhizomatous, perennial herb; blooms from April to May; occurs in chaparral, cismontane woodland, and sparse to dense grassland covering sloped or flat areas in clay-rich soils; ranges from 60-500 meters; restricted to outer South Coast ranges in SLO and Santa Barbara Counties. Observed as a component of onsite serpentine bunchgrass grasslands. Present in varying densities throughout the western part of the study area. Caper-fruited tropidocarpum Tropidocarpum capparideum --/--/1B.1 Annual herb; blooms March through April; ranges from 1 to 455 meters and is found on alkaline clay soils in valley and foothill grassland. Potentially suitable habitat present in onsite grassland habitats. Not observed during surveys when species would have been in flower and identifiable. Not expected to occur onsite. Chorro Creek bog thistle (San Luis Obispo fountain thistle) Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense E/E/1B.2 Perennial herb; blooms February to July; ranges from 35 to 365 meters in elevation; occurs in chaparral and cismontane woodland habitats, often in serpentine seeps. Species was observed in wetland habitat along the upper portions of Drainages 1 and 2. Club-haired mariposa lily Calochortus clavatus ssp. clavatus --/--/4.3 Perennial bulbiferous herb known to occur on serpentine rock outcrops, valley grassland (i.e., perennial bunchgrass), chaparral, and foothill woodland; typically blooms from May to June. Species was observed in the extreme southwestern portion of the study area growing on rocky serpentine soils in coastal scrub and native grasslands. Coast woolly threads Nemacaulis denudata var. denudata --/--/1B.2 Annual herb that grows in coastal sand dunes in open spaces of the coastal strand; known to occur in the Montana de Oro area in sandy soils. No suitable habitat present. Not observed during surveys, and not expected to occur onsite. Coastal goosefoot Chenopodium littoreum --/--/1B.2 Annual herb that grows on sandy flats in coastal dunes along wetland and salt marsh habitat. Typically found between 30 and 100 meters, and is known from the Morro Bay estuary. No suitable habitat present onsite for this species. Not observed during surveys, and not expected to occur onsite. Congdon’s tarplant Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii --/--/1B.2 Annual herb; blooms from June to November; occurs in moist alkaline conditions in marshes, swamps, vernal pools, and valley and foothill grassland habitats; ranges from 1 to 230 meters in elevation. Species was observed growing in the temporary stormwater basin in the northern part of the site. KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. B - 3 Appendix  B.    Special-­‐Status  Biological  Resources  Present  or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite   Species Status* Fed/CA/CRPR Habitat Requirements Project Site Suitability/Observations Coulter’s goldfields Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulteri --/--/1B.1 Annual herb that grows in coastal salt marshes, playas, valley and foothill grassland, and vernal pools usually on alkaline soils from 1- 1,400 meters. Marginal habitat present in onsite wetlands and seeps. Only Lasthenia californica, a common species, was observed growing in and around the serpentine outcrops. Not observed during surveys, and not expected to occur onsite. Coulter’s saltbush Atriplex coulteri --/--/1B.2 Perennial herb grows in coastal bluff scrub, sandy dune habitat as well as in valley grassland and coastal sage scrub. Marginal habitat present onsite. Not observed during surveys, therefore, not expected to occur. Crisp monardella Monardella crispa --/--/1B.2 Rhizomatous, perennial herb; blooms April through August; ranges from 10 to 120 meters in elevation and occurs on sandy soils in coastal dunes and coastal scrub. Species typically occurs in coastal dunes in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and the site is therefore outside the species range. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. Cuesta Pass checkerbloom Sidalcea hickmanii ssp. anomala --/R/1B.2 Perennial herb; blooms May through June; ranges from 600 to 800 meters and is found on serpentine soils in closed-cone coniferous forest; known from only three occurrences on Cuesta Ridge in San Luis Obispo County. Project site is outside the known range for this species. Although suitable serpentine soils are present onsite, only the common checkerbloom, Sidalcea malviflora, was observed in bunchgrass grassland on the site. Cuesta Pass checkerbloom was not observed during surveys and is not expected to occur onsite. Cuesta Ridge thistle Cirsium occidentale var. lucianum --/--/1B.2 Perennial herb known to occur along the Cuesta Ridge in openings on steep rocky serpentinite slopes from 500 to 750 meters. Although suitable serpentine-based soils are present onsite, the study area is lower in elevation than areas in the Santa Lucia Mountains where this species has been observed. This species was not observed during field surveys, and is not expected to occur onsite. Dacite manzanita Arctostaphylos tomentosa ssp. daciticola --/--/1B.1 Perennial shrub known to occur in chaparral and cismontane woodland. Only one known occurrence of this species in SLO County on the porphyry buttes (Hollister Peak) east of Morro Bay No suitable habitat for this species present onsite. Perennial shrub would have been identifiable if encountered during the surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. Diablo Canyon blue grass Poa diabolic --/--/1B.2 Perennial rhizomatous herb known from highly localized areas along the coast from Montana de Oro south onto Diablo Nuclear Power Plant property. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub and closed cone coniferous habitat types on shale. Marginal habitat present onsite. This species was not observed during surveys of the site at times when it would have been identifiable if encountered. Given it is a highly restricted species known to occur on the western flank of the San Luis Range, and there are no shale outcroppings onsite, this species is not expected to occur. Dune larkspur Delphinium parryi ssp. blochmaniae --/--/1B.2 Perennial herb; blooms April through May; occurs in maritime chaparral and coastal dune habitats at elevations ranging from 0 to 200 meters, typically on volcanic soils and/or rocky slopes. No suitable habitat present onsite due to lack of sandy soils. Not observed during spring surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. A closely related species was observed onsite – see below. Dwarf soaproot Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. minus --/--/1B.2 Bulbiferous, perennial herb; blooms May to August; occurs on serpentine soils in chaparral and valley and foothill grassland habitats, ranging from 305 to 1000 meters in elevation. Suitable habitat present at serpentine rock outcrops and thin soils in native bunchgrass grassland. Only the common soaproot, Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. pomeridianum was observed onsite. Dwarf Soaproot was not observed during rare plant surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. B - 4 Appendix  B.    Special-­‐Status  Biological  Resources  Present  or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite   Species Status* Fed/CA/CRPR Habitat Requirements Project Site Suitability/Observations Eastwood’s larkspur Delphinium parryi ssp. eastwoodiae --/--/1B.2 Perennial herb known to occur on serpentine based soils (clays) and outcrops in the general San Luis Obispo area with collections made on Camp San Luis Obispo. Blooms March to May. Species was observed in the southwestern portion of the study area growing in coastal scrub and native grasslands on rocky serpentine soils. Hardham’s evening- primrose Camissoniopsis hardhamiae --/--/1B.2 Annual herb known to occur in chaparral and foothill woodland habitats; typically blooms from March to May. Only one recorded occurrence in the region from sandy openings in oak woodland in Los Osos. No suitable sandy soils present onsite. Not observed during field surveys, therefore, it is not expected to occur onsite. Hooked popcorn flower Plagiobothrys uncinatus --/--/1B.2 Annual herb known to occur in the Santa Lucia Mountains growing in chaparral typically on shale and sandstone soils. No suitable habitat present onsite. Not observed during surveys, and not expected to occur. Hoover’s bent grass Agrostis hooveri --/--/1B.2 Stoloniferous, perennial herb; blooms April to July; occurs between 60 and 600 meters on sandy soils in chaparral, cismontane woodland, and valley and foothill grassland habitats. No suitable sandy soils present to support this species. Grassland and oak woodland areas were searched for this species, but it was not observed. Not expected to occur onsite. Hoover’s button-celery Eryngium aristulatum var. hooveri --/--/1B.1 An herb that can occur as either an annual or a perennial; blooms in July and occurs at elevations ranging from 3 to 45 meters; found in vernal pools, seasonally wet grasslands, and often in roadside ditches. Marginal habitat present in wetlands on- site. Seasonally wet areas were searched for this species and it was not observed. Not expected to occur onsite. Indian Knob mountainbalm Eriodictyon altissimum E/E/1B.1 Evergreen shrub; blooms March through June; ranges in elevation from 80 to 270 meters and occurs in maritime chaparral, cismontane woodland, and coastal scrub, usually on sandstone; often found in open disturbed areas. Marginal habitat identified in oak woodland and coastal scrub habitats on-site. No suitable sandstone based soils present. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. Jones’ layia Layia jonesii --/--/1B.2 Annual herb; blooms March through May; occurs on clay soils and serpentine outcrops in chaparral and valley and foothill grassland; ranges in elevation from 5 to 400 meters. Species was observed in the southwestern portion of the study area growing in native grasslands on rocky serpentine soils. Leafy tarplant Deinandra increscens ssp. foliosa --/--/1B.2 Annual herb; blooms June through September; typically found in sandy soils in valley and foothill grassland, and ranges from 300 to 500 meters in elevation. No suitable sandy soils present on-site to support this species. Leafy tarplant is known to occur further east on the Arroyo Grande NE quad. Not observed during surveys and not expected to be present onsite. Marsh sandwort Arenaria paludicola E/E/1B.1 Stoloniferous, perennial herb; blooms May to August; occurs in freshwater marshes and swamps, bogs and fens, and some coastal scrub, ranging from 3 to 170 meters in elevation; common associates include Typha, Juncus, and Scirpus. Marginal habitat was identified in Drainage 1. Species was not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. Mesa horkelia Horkelia cuneata ssp. puberula --/--/1B.1 Sandy or gravelly sites in chaparral, coastal scrub and cismontane woodland; 70 to 700 meter elevation range. Marginal habitat identified in coastal scrub and oak woodland on-site, but this species typically occurs in sandy soils not on clay and serpentine. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. B - 5 Appendix  B.    Special-­‐Status  Biological  Resources  Present  or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite   Species Status* Fed/CA/CRPR Habitat Requirements Project Site Suitability/Observations Miles’ milk-vetch Astragalus didymocarpus var. milesianus --/--/1B.2 Annual herb; blooms March to June; found in coastal scrub habitats, typically occurring on clay soils; ranges in elevation 20 to 90 meters. Suitable habitat identified in coastal scrub and adjacent bunchgrass grassland habitats on-site. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur within the site. Morro manzanita Arctostaphylos morroensis T/--/1B.1 Evergreen shrub; blooms December through March; ranges in elevation from 5 to 205 meters; typically found on sandy-loam or Baywood sands in chaparral, woodlands, coastal dunes and coastal scrub. Project site is outside the known range for this species. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. Most beautiful jewel- flower Streptanthus albidus ssp. peramoenus --/--/1B.2 Annual herb; blooms April through June; occurs on serpentine soils in chaparral, valley and foothill grassland, and cismontane woodland, ranging from 120 to 1000 meters in elevation. Suitable serpentine soils and rock outcrops present. Not observed during surveys when this species would have been in identifiable condition. Not expected to occur onsite. Mouse-gray dudleya (aka San Luis Obispo dudleya) Dudleya abramsii ssp. murina --/--/1B.3 Perennial succulent herb; blooms May through June; occurs in chaparral and cismontane woodland, usually on serpentine rock outcrops, at elevations ranging from 90 to 300 meters. Species was observed in the western portion of the study area growing in coastal scrub and native grasslands on rocky serpentine soils, and in the northern portion of Froom Creek. Oso manzanita Arctostaphylos osoensis --/--/1B.2 Perennial shrub known to occur in chaparral and cismontane woodland on the porphyry buttes east of Morro Bay. No suitable habitat present. Shrub would have been identifiable if encountered during surveys. Not expected to occur. Palmer’s monardella Monardella palmeri --/--/1B.2 Rhizomatous, perennial herb; blooms June through August; occurs on serpentine soils in chaparral and cismontane woodland habitats at elevations ranging from 200 to 800 meters. Suitable serpentine soils and habitat present onsite. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. Palmer’s spineflower Chorizanthe palmeri --/--/List 4.2 Annual herb known to occur on serpentine-based soils in grassland and coastal scrub habitats in the outer coast ranges of Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties. Blooms from April through August Species was observed in the western portion of the study area growing in native grasslands on thin rocky and clay derived serpentine soils. Pappose tarplant Centromadia parryi ssp. parryi --/--/1B.2 Annual herb known to occur in coastal prairie, meadows and seeps, coastal salt marsh and valley and foothill grasslands typically vernally mesic; elevation ranges from 2 – 420 meters. Only occurrence of this species in the area is known from the Boysen Ranch wetland mitigation area at Foothill Blvd. and Los Osos Valley Road in seasonal wetlands on the valley floor east of Laguna Lake. It is possible that this occurrence was confused with Congdon’s tarplant, which is known from the Boysen Ranch. Not observed during surveys, and not expected to occur. Pecho manzanita Arctostaphylos pechoensis --/--/1B.2 Perennial shrub; blooms November to March; occurs on siliceous shale in closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral, and coastal scrub habitats, ranging from 170 to 1100 meters in elevation. No suitable habitat present. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. B - 6 Appendix  B.    Special-­‐Status  Biological  Resources  Present  or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite   Species Status* Fed/CA/CRPR Habitat Requirements Project Site Suitability/Observations Pismo clarkia Clarkia speciosa ssp. immaculata E/R/1B.1 Annual herb; blooms May through July; ranges from 25 to 185 meters in elevation and occurs in sandy soils in chaparral (margins, openings), cismontane woodland, and valley and foothill grassland. No suitable habitat present. Not observed during surveys, and not expected to occur onsite. Rayless (chaparral) ragwort Senecio aphanactis --/--/2.2 Annual herb; blooms January through April; ranges from 15 to 800 meters in elevation; typically found on drying alkaline flats, serpentine soils and barren gravelly or sandy slopes in chaparral, cismontane woodland, and coastal scrub habitats. Three plants were observed at one location in the southwestern portion of the study area, growing on rocky serpentine soils. Saline clover Trifolium hydrophilum --/--/1B.2 Annual herb; blooms April through June; ranges from 0 to 300 meters in elevation and occurs in mesic and alkaline conditions in marshes and swamps, valley and foothill grasslands, and vernal pools. Marginal habitat identified in wetlands on- site, however not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. Salt marsh bird’s-beak Chloropyron maritimum ssp. maritimum E/E/1B.2 Annual herb known to occur along margins of salt marsh habitat and coastal dunes. Limited to the higher zones of the Morro Bay estuary. No suitable habitat present onsite. Not observed during surveys. Species not expected to occur onsite. San Benito fritillary Fritillaria viridea --/--/1B.2 Bulbiferous, perennial herb; blooms March to May; ranges from 200 to 1525 meters in elevation and occurs in chaparral on serpentine soils. Suitable serpentine soils present. Not observed during surveys. Only Fritillaria biflora observed onsite. Not expected to occur onsite. San Joaquin spearscale Atriplex joaquinana --/--/1B.2 Annual herb that grows in seasonal alkali wetlands and alkali sink scrub typically found in the San Joaquin Valley. One recorded occurrence of this species from 1899 in CNDDB was from the vicinity of Morro Bay. Unlikely that this species occurs in the project area. No alkali meadow habitat present, or other indicator species such as Distichlis spicata or Frankenia salina. Not observed during surveys, and not expected to occur onsite. San Luis mariposa-lily Calochortus obispoensis --/--/1B.2 Bulbiferous, perennial herb; blooms May to July; ranges from 75 to 730 meters on sandstone, serpentine and/or sandy soils in chaparral, coastal scrub and valley and foothill grassland; endemic to San Luis Obispo County and is known from localized occurrences in the San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande region. Species was observed in the southwestern portion of the study area growing in native grasslands on rocky serpentine soils. San Luis Obispo (La Panza) mariposa-lily Calochortus simulans --/--/1B.3 Bulbiferous, perennial herb; blooms April to May; occurs in sandy, often granitic, sometimes serpentine soils in chaparral, cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest, and valley and foothill grassland; ranges from 395 to 1100 meters in elevation. Suitable serpentine soils present in western portion of site. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. San Luis Obispo County lupine Lupinus ludovicianus --/--/1B.2 Perennial herb; blooms April through July; commonly found on sandstone or sandy soils in chaparral and cismontane woodland, ranging in elevation from 50 to 525 meters. Suitable habitat identified in oak woodlands and adjacent scrub/grasslands on-site, but no suitable soil substrate given the serpentine and clay soils. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. B - 7 Appendix  B.    Special-­‐Status  Biological  Resources  Present  or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite   Species Status* Fed/CA/CRPR Habitat Requirements Project Site Suitability/Observations San Luis Obispo monardella Monardella frutescens --/--/1B.2 Rhizomatous, perennial herb; blooms May through September; ranges from 10 to 200 meters and occurs on sandy soils in coastal dunes and coastal scrub. Species is known to occur in sand dunes along Pacific Ocean. No suitable habitat present. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. San Luis Obispo owl’s clover Castilleja densiflora ssp. obispoensis --/--/1B.2 Annual herb; blooms in April; ranges from 10 to 400 meters in elevation and occurs in meadows, seeps, and valley and foothill grassland. Occurrences of this species were observed in the southwestern portion of the study area, growing in native grasslands on rocky serpentine and clay soils. San Luis Obispo sedge Carex obispoensis --/--/1B.2 Rhizomatous, perennial herb; blooms April to June; ranges from 10 to 790 meters; occurs in closed- cone coniferous forest, chaparral, coastal prairie, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland (usually near seeps and springs); Usually occurs in transition zone on sand, clay or serpentine. Suitable soils and wetland/seep habitat present on-site. Suitable habitat was searched, but species was not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. Santa Lucia manzanita Arctostaphylos luciana --/--/1B.2 Perennial shrub; blooms February to March; occurs on shale outcrops in chaparral and cismontane woodland habitats; ranges from 350 to 850 meters in elevation. Site lacks shale outcrops and is well outside known range for this species. Perennial shrub would have been identifiable during field surveys. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. Santa Margarita manzanita Arctostaphylos pilosula --/--/1B.2 Perennial shrub; blooms December to March; occurs in Closed cone coniferous forests, cismontane woodland, and chaparral, typically on shale outcrops/soils in San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties; ranges from 170 to 1100 meters in elevation. Potentially suitable habitat identified in oak woodland on-site. Perennial shrub would have been identifiable during field surveys. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. Straight-awned spineflower Chorizanthe rectispina --/--/1B.3 Annual herb; blooms May through July; occurs in chaparral, cismontane woodland, and coastal scrub habitats, ranging in elevation from 200 to 1035 meters; has even been found in vineyards and other frequently disturbed areas. Found in granite sand or disintegrating shale. Marginal habitat present in coastal scrub and oak woodland habitat on-site. Unlikely to occur on serpentine-based soils. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. Surf thistle Cirsium rhothophilum --/T/1B.2 Perennial herb; blooms April through June; ranges in elevation from 3 to 60 meters; occurs in coastal dune and coastal bluff scrub communities in close proximity to the ocean. No suitable habitat present. Not observed during surveys. Not expected to occur onsite. Woodland woolly threads Monolopia gracilens --/--/1B.2 Annual herb known to occur in chaparral, valley and foothill grasslands and cismontane woodlands growing on serpentine soils. Potentially suitable habitat present in grasslands near serpentine rock outcrops. This species was not observed within the project area. Not expected to occur. INVERTEBRATES Atascadero June beetle Polyphylla nubila --/SA/-- Sand dunes. No suitable habitat. Not expected to occur. KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. B - 8 Appendix  B.    Special-­‐Status  Biological  Resources  Present  or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite   Species Status* Fed/CA/CRPR Habitat Requirements Project Site Suitability/Observations California linderiella Linderiella occidentalis --/SA/-- Seasonal pools in grasslands underlain by hardpan or in sandstone depressions. Marginal habitat identified in seasonally wet areas. Site does not appear to support necessary habitat attributes to support the species. Further, no vernal pool habitat present onsite or in the immediate vicinity. Unlikely to occur. Globose dune beetle Coelus globosus --/SA/-- Inhabits coastal sand dune habitat in foredunes and sand hummocks most common beneath dune vegetation. No suitable habitat present. Not expected to occur onsite Mimic tryonia (=California brackishwater snail) Tryonia imitator --/SA/-- Found only in permanently submerged areas in coastal lagoons. No suitable habitat present. Not expected to occur. Monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus --/SA/-- Wind-protected tree groves of eucalyptus, Monterey pine and cypress with nectar and water sources nearby. No suitable overwintering habitat present on-site. Eucalyptus trees present do not create the necessary microclimate needed for overwintering. Species expected to forage onsite, but is not expected to use the project area for overwintering. Morro Bay blue butterfly Plebejus icarioides moroensis --/SA/-- Inhabits stabilized dunes and adjacent areas of coastal San Luis Obispo and NW Santa Barbara counties. No suitable habitat present. Not expected to occur. Morro shoulderband snail Helminthoglypta walkeriana E/--/-- Known to occur in coastal sage scrub and dune scrub habitats on Baywood fine sands on the southside of Morro Bay. No suitable habitat present. Not expected to occur. San Luis Obispo pyrg Pyrgulopsis taylori --/SA/-- Freshwater habitats in San Luis Obispo County. Marginal habitat present in lower wetlands of project area, but unlikely since they are man-induced wetlands. Unlikely to occur. Sandy beach tiger beetle Cicindela hirticollis gravida --/SA/-- Inhabits area adjacent to non- brackish water along the coast of California from San Francisco Bay to Northern Mexico. No suitable habitat present. Not expected to occur. Vernal pool fairy shrimp Branchinecta lynchi T/SA/-- Endemic to grasslands of central coast mountains; opportunistic species inhabits a variety of small clear-water pools including sandstone depressions and grassland swales that contain surface water for approximately 30 days during the winter and spring rain season. Marginal habitat identified in seasonally wet areas at Calle Joaquin wetland. Nearest observation of vernal pool fairy shrimp is on the Chevron Tank Farm near the San Luis Obispo Airport. Past studies for Calle Joaquin improvements did not locate this species. Unlikely that this species would have colonized the site in a short period of time. Unlikely to occur. White sand bear scarab beetle Lichnanthe albipilosa --/SA/-- Coastal sand dunes of San Luis Obispo County, in the vicinity of dune lakes. No suitable habitat present. Not expected to occur. KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. B - 9 Appendix  B.    Special-­‐Status  Biological  Resources  Present  or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite   Species Status* Fed/CA/CRPR Habitat Requirements Project Site Suitability/Observations FISH Steelhead – South/Central California ESU Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus T/SSC/-- Fresh water, fast flowing, highly oxygenated, clear, cool stream where riffles tend to predominate pools. Suitable habitat present further upstream offsite in Froom Creek. SLO Creek is identified by USFWS as critical habitat for the species, and Froom Creek is shown as a steelhead stream. Potentially could occur onsite during high rainfall years when flowing water is present. Not expected to spawn onsite, but would use this portion of Froom Creek as a movement corridor to areas of suitable habitat further upstream in the Irish Hills Natural Reserve. Tidewater goby Eucyclogobius newberryi E/SSC/-- Brackish water habitats along the California coast from San Diego county to Del Norte county. No suitable habitat present. Not expected to occur. AMPHIBIANS/REPTILES California red-legged frog Rana draytonii T/SSC/-- Lowland and foothills in or near permanent or semi-permanent sources of deep water (at least 0.5 meter) bordered by emergent wetland and/or riparian vegetation. May use a variety of aquatic and upland habitats during the year for refugia and dispersal. Potential habitat was identified in several locations onsite including a ponded culvert at Calle Joaquin wetland. Onsite portion of Froom Creek does not contain aquatic habitat with any frequency to support this species, which reduces the potential for red-legged frogs to successfully breed onsite. Nearest recorded occurrence is from the wastewater treatment ponds to the east of San Luis Obispo Creek that are separated from the site by Highway 101 and Los Osos Valley Road. No direct surveys were conducted as part of this investigation due to the lack of aquatic habitat greater than 12 inches deep due to the ongoing drought. Unlikely to occur onsite due to the lack of suitable aquatic habitat at least on a seasonal basis. Coast horned lizard Phrynosoma blainvillii --/SSC/-- Frequents a wide variety of habitat including sandy washes with scattered shrubs and open areas for sunning. Loose soils for burial. Marginal habitat present on-site given dense clay soils and rock outcroppings. Even though site does not contain loose friable sandy soils, species could potentially occur in onsite coastal scrub habitat in upper elevations, but appears unlikely. Coast Range newt Taricha torosa torosa --/SSC/-- Coastal drainages from Mendocino County to San Diego County. Lives in terrestrial habitat and breeds in ponds, reservoirs and slow moving streams. No suitable habitat present in this portion of Froom Creek. The onsite tributary drainages are highly ephemeral in nature and lack suitable in channel ponds and vegetative cover to support breeding. Known records of this species are in Santa Lucia Mountains to the north and Arroyo Grande Creek to the south. Not expected to occur based on the lack of suitable habitat. Foothill yellow-legged frog Rana boylii --/SSC/-- Occurs in partly shaded, shallow streams and riffles with a rocky substrate in a variety of habitats typically in the upper mountainous reaches of drainages in the outer coast ranges. Species needs at least some cobble-sized substrate for egg-laying and 15 weeks of aquatic habitat to attain metamorphosis. No suitable habitat present onsite given the highly ephemeral nature of the drainages. Two old occurrence records in CNDDB from upper San Luis Obispo Creek and upper Lopez Canyon. Unlikely that this species occurs onsite due to lower elevation of the Ranch and lack of typical habitat. KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. B - 10 Appendix  B.    Special-­‐Status  Biological  Resources  Present  or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite   Species Status* Fed/CA/CRPR Habitat Requirements Project Site Suitability/Observations Silvery legless lizard Anniella pulchra pulchra --/SSC/-- Sandy or loamy soils in valley and foothill woodlands, chaparral, coastal scrub and coastal dunes. No suitable habitat present onsite due to the heavy clay soils and rocky serpentine outcrops. Not expected to occur. Southern Pacific (western) pond turtle Emys marmorata --/SSC/-- Basking sites such as partially submerged logs, vegetation mats, or open mud banks. No suitable habitat present in onsite drainages, and marginal habitat present seasonally within the Calle Joaquin wetland. Species known to occur in San Luis Obispo Creek where perennial water is present. Unlikely to occur onsite due to barriers such as Highway 101 and LOVR. Two-striped garter snake Thamnophis hammondii --/SSC/-- Perennial and intermittent streams bordered by dense vegetation; stock ponds bordered by dense emergent riparian vegetation. Small highly ephemeral drainages and wetlands do not provide sufficient habitat for this species. Not expected to occur. Western spadefoot Spea hammondii --/SSC/-- Grassland habitats and vernal pools for breeding/egg-laying with loose friable soils for burrowing. No suitable vernal pool habitat present nor are suitable loose friable soils present to support burrowing during dry summer/fall months. Not expected to occur. BIRDS Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia --/SSC/-- (burrow sites and wintering sites) Grasslands; nests in burrows. They prefer areas with low vegetation on small hills that provide a vantage point of the surrounding areas. Suitable habitat present in grasslands, however extensive burrowing mammal activity was not observed within the project area. Could occur as a seasonal transient overwintering on and around the site, but would not be expected to breed onsite. California black rail Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus --/T/-- Freshwater marshes, wet meadows and shallow margins of saltwater marshes bordering larger bays. Needs water depths of about 1 inch that does not fluctuate and dense vegetation for nesting. No suitable habitat present. Not expected to occur. California clapper rail Rallus longirostris obsoletus E/E/-- Occurs in salt-water and brackish marshes traversed by tidal sloughs with abundant growths of pickleweed. No suitable habitat present. Not expected to occur. California condor Gymnogyps californianus E/E/-- Roosts in cliffs or ledges; feeds in open areas up to 100 miles from roost. No suitable roosting or nesting habitat on- site, but could forage in grasslands as a very rare transient. Unlikely to occur. California homed lark Eremophila alpestris actia --/WL/-- Sparse coastal sage scrub and grasslands. Suitable foraging and nesting habitat in grasslands on-site. Could occur. California least tern Sterna antillarum browni E/E/-- Nests along coast from San Francisco Bay to northern Baja California. Nests on sandy beaches, alkali flats, landfills or paved areas. No suitable habitat present. Not expected to occur. Cooper’s hawk Accipiter cooperii --/WL/-- (nesting) Wooded areas. Nests in tall trees and often hunts around human structures. Potentially suitable nesting habitat present in oak/bay woodlands and eucalyptus/sycamore trees on-site. Could also forage across the site. Could occur. Ferruginous hawk Buteo regalis --/WL/-- (nonbreeding/ wintering) Open grasslands, sagebrush flats, desert scrub, low foothills and fringes of pinyon-juniper habitats. Eats mostly lagomorphs, ground squirrels and mice. Suitable foraging habitat present in grasslands on-site, however this species typically does not nest in California. Could occur as a seasonal transient during fall/winter months. Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos --/WL, FP/-- (nesting & nonbreeding/ wintering) Nests on cliffs and rocks and forages in open country, grasslands. Suitable foraging habitat in grasslands on- site. Unlikely to nest on the property, but rock outcroppings and cliff faces in the upper elevations outside the study area could be used for nesting. KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. B - 11 Appendix  B.    Special-­‐Status  Biological  Resources  Present  or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite   Species Status* Fed/CA/CRPR Habitat Requirements Project Site Suitability/Observations Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus --/SSC/-- (nesting) Nests in shrubs in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats or in trees that overlook grasslands; preys over semi-open habitats and feeds primarily on large insects and often skewers prey on a barb or thorn to cache for later feeding. Suitable woodland, grassland, and scrub habitat present for foraging and nesting. Could occur. Merlin Falco columbarius --/WL/-- (nonbreeding/ wintering) Nests outside of California; forages in a variety of habitats. Uses clumps of trees or windbreaks for roosting. Suitable foraging habitat present on-site. Could occur. Northern harrier Circus cyaneus --/SSC/-- (nesting) Forages and nests in grasslands and marshes. Requires large expanses of habitat for foraging. Suitable habitat present onsite for this species as the grassland habitat is expansive and connected to large open space. Observed foraging across the site, but no signs of nesting behavior. Could occur. Prairie falcon Falco mexicanus --/WL/-- (nesting) Catches pray in air and in open ground in grasslands. Nests in cliffs overlooking large areas. No nesting habitat present, but rocky outcrops in hills outside study area could potentially support nesting activities. Potential foraging habitat present on-site. Unlikely to occur. Purple martin Progne subis --/SSC/-- (nesting) Nests in cavities of large trees in oak and riparian woodlands, and low elevation coniferous forests; rare; usually found near water. Suitable nesting habitat present in oak woodland and marginal habitat present in riparian habitat along LOVR. Could occur. Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus --/WL/-- (nesting) Prefers riparian plant communities, but can be found in pine and oak woodlands on north-facing slopes. Potentially suitable foraging and nesting habitat in oak//bay woodland and large trees present onsite. Could occur. Tricolored blackbird Agelaius tricolor (nesting colony) C/SSC/-- (nesting colony) Found near freshwater habitats where it nests in emergent freshwater or riparian vegetation. This species prefers nesting in dense thickets of cattails and tules. Due to their highly colonial nature, nesting areas must be large enough to support a colony of about 50 pairs. No suitable nesting habitat present in onsite detention basins or along the Froom Creek corridor. While a patch of tules is present along Calle Joaquin the area does not appear to be large enough to support nesting tricolored blackbirds. Not observed during surveys and unlikely to nest within the study area. Could occur as an uncommon transient and potentially nest onsite should the tule patch enlarge. Western snowy plover Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus T/SSC/-- (nesting) Sandy beaches, salt pond levees or shores of large alkali lakes. Sandy, gravelly or friable soils required for nesting. Federal listing refers only to the Pacific coastal population. No suitable habitat present. Not expected to occur. Western yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus occidentalis C/E/-- (nesting) Nests and forages in dense lowland riparian vegetation during summer. Marginal habitat present in onsite riparian habitat along OVR. Last CNDDB record for the County was in 1921, and given the riparian habitat is comprised of a thin band of willows along a busy road, it is unlikely that this species would nest onsite. White-tailed kite Elanus leucurus --/FP/-- (nesting) Riparian woodlands near agricultural fields; forages over open grasslands and scrub. Suitable nesting habitat in oak, bay, eucalyptus and sycamore trees on-site, with good quality foraging habitat in grasslands throughout the Ranch. Not observed during surveys and no stick nests observed that could be used by this species for nesting activities. Known to occur further north of the site in the Los Osos Valley, and could occur onsite during foraging activities. Could also potentially nest onsite in the future. KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. B - 12 Appendix  B.    Special-­‐Status  Biological  Resources  Present  or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite   Species Status* Fed/CA/CRPR Habitat Requirements Project Site Suitability/Observations Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia brewsteri --/SSC/-- (nesting) Riparian plants, prefers willows, cottonwoods, aspens, sycamores and alders for resting and foraging. Marginal habitat is present in willow riparian area along the LOVR ditch, especially considering the well developed riparian corridor along San Luis Obispo Creek to the east. Could potentially occur in more dense riparian habitat but unlikely to nest onsite given disturbance along LOVR. MAMMALS American badger Taxidea taxus --/SSC/-- Friable soils and open, uncultivated ground for denning. Preys on burrowing rodents such as groundsquirrels. Suitable habitat is present in grassland on- site, but heavy clay soils likely preclude badgers from being regular residents onsite. No dens or large ground squirrel colonies observed within the project area. Could potentially occur as a transient across the site. Big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis --/SSC/-- Occurs in low lying arid areas of Southern California. Needs high cliffs or rocky outcrops for roosting sites. Feeds primarily on large moths. Could potentially occur onsite, and use the upper rocky ridgelines and rock outcrops outside the study area for roosting sites. Not expected to roost onsite, but could forage over the grasslands, oak woodlands and coastal scrub areas. Hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus --/SA/-- Roosts in dense foliage of large trees. Requires water. Prefers open habitats or habitat mosaics with access to trees for cover and open areas of habitat edge for feeding. Suitable foraging habitat on-site. Potentially suitable roosting habitat present in oak woodland especially in close proximity to confluence of Drainages 1, 2, and 3 with Froom Creek. Could occur. Morro Bay kangaroo rat Dipodomys heermanii morroensis E/E/-- Coastal sage scrub on the south side of Morro Bay. Needs sandy soil on stabilized dunes with vegetation. No suitable habitat present. Not expected to occur. Pallid bat Antrozous pallidus --/SSC/-- Occurs in deserts, grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, and forests. Most common in open, dry habitats with rocky areas for roosting. Roosts under bridges and in some areas in old structures such as barns. Potentially suitable roosting habitat present in oak/bay woodland. Suitable foraging habitat in on-site grasslands and coastal scrub. Could occur. San Diego woodrat Neotoma lepida intermedia --/SSC/-- Coastal scrub, oak woodlands with moderate to dense canopies. Abundant in and around rock outcrops and rocky cliffs and slopes with shrub and tree cover. Suitable habitat present in oak woodlands and coastal scrub throughout the southwestern part of the site. Wood rat nests observed in upper reaches of the property in coastal scrub habitat. Could potentially occur. Townsend’s western big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii townsendii --/-SSC/-- Requires caves, tunnels, mines, or similar man-made structures for roosting. This bat feeds primarily on moths, but will eat a variety of soft- bodied insects. Suitable foraging habitat present throughout the site. Potential roosting habitat located at existing buildings. Could occur. Western mastiff bat Eumops perotis californicus --/SSC/-- Open, arid habitats including conifer and deciduous woodlands, coastal scrub, grassland, and chaparral. Roosts in crevices in cliffs faces high buildings, trees and tunnels. Suitable foraging habitat in grasslands on- site. Potentially suitable roosting habitat present in oak woodland and large eucalyptus and sycamore trees. Could occur. Western red bat Lasiurus blossevilli --/SSC/-- Roosts in trees near open areas for foraging. Potentially suitable roosting habitat present in oak/bay woodland and foraging habitat consists of onsite grasslands. Could occur. Yuma myotis Myotis yumanensis --/SA/-- Riparian, arid scrublands, deserts, and forests near permanent sources of water. Roosts in trees, rock crevices, trees hollows, mines, caves and a variety of manmade structures. Potentially suitable roosting and foraging habitat on-site. Could occur. KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. B - 13 Appendix  B.    Special-­‐Status  Biological  Resources  Present  or  Potentially  Occurring  Onsite   Species Status* Fed/CA/CRPR Habitat Requirements Project Site Suitability/Observations Plant/Natural Communities Central Dune Scrub Not present Central Foredunes Not present Central Maritime Chaparral Not present Coastal Brackish Marsh Not present Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh Present. In select areas in Drainages 1, 2, and 3 and along LOVR and Calle Joaquin Northern Coastal Salt Marsh Not present Northern Interior Cypress Forest Not present Serpentine Bunchgrass Grassland Present. Identified on the habitat map as Native Bunchgrass habitat. Valley Needlegrass Grassland Present. Synonymous with the above Serpentine Bunchgrass Grassland habitat. *E = Endangered; T = Threatened; R = Rare CL = Candidate for Listing Status; SSC = California Species of Special Concern; FP = Fully Protected; WL = Watch List; SA – Special Animal; ‘—‘ = no status; List 1B – Rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere; List 2 – Rare, threatened or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere; List 4 – Limited distribution (Watch List). Source: California Natural Diversity Database (CDFW 2015); California Native Plant Society Online Inventory of Rare Plants, accessed April and November 2015 (online at www.cnps.org); and background literature review.                                       APPENDIX  C   Photo  Plate                       KMA KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. 1 PHOTO  PLATE    Photo  1.  Northwesterly  view  of  annual  grassland  in  the  flat  areas  adjacent  to  the  Calle  Joaquin  wetland.    In   the  distance  is  the  large  detention  basin  and  spreading  occurrence  of  reed  fescue.      Photo  2.  Representative  view  of  serpentine  bunchgrass  grassland  with  Eastwood’s  larkspur  in  flower  on  the   slopes  in  the  southwest  part  of  the  site.   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. 2  Photo  3.    Northerly  view  of  the  Calle  Joaquin  wetland  area  showing  tules  growing  in  shallow  surface  water.    Photo  4.    Overview  of  annual  grassland  and  serpentine  bunchgrass  grassland  in  the  southwest  part  of  the   site.    Oak/bay  woodland  can  be  seen  near  the  confluence  of  Drainages  1,  2  and  3.    Coastal  scrub/chaparral   habitat  is  in  the  foreground  with  black  sage,  buck  brush  and  California  sagebrush  present.   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. 3  Photo  5.    View  of  wetland  habitat  at  seep  dominated  by  sedges  and  rushes  adjacent  to  Drainage  2.      Photo  6.    Wetland  habitat  in  the  upper  reach  of  Drainage  2  with  young  Chorro  Creek  bog  thistle  plants   present.    Steep  hillside  in  the  distance  is  composed  of  coastal  scrub/chaparral  habitat.   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. 4    Photo  7.    View  of  oak/bay  woodland  with  large  eucalyptus  present  near  confluence  of  Drainages  1  and  2.     Native  serpentine  bunchgrass  grassland  with  associated  wildlfowers  is  in  the  foreground.    Photo  8.  Westerly  view  of  the  upper  reach  of  Drainage  1  showing  purple  needlegrass  in  flower  (beige  color)   on  opposite  sides  of  the  drainage.    Oak/bay  woodland  and  coastal  scrub/chaparral  is  visible  on  the  hillside  in   the  distance.     KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. 5  Photo  9.  Southerly  view  of  Froom  Creek  traversing  the  center  of  the  site.    Channel  is  composed  of  serpentine   cobble  and  gravel  substrate  with  very  little  in-­‐channel  vegetation.    Photo  10.    Northerly  view  of  the  Los  Osos  Valley  Road  Roadside  Channel  showing  arroyo  willows  growing  in   the  constructed  channel.    Wetland  vegetation  was  also  present  with  poison  hemlock  visible  in  the  lower  right.   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. 6    Photo  11.    Calochortus  obispoensis  observed  growing  in  the  upper  elevations  of  the  southwestern  part  of  the   study  area  in  thin  rocky  serpentine  soils.   Photo  12.    Castilleja  densiflora  ssp.  obsipoensis  growing  in  serpentine  bunchgrass  grassland  in  the   southwestern  part  of  the  site.  Photo  to  the  right  shows  stigma  extending  beyond  corolla  lip.   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. 7  Photo  13.    Centromadia  parryi  ssp.  congdonii  observed  in  the  constructed  Home  Depot  detention  basin  in  the   northeastern  part  of  the  site.    Photo  14.    Chorizanthe  breweri  growing  in  serpentine  gravelly  soils  along  Froom  Creek.   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. 8    Photo  15.    Cirsium  fontinale  var.  obispoense  growing  in  wetland  habitat  along  Drainage  2.    Photo  16.    Delphinium  parryi  ssp.  eastwoodiae  growing  in  serpentine  bunchgrass  grassland  in  southwest  part   of  the  site.   KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. 9  Photo  17.    Serpentine  rock  outcrop  with  Dudleya  abramsii  ssp.  murina.      Photo  18.    Young  Dudleya  blochmaniae  plants  observed  in  small  occurrences  in  the  southwest  part  of  the  site.       KMA Froom Ranch Project Biological Resources Inventory John Madonna Construction, Inc. 10  Photo  19.    Layia  jonesii  growing  in  the  southwest  part  of  the  site.        Photo  20.    Senecio  aphanactis  growing  along  top  of  serpentine  rock  outcrop  north  of  Drainage  3.                                             APPENDIX  D   Tree  Inventory  Data  Form                       KMA Froom  Ranch      Tree  Survey        1     Tree  Survey  Monitoring  Form     Date______2/10/15_____          Surveyor__________Sloan,  Block_______           Tag   #  Scientific  Name  Common  Name  Vigor   Rating   DBH   (inches)   GPS   Point  Notes  /  Observations   1  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  16,  11,   12  154  large  healthy  tree   2  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  M  12,  12,   11,  10  153  one  12”  is  dead   3  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H     13  155  young  healthy  tree   4  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  9    156  young  healthy  tree   5  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  8,  8,  11,   7,  12  157  large  healthy  tree   6  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  M  14,  10,  9,   14  158  old  tree,  large  burl,  poor  condition     7  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  12  159  young  healthy,  edge  of  channel   8  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  9  160  young  healthy,  edge  of  channel   9  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  M  7,  9,  14,  8  161  some  splitting  at  base,  old,  large  burl   10  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  19,  12  162  old  tree   11  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  15  163  young  tree   12  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  6,  7  164  young  tree   13  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  4,  7,  7,  7  165  young  tree   Froom  Ranch      Tree  Survey        2   Tag   #  Scientific  Name  Common  Name  Vigor   Rating   DBH   (inches)   GPS   Point  Notes  /  Observations   14  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  10,  8  166  young  healthy  tree   15  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  11,  11  167  weak  crotch  on  one  trunk,  main  trunk   splitting  at  base   16  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  21,  22,   28  168  very  old  large  tree   17  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  L  26  169  old,  low  vigor,  small  canopy   18  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  7  170  young  healthy  tree   19  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  5  171  young  healthy  tree,  numerous  trunks   under  4”   20  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  L  10  172  Spanish  moss,  thin  canopy,  unhealthy   21  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  13  173  healthy  tree   22  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  13,  5  174  healthy  tree   23  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  14,  7,  11,   9  175  healthy  tree   24  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  6,  4,  5  176  Spanish  moss  on  base,  stunted,  small   25  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  L  6,  5,  4  177  Spanish  moss,  2  trunks  under  4”   26  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  13  178  old  tree,  rotten  bark  on  main  trunk   27  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  20  179  old  tree,  leaning,  lichens  on  bark   28  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  10,  13  180  healthy  tree   29  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  12  181  very  large  burl,  in  lower  creek  bank     30  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  M  22,  23  182  very  large  burl,  old  tree   Froom  Ranch      Tree  Survey        3   Tag   #  Scientific  Name  Common  Name  Vigor   Rating   DBH   (inches)   GPS   Point  Notes  /  Observations   31  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  L  12  183  small,  split  at  base   32  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  L  22  184  hollow,  large  cavity  at  base   33  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  18,  23,   22  185  large  healthy  tree   34  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  27  186  large  healthy  tree   35  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  L  9  187  small,  sparse  canopy   36  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  8  188  small  healthy  tree   37  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  M  9,  10,  8  189  sparse  canopy   38  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  32  190  splits  in  bark,  old,  large  tree   39  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  14,  16  191  large  healthy  tree   40  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  6  192  small  tree,  2  stems  under  4”  dbh   41  Prunus  ilicifolia  Hollyleaf  Cherry  M  7  193  very  large  old  specimen   42  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  28  194  large  old  tree   43  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  31  195  large  old  tree   44  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  37,  16  196  large  old  tree   45  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  M  5,  4,  6,  5  197  one  dead  trunk,  moderate  health   46  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  45  198  very  large  tree,  leaning  over  channel   47  Eucalyptus  globulus  Blue  Gum  H  23  199  tall,  straight,  on  bank   Froom  Ranch      Tree  Survey        4   Tag   #  Scientific  Name  Common  Name  Vigor   Rating   DBH   (inches)   GPS   Point  Notes  /  Observations   48  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  M  5,  5,  4  200  hollow  base,  split  trunk   49  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  16,  22,   21  201  large,  within  the  channel  bank   50  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  23,  34  202  big,  old,  pruned  up  from  ground   51  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  L  15,  27,   22  203  big,  old,  leaning,  hollow  base   52  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  8  204  young  healthy  tree   53  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  M  24,  13,  5  205  largest  trunk  hollow,  others  healthy     54  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  M  16,  4,  15,   21,  28  206  bark  damage/cuts  from  campers   55  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  24  208  large,  healthy  tree   56  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  24,  15  209  large  tree,  in  channel   57  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  12,  23  210  lower  branches  pruned  up  from  ground   58  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  17  211  large  broken  branch,  on  bank   59  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  39,  30  212  big,  old,  on  bank  of  channel   60  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H   20,  10,  10,   12,  14,  6,   22   213  old,  healthy,  large  burl   61  Eucalyptus  globulus  Blue  Gum  H  97  215  very  large  old  tree,  upland  area     62  Eucalyptus  globulus  Blue  Gum  H  83  216  very  large  old  tree,  upland  area     63  Eucalyptus  globulus  Blue  Gum  H  22  217  young  tree,  upland  area   Froom  Ranch      Tree  Survey        5   Tag   #  Scientific  Name  Common  Name  Vigor   Rating   DBH   (inches)   GPS   Point  Notes  /  Observations   64  Eucalyptus  globulus  Blue  Gum  H  16,  16,   8,13    218  upland  area     65  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  32,  36  214  old,  large,  thin  canopy   66  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  M  25  219  old,  thin  canopy,  many  burl  sprouts   67  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  21  220    thin  canopy,  hill  top   68  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  26  221  thin  canopy,  hill  top   69  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  48  222  thin  canopy,  hill  top   70  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  L  42  223  hollow  trunk,  sparse  canopy   71  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  M  8,  10,  15,   8,  21,  26  224  large  burl,  lichen  on  trunk,  hollow   72  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  20  225  small,  sparse  canopy   73  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  21  231  lichen  on  trunk   74  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  5  232  hilltop,  young,  sparse  canopy   75  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  L  7  233  hilltop,  moss,  few  leaves   76  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  H  19  234  in  channel,  thick  canopy   77  Quercus  agrifolia  Coast  Live  Oak  M  30    in  channel,  sparse  canopy   78  Schinus  molle  Peruvian  Pepper    M  34  235  very  old,  hollow,  many  new  sprouts   79  Eucalyptus  globulus  Blue  Gum  H  35  236  very  large,  upland  area   80  Eucalyptus  globulus  Blue  Gum  H  12  236  upland  area   81  Eucalyptus  globulus  Blue  Gum  H  32  237  upland  area   Froom  Ranch      Tree  Survey        6   Tag   #  Scientific  Name  Common  Name  Vigor   Rating   DBH   (inches)   GPS   Point  Notes  /  Observations   82  Eucalyptus  globulus  Blue  Gum  H  51  237  upland  area   83  Eucalyptus  globulus  Blue  Gum  H  22  238  upland  area   84  Eucalyptus  globulus  Blue  Gum  H  36  238  upland  area   85  Eucalyptus  globulus  Blue  Gum  H  53  238  upland  area   86  Schinus  molle  Peruvian  Pepper    M  12,  12,  8,   9  239  old,  moss/lichens,  young  sprouts  at  base   87  Populus  fremontii  Fremont  Cottonwood  H  14,  10  277  young,  healthy,  dormant   88  Populus  fremontii  Fremont  Cottonwood  H  9,  9,  8,  6  278  young,  healthy,  starting  to  leaf  out   89  Salix  lasiolepis  Arroyo  Willow  H  many,  4-­‐ 12  inches  279  large  base,  10  to  12  trunks   90  Salix  lasiolepis  Arroyo  Willow  H  many,  4-­‐ 10  inches  280  at  culvert,  8  trunks  observed   91  Populus  fremontii  Fremont  Cottonwood  H  11  281  starting  to  leaf  out   92  Salix  lasiolepis  Arroyo  Willow  H  11  282  at  culvert   93  Umbellularia   californica  California  Bay  H  49,  32,  27,   14,  12  303  rock  outcrop  on  hillside,  very  large  tree   94  Platanus  racemosa  Western  Sycamore  H  18,  6  304  upland  area  near  road  base  mining  /         storage  activity   95  Platanus  racemosa  Western  Sycamore  H  16,  14    305  upland  area  near  road  base  mining  /         storage  activity   96  Platanus  racemosa  Western  Sycamore  H  16  306  upland  area  near  road  base  mining  /         storage  activity