Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
Appendix I -Biological Report
APPENDIX I Biological Report for Avila Ranch Development Plan Avila Ranch Development Project Final EIR This Page Intentionally Left Blank. Biological Report for Avila Ranch APNs: 053-259-004, 053-259-005, 053-259-006; Buckley Extension APNs: 076-071-016, 076-081-024, 076-081-026, 076-361-016 City of San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo County, California Prepared for Avila Ranch LLC c/o Stephen Peck, AICP 735 Tank Farm Road, Suite 240 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 By ALTHOUSE AND MEADE, INC. BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 1602 Spring Street Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-9626 Revised December 2015 838.01 Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California i Revised December 2015 Table of Contents Synopsis ......................................................................................................................................... iv 1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Project Location and Description ...................................................................................... 1 1.2 Responsible Parties ............................................................................................................ 2 2.0 Methods................................................................................................................................. 3 3.0 Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................... 5 3.1 Environmental Setting ....................................................................................................... 5 3.2 Soils ................................................................................................................................... 5 4.0 Special Status Species ........................................................................................................... 7 4.1 Introduction to California Rare Plant Ranks (Formerly CNPS Lists) ............................... 7 4.2 Introduction to CNDDB Definitions ................................................................................. 8 4.3 Potential Special Status Plant List ..................................................................................... 9 4.4 Special Status Plants ........................................................................................................ 23 4.5 Potential Special Status Animals List .............................................................................. 24 4.6 Special Status Animals .................................................................................................... 33 4.7 Special Status Species Not Expected to Occur ................................................................ 36 4.8 Potential Sensitive Natural Communities ........................................................................ 37 5.0 Habitat Types ...................................................................................................................... 38 5.1 Agricultural Land – Farmed Wetland, State .................................................................... 38 5.2 Agricultural Land – Non-Wetland ................................................................................... 38 5.3 Riparian / Ephemeral Drainage – Federal Wetland ......................................................... 39 5.4 Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Willow Wetland, State ................................................. 39 5.5 Ruderal / Disturbed .......................................................................................................... 40 5.6 Developed ........................................................................................................................ 40 6.0 Botanical Survey Results .................................................................................................... 41 7.0 Wildlife Survey Results ...................................................................................................... 44 8.0 Project Overview ................................................................................................................ 48 8.1 General Discussion .......................................................................................................... 48 8.2 Regulatory Framework .................................................................................................... 48 8.2.1 CEQA Guidance ........................................................................................................48 8.2.2 Federal and State Resource Protections .....................................................................49 9.0 Potential Impacts to Biological Resources ......................................................................... 50 9.1 Habitat Impacts ................................................................................................................ 50 9.1.1 Agricultural Land – Farmed Wetland, State ..............................................................50 9.1.2 Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Federal Wetland .....................................................50 Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California ii Revised December 2015 9.1.3 Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Willow Wetland, State ...........................................51 9.2 Nesting Birds ................................................................................................................... 51 9.3 Special Status Species ..................................................................................................... 51 9.3.1 Special Status Plants ..................................................................................................51 9.3.2 Special Status Birds ...................................................................................................51 9.3.3 Special Status Bats .....................................................................................................52 9.3.4 Special Status Reptiles and Amphibians....................................................................52 10.0 Recommendations and Mitigation Measures ...................................................................... 53 10.1 Habitats ............................................................................................................................ 53 10.1.1 Agricultural Land – Farmed Wetland, State; Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Federal Wetland; and Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Willow Wetlands, State ................................53 10.1.2 Ruderal / Disturbed ....................................................................................................55 10.1.3 Developed ..................................................................................................................56 10.2 Nesting Birds ................................................................................................................... 56 10.3 Recommendations and Mitigation Measures for Special Status Species ........................ 57 10.3.1 Special Status Plants ..................................................................................................57 10.3.2 Bats ............................................................................................................................57 10.3.3 Special Status Reptiles and Amphibians....................................................................58 10.4 Construction Stormwater ................................................................................................. 59 11.0 Figures................................................................................................................................. 60 12.0 Photographs......................................................................................................................... 68 13.0 References ........................................................................................................................... 71 Attachment A – Avila Ranch Development Plan ........................................................................... 1 Attachment B – Hydrology—Avila Ranch and San Luis Obispo Tank Farm Figures ................... 1 Attachment C – Statement of Qualifications of Report Contributors ............................................. 1 Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California iii Revised December 2015 List of Tables TABLE 1. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES ..................................................................................................... 2 TABLE 2 BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS ..................................................................................................... 3 TABLE 3. SPECIAL STATUS PLANT LIST .......................................................................................... 9 TABLE 4. SPECIAL STATUS ANIMAL LIST ...................................................................................... 25 TABLE 5. SENSITIVE NATURAL COMMUNITIES LIST. ..................................................................... 37 TABLE 6. HABITAT DATA .............................................................................................................. 38 TABLE 7. VASCULAR PLANT LIST ................................................................................................. 41 TABLE 8. WILDLIFE LIST ............................................................................................................... 44 TABLE 9. WETLAND AND RIPARIAN HABITAT IMPACT DATA ........................................................ 50 List of Figures FIGURE 1. USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP ........................................................................................... 61 FIGURE 2. AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH. ................................................................................................. 62 FIGURE 3. USDA SOILS MAP. ....................................................................................................... 63 FIGURE 4. ANIMALS - CNDDB & FWS CRITICAL HABITAT MAP ................................................. 64 FIGURE 5. PLANTS - CNDDB & FWS CRITICAL HABITAT MAP ................................................... 65 FIGURE 6. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES (HABITAT) MAP ................................................................... 66 FIGURE 7. HABITAT IMPACTS MAP ................................................................................................ 67 Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California iv Revised December 2015 Synopsis This biological report examines a 156-acre Study Area located in the City of San Luis Obispo, California. The Study Area is located primarily east of Vachell Lane and north of Buckley Road for a proposed residential and commercial development that includes open spaces, parks, Class 1 bicycle path, multi-use trail, creek restoration, and creek enhancements (Project). The Project also includes a proposed extension of Buckley Road west from Vachell Lane to South Higuera Street. Habitat types identified and mapped in the Study Area consist of agricultural land, riparian, ephemeral drainage, wetland, ruderal, and developed. Sensitive natural communities listed by the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) are not present in the Study Area. Wetlands and riparian areas regulated under the federal Clean Water Act and state Porter Cologne Act will be mitigated on-site. Botanical surveys conducted February through August 2014 identified 88 species, subspecies, and varieties of vascular plants in the Study Area. Suitable habitat and soil conditions are present for six special status plant species. One special status plant was mapped in the Study Area: Congdon’s tarplant (Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii; CRPR 1B.1). Impacts to Congdon’s tarplant may be mitigated on-site. Wildlife species detected in the Study Area include 1 amphibian, 2 reptiles, 50 birds, and 3 mammals. Eleven special status animals could occur in the Study Area based on review of preferred habitat types, and three species are not likely to occur but warrant further discussion due to the soil and habitat conditions present in the Study Area. Three species that do not have appropriate soil and habitat conditions present in the Study Area but were observed on-site also warrant further discussion. No State or federally listed animals were detected in the Study Area. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protocol surveys for the federally listed threatened California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) are recommended. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 1 Revised December 2015 1.0 Introduction This report provides information regarding biological resources associated with an approximately 156-acre site (Study Area) in the City of San Luis Obispo (Figure 1). Results are reported for botanical and wildlife surveys of the Study Area conducted from February through August 2014. A habitat inventory and results of database and literature searches of special status species reports within a seven 7.5-minute quadrangle search area of the Study Area are also included. Special status species that could occur in the Study Area or be affected by the proposed Project are discussed, and lists of plant and animal species that were identified or are expected in the Study Area are provided. We provide agencies and stakeholders with information regarding biological resources in the Study Area, and assess potential impacts to biological resources that could occur from the proposed Project. An evaluation of the effect of the proposed Project on biological resources is included, and mitigation measures are provided. 1.1 Project Location and Description The Study Area is located in San Luis Obispo on Buckley Road, at the intersection of Buckley Road and Vachell Lane (Figure 2). The majority (approximately 150 acres) of the Study Area is directly northeast of this intersection with a small strip (approximately 6.5 acres) running directly west and meeting South Higuera Street. The northeast corner of the Study Area borders the decommissioned Chevron Tank Farm to the north. The City of San Luis Obispo is requiring the completion of a specific plan for the Study Area, the Avila Ranch Specific Plan Area (SP-4), as described by the City of San Luis Obispo Draft Program Environmental Impact Report Land Use and Circulation Elements Update (LUCE; June 13, 2014). The entire Study Area is considered the Area of Potential Effect (APE). The Study Area consists of three Assessor’s parcels (APN 053-259-004, -005, and -006) and portions of four additional Assessor’s parcels (APN 076-071- 016, 076-081-024, 076-081-026, and 076-361-016). The Study Area is within portions of Township 31S, Range 12E, Sections 10, 11 and 15. Approximate coordinates for the center of the Study Area are 35.23850° N, -120.66880° W (WGS 84). The Study Area is located within the Pismo Beach United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5 minute quadrangle. The elevation varies from approximately 100 to 125 feet above mean sea level. The proposed Project includes a residential and commercial development consisting of nearly 76 acres of residential housing, 33 acres of open space, 28 acres of roadway, 13.5 acres of developed park, one acre of commercial development, and 4.5 acres of buffer area along the Buckley Road extension site. The lower reach of Tank Farm Creek, an ephemeral drainage on the Project site, would be protected and enhanced natural open space while the upper reach would be restored to the creek’s historic alignment. A span bridge would allow vehicle traffic to move from Buckley Road across Tank Farm Creek to Vachell Lane. Buckley Road would be extended from its intersection with Vachell Lane west about 1,500 feet to South Higuera Street. Buckley Road would be widened along the southern border of the Study Area. The Project includes a 300-foot wide Open Space area between Buckley Road and residential/commercial development, and a 150-foot wide buffer area between the Project and the neighboring property to the east. Landscape material will include native and non-invasive ornamental species in areas in or adjacent to Open Space areas. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 2 Revised December 2015 The project also includes restoration a portion of Tank Farm Creek that includes realignment of the north-south reach within the Study Area to a more historic configuration (Figure 7). This work would be implemented during Phase 1, and is planned in coordination with San Luis Obispo Tank Farm hydrologic modifications shown in Attachment B (Avocet 2015, Cannon 2015). The north-south reach of Tank Farm Creek would be retained until hydrologic modification of Tank Farm Creek is completed at the Tank Farm, north of Avila Ranch. In the interim, sufficient filtered on-site and unfiltered off-site stormwater will be directed to the re- aligned channel reach in order to support riparian and wetland habitat. 1.2 Responsible Parties TABLE 1. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES. Applicant, biological consultant, and lead agency are provided. Applicant Biological Consultant Avila Ranch LLC Managing Partner, Andrew D. Mangano 735 Tank Farm Road, Suite 240 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (559) 731-5778 Contact: Stephen Peck, AICP Althouse and Meade, Inc. 1602 Spring Street Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-9626 Contact: LynneDee Althouse, M.S. Lead Agency Project Engineer City of San Luis Obispo 919 Palm Avenue San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 781-7166 Contact: Brian Leveille, Associate Planner Cannon c/o John Rogers 1050 Southwood Drive San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 544-7407 Contact: John Rogers, P.E., LEED AP Statements of qualifications for biologists responsible for the contents of this document are provided in Attachment C. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 3 Revised December 2015 2.0 Methods The entire Study Area was surveyed for biological resources during monthly inspections from July to August 2014 (Table 2). Althouse and Meade, Inc. Principal Scientist LynneDee Althouse, Senior Biologists Jason Dart and Mike Hill, Biologist Kyle Weichert, and Environmental Scientist Jacqueline Tilligkeit conducted the surveys. Biological surveys were conducted on foot to compile species lists, search for special status plants and animals, map habitats, and photograph the Study Area. Each habitat type occurring in the Study Area was inspected, described, and cataloged (Section 5.0). All plant and animal species observed in the Study Area were identified and recorded (Sections 6.0 and 7.0). Reconnaissance transects were meandering with an emphasis on locating habitat appropriate for special status plants. Transects were utilized to map boundaries of different vegetation types, describe general conditions and dominant species, compile species lists, and evaluate potential habitat for special status species. Identification of botanical resources included field observations and laboratory analysis of collected material (Table 7). Botanical surveys were conducted in spring 2014 according to agency guidelines (United States Fish and Wildlife 2000, California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2009, and California Native Plant Society 2001). Botanical surveys were appropriately timed to identify all special status plant species known from the region (refer to Section 4.3 and Table 3) that have potential to occur in the Study Area. Botanical nomenclature used in this document follows the Jepson Manual, Second Edition (Baldwin et al. 2012). We also provide Jepson Manual First Edition names in brackets where nomenclature has recently changed. TABLE 2. BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS. Biological survey dates, times, weather observations, and biologist(s) are provided. Survey Date Start Time Stop Time Temp. Wind Weather Observations Biologist(s) 01/14/2014 3:00 – 5:00 PM 50-60 °F 0-5 mph Clear, sunny LD. Althouse, K. Weichert 02/24/2014 9:55 AM – 3:45 PM 50-70 °F 0-5 mph Clear, sunny K. Weichert 03/18/2014 9:15 – 11:45 AM 55-70 °F 0-5 mph Clear, sunny K. Weichert, J. Dart 04/11/2014 12:00 – 4:30 PM 60-80 °F 5-10 mph Clear, sunny, breezy K. Weichert 04/28/2014 3:00 – 4:30 PM 70-75 °F 0-5 mph Clear, sunny LD Althouse, K. Tierney 05/08/2014 9:00 – 11:00 AM 60-70 °F 0-5 mph Clear, sunny LD Althouse, J. Tilligkeit 05/28/2014 9:15 AM – 12:30 PM 60-75 °F 5-10 mph Warm, sunny, breezy K. Weichert 06/26/2014 11:05 AM – 1:45 PM 65-75 °F 5-15 mph Cool, clear, windy K. Weichert 07/10/2014 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM 65-70 °F 0-5 mph Overcast LD. Althouse, J. Tilligkeit, 07/25/2014 8:45 – 9:05 AM 65 °F 0-5 mph Clear, cool K. Weichert 08/01/2014 11:00 – 12:00 AM 80 °F 0-5 mph Clear, warm LD Althouse 08/04/2014 11:00 – 12:00 AM 84 °F 0-5 mph Clear, warm LD Althouse Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 4 Revised December 2015 Wildlife documentation included recording observations of animal presence, nests, tracks, and other wildlife sign. Observations of wildlife were recorded during field surveys in all areas of the Study Area (Table 8). Birds were identified by sight, using 10-power binoculars, or by vocalizations. Reptiles and amphibians were identified by sight, often using binoculars, and by hand-captures; traps were not used. Mammals recorded in the Study Area were identified by sight, tracks, and scat. Mapping efforts utilized hand notation on recent land survey and aerial photos. Maps were created using aerial photo interpretation, field notation, and GPS data imported to ArcGIS 10, a Geographic Information System (GIS) software program. Data were overlaid on a 2012 National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) aerial of San Luis Obispo County (USDA 2012). Biological resource constraints were mapped in the field on-site. Hand notation on field maps was incorporated into point and polygon layers and overlaid on high resolution aerial photographs. We conducted a search of the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB July 17, 2014 data) and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) On-line Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California for special status species known to occur in seven USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles including and surrounding the Study Area. Additional special status species research consisted of reviewing previous biological reports for the area and searching online museum and herbarium specimen records for locality data within San Luis Obispo County. We reviewed online databases of specimen records maintained by the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at the University of California, Berkeley, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Consortium of California Herbaria. Additional special status species with potential to occur on or near the Study Area were added to our special status species list (refer to Table 3 and Table 4). Special status species lists produced by database and literature searches were cross-referenced with the described habitat types in the Study Area to identify all potential special status species that could occur on or near the Study Area. Each special status species that could occur on or near the Study Area is individually discussed (refer to Sections 4.4 and 4.6). Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 5 Revised December 2015 3.0 Existing Conditions 3.1 Environmental Setting The majority of the Study Area is located northeast of the Buckley Road and Vachell Lane intersection in southern San Luis Obispo. About 137 acres of relatively flat agricultural fields and gently sloping hills are continuously planted and plowed agricultural land. Agricultural lands are surrounded on the south, west, and north side by a narrow strip of ruderal habitat adjacent to public roadways or developed properties. Tank Farm Creek flows northeast to southwest across the Study Area, leaving the Study Area at the southwest corner connecting with the East Fork of San Luis Obispo Creek about 450 feet downstream. Flood water occasionally backs up in this seasonal drainage near Buckley Road. Surface water in Tank Farm Creek originates primarily from a portion of South Hills, residential and commercial tracts, and a portion of the decommissioned Chevron Tank Farm north of Avila Ranch. Peak discharges from San Luis Obispo Tank Farm to the project site (Tank Farm Creek) are estimated by Cannon (2015) at 60 cubic feet per second (cfs) in a 2-year storm and 81 cfs in a 10-year storm. The drainage receives 469 cfs during a 100-year event that includes a combined discharge of water flowing directly in Tank Farm Creek combined with overflow water that spills over the southernmost berm of San Luis Obispo Tank Farm. Wetland habitats occur in several actively farmed areas beyond Tank Farm Creek. One wetland habitat occurs below the Lockheed facility (Dioptics) where storm runoff and nuisance water from the facility saturates the routinely cropped soil. Several narrow, farmed wetlands east of Tank Farm Creek convey excess irrigation and runoff water from Avila Ranch crop operations and adjacent farms toward the creek. Only the northeast tributary to Tank Farm Creek contains substantial wetland vegetation (sedges and rushes) within the Study Area. The other wetlands contain limited wetland indicator plants or hydric soil indicators. The proposed Buckley Road extension will pass through farmland currently planted with safflower, existing residential structures, and a ruderal area dominated by non-native grasses and weedy forbs where the proposed road extension meets South Higuera Street. 3.2 Soils The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) data (2007) and Soil Survey of San Luis Obispo County, California, Coastal Part (1984) and USDA SSURGO Data (Tabular data version 4, spatial data version 1, 2008) delineate six soil map units that intersect the Study Area boundaries (Figure 3). The majority of the Study Area is mapped as Concepcion loam, Cropley clay, and Marimel sandy clay loam (120, 127, and 169, respectively). There are also some areas of Salinas silty clay loam, Marimel silty clay loam, and Diablo clay (197, 170, and 129, respectively). The soil survey was not meant to be applied at the acre-scale, but does indicate the soil map units in the vicinity of small properties. Below we discuss the details and properties of the soil types found in the Study Area (in order of area delineated in the Study Area). Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 6 Revised December 2015 Soil map units typically encompass one or two dominant soils that cover more than 50 percent of the mapped area, and one to several soils that occur in small patches not differentiated in mapping at the 1 to 24,000 scale used for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil maps. Due to the procedures followed in making a soil survey, users of soil survey data are cautioned that not all areas included within a soil survey are closely sampled using soil pits and site descriptions, and a specific site may not have been sampled at all. Therefore, care must be taken in drawing conclusions regarding site-specific soil resources based solely on NRCS soil survey work. Digitized spatial data from the Coastal Part Soil Survey are shown as an overlay of soil map units on an aerial photo of the region with the following caution from NRCS regarding maps: “Enlargement of these maps…could cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If enlarged, maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a larger scale.” Concepcion loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes (120) is the dominant soil type found in the Study Area and is located in the southeast half, a small amount in the southwest corner, and a small portion of the Buckley Road extension area. It is a very deep, moderately well drained, gently sloping soil often found on marine terraces and toe slopes. It formed in old alluvium weathered from sedimentary rocks. This Concepcion soil has an abrupt increase in clay at approximately 20 to 24 inches depth, which can perch and restrict water movement in overlying layers. Permeability is very slow, and the available water capacity is moderate or high. Surface runoff is slow, and the hazard of water erosion is slight. Because of the dense clay subsoil, this soil is subject to gully erosion. Concepcion loam soils are Mollisols, grassland soils that typically have thick (19 - 23 inches), dark topsoil layers high in organic matter. Mollisol soils are fertile soils with high base saturation. Dark topsoil color can mask appearance of redox features. Cropley clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes (127) is a major soil type found in the north quarter and northeastern edge of the Study Area. This soil type is very deep and moderately well-drained. It occurs on alluvial fans and plains, having been formed in alluvium weathered from sedimentary rocks. The permeability is slow, the available water capacity high, and the erosion hazard is low. Included in this map unit are small areas of Concepcion loam, Diablo clay, and Salinas silty clay loam. This soil is in capability units IIs-5 (14), irrigated and IIIs-5 (14), non-irrigated. This soil type encompasses a large portion of the drainage running southwest found in the Study Area. Marimel sandy clay loam, occasionally flooded (169) is found in the southwestern portion of the Avila Ranch Study Area. It is a very deep, somewhat poorly drained, nearly level soil on alluvial fans, flood plains, and narrow valleys. It formed in alluvium weathered from sedimentary rocks. Included in this map unit are minor areas of Camarillo sandy loam, Tujunga loamy sand- frequently flooded, and Psamments and Fluvents- occasionally flooded. Permeability of this Marimel soil is moderately slow and the available water capacity is high or very high. Surface runoff is slow and the hazard of water erosion is slight. Salinas silty clay loam, with 0 to 2 percent slopes (197) is found along most of the southern edge of the Study Area and a small portion of the Buckley Road extension near South Higuera Street. It is used for irrigated row crops. This soil is also very deep and well drained, with a moderately slow permeability and high or very high available water capacity. Salinas silty clay loam is well suited to farming and has no limitations or hazards. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 7 Revised December 2015 Marimel silty clay loam, drained (170) is found in two small sections in the northwestern corner of the Study Area. It is a very deep, well-drained soil on nearly level ground on alluvial fans and in narrow valleys. It was formed in alluvium weathered from sedimentary rocks. Included in this map unit are small areas of Camarillo loam, Cropley clay, and Mocho and Salinas soils. Permeability is moderately slow, available water capacity is high or very high, and erosion hazards are low. This soil type is in capability class I (14), irrigated and capability unit IIIc-1 (14), non-irrigated. Diablo clay, 5 to 9 percent slopes (129) is the predominant soil type in the Buckley Road extension portion of the Study Area between Buckley Road and South Higuera Street. It is a deep, well-drained soil on low lying foothills. Permeability in the Diablo soil is slow and the available water capacity is moderate to very high. Surface run-off is medium and the hazard of water erosion is slight or moderate. Local road and street design can require that the bas material be replaced or covered with a more suitable material so that maintenance is minimized. This soil is in capability units IIe-5 (15), irrigated, and IIIe-5 (15), non-irrigated. 4.0 Special Status Species The CNDDB and the CNPS On-line Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California contain records for 106 special status species and 9 sensitive natural communities within the designated search area. The search area includes the following seven USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles surrounding the Study Area: Morro Bay South, San Luis Obispo, Lopez Mountain, Port San Luis, Arroyo Grande NE, Oceano, and Pismo Beach. Four additional special status species were added to the list from our knowledge of the area. These species are marked with an asterisk (*) in Table 4. Because the search area is so large over varied terrain, species with very restricted habitat requirements far from the Study Area are often reported in the search results. Appropriate habitat and soil conditions are present in the Study Area for six special status plants and 17 special status animals (Tables 3 and 4). One special status plant species, Congdon’s tarplant (Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii), was detected in the Study Area. CNDDB listed sensitive natural communities that do not occur in the Study Area (Section 4.8). Figures 4 and 5 in Section 11.0 depict the current GIS data for special status species and critical habitat mapped in the vicinity of the Study Area by the CNDDB and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). A Biological Resource Map indicating locations of habitat types and special status species detected on the Study Area in 2014 is provided in Section 11.0. 4.1 Introduction to California Rare Plant Ranks (Formerly CNPS Lists) Plant species are considered rare when their distribution is confined to localized areas, there is a threat to their habitat, they are declining in abundance, or they are threatened in a portion of their range. The California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) categories range from species with a low threat (CRPR 4) to species that are presumed extinct (CRPR 1A). CRPR 1B plants are rare throughout their range. All but a few species are endemic to California. All of them are judged to be vulnerable under present circumstances, or to have a high potential for becoming vulnerable. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 8 Revised December 2015 4.2 Introduction to CNDDB Definitions "Special Plants" is a broad term used to refer to all the plant taxa inventoried by the CNDDB, regardless of their legal or protection status (CDFW April 2013). Special Plants include vascular plants and high priority bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts). "Special Animals" (SA) is a general term that refers to all of the animal taxa inventoried by the CNDDB, regardless of their legal or protection status (CDFW January 2011). The Special Animals list is also referred to by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as the list of “species at risk” or “special status species.” These taxa may be listed or proposed for listing under the California and/or Federal Endangered Species Acts, but they may also be species deemed biologically rare, restricted in range, declining in abundance, or otherwise vulnerable by one or more resource agency. Each species included on the Special Animals list has a corresponding Global and State Rank (refer to Table 4). This ranking system utilizes a numbered hierarchy from one to five following the Global (G-rank) or State (S-rank) category. The threat level of the organism decreases with an increase in the rank number (e.g., 1=Critically Imperiled, 5=Secure). In some cases where an uncertainty exists in the designation, a question mark (?) is placed after the rank. More information is available at www.natureserve.org. Animals listed as California Species of Special Concern (CSSC) may or may not be listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA). They are considered rare or declining in abundance in California. The Special Concern designation is intended to provide regulatory agencies, biologists, land planners, and managers with lists of species that require special consideration during the planning process to avoid continued population declines and potentially costly listing under federal and state endangered species laws. For many species of birds, the primary emphasis is on the breeding population in California. For some species that do not breed in California, but winter here, emphasis is on wintering range. The CSSC designation thus may include a comment regarding the specific protection provided such as specific nesting or wintering habitats or areas. Animals listed as “Watch List” (WL) species are either: 1) not on the current Special Concern list, but were on previous lists and they have not been state listed under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA); or 2) were previously state or federally listed and now are on neither list; or 3) are on the list of “Fully Protected” species. The classification of “Fully Protected” Species was the State's initial effort in the 1960s to identify and provide additional protection to those animals that were rare or faced possible extinction. Lists were created for fish, mammals. amphibians and reptiles, birds and mammals. Most fully protected species have also been listed as threatened or endangered species under the more recent endangered species laws and regulations. Fully protected species may not be taken or possessed at any time and no provision of the Fish and Game Code authorizes the issuance of permits or licenses to take any Fully Protected species. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 9 Revised December 2015 4.3 Potential Special Status Plant List Table 3 lists 106 special status plant species reported from the project vicinity. Federal and California State status, global and State rank, and CNPS ranking status for each species are given. Typical blooming period, habitat preference, potential habitat on-site, and whether or not the species was observed in the Study Area are also provided. TABLE 3. SPECIAL STATUS PLANT LIST. We list 106 special status plants reported from the vicinity of the site or known from the region with potential to occur in the Study Area. Potentially suitable habitat is present in the Study Area for six special status plant species. One special status plant species was detected in the Study Area. Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State Status Global/State RankCRPR Blooming Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 1. Adobe Sanicle Sanicula maritima None/ CR G2/CR 1B.1 February - May Coastal, grassy, open wet meadows, ravines; ±150 m. CCo (SLO County) No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 2. Adobe Yampah Perideridia pringlei None/ None G3/None 4.3 April – June Grassy slopes, serpentine outcrops; 300-1800 m. The, SCoR, WTR. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 3. Arroyo de la Cruz Manzanita Arctostaphylos cruzensis None/ None G3/None 1B.2 December - March Sandy bluffs; <150 m. c CCo (s Monterey, nw SLO Counties) No. Sandy bluff habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 4. Beach Spectaclepod Dithyrea maritima None/ CT G2/CT 1B.1 March - May Sea shores, sandy soils on dunes near the shore; <50 m s CCo, SCo, Baja CA. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 5. Betty's Dudleya Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae None/ None G3T1/None 1B.2 May - July Rocky outcrops in serpentine grassland; <50-180 m. Endemic to SLO County No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 6. Bishop Manzanita Arctostaphylos obispoensis None/ None G3?/None 4.3 February - March Rocky, gen serpentine soils, chaparral, open close-cone forest near coast; 60-950 m; SCoRO No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 10 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State Status Global/State RankCRPR Blooming Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 7. Black-flowered Figwort Scrophularia atrata None/ None G2/None 1B.2 March - July Closed-cone coniferous forest, riparian scrub, dune habitats; in sand, diatomaceous shales, calcareous and other soil types. 10-250 m. s SCoROs No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 8. Blochman's Dudleya Dudleya blochmaniae subsp. blochmaniae None/ None G2T2/None 1B.1 April - June Open, rocky slopes, often serpentine or clay soils; <450 m. s CCo, SCo No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 9. Blochman's Leafy Daisy Erigeron blochmaniae None/ None G2/None 1B.2 July - August Sand dunes and hills; <30 m. s CCo No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 10. Blochman's Ragwort Senecio blochmaniae None/ None G3/None 4.2 May - October Sand dunes, coastal floodplains; <150 m. CCo No. Appropriate soils and habitat are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 11. Branching Beach Aster Corethrogyne leucophylla None/ None G3Q/None 3.2 May - December Coastal dunes, scrub. <2500 m. s SN, SnJV, CW, SW, n Baja. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 12. Brewer's Calandrinia Calandrinia breweri None/ None G4/None 4.2 February – May Sandy to loamy soil, disturbed sites, burns; <1200m. NCoR, c SNF, SnFrB, SCoRO, SCo, WTR; n Baja CA No. Suitable soil types are not found in the Study Area. No No Effect 13. Brewer's Spineflower Chorizanthe breweri None/ None G2/None 1B.3 May - August Chaparral, foothill woodland on serpentine; <800 m. Endemic to SLO County No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 14. California Sawgrass Cladium californicum None/ None G4/None 2B.2 June - September Freshwater and alkali marshes and seeps; 2150m. CCo, SCoRO, SCo, WTR, D; to UT, AZ, TX, n. Mex No. Appropriate habitat is not found in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 11 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State Status Global/State RankCRPR Blooming Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 15. California Seablite Suaeda californica FE/ None G1/None 1B.1 July - October Margins of coastal salt marshes; <5 m. CCo No. Coastal salt march habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 16. California Spineflower Mucronea californica None/ None G3/None 4.2 March - August Sandy soil in coastal scrub, chaparral; 0-1400 m. CS, SW No. Appropriate soil and habitat are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 17. Cambria Morning-glory Calystegia subacaulis subsp. episcopalis None/ None G3T3/None 4.2 April - May Dry, open scrub, woodland, or grassland; <500 m. c SCoRO Endemic to SLO County Unlikely. Suitable soil and habitat types are present in the Study Area, but area is disturbed. No No Effect 18. Caper-fruited Tropidocarpum Tropidocarpum capparideum None/ None G1/None 1B.1 March - April Alkaline clay soil in valley and foothill grassland; 1-455 m. SCoRO, nw SnJV No. Alkaline soils are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 19. Carlotta Hall's Lace Fern Aspidotis carlotta-halliae None/ None G3/None 4.2 N/A Generally serpentine slopes, crevices, outcrops; 100-1400 m. CW No. Suitable habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 20. Carmel Valley Bush-mallow Malacothamnus palmeri var. involucratus None/ None G3T2Q/None 1B.2 May - October Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub; 30-1100 m. s CCo, SCoRO No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 21. Catalina Mariposa Lily Calochortus catalinae None/ None G3/None 4.2 February - June Heavy soil in open grassland or shrubland; <700 m. No. The Study Area is outside the known range of this species. No No Effect 22. Chaparral Ragwort Senecio aphanactis None/ None G3?/None 2B.2 January - April Drying alkaline flats, chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub; <400 m. CW, SCo, ChI No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 23. Club-haired Mariposa Lily Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus None/ None G4T3/None 4.3 April – June Generally serpentine; <1300m. s SCoRO, n SCoRI, WTR, SnGb No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 12 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State Status Global/State RankCRPR Blooming Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 24. Coast Woolly-headsheads Nemacaulis denudata var. denudata None/ None G3G4T2/None 1B.2 April-September Coastal dunes; 0-100 m. No. Appropriate dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 25. Coastal Goosefoot Chenopodium littoreum None/ None G2/None 1B.2 June – October Generally sandy soils, dunes; <40m. s CCo No. Appropriate dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 26. Congdon's Tarplant Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii None/ None G3T2/None 1B.1 May - November Mesic grassland, open ground; <100 m. CW Yes. Appropriate habitat is present in the Study Area. Yes May Adversely Affect 27. Coulter's Goldfields Lasthenia glabrata subsp. coulteri None/ None G4T2/None 1B.1 February - June Saline places, vernal pools; <1000 m. s SCoRO, SCo, n ChI, PR, w DMoj No. Suitable soil and habitat types are not found in the Study Area. No No Effect 28. Coulter's Saltbush Atriplex coulteri None/ None G2/None 1B.2 March - October Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland; <500 m. SCo, ChI; Baja CA. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 29. Crisp Monardella Monardella undulata subsp. crispa None/ None G3T2/None 1B.2 April – November Active dunes; <100 m. s CCo (San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties) No. Appropriate dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 30. Cuesta Pass Checkerbloom Sidalcea hickmanii subsp. anomala None/ CR G3T1/CR 1B.2 May - June Closed-cone-conifer forest, gen serpentine; 600-800 m. Endemic to SLO County No. Closed-cone conifer forest is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 31. Cuesta Ridge Thistle Cirsium occidentale var. lucianum None/ None G3G4T2/None 1B.2 April – July Chaparral, woodland or forest openings, often on serpentine; 500-750m. s SCoRO (s Santa Lucia Range, San Luis Obispo, CA) No. Appropriate habitat and elevation is not found in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 13 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State Status Global/State RankCRPR Blooming Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 32. Dacite Manzanita Arctostaphylos tomentosa subsp. daciticola None/ None G4T1/None 1B.1 March Chaparral; <300 m. s CCo (w Los Osos Valley, SLO County) No. Occurs only on Dacite outcrops on Hollister Peak. No No Effect 33. Diablo Canyon Blue Grass Poa diaboli None/ None G2/None 1B.2 March - April Coastal scrub, chaparral, cismontane woodland in shale. 120-400 m. CCo. No. The Study Area is outside the known range of the species. No No Effect 34. Douglas' Fiddleneck Amsinckia douglasiana None/ None G3/None 4.2 March – June Unstable shaly sedimentary slopes; (100) 150–1600 m. SCoR, w WTR No. Suitable soils are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 35. Douglas' Spineflower Chorizanthe douglasii None/ None G3/None 4.3 April - July Foothill woodland, pine forest, chaparral, sandy or gravelly soils; 200-1600 m. e SCoRO, SCoRI No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 36. Dune Larkspur Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae None/ None G4T2/None 1B.2 April - May Coastal chaparral, sand. 0-200 m. s CCo No. Suitable soil and habitat types are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 37. Dunedelion Malacothrix incana None/ None G3/None 4.3 Year Round Sandy coastal dunes; <300 m. CCo, Sco No. Suitable dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 38. Dwarf Calycadenia Calycadenia villosa None/ None G3/None 1B.1 May - October Dry, rocky hills, ridges, in chaparral, woodland, meadows and seeps; <1100 m. c&s SCoRO No. Suitable soil and habitat types are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 39. Dwarf Soaproot Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. minus None/ None G5T2/None 1B.2 May - August Serpentine outcrops in chaparral; gen <750 m. NCoRI, SnFrB, SCoRO No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 40. Eastwood’s Larkspur Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae None/ None G4T2/None 1B.2 March – May Coastal chaparral, grassland, on serpentine; 100-500m sCCo, SCoRO (San Luis Obispo County) No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 14 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State Status Global/State RankCRPR Blooming Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 41. False Gray Horsehair Lichen Bryoria pseudocapillaris None/ None G3/None 3.2 n/a Usually on conifers. Found on coastal dunes and North Coast coniferous forest. NCo, CCo No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 42. Gambel's Water Cress Nasturtium gambelii FE/ CT G1/CT 1B.1 April - September Marshes, stream banks, lake margins; <1250 m. s CCo, SCo, to Mexico No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 43. Guirado's Goldenrod Solidago guiradonis None/ None G3/None 4.3 September – October Near streams in asbestos-laden soils; 600-900 m. SCoRI No. Appropriate soils and habitat are not found in Study Area. No No Effect 44. Hardham's Evening-primrose Camissoniopsis hardhamiae None/ None G1Q/None 1B.2 April - May Decomposed carbonate soils, in chaparral, cismontane woodland. Monterey, SLO Counties No. Suitable soils are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 45. Hoffmann's Sanicle Sanicula hoffmannii None/ None G3/None 4.3 March – May Shrubby coastal hills, pine woodland; <500m. CCo, SCo, n ChI No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 46. Hooked Popcornflower Plagiobothrys uncinatus None/ None G2/None 1B.2 April - May Canyon sides, chaparral; on sandstone 300-600 m. n SCoR (Gabilan Range, Santa Lucia Mountains) No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 47. Hoover's Bent Grass Agrostis hooveri None/ None G2/None 1B.2 April - July Sandy soil in oak woodland habitat; <600 m. Endemic to SLO & SB Counties. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 48. Hoover's Button-celery Eryngium aristulatum var. hooveri None/ None G5T1/None 1B.1 July Vernal pools, lagunas; 0-1000 m. s SnFrB, SCoR Unlikely. Vernal wetland habitat is present in the Study Area; however, it is chronically disturbed and unlikely to support this species. No No Effect 49. Indian Knob Mountainbalm Eriodictyon altissimum FE/ CE G1/CE 1B.1 March - June Sandstone ridges, chaparral; 250± m. Endemic to SLO County No. Appropriate habitat is not found in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 15 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State Status Global/State RankCRPR Blooming Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 50. Island Mountain-mahogany Cercocarpus betuloides var. blancheae None/ None G5T3/None 4.3 March - April Chaparral; <600 m. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 51. Jones' Layia Layia jonesii None/ None G1/None 1B.2 March - May Open serpentine or clay slopes; <400 m. Endemic to SLO County Unlikely. Suitable soil and habitat types are present in the Study Area, but area is chronically disturbed. No No Effect 52. Kellogg's Horkelia Horkelia cuneata var. sericea None/ None G4T2/None 1B.1 April - September Old dunes, coastal sand hills; <200 m. CCo No. Suitable soil and habitat type not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 53. La Graciosa Thistle Cirsium scariosum var. loncholepis FE/ CT G5T1/CT 1B.1 April – September Marshes, dune wetlands; <50m. s CCo (sw San Luis Obispo, nw Santa Barbara counties) No. Suitable marsh or dune wetland habitat is not found in the Study Area. No No Effect 54. La Panza Mariposa Lily Calochortus simulans None/ None G2/None 1B.3 April - May Grassland, oak woodland & pine forest, on sand, granite, or serpentine; <1100 m. Endemic to SLO County No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 55. Lompoc Ceanothus Ceanothus cuneatus var. fascicularis None/ None G5T3/None 4.2 February - April Chaparral on coastal sandy mesas; <400 m. s Cco No. Suitable soil and habitat type not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 56. Marsh Sandwort Arenaria paludicola FE/ CE G1/CE 1B.1 May - August Boggy meadows, marshes; <300 m. s CCo (Nipomo Mesa, SLO County, Santa Ana River, SCo) No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 57. Mesa Horkelia Horkelia cuneata var. puberula None/ None G4T1/None 1B.1 February - September Dry, sandy coastal chaparral; gen 70-700 m. SCoRO, SCo. No. Suitable soil and habitat types are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 16 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State Status Global/State RankCRPR Blooming Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 58. Michael's Rein Orchid Piperia michaelii None/ None G3/None 4.2 April - August Dry oak woodland habitat in SLO County; 3-915 m. NCo, SNF, CCo, SnFrB, n SCo, WTR, S. Cruz Is. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 59. Miles' Milk-vetch Astragalus didymocarpus var. milesianus None/ None G5T2/None 1B.2 March - June Clay or serpentine soils in coastal scrub, grassy areas near coast. 0-90 m. Endemic to SLO County Unlikely. Suitable habitat is present in the Study Area, but area is chronically disturbed. No No Effect 60. Monkey-flower Savory Clinopodium mimuloides None/ None G3/None 4.2 June – October Moist places, streambanks, chaparral, woodland; 400-1800 m. CCo, SCoRO, WTR, SnGb No. Potential higher elevation habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 61. Monterey Ceanothus Ceanothus rigidus None/ None G3/None 4.2 February - June Sandy soils, closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral, coastal scrub; <550 m. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 62. Morro Manzanita Arctostaphylos morroensis FT/ None G2/None 1B.1 December - March Sand dunes; <200 m. s CCo (Morro Bay, SLO County) No. The Study Area is outside the known range of this species. No No Effect 63. Most Beautiful Jewelflower Streptanthus albidus subsp. peramoenus None/ None G2T2/None 1B.2 April - June Open, grassy or ±barren slopes, often serpentine; ±150-800 m. c SCoRO No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 64. Mouse-gray Dudleya Dudleya abramsii subsp. murina None/ None G3T2/None 1B.3 May - June Serpentine outcrops; 120-300 m. Endemic to SLO County No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 65. Nipomo Mesa Lupine Lupinus nipomensis FE/ CE G1/CE 1B.1 March - May Stabilized sand dunes; <25m. s CCo (Nipomo dunes, sw SLO County) No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 66. Ocean Bluff Milk-vetch Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttallii None/ None G3T3/None 4.2 January - November Rocks, coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes; 3-120 m. No. Coastal bluff scrub or coastal dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 17 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State Status Global/State RankCRPR Blooming Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 67. Ojai Fritillary Fritillaria ojaiensis None/ None G2/None 1B.2 March - May Rocky slopes, river basins; 300-500 m. SCoRO, WTR No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 68. Oso Manzanita Arctostaphylos osoensis None/ None G1/None 1B.2 February - March Chaparral, woodland; 300-500 m. s CCo (w Los Osos Valley, SLO County) No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 69. Palmer's Monardella Monardella palmeri None/ None G2/None 1B.2 June - August Serpentine soils in chaparral, forest; 200-800 m. SCoRO No. Appropriate soils and habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 70. Palmer's Spineflower Chorizanthe palmeri None/ None G3?/None 4.2 May – August Serpentine; 60-700m. SCoRO (w Monterey, w San Luis Obispo cos.) No. Suitable soil and habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 71. Paniculate Tarplant Deinandra paniculata None/ None G3G4/None 4.2 May - November Vernally mesic or sandy soils in coastal scrub and grassland habitats; <1320 m. No. Suitable soils and habitat are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 72. Pecho Manzanita Arctostaphylos pechoensis None/ None G2/None 1B.2 November - March Shale outcrops, chaparral, coniferous forest; <850 m. s CCo (Pecho Hills, SLO) No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 73. Peninsular Spineflower Chorizanthe leptotheca None/ None G4/None 4.2 May - August Alluvial fan, granitic soils, sand or gravel; chaparral, coast scrub, lower montane coniferous forest; 300-1900 m. e PR No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 74. Pismo Clarkia Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata FE/ CR G4T1/CR 1B.1 May - July Sandy hills near coast; <100 m. s CCo (±Pismo to Edna, SLO County) No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 75. Point Reyes Ceanothus Ceanothus gloriosus var. gloriosus None/ None G3G4T3/None 4.3 March - May Sandy places, coastal bluffs, closed-cone-pine forest; < 500 m. s NCo, n CCo (Marin Co.) No. Suitable soil and habitat type not present in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 18 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State Status Global/State RankCRPR Blooming Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 76. Popcorn Lichen Cladonia firma None/ None G4/None 2B.1 n/a Reported in maritime chaparral and dune scrub typically in stabilized dunes, grows on soil and detritus. No. Appropriate habitat is not found in the Study Area. No No Effect 77. Potbellied Spineflower Chorizanthe ventricosa None/ None G3/None 4.3 May - Sept Serpentine; 500-1000 m. SCoRI No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 78. Red Sand-verbena Abronia maritima None/ None G4?/None 4.2 February - October Coastal dunes; <100m sCCo, Sco, ChI; Baja CA No. Suitable coastal dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 79. Saline Clover Trifolium hydrophilum None/ None G2/None 1B.2 April – June Salt marshes, open areas in alkaline soils; <300m. ScV, nw SnJV, CW No. Alkaline soils are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 80. Salt Marsh Bird's-beak Chloropyron maritimum subsp. maritimum FE/ CE G4?T1/CE 1B.2 May - October Coastal salt marshes;<10 m. SCo, n Baja CA No. Salt march habitat is not found in the Study Area. No No Effect 81. San Benito Fritillary Fritillaria viridea None/ None G2/None 1B.2 March - May Serpentine slopes; 200-1500 m. SCoR (San Benito, SLO Counties) No. Serpentine slopes are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 82. San Bernardino Aster Symphyotrichum defoliatum None/ None G2/None 1B.2 July - November Vernally mesic grasslands near ditches, streams, springs, or disturbed areas; 2-2040 m. No. Mesic soils area not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 83. San Francisco Gumplant Grindelia hirsutula var. maritima None/ None G5T1Q/None 3.2 August - September Sandy or serpentine slopes, sea bluffs; <400 m. n CCo No. The Study Area is outside the known range of this species. No No Effect 84. San Joaquin Spearscale Atriplex joaquinana None/ None G2/None 1B.2 April - October Alkaline soils; <300 m. s ScV, SnJV, SCoRI (e slope). No. Suitable soil type not found in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 19 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State Status Global/State RankCRPR Blooming Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 85. San Luis Mariposa Lily Calochortus obispoensis None/ None G2/None 1B.2 May - July Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, often on serpentine but also sandstone; 100-500 m. SCoRO Endemic to SLO County No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 86. San Luis Obispo County Lupine Lupinus ludovicianus None/ None G1/None 1B.2 April - July Open, grassy limestone in oak woodland; 50-500 m. Endemic to SLO County No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 87. San Luis Obispo Fountain Thistle Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense FE/ CE G2T2/CE 1B.2 February - July Serpentine seeps and streams; <300 m. Endemic to SLO County No. Suitable serpentine seeps are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 88. San Luis Obispo Monardella Monardella undulata subsp. undulata None/ None G2/None 1B.2 April - September Stabilized dunes, coastal scrub, stabilized sandy soils; <200 m. CCo. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 89. San Luis Obispo Owl's-clover Castilleja densiflora var. obispoensis None/ None G5T2/None 1B.2 April Coastal grassland, <100 m. Endemic to SLO County. Unlikely. Suitable soil and habitat types are present in the Study Area, but soils are chronically disturbed. No No Effect 90. San Luis Obispo Sedge Carex obispoensis None/ None G2G3/None 1B.2 April - June Serpentine springs, stream sides; <600 m. Endemic to SLO County No. Suitable serpentine seeps are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 91. Sand Almond Prunus fasciculata var. punctata None/ None G5T3/None 4.3 March – April Sandy soils in maritime chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal dunes, coastal scrub. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 92. Sand Mesa Manzanita Arctostaphylos rudis None/ None G2/None 1B.2 November - February Sandy soils, chaparral. <100m. s CCo (Nipomo, Burton Mesa, Pt. Sal, sw SLO, nw SB Counties No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 20 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State Status Global/State RankCRPR Blooming Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 93. Santa Lucia Bush-mallow Malacothamnus palmeri var. palmeri None/ None G3T2Q/None 1B.2 May - July Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub; 30-1100 m. s CCo, SCoRO No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 94. Santa Lucia Manzanita Arctostaphylos luciana None/ None G3/None 1B.2 February - March Shale outcrops, slopes, chaparral, 500-700 m. Cuesta Pass, SLO County. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 95. Santa Margarita Manzanita Arctostaphylos pilosula None/ None G3/None 1B.2 December - March Shale outcrops, slopes, chaparral; 300-1100 m. s SCoRO Endemic to SLO County No. Suitable shale slopes are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 96. Short-lobedlobed Broomrape Orobanche parishii subsp. brachyloba None/ None G4?T3/None 4.2 April-October Sandy habitats; coastal bluff scrub; coastal dunes. Parasitic on shrubs. 3-305 m. SCo; ChI; Baja. No. Appropriate dune and shrub host habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 97. Small-leavedleaved Lomatium Lomatium parvifolium None/ None G3/None 4.2 February – May Pine woodland, serpentine outcrops; 70-150 m. CCo, SCoR No. Suitable pine woodland is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 98. South Coast Branching Phacelia Phacelia ramosissima var. austrolitoralis None/ None G5?T3/None 3.2 March – August Chaparral, Coastal dunes, coastal scrub, coastal salt marshes and swamps; rocky or sandy. 5-300 m. CCo, SCo, ChI. No. The Study Area is outside the known range of the species. No No Effect 99. Southern Curly-leaved Monardella Monardella sinuata subsp. sinuata None/ None G2/None 1B.2 April - September Sandy soils, coastal strand, dune and sagebrush scrub, coastal chaparral and woodland; <300 m. Cco, SCoRO, extirpated SCo. No. Appropriate soils and habitat are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 100.Splitting Yarn Lichen Sulcaria isidiifera None/ None G1/None 1B.1 n/a Chaparral, cismontane woodland, on branches of oaks, chamise, Ceanothus; 20-30 m. Los Osos, SLO County. No. Oak woodland and Ceanothus scrub are not present in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 21 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State Status Global/State RankCRPR Blooming Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 101.Stinkbells Fritillaria agrestis None/ None G3/None 4.2 March – June Clay (gen serpentine) banks, depressions; <500 m. NCoRO , SNF, GV, CW No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 102.Straight-awned Spineflower Chorizanthe rectispina None/ None G1/None 1B.3 May - July Chaparral, dry woodland in sandy soil; 200-600 m. SCoRO No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 103.Suffrutescent Wallflower Erysimum suffrutescens None/ None G3/None 4.2 January - July Coastal dunes and bluffs; 0-150 m. CCo, SCo No. Appropriate habitat is not found in the Study Area. No No Effect 104.Surf Thistle Cirsium rhothophilum None/ CT G1/CT 1B.2 April - June Dunes, bluffs; <20 m. s CCo (s SLO, n SB Counties) No. Suitable dune or coastal bluff habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 105.Twisted Horsehair Lichen Bryoria spiralifera None/ None G3/None 1B.1 n/a Usually on conifers. North Coast coniferous forest. NCo, CCo No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 106.Woodland Woolythreads Monolopia gracilens None/ None G2G3/None 1B.2 March – July Chaparral, serpentine grassland, cismontane woodland, sandy to rocky soils; SnFrB, SCoR No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect Habitat characteristics are from the Jepson Manual and the CNDDB. *not listed in the CNDDB or CNPS for the search area, but possibly for the location. Abbreviations: CCo: Central Coast NCo. North Coast SCo: South Coast SCoR: South Coast Ranges SCoRO: Outer South Coast Ranges SCoRI: Inner South Coast Ranges SnFrB: San Francisco Bay TR: Transverse Ranges WTR: Western Transverse Ranges SnJV: San Joaquin Valley ScV: Sacramento Valley SLO: San Luis Obispo SN: Sierra Nevada SnJt: San Jacinto Mtns SnBr: San Bernardino Teh: Tehachapi Mtn Area CW: Central West SW: South West DMoj: Mojave Desert PR: Peninsular Range Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 22 Revised December 2015 State/Rank Abbreviations: FE: Federally Endangered PT: Proposed Federally ThreatenedCT: California Threatened FT: Federally Threatened CE: California EndangeredCand. CE: Candidate for California EndangeredPE: Proposed Federally Endangered CR: California RareCand. CT: Candidate for California Threatened California Rare Plant Ranks: CRPR 1A: Plants presumed extirpated in California and either rare or extinct elsewhere CRPR 1B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere CRPR 2A: Plants presumed extirpated in California, but common elsewhere CRPR 2B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere CRPR 4: Plants of limited distribution - a watch list CRPR Threat Ranks: 0.1 - Seriously threatened in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat) 0.2 - Moderately threatened in California (20-80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat) 0.3 - Not very threatened in California (less than 20% of occurrences threatened / low degree and immediacy of threat or no current threats known) Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 23 Revised December 2015 4.4 Special Status Plants Six special status plant species could occur in the Study Area based on an analysis of known ecological requirements of these species and the habitat conditions that were observed in the Study Area. One special status plant species, Congdon’s tarplant, was detected in the Study Area during botanical surveys in spring 2014. We discuss each species and describe habitat, range restrictions, known occurrences, and survey results for the Study Area. To be consistent with regulatory agencies’ botanical survey guidelines, seasonally timed floristic surveys were conducted in spring and summer 2014. A. Cambria Morning-glory (Calystegia subacaulis subsp. episcopalis) is a CRPR list 4.2 subspecies endemic to San Luis Obispo County. It occurs in coastal grassland, coastal prairie, open scrub, and woodland habitats, blooming from April to June. Its rarity status relates to the limited distribution of this subspecies, although it may be found commonly within its range and preferred habitat type. The plant forms a small rosette and a conspicuous cream colored flower. The nearest occurrence is from the Tank Farm that directly borders the Study Area to the north and the attached field northwest of San Luis Obispo Airport (CNDDB #6). Cambria morning-glory is very unlikely to occur in plowed ground. Low quality potential habitat may be present in ruderal areas of the Buckley Extension. Cambria morning-glory was not detected in the Study Area despite bordering a known occurrence. B. Congdon's Tarplant (Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii) is a CRPR list 1B.1 subspecies. Congdon's tarplant ranges from Contra Costa County south to San Luis Obispo County. It has no state or federal status. The CNDDB Rarity-Endangerment- Distribution code (R-E-D) lists this subspecies as 3-3-3, meaning it is distributed in one to several highly restricted occurrences (or present in such small numbers that it rarely seen or reported), is endangered throughout its range, and is endemic to California. The CNDDB lists four occurrences for Congdon's tarplant in San Luis Obispo County. The numerous specimens at the Robert F. Hoover Herbarium at Cal Poly are from only three different localities in San Luis Obispo County. A literature search revealed a total of seven known localities for this rare subspecies in the County, all of which occur in the Los Osos Valley. The nearest CNDDB occurrence is from within and directly adjacent to the Study Area; from 2004, 2005 and 2011, Congdon’s tarplant was recorded southeast of Los Verdes Montessori School and both sides of Buckley Road near Vachell Lane and Jesperson Road (CNDDB #69). Also, in 2003, 2010, and 2011, it was observed in the Tank Farm area, north and directly adjacent to the Study Area (CNDDB #64). One patch of Congdon’s tarplant was detected and mapped in the Study Area during our late spring and early summer surveys. This patch consisted of approximately 500-750 individuals in a ruderal scrape on the south edge of the Study Area, bordering Buckley Road (Figure 5; Photos 7 and 8). The patch was approximately 70 feet long and 19 feet wide. In February 2014, a single dried individual was detected uprooted in the agricultural land habitat about 500 feet west of the mapped patch. The 2013-2014 rain season was below average for the San Luis Obispo area and it is possible that in years of average or greater rainfall, Congdon’s tarplant occurs at other locations within the Study Area. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 24 Revised December 2015 C. Hoover's Button-celery (Eryngium aristulatum var. hooveri) is a CRPR list 1B.1 subspecies known from vernal pool and vernal wetland habitats from Alameda County to San Luis Obispo County. Three localities are documented in the CNDDB in San Luis Obispo County, two of which support extant populations. Laguna Lake was thought to hold the last known site in the County until a population was reported in 2003 in wetlands on private property along Tank Farm Road (CNDDB #10). The latter occurrence is about 0.5 miles north of the Study Area in swales near wetlands. Moderately appropriate wetland habitat has historically been present in the northeast, southwest, and southeast corners of the Study Area, however, several drought years in a row and periodic plowing have degraded wetland habitat on-site. Hoover’s button celery was not detected in the Study Area during our spring and summer 2014 floristic surveys, and is not expected to occur due to agricultural disturbance to wetlands. D. Jones’s Layia (Layia jonesii) is a CRPR list 1B.2 species endemic to San Luis Obispo County. It grows on open slopes with serpentine or heavy clay soils, blooming from March to May. The proposed Buckley Road extension just enters the border of the nearest CNDDB occurrence for Jones’s layia. This occurrence is from 0.75 miles south of Mine Hill, in San Luis Obispo (CNDDB #4) and has an accuracy of 1 mile, making it difficult to ascertain the exact site of the occurrence. Another occurrence occurs just over one mile northwest of the Study Area with a one mile accuracy (CNDDB #3). Potentially suitable serpentine-derived soils are present in the Buckley Extension area; however this area is disturbed and weedy. Jones’ layia was not detected during the spring 2014 botanical surveys and is unlikely to occur at the project site. E. Miles’ Milk-vetch (Astragalus didymocarpus var. milesianus) is a CRPR list 1B.2 variety known from Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. It is an annual species that occurs in clay soils in coastal scrub communities, or in grassland habitat near serpentine outcrops. It blooms from March to June. The nearest CNDDB occurrence is 1.2 miles north near the South Hills Natural Reserve (CNDDB #7). Appropriate clay soils occur on-site; however, Miles’ milk-vetch was not detected in the Study Area during our appropriately timed 2014 botanical surveys. F. San Luis Obispo Owl’s-clover (Castilleja densiflora subsp. obispoensis) is a CRPR list 1B.2 subspecies endemic to San Luis Obispo County. It is an April-blooming annual wildflower that occurs in coastal grasslands in sandy or clay soils and typically found at or near the coast. The nearest occurrence is a 2005 report from 1.2 miles north of the Study Area near the City of San Luis Obispo’s South Hills Open Space (CNDDB #4). San Luis Obispo owls-clover is very unlikely to occur in chronically plowed ground. Low quality potential habitat may be present in ruderal areas of the Buckley Extension. San Luis Obispo owl’s-clover was not detected in the Study Area during appropriately timed 2014 botanical surveys. 4.5 Potential Special Status Animals List Table 4 lists 50 special status animal species reported from the project vicinity. Federal and California State status, global and State rank, and CDFW listing status for each species are given. Typical nesting or breeding period, habitat preference, potential habitat on-site, and whether or not the species was observed in the Study Area are also provided. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 25 Revised December 2015 TABLE 4. SPECIAL STATUS ANIMAL LIST. Fifty special status animals known or reported from the region are listed. Eleven special status animals could occur in the Study Area based on review of preferred habitat types, and three species are not likely to occur but warrant further discussion due to the soil and habitat conditions present in the Study Area. Three species that do not have appropriate soil and habitat conditions present in the Study Area but were observed on-site also warrant further discussion. Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State StatusGlobal/State CDFW Rank Nesting/ Breeding Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 1. American Badger Taxidea taxus None/None G5/S4 CSSC February - May Needs friable soils in open ground with abundant food source such as California ground squirrels. No. Soils are appropriate but abundant food source is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 2. Atascadero June Beetle Polyphylla nubila None/None G1/S1 SA n/a Known only from sand dunes in Atascadero and San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County. No. Appropriate sand dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 3. Big Free-tailed Bat Nyctinomops macrotis None/ None G5/S2 CSSC Spring - Summer Low lying arid areas in Southern California with rock outcrops or cliffs. No. Appropriate arid habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 4. Black Legless Lizard Anniella pulchra nigra None/None G3G4T2T3Q/S2 CSSC May - September Inhabits sandy soil/dune areas with bush lupine and mock heather, from Morro Bay to Monterey Bay. No. Appropriate dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 5. Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia None/None G4/S3 CSSC March 15 - August 15 Burrows in squirrel holes in open habitats with low vegetation. Unlikely. Few squirrel burrows exist, and poor foraging habitat is present in the Study Area. No No Effect 6. California Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus None/ CT G4T1/S1 FP March 15 - August 15 Occurs in tidal salt marsh heavily grown to pickleweed, also in freshwater and brackish marshes near the coast. No. Suitable tidal saltmarsh is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 7. California Clapper Rail Rallus longirostris obsoletus FE/CE G5T1/S1 FP March 15 - August 15 Saltwater & brackish marshes traversed by tidal sloughs. No. Saltwater and brackish habitat is not found in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 26 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State StatusGlobal/State CDFW Rank Nesting/ Breeding Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 8. California Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris actia None/None G5T3Q/S3 WL March 15 - August 15 Nests on the ground in open habitats. More common in the interior. Yes. Suitable wintering and nesting habitat is present in the Study Area. Yes (not nesting)Potential Adverse Effect can be Mitigated 9. California Least Tern Sternula antillarum browni FE/CE G4T2T3Q/S2S3 FP (Nesting) March 15 - August 15 Nests on sand beaches, alkali flats, bare flat ground from San Francisco Bay to N. Baja California. Colonial breeder. No. Appropriate sand beach habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 10. California Linderiella Linderiella occidentalis None/ None G3/S2S3 SA Rainy Season Seasonal pools in unplowed grasslands with alluvial soils. No. Appropriate unplowed pool habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 11. California Red-legged Frog Rana draytonii FT/None G2G3/S2S3 CSSC January - September Lowlands and foothills in or near sources of deep water with dense, shrubby or emergent riparian vegetation. Requires 11-20 weeks for larval development. Yes. Moderately appropriate habitat is present in the Study Area. Protocol Surveys Recom-mended To Be Determined 12. Coast Horned Lizard Phrynosoma blainvillii None/None G3G4/S3S4 CSSC May - September Frequents a wide variety of habitats, most common in lowlands along sandy washes with scattered low bushes. No. Appropriate sandy wash habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 13. Coast Range Newt Taricha torosa None/None G4/S4 CSSC December - May Slow moving streams, ponds, and lakes with surrounding evergreen/oak forests along coast. No. Suitable evergreen or oak forest is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 14. Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii None/None G5/S3 WL (Nesting) March 15 - August 15 Oak woodland, riparian, open fields. Nests in dense trees, esp. coast live oak. Yes. Appropriate habitat is present in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 27 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State StatusGlobal/State CDFW Rank Nesting/ Breeding Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 15. Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis None/None G4/S3S4 WL (Wintering) October - April (Wintering) Winters locally in open grassland or savannah habitats. More common in interior SLO County than coast. Yes. Potential wintering habitat is present in the Study Area. No Potential Adverse Effect can be Mitigated 16. Foothill Yellow-legged Frog Rana boylii None/None G3/S2S3 CSSC March - September Partly shaded, shallow streams and riffles with rocky substrate. Min. 15 weeks for larval development. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 17. Globose Dune Beetle Coelus globosus None/None G1G2/S1S2 SA n/a Coastal sand dune habitat. Inhabits foredunes and sand hummocks. No. Suitable dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 18. Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus None/ None G4/S4 CSSC (Nesting) March 15 - August 15 Open areas with appropriate perches, near shrubby vegetation for nesting. Yes. Appropriate habitat is present in the Study Area. No Potential Adverse Effect can be Mitigated 19. Merlin Falco columbarius None/None G5/S3 WL (Wintering) September - April (Wintering) Winters on seacoasts, estuaries, woodlands, savannas, grassland edges, deserts. Yes. Appropriate wintering habitat is present in the Study Area. No Potential Adverse Effect can be Mitigated 20. Mimic Tryonia (=California Brackishwater Snail) Tryonia imitator None/None G2G3/S2S3 SA n/a Inhabits coastal lagoons, estuaries, salt marshes from Sonoma to San Diego Counties. No. Suitable brackish water habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 21. Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus None/None G5/S3 SA September - March (aggregations) Roosts located in wind-protected tree groves with nectar and water nearby. No. Aggregate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 22. Morro Bay Blue Butterfly Plebejus icarioides moroensis None/None G5T2/S2 SA n/a Inhabits stabilized dunes and surrounding areas in coastal SLO County (Morro Bay) and nw SB County. No. Stabilized dunes do not occur near the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 28 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State StatusGlobal/State CDFW Rank Nesting/ Breeding Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 23. Morro Bay Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys heermanni morroensis FE/CE G3G4T1/S1 FP n/a Coastal sage scrub on the south side of Morro Bay. Needs sandy soil, but not active dunes, prefers early seral stages. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 24. Morro Shoulderband (=Banded Dune) Snail Helminthoglypta walkeriana FE/ None G1/S1 SA n/a Restricted to the coastal strand and sage scrub habitats in the immediate vicinity of Morro Bay. No. The Study Area is outside the known range of this species. No No Effect 25. Nuttall’s Woodpecker* Picoides nuttallii None/None G5/SNR SA (Nesting) March 15 - August 15 Nests in standing snag or hollow tree in oak woodland and oak forest habitats. No. Appropriate foraging habitat is present in the Study Area. However, appropriate oak snag and hollow nesting habitat is not present. Yes (not nesting)No Effect 26. Oak Titmouse* Baeolophus inornatus None/None G5/S3? SA (Nesting) March 15 - August 15 Nests in cavities in oak woodland habitat. Non-migratory. No. Appropriate foraging habitat is present in the Study Area. However, appropriate oak cavity nesting habitat is not present. Yes (not nesting)No Effect 27. Oregon Vesper Sparrow* Pooecetes gramineus affinis None/None G5T?/S? CSSC (Wintering) March 15 - August 15 Winters in grassland habitats and may frequent agricultural fields. Yes. Appropriate wintering habitat is present in the Study Area. Yes Potential for Adverse Effect 28. Oso Flaco Flightless Moth Areniscythris brachypteris None/None G1/S1 SA n/a Open, coastal sand dune slopes in San Luis Obispo County. No. Dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 29. Oso Flaco Patch Butterfly Chlosyne leanira elegans None/None G4G5T1T2/S1S2 SA n/a Sand dune habitat around Oso Flaco Lake, SLO County. Larval food plant is Castilleja affinis. No. Dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 29 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State StatusGlobal/State CDFW Rank Nesting/ Breeding Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 30. Oso Flaco Robber Fly Ablautus schlingeri None/None G1/S1 SA n/a Sand dunes. No. Appropriate sand dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 31. Pallid Bat Antrozous pallidus None/None G5/S3 CSSC Spring - Summer Rock crevices, caves, tree hollows, mines, old buildings, and bridges. Yes. Appropriate old buildings and tree hollows are present in the Study Area. No No Effect 32. Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus None/ None G5/S3 WL (Nesting) March 15 - August 15 Inhabits dry, open terrain. Nests on cliffs near open areas for hunting. No. Open appropriate open, dry terrain is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 33. Purple Martin Progne subis None/None G5/S3 CSSC (Nesting) March 15 - August 15 In San Luis Obispo County prefers nesting in Sycamore trees along riparian corridors. No. Suitable sycamore tree habitat is not found in the Study Area. No No Effect 34. San Diego Desert Woodrat Neotoma lepida intermedia None/None G5T3?/S3? CSSC n/a Moderate to dense canopies preferred. Abundant in rocky areas, outcrops. Ranges from San Diego to SLO Counties. No. Appropriate habitat is not found in the Study Area. No No Effect 35. San Luis Obispo Pyrg Pyrgulopsis taylori None/None G1/S1 SA n/a Freshwater habitats in San Luis Obispo County. No. Only seasonal freshwater habitat is found in the Study Area. No No Effect 36. Sandy Beach Tiger Beetle Cicindela hirticollis gravida None/None G5T2/S1 SA n/a Adjacent to non-brackish water near the coast from San Francisco to N. Mexico. Clean, dry, light-colored sand in the upper zone. No. Appropriate habitat is not found in the Study Area. No No Effect 37. Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus None/None G5/S3 WL (Nesting) March 15 - August 15 Riparian, coniferous, and deciduous woodlands near water. Yes. Appropriate nesting and foraging habitat is present in the Study Area. Yes (not nesting)Potential Adverse Effect can be Mitigated Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 30 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State StatusGlobal/State CDFW Rank Nesting/ Breeding Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 38. Silvery Legless Lizard Anniella pulchra pulchra None/None G3G4T3T4Q/S3 CSSC May - September Sandy or loose loamy soils under coastal scrub or oak trees. Soil moisture essential. No. Appropriate oak or shrub habitat does not occur in the Study Area. No No Effect 39. Steelhead - South/Central California Coast DPS Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus FT/None G5T2Q/S2 CSSC February - April Fed listing refers to runs in coastal basins from Pajaro River south to, but not including, the Santa Maria River. No. Waters within the Study Area are outside known Steelhead critical habitat. No No Effect 40. Tidewater Goby Eucyclogobius newberryi FE/None G3/S2S3 CSSC n/a Found in shallow lagoons and lower stream reaches, they need fairly still but not stagnant water and high oxygen levels. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 41. Townsend's Big-eared Bat Corynorhinus townsendii None/Cand. CT G3G4/S2S3 CSSC Spring - Summer Caves, buildings, and mine tunnels. Cave like attics as day roosts. On coast roosts are normally within 100 m. of creeks. Unlikely. Moderately appropriate old building habitat is present near the Study Area. No No Effect 42. Tricolored Blackbird# Agelaius tricolor None/Cand. CE G2G3/S1S2 CSSC (Nesting) March 15 - August 15 Requires open water, protected nesting substrate, & foraging area with insect prey near nesting colony. Unlikely. Appropriate foraging habitat is present; however, nesting habitat is not present in the Study Area. Yes (not nesting)No Effect 43. Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp Branchinecta lynchi FT/None G3/S2S3 SA Rainy Season Clear water sandstone depression pools, grassed swale, earth slump, or basalt flow depression pools. No. Appropriate vernally pooling water habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 31 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State StatusGlobal/State CDFW Rank Nesting/ Breeding Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 44. Western Mastiff Bat Eumops perotis californicus None/None G5T4/S3? CSSC Spring - Fall Roosts in crevices in cliff faces, high buildings, trees, and tunnels. Inhabits many open, semi-arid to arid habitats, including conifer and deciduous woodlands, coastal scrub, grasslands, and chaparral. No. Appropriate cliff and cave roosting habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 45. Western Pond Turtle (=Pacific Pond Turtle) Emys (=Acrinemys) marmorata None/None G3G4/S3 CSSC April - August Permanent or semi-permanent streams, ponds, lakes. Yes. Appropriate semi-permanent stream habitat does occur in the Study Area. No Potential Adverse Effect can be Mitigated 46. Western Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus FT/None G3T3/S2 CSSC (Nesting) March 15 - August 15 Sandy beaches, salt pond levees, and shorelines of large alkali lakes. Needs friable soils for nesting. No. Appropriate sandy beach habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 47. Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus occidentalis PT/CE G5T3Q/S1 SA (Nesting) March 15 - August 15 Nests in riparian jungles of willow, cottonwood, w/ blackberry, nettles, or wild grape understory. Typically found in larger river systems. No. Appropriate habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 48. White Sand Bear Scarab Beetle Lichnanthe albipilosa None/ None G1/S1 SA n/a Found only in coastal sand dunes of SLO County, near Dune Lake, some distance from the surf. No. Appropriate sand dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No No Effect 49. White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus None/None G5/S3 FP (Nesting) March 15 - August 15 Nests in dense tree canopy near open foraging areas. No. Appropriate nesting habitat is not present in the Study Area. Yes (not nesting)No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 32 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Fed/State StatusGlobal/State CDFW Rank Nesting/ Breeding Period Habitat Preference Potential Habitat? Detected in Study Area? Effect of Activity 50. Yellow Warbler* Setophaga petechia None/None G5T3?/S2 CSSC (Nesting) March 15 - August 15 Nests in riparian plant associations, including willows, cottonwoods, etc. Yes. Appropriate nesting habitat is present in the willow riparian habitat present in the Study Area. No No Effect Habitat characteristics from the CNDDB. *not listed in the CNDDB or CNPS for the search area, but possibly for the location. #Advanced as a Candidate for California Endangered on December 10, 2015. Abbreviations: FE: Federally Endangered FT: Federally Threatened PE: Proposed Federally Endangered PT: Proposed Federally Threatened CE: California Endangered CT: California Threatened Cand. CE: Candidate for California Endangered Cand. CT: Candidate for California Threatened SA: CDFW Special Animal CSSC: CDFW Species of Special Concern FP: CDFW Fully-Protected WL: CDFW Watch List Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 33 Revised December 2015 4.6 Special Status Animals Eleven special status animals could occur in the Study Area based on review of preferred habitat types, and three species are not likely to occur but warrant further discussion due to the soil and habitat conditions present in the Study Area. Three species that do not have appropriate soil and habitat conditions present in the Study Area but were observed on-site also warrant further discussion. We discuss each species and describe habitat, range restrictions, known occurrences, and survey results. A. Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small CSSC owl that nests in abandoned holes in the ground, most notably those of the California ground squirrel. Burrowing owls are a common resident in local areas of the interior, from the Bitterwater Valley to the Carrizo Plains and elsewhere. Less frequent reports are from coastal grasslands. One record of burring owl near the Study Area exists where 2 adults were observed wintering at Camp San Luis Obispo, 7.3 miles north (CNDDB #573). Low quality habitat is present in the Study Area and few ground squirrel holes were observed. While transient owls could use the Study Area for wintering or nesting, this species is not expected to be present at the Project site or impacted by the Project. No signs of burrowing owls were found in the Study Area during our 2014 wildlife surveys. B. California Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris actia) is a CDFW Watch List species known from Sonoma County south to San Diego County, as well as east to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It breeds in open, flat habitats with short vegetation, including grasslands, alkali flats, fallow grain fields, and meadows. They are known to make local movements through the seasons, and may not breed in all areas they are observed. A group of several horned larks were observed in the Study Area during February and March 2014 wildlife surveys. No nesting was observed during the 2014 surveys. C. California Red-legged Frog (Rana draytonii) is listed as threatened under FESA and as a CSSC by CDFW. This species is known from San Luis Obispo Creek and some of its tributary drainages. It generally requires seasonal pools or streams that hold water until late summer for successful breeding. Bullfrogs and introduced fish are detrimental to this species and have severely reduced populations in many areas. The seasonal drainage in the Study Area does not provide adequate pool habitat for breeding California red-legged frogs. However, during the rainy season, transient individuals could move through the drainage intermittently. The drainage connects to San Luis Obispo Creek, approximately 1.2 miles downstream. One adult and one juvenile California red-legged frog were found in San Luis Obispo Creek 1.3 miles upstream from this confluence (CNDDB #895). This occurrence is located about 0.5 miles straight-line distance northeast of the Study Area. The drainages in the Study Area were dry during our site surveys in spring and summer 2014 and no California red-legged frogs were observed. Protocol surveys for California red-legged frogs are recommended. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 34 Revised December 2015 D. Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) is a CDFW Watch List species for nesting habitat. that occurs regularly in San Luis Obispo County during the winter months and during spring and fall migration. It is generally regarded as a regular but uncommon nesting species in San Luis Obispo County. Cooper's hawks frequent oak and riparian woodland habitats, and increasingly in urban areas, where they prey primarily upon birds. This raptor has become a successful adaptor to urban/suburban landscapes. The nearest recorded occurrence of a nesting Cooper’s hawk is in Morro Bay, 9.5 miles to the northwest (CNDDB #24). Moderately appropriate tree canopy is present in riparian habitat within the Study Area for nesting Cooper's hawks. There are no reports in the CNDDB of Cooper's hawks nesting in the south San Luis Obispo area, and Cooper's hawks were not observed in the Study Area during our 2014 surveys. E. Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) is a CDFW Watch List species that winters in grassland habitats in San Luis Obispo County and elsewhere in California. It does not breed in San Luis Obispo County. Ferruginous hawks prefer short-grass habitats such as grasslands and fallow farm fields where they often perch on the ground and hunt by coursing low over the fields. They are regular but never abundant winter residents in the interior portion of the County and even less abundant coastally. The regularly planted and plowed agricultural land found in the Study Area is poor foraging habitat for ferruginous hawks, and while incidental or occasional use could occur seasonally from October through February, this species is not expected to be present at the Project site or impacted by the Project. Ferruginous hawks were not observed during our February to June 2014 wildlife surveys. F. Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) is a CSSC and resident in arid regions of San Luis Obispo County and elsewhere in California. It requires open areas with appropriate perches for hunting, and shrubby trees or bushes for nesting. Appropriate nesting habitat is present in Study Area for loggerhead shrikes. No shrikes were observed in the Study Area in 2014. G. Merlin (Falco columbarius) is a CDFW Watch List species that winters in various habitats in San Luis Obispo County. Merlins do not breed locally. Moderately appropriate wintering habitat is present on and surrounding the Study Area. Merlins may use habitats in the Study Area seasonally for foraging and roosting, but will not breed on- site and were not observed in the Study Area during our winter and spring surveys. H. Nuttall's Woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii) is a Watch List species for several organizations, including the USFWS, due to regional reduction in preferred oak woodland habitats. Nuttall's woodpeckers remain fairly common residents in oak woodland habitats throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Oak woodland habitat is not present in the Study Area; however, moderate foraging habitat is present in the cottonwood and willow trees of the drainage and the trees bordering the Study Area to the south and to the east. Nuttall’s woodpeckers were observed in the Study Area during the winter and spring 2014 wildlife surveys. No nesting woodpeckers were observed. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 35 Revised December 2015 I. Oak Titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus) is a Watch List species for several organizations including the USFWS. This small bird is an obligate cavity-nester within oak trees. It is a common species in oak woodlands on the central coast, but is tracked by the USFWS due to regional losses of oak woodland habitat. No appropriate oak cavity nesting habitat exists in the Study Area. However, oak titmice were observed in the Study Area foraging in the willows of the drainage. J. Oregon Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus affinis) is a CSSC songbird and is an obligate grassland species, feeding on invertebrates and seeds. Wintering habitat is generally considered to be mainly open ground with little vegetation including stubble fields, meadows, and road edges. One Oregon vesper sparrow was observed during the February 2014 wildlife survey. K. Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus) is a CSSC. This large, long-eared bat occurs throughout the state from deserts to moist forests. Pallid bats are primarily a crevice roosting species and selects roosts where they can retreat from view. They frequently occur in oak woodlands where they roost in tree cavities. These roosts are generally day or night roosts for one or a few bats. Attics may be used as roosts and during hot days they may emerge from crevices and roost on open rafters. Communal wintering or maternity colonies are more common in rock crevices and caves. This species has been recorded at 22 localities in San Luis Obispo County (Pierson 2002). Pallid bats were not observed in the Study Area during our 2014 wildlife surveys. L. Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) is a CDFW Watch List species that frequents open oak and riparian woodland habitats. It is a regular fall and winter migrant in San Luis Obispo County that seldom remains in the area through the nesting season. One CNDDB occurrence does exist, however, at Nipomo mesa from 2003 (CNDDB #9). One sharp-shinned hawk was observed in the Study Area; however, it was not nesting, and would be very unlikely to nest on-site in the future. M. Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) is a medium-sized, CSSC bat with large rabbit-like ears. The subspecies are not distinguishable in the field. Both these subspecies have been recorded in a number of different habitats in California. In our area they are both found consistently in the vicinity of creek beds where they use the riparian corridor for foraging. Typical roost sites are in caves or buildings with cave-like features. Townsend’s big-eared bat is sedentary and is presumed to spend the winter within 25 miles of its summer roosts. This bat has been recorded in at least six localities within San Luis Obispo County (Pierson 2002). Althouse and Meade, Inc. biologists working with Paul Collins of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History recorded a winter roost for a solitary male in Santa Margarita where the bat was found roosting in a cave-like arch of an adobe wall. Townsend's big-eared bat could possibly occur in the structures in the Study Area, but would be unlikely. N. Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) is a candidate for listing under CESA, while nesting tricolored blackbirds are a CSSC species that requires open water, protected nesting substrate, and foraging area with insect prey near nesting colony. No open water nesting habitat is present in the Study Area, however, moderate foraging habitat does exist in the Study Area. A small flock of tricolored-blackbirds was observed foraging in the Study Area and were not observed nesting during our winter to summer 2014 surveys. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 36 Revised December 2015 O. Western Pond Turtle (Emmys [=Actinemys] marmorata) is a CSSC turtle inhabiting ponds and slow moving streams with adequate pools. Pond turtles will move up seasonal streams during the winter months, and can over-summer in underground burrows during dry years when ponds are empty. Evidence exists that the drainage at the southwest corner of the Study Area commonly backs up where on-site water leaves the site. This creates potentially appropriate pools for western pond turtles to winter. Standing water was not observed during our 2014 surveys; however these surveys were conducted during a year with less than average rainfall. Pond turtles were not observed in the Study Area during 2014, however, CNNDB contains numerous records in the vicinity of the Study Area, including one occurrence about 0.5 mile northwest at the confluence of Prefumo Creek and San Luis Obispo Creek (CNDDB #1162), 1 mile upstream of where the on-site drainage meets San Luis Obispo Creek. Western pond turtles were not observed in the Study Area during the 2014 surveys but could be present in the ephemeral drainage. P. Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) is a CSSC songbird with a restricted breeding range in Central and Southern California. The status of this subspecies of yellow warbler is described by the CNDDB as “restricted range, rare”. They frequent riparian habitats, nesting in sycamores, cottonwoods, willows, and other riparian trees. There are no breeding records in the CNDDB for yellow warbler in SLO County; however yellow warbler is a regular spring and fall migrant that will breed in the County. The riparian habitat found in the on-site drainage is suitable for nesting and foraging yellow warblers. Yellow warbler was not observed in the 2014 wildlife surveys conducted of the Study Area. Q. White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) is a Fully Protected species that nests primarily in evergreen trees, especially coast live oaks, near meadows, marshes, or grasslands. The nearest record of nesting white-tailed kites is 5.6 miles north of Avila Ranch at Camp San Luis Obispo from 1995 and 1997 (CNDDB #55). Appropriate foraging habitat is present in the Study Area and poor quality nesting habitat may be present in cottonwood trees throughout the drainage. A white-tailed kite was observed foraging in the Study Area during our February 2014 survey. No kites were observed nesting. 4.7 Special Status Species Not Expected to Occur The remaining 133 special status species reported to occur in the seven USGS quadrangles around the Project site are not expected to occur in the Study Area due to the absence of required soil type, lack of appropriate habitat, or because the Study Area is substantially outside the known range of the species. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 37 Revised December 2015 4.8 Potential Sensitive Natural Communities The CNDDB reports nine sensitive natural communities in the seven USGS quadrangles around the Project site (Table 5). None of these sensitive natural communities are found in the Study Area. The City of San Luis Obispo’s 2014 Land Use and Circulation Update Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) mentions potential impact from Avila Ranch development to Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh habitat associated with San Luis Obispo Creek. However, the Avila Ranch Study Area and proposed Project do not contain Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh habitat. Avila Ranch does contain riparian/ephemeral drainage and wetland habitats described in Sections 5.2 and 5.3, respectively, of this report. TABLE 5. SENSITIVE NATURAL COMMUNITIES LIST. Nine sensitive natural communities are reported from the seven quadrangles surrounding the Study Area. Common Name Federal/State Status Global/State Rank Potential Habitat? Effect of Proposed Activity Sensitive Natural Communities 1. Central Dune Scrub None/none G2/S2.2 No. Dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No Effect 2. Central Foredunes None/none G1/S1.2 No. Dune habitat is not present in the Study Area. No Effect 3. Central Maritime Chaparral None/none G2/S2.2 No. Chaparral habitat is not found in the Study Area. No Effect 4. Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh None/none G3/S2.1 No. Permanently flooded marsh habitat is not found in the Study Area. No Effect 5. Coastal Brackish Marsh None/none G2/S2.1 No. Brackish marsh habitat is not found in the Study Area. No Effect 6. Northern Coastal Salt Marsh None/none G3/S3.2 No. Salt marsh habitat is not found in the Study Area. No Effect 7. Northern Interior Cypress Forest None/none G2/S2.2 No. Naturally occurring cypress trees do not occur in the Study Area. No Effect 8. Serpentine Bunchgrass None/none G2/S2.2 No. Serpentine rock and soil does occur in the Study Area, but not with sufficient cover of bunchgrass. No Effect 9. Valley Needlegrass Grassland None/none G3/S3.1 No. Valley needlegrass grassland does not occur in the Study Area. No Effect Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 38 Revised December 2015 5.0 Habitat Types We describe five habitat types throughout the two parts of the Study Area and provide approximate acreages for each habitat type present during 2014 (Table 6): agricultural land, riparian/ephemeral drainage, wetland, ruderal, and developed. The Biological Resource Map provided in Section 11.0 indicates the locations of each habitat type in the Study Area as of 2015. Sensitive natural communities do not occur in the Study Area. TABLE 6. HABITAT DATA. The approximate acreage and location are provided for all habitat types occurring in the Study Area. Habitat Type Avila Ranch (acres) Buckley Road Extension (acres) Agricultural Land – Farmed Wetland, State 2.83 0.00 Agricultural Land – Non-Wetland 141.42 4.36 Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Federal Wetland 2.99 0.03 Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Willow Wetland, State 1.84 0.06 Ruderal/Disturbed 0.37 1.94 Developed 0.00 0.84 Study Area Total 149.45 7.23 5.1 Agricultural Land – Farmed Wetland, State Potential farmed wetlands (one or two wetland indicators) occupy approximately 2.83 acres of agricultural land on Avila Ranch. One wetland occurs where nuisance water drains from the neighboring Lockheed (Dioptics) facility. Another is located at the northeast corner of Vachell Lane and Buckley Road. These wetlands are not distinctive due to constant disturbance from agricultural practices. One potential wetland originates at the east end of the Study Area, collects in a bowl in the cropland, and then flows to a ruderal scrape along Buckley Road. The source of moisture is likely from stormwater and on-site and off-site irrigation. Farmed wetlands in the Study Area contain minimal hydric soil indicators, if any, occasional wetland plants, and/or or signs of inhibited crop growth. 5.2 Agricultural Land – Non-Wetland Most of the Study Area is intensively farmed agricultural lands occurring over approximately 141.4 acres on Avila Ranch and 4.4 acres on the Buckley Road extension. Agricultural land has been planted with safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) and cultivated pea (Pisum sativum). A large stand of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) occurs just off-site to the north, and a single fava bean plant (Vicia faba) was found in the agricultural land suggesting these were also cultivated in the Study Area at some time. Different portions of the Study Area were tilled, planted, and irrigated throughout the spring and summer 2014 biological surveys. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 39 Revised December 2015 Non-crop plants found in the agricultural land include bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), California burclover (Medicago polymorpha), bird’s foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), wild geranium (Geranium molle), and stickwort (Spergula arvensis), among others. Disturbed ruderal habitat occurs along the periphery of the Avila Ranch Study Area, with particularly heavy disturbance along the southern border where the Study Area meets the shoulder of Buckley Road and along the northern border where the Study Area interfaces existing development. Plants occurring along the perimeter include herbs such as English plantain (Plantago lanceolata), scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), prickly sow-thistle (Sonchus asper subsp. asper), and non-native grasses including slender wild oats (Avena barbata), various barleys (Hordeum spp.), and bromes (Bromus spp.). In general, agricultural land may provide habitat and be utilized by small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. 5.3 Riparian / Ephemeral Drainage – Federal Wetland Tank Farm Creek is an ephemeral drainage feature strongly affected by farming activities and the construction of Buckley Road. Riparian vegetation is dominated by arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) with scattered Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) trees and is limited to a narrow corridor along each bank of the drainage. The drainages contain California bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus) with occasional stands of cattails (Typha angustifolia). California bulrush marsh is a widespread emergent marsh type that grows throughout California (Sawyer et al. 2009). The northern 300-foot reach of the drainage (North-South Drainage in Figure 6) appears heavily disturbed from recent channel maintenance. This area is dominated by weedy riparian species such as poison hemlock, bristly ox-tongue (Helminthotheca echioides), and Fuller’s teasel (Dipsacus sativus). Similar disturbed areas occur in smaller reaches of the drainage. The northern reach also contains willow canopy with hydric soil present. Wetland vegetation and hydric soils also dominate a farm ditch identified as the East-West Drainage in Figure 6 that converges with Tank Farm Creek at the confluence with the North-South Drainage. Approximately 2.99 acres of Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Federal Wetland occurs on Avila Ranch, with another 0.03 acres occurring on the Buckley Road extension site. 5.4 Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Willow Wetland, State Tank Farm Creek contains about 1.84 acres of potential willow wetland, waters of the State, based on the 2015 wetland delineation by Althouse and Meade, Inc. Directly surrounding most of the drainage is arroyo willow dominated riparian habitat with areas of thick willow vegetation and sporadic cottonwood trees. Tank Farm Creek parallels Buckley Road at the southern end of the Study Area, and contains mature willows and cottonwoods that form a dense canopy. These areas did not contain hydric soils and therefore are not potential Federal Wetlands. Downed wood and thicket-like conditions in riparian vegetation and within seasonally wet portions of the drainage provide habitat for small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians including western pond turtle. The riparian canopy provides excellent nesting and foraging habitat for songbirds. A 2002 wetland delineation conducted by Olberding Environmental, Inc. identified an additional wetland in the northeastern portion of the Study Area. This area did not show indications of wetland habitat at the time of the 2015 wetland delineation (Althouse and Meade, Inc.). Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 40 Revised December 2015 5.5 Ruderal / Disturbed Ruderal / Disturbed habitat occurs over about 2.31 acres of the Study Area. This primarily occurs in the future Buckley Extension area near both Buckley Road and South Higuera Road. The area directly west of Buckley Road is a disturbed field near a state-owned residence. Just south of this area, a ruderal field was being grazed by sheep during our April 2014 survey. This grazing field was dominated by Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus) and milk-thistle (Silybum marianum) with sporadic patches of non-native annual grasses. The ruderal habitat east, adjacent to South Higuera Street was dominated by poison-hemlock, black mustard, sweet fennel, and red-stem filaree (Erodium cicutarium). A small stand of fiddleneck was the only California-native plant observed in this area. During the February 2014 survey, Congdon’s tarplant was observed dried and uprooted in the agricultural land within the Avila Ranch portion of the Study Area. In late spring and early summer, a new patch of approximately 750 individuals was observed growing in a ruderal scrape along the southern edge of the Study Area (Figure 5; Photos 7 and 8). Patches of Congdon’s tarplant are previously known from the Study Area (CNDDB #69). 5.6 Developed Developed habitat is any habitat associated with human structures, associated infrastructure and ornamental landscaped vegetation. This habitat occurs in the area of the future Buckley Road Extension. There is a State-owned residence, a Caltrans move-on office trailer and a gravel road leading to the house. Ornamental plants and cypress trees are planted in the surrounding area. A gravel parking lot is close to the residence. Many active cliff swallow nests are located in the eaves of the residence. This structure could also house roosting bats. There is no developed habitat in the Avila Ranch portion of the Study Area Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 41 Revised December 2015 6.0 Botanical Survey Results Botanical surveys conducted in February through July 2014 identified 88 species, subspecies, varieties, and hybrids of vascular plant taxa in the Study Area (Table 7). The list includes 20 species native to California and 68 introduced (naturalized or planted) species. One special status plant species occurs in the Study Area. Native plant species account for approximately 23 percent of the taxa within the Study Area; introduced species account for approximately 77 percent. Rainfall amounts in the San Luis Obispo area for the 2013 to 2014 season were less than average, which influences what species may be detectable. TABLE 7. VASCULAR PLANT LIST. The 88 species of vascular plants identified in the Study Area consist of 20 native species and 68 planted or introduced species. The vascular plant list is separated into general life form categories, within which the taxa are listed alphabetically by scientific name. The portion of the Study Area where each species was seen is indicated. Scientific Name Status Origin Common Name Avila Ranch Buckley Extension Trees – 9 Species Hesperocyparis sp. None Planted Cypress Pinus sp. None Planted Pine Platanus racemosa None Planted Western sycamore Populus fremontii subsp. fremontii None Native Fremont cottonwood Prunus persica None Planted Peach tree Quercus agrifolia var. agrifolia None Native Coast live oak Salix lasiolepis None Native Arroyo willow Schinus molle None Planted Pepper tree Washingtonia sp. None Planted Fan palm Shrubs – 5 Species Baccharis pilularis None Native Coyote brush Juniperus sp. None Planted Juniper Lonicera sp. None Planted Ornamental Honeysuckle Opuntia sp. None Introduced Prickly pear Rhamnus crocea None Native Redberry Herbs – 59 Species Acmispon americanus var. americanus [=Lotus purshianus var. purshianus] None Native Spanish clover Amaranthus albus None Introduced Tumbleweed amaranth Ambrosia psilostachya None Native Western ragweed Amsinckia lycopsoides None Native Fiddleneck Anagallis arvensis None Introduced Scarlet pimpernel Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 42 Revised December 2015 Scientific Name Status Origin Common Name Avila Ranch Buckley Extension Asclepias fascicularis None Native Narrow-leaved milkweed Brassica nigra None Introduced Black mustard Brassica pekinensis None Planted Napa cabbage Carduus pycnocephalus None Introduced Italian thistle Carthamus tinctorius None Introduced Safflower Carex sp. None Native Sedge Centaurea melitensis None Introduced Tocolote Centaurea solstitialis None Introduced Yellow star thistle Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii 1B.1 Native Congdon’s tarplant Chenopodium sp. None Introduced Pigweed Cichorium intybus None Introduced Chicory Cirsium vulgare None Introduced Bull thistle Conium maculatum None Introduced Poison hemlock Convolvulus arvensis None Introduced Bindweed Cynara cardunculus None Introduced Artichoke Cyperus eragrostis None Native Umbrella sedge Datura wrightii None Native Jimsonweed Dipsacus sativus None Introduced Fuller’s teasel Epilobium brachycarpum None Native Annual willow-herb Erigeron [=Conzya] canadensis None Native Common horseweed Erodium cicutarium None Introduced Redstem filaree Euphorbia peplus None Introduced Petty spurge Foeniculum vulgare None Introduced Fennel Geranium dissectum None Introduced Geranium Geranium molle None Introduced Geranium Hedera helix None Introduced English ivy Helminthotheca [=Picris] echioides None Introduced Bristly ox-tongue Hirschfeldia incana None Introduced Mustard Kickxia elatine None Introduced Fluellin Lotus corniculatus None Introduced Birdfoot trefoil Malva nicaeensis None Introduced Bull mallow Malvella leprosa None Native Alkali mallow Marrubium vulgare None Introduced Horehound Matricaria discoidea [=Chamomilla suaveolens] None Introduced Pineapple weed Medicago polymorpha None Introduced California burclover Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 43 Revised December 2015 Scientific Name Status Origin Common Name Avila Ranch Buckley Extension Melilotus albus [=M. alba] None Introduced White sweet clover Melilotus indicus [=M. indica] None Introduced Annual sweetclover Melilotus officinalis None Introduced Yellow sweetclover Pisum sativum None Introduced Cultivated pea Plantago lanceolata None Introduced English plantain Polygonum aviculare subsp. depressum [=P. arenastrum] None Introduced Common knotweed Raphanus sativus None Introduced Wild radish Ricinus communis None Introduced Castor bean Rumex crispus None Introduced Curly dock Schoenoplectus [=Scirpus] californicus None Native California tule Silybum marianum None Introduced Milk thistle Sisymbrium irio None Introduced London rocket Sonchus asper subsp. asper None Introduced Prickly sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus None Introduced Common sow thistle Spergula arvensis None Introduced Stickwort Typha angustifolia None Native Narrow-leaved cattail Vicia faba None Introduced Fava bean Vicia sativa None Introduced Common vetch Xanthium strumarium None Native Cocklebur Grasses – 15 Species Avena barbata None Introduced Slender wild oat Avena fatua None Introduced Wild oat Bromus diandrus None Introduced Ripgut brome Bromus hordeaceus None Introduced Soft chess brome Bromus madritensis subsp. rubens [B. rubens] None Introduced Red top brome Cynodon dactylon None Introduced Bermuda grass Elymus glaucus None Native Blue wildrye Festuca arundinacea None Introduced Tall fescue Festuca perennis [=Lolium multiflorum] None Introduced Italian rye grass Hordeum murinum None Introduced Foxtail barley Hordeum vulgare None Introduced Barley Phalaris aquatica None Introduced Harding grass Polypogon monspeliensis None Introduced Annual beardgrass Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 44 Revised December 2015 Scientific Name Status Origin Common Name Avila Ranch Buckley Extension Stipa [=Piptatherum] miliaceum None Introduced Smilo grass Sorghum halepense None Planted Johnson grass 7.0 Wildlife Survey Results At least 106 animal species could occur in the Study Area (Table 8). These include 3 amphibians, 10 reptiles, 71 birds, and 22 mammals. Small mammal trapping studies were beyond the scope of this report, although several species are likely to occur. We provide this list as a guide to the wildlife observed in the Study Area and to the species that could be present at least seasonally. Other species could occur as transients, particularly avian fauna. Wildlife species detected in the Study Area include 1 amphibian, 2 reptiles, 50 birds, and 3 mammals. Throughout the agricultural land, western bluebirds, barn swallows, horned larks, and rock pigeons were observed foraging. The ruderal area around the periphery provided habitat for black-tailed jackrabbits and song sparrows. The riparian habitat around the seasonal drainage is excellent habitat for songbirds and small mammals with yellow-rumped warbler, oak titmouse, and pacific-slope flycatcher observed foraging throughout. We expect that several species of songbird nest in these riparian willows and other birds, such as woodpeckers, nest just offsite and forage in the Study Area. TABLE 8. WILDLIFE LIST. At least 106 animal species could occur in the Study Area. The Special Status column indicates listing status of the organism under the Federal Endangered Species Act, the California Endangered Species Act, or by CDFW or other organizations. Species observed at the site during our surveys are designated by the check symbol () in the fourth column. Common Name Scientific Name Special Status Found On-site Habitat Type Amphibians – 3 Species California (Western) Toad Bufo boreas halophilus None Grassland, woodland Sierran Treefrog [=Pacific Chorus Frog] Pseudacris sierra [formerly P. regilla] None Many habitats near water California Red-legged Frog Rana draytonii FT Streams, creeks, and ponds Reptiles – 10 Species Western Pond Turtle Actinemys marmorata CSSC Lakes, ponds, streams Northern Pacific Rattlesnake Crotalus oreganus oreganus None Dry, rocky habitats California Alligator Lizard Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata None Open grassland, woodland, chaparral California Nightsnake Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha nuchalata None Chaparral; grassland; arid, rocky areas California Kingsnake Lampropeltis getula californiae None Woodland, grassland, streams Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 45 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Special Status Found On-site Habitat Type San Diego Gopher Snake Pituophis catenifer annectens None Woodland, grassland, rural Skilton’s [=Western] Skink Plestiodon [=Eumeces] skiltonianus skiltonianus None Woodland, grassland, chaparral, inland and coastal Coast Range [=Western] Fence Lizard Sceloporus occidentalis bocourtii None Wide range; variety of habitats Coast Garter Snake Thamnophis elegans terrestris None Many habitats near water California Red-sided Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis None Many habitats near water Birds – 71 Species Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii WL (Nesting) Oak, riparian woodland Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus WL (Nesting) Oak, riparian woodland Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus None Marshes, fields Tricolored Blackbird Agelaius tricolor CSSC (Nesting Colony) Marshes, fields Western Scrub Jay Aphelocoma californica None Oak, riparian woodlands Oak Titmouse Baeolophus inornatus SA (Nesting) Oak woodland Cedar Waxwing Bombycella cedrorum None Wooded habitat with berry bushes; urban Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus None Woodland, grassland Bufflehead Bucephala albeola None Ponds, lakes Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis None Open, semi-open country Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus None Oak, riparian woodlands Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis WL (Wintering) Grasslands, open fields California Quail Callipepla californica None Shrubby habitats Anna’s Hummingbird Calypte anna None Many habitats Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria None Riparian, oak woodlands American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis None Weedy fields, woodlands House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus None Riparian, grasslands, chaparral, and woodlands Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura None Open country Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus None Woodland and brush Wrentit Chamaea fasciata None Riparian, chaparral Killdeer Charadrius vociferous None Mud flats, stream banks Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus None Woodlands Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata None Woodlands, urban trees Rock Dove Columba livia None Urban areas American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos None Many habitats, esp. urban Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 46 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Special Status Found On-site Habitat Type White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus Fully Protected Nests in dense live oaks Pacific-slope Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis None Riparian, oak woodlands California Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris actia WL Grassland, oak savanna Brewer’s Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus None Open habitats Merlin Falco columbarius SA (Wintering) Open country with adjacent woodlands American Kestrel Falco sparverius None Open, semi-open country Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas None Marshes, streamsides Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica None Riparian, grasslands, lakes Bullock's Oriole Icterus bullockii None Oak, riparian woodlands Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus None Urban, mixed woodland Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis None Oak woodland Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus CSSC Nests in shrubs, trees near open areas Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia None Oak, riparian woodland Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos None Riparian, chaparral and woodlands. Also urban House Sparrow Passer domesticus None Urban Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis None Open habitats, marshes, grasslands Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota None Urban; open areas near water Nuttall's Woodpecker Picoides nuttallii SA (Nesting) Oak, riparian woodlands Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens None Oak, riparian woodlands Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus None Oak, riparian woodlands California Towhee Pipilo crissalis None Brushy habitats Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus None Dense brushy areas Chestnut-backed Chickadee Poecile hudsonica None Mixed woods Blue-gray gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea None Chaparral Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus CSSC (Wintering) Open habitats Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus None Woodlands, chaparral Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus None Rural and developed areas, agricultural, urban areas Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula None Oak, riparian woodlands Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans None Near water Say’s Phoebe Sayornis saya None Open country, grassland Yellow-rumped Warbler Setophaga coronata None Woodlands, brush, open country Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia CSSC Riparian woodlands Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 47 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Special Status Found On-site Habitat Type Townsend's Warbler Setophaga townsendii None Riparian, oak woodlands Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana None Woodland near open areas Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto None Urban areas Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta None Open habitats, grasslands European Starling Sturnus vulgaris None Agricultural, livestock areas Bewick’s Wren Thryomanes bewickii None Riparian woodland, scrub Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis None Grasslands, savanna Cassin's Kingbird Tyrannus vociferans None Open and semi-open areas Barn Owl Tyto alba None Agricultural, woodlands Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata None Oak, riparian woodlands White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica None Open habitats, urban areas Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura None Open and semi-open habitats Golden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla None Dense woodlands, brushy areas White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys None Oak, riparian woodlands Mammals – 22 Species Townsend's Big-eared Bat Corynorhinus townsendii SSC Arid western desert scrub and pine forest regions California Vole Microtus californicus None Grassland meadows Big-eared Woodrat Neotoma macrotis None Wooded habitats Pallid Bat Antrozous pallidus CSSC Riparian, woodland, urban Coyote Canis latrans None Open woodlands, brushy areas, wide ranging. California Pocket Mouse Chaetodipus californicus None Chaparral, brush habitats Townsend's Big-eared Bat Corynorhinus townsendii CSSC Arid western desert scrub and pine forest regions Virginia Opossum Didelphis virginiana None Woodlands, streams Feral Cat Felis catus None Varied Hoary Bat Lasiurus cinereus None Variety of habitats, roosts in foliage Black-tailed Jackrabbit Lepus californicus None Grasslands California Vole Microtus californicus None Grassland meadows California Myotis Myotis californicus None Tunnels, hollow trees, buildings, bridges Big-eared Woodrat Neotoma macrotis None Wooded habitats Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus None Many habitats Little Pocket Mouse Perognathus longimembris longimembris None Grassland, alkali and coastal scrub habitats Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus None All dry land habitats Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 48 Revised December 2015 Common Name Scientific Name Special Status Found On-site Habitat Type California Ground Squirrel Spermophilus beecheyi None Grasslands Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii None Brushy habitats Brush Rabbit Sylvilagus bachmani None Brushy habitats Brazilian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida brasiliensis None Variety of habitats; roosts in bridges, buildings, caves Botta’s Pocket Gopher Thomomys bottae None Variety of habitats 8.0 Project Overview 8.1 General Discussion The Project includes residential and commercial development, open spaces, parks, and roads on lands currently used for agriculture. Open spaces are proposed on both sides of Tank Farm Creek. The Buckley Road extension will result in demolition of a residence, impacts to agricultural land, and removal of weedy vegetation on serpentine rock near South Higuera Street. Tank Farm Creek includes wetland and riparian habitats. The northern reach, a channelized section, is to be realigned and restored closer to its historic tributary site. The proposed drainage realignment would provide a local movement corridor from open spaces near Buckley Road, through the Study Area to existing habitat on the adjacent Tank Farm site. Realignment of the channelized reach of Tank Farm Creek is consistent with 2014 LUCE recommendation that wildlife corridors be preserved or created by interconnecting open spaces and conserved wildlife habitat. A bridge spanning the drainage is proposed for traffic from Venture Lane to Buckley Road. Proposed activities may require review under various regulatory authorities including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Federal Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and California Fish and Game Code. The regulatory review framework is described below. 8.2 Regulatory Framework 8.2.1 CEQA Guidance The California Environmental Quality Act was incorporated into Public Resources Code (PRC) Sections 21000–21177 in 1970. CEQA applies to projects that are funded by or require permit approval from a California public agency. Its purpose is to help inform government decision makers of potential environmental impacts caused by projects and to aid in selecting less environmentally adverse alternatives. CEQA requires the agencies to evaluate potential environmental effects of the project. The lead agency must identify other State and local agencies (known as responsible agencies) that will be issuing a discretionary approval subject to CEQA for an activity that is part of the project. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 49 Revised December 2015 A significant effect is defined in Section 15382 of the CEQA Guidelines: “Significant effect on the environment” means a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by the project including land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historic or aesthetic significance.” The City of San Luis Obispo is the lead agency for this project and is in the process of completing an EIR for the Avila Ranch Specific Plan (SP-4) as described in the 2014 LUCE. Section 15380 of the CEQA Guidelines formally defines the terms species, endangered, rare, and threatened as they pertain to CEQA. Section 15065 describes situations when a mandatory finding of significance will lead to an environmental impact report. Significant impacts typically require mitigation measures to avoid, minimize, or offset the significant impact, if practicable. 8.2.2 Federal and State Resource Protections The agencies that administer FESA and CESA formally list plant and animal species determined to be threatened or endangered, and have adopted regulations to implement these laws to protect such species. Other federal and state statutes providing protection for species and/or their habitats include, but are not limited to, the Federal Clean Water Act (for protection of waters of the United States, including wetlands), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Executive Order 11990 (wetlands protection), California Fish and Game Code sections 1601 – 1616 et. seq. (lake and streambed alteration), Porter- Cologne Water Quality Act, and the Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act. Flora and Fauna All of the plants constituting California Native Plant Society (CNPS) CRPR 1B meet the definitions of Section 1901, Chapter 10 of the California Native Plant Protection Act (CNPPA) in the California Fish and Game Code or Sections 2062 and 2067 (California Endangered Species Act) of the California Fish and Game Code, and are eligible for State listing. Species considered by the CNPS to be “rare, threatened or endangered in California” (CRPR Lists 1A, 1B and 2) meet the definition of rare or endangered under CEQA §15380(b) and (d). Most native species of birds are protected from disturbance by The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, (as regulated by the USFWS). Provisions of the California Fish and Game Code provide special protection to certain enumerated species such as: Section 3503 protects eggs and nests of all birds. Section 3503.5 protects birds of prey and their nests. Section 3511 lists fully protected birds. Sections 3513 protects all birds covered under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Section 3800 defines nongame birds. Section 4700 lists fully protected mammals. Section 5050 lists fully protected amphibians and reptiles. Section 5515 lists fully protected fish species. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 50 Revised December 2015 9.0 Potential Impacts to Biological Resources Construction of the proposed residential and commercial development and extension of Buckley Road could affect common and special status species, nesting birds, agricultural lands, wetland, and riparian/stream habitat. Project disturbance may occur primarily in active agricultural land habitat, but may also impact segments of the riparian and wetland habitat where the ephemeral drainage is realigned to the historical site at the tank farm spillover. Small amounts of developed and ruderal habitat will also be affected by the proposed extension of Buckley Road. Additional impact analysis may be required following the results of recommended protocol level surveys for the federally threatened California red-legged frog. 9.1 Habitat Impacts The proposed Project would primarily affect agricultural land, riparian/ephemeral drainage, and wetland habitat. Ruderal and developed habitat would be impacted by the proposed Buckley Road Extension. Habitat types mapped within the Study Area and discussed in this Section are overlaid on a high-resolution aerial photograph provided as a Biological Resource Map in Section 11.0. A preliminary site plan is provided in Attachment A. Table 9 summarizes habitat acreage impacts. TABLE 9. WETLAND AND RIPARIAN HABITAT IMPACT DATA. Approximate permanent impact acreage and location are provided for wetland and riparian habitat types in the Study Area that require mitigation. Habitat Type Permanent Impact (acres) Agricultural Land – Farmed Wetland, State 0.86 Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Federal Wetland 0.86 Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Willow Wetland, State 0.07 Totals:1.77 9.1.1 Agricultural Land – Farmed Wetland, State Approximately 0.86 acres of farmed wetlands may be permanently impacted by the proposed Project. This area is located on the Avila Ranch portion of the Project Site; there are no farmed wetlands on the proposed Buckley Road extension. 9.1.2 Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Federal Wetland Riparian areas provide habitat to many wildlife species, potentially including nesting birds, bats, small mammals and amphibians such as the California red-legged frog. The proposed project would directly affect approximately 0.86 acres of existing riparian /ephemeral drainage habitat. Permanent impacts will occur along the northern reach of Tank Farm Creek and the east-west farmed ditch. Impacts would ultimately be offset by revegetation, enhancement, creation of riparian habitat along the impacted creek segments and by relocating the north-south drainage to a more historical route (Section 10). Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 51 Revised December 2015 9.1.3 Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Willow Wetland, State Approximately 0.07 acre of willow wetland, State, would be impacted by the Avila Ranch portion of the Project. Multi-use paths will be built along Tank Farm Creek and will be bridged across the creek twice. Up to thirteen stormwater outfalls that convey filtered water may be installed within Tank Farm Creek. These impacts would ultimately be offset by revegetation, enhancement, and creation of riparian habitat along the impacted creek segments and in the relocation area. 9.2 Nesting Birds Removal of riparian vegetation along Tank Farm Creek and demolition of structures in the proposed Buckley Road extension could adversely affect nesting birds if implemented during the nesting season (March 15 through August 15). These impacts include removal of nesting habitat, disturbance of active nests causing abandonment and mortality of eggs or nestlings, and/or direct mortality of nestlings. Although the agricultural land is regularly tilled, ground nesting birds are not likely to but could be adversely affected by the proposed Project. Mitigation measures for nesting birds are listed in Section 10.2. 9.3 Special Status Species 9.3.1 Special Status Plants Seven special status plant species could occur based on an analysis of known ecological requirements of these species and the habitat conditions that were observed in the Study Area. Seasonally timed floristic surveys were conducted in spring 2014 to determine the presence or absence of these species. Only one special status species, Congdon’s tarplant, was mapped in the Study Area. A small patch of Congdon’s tarplant was mapped in the southern portion of the Study Area in 2014. The patch measured approximately 1,330 square feet and consisted of about 750 plants near Buckley Road adjacent to the agricultural land and associated with ruderal habitat. One individual dried plant from the previous year was observed upturned in the soil of agricultural land habitat in February, about 500 feet west of the known patch. Based on preliminary site plans, development of agricultural land and surrounding ruderal habitat may adversely affect this special status subspecies. Mitigation measures for Congdon’s tarplant are provided in Section 10.3.1. 9.3.2 Special Status Birds Nesting and wintering habitat for special status birds is present in the Study Area. Construction activities could result in nest abandonment or loss of special status bird species if appropriate preconstruction surveys, setback requirements, and management practices are not implemented. Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, yellow warbler, and California horned lark could nest in riparian or agricultural land habitat within the Study Area. Nesting habitat may be affected by the proposed Project. Avoidance of the breeding season or preconstruction surveys are recommended prior to activities that affect trees and potentially occupied structures during the nesting season, March 15 to August 15. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 52 Revised December 2015 Several special status bird species could winter or were observed foraging during the winter within the Study Area. Appropriate habitat is present for ferruginous hawk and merlin to forage during winter in the Study Area, and a single Oregon vesper sparrow was observed foraging in the agricultural land in February 2014. The proposed Project may impact special status bird species by the removal of wintering and foraging habitat. The nearby Tank Farm, South Hills Natural Area, and surrounding agricultural lands may provide wintering and foraging habitat near the Study Area. Mitigation measures for birds are listed in Section 10.2. 9.3.3 Special Status Bats Pallid bat is a CDFW species of special concern and Townsend’s big-eared bat is a candidate for listing as threatened under CESA. Both are known to roost in buildings and bridges, and pallid bat may roost in trees. The Study Area contains structures in developed areas and some trees with appropriate day roosting habitat. Maternal bat colonies are protected by CDFW but are not expected to occur in the Study Area. Potentially adverse effects to special status bats and maternal bat colonies can be avoided (see Section 10.3.3). 9.3.4 Special Status Reptiles and Amphibians Two species of special status reptiles and amphibians may occur in the Study Area. Potential habitat for western pond turtle and California red-legged frog is present in the Study Area. Tank Farm Creek may provide wet season habitat for western pond turtles and California red- legged frogs. While only shallow (2-5 inches) pools lacking connectivity were observed in the drainage during the 2014 surveys, appropriate semi-permanent pool habitat may be present during years of average rainfall. Also, rainfall during 2012-2014 was less than average. Pool habitat is expected to be present through spring during years of average rainfall. The removal of riparian and wetland habitat for the realignment of the drainage source could directly impact California red-legged frog and western pond turtles. Additionally, any changes to the flow and hydrology as well as sediment deposition downstream from the work may impact these species. These two species were not observed in the Study Area during the 2014 wildlife surveys. Measures to avoid or minimize impacts to these species are provided in Section 10.3.4. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 53 Revised December 2015 10.0 Recommendations and Mitigation Measures Riparian and wetland habitat, and special status species are present in the Study Area. This section provides recommendations and mitigation measures to reduce the effect of the Project on biological resources. Where potentially adverse impacts to biological resources could occur during construction of the Project or due to the presence of the Project, we provide biological resource (BR) mitigation measures designed to offset the adverse effect. 10.1 Habitats The proposed Project would primarily affect agricultural land, riparian and wetland habitats. Areas outside proposed construction, landscaping, and facilities would be retained as natural open space and for on-site mitigation. We provide the following recommendations to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate potential Project effects on habitats. Mitigation recommendations for farmed wetlands, Federal wetlands, and State wetlands are provided in Section 10.1.1 to avoid redundancy. Mitigation recommendations provided in Sections 10.1 and 10.2 address potential adverse effects of habitat removal on special status species and nesting birds. 10.1.1 Agricultural Land – Farmed Wetland, State; Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Federal Wetland; and Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Willow Wetlands, State Approximately 0.86 acres of Agricultural Land – Farmed Wetland, State may be impacted by the project. Approximately 0.86 acre of Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Federal Wetland and 0.07 acre of Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage – Willow Wetland, State may be impacted by the project. The project proposes to create and restore approximately 2.4 acres of state wetland (one or two wetland indicators) and 2.6 acres of federal wetland (three wetland indicators). BR-1. Where the project impacts riparian areas, ephemeral drainages, and/or wetland habitats, the Applicant shall obtain all required permits from the USACE, CDFW, and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). BR-2. To minimize impacts on riparian habitat and seasonal drainages, prepare a restoration and enhancement plan. This plan may be included as part of the wetland mitigation, maintenance, and monitoring plan described in BR-11, below. Temporary impacts to wetland and riparian habitat shall be mitigated at a minimum 1 to 1 mitigation ratio for restoration (area of restored habitat to impacted habitat). Permanent impacts to state farmed wetland or riparian habitat will be mitigated at a 1.5 to 1 ratio (area of restored and enhanced habitat to impacted habitat). Permanent impacts to federal wetland shall be mitigated at a minimum 3 to 1 ratio (1:1 area of created to impacted habitat plus 2:1 area of created/enhanced habitat to impacted habitat). Appropriate restoration and enhancement activities include planting appropriate native species, correcting bank stabilization issues, and providing habitat enhancements. Appropriate wetland and riparian habitat creation includes establishment of on-site wetland that supports obligate and facultative wetland plants such as willows, cottonwoods, rushes, and creeping wildrye. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 54 Revised December 2015 BR-3. A wetland mitigation, maintenance, monitoring, and reporting plan (MMRP) shall be prepared and approved by the City and other jurisdictional agencies. a. Mitigation areas shall be established within the Project boundaries, adjacent to and contiguous with existing wetlands to the maximum extent possible. Habitats suitable for Congdon’s tarplant and other native wetland species shall be created on-site. Mitigation sites shall be placed within deed-restricted area(s), and shall be maintained and monitored for a minimum of five years. If sufficient on-site mitigation area is not practicable, an off-site mitigation plan shall be prepared and approved by permitting agencies. b. Creation of the restored northern reach of Tank Farm Creek shall be implemented during Phase 1. Other mitigation for permanent impacts to wetlands shall also be implemented during Phase 1. c. A weed management plan and weed identification list will be included in the mitigation area maintenance plan. BR-4. Riparian habitat not proposed to be impacted except at the bridge locations shall be protected by placement and maintenance of construction barrier fencing during all phases of construction. Where practicable, barrier fencing shall be placed a minimum of 20 feet from the habitat boundary. BR-5. To minimize impacts on riparian habitat and seasonal drainages, a restoration and enhancement plan shall be prepared. This plan may be included as part of the wetland mitigation, maintenance, and monitoring plan described in BR-11, below. The reconstructed stream channel shall be engineered to provide similar characteristics to the existing channel, including sinuosity, gradient, and channel capacity. The reconstructed stream channel shall be vegetated with appropriate riparian tree and shrub species. BR-6. Trees four inches diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) shall be replaced in-kind at a minimum ratio of 3:1 (replaced:removed). Trees 24 inches or greater DBH shall be replaced in-kind at a minimum ratio of 10:1. Willows and cottonwoods may be planted from live stakes following guidelines provided in the California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual for planting dormant cuttings and container stock (CDFW 2010). Permanent impacts to riparian vegetation shall be mitigated at a 3:1 ratio to ensure no net loss of acreage and individual plants. BR-7. Replacement trees may be planted in the fall or winter of the year in which trees were removed. All replacement trees will be planted no more than one year following the date upon which the native trees were removed. Replacement plants shall be monitored for 5 years with a goal of at least 70 percent survival at the end of the 5-year period. Supplemental irrigation may be provided during years 1 to 3; however, supplemental watering shall not be provided during the final two years of monitoring. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 55 Revised December 2015 BR-8. A seed mix shall be applied to all areas of the Project resulting in any exposed slopes or exposed areas on stream banks. The seed mix shall contain a minimum of three locally- native grass species and may contain one or two sterile non-native grasses not to exceed 25 percent of the total seed mix by count. Seeding shall be completed no later than November 15 of the year in which Project Activities occurred. All exposed areas where seeding is considered unsuccessful after 90 days shall receive a second application or seeding, straw, or mulch as soon as is practical. BR-9. To minimize impacts to riparian habitat, stockpile sufficient emergent vegetation (e.g., tules) for later planting in the realigned reach of Tank Farm Creek. Stockpiled vegetation should be placed in earthen basins with the roots covered with moist soil and maintained in a moist condition during construction operations. BR-10. An existing smooth steel culvert pipe currently used for farm access across Tank Farm Creek should be removed. The channel shall be restored to match upstream and downstream conditions, including channel width and gradient, and vegetated with riparian vegetation. BR-11. A construction completion report will be prepared by the Project biologist based on as- built drawings and site inspections. A report will be submitted to the permitting agencies within 60 days of final installation of plant material. The report shall include as-built plans prepared after restoration grading and mitigation site plantings are complete. The as-built plans shall be prepared by landscape and grading contractors responsible for realignment and restoration within Tank Farm Creek. BR-12. Mitigation areas shall be maintained monthly for the first three years and quarterly thereafter. Maintenance shall include eradication of noxious weeds found on California Department of Food and Agriculture Lists (CDFA) A and B. Noxious weeds on CDFA list C may be eradicated or otherwise managed. BR-13. Mitigation implementation and success shall be monitored quarterly for the first two years, semi-annually during the third year, and annually the fourth and fifth years. Annual reports documenting site inspections and site recovery status shall be prepared and sent to the County and appropriate agencies. BR-14. After all habitat restoration is completed, a conservation easement shall be placed over the natural open space areas of the project with the City and CDFW named as third- party beneficiaries. 10.1.2 Ruderal / Disturbed Loss of ruderal habitat usually does not require mitigation except where it affects special status species or important wildlife populations. Congdon’s tarplant was found within ruderal habitat and may be mitigated on an individual basis (refer to Section 10.3.1 rare plant mitigation). Impacts to Ruderal/Disturbed habitat are minor and mitigation is not required. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 56 Revised December 2015 10.1.3 Developed The Project would alter existing developed lands for other land uses. Conversion of developed habitat to other uses does not typically require mitigation. Buildings in the Study Area support cliff swallow nests and may provide bat roosting habitat. BR-15. Conduct bat surveys in buildings proposed for demolition. Install bat exclusion devices between August and November. Remove buildings between November and March, if bats are present. If demolition of structures must occur during the bat breeding season, buildings must be inspected and deemed clear of bat colonies/roosts within 7 days of demolition. 10.2 Nesting Birds Migratory non-game native bird species are protected by international treaty under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 (50 C.F.R. Section 10.13). Sections 3503, 3503.5 and 3513 of the California Fish and Game Code (FGC) prohibit take of all native birds and their active nests, including raptors and other migratory non-game birds (as listed under the Federal MBTA). “Take” is defined in Section 86 of the FGC as to “hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.” BR-16. Within one week of ground disturbance or tree removal/trimming activities, if work occurs between March 15 and August 15, nesting bird surveys shall be conducted. To avoid impacts to nesting birds, grading and construction activities that affect trees and grasslands shall not be conducted during the breeding season from February 15 to August 15. If construction activities must be conducted during this period, nesting bird surveys shall take place within one week of habitat disturbance. If active nests are located, no construction activities shall occur within 50 feet of nests until chicks are fledged. Construction activities shall observe a 200-foot buffer for active raptor nests. A preconstruction survey report shall be submitted to the lead agency immediately upon completion of the survey. The report shall detail appropriate fencing or flagging of the buffer zone and make recommendations on additional monitoring requirements. A map of the Project site and nest locations shall be included with the report. The Project biologist conducting the nesting survey shall have the authority to reduce or increase the recommended buffer depending upon site conditions. A report of findings and recommendations for bird protection will be submitted to the City prior to vegetation removal. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 57 Revised December 2015 10.3 Recommendations and Mitigation Measures for Special Status Species 10.3.1 Special Status Plants One special status plant species, Congdon’s tarplant, was detected in the Study Area. Congdon’s tarplant grows well in disturbed sites where water ponds until late spring, and propagation is not difficult. The City of San Luis Obispo has successfully reintroduced over 1,000 Congdon’s tarplant individuals in created wetland depressions at a site with similar soil and hydrology within a mile of the Study Area. The following mitigation measures shall be implemented for Congdon’s tarplant to reduce the overall effect of the project on this rare species: BR-17. A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan (MMRP) shall be prepared that provides for the retention of Congdon’s tarplant within the Study Area. BR-18. If Congdon’s tarplant is found in areas proposed for building, the affected individuals shall be replaced at a 1:1 ratio through seeding in a suitable conserved natural open space area. Implementation of the mitigation and monitoring plan will reduce impacts to Congdon’s tarplant to a less than significant level. The mitigation plan may be incorporated into the wetland mitigation plan described in BR-8 above, wherein vernal wetland sites will be created, and Congdon’s tarplant seeds from the site will be reintroduced. The plan shall be subject to approval by the City. The mitigation site shall be within a deed-restricted area, and shall be maintained and monitored for a minimum of five years. The plan shall provide for the annual success over an area of at least 1,330 square feet with approximately 500-750 individuals (the current aerial extent). 10.3.2 Bats Roosting bats and/or maternal bat colonies may be present in developed structures or trees with appropriate cavities or loose bark in the Study Area. BR-19. Upon project approval, a qualified biologist shall conduct a survey of existing structures in the Study Area to determine if roosting bats are present. If possible, the survey shall be conducted during the non-breeding season (November through March). The biologist shall have access to all interior attics, as needed. If a colony of bats is found roosting in any structure, further surveys shall be conducted sufficient to determine the species present and the type of roost (day, night, maternity, etc.) If the bats are not part of an active maternity colony, passive exclusion measures may be implemented with approval from CDFW. November is the best time of the year to exclude bats from a roost because it is after the breeding season and before winter hibernation (not all species hibernate). BR-20. If bats are roosting in a structure in the Study Area during the daytime but are not part of an active maternity colony, then exclusion measures must include one-way valves that allow bats to get out but are designed so that the bats may not re-enter the structure. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 58 Revised December 2015 BR-21. If a bat colony is excluded from the Study Area, appropriate alternate bat habitat shall be installed in the Study Area. To the extent practicable, alternate bat house installation shall be installed near the on-site drainage. BR-22. Prior to removal of any trees over 20 inches DBH, a survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to determine if any tree proposed for removal or trimming harbor sensitive bat species or maternal bat colonies. If a non-maternal roost is found, the qualified biologist, with prior approval from CDFW, shall install one-way valves or other appropriate passive relocation method. For each occupied roost removed, one bat box shall be installed in similar habitat and shall have similar cavity or crevices properties to those which are removed, including access, ventilation, dimensions, height above ground, and thermal conditions. Maternal bat colonies may not be disturbed. 10.3.3 Special Status Reptiles and Amphibians Potential habitat for western pond turtle and California red-legged frog is present in the Study Area. Construction activities could result in the loss of foraging and breeding habitat. Western Pond Turtle If work is proposed in or near the seasonal drainage or riparian habitat while surface water is present, the following mitigation measures shall be implemented to reduce the potential for impacts to pond turtle: BR-23. A pre-construction survey shall be conducted within 48 hours prior to starting work in or within 50 feet of habitats likely to support western pond turtle such as seasonal drainages and riparian. The survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist approved to relocate western pond turtles should they occur. If western pond turtles are located during the pre-construction survey, a biologist shall monitor ground-breaking work conducted within 50 feet of turtle habitat. If western pond turtles are found in the work area, construction in the immediate area shall cease until the animal is captured and relocated to the nearest suitable habitat. BR-24. If necessary, silt fence may be installed adjacent to western pond turtle habitat to prevent overland movements of pond turtles (and other small animals) if concern arises that western pond turtle overland movement could allow them access to construction areas. California Red-legged Frog Potential habitat for California red-legged frogs (CRLF) is present in the Study Area although this species was not observed during spring 2014 wildlife surveys. Regulatory agencies may require additional measures as part of permits to construct drainage crossing. BR-25. Prior to the onset of construction activities, a qualified biologist shall conduct training sessions to familiarize all construction personnel with identification of California red- legged frogs, their habitat, general provisions and protections afforded by the Federal Endangered Species Act, measures necessary to protect California red-legged frogs, and a review of the project boundaries. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 59 Revised December 2015 BR-26. Within 48 hours of construction activities that may impact California red-legged frog habitat, the project site shall be surveyed for California red-legged frogs by a qualified biologist. If any California red-legged frogs are found, work within 25 linear feet in any direction of the frog shall not start until the frog has moved from the area, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shall be consulted for appropriate action. BR-27. If California red-legged frogs are found on the Project site, the Project proponent will obtain a Biological Opinion from the USFWS and any additional authorization required by other regulatory agencies. BR-28. Frog-exclusion fencing can be used as a barrier to overland movements of frogs if concern arises that movements could allow them access to construction areas. Frog exclusion fencing must be a smooth material installed with no gaps, and must extend at least 18 inches above ground. These fences may be opened during periods of no construction (e.g. on weekends) to prevent entrapment of CRLF. BR-29. USFWS-approved biological monitor(s) shall be present on-site during all construction activities occurring within 50 feet of drainages and in the riparian zone. Prior to the start of construction activities each day, biologist(s) will survey the work sites for CRLF before work starts including inspecting parked vehicles and equipment. California red- legged frogs captured during surveys or construction activities will be relocated to the nearest suitable habitat outside of the project area. Relocation of CRLF will require a Biological Opinion from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 10.4 Construction Stormwater The following recommendations and minimization measures are provided to ensure that habitat impacts do not occur from Project-related sediment and erosion. BR-30. Soil disturbance for the Project exceeds one acre. Prior to the onset of construction, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) shall be prepared. The SWPPP shall contain Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent pollutants from leaving the site and entering waters of the State. BR-31. Biodegradable fiber rolls shall be installed pursuant to Caltrans Fiber Roll Detail SC-5, available at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/construc/stormwater/SC-05.pdf. To minimize the risk of ensnaring wildlife, all erosion control mats or blankets, fiber rolls, or similar erosion control products shall be comprised entirely of natural-fiber, biodegradable materials. No "photodegradable" or other plastic erosion control materials shall be used. Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 60 Revised December 2015 11.0 Figures Figure 1. USGS Topographic Map Figure 2. Aerial Photograph Figure 3. USDA Soil Map Figure 4. Animals - CNDDB & FWS Critical Habitat Map Figure 5. Plants - CNDDB & FWS Critical Habitat Map Figure 6. Biological Resources (Habitat) Map Figure 7. Habitat Impacts Map Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed 0 1 20.5 Miles Map Updated: December 30, 2015 01:36 PM Figure 1. USGS Topographic Map µ Avila RanchSan Luis Obispo Copyright: © 2013 National Geographic Society £¤101 £¤101 ^_ Avila Ranch Santa BarbaraCounty San Luis ObispoCounty Legend Study Area BIOLOGICALAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ALTHOUSE AND MEADE,INC. 076-361-025 076-071-016 076-361-016 076-071-011 076-361-022 076-081-020 076-361-023 076-081-018 0 0.5 10.25 Mile 2014 San Luis Obispo County NAIP Aerial Photography Map Updated: December 30, 2015 01:00 PM Figure 2. Aerial Photograph µ Avila RanchSan Luis Obispo Parcel Boundaries Study Area BIOLOGICALAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ALTHOUSE AND MEADE,INC. 170 197 120 120 127 127 169 129 221 129 130 216 197 197 130 169 130143 129 178 216 169 0 0.5 10.25 Mile Soil Survey of San Luis Obispo County Coastal Soils 2014 San Luis Obispo County NAIP Aerial Photography Map Updated: December 30, 2015 01:03 PM Figure 3. USDA Soils Map µ Avila RanchSan Luis Obispo Study Area 120: Concepcion loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes 127: Cropley clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes 129: Diablo clay, 5 to 9 percent slopes 169: Marimel sandy clay loam, occasionally flooded 170: Marimel silty clar loam, drained 197: Salinas silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes 221: Xererts-Xerolls-Urban land complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes BIOLOGICALAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ALTHOUSE AND MEADE,INC. Figure 4. CNDDB and FWS Critical Habitat-Plants Study Area 5-mile Buffer Adobe sanicle Black-flowered figwort Blochman's dudleya Brewer's spineflower Cambria morning-glory Chaparral ragwort Congdon's tarplant Dune larkspur Dwarf soaproot Eastwood's larkspur Hoover's bent grass Hoover's button-celery Indian Knob mountainbalm Jones' layia La Panza mariposa-lily Mesa horkelia Miles' milk-vetch Morro manzanita Most beautiful jewelflower Mouse-gray dudleya Ojai fritillary Palmer's monardella Pecho manzanita Pismo clarkia Saline clover San Benito fritillary San Luis Obispo County lupine San Luis Obispo fountain thistle San Luis Obispo owl's-clover San Luis Obispo sedge San Luis mariposa-lily Santa Margarita manzanita Southern curly-leaved monardella Umbrella larkspur 2014 San Luis Obispo County NAIP Aerial Photography Map Updated: December 30, 2015 03:07 PM µ 0 2 41 Miles Avila RanchSan Luis Obispo BIOLOGICALAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ALTHOUSE AND MEADE,INC. Figure 5. CNDDB and FWS Critical Habitat Map-Animals Study Area 5-Mile Buffer Steelhead critical habitat California red-legged frog critical habitat American badger Atascadero June beetle California red-legged frog Coast Range newt Townsend's big-eared bat black legless lizard coast horned lizard ferruginous hawk foothill yellow-legged frog loggerhead shrike monarch - California overwintering population pallid bat prairie falcon steelhead - south-central California coast DPS tidewater goby vernal pool fairy shrimp western mastiff bat western pond turtle western yellow-billed cuckoo 2014 San Luis Obispo County NAIP Aerial Photography Map Updated: December 30, 2015 02:18 PM µ 0 2 41 Miles Avila RanchSan Luis Obispo BIOLOGICALAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ALTHOUSE AND MEADE,INC. Tank Farm CreekCorner Wetland Lockheed Wetland Bowl Wetland East-W e st D r ai n a g e North-South DrainageVachell LaneBuckley Road Study Area Agricultural Land- Farmed Wetland, State Agricultural Land- Non-Wetland Congdon's Tarplant Developed Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage- Federal Wetland Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage- Willow Wetland, State Ruderal/Disturbed 2014 San Luis Obispo County NAIP Aerial Photography Map Updated: January 07, 2016, 12:06 PM Avila RanchSan Luis Obispo Figure 6. Biological Resources (Habitat) Map µ 0 1,000 2,000500 Feet BIOLOGICALAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ALTHOUSE AND MEADE,INC. Study Area Impact Type Bridge Permanent Relocation Restored Channel Restored Riparian Temporary Habitat Type Agricultural Land- Farmed Wetland, State Agricultural Land- Non-Wetland Congdon's Tarplant Developed Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage- Federal Wetland Riparian/Ephemeral Drainage- Willow Wetland, State Ruderal/Disturbed 2014 San Luis Obispo County NAIP Aerial Photography Map Updated: December 31, 2015 11:46 AM Avila RanchSan Luis Obispo Figure 7. Biological Resources (Habitat) Impacts µ 0 1,000 2,000500 Feet BIOLOGICALAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ALTHOUSE AND MEADE,INC. Althouse and Meade, Inc. - 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 68 Revised December 2015 12.0 Photographs Photo 1. View of ruderal habitat at the proposed Buckley Road Extension near South Higuera Street. Photo taken 3/18/2014. Photo 2. View northeast of plowed agricultural land, previously planted in safflower. Photo taken 2/27/2014. Photo 3. View east of a disturbed patch of artichoke along northern border of the Study Area. Photo taken 2/27/2014. Photo 4. View west of agricultural land and bordering ruderal habitat along Buckley Road to the south of the Study Area. Photo taken 2/27/2014. Althouse and Meade, Inc. - 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 69 Revised December 2015 Photo 5. View northeast of ephemeral wetland habitat supplied by nuisance water from neighboring facility (seen on left). Photo taken 2/27/2014. Photo 6. View west of irrigated agricultural land found east of the seasonal drainage. Photo taken 2/27/2014. Photo 7. Congdon’s tarplant in a ruderal scrape at the southern end of the Study Area. Photo taken 6/26/2014. Photo 8. Congdon’s tarplant in a ruderal scrape at the southern end of the Study Area. Photo taken 5/28/2014. Photo 9. View west of Wetland #3. Photo taken 1/14/2014. Photo 10. View west of the developed habitat found at the site of the proposed Buckley Road extension. Photo taken 5/28/2014. Althouse and Meade, Inc. - 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 70 Revised December 2015 Photo 11. View south of Tank Farm Creek with aquatic and riparian vegetation. Photo taken 6/26/2014 Photo 12. Riparian vegetation is thick with arroyo willows throughout most of the habitat. Photo taken 6/26/2014 Althouse and Meade, Inc. - 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 71 Revised December 2015 13.0 References Althouse and Meade, Inc. 2004. Botanical Assessment for ZooMed Laboratories, Inc., APN 076- 361-003. Vachell Lane, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California. August. Althouse and Meade, Inc. 2015. Delineation of Potentially Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. and California for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California. Prepared for Avila Ranch LLC, San Luis Obispo, CA. December. Avocet Environmental, Inc. 2015. Technical Memorandum; Additional Hydrology Support, Avila Ranch Development, San Luis Obispo, California. Prepared for Cannon, San Luis Obispo. December 1. 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. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2000. Guidelines for Assessing the Effects of Proposed Projects on Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants and Natural Communities. Revised May 8. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 1991. California Salmonid Stream habitat Restoration Manual. Revised 2010. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2009. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities. November 24. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). 2011. Special Animals List (898 taxa). State of California, The Resources Agency. January. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). 2015. Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List. Quarterly publication. 126 pp. October. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2009. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities. November 24. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) Rarefind. 2012. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife Natural Diversity Data Base, version 5. January 27, 2014 data. California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 1983. CNPS Botanical Survey Guidelines. California Native Plant Society. December 9, 1983, revised June 2, 2001. California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2012. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition, v8-01a). California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA. Accessed on Monday, December 3. City of San Luis Obispo. 2014. Draft Program Environmental Impact Report Land Use and Circulation Elements Update (LUCE). San Luis Obispo 2035 Land Use & Circulation Update: Volume 1 - Draft Program EIR. State Clearinghouse No. 2013121019. June 13. Althouse and Meade, Inc. - 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California 72 Revised December 2015 Consortium of California Herbaria website. 2014. Regents of the University of California. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium/ County of San Luis Obispo, Department of Planning and Building, Environmental Division. 2007. Guidelines for Preparation of Biological Reports. Revised December 11. Harvey, Michael J., J. Scott Altenbach, and Troy L. Best. 2011. Bats of the United States and Canada. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland. Hickman, James C. 1993. The Jepson Manual. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, California. Holland, V.L. and David J. Keil. 1995. California Vegetation. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa. Hoover, Robert F. 1970. The Vascular Plants of San Luis Obispo County, California. University of California Press. Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London. Ingles, Lloyd G. 1965. Mammals of the Pacific States; California, Oregon, Washington. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. Kays, Roland W. and Don E. Wilson. 2002. Princeton Field Guides, Mammals of North America. Princeton University Press, Princeton and Oxford. Murie, Olaus J. 1974. Peterson Field Guides, Animal Tracks. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, New York. Pierson, E. D., P. W. Collins, W. E. Rainey, P. A. Heady, and C. J. Corben. 2002. Distribution, Status and Habitat Associations of Bat Species on Vandenberg Air Force Base, Santa Barbara County, California. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Technical Reports – No. 1. Sawyer, John O., Todd Keeler-Wolf, and Julie M. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. Schuford, David W. and Thomas Gardali, Editors. 2008. California Bird Species of Special Concern: A Ranked Assessment of Species, Subspecies, and Distinct Populations of Bids of Immediate Conservation Concern in California. Studies of Western Birds No. 1. Western Field Ornithologists, Camarillo, California, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento. Sibley, David Allen. 2001. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior. National Audubon Society. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Stebbins, Robert C. 2003. Peterson Field Guides Western Reptiles and Amphibians, 3rd edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, New York. Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), United States Department of Agriculture. 2008. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database for San Luis Obispo County, Coastal Part, CA. Available online at http://datagateway.nrcs.usda.gov/, and http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov Tabular data version 4, Spatial data version 1, January. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service. 1984. Soil Survey of San Luis Obispo County, California, Coastal Part. Althouse and Meade, Inc. - 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California Attachment A- 1 Revised December 2015 Attachment A – Avila Ranch Development Plan Avila Ranch Development Plan (RRM Design Group September 25, 2015; P-2) AVILA RANCH DEVELOPMENT PLAN P-2September 25, 2015 #1011023Site Plan 0 100 200 400 SCALE: 1:200 (18”x24” sheet) Reservation Area 100’ x 1,200’EARTHWOOD LN.VENTURE DRIVES. HIGUERA ST.55 d b 65 d b BUCKLEY RD.JESPERSEN DR.VACHELL LN.HORIZON LN.Single Event Noise Contour Ldn/CNEL Noise Contour PARK OS OS OS OS PARK PARK PARK PARK Refer to detailed R3 layout P P Althouse and Meade, Inc. - 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California Attachment B- 1 Revised December 2015 Attachment B – Hydrology—Avila Ranch and San Luis Obispo Tank Farm Figures Existing Drainage Conditions (Figure 2 dated 9/14/2015 from Cannon 2015 Avila Ranch Draft Drainage Report, December 17). Proposed Storm Water Management Improvements (Figure 2 from Avocet’s December 1 Technical Memorandum included in the Cannon 2015 Drainage Report). Wetland Delineation for Avila Ranch (Exhibit A from Althouse and Meade December 2015) TANK FARM ROAD SOUTH HIGUERA STREETBUCKLEY ROADVACHELL LANESUBURBAN ROAD HORIZON LANESource: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User CommunityS:\GIS\1428_Avila_Ranch\ArcDocuments\007_1428.002_Addtnl_Hydro_Extents.mxd\11/30/2015FIGURE 2 EXTENT OF ADDITIONAL HYDROLOGY INVESTIGATION AVILA RANCHADDITIONAL HYDROLOGY SUPPORT PREPARED FORCANNONSAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA APPROXIMATESCALE 0 500 1,000250 Feet PROJECT SITE LEGEND CREEKS PROPOSED STORM WATER MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENTS AVILA RANCH PROJECT BOUNDARY TOPOGRAPHIC CONTOURS TANKFARMCREEK EAST BR A N C H S A N L U IS OBISPOCR E E K PROPOSED DISCHARGE LOCATION !CHEVRON PROPOSED STORM WATER MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENTS NOTE: THIS ANALYSIS ONLY CONSIDERS STORMWATERMANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENTS SOUTH OF TANK FARM ROAD ONLY. ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS PROPSOED NORTH OF TANK FARM ROAD ARE BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THE CURRENT ANALYSIS. Service Layer Credits: Copyright: © 2013 National Geographic Society !R !R !R !R !R !R !R!R !R !R !R !R !R Buckley RoadVachell LaneHiguera StreetLockheed Wetland Corner Wetland Tank Fa r m C r e e k North-South DrainageEast-West Drainage Bowl Wetland 9 8 7 6 5 4 32 1 13 10 12 11 Map Updated: December 31, 2015 04:16 PM 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 10.1 Mile µ Avila Ranch LLCSan Luis Obispo, CA Legend !R Soil Pits Potential CWA Sec 404 Federal Wetland (3.03 ac) Potential Additional California State Jurisdiction (4.77 ac) Study Area Exhibit A. Delineation of Potentially Jurisdictional Wetlands and Waters BIOLOGICALAND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ALTHOUSE AND MEADE,INC. Althouse and Meade, Inc. - 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California Attachment C - 1 Revised December 2015 Attachment C – Statement of Qualifications of Report Contributors Althouse and Meade, Inc. - 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California Attachment C - 2 Revised December 2015 Althouse and Meade, Inc. Staff Qualifications LynneDee Althouse, M.S. – Principal Scientist LynneDee Althouse is a consulting biologist, restoration ecologist, botanist, soil scientist, and Clean Water Act specialist with extensive experience, having conducted hundreds of surveys and restoration projects in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Kern, Monterey, San Joaquin, Kings, and Ventura Counties. LynneDee is an expert botanist and a soil scientist with a strong background in watershed ecology. She has extensive experience regarding the flora of central and coastal California, including the Carrizo Plain. She has been a lecturer in conservation planning at U.C. Santa Barbara, and has taught natural history and soil science at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She has trained many students and employees to become environmental professionals, including conservation planners and restoration ecologists. LynneDee is an expert on permit compliance. She regularly works with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), State Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regarding permitting issues, and frequently works with the California Coastal Commission (CCC) and County and City governments. Mike Hill, M.S. – Steelhead & CRLF Biologist/Erosion Control Specialist/Regulatory Specialist Mike has over 31 years of experience as a fisheries biologist and regulatory specialist, with an emphasis on streambed erosion. Mike earned his Bachelor of Science in Fisheries from Humboldt State University and his Masters of Science in Agriculture with a specialization in Soil Science from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. He has extensive experience in permitting, particularly with preparing streambed alteration agreements including development of mitigation measures to ensure protection of resources as well as monitoring projects in process. He is an expert in watershed management and protection including site rehabilitation, erosion and sediment control practices, cumulative watershed effects, stream habitat assessment, and stream/riparian restoration techniques. Mike is also trained in wildlife observation and monitoring. He has been approved by USFWS to monitor San Joaquin kit fox and is qualified to conduct steelhead and California red-legged frog surveys. He has written numerous biological assessments, and is an expert in the preparation of environmental documents pursuant to CEQA. Mike is a Certified Fisheries Professional, Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control, and a Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevent Plan (SWPPP) Developer/Practitioner. Jacqueline Tilligkeit, M.S. – GIS Manager / Wetlands Scientist Jacqueline is A&M’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program Manager, a wetland and soil scientist, and a data manager with 9 years of experience. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science with a minor in Environmental Studies and a concentration in GIS from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In 2010 she returned to Cal Poly and received her Master of Science degree in Agriculture with a concentration in Soil Science studying physical properties of soil and their effect on erodibility. Additional previous research involved satellite imagery, forest health, air quality, chemical soil properties, and Althouse and Meade, Inc. - 838.01 Biological Report for Avila Ranch, San Luis Obispo, California Attachment C - 3 Revised December 2015 erosion control. Jacqueline has experience since 2005 managing large spatial databases and producing high quality graphic maps for online applications, reports, brochures, posters, and field use. Jacqueline has experience with using Trimble GeoXTs for data collection, technical writing, spatial analysis, wildlife and construction monitoring, oak tree assessments, and wetland delineations. Katie Tierney, M.S. – Rangeland Plant Scientist Katie is a rangeland, plant, and animal scientist with experience in livestock and land management. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with a minor in Rangeland Resource Management from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. While earning her Master of Science degree in Animal and Range Sciences from Montana State University, Bozeman, she completed research on cattle grazing behavior and invasive weed management. Katie has experience with restoration and grazing plans, ruminant nutrition, invasive weed management, soil carbon sequestration, permit applications, GIS, environmental compliance, data management, and technical writing. She has worked on American beaver habitat studies, collected field data to map vegetation and plant communities in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and has been a part of an international research trip on land and water management in China. Additional experience includes construction and wildlife monitoring for species such as the San Joaquin kit fox, American badger, and burrowing owl in the Carrizo Plain area. Kyle Weichert, M.S. – Biologist Kyle earned his Bachelor and Masters of Science degree in Biological Sciences from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. His master’s thesis involved a study of western fence lizard physiological ecology. Kyle has nine years’ experience preparing biological report writing, conducting botanical and wildlife surveys, acoustic monitoring of bats, blunt-nose leopard lizard surveys (Level 1), rattlesnake handling and behavioral studies, avian surveys, small mammal trapping, spotlighting surveys, vegetation surveys, outreach and education, biological construction monitoring, and environmental compliance. He also has specific experience with San Joaquin kit fox, American badger, burrowing owl, California red-legged frog, rare plants, and infrared wildlife detection camera systems.